In a recent reflection on my favorite technology, I shared my top ten picks from both Apple and non-Apple sources. This time, I am focusing on some of my preferred third-party applications for the iPhone and Mac. While compiling this list, I noticed that most of the apps I frequently use are not primarily for entertainment purposes. Instead, they serve practical functions that enhance my productivity.
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CityMapper
While both Apple Maps and Google Maps have significantly improved their functionalities for navigating urban areas via public transportation, many cities also offer dedicated transit authority applications. However, for traveling, a comprehensive app with a user-friendly interface that operates across various cities is unmatched. CityMapper stands out by providing support for walking, cycling, and all types of public transit within a city. In my experience, it has consistently demonstrated reliability, keeping users informed about possible delays or service disruptions that could impact their journey.
Beeline
My one exception to the utilitarian theme is Beeline, an app I rely on for cycling. This application utilizes crowdsourced feedback to identify preferred cycling routes, which can significantly enhance the riding experience. I particularly enjoy its compass mode, which directs me toward my destination with a single arrow. This allows for exploration through back streets without the need to follow detailed turn-by-turn navigation.
Blackmagic Camera
As an owner of two Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K units, it’s no surprise that I favor the corresponding iPhone app for video recording. Blackmagic has excelled in offering users complete control over their filming while maintaining a clean and intuitive interface. The app closely resembles the functionality of the company’s hardware. When I need to quickly capture footage without delving into manual settings, I turn to Final Cut Camera. It is user-friendly like the default camera app but offers the added benefit of recording directly to an external SSD.
Libby
I do include one app purely for entertainment: Libby. This application allows users to borrow both ebooks and audiobooks from local libraries. While popular titles often require joining a waiting list, it can save users a considerable amount of money compared to purchasing books outright. For me, one significant benefit of Libby is that it encourages me to explore books that I might hesitate to buy due to cost concerns.
Awesome Habits
For those looking to cultivate new habits—whether it’s exercising more, adhering to a calorie-controlled diet, reading regularly, journaling, or simply taking daily walks—establishing goals is easier than maintaining them. The Awesome Habits app is a straightforward yet highly effective tool for monitoring adherence to daily objectives. After entering your goals, the app features a badge counter that tracks the habits you haven’t completed, serving as a continuous prompt to check in and see what remains to be done.
Aqua Voice
Though I’ve only been using Aqua Voice for a couple of months, it has quickly become my favorite utility for Mac. This remarkably precise voice dictation service has transformed how I interact with my computer. I now find myself dictating much of my work, making the process far more efficient.
PhraseExpress
After TextExpander transitioned to a subscription model, I searched for alternatives and found PhraseExpress to be a suitable replacement. This application allows me to store a wide range of standard macro texts and activate them with just a few keystrokes. Although it is essentially a port of a Windows application and its interface reflects that, it compensates for its lack of visual appeal with robust functionality.
NordVPN
VPN applications not only offer security when connecting to public networks but also provide additional benefits. As a UK-based writer primarily for an American site, I often need to access the US version of various websites. Connecting to a VPN server in the US simplifies this task. Additionally, certain streaming services offer shows and movies in the US that are unavailable in the UK, so a VPN is a useful tool for accessing that content. I prefer NordVPN for several reasons, including its commitment to privacy, as it keeps no logs and submits itself to third-party audits for verification. Moreover, it has proven to be the most reliable service in navigating the ongoing challenges posed by streaming services against VPNs.
Scrivener
In my opinion, Scrivener is the best writing application ever developed. It has been over a decade since I first reviewed it, and my praise for its capabilities remains unchanged. This exceptional tool aids in organizing writing projects, allowing seamless transitions between various sections while enabling multiple sections to be viewed simultaneously. I appreciate that I can store all my research, notes, and any other relevant materials within the same app as my writing. Having used it to write three novels and currently working on a non-fiction book, I can’t imagine using any other platform for such tasks.
What are some of your go-to third-party applications for the iPhone and Mac? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments section.
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