Most useful applications of 2017

Everyone is looking to improve how they function both personally and on various hand-held devices. We have come up with what we believe some of the most useful applications for the year have been. 

 DASHLANE  Android / iOS (Free) 
The seemingly endless number of passwords needed to sign into your digital apps and services is dizzying, which makes password security a priority. Alongside the equally well-regarded 1Password, Dashlane password manager will help you generate secure passwords, then encrypts and stores them on your device so you don’t lose track. 

SLEEP CYCLE Android / iOS (Free) 
Set your smartphone’s default alarm to permanent snooze in favour of this app, which aims to dispel your morning blues. It uses your phone’s microphone and accelerometer (the thing that detects when your phone is moving) to track your sleep through sound and movement, then wakes you in your lightest sleep phase near to your alarm time. 

GRAMMARLY KEYBOARD Android / iOS (Free) 
If your Achilles heel is confusing “less” and “fewer”, or even “your” and “you’re”, Grammarly is here to help. It replaces the default iOS keyboard and checks your grammar, spelling and punctuation as you go. 

 GOOGLE PHOTOS Android / iOS (Free) 
As a high-powered alternative to your smartphone’s default photo library, Google Photos takes some beating. It backs up an unlimited number of photos (and videos) in the cloud, offers simple but useful editing features, and creates albums for you around specific events, with excellent search features to mine your catalogue of images. 

IFTTT Android / iOS (Free) 
IFTTT stands for If This, Then That, enabling you to link your devices and apps so that they work together. For example, if you share a photo in Instagram, it will also save to your Dropbox. When you get a missed call, your phone can email you a reminder. Or if you are nearing home, you can turn on your lights or central heating. Its latest tricks are working with smart speakers like Google Home.