Ten Family-friendly Holiday Smartphone Apps

As busy as you may be this holiday season, you won’t ever be too busy for that one last bite, that one last joke that the rather rotund family jester repeats on the Christmas table (and it’s usually an anecdote about you).  That one final run to the mall for extreme last minute shopping, and that other run for a pair of shoes you fell in love with even more since they went 50% off.  As heartwarming as this season’s gatherings may be, these days may also turn out to be horrendously hectic, with plenty of cooking, baking, cleaning, and car checking (we hope!) to do. Top that off with young children and all their same age cousins, friends and relatives from here and beyond, crazy relatives who we all love to talk to…for one minute before we hide… it’s quite a ruckus, really. 

You’ll be pleased to know that your smart phone may indeed prove to be handy this holiday season, not just for making calls to loved ones but also to keep you company in the traffic jam, put some sense into your schedule, and entertain the little one while you finish that chitchat with old college friends. Here’s a list of applications to help you make the most out of the final merriments of 2011:


1. Free Christmas List

Developer: Developers Simplify Lives    
Format: Android    
Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: Free
http://www.appbrain.com/app/free-christmas-list/com.developerssimplifylives.xmaslistfree

If you’re not done, or haven’t started Christmas shopping yet and your lists and notes are everywhere that’s quite fine, if you’re okay with accidentally leaving someone out, or going overboard with budgeting.  Free Christmas List allows you list down everyone you’d like to play Santa to, input gift ideas and a budget, track your list per person or group, and a cool cost summary that you may find quite delightful.  This program’s simplicity is its highlight.  Staying on track lets you have a more enjoyable holiday break!

2. Speedtest.Net Mobile

Developer: Ookla
Format: Android and iOs
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Free
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speedtest.net-mobile-speed/id300704847?mt=8
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.zwanoo.android.speedtest&hl=en

You may be sitting there wondering why you might need to check your bandwidth performance instead of partaking in the usual festivities.  But think of just how many people are actually using cell phones, smart phones and tablets to communicate during the holidays?  It’s become quite the norm, and as long as you’re not at it at the dinner table or anywhere inappropriate, do make that call or email and greet someone far away, stay updated with work if need be, check out your GPS maps if your family is on the road. Enjoy it as among the myriad gifts the internet may bring. Having a peek at how your device is performing with your internet provider is quintessential.

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3. Packing (+To Do)

Developer: Quinn Genzel
Format: iOs
Rating 4/5
Cost: US$ .99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/packing-to-do!/id294710480?mt=8

Though many “list” applications abound, Packing (+To Do) is more specific for the holiday reveler. Although more of a personal program than for the family, you can gear it to get everyone’s needs in place. What this includes is a master list where you can store particular events, and a great big customizable packing catalog that you can really work with. Jot down essentials, organize and manage them, and even send them to family members via email. It also allows you to check if items are packed or unpacked, log weight and volume (for travelers) and basically monitor everything you need through that little gadget in your hand, holiday cheer not included.

4. Glympse

Developer: Glympse Inc.
Format: Android, iOs, Windows Mobile, Blackberry
Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: Freeware
www.glympse.com

Their tag line “Share Your Where” defines it quite adequately. Wondering where family members or friends are? Through this GPS based network, you are able to track locations via requests for a specified period of time. This is much faster than the traditional “Where are you?” text or call. Safety is in your hands though - you get to control who you are visible to and for how long. It also works through your PC and you can send off your location to many, or post it on your Facebook or Twitter accounts. Ideal and most convenient for gatherings, especially when the whole family is celebrating out of town or even abroad.

5. Brightkite*

Developer: Brightkite Inc.
Format: Android, iOS, and “ANY PHONE” as stated on their website
Rating: 4/5
Cost: Freeware
www.brightkite.com

Using Android or iOs, you get to send conversations to multiple people and await replies. It’s social networking on a mini scale since you can even share pictures and location. Free group messaging allows family members to get into “the zone” faster, making organizing people, places and events smoother. If you’re going for potluck, it’s always good to announce you’re bringing the Chicken Relleno, so your cousin who was just about too make it can change his plans. Or if that restaurant you were planning on taking visiting relatives to cancelled your reservation because of a flight delay, it’s a breeze to shout out for suggestions. You always have text messaging, but with busy providers, this makes for a solid back up plan.

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For the oftentimes charming little ones, we gathered up these five smartphone applications:

1. Paintbox Xmas

Developer:  Jens Knappe, Art4Art Design
Format: iOs
Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: Freeware

Similar to the popular Paintbox app, this one reins in a darling holiday twist, by allowing your children to create drawings, paint and color them, all with classic Christmas themes! Quite the no frills program designed for the youngest ones, it promotes creativity, dexterity, and most of all, nothing for you to clean up after your little Michaelangelo is done with his or her newest masterpiece! it’s best for families on a road trip or during family gatherings where kids can physically interact and showcase their work to an appreciative family audience.


2. Cookie Doodle

Developer:  Shoe the Goose
Format iOs
Rating 4.5/4
Cost: US $.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cookie-doodle/id342128086?mt=8

If your child has enjoyed helping you out with baking and is experiencing  “ with-DOUGH-wal “  (apologies for the word play) symptoms, Cookie Doodle is just the solution for his or her culinary blues! This is also great for younger children who are not quite ready for kitchen help yet. This app has everything you need from the dough, rolling pin and cutters, plus an array of frostings and various candy toppings and sprinkles.  Nurture or introduce culinary talent with this application!

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3. Toddler Cars

Developer:  Russell Hansen
Format: Android
Rating: 4/5
Cost: Freeware
http://www.amazon.com/Russell-Hansen-Toddler-Cars/dp/B005SRC0TY/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=mobile-apps&qid=1323774573&sr=1-13

Although not exactly a Christmas-sy App per se, younger children will enjoy this one because what else do you see outside your car window during the holiday rush? Other vehicles! At play during gatherings, young children are similarly exposed to various types of cars, motorcycles and delivery vehicles. This program can help make sense of it all through animation and sound that can help toddlers identify each type. You’d have to teach him or her what a jeepney or a tricycle is, though!

4. Letters to Santa

Developer:  Zippz Software, LLC
Format: iOs
Rating 5/5
Cost: US $ .99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/letters-to-santa-claus-kids/id403661108?mt=8

It is indeed as charming as it gets for big kids, to write a letter to dear old Saint Nick, and receive a reply! Children can offer up cookies to Santa, bells for the reindeer, and thoughtful mittens for the elves, as it does get really cold this time of the year in the North Pole. The application guarantees a reply within an hour, so the need to wait for Christmas Eve and its tidings are gratified. Whether or not this is a tradition in your family, children usually enjoy written expression, and a reply to that would be just amazing for them.

5. Christmas Carols

Developer: Fragga Games
Format: Android
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Freeware
http://www.appbrain.com/app/christmas-carols/com.fragagames.ChristmasCarols
GOLB: http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/music_and_audio/golb_rtdi.html

 “Dashing through the snow, in a one hmm hmm hmm hmm”.  What’s a hmm hmm hmm?  Pinoy families love to sing together. And like many, the lyrics get lost along the way. For kids who are just learning to keep up, this program is a guaranteed hit you can also use. Kids can also grasp the melody by clicking a button, and thus making that family program more festive. Here’s the crazy part: Android has introduced “GOLB” last May, which is essentially the first app for social singing!  Build a band or choir by recording and connecting, or invite friends to sing along.  Christmas is indeed all about sharing!

* Not currently available with local carriers