When the app craze first began, Apple coined the term, ‘there’s an app for that’. As we near the second decade of mobile app expansion and mainstream usage, the phrase has never run truer. There truly is an app for just about every purpose, whether recreation, business, or some strange caveat far in between.
Over the last few years, mobile apps have taken a strong focus on gaming. The US has started to roll out virtual casino markets across the country. For example, all that gamers need to do to find a list of the best free spins offers available online is head to a trusted website like Oddschecker and find a deal that suits their needs.
With a few clicks, players can register their accounts and start shopping around for slots—something that was once only possible at live establishments.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, too. Beyond the realm of gaming, apps have truly diversified. For example, sleep (as we’ll discuss below) has become a hot topic for apps. There are now a handful of options that focus solely on bedtime stories, which are designed to let users unwind and fall asleep after a hectic day.
There are even apps that do things like estimate the most appropriate point in a movie to take a bathroom break.
Clearly, the sky is the limit. But aside from casinos, bedtime stories, and bathroom breaks, which apps do the legwork to make life easier for the user? Let’s take a closer look.
Budgeting — of All Stripes
Financial topics tend to be mind-numbing, requiring diligent work, total concentration, and long-term thinking. On top of that, you may have different goals, from budgeting, improving savings, paying off debt, or simply tracking expenses more efficiently. No matter what your goal, there’s now a financial app catered to your needs.
Mint, for example, is often hailed as the most robust and easy-to-use option. It’s designed to help you meet short-term financial goals while offering a high-visibility look at your finances. If you’re short of time, instead, there are even time-budgeting apps, let you measure and organize your time in a streamlined way.
Avoiding People
Most of the world’s population is now urbanized, which means many dream of remote escapes. If you want to avoid crowds of all sizes, then check out Avoid Humans. There’s an app and a browser page that empowers you to avoid heavily trafficked areas.
Spotted by Locals is a variation that focuses on popular tourist destinations. Using localized data, you can figure out which areas are emptier at certain times of day.
Academics
It’s incredibly difficult to continue learning as adults. Some might struggle to find the time and energy to take on new lessons, while others might simply be stumped about where to gain academic-level knowledge. One of the best ways to learn a concrete skill is via Khan Academy, which collects lessons from teachers and professors around the world and makes them available for free.
If you want to instead jog your brain, brain-teaser apps like Luminosity will get the job done. They’ll keep your brain working quickly and accurately using mini-games. On the other hand, if you want to tackle a new language, then consider the award-winning newcomer, LingoDeer. The platform runs in different languages, making it great for those who aren’t fluent in English.
Sleeping
Who would have thought so many apps would become focused on sleep? If you struggle to catch some Zs, then tackle your sleep habits with an app like Sleep Cycle. It really digs into the details of your quality of sleep and best sleep times. On the other hand, Calm lets you focus on de-stressing, which tends to make bedtime a little more enjoyable.