Scott Spiro Blog

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Ah yes, this will be a labor of love. To name my iphone app picks in a blog post! Truthfully folks, I have had quite a few iphone enthusiasts ask me “what are your top iphone app picks?” I’m dedicating this post to James Kernan of www.kernanconsulting.com who actually asked me this question and then listened while I described my entire iphone app library to him while we shared some beers at CompTIA Breakaway. Indeed, most folks are interested in my top business app recommendations, while others want to know the game pics, etc. So here they are, my top iphone app picks:

Business Apps:

1. Omnifocus: This is a great app for keeping track of things, and it’s geared specifically for users of David Allen’s “GTD”. But it works just as well on its own too. The app syncs with the mac desktop version of Omnifocus via a webDAV enabled drive like Apple’s Mobile Me. I use it to keep track of client information, meeting information, etc. and then utilize the “contexts” feature to know exactly what I need to be doing when I’m in front of my computer, or in the car, or running errands, etc. Actually, I recommend all of David Allen’s books.

2. Logmein Ignition: If you utilize Logmein this is a great app that allows you to access servers, desktops, etc. from anywhere. Works great over a 3G connection.

3. Amazon Kindle for iPhone: I’m not sure if this qualifies as a business app, but I use it. A lot. I’m always learning more about business and it’s extremely handy to pick up new books while on the go and be able to read them anywhere. Plus, the books sync with my Kindle. So I’m always up to-do-date. My notes and book marks from the Kindle also carry over too.

4. WinAdmin: Great app that allows you to connect to servers using RDP. ‘Nuff said.

5. Evernote: Evernote is a web based service that also has a Windows, Mac, and iPhone app. The service allows you to take notes including pictures and send them up to evernote where OCR is utilized to organize your info. I use the app to take pictures of presentations so I can go back and watch them again later (among other things).

6. NetNewsWire – Syncs RSS feeds with Google Reader. Handy.

7. Flight Track: I use this to track flights all the time. I’m writing this while stranded at McCarren Airport in Vegas (thanks a lot Southwest!). Very handy.

8. LiveATC: Although apps like “flightrack” are great for finding out the status of flights they can sometimes be delayed. That’s why I use LiveATC. When I am tracking someone’s flight I can listen into the tower communications at the selected airport and as long as I know their flight number, I know EXACTLY when they take off or land.

9. Apple Remote: If you use iTunes and have a single or even multiple sound systems in your home or office you must try this app. Even better if you have one or more Apple TV’s. Apple Remote is like a remote on steroids or  even what Logitech’s Harmony would like to do if it could. You can control playlists, songs, artists, genious lists, and even a DJ list that can be “voted on” and play this stuff through one or more audio systems utilizing apple tv or an airport Express. For example, I can play music in my living room via an Apple TV and also in my kitchen through an airport express plugged into a small mixer and a 600 watt Craftsman DJ amp. Either way, it will work. For apple TV’s the surface of the iphone becomes a black control surface that you can “gesture” to navigate the Apple TV menus. Check it out.

Games:

1. Monster Pinball: This game is freaking AWESOME. There’s even a lite version so go try it out. If you like pinball, this game just takes it to the next level. Aside from the game play itself, it has what could be the best sound design on any iphone app. Essentially the game has multiple game boards. There’s not much as far as help is concerned so you pretty much have to figure things out on your own. Go have fun.

2. The Deep: Another cool pinball game from the makers of Wild West Pinball. Great effects and game play. Plus a bit of a story line. Go check it out. Do it. Now.

3. Pocket God: If you are an iphone gamer and haven’t played pocket god then shame on you. Pocket God isn’t so much as a game but an experience. Yes, as you may have guessed you are the “pocket god” and you can yield your supreme powers on these helpless pigmies. The creativity in this game cannot be measured and it keeps getting better.

4. Sally’s Spa: My sister is an esthetician so I know just a little about spas. This is probably my favorite of the time management games (i.e. Cooking Dash, Dining Dash, Ranch Rush) and it literally robbed me of an entire weekend of my life. If you decide to play this game (or any of the others I listed above) prepare for lack of sleep.

5. Space Invaders Infinity Gene: A remake of Space Invaders by Taito Corp. Awesome.

6. Tap Tap Revenge: Any of the versions including the original, Tap Tap Dance, Tap Tap Revenge Lady Gaga, and the newest version. Great games for music lovers.

7. Blackbeard’s Assault: This is my favorite of the “shoot the colored balls” games (Bonsai Blast, StoneLoops of Jurassica, and Luxor also are runners up).

8. Trism and Galcon: Must haves.

9. Lightsaber: Turns your iphone into a lightsaber. Limitless Fun. Also, you can create your own lightsaber.

There are many more, but those are a few you should check out.

Social Media

1. TweetDeck: The iphone version of the top rated desktop twitter app.

2. Facebook: This is a new version of the original app. Greatly improved. And free.

3. Skype: Yes, does everything the desktop version does. Almost.

4. WordPress: Blog on the go, you know?

Travel and Entertainment

1. DLP Walkee: This is for Disneyland lovers. This app gives you the park map and allows you and the rest of the Walkee community to update the ride line wait times for everyone else to see. Tons of additional info and trivia right on your iphone.

2. Zagat to go: You know what this does right? Access all of Zagat’s reviews right on your iPhone.

3. OpenTable: This really works. You can really make reservations on your iphone!

4. Lonely Planet: The best city guides around.

5. Tripit: Yes, Yes, Yes! Access your Tripit Account!

Shopping

1. Grocery Gadget: This app is the bomb. I can be at the store and my wife can be adding items to the list. I actually took pictures of most of the items I buy a Costco, and insert them in the app.Yes, this might surprise you but for those who really know me it probably doesn’t.

2. Amazon.com: Let me tell you how cool this is- you take a picture of an item you want and a few minutes later the app gets back to you with the item at the amazon store. Freakin’ awesome right?

Music

1. iDrum: Bitchin pattern drum machine.

2. BeatMaker

3. Melodica: Kinda a Tenori-On device..

4. Guitarist: great guitar tools

5. Ocinara: A virtualized 12,000 year old flute that not only allows you to play for yourself but also lets you plan and listen to thousands of other users world-wide.

Apps I’d like to see:

1. Autotask for iPhone: If you are an MSP or Outsourced IT Service Provider you might use Autotask. It’s a great SaaS app. Where is the iPhone App? This would be EXTREMELY useful.

2. iChat A/V for iphone: Ok, so it’s far fetched. But c’mon Apple! We want to video chat from our iphones!

Are there some apps that YOU like? Let me know by writing your comments below.