Top 10 iPhone Apps

There is an App for that!  Yes, there is an App for nearly everything, some more useful than others but the fact is (according to Pinch Media) just 30 percent of people who buy an iPhone application actually use it the day after it was purchased. And the numbers drop significantly from there: after 20 days, less than 5 percent of those who downloaded an application are actively using it and the drop-off is worse for free applications.  Only about 10 percent of iPhone applications appear to retain an audience over time.

I definitely fall into these numbers as I am known for downloading an app, checking it out once or twice and then never touch it again until I notice it on my screen weeks and sometimes months later.  However, for the 10 percent of the apps that I use on a daily/weekly basis they have been great.  Below are the top 10 apps that I find most useful.  These include jailbroken apps.

1.  Winterboard (jailbroken) with the Picnic and Picnic Lockscreen theme - I have downloaded many themes and this one seems to be the cleanest best looking theme.

2.  Installous (jailbroken) - Allows you to download fully functional cracked apps for free.  This is nice to check stuff out before you buy.  I know developers probably hate this app as some people probably keep the cracked app and never buy the legal version from the app store, but I like to try before I buy so this is where I go.

3.  DirecTV - Allows you to schedule your DVR remotely from anywhere.  Very handy when you forget to set your DVR when you are vacation.

4.  SportsCenter - Free app for checking sports scores.

5.  DailyFinance - Free app for checking stocks in real time.

6.  MyPhone+ - $$$ App that allows you to copy Facebook information to your contact lists (including picture).

7.  Tweetie - $$$ Great app for Twitter.

8.  Mint.com - Free finance app that allows you to check all of your accounts in one clean screen.

9.  IM+ - $$$ IM with Gmail, Facebook, AIM and a slew of other instant messaging accounts.

10.  Occassions - $$$ syncs with Facebook and notifies you (via Push) of upcomming events and birthdays.

iPhone to Offer Front Facing Video Camera?

iPhone users have been asking for video since the first generation.  Along with many other people that was one of the top items in my wishlist.  Well it may not be long before we see a video camera added to the iPhone.  Mac Rumors reports a patent application from Apple was submitted that looks to have a front facing video camera.  The patent application which was filed today shows the camera directly above the earpiece on front of the phone and is labeled as 180 (see image below).

This is all speculation but it looks promising.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have the ability to video chat?!

Google Voice on the iPhone and Touch?

Here is an App that was recently submitted to Apple’s App Store.  This looks like it will bring Google Voice right to your iPhone and iPod touch.  Check out the video below and read up on Google Voice.  Get more info from the developer.

Google Voice: First Impressions and Review / Walkthrough

So it’s been about 2 weeks now since I was converted from Grand Central to Google Voice.  Before I go on, if you have no idea what Google Voice is read this article and then come back to this one.  So far I am very impressed with the service. Even though it does have some flaws and some areas for improvement, I think Google is going to hit this one out of the park when it’s all said and done. For those wondering what’s taking so long to get this released to everyone, be patient, Google is going to get as many of the bugs worked out before it goes public. They don’t want a “Mobile-Me” like disaster with its initial release. For those craving Google Voice read below for some screenshots and walkthroughs of the service. Read more

iPhone Update Wishlist

I have been a proud owner of an iPhone ever since they dropped the price on the first generation back in the summer of 2007. Then in the summer of 2008 we saw some nice updates with the release of the 3G iPhone. As we approach the summer of 2009 we can only assume that there will be another refresh. As that date approaches my wish list keeps getting longer and longer. Read more