Five Common Apps for Android, iOS
There are hundreds of thousands of application that can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes for their respective devices. Before, most of these applications are exclusive to either Android or iOS, but now, developers have optimised their applications to make them usable to both OS platforms, increasing their target market users.
Instagram is an online photo-sharing and social networking service which enables photo captures and then digitally applies filter.
Android version: Features custom designed filters and borders with instant sharing to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr, and Foursquare. The app requires Android 2.2 or later and consumes 16MB of memory from the device. Last updated on January 11, 2013.
iOS version: Features custom designed filters and borders as well with instant sharing to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Foursquare, and Posterous. The app requires iOS 4.3 or later and consumes 14.4MB of memory from the device. It was last updated on Dec 21, 2012.
Chrome Browser is the developed browser from Google and now optimised for both Android and iOS devices.
Android version: Android devices gain accelerated browsing speed and incognito mode, plus other features from the desktop version. The size of the app varies from model and it was last updated on Nov 28, 2012.
iOS version: The Chrome finally landed in iOS and offers same quality, fast browser speed, and incognito mode of the desktop equivalent. According to iTunes, it will only eat up 15.7MB from the device's memory and it was updated on Dec 20, 2012.
Facebook Messenger is a stand-alone chat messaging app for Facebook contacts.
Android version: The current version is 2.2.4 and aside from the text messaging and push notifications, the app also allows sending of photos, smileys, emoji and group conversation. The app also includes swipe left gestures to see who is online.
iOS version: The available from iTunes has the version 2.1 which include fixes of quick voice messaging and calling feature. Currently, Facebook is improving their iOS app after it was recently released for iPhone and iPad.
Information Apps
Google Now - Right Information at the Right Time
Google designed this new feature commonly available for Android Jellybean devices which allows the user to be informed of traffic update, transit schedule, sports scoring, weather, flight schedule, appointments, and tracks various places. The app also features Voice Actions.
Siri - Your Wish Is Its Command
The app is designed for voice interaction with user to command the iOS device on doing tasks hands free such as sending messages, calling someone, schedule meetings, search through browsers, make dinner reservations, and much more. It is currently available for iPhone 4S and later, iPad with Retina display, iPad mini, and iPod Touch 5th generation.
What's New?
Daydream is a new feature which can only be found in Jellybean version of the Android OS. It lets the user to make use of the display by putting on photo albums or news feeds from Google Currents or Flipboard as its screensaver during idle moments or when docked.
Passbook puts boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, loyalty cards, and more in just one place. The Passbook add passes through apps, emails, and websites which from participating airlines, theaters, and stores. The user can use the iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get a movie seat, and redeem coupons.