LITTLE ROCK — You can do anything on the computer with the right program. Mobile applications, known as apps, are making that true for smart phones and tablet computers as well. This week, we’ll take a look at four new apps designed to perform a variety of tasks.
The first is an app designed to help you bond more with the children in your life. It’s called Shake-N-Tell, and it’s currently only available for iPhone and iPad, though an Android version may come about one day.
Shake-N-Tell is a free app with a story in it. The idea is to read the story to the children, throwing in some acting and improvisation along the way. The app gives you tips on how to enliven the story. Red words throughout indicate where you should add your own descriptions. To advance the story, you can click the forward arrow in the bottom corner, or, as the name suggests, you can just shake the phone. The app even has an optional add-on (for 99 cents) that allows you to record the story as you tell it.
Shake-N-Tell is a cute app and a nice idea. The free version is limited, though, and the expansion packs are $1.99 each. Still, with enough improvisation, you can tell the same story over and over and make it entertaining each time.
Adults can have fun with Snapseed, an app that allows them to edit photos and add cool special effects.
Snapseed is the brainchild of Nik Software, known mainly to photographers for its powerful photo-finishing software. Nik puts some of that power into Snapseed, which is available for the iPad and iPhone now (as well as Mac and PC) and is expected to be available for Android in the coming months, according to a media contact.
Snapseed can crop, correct color and contrast, and apply special effects with only a few touches. Sliding your finger up and down moves you through the menus within each tool, and sliding your finger left or right applies the effect to certain levels or, in some cases, changes the style. Once your photo is edited, you can save it or share it via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or by printing it.
Snapseed is a surprisingly powerful app that provides several ways to turn a good photo into a great one. Its ease of use, power and instant sharing make it a bargain at $4.99.
Next up is another powerful app that is designed to make navigation a lot easier.
Waze (pronounced “ways”) is a free app that allows users to report traffic jams, gas prices, road hazards and even police, so users will know whether they’re facing a slowdown ahead. It allows users to navigate from one place to another with mapping software that rivals the expensive GPS systems. Unfortunately, it can be a bit slow to recalculate if you make a wrong turn.
Waze relies on other users to report traffic problems. I found a surprising number of users in my area already, so I was able to get the real-time reports it promised. The best part is, you don’t have to look at the screen to get a report or to make one. Waze includes voice commands and voice navigation, which is a lot safer than looking at your phone.
In addition to filing reports, Waze is partnering with certain gas stations to offer coupons. One gas chain in my area is offering 10 cents off per gallon for Waze users through Tuesday. I don’t know how often such coupons will be presented, but I certainly like that one.
Waze is a great app with a lot to offer. Unfortunately, all those offerings could be a distraction from the road. I’ll give Waze credit for trying to alleviate this with voice commands, but unless you’re using it to navigate, it’s best to limit your Waze activity to when you’re stopped.
Finally, we come to Bento 4, a powerful database tool from the makers of FileMaker Pro.
Bento lets you create personal productivity databases on the iPad. The app comes loaded with several options, including forms for vehicle inspections, contacts, calendar events, recipes, a media library, sales, inventory and time sheets, to name a few. Each form filled out becomes part of the database’s collection. Collections can be saved, edited or deleted. You can even create your own database using Bento’s form tools. It allows you to add text boxes, check boxes and other fields.
I was extremely impressed with Bento 4. It was very easy to use and basic, yet very powerful. Its custom tools make it easily adaptable to just about any situation or need. I would see this app especially useful for the small business that needs a good database tool but can’t afford some of the bigger, more expensive programs.
The bad news is Bento 4 is only available for the iPad. The good news is it’s on sale until July 31 for $4.99. It will be $9.99 starting Aug. 1. With all this app can do, it’s well worth the price. If you want it for your Mac computer, then Bento 4.1 is available for $29.99 through July 31, which is $20 off the regular price.
Thanks to apps like these, you don’t have to be tethered to a computer anymore.
Melissa L. Jones can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
Business, Pages 19 on 06/25/2012