5 Must-Have Apps On Your iPhone

Learn a language

Planning a trip? Met someone who speaks a foreign language? Just wish you could speak more than just your native language? Whatever the case, Duolingo is a good place to start. Free to download, this app uses a combination of speaking and writing exercises with an option to “Practice” and/or “Test out” from each section. A grading system also tells you how you are faring and pushes you to “Strengthen weak words.” Apart from all this, the daily reminder email (based on goals set by you, of course) to up your language game surely will.

De-stress on the go

We realise there are many times in a day when you are in dire need of some “me” time—not an option at work. Andy Puddicombe’s App, Headspace, solves that issue with bite-size meditation and de-stressing tips to help calm the mind—be it at work, before a meeting or at bedtime. Perfect for a quick timeout.

Stay informed

Your commute may sometimes give you the time to catch up on the news, but you may not necessarily be able to look at a screen—we highly advise against it if you are driving! Fret not, because a little bird will read it out to you. The news app Meep gathers stories from all major news networks—you can set your topics—and also plays you music of your choice.

Curate your wardrobe

Let you phone act as your personal stylist. The Stylebook app lets you upload images of the clothes in your closet. You can then organise, colour coordinate them per occasion, or just plan your week’s gear. With an option to track to keep track of the outfits you have worn, you will never be caught wearing the same outfit to the same place again.

Shop Smart

We have all the tools to spot the trends, but we are at wit’s end to find what takes our fancy. The Hunt app will, well, hunt the things that you are coveting. From Starting a Hunt (by posting a picture of what you are looking for), to Solving and Shopping, the app has a whole network of like-minded individuals and experts you can tap into for fashion and beauty tips.

By Sandhya Mahadevan