You just got a new device, set it up, and it feels a little empty. It’s time to head to the App Store or Google Play Store! But you are feeling a little lost and aren’t sure which apps would make your device most efficient. A question arises - what should I download?
Here are Tech Coaches top picks for the apps that you must have in January 2021. From personal cybersecurity to first aid, we got your back.
All the apps mentioned in the blog post are both available both in the App Store (IOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
1Password
As we keep reminding, personal cybersecurity should be a top priority. If you already don’t have a password manager, you should consider getting one.
1Password is simple and secure. The app remembers all your passwords for you and keeps them safe behind the one password that you set for the application. This way, you can follow best practices and create long, complicated passwords that keep your data secure. 1Password automatically fills in passwords on all your devices whether you're signing in to a website or another app.
It is rated 4.6 stars on the App Store and is the editor’s choice for password management tools. The app offers a 30 day (Apple) or 14 day (Android) free trial when you install 1Password, then it is $2.99 per month or $4.99 for a family plan which includes five users.
Tile
If you tend to lose your wallet, keys or smartphone around the house, this app was made for you. Although Tile does require you to purchase the physical Bluetooth-enabled devices (Tiles), it comes in handy preventing the hassle of turning your house upside down. Yes, Tiles aren’t cheap, but neither is losing your wallet or keys.
Tile app allows you to ring your wallet (or whatever you chose to attach your Tile to) from your smartphone if it is nearby. And vice-versa - you can find your phone by double-pressing the Tile and it will respond by ringing. Besides that, the app has a map where you can track the location of all your Tiles. If any of your items are truly lost, you can select “Notify When Found” and if any user in the Tile network comes within the range of your missing item, the app will notify you of its most recent location.
Tile Bluetooth Devices cost $54.79 on Amazon.ca upfront, and the app is free unless you wish to upgrade to a premium. It costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 annually and can be found both in the App Store and Google Play.
Strava
Like to exercise daily or want to get more into fitness? Strava might be the app for you.
This app allows you to track your activity whenever you want: whether you are running, taking your bike for a ride, or hiking - Strava is there to record your physical activity and analyze it. The app allows you to customize your training and workout plans, as well as record routes so friends and followers can comment, and share their own fitness goals.
This app is the editor’s choice for Health & Fitness on Google Play and is rated 4.3 stars at the App Store. Subscriptions range from $11 to $77 dollars, depending on the plan you choose. Full app access allows mapping out your routes beforehand and sharing with others.
Nike Training Club
Another great app for home workouts is Nike Training Club, which is designed to help you reach your fitness goals by giving you all the tools and motivation you need.
The app offers over 185 expertly designed workouts ranging in the difficulty level, along with trainer-led programs that are results-oriented. As the Nike Training Club is focused on home-based workouts, any space and any equipment that you have works, as the training is highly customizable. In addition to workouts, get nutrition and wellness guidance from Nike Master Trainers, like recipe ideas and tips on sleep, mindset and recovery. Now is the perfect time to keep building healthy habits.
Nike Training Club is the editor’s choice for home workouts & fitness plans at the App Store and is rated 4.0 stars on Google Play. The app is free to install and since the pandemic began, all their premium content has been available at no cost to the users.
Headspace
Whether you are feeling stressed or want to improve your meditation skills, Headspace offers hundreds of services designed to be your guide to mindfulness in your everyday life.
The app offers courses on stress management, happiness, resilience, physical health, and more. It is designed to help you any time of the day - from daily video series designed to brighten your day to original stories paired with relaxing sounds in the morning to help you unwind and calm your thoughts before bed. Headspace also has quick workouts and concentration-boosting music intended to change the way you get things done.
Headspace is rated 4.9 stars at the App Store and is the editor's choice for sleep health on Google Play. The app comes with a 14-day free trial when you install it and costs $13 per month or $70 for a year for full access.
Elevate
Elevate encourages daily brain training, which involves the completion of three games, or five games with the “PRO” version.
Elevate has more of an adult feel than many of the other brain training apps - the minigames take a more serious approach. Elevate provides a daily, weekly, and monthly rundown of overall performance, as well as performance in five specific areas: writing, listening, speaking, reading, and math. If you’re feeling competitive, you have the option of comparing your results with other users in the same age group.
Elevate was selected as the app of the year by Apple and is rated 4.5 stars on Google Play. The app offers a 7-day free trial as a basic free version. Upgrading to Pro costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 annually.
First Aid - Canadian Red Cross
If you are ever in a situation where someone is in immediate danger and needs your help, the Canadian Red Cross First Aid app will provide you with instant information when there is little time to react.
The app has simple step-by-step instructions and videos to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios. You can even test your life learning skills by completing the interactive quizzes and earning badges that you can share with your friends! And if you are ever in a situation where you do not have the reception or Internet connection, the app’s preloaded content means that you can have access to all the information on it anytime anywhere.
Canadian’s Red Cross First Aid app is free on both App Store and Google Play Store and could make a great addition to your smartphone.
These apps are just some of the examples of what can make your smartphone reach its full potential! Don’t be afraid to go to the App Store or Google Play Store and explore what is out there.
- Anna Povorozniuk, Virtual Communications Developer