10 Cool Smartphone Apps for Dads

As we’ve officially hit the handheld computer era, laptops and notebook computers seem relatively large and cumbersome at times. Gone are the days when men used to carry box-type leather briefcases, loaded with an assortment of printed files, a cornucopia of pens and mini office supplies, and the ever reliable pocket calculator. The 21st century homo sapien has turned to the definitively lighter, sleeker smartphone. These days, PDA doesn’t stand for public display of affection anymore; what’s public though is the massive selection of applications. Here’s our top ten list:

1. Ti Backup
Maker: Titanium Track
Format: Android
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Cost: Free Version and Donate Version (US $6)
www. Maxrewriter.com/Android

Titanium Backup, equipped with an extremely fast app listing is a premier back up and data restoration software, allowing you to move applications to and from your SD card at your desired time or through an automated schedule. It comes in free or Pro (Donate) version, with the latter allowing for more versatility, as well as a link to dropbox.com, enabling you to store your files online.  

This app is perfect because oftentimes we neglect to secure data (well, guys, especially). The scheduled system is a no-brainer. This seems like such a simple program, but it will prove to be a gift in the event that your child accidentally deletes that proposal, or worse, you lose your PDA.  

2. Endomondo
Maker: Endomondo
Format: Multi-platform
Rating 4.2/5
Cost: Free
www. endomondo.com

With running becoming a staple Pinoy activity, what better way to track your training progress than through this app which allows you to effectively store data through GPS, and thus analyze your performance. Endomondo works on all distance-based sports, such as cycling and even kayaking. Its main site features a place to meet friends and follow each other’s sporting activities.

This application is free, but for more hardcore sportsmen, you would need a more portable PDA, or to purchase a shock proof casing, otherwise all the other features are nonpareil.

 

3. How to Cook Everything
Maker: Culinate Inc.
Format: Apple/Iphone OS
Rating 4.6/5
Cost: US $5
http://itunes.apple.com

Mark Bittman, an award winning American culinary journalist and New York Times columnist, has teamed up with Culinate Inc. to create an application featuring, well, how to cook everything, with 2,000 recipes taken from his popular book of the same name.  Surprisingly easy to browse, this app comes with handy timers, grocery lists, and hundreds of “how to” lists.

Perfect for the man who loves the kitchen, or the man who is trying not to burn his house down while attempting to make a Sunday meal which usually ends up in dining out. The only downside is, it costs $5, and it is not yet available in other formats.

Click here to read more.

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4. Vlingo
Maker: Vlingo Inc.
Format: Multi-platform
Rating: 4/5
Cost: Freeware
www.vlingo.com

“Turn Your Words into Action” is the program’s slogan. True enough, Vlingo delivers on that promise, allowing the user to convert voice commands to text from seeking information, updating your social network status, finding a number or texting while on the go through the Action Button icon.

A multi-taskers’ dream, Vlingo’s versatility is unmatched. The site calls it a safer alternative to texting while driving; however, we advocate that all phone use while on the wheel is still dangerous and should be avoided.

 

 

 

5. LastPass
Maker: LastPass and Xmarks
Format: Multi-platform
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Free/Premium Service at (US$1 monthly)
www.lastpass.com

Are you the type of guy that gets frustrated sorting through different online accounts, remembering login data and passwords? LastPass provides the ultimate solution with a single click or tap, saving your passwords in the LastPass vault while you keep one master password. If you’re worried about safety, LastPass provides you with data encryption and other security measures that prevent fraud and malware.

If you have multiple email addresses and social network accounts, this one is for you. It also syncs passwords on multiple systems. Again, the only drawback is that the premium service, which allows members to have more security options and resolve problems faster, is not free, although inexpensive.

6. FxCamera
Maker: ymst
Format: Android
Rating: 4.8/5
Cost: Freeware
https://market.android.com

If you’ve got a creative side but don’t want to get into the complexities of digital photography and editing, FxCamera provides a well-made alternative. Sick of plain social networking pictures? This program will instantly turn simple shots into clever designs with effects such as  Polaroid, ToyCam, Fisheye, Symmetricam,  and Warhol (Yes, Andy Warhol is in the house!).

The only drawback here is you might catch yourself doing nothing but clicking away on a sunny Sunday afternoon, if we still have those. Also, it’s not available on other formats.
 

 

 

7. DocumentsToGo
Maker: Dataviz Inc.
Format: Multiplatform
Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: US $9.99-$19.95
http://www.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/

Ever truly wanted to have your work literally in the palm of your hands? For the on-the-go businessman or executive, DocumentsToGo turns everything convenient and seamless. You can view, edit or create MS Word, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint files on the fly and synchronize files with absolute ease. This program also syncs Gmail attachments, Google Docs and Dropbox among others, all via hassle free WiFi.  

For all the accessibility it offers, it’s worth the price, albeit a little bit steep compared to other software. Some reviewers note that it’s not a handy tool for Powerpoint presentations, but overall, it’s a neat thing to have around.

Click here to read more.

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8. GoogleMaps
Maker: Google
Format: Multiplatform
Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: Freeware
http://www.google.com/mobile/maps/

As popular as Google Maps is for local PC and Mac users, many of us guys (c’mon, time to ‘fess up!) are not in the habit of pulling over and asking for directions. If you you’re usually on the road, this is an intelligent choice. With most major Philippine cities, streets and landmarks inputted into the server, a family road trip to, say, Vigan will prove to be hassle-free.

Of course, it doesn’t come with one-way and counter-flow warnings, so showing a traffic officer that your device let you turn the wrong way is no excuse for getting out of a ticket. It’s an advantage over buying GPS navigation devices if you already have a smartphone. The catch 22 is that you need a steady stream of WiFi to keep it going, and plenty of road safety know-how.

 

9. Ant Smasher
Maker: Best Cool & Fun
Format: iOs and Android
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Freeware
http://bestcoolfungames.com/

Sick of slinging birds? Smash ants. This addictive game is perfect for killing time…and virtual insects. Despite its simplicity, it offers a challenge to motor coordination, becoming quite the cool brain exercise. 10 million downloads and counting can’t be wrong. It’s a game you can share with your kids, as personally, my young toddler enjoys it.

The downside?  A really messy finger-printed screen.

 

 

 

10. Shazam
Maker: Shazam Entertainment Ltd.
Format: Multiplatform
Rating: 4.5
Cost: Freeware, Premium App “Encore” US $4.99
http://www.shazam.com/

If you’ve been in a scenario where speakers are blaring a song you enjoy but can’t remember what it’s called, Shazam is just the right magic for you. Just press the button, and within fifteen seconds, the program will automatically name the tune for you. Plenty of awesome features abound. Linked to your iTunes, it can also display the artists, YouTube videos, preview, and purchase the song. It also has a nifty share option that can alert your friends via email with a Eureka moment message (“Guys!  Remember this back in college?”)

If you’re an A-typical music lover, or just a sentimental guy, grab this app right away, otherwise you’ll just be wasting time and embarrassing yourself trying to get your phone as close to an elevator speaker as possible.

 

Photos credits: smartphone, shazam and the author