Millions of us unwrapped the seasons hottest gifts during the holidays - the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, Droid RAZR, Kindle Fire, Nikon 1 and more. For many people these new gadgets were also the first they've owned in a whole new generation of touchscreen and voice activation technology. How many of you were excited but found that after 5 minutes you had to set them down and decided to figure out how to use them later?
With technology overload these days, many of us use our electronics on the "easy" setting. We do what we can easily figure out and never end up using the "really cool" settings and getting value from our investment.
There are some basic steps that can help you get the most fun out of your new "toys." Here are our tips for improving your electronic gadget experience:
The trick to getting the most out of your phones and tablets are apps. Here are our five must-have useful, user-friendly apps for 2012:
Apple:
Android:
Most importantly, remember the goal of apps is to help you simplify and organize. You can get bogged down by downloading too many apps and actually defeat the purpose. Make a list of things you would like help with and then narrow it down to categories. Then purchase an app for each category.
We want to hear from you and which electronics you find are the most user-friendly? We want your recommendations.
If you share your user-friendly electronics reviews and recommendations this week you'll be entered for a chance to win one of our 4 giveaway prizes - a gift card to either iTunes or Amazon for Android Market. Submit your favorite electronic product to SheSpeaks Reviews OR add a comment to this blog post by 6pm EST on January 23rd, 2012. You can enter a review AND a comment and you will have two entries to win!
Prizes*:
*Winners will have a choice of either an iTunes or Amazon for Android Market gift card. 4 winners total.
Apple iTunes $15 App Store Gift Card |
Amazon for Android Market Gift Card |
The contest starts January 17, 2012 and ends January 23, 2012; at 6:00 p.m. Must be a US resident. No purchase necessary.
GOOD LUCK!
I am downloading Shopper as I type! LOL. It takes me so long to meal plan, make a list of what I need, then re-write that list a few times because I am trying to remember what aisle everything is in. It usually takes 3 hours just getting everything on paper! Hopefully the Shopper app will help me save some time.
I have the iPhone 4s 16gb and I love it! It definitely took some playing around with and getting used to but there are some really great features that help me in so many ways! I had trouble getting the Nike app to work (apparently I don't walk hard enough because the sensor could not tell I was walking! However, there are some great aps that help me with everyday things. I love the all recipes ap because I can easily find recipes and read reviews then save them for later. I also like the couch to 5k running ap, yelp, eeba
I have an android smart phone that I love. New apps are coming out all the time and you can frequently find cheap or free deals on the apps if you keep a look out!
I just got a smart phone and my son had it all figured out before I did! I just say to him, 'Hey, can you help me?' He says yeah, has it for a few minutes and has Facebook, Twitter, all of my contacts, and my ring-tone all 'mom-friendly!' Thank goodness for our app friendly children eh?
I have an Android phone and I LOVE my Cardio Trainer app. It comes in both free and PRO versions, with the pro adding additional functionality and features. I love that I can put in a goal of XX pounds per week/month/year, and it will tell me how much exercise I need and how many calories to not eat. It has every imaginable workout selection, including my treadmill walks, and integrates with music. If you have your phone/device clipped to your arm or beltloop, etc., it will automatically begin to track your workout. It really helps for you to see what you've done, especially when you look at your history for the week, month, etc. Love it!!
Thanks for the hints. I have a samsung galaxy 2 phone and love it. I will have to try that allrecipes tab, sounds like a winner. Right now my fave app is Checkpoints. You scan items at the grocery stores and it gives you points to cash in for gift cards. It is better than Shopkick (a similar app)...Shopkick is not as generous with the points and kind of a time waster.
I have an android that really sucked up battery life, so there is an app for that (I sound like a commercial...LOL) called Battery Widget that gives tips on how to save battery life and gives details on what is sucking up the power, exactly how much life you have, etc. Fabulous app for those that need every ounce of battery life they can get.
I don't have a smart phone.... yet. I am hoping to get one in March, when my contract on my current phone is up. Great giveaway!!!
I am going to download all 6 iPhone apps now!! So excited! Thanks for the list!
I got the Kindle Fire for Christmas and LOVE it.I can get on facebook,listen to music watch movies read books It's fabulous.The apps are numerous and easy to use.I play words with friends all the time.The fire goes with me while I am cooking,cleaning anything! I throw in a word while I am doing other things.No 3g which some don't like but for $300 less its a good way to have a ton of things on hand to card around easily.And I can travel to other homes with it and jump on wireless or open spots.
I got an IPAD2 for christmas & I am loving it! I have been connecting with old friends via Words With Friends Ap
I got a Craig Android tablet for Christmas. It takes some time to get used to a stylus & learning to use it, but it's worth it for all the fun apps available. My 7-yr. old loves it & plays Angry Birds.
i absolutely love The Coupons App....freebies & coupons in the palm of your hand! what more could you ask for
i absolutely love The Coupons App....freebies & coupons in the palm of your hand! what more could you ask for
I love my fitness pal app for the iphone. Also, shopkick is another must have.