Sunday, December 7, 2014
and other people are getting replacements for broken or drowned gadgets. So many are learning that they don't need a laptop or desktop computer. A tablet or smartphone fits the bill perfectly.
First, be sure to read my quick start guide to a new tablet and 7 ways you must secure your smartphone right now. These tips will keep your gadget secure and running like new.
To really get the most out of your phone or tablet, you need great apps. The word "Apps" is short for applications. These are software programs that perform various functions. There are apps for your mail, games, business, hobbies, security, banking, social networking and more.
But with millions of other apps to choose from, what should you download next? I've scoured the app stores for 10 great apps you can't do without.
1. Find my iPhone/Android Device Manager
Sometimes your smartphone or tablet can grow legs of its own and wander off. Or, sometimes it has help from some sticky-fingered thief. Whatever the reason, Find My iPhone (Free; iOS) and Android Device Manager (Free; Android) can help you locate your lost gadget, lock it, and if worse comes to worst, you can remotely wipe your mobile gadget.2. Any.do
Get more done with Any.do (Free; Android, iOS), an award-winning app that makes it easy to keep track of your to-do list. It's got a sleek design, quick entry options and a helpful feature called "Moment" that lets you see everything that needs to be done in one glance.3. Waze
Waze (Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone) is a powerful GPS navigation app owned by Google that can help you avoid the frustration of getting stuck in traffic. The app pulls information from other Waze users to send you up-to-date traffic alerts. You can route around trouble spots instead of getting stuck in them.4. Weather Channel
Before you head out on your next travel adventure, grab the Weather Channel app (Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone). You can check the current temperature, the hourly forecast and the next 10 days of weather. You’ll also get a customizable radar map, video clips, severe weather alerts and beach conditions.5. WhatsApp
WhatsApp (Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone) is the world's most popular chatting app, recently acquired by Facebook for $16 billion. In addition to texts, it lets you send voice, picture and video messages. You'll even be able to group chat. The app uses your existing phone number and integrates automatically with your contacts list. It also lets you text for free from overseas. Click here for more ways to lower your cellphone bill.6. PaperKarma
Is your mailbox completely overflowing with junk mail? PaperKarma (Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone) can take care of that for you. Just snap a photo of the junk mail you don't want and you're done. PaperKarma will contact the mailer to remove you from its distribution list. You don't need to do anything else.7. Dropbox
Access important files no matter where you are in the world with Dropbox (Free; Android, iOS). This cloud-based storage service lets you store files in the cloud and then access them right from your mobile gadget. It can even sync data between your gadget and home computer.8. Fotor
For simple photo editing on your gadget, try the Fotor app (Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone). Change the filter on the photo to achieve the best effects, customize the borders, create collages and more! And when you’ve got the perfect picture, you can share it with others online with the tap of a button. Click here for more great photo apps.9. Flipboard
Flipboard (Free; Android, iOS) lets you turn your social networks and favorite news sites into a flippable digital magazine. You can read your Facebook and Twitter streams, and publications like The New York Times or your local newspaper, all in one easy-to-access app.10. Venmo
Venmo (Free; Android, iOS, Windows Phone) is a money-management app that lets you make and share payments for splitting the dinner bill, rent, tickets and just about anything else. It makes it easy to transfer money from or to friends - without the hassle of having to look for the nearest ATM.Click here to see more great money-management apps for your tablet or phone.