WITH SMARTPHONES NOW an integral part of our lives, it’s worth knowing the cream of the crop: those apps that will always be useful, no matter what the situation is.

These are some apps you should have on your phone, whether you’re a music fanatic, want to stay organised or just like to learn something new. Here are our picks.

If you want to avoid any nasty weather surprises

Fresh Air
For: iOS
Cost: Free

One of the more detailed weather apps out there, Fresh Air will also alert you to any severe storms or downpours that may occur, eliminating any nasty weather surprises.

If you want to be organised

Sunrise
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

The Microsoft-owned calendar is still one of the best out there. Scheduling, syncing and organising events is a cinch, and the fact it works with a wide variety of other apps makes it a convenient tool to have in your arsenal.

If you want to learn a new language

Duolingo
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Cost: Free

It’s been around a while and there are many other language apps yet Duolingo still manages to be one of the best out there. Once you choose a language, the bite-sized games and lessons will ensure you get to grips with the basics very quickly.

If you want to organise and save your photos

Google Photos
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

Many will be skeptical of Google’s offering for good reason, but those who are ok with it will find a versatile and powerful photo app. With the ability to save unlimited photos (of a certain size), and handy search and editing features, it’s one of the company’s best apps.

If you want personalised music

Spotify
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Cost: Free

Easily one of the best music apps out there, Spotify’s worth has increased with Discover Weekly, a service that offers a personalised playlist based on what you’ve listened to. It’s surprisingly smart and worth creating an account for.

If you want to listen to radio

TuneIn Radio
For: iOS, Android, Windows
Cost: Free

If you regularly listen to the radio, it’s hard to see any other app you would look for other than TuneIn. A comprehensive list of radio apps and easy to use features makes it essential if you don’t find yourself near the wireless.

Source: TuneIn Radio/Google Play

If you want to listen to Podcasts

Stitcher
For:  iOS, Android
Cost: Free

Bringing you all of your podcasts in the one place, Stitcher also presents them in an interface that is similar to a personalised news feed. If you’re bored of the shows you listen to, it will serve up a number of suggestions for you to listen to, ensuring you never run out of shows.

If you just need peace of mind

buddhify
For: iOS, Android
Cost: €4.99 (iOS), €2.49 (Android)

Headspace and Calm could have easily made the list here, but buddhify is handy as it has meditation and mindfulness exercises for any moment. Whether you’re stressed at work, trying to unwind from a busy day or just need a five-minute breather, buddhify has one for that situation.

For quick searches

Google
For: iOS, Android, Windows
Cost: Free

Obvious? Sure, but it’s hard to deny just how much of an impact Google has on our day-to-day lives. Having the app itself just makes those quick searches even easier, and Google Now is a useful feature to have if you allow it access.

Source: Google/Google Play

If you want to sound smart in front of your friends

Wolfram Alpha
For: iOS, Android
Cost: €2.99

The search engine that is all about facts, Wolfram Alpha can calculate almost any mathematical problem you may have, and give you answers to many questions ahead of Google.

Source: Wolfram Alpha/App Store

If you want to type faster

Swiftkey
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

With some great options for typing, both one-handed and with two, and fantastic word prediction, Swiftkey is easily one of the best typing apps out there. The iOS version does have some limitations compared to its Android version but even with them, it still manages to be a smart typing app.

If you want a better sleep

Sleep Cycle
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

One of the older alarm clock apps out there is still one of the best. Sleep Cycle monitors your sleeping pattern and wakes you up during a 30-minute window that ends with your alarm time.

Source: Sleep Cycle/App Store

If you want to relax

A Soft Murmur
For: Android
Cost: Free

Playing ambient sounds like rain, thunder and a coffee shop among other things, it’s perfect if you need some background noise to help you concentrate or relax.

Source: A Soft Murmur/Google Play

If you want to read articles later

Pocket
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

The perfect app for those who come across articles but don’t have the time to read them. Pocket saves those articles onto your phone allowing you to read them later, even if you don’t have an internet connection.

If you want to burn those calories

Runkeeper
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

If you run and you’re looking to get more active, Runkeeper is a great place to start. Set goals, track runs and keep a record of your progress. A good app for those kicking off or wanting to improve their runs.

Source: Runkeeper/App Store

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