Apps that make your life easier

Nigel Kendall chooses his must-have apps to make life simpler

1 Evernote
Keep track of those things you always mean to remember, but somehow forget with this easy note-taking app. Lists, birthdays, recipes, sporting fixtures can be saved and synchronised across all your internet devices. Make a note on your PC, and seconds later, it’s there on your phone, and vice versa. Indispensable.
All mobile formats; free

2 Skype
Reduce your mobile phone roaming charges with Skype, which allows free calls to other Skype users via the internet. Call for free from any Wi-Fi or broadband connection and make low-cost calls to regular phone numbers.
iPhone, Android, BlackBerry; free

3 Flipboard
Turns all posts on your favourite websites or social networks into a virtual newspaper. Turn the pages by stroking the screen.
iPad; free

4 TV Guide
Complete TV listings for the UK, with the option to time programme recordings over the internet. It also links to services such as BBC iPlayer.
Apple, Android, online; free

5 NatWest Mobile Banking
If you’re over 16 and already registered for Online Banking with NatWest, you can use this app to keep track of your cash. Get instant info on your last six transactions, move money between your accounts and locate your nearest cash machine when you’re on the move. Network charges may apply.
Apple, Android,BlackBerry; free

6 TripIt
Preparing for a holiday can be stressful, with so many documents and details to be juggled. With this app, you send all your electronic notes and documents to a special email address, where TripIt organises them by date into one trip.
Apple, Android, BlackBerry; free

7 Xmarks
A clever tool that synchronises all your internet bookmarks across devices, and can even store all your passwords and IDs securely. For computers, the service is free, but the mobile app requires a premium subscription of $12 (approx £7.50) per year.
 Apple, Android, BlackBerry; $12 per year

8 TripAdvisor
Looking for a place to stay, somewhere to eat, or the best night out in a city? This gives recommendations by people who’ve been there and also geo-locates the user, so you can find the best near you.
Apple, Android, Windows Phone, Palm, Nokia; free

9 Kindle
Try Amazon’s free app, which turns phones or tablets into Kindle readers. Buy books from Amazon (many are free) and you can start reading on your phone, then read the same book later on a Kindle (if you have one).
Apple, Android, Windows Phone; free

10 Google Maps Navigation
While Google Maps is available for all smartphones, only Android owners can use the optional Navigation feature to turn their handsets into a satnav, complete with voice instructions. On the iPhone, NavFree offers the best similar service.
Android only; free

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