10 Useful Apps for Your Smartphone

Photo by Tracy Le Blanc from Pexels

By Andres Aguirre

Today we live in a world that revolves around technology. As time passes, the more advanced we become in the digital universe. With devices that have the same capabilities as computers in our pockets, we have instantaneous access to endless information on the internet. Applications on our phones can do almost anything on the web for us such as pay bills, respond to emails, shop for groceries and much more. Some are more helpful than others, so here are 10 apps that can be useful for you and don’t worry, these are all free and available on Apple and Android devices.

  1. Zoom
    With classes going online and people working from home, Zoom is now one of the most used programs across America. If you don’t have a laptop with a camera or at least with good quality, this app can benefit you. Having this app on your phone allows you to attend meetings and online classes with ease while on the go. It also helps you stay connected with friends and family if you are unable to see each other in person.
  2. Blackboard
    This app can be handy while attending college, because it helps you stay organized in your courses. It notifies you when an assignment or announcement is uploaded so you can view it. You can check your grades and have access to a calendar with due dates.
  3. Outlook
    When you first attend Eastern New Mexico University, you are a given an outlook email for classes or work. With this app you have access to that email wherever you go. It makes it easy to communicate with classmates, professors and supervisors. It also has a calendar feature where you can add upcoming events and reminders to stay one step ahead.
  4. Trulia
    If you are looking for a new place to rent, then this app is for you. Trulia allows you to look for apartments and houses when they are available. It also has a filter so you can set your preferences of location, price and more.
  5. Xcel Energy
    Once you are in an apartment or house, chances are you have to pay for electricity. With this app, you can view your electricity bill and pay it. It also lets you view your payment history, your energy usage and gives you the ability to report an outage.
  6. Walmart
    This app is really handy because you can search up items on the website or the store you go to. It shows if items are in stock and lets you order straight from your phone. One of my favorite features is the barcode scanner which lets you scan items in store to see their price. Another favorite feature of mine is the item finder which lets you know the exact aisle of the item you are looking for; it saves time during trips to the store.
  7. Banking App
    A lot of us have different banks that we use, but most of them have mobile banking for your phone. Whatever bank you use, I recommend getting the app, so you are more organized with your purchases and bills. Checking your bank account on a regular basis can help you save money and figure out what subscriptions you forgot to cancel.
  8. Cell Phone Provider App
    Just about every cell phone service provider has an app available. I use Straight Talk and their app allows me to check how much data I have used for the month and pay my phone bill. It also has other features such as client support and a reward points program.
  9. Amazon
    If you have ever ordered anything online, chances are you have used the Amazon website before. With this app you can search for things online and order them on the go. It can be handy because if you need something quick, you don’t have to wait until you get home to order it. You can save money on purchases and if the item is with Prime (and you have an Amazon Prime subscription) you can receive it in a couple of days.
  10. Google Photos
    There has a been a lot of times where I run out of storage on my phone and can longer take pictures or videos. With this app, you can transfer your photos and videos from your phone to Google Photos so that you have more space. It also has a great feature of sharing albums with other people so that you stay more connected with each other.

If you want to make the most use of the apps on your phone, then check these out. They can make your life a lot easier and help you be more productive. Apps can do the simplest things, but they are of great convenience and are easy to navigate. There are hundreds of apps out there waiting to be used so explore and find the ones best for you.