Top 20 Apps Part 1

With over 130,000 Apps and 3 billion total downloads, Apple’s App Store is definitely a juggernaut in the mobile Application world. With so many options, new iPhone users can be overwhelmed trying to find the best Apps for their day-to-day activities. For those newcomers and those of you who just can’t get enough Apps, here is a list of the Top 20 essential Apps for the iPhone.

DISCLAIMER:

All the Apps mentioned were tested and used with an 8GB iPhone 3G running iPhone OS 3.1 and bought from the Canadian App Store. Also, these are purely the opinion of the author and should be taken as suggestions. That being said, on to the Apps…

20. Dragon Dictation (FREE) – This little gem just came to Canadian App Store recently and with a price tag of free, is completely worth it. Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition application that allows you to send text messages and emails.

19. Remote (FREE) – Remote is a great tool for anyone who uses their computer or an AppleTV as their multimedia source. It allows you to play, pause, skip, or shuffle your entire media library (anything playable through iTunes) and grants you full access wirelessly.

18. Moodagent (FREE) – Do you feel a certain way, but not quite sure what songs would convey that emotion? Look no further. Moodagent allows you to match your music with your mood or change your mood with your music. When you launch the App, 5 colour coded bars appear, each one representing a different mood (Sensual, Tender, Joy, Aggressive and Tempo). As you adjust the sliders, Moodagent creates 25 song playlists based on your selection. This does require you to tag your songs with Moodagent’s desktop App, but the process doesn’t take long.

17. Baseball Superstars 2010 ($4.99) – All work and no play makes for a very dull iPhone. Baseball Superstars is definitely a recommendation to play. Gamevil has developed an awesome game for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. With 6 different modes including Exhibition, Homerun Race and Multiplayer, this will keep you entertained for hours.

16. iFitness ($1.99 – currently on sale) – iFitness is a comprehensive exercise database that provides pictures, video and instructions. Each exercise is broken down by muscle group and it allows you to add in your own custom exercises. Not quite sure on how to start your workout? There are pre-planned routines ranging from beginner programs to total body toning and muscle building. iFitness also allows you to track your workouts as you do them.

15. Howcast (FREE) – Ever wonder how to create origami? Need tips on how to unclog that pesky drain? Howcast for iPhone shows you useful how-to videos wherever and whenever you need them.

14. Sportacular (FREE) – Sportacular is perfect for the sports nut who can’t always get to a TV to watch the game. Get up-to-the-minute scores, standings, schedules, stats and news for all your favourite teams. Sportacular also offers push notifications of game times and scores for NFL, NCAA Football and Basketball, MLB, NBA, NHL and other major sports bands.

13. Camera Genius ($1.99 – currently on sale) – Yes, the iPhone does have its own camera App, but let’s face reality, it’s bland and featureless. Those who want to add more to their pictures should try Camera Genius. Zoom, Sound Capture, Anti Shake, Timer, and Grids are just some of the features it provides. There is also a built in manual to assist new photographers in creating fantastic shots with their iPhones.

12. Epicurious (FREE) – Recipes from the award-winning food site Epicurious.com available on your iPhone. Not only does it group recipes based on real-world categories like “Party Snacks” and “Healthy Lunches”, but it will allow you to create a shopping list based on your choices. Definitely a choice App to have available.

11. Convertbot ($1.99) – Simply put, Convertbot is a unit conversion tool, but one that is essential to everyone. With over 500 different units supported, Convertbot does it all.

Well class, that’s enough for today, stay tuned for the remainder of our Top 20 Apps.