Mobile apps that can translate what your boyfriend is thinking, prevent your dog from relieving himself on the carpet or help you find that elusive free parking space are all still beyond reach. In the meantime, however, there are plenty that can save time navigating life's other hassles.
Here is a list of five time-saving apps that have recently made me calmer.
Cue
What it Does: This app links and condenses all of your appointments for the day from multiple calendars—even Facebook—into one list. Then, Cue attaches relevant information, including contacts, e-mails and phone numbers from all of your many accounts (personal, work, alias—Cue won't judge). This way, if you're running late, or unsure where the meeting is, you can find everything in the same place. Other perks include the weather forecast, sunrise and sunset times as well as birthday notifications and reminders.
Cost: Free
TripIt
What it Does: What Cue does for day-to-day appointments, TripIt does for travel plans. By sending flight, hotel and car rental confirmation e-mails to the TripIt app, it condenses all of the information in one spot—and even monitors your plans for updates. Need your confirmation number for the check-in kiosk? Wondering if the flight is on time? Can't remember which credit card you used to reserve your room? It's all there. Neat.
Cost: Free
Exit Strategy
What it Does: Sure, there are plenty of apps that can tell you how to get from point A to point B using the MTA. But this one determines which subway car you should ride in to be closest to the exit that will empty you near your final destination! Hence, less wandering down the long platform or along the wrong sidewalk. Not only great for saving time, it's a huge boon if you're on crutches or helping someone who is.
Cost: $3.99
Fast Customer
What it Does: Who doesn't hate waiting on hold to speak with a customer representative? You feel trapped and you're subjected to terrible music or automated announcements about how "your call is important to us" by a company with which you're likely already frustrated. But the great thing about Fast Customer is that it will do the waiting for you. Just tell the app which number you want to call, it dials and holds your position in line while you attend to other tasks. Then, when the customer representative finally picks up, your phone rings to alert you that it's time to chat. Holy heck, this thing is amazing.
Cost: Free
Free Wi-Fi
What it Does: Whether you're a student or work remotely, this app is useful for anyone who has ever needed wi-fi in a pinch. Using GPS, it will tell you all of the available free wi-fi spots nearby and directions on how to get to them. Just be sure to ask the barista (or someone sitting there) if it's working well!
Cost: Free
What apps have made your life easier? Share them below. We're addicted.
