Cool apps to improve your smartphone!

FireChat
iOS / Android
FireChat seems like magic until you have the technology explained to you: it’s a messaging app that works without 3G or Wi-Fi, using a network created by the devices around you. Great for a group travelling, as well as public demonstrations and sports/music events.

SwiftKey Keyboard
iOS / Android (Free + IAP)
One of the best apps for replacing your smartphone’s default keyboard, due to its ability to learn your writing style for more accurate auto-corrections. Emoji, a range of themes and translation on the fly are also impressive.

Sleep Better with Runtastic
iOS / Android
More quantification, this time of night habits. Installed on your smartphone at your bedside, it measures your sleeping patterns, while its alarm aims to wake you at the best time within your cycle – avoiding morning grumps.

Bumble
iOS
This aims for a more female-friendly spin on dating. Browse and swipe right like Tinder, but if the woman doesn’t chat for 24 hours, the connection disappears. For same-sex couples, either has to act to stay connected.

Peak – Brain Training
iOS / Android (Free + IAP)
Remember when Nintendo’s Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training was a craze? Peak is doing a similar thing on smartphones and tablets, with dozens of mini-games designed to test thinking skills and track your improvement over time.

Zombies, Run!
iOS / Android / Windows Phone (Free + IAP)
Zombies, Run! has the most creative method of getting you jogging: a horde of (virtual) undead chasing you. A proper story from Naomi Alderman keeps your interest high.

Hotel Tonight
iOS / Android / Windows Phone
A growing number of people are choosing not to book accommodation but to pitch up and use this app on the day. Its speed and simplicity play into that: a few taps and you’re all booked up.

Yahoo Weather
iOS / Android
The weather might be grim but at least the forecast looks pretty in this app. Yahoo’s weather tool isn’t just nice-looking though: there’s plenty of detail to dig into as you browse ahead for daily and hourly forecasts.

Duolingo: Learn Languages
iOS / Android / Windows Phone
Of the many language-learning apps, this is one of the simplest, but also most effective. Its bite-sized lessons are a fun way to get up to speed in Spanish, French, German and other languages.

Hopper – Airfare Predictions
iOS / Android
The fluctuating prices of airlines are beyond the ken of most passengers, which is exactly their point. Hopper gives bargain-hunters an advantage again: analysing prices and trying to predict when they will be cheapest.

WifiMapper
iOS / Android
Frequent travellers know all about the search for a Wi-Fi hotspot when abroad – with a free one being the dream. WifiMapper has a database of more than 500m hotspots around the world, and will guide you to them.

HERE Maps
iOS / Android / Windows Phone
Google and Apple have their respective Maps apps, but Nokia’s HERE has plenty of fans. Its key features include storing maps offline, and its inclusion of public transport and restaurant/shop data.

Microsoft Translator
iOS / Android / Windows Phone
This handy companion will translate words and phrases while you’re abroad, with support for 50 languages and the option to have things read out or displayed on screen for you to try the pronunciation. It also works on smartwatches for even faster access.

MixRadio
iOS / Android / Windows Phone
Much of the chatter about streaming playlists focuses on Spotify and Apple Music. MixRadio might be the curveball alternative though: its themed playlists are a match for its high-profile rivals.

Magic Piano
iOS / Android (Free + IAP)
A welcome app for anyone who ever dreamed of tinkling a piano, but lacks the skills. Magic Piano helps you play along with a range of songs, play with other people over the net, and learn a few tricks to help with the real thing.

EyeEm – Photo Filter Camera
iOS / Android / Windows Phone
On one level, EyeEm is yet another app for taking photos then applying stylish filters. But you can also add your best shots to its market – and maybe end up selling them to media and brands.




Trello
iOS / Android
If Slack is for messaging, Trello is more about project management – the two work well together – using “boards” and “cards” to break down projects and divide tasks between co-workers. The apps provide a quick way to make edits or additions.

Read more at this article, originally appeared on www.theguardian.com.