If you looked at the world 30 years ago, one of the biggest differences would be the impact of cellphones. For every disadvantage that comes with cellphones being as rampant as they are, the positives are seemingly endless. It is now easier than ever to connect with friends in ways that didn’t seem possible back then. Technology is continuing to have a dramatic impact on the way that people are getting educated. There is absolutely value in having an educator teach you a language, but it is not the most convenient way. Apps like Duolingo, are making learning languages not only more accessible than ever, but more engaging to the individual.

Some of the most helpful apps out there are helping people play games that yes, seem like a waste of time, but also offer an escape from the world that some people need. In 1970s, to track your diet your best friend may have been a notepad so you could keep track of all the food you ate. In 2015, there are apps all over the place that allow you to track your own diet.

Apps that can improve your life in endless ways are not only accessible, but often free of charge.

Some of the best apps out there are ones that we don’t know about (but that’s what I am here for!) If you can think about an area of your life that you want to improve on, there really is an app for it somewhere.

Whether you are looking for an app to help keep you informed with the world, or one to help you connect with lost friends, these are 10 of the most helpful apps on the app store that you might not know about.

10. Photo math.

Math may not be your strong suit. That’s okay! You’re one of many who struggle with numbers, who really needs it anyway? Math is getting increasingly easier however, due to the increase of technology and its role in the classroom. This may be no better displayed than in the fantastic app Photomath. The app is incredibly simple to use, and all it requires is the usage of your camera. By taking a picture of a math problem, the app will then solve the problem for you as well as teach you the steps on how to do it.

9. Out Of Milk

How many times do you get home and realize you have forgotten something you needed at the grocery store? It’s even worse when you get to the store and realize the thing you forgot was your grocery list at home. Out Of Milk is by far the most handy app for making sure that you are always properly prepared when walking into the grocery store. The app not only has a convenient list feature, but also allows you to store recipes. It also has a feature that allows you to calculate roughly how much your groceries are going to be, which is huge when you are trying to budget.

8. Sleep Cycle Alarm


It is critical for both your body and your mind to make sure you are getting a proper night’s sleep. There are several fantastic apps out there that help with your sleep cycle, but there might not be a better one than the Sleep Cycle Alarm. The app allows you to set a “30 minute window” in which you need to get up, and by tracking your sleep patterns can alert you at the best time. It can be troublesome to constantly be waking up during your REM cycle, and this app is tremendous for making sure you are rested for the highest quality of sleep time

7. My Fitness Pal

There are a lot of fantastic apps out there to help you lose weight. My personal favorite is one called My Fitness Pal. The app is incredibly well organized and makes laying out your goals easy and as a result, you may find yourself all the more motivated. You also have the ability to connect with your friends who are using the app, and use each other in order to stay healthy. It can also be great to be able to track your calories throughout your day, so that you know you are still getting enough food into your system even if you are trying to lose weight.

6. Halfbrick Studios


I’m not going to be able to go this entire list without advocating at least one fun video game. If you need to kill time through a workday, Halfbrick Studios is responsible for some of the best time-sucking apps out there. Jetpack Joyride is a simple game to get into, but one that is incredibly hard to put down. Fruit Ninja, a classic for many iPhone users (1 BILLION downloads), was also the creation of Halfbrick Studios. If you’re stuck on public transit, all the news articles in the world can be helpful, but sometimes it is nice to just shut your mind off and enjoy some fun games.

5. Google translate.

There might not be a more handy app when travelling than Google Translate. By holding your phone up to a word, it will give you the option to translate it into different languages. Talk about a useful app when you are backpacking and need to understand a sign (such as which washroom you’re walking into). The app also allows you the option to download different language packs so you are able to use the app even if your phone is offline, which can save your data. The days of lugging around huge dictionaries or translating notes when travelling are quickly being evaporated, largely in part due to apps like Google Translate.

4. Sky Map


There is something incredibly amazing about looking out into the night sky and seeing countless stars. Unfortunately, light pollution is making that a harder thing to experience in bigger cities, but there are always stars out there even if we cannot see them. One of the coolest apps for gazing out at the stars is called Sky Map. The app will tell you what stars, planets, constellations or other amazing things are above you, and all you need to do is point your phone at the sky. Easy to use, it will only further your appreciation for space.

3. Duolingo

One of the most helpful things you can do to expand your mind is to learn another language. As technology continues to expand, learning another language is perhaps easier than ever before. One of the apps that is the most useful is called Duolingo. Free to use, Duolingo is excellent for teaching you vocabulary and giving you the start to learning the language of your choosing. The app currently features Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Irish, Dutch, Danish, Swedish and English. By featuring things like a leveling up system and the ability to compete with your friends, learning a language is not only easier, it’s more fun.

2. My home work

You are going to do significantly better in school if you remain on top of your assignments. Teachers have this nasty habit of making sure that all the big assignments and exams end up falling around the same time. Yet if you’re organized, you can ride the momentum and rock your assignments while getting enough sleep. One of the best apps for students is called myHomework. It allows you to enter in your assignments so you get reminders as the due dates get closer. You can also include your schedule to make sure you are never getting lost, a God send for any freshman

1. Plant Nanny

Plant Nanny is an absolutely adorable way to make sure that you are properly hydrated. Rated as the #1 game in 2013, the app has an incredibly simple premise. You have a little plant buddy, and your plant buddy needs water. To give your plant buddy water, you need to drink water in your everyday life (so it’s like an RPG!) and tell your little friend. Then your friend gets happy and grows. If you don’t drink water, your plant dies and you’re sad. It sounds silly, but the app it popular for a reason and is a great reminder to make sure we are getting enough water.

I hope this helps.

Definitely