Free apps add useful features to your iPhone
By Kim Komando
The numbers are astounding. Apple has sold 50 million iPhones. More than 2 billion applications have been downloaded from Apple's App Store. At last count, there were more than 85,000 apps available.
Apps are little programs that add fun and features to the iPhone. They're available for just about anything. The following are free apps no self-respecting iPhone owner should be without.
GOOGLE MOBILE
Google Mobile links to Google's online services, allowing you to quickly access documents, news and more.
But the app's real draw is the voice search feature. Search your phone, the Web, maps, news and other sites. Just speak your search term. Google Mobile remembers recent searches, too.
CHEAP GAS
Cheap Gas puts gas prices at your fingertips. Use your location to find the cheapest gas. Or, search by ZIP code. Cheap Gas shows prices for all grades of gas. Sort results by distance or lowest price. It will even map a route to a selected station.
BANK APPS
Chances are, your bank offers an iPhone app. Chase, Citibank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo all offer apps.
Check your balance on the go. Transfer funds and pay bills. Or, find a nearby branch or ATM location. The apps offer the same level of security as online banking.
HOMES.COM
Homes.com Real Estate Search displays homes for sale or for rent. It uses your current location to show listings. Or, specify a location. Advanced search tools narrow down searches.
You'll see photos when available. You can also read descriptions and see properties on a map. Bookmark houses or send listings to a friend.
The app also provides directions.
WEBMD MOBILE
WebMD Mobile puts health information in your palm. Identify pills by shape, color or imprint. Or, search for information by entering a drug name.
You can also look up symptoms. Choose from a list or point to them on an image of the body. If you need more information, the app takes you to WebMD's site.
Most importantly, WebMD Mobile features first-aid information, so you'll know what to do in an emergency.
FOOD AND FITNESS
Food and Fitness Tracker helps you achieve your food and fitness goals. It tracks how many calories you've eaten and burned.
Select foods and exercises from the built-in database. Or, add them manually. You can also track your weight and water consumption.
PANDORABOX
With more than 85,000 apps in the App Store, you need an app to find apps. That's what PandoraBox is.
Locate new and featured apps. Or find apps that are on sale.
Advanced search features narrow down searches. PandoraBox takes you to the App Store for purchasing.
Reach Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
