10 Essential iPhone Application

Bing
Free

Bing has long been the shining star among Internet search apps for iPhone, and as of iOS 6, there's even more reason to download and use it: maps. The loss of Google's map data behind the pre-installed Maps app on iPhone as of iOS 6 left a lot of users wanting to revert back to the old operating system. Bing gives you a solid and reliable mapping alternative, in an already great Internet search app, making it a multi-purpose machine.

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Dashlane
Free to download; requires subscription

Dashlane is a simple and elegant password manager app for iPhone that also adds auto-complete so you don't have to retype the same information over and over again. Most importantly, Dashlane is extremely secure, keeping your information private and encrypted. Dashlane hits the sweet spot between security and laziness. Like any other password manager, all you need to use it is enough memory power to master one strong password for the app itself, and the rest is automatic. The app is free to download, but Dashlane costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year; or you can pay with loyalty-like points by referring friends who sign up for the service, too.

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Evernote
Free

Everyone will tell you to download Evernote, but few are able to put into words why it is such an amazing service. The problem with convincing someone of Evernote's worth is it is a uniquely personal tool. Everyone uses it differently. To summarize, the free iPhone app synchronizes notes of all kinds, like text notes, audio recorded notes or voice memos, and pictures, and then makes them all highly searchable. It doesn't sound exciting, but the moment you figure out your own use case for Evernote, I swear you will never look for a replacement (the company highlights different use cases on the Evernote blog; do skim it). The app excels as a pared-down word processing program, and Evernote integrates with dozens of other iPhone apps. When it comes to staying organized, keeping track of ideas, and writing things down, Evernote for iPhone does the heavy lifting for you.

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Facebook
Free

With Apple's iOS 6, you can use some features of Facebook right from your phone, like post a photo taken with your iPhone to your Timeline, without even installing the app. The dedicated Facebook app, however, will keep you connected to your social network more fully. Even if you're not enthralled by Facebook, many of your friends and family probably are, and they use it to share important information that you might need to know. Whether you're an avid Facebooker or just an occasional user, the app helps you stay on top of the people and events all around you, which is reason enough to download it and log on. And for the time being, it still doesn't have advertisements (at least not beyond sponsored content that shows up in your feed).

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Find My iPhone
Free
Part and parcel of iOS 5 and Apple's iCloud , Find My iPhone needs to be installed and properly activated on your Apple device. It's crucial. Why? If your device is lost or stolen, Find My iPhone can locate it physically, on a map, to show you precisely where it is. If you misplace your phone and think it might be in the hands of someone you trust, you can log into the iCloud website from any computer or Internet connected device and send a message that will flash on the screen. If you think you misplaced it somewhere nearby, you can log in and force the phone to play a loud tone, even if it's set to silent. If you don't have Find My iPhone, you are not taking advantage of one of the best free features of iOS 5 and iOS 6. Be sure to read the few bits of information regarding set up and usage, as you have to enable geolocation services and a few other settings for it to operate properly.



Flipboard
Free

Gorgeous, compelling to touch, and with a great selection of content, Flipboard assimilates all kinds of things you want to read—from online magazine articles to news to social updates from your network—and puts them into a winning format. You can sign up to receive articles from a good range of diverse sources, such National Geographic, Brain Pickings, The Economist, Lifehacker, Food 52, The New Yorker, and many others. Originally developed for the iPad (side note: Flipboard for iPad is an utter dream) and only later ported to the iPhone's smaller screen, the app schools most others in design. The iPad version still holds court, but Flipboard for iPhone is a prince.

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Onavo
Free

Onavo reduces data usage on your iPhone, which means if you're traveling abroad or looking to pare down your data plan, it's an essential app. Easy to use and highly customizable, Onavo can significantly decrease data consumption with almost no work on your behalf. It works automatically, and it works well. If you're interested in data collection in general, Onavo will treat you to all kinds of statistics about how you're using your phone with comprehensive data reports. It has two shortcomings: 1) it doesn't support iPhone 4 on Verizon and 2) it doesn't compress streaming video.

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Snapseed
$4.99

Snapseed was our Editors' Choice among iPhone camera apps for its non-destructive editing capabilities, powerful photo correction, localized adjustments, and many image-enhancing effects. Snapseed also works very well when it comes time to share photos, integrating with all the major social networks, and it sports a clear and innovative interface. Moreover, Snapseed is the only iPhone app that even approaches the power of desktop digital image editing software. At nearly $5, it's a bit more expensive than some other iPhone camera apps, but its power and features outshine the competition handily. 

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WebMD
Free
The free reference app WebMD is one you hope you won't ever need to consult, but the moment you do need it, you'll be glad you downloaded it. WebMD works as a diagnosis app, contains listings for healthcare professionals and pharmacies in your area, and also contains first-aid guides, or simple instructions for dealing with all kinds of emergencies. Shouldn't everyone have something like this on them at all times? Parents in particular should have this app, but, really, everyone ought to download a copy for those just-in-case moments.

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Yelp
Free

I have a love-hate relationship with Yelp. There are aspects of Yelp, as a website and service that will always make me shake my head, but, as an app, it's still one of the most valuable tools available. While its utility varies from city to city—with even more unpredictable results beyond the urban landscape—Yelp pinpoints businesses by location, tells you if they're open right now, and gives you a rough estimation of whether they're places you need to go. Yelp's highly subjective user-written reviews should be read with more than a few grains of salt, but don't let that keep you from reaping the value of an excellent mobile service. When you need anything and you're in unfamiliar territory, Yelp can help.