avatarIbrahim K

Summary

The article recommends seven apps across different categories such as socializing, planning, editing, education, and exercising, that the author found useful and enjoyable for the year 2021.

Abstract

The author reflects on the utility and innovation of seven mobile applications that left a positive impact on their life in 2020 and are recommended for continued use in 2021. These apps cater to various aspects of daily life, including social networking through "Slowly" and "Discord," organization and note-taking with "Google Keep," photo editing with "Snapseed" and document scanning via "CamScanner," language learning using "Memrise," and personal health tracking with "Samsung Health." The author emphasizes the unique features and practical benefits of each app, suggesting that they collectively enhance productivity, creativity, and personal growth.

Opinions

  • The author appreciates the nostalgic and meaningful connections fostered by the "Slowly" app, reminiscent of traditional pen-pals.
  • "Discord" is recognized for its versatility beyond gaming, serving as a platform for various interest-based communities.
  • "Google Keep" stands out for its simplicity, integration with other Google services, and useful features like categorization and reminders.
  • "Snapseed" is praised for its powerful photo editing capabilities, including RAW image support.
  • "CamScanner" is highlighted for its utility during the Covid-19 lockdowns, providing an easy way to scan and share documents.
  • "Memrise" is recommended for its effectiveness in teaching common vocabulary and phrases for language learners.
  • "Samsung Health" is commended for its comprehensive health tracking features, with "Nike Run" suggested as an alternative for non-Samsung device users.
  • The author believes that these apps not only facilitate multitasking and social interaction but also contribute to learning and personal development.

7 Enjoyable Apps You Should Keep Using in 2021

Multitask professionally and socialize creatively.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

So 2020 is about to end. I was impressed with the ideas of these applications which I believe everyone should keep in their smart phones. They helped me to manage my tasks, learn new things. And to meet new people from around the world.

It doesn’t matter how simple these apps, or if they’re similar to other applications. It’s the idea that is brought and the way it’s applied that matters.

So here I’m going to share with you the 7 smart phone apps that I recommend using in 2021:

Socializing

These two apps deliver a creative idea of connecting with other people worldwide in an organized way.

1. Slowly

Have you had a pen-pal before the telephones and the Internet came to life? Or if you watched green book you’ll get the idea when Tony tip took tips from Don to write a heart-touching message to his wife.

This app delivers a similar idea. Where you set up your profile avatar with a simple description, the main interests you like and languages you know. Then it will suggest some pen pals to contact according to your interests.

Alternatively, you can browse pen pals manually From the region you want. The app supports voice messages and sending up to 5 photos per message. But remember, The farther the country the more the message will take to be delivered. So make sure to write a good message with all thoughts that you want to share.

Slowly, Photo by Author

This app helped me to improve my writing. It also taught me that creating a valuable friendship takes time. I made a wonderful friendship and learned about new cultures from the United States. Turkey, Russia, Norway, Greece and other countries in Latin America and the Middle East.

2. Discord

I don’t think I need to explain this app. If you haven’t used Discord before. It’s a group chat and video call application which also supports private messaging.

It was mainly developed for gamers. But as it got popular, it’s been used for general purposes as well. What’s cool about it is you can join hundreds of servers that are related to specific niches. Such as programming, gaming, art, writing.

There are also general social groups for chilling and making friends. The other thing I like about Discord is the way you can organize your group to several channels that serve different topics.

The servers can be found on specific Discord-Servers websites. The most popular one is Disboard as well as Discord.me

Planning & drafting

Google Keep

It’s a simple notes app. But..

It’s functional in terms of simplicity. Such as categorizing your notes and Integration with other Google apps as Calendar. This is especially useful from google because you can edit and access your notes from any device even with your browser.

It also supports:

  • Adding Images.
  • Voice notes.
  • Theming and Formatting your notes.
  • Setting Alarm.
Google Keep UI, Photo by Author

Editing

If you enjoy taking professional photos from your smart phone. Or You want to save time while sending work and personal documents. Then you should keep these two apps in your phone:

1. Snapseed

The app that I’d vote for in this year and every other year. It’s a powerful tool to optimize your photos. Crop them. Or hide an annoying person from them(kidding, but seriously you can do that!).

Also, you can improve your selfies in the portrait mode it has. However, the main feature I like about it is RAW Image support. So if you’re a photographer or want to edit your personal photos I recommend this app for you.

Snapseed UI, Photo by Author

2. CamScanner

This app is a reason why an ordinary person should appreciate the technology we’re living today.

When Covid-19 reached its peak in March, most countries started a lockdown. So many governmental and private institutions and particularly schools and universities were working remotely. During those days, the usage rate of this app was very high. Until today it’s from the top free apps on Google Play.

CamScanner lets you scan your documents and modify their scanned quality by your phone Camera. It supports both of Free and Premium versions. That the premium version gives you the advantage of:

  • Taking shots with higher megapixels.
  • Removes the trade watermark.
  • Extra features to control and edit your document.

In my experience, if you want to take simple Scanned photos then the free version is enough.

Camscanner UI, Photo by Author

What’s simpler than taking a photo of your page and automatically turn it to a scanned document. That can be uploaded anywhere by a couple of clicks.

Education

Memrise

This app is for those who want to learn a new language in a quick and simple way.

It’s similar to Duolingo. You’ll choose the language that you want to learn. Then it will give you the most common vocabularies and sentences that you need to use to make a conversation.

Memrise, Photo by Author

It’s helpful especially if you’re going to visit a new country for the holiday. Also, you can keep improving yourself with more sentences as each language course has a number of levels with higher difficulty.

Exercising

Samsung Health

It’s useful not just to track how many steps you made per day. But it also includes:

  • Running, walking and cycling tracker.
  • Mark how many water glasses, Caffeine cups and Calories you had per day.
  • It supports other tools as meditation sessions and other health measurements.
Samsung Health, Photo by Author

In case Samsung Health was not applicable for your device. Then I highly suggest the other alternative which is Nike Run; The second best running tracker I used.

What about you? What are the top apps do you recommend in the new year?

Technology
Social Media
Creativity
Advice
Apps
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