National App Day on December 11th encourages us to explore all the possibilities apps afford us.

The word “App” was listed as the word of the year in 2010 by the American Dialect Society.   

Short for Software Application, apps quickly appeared as our mobile cellular phones incorporated smart technologies. As the power of our phones increased with processing chips, internet connectivity, and touchscreens, so did the apps that became available.

Since that time, apps continue changing how we work, live, and play. They offer opportunities, too, by creating thousands of new companies, millions of new jobs, and billions of dollars in revenue.

Apps accelerated in growth with the advent of Apple’s iPhone in 2007. In 2008 Apple introduced OS 2.0, which included approximately 500 apps and allowed third-party app generation. Today there are over 3 million apps on both the Apple and Android platforms and thousands more introduced daily.

From social networking to productivity, apps function in every part of our lifestyle. They control the lights in our house and keep our playlists at our fingertips. We stay in tune with the world around us through news apps customized to our interests and stay connected to the people who mean the most to us.

NATIONAL APP DAY HISTORY

Platinum Edge Media and its founder CJ Thompson created National App Day in 2017 to celebrate the importance of apps as they change our collective culture by organically promoting creativity and innovation.

My goto Apps that I use practically everyday include:

Prism – Money and Bill Pay. We use this App for almost all our bill paying. It not only keeps track of when it’s due, but gives me balances, and real time payments directly from the App. Actively helps me from being a victim of identity theft.

Digical – All calendar.  Appointments, To Do, reminders,  and blog reminders.

Medisafe – Keeps my prescription medications on track with scheduling and reminders. Also a very conventional way to have a current medicine list on your phone in case of emergency, hospital stay, Dr visits and more.

My Sugar – As a diabetic this app links to my meter and gives both short and long term readings on my blood sugar.  Helps me stay informed and make good diet decisions as well.

Lose It! – Calorie counter, dieting App. Keep track of what you eat, calories, carbs, food diary, and fitness logs.   I was amazed at how much more contentious just keeping the food diary helped me choose healthy eating and loose weight.

News Break – News source that gives local, State, National, and worldwide news.

Google Weather – Accurate conditions

YoWindow – the weather both now and forcasts

WordPress – If you are reading this post, it’s where I blog.  Easy to use visual and html, let’s me build my site.

Canva – create stunning social media posts, pins, and graphics.

Calligraphy – Add text to photos, and create graphics like you see on my site.

Polaris Office – Write, spreadsheet, newsletters,  slides, slideshows, word and text documents.

My Drive – Cloud storage.  Store pictures, documents, receipts, and backup info.  I regularly keep digital copies in cloud storage.  If you’ve ever lost or broken a device or need to access legal documents cloud storage gives me access no matter what device I’m using.

Googl Keep – My husband swears by this App.  He keeps everything from grocery lists and To do lists to passwords and reminder notes.

Samsung Notes – I like this one as my Notes can even be written with stylus.  Keeps notes, lists, observations, and reminders at my fingertips.

Walmart – Like most of we do our shopping for groceries and household often.  Shop in store or online, checkout on your mobile device.  Have it delivered or shipped straight to your door.  Saves me so much time and money.

Shipt – Publix, Winn Dixie, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Petsmart, Office Depot Office Max and even GNC.  Groceries or even better imagine not having to trudge through a store.  Get it delivered.

Instacart – Get everything I need for dinner in 2 hours or less.  Gives me delivery from stores like Aldi’s in my neighborhood.

Amazon Shopping – Amozon is so well known now.  My Prime membership gives me perks, savings and access to products simply not sold locally.

Ibotta – Cash back at the grocery store!  We all have to eat.  So why not get cash back on what’s you’re already buying.  Seriously I make enough cash back to get Thanksgiving dinner free!  This year it’s Christmas dinner too.

Fetch – Shop & Save Money! Scan Receipts to Earn Gift Cards. Your Shopping & Saving Superpower! Fetch brings you a fun and exciting way to shop and save, turning all your receipts into rewards in a snap. Earn points by scanning receipts, then choose from hundreds of your favorite rewards. Shop personalized offers, play free point games daily and connect with your friends.

Rakuten – Cash back on the most popular shopping sites online.  Great deals from the app or browser extension.   We save on things like Daytimer, Amazon, Chewy, and do many more.

Temu – While similar to Wish the shipping deals have made this my new favorite this holiday season.  Gifts for lots and something for myself too.

Restaurants and food delivery – Uber Eats, Door Dash, Postmates, Grubhub, we learned about during the Covid pandemic.   Now delivery from your favorite restaurants is at your fingertips.  We love getting McDonald’s, Burger King, Popeyes, Panda Express, Captain D’s,  Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, Taco Bell, Applebee’s, Cheddar’s, Greek, Mexican, American, you name it they can probably deliver it.

Prime Video – Streaming is so much better than high priced cable bills. Live Football, original series and movies all directly to your smart tv. What to see a new movie, simply purchase and stream. Pausing when you need a snack, or a break is ultra convenient.

Kindle – Amazon’s answer for Ebooks. I love my Kindle! Not only is it available on Amazon devices but you can seamlessly change from phone, tablet, Kindle, or even a desktop computer. Now I can take my book literally anywhere my phone goes. As a bibliophile, you’ll never find me without a great read.

Amazon Music – Load your favorite playlists, and let the music play. Prime members enjoy lots of tunes. No need for a separate device. I just load my phone widget and press play. Bluetooth connection let’s me play it on the surround sound system, my personal Bluetooth speaker, ear buds, air pods or headphones.

Love Nikki – We all need to unwind. This dress up game is like having both a fantasy adventure and a never-ending closet. Put your fashion sense to the test to save Mirland.

Facebook – Who hasn’t heard of this one by now? This allows family and friends to communicate, check up, check in, and share easily. Pictures of the grand babies, how school is going, or just video chat with Mom. Remember to check you feed!

Pintrest – My #1 bookmarking spot. Recipes, lists, books, movies, celebrities, crafts, shopping, new products, home decor, gardening, games, Journaling, you name I’ll bet there’s a pin. Pin your likes to your own boards. Keep ideas, thoughts, planning, and even wishlists and vision boards.

Nextdoor – Do you know what’s going on in your neighborhood? Giveaways, Yard sales, stolen packages…. Communicate with each other. Chances are even if your just curios you’ll find something near you.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAppDay

Post your favorite app on social media. Share how apps make your life easier, too. Beyond games, what tools do you use to save money and time?  While you expound on your favorites, explore new apps, too. What kinds of apps do you predict for the future?

Join the conversation using #NationalAppDay, and be sure to include why you couldn’t imagine life without your favorite apps.