Top five: Apps of the month

16 July 2009

Our favourite apps that make life that much easier (and cheaper)

Here it is - our list of favourite applications to download to our ever nifty smartphones to make 'em all the smarter.

Tube Exits

iPhone OS

This app tells you which carriage to board in order to be closest to the exit at your stop. Works without an internet connection, and you can also save favourite routes for one-touch access.

£1.79 (40% off £2.99 normal price), iTunes Store

Skype 3.0

Windows Mobile

The latest Skype version features two new features - you can now transfer any file to another Skype user for free within Wi-Fi hotspots, and send free SMSes to any mobile phone when in Wi-Fi range, thus avoiding roaming charges abroad.

Free, www.skype.com

E75 Instant Messaging (beta)

Symbian S60

Download Nokia's desktop-like instant messaging app for Yahoo! Messenger and Nokia's Ovi social network communities. Features background notifications and support for emoticons and sounds too. Currently available for the E75 smartphone only, but it will be compatible with other S60 phones 'soon'.

Free, email.nokia.com

Vyke Mobile

All systems

Like Skype, Vyke users can call/text each for free within Wi-Fi range, and if travelling abroad, calls and texts over Wi-Fi will not incur roaming charges. Outside Wi-Fi, Vyke promises up to 95% savings, and landline calls from 2p an hour to 22 countries in its 'Vyke Zone'.

Free, www.vyke.com

Slacker 2.0

BlackBerry, iPhone

The newest version of this internet radio app boasts near instant song transitions and skip times. Full stereo, offline caching, personalized song recommendations and the ability to customize your own station. Just pick your favourite genre, artist or album and go. Free from BlackBerry App World and iTunes App Store.

www.slacker.com