20 Apps Worth Downloading

With thousands of Applications, or ‘Apps’, out there ready for download, how do we comb through it all and make the best use of the space available on our smartphone or tablet? Do you download 20 apps and actually use 2?

Applications are being released by the dozens, each day, so we thought we would create a quick list of applications you may want to check out. So, go through your downloads, delete the apps you have not used since the past year (when you downloaded it), and make room for some of these apps listed. Android or iPhone, we think you will find these worth the time and space.

Verbs – Ah, you are a chatter box and constantly in communicato with … everyone. Check out this instant messenger that is haled by many as the best. We agree. Free; $0.99 sans background; 4.99 to remain logged in, include background, and all. [iPhone, iPad]

Flipboard – An image board of all your favorite news sources including Facebook and Twitter in a neat visual mosaic. Love. Free [iPhone]

Chu Chu Rocket – A puzzler game from Sega – simple and addictive. $0.99. [Android, iPhone, iPad]

Currents – This Google app is similar to Flipboard (above). It pulls together your favorite content from Current’s list of blogs and news publications from different categories. Free. [Android and iOS tablets]

Tweetbot – Be patient and you will get the hang of this highly coded but convenient Twitter app, $2.99. [iPhone]

Hipmunk – Travel much? Search for flights and hotels on your iPad by plugging in your destination and a list of options are generated with easy to access details and hover pop-up. Free. [iPad]

Words with Friends – Contagious word game much like scrabble but you can play with friends or be automatically matched with players and play at your leisure. Free. [Android, iPhone, iPad]

Netflix – Movie streaming app. Interface is a beaut. Free, but of course it will help if you have a Netflix subscription. [Android, iPhone, iPad]

Instagram – Apple’s app of the year, this photo app is pretty cool and has many abandoning the use of their regular camera altogether. We particularly love the antique photoing. Everyone is a photographer with this app. Free. [iPhone]

Paper Camera – This app converts your pics into a cartoon shot and in real time.  $0.10 (limited time) [Android]

Spotify – Popular music streaming service if you have a premium paid account with Spotify. [Android, iPhone]

Photosynth –  Photo app that allows you to capture panoramic views of destinations, the new apartment, or the office or train – if you want to steal a pic of a co-worker or a person on the subway … which we are not suggesting you do. Free. [iPhone]

Google Wallet – Pay for your items with your phone, yes, even at the candy store. Must use a Citi MasterCard but you can also load a Google debit card with money from another account. Free. [Android, iPhone]

Hulu Plus – Watch your favorite TV series and movies on your smartphone with an account of course. Free. [Android, iPhone, iPad]

CardMunch – This nifty app allows you to take a picture of a business card and, you guessed it, it will digitally identify and store the information in your contacts. Free. [iPhone]

Mint – Manage your finances – budgets, trends, and spending – with this app. Charts, adjustable sliders, custom alerts, and credit card spending management is possible with Mint. Pretty useful. Free. [iPad]

Amazon Cloud – A cloud product with ties to the Amazon MP3 store. You can stream and download music bought from Amazon and upload music from your computer to Amazon cloud. Free. [Android]

Card Case – It is much like Google Wallet except it stores your credit cards and enables you to charge purchases wirelessly. As more stores support the app, the more useful this app will become. [iPhone]

Jangle – Another addictive word game where you are matched with players or with friends from Facebook. Odd words and medical terms, this game will drive you batty but you will not stop. Free [iPhone]

NYC Traffic – When in NYC, this app will show you the traffic in a specific area of an avenue or street in real time. You simply enter the block of interest and the traffic is updated every 3 seconds. Free. [Android, iPhone]