Now that we’re into the second full week of 2014, it’s likely that some of us have fallen off-track in keeping our New Year’s resolutions. Life (or maybe a polar vortex) just gets in the way sometimes, even with the best of intentions. But it’s not too late to give up on this revitalizing practice. Whether you’re looking to try something new, make a big decision, become healthier, finish a project, learn a new skill, or something totally different, there are many great apps that can make sticking to your resolutions a little bit easier.
Here are just a few that can help you stay on track this new year. All of the apps are free and can be downloaded to Android or Apple mobile devices, unless otherwise specified. You can search the name of each app in the App Store or Google Play Store to access the correct format for your device.
MyFitnessPal
January is a perfect month to commit to improving your health & well-being. With this mobile food diary, you can create a customized diet profile and keep track of calorie intake on the go. It offers a database of over two million brand name and generic food items, as well as the ability to add personlized recipes and ingredients.
RunKeeper
Jumpstart your fitness routine by turning your mobile device into your personal trainer! Whether running, walking, biking, or hiking, get detailed statistics on your pace, distance, and time, listen to music while you work out, receive coaching tips through your headphones, measure your heart rate, and track your goals.
Beat the Traffic
Trying to spend more time with loved ones and less time idling in your car this year? This app turns your smartphone into your own personalized traffic report. Find the fastest route to a specific destination, view traffic cameras, and receive real-time traffic alerts when there are delays on your saved routes.
iTunes U
If you have resolved to expand your horizons, the iTunes U app is a great tool. With it, you can access over 750,000 free lectures and supporting resources offered by top universities and intellectual institutions, including Stanford, Yale, MIT, Oxford, UC Berkeley, MOMA, and the New York Public Library. The app also contains K-12 content, and you can browse by topic, insitution, grade level, and more. Available only for Apple mobile devices.
Evernote
It’s easier than ever to become and stay organized with Evernote, a cloud-based, online filing system that helps you collect, organize, edit, and store interesting information that you come across via the internet. You can also transfer files from your computer to your Evernote account and access them anytime, anywhere via the Evernote app. (Learn more at our Evernote class taking place at the library on Wednesday, January 15 at 7 p.m.)
Adobe Photoshop Express
Capturing important moments is a popular resolution at this time of year. With this app, you can perfect your photographs right from your mobile device. Crop, rotate, adjust brightness and color, remove red-eye, add filters, and apply effects such as borders. Add-on packages are available for purchase that provide advanced editing and storage capabilities.
To learn about more fun, interesting, and useful apps to download this year, drop by our next “Apps for iPads, iPhones, and Android Devices” class on Friday, January 17th at 10 a.m. in our Technology Center.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Bastian)