Shirley U Geste
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 20, 2015 19:18:44 GMT
So I stepped into the current century and got an Android smart phone.
It does come with some apps and Denise told me how to get the app for ebay. But I was wondering about other apps, it seems anyone and everyone has an app now. I was at the grocery store yesterday and they even have an app. Which is probably a good thing cause it has coupons so I will probably use it.
What apps do you have that you use all the time and wouldn't be without?
What apps would you recommend?
What apps have you tried that are useless and to be avoided?
Are you app free and like it that way?
TIA
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Jun 20, 2015 20:41:03 GMT
Most of my apps are banking and travel apps:
USAA (BEST app ever) Navy Federal Credit Union Southwest Airlines Hotels.com Priceline Square PayPal (regular app)
The EBay app is OK, it does show what's sold I can read/reply to buyer messages. It sucks though if you want to do any serious seller-related activities.
I don't like the PayPal Here app (to swipe credit card payments), most of the time it doesn't work wotth a fig. The Square app is much more reliable.
I had the Marriott app for a while but it kept freezing. I don't know if they fixed that or not, I removed it from my phone about a year ago. I have the Motel 6 app but haven't used it yet.
Priceline & Hotels.com are great - often there are last minute room prices on the app that are lower than what is on the website.
Southwest app is handy for check-in and flght reservations, but you can't do the month view for low fares (or if you can I haven't figured it out yet).
Be aware that Google will download all kinds of garbage to your phone. Well, if you're into social media, games, videos etc, maybe they aren't garbage apps, but if you use the phone for biz like I do, they're garbage.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2015 22:18:43 GMT
Welcome to the modern age, Shirley! The only apps I regularly use are USAA, Ebay (mainly for looking stuff up when I'm shopping), Etsy, GasBuddy, Facebook, Pinterest (I have a "secret" board for hair styles + colors that I only show to my hairdresser!) and a couple of weather apps. I recently started using DarkSky, which is eerily accurate at predicting rain, but it's only available for iPhone and iPad. I have a few others I occasionally use - one that shows all the parking garages in Downtown Pittsburgh and how many spaces are available, and ones for my local grocery store / gas station (Giant Eagle / GetGo).
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Post by denise15601 on Jun 20, 2015 22:21:17 GMT
I will have to check mine again. I do have to upgrade my cell soon since my 2 years contract is up and my battery is fading fast. But I have a lot of apps that I never use. I have to google the durned things to see why the heck I even have them.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,791
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Post by val2525 on Jun 20, 2015 22:21:27 GMT
Ooooh I forgot about GasBuddy! I didn't realize they had an app!
***off to download***
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Post by denise15601 on Jun 20, 2015 22:22:41 GMT
And remember....the more apps, the more you use up data space. Unless they only run when you open them.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,791
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Post by val2525 on Jun 20, 2015 22:25:06 GMT
That's how mine are set, run on command or whatever it is. Weatherbug runs in the background though.
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Post by denise15601 on Jun 20, 2015 22:44:56 GMT
When I called to find out what was using so much data, the tech suggested that I delete the weather app. Which I did. But I just added it back on since I want it!
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,791
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Post by val2525 on Jun 20, 2015 22:55:57 GMT
I looked mine up, weatherbug doesn't use that much data. It uses less than the internet does. However, the Weather Channel app DID use a lot of data, so I deleted it. WeatherBug isn't bad and I find I like it better anyway.
What appears to be eating up my data are several location-based Google apps (which I can't get rid of). I usually have GPS/location turned off except when using the navigator, but I forgot to turn it off a few days ago and that ate some data. The update reset the data settings, and looking at the data usage chart, that is where the sudden spike in data came from….it was yesterday, and that's when the update was.
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Post by 57roses on Jun 20, 2015 22:57:07 GMT
If you refill prescriptions, some of the drug stores (walmart, walgreens that I know of) have apps that you can scan the bar code on the bottle to refill. They will send a notice when it is ready for pick up.
Gas buddy to find lowest price gasoline wherever you are.
I use Genius scan regularly to send my time sheets in. It cleans up, crops and gives a ready to send document that can be sent right from the app. Also enables document signature. I had to pay for it -maybe $3. or so. worth it to me.
CNN app because I'm a newsie. It sends any breaking news. I also have a local traffic app for updates of any accidents / road closures.
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Post by SA on Jun 20, 2015 23:36:16 GMT
Starbucks eBay Paypal Facebook Twitter USAA Wells Fargo FitBit RedLaser (can scan items in store and it will tell you the local/internet prices--great for price matching in store) USPS Pepperplate (a website that has an app where I store a BUNCH of recipes--great if you are out and decide to make something for dinner and can't remember ingredients) Endomondo (fitness GPS app. I only use it for timing my runs) Entune (Toyota app where you phone talks to your car. Very rarely used) Kindle Yelp Groupon Living Social Amazon
Then I have folders that I've named and categorized that has the following apps: Games (CandyCrush and Farm Heroes Saga) Shopping (Shop Your Way, Kohls, Trulia/Zillow, Target) Travel (Priceline, Hotels.com, Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, Hilton, Expedia Entertainment (Pandora, Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Player, DirecTV, Redbox--which is awesome because you can actually be running around doing errands and see what movies are in stock at the Redbox and order it on your phone and pick it up on your way home)
There are others, but you only asked for the "must haves" LOL. Everything listed above is a "must have" for me.
Other odds and ends that I have on my phone: Elevation app Ruler The Weather Channel True Rewards (Harrah's) What's App (texting app)
One that I use A LOT was preloaded on the iPhone. It's just simply called NOTES. I use it ALL THE TIME to remember stuff! I keep: Window measurements (in case I'm out shopping and find a deal on blinds for the remaining windows I need to replace them in) Shopping lists (and I delete the items as I'm shopping) To-Do lists when I'm out running errands And other things for work that comes in handy SO MUCH
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Post by SA on Jun 20, 2015 23:41:39 GMT
Oh, and I have 3 email accounts connected and I check my emails about 10 times a day.
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Post by kat on Jun 20, 2015 23:43:47 GMT
I synced up all my email accounts too. Probably my favorite feature. It makes searching for an old email so much easier.
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Shirley U Geste
Chaos Manager
Cats, cats, cats and more cats!!
Posts: 10,382
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 21, 2015 0:50:59 GMT
WOW just WOW I have a lot to learn. I don't do any kind of social media so I can eliminate all of those. Don't currently play any games, but might try those later when I get used to the phone. I have a lot of travel info sites on my computer, so maybe add those when I figure out what I am doing. So looks like ebay and paypal for sure. And what is USAA, several mentions of it, looks like it's some kind of financial app. Will have to check out the weather apps, although I usually just ask my joints what weather is coming and they are more reliable then the weather people. Something for notes will really come in handy and I can get rid of the notebook I carry around with stuff like printer cartridge sizes, furnace filter sizes, belt sizes for coolers, bulb sizes for yard lights and all the ephemera of my life that I only need occasionally but when I need it I really need it. Is there a good calendar/scheduling app? I carry around one of those calendar books now and it would be great to get one more thing out of my purse. I have a lot to learn. But the ol gal ain't dead yet so I guess it's time to dip my toe in the water and see how I like it.
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Post by SA on Jun 21, 2015 1:36:06 GMT
You got this! You will learn. And probably wondered how you ever lived without it :-)
With the iphone, it has a built in calendar. And yes, I use it! And you can set reminders too. Like if I have a doctors appt, I set a reminder and my phone dings at me and a pop up appears reminding me. I normally set my reminders to alert me a day ahead, and also an hour before appointments. I even do this on my work iphone for projects, meetings, etc.
Also, if you haven't noticed yet, when you create a contact, you can enter that persons home #, cell #, work number, home address, email address and on the iPhone, it has a notes section. I use that to put the persons birthday.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Jun 21, 2015 1:44:06 GMT
USAA is a bank & insurance company. Insurance is for military and dependents, I think most anyone can open a bank account with them though.
Check your bank, almost all of them have an app so you just need to download the app for your bank.
Your android should have a default calendar, mine does.
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Post by denise15601 on Jun 21, 2015 2:23:33 GMT
I also have a local police and fire scanner on my cell, but only use it when I hear fire whistles.
I do have 2 of the old fashioned scanners that only pick up the older stations, and they are upstairs. But the cell scanners really pick up the conversations of fire calls.
They don't pick up the police situations on purpose, though so that the criminals are not able to hear the police talking...of course.
ETA: it is great when I am out shopping and hear the fire whistles....in case there is an accident on the roads that I plan to travel on.
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Shirley U Geste
Chaos Manager
Cats, cats, cats and more cats!!
Posts: 10,382
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 21, 2015 2:28:43 GMT
Thanks Val. Several people had mentioned it so I wondered what it was.
Wells Fargo does have an app, so I will get that.
Which begs the question, how secure is it to do banking or buying from a cell phone?
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Post by SA on Jun 21, 2015 2:47:27 GMT
Oh! We used to listen to the scanner in DC. ALWAYS ACTIVE. I would hook it up to the blue tooth in my car and listen to it when traveling/getting stuck in traffic.
For security: Always keep your phone locked and make sure you have to have a password to get in. Never save your login ID/password for the app. Never use it on public WiFi. At home is fine as long as your home wifi is secure. That actually goes for any app that you have to enter personal information/payment information into.
I don't know that my methods of security are 100% fail proof, but it's either that or don't use them I suppose. I am OK taking my chances with the rules I follow.
As for the Wells Fargo app, it's pretty awesome. I really like their layout and the functions. You can even deposit checks by taking a pic of the front and back straight from the app. I can also easily (and free) instantly transfer money to DS. Pay bills. Make deposits. Check balances. Etc.
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Shirley U Geste
Chaos Manager
Cats, cats, cats and more cats!!
Posts: 10,382
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 21, 2015 2:59:24 GMT
Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm not nearly as scared of the dang phone as I was and think I might actually enjoy it once I figure it all out. I guess you can teach an old cat new tricks. I did just order an I-Ring for it. I tend to drop things and that looks like it will help me to hang onto it and make it easier to use.
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Post by denise15601 on Jun 21, 2015 3:18:31 GMT
I got a generic otter box on ebay for $12 for mine. Also the screen protectors and actually anything I need I get on eBay. Versus paying a fortune at Verizon.
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Post by SA on Jun 21, 2015 3:58:59 GMT
I have a Trina Turk case on my phone ($3.99 clearance at TJ maxx) and I drop my phone at least 3 times a day. No screen protector either.
This darn thing just won't crack, scratch or break LOL! And I said I wasn't going to upgrade until this thing broke.
But I agree the best accessory deals are on ebay or AMAZON . I only buy from US sellers tho. Except for Chargers. I only purchase original brand chargers from the store.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Jun 21, 2015 4:00:00 GMT
I just recently started using the mobile deposit feature with my cell at USAA. Way cool!
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Post by labbypaws on Jun 21, 2015 20:45:42 GMT
iPhone: 7 Words Yatzy (play by myself) Blackjack Solitaire Evernote Calculator (big buttons) DropBox PennDot Cameras (not an app but a quicklink) Police/Fire/Ambulance incidents and scanner (local information) Fitness Pal
(these are some - I am loaded up)
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Shirley U Geste
Chaos Manager
Cats, cats, cats and more cats!!
Posts: 10,382
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 21, 2015 21:15:38 GMT
Seems like games are really popular. Once I get used to the phone I will have to try some out. I will probably get addicted like I did back when my son was still at home and we would play Nintendo Final Fantasy for days at a time.
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Post by denise15601 on Jun 21, 2015 22:07:09 GMT
Oh yeah-Pandora! You can choose what kind of music you like!
Words with friends....Candy Crush.
And I just got a notice that I have used 75% of my data allowance....playing too much Words again....durn.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2015 1:38:41 GMT
Weather My fitness pal Spider solitare Still looking for a decent pedometer FB Pintrest ebay
My phone doesnt have a lot of memory
There is also cat away to entertain the fur kids
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Shirley U Geste
Chaos Manager
Cats, cats, cats and more cats!!
Posts: 10,382
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 22, 2015 2:09:55 GMT
A cat app???
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2015 2:18:20 GMT
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Shirley U Geste
Chaos Manager
Cats, cats, cats and more cats!!
Posts: 10,382
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Jun 22, 2015 2:34:59 GMT
Uh oh, I think I am in deep trouble. I may never leave the house or get anything done ever again.
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