Got concert tickets? Your personal info might be on the market. Plus, why Gen Z is ditching driving, the latest malicious apps on Google Play, and how an international burglary ring is using Wi-Fi jammers.
Some great apps you need to try
Today, by popular demand, I’m sharing some of my most-used apps and a few other great ones you might not know about. Most of these are free with in-app purchases.
Apps I use
- OpenTable: Use it to book restaurant reservations. You can plan ahead or grab last-minute tables. (iPhone | Android)
- AllTrails: Get walking, running, biking and hiking routes, and filter them by distance, views and dog friendliness. (iPhone | Android)
- Instacart: Shop online and have your groceries delivered. Pro tip: Choose stores that say, “Online prices are the same as in-store prices.” (iPhone | Android)
- Google Authenticator: It’s a more secure, time-based code to replace two-factor authentication and keep out hackers. (iPhone | Android)
- Libby: Access thousands of e-books and audiobooks from your local library, all for free. (iPhone | Android)
- Hallow: This Catholic app has Fr. Mike’s Bible in a Year, homilies, the rosary, daily prayers and reflections. (iPhone | Android)
- Merlin Bird ID: Perfect for birdwatchers or nature lovers, this app provides instant identification with photos and bird sounds. (iPhone | Android)
- Amazon: Get notifications when a delivery is coming and order right from your phone. You can also take a pic of what you’re looking for and search using your photo. (iPhone | Android)
- NYT Games: I take 10 minutes a day to play Spelling Bee, Connections, Wordle and Mini Crossword. (iPhone | Android)
- Virtual Keypad: It combines all your security systems in one app. I use it to control the alarms at my house in Phoenix, my studios and my home in Santa Barbara. (iPhone | Android)
5 more worth checking out
- Too Good To Go: Buy surplus food from restaurants, cafes and bakeries at a discount. The other day, I picked up a loaded bag of bagels and rolls at Whole Foods for $3.99. (iPhone | Android)
- Capo: My friend, Chris, raves about this iPhone app. It’s designed to help musicians learn songs more efficiently by slowing down tracks and providing chord detection. For Android, check out Chordify.
- Oko: Winner of Apple’s 2024 Design Award, this AI-powered iPhone accessibility app helps individuals who are blind or have low vision safely navigate pedestrian crossings. For Android, try Lookout.
- Crouton: This iPhone app lets you organize recipes from the web, books or handwritten notes from Grandma. For Android, check out Recipes Home.
- Facetune: It’s what celebs use to touch up their pictures. Whiten your teeth and smooth your skin with zero Photoshop skills. (iPhone | Android)
And one more: MyRadar is Barry’s favorite weather app for hyper-local forecasts and notifications. (iPhone | Android)
😂 Speaking of … I meant to download a calendar app for my phone, but I downloaded a colander app. Now, my battery just keeps draining.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
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