Thing 3: Utilities

I like apps, but honestly, I haven’t delved into the world of App’s too terribly far. I don’t really know why except I guess I would rather be reading the latest best seller then looking at apps because I consider most of them to be frilly play thing do-dahs on your phone (Playing digital musical instruments because you’re bored? No thank you…) until I started Thing 3. Now that I see what some of these apps can do, I wonder, why did I not look into this earlier?!? (Ok, honestly, probably because I don’t have a data plan and a number of these that I would use outside of my house require it, but I disgress, a lot of stores have free wi-fi I could hook up to and use if I really needed too, so that’s just another lame excuse of mine).

My utility use so far prior to this exercise had been limited to Google Search (always handy for curiosity look ups, directions, etc.), a memo application for me to make notes about things I need to remember and the alarm clock app (already preinstalled on my phone) ever since my alarm clock decided to bite the dust a few months ago (and I just haven’t replaced it yet). 

The utilities listed under Thing 3 actually look COOL, so I decided to investigate further. The first thing I tried was the Google Goggles (if the name alone doesn’t spark your curiosity you’ve either never heard of Google or are no longer among the living). It is a very cool concept and idea, but honestly? It doesn't work all that well (*ducks and covers*). Now before I’m deleted from Google’s database forever, let me say in my defense that I tried to scan some common household objects, but it didn't recognize any of them. Kind of a buzz kill. 

I regularly use the Google Search App on a regular basis and have no complaints. Same great Google as my PC, just on a smaller scale and on a mobile device. <3 

I also decided to try RedLaser Barcode. This was an app that also sounded very useful. Basically you can scan any barcode into this app and it will search the internet to tell you price, availability at stores, reviews, etc. After downloading I ran around my house scanning the barcodes on random objects --my perfume, my deodorant, movies, etc. and viola! Up popped reviews, places available to purchase, price, etc. Amazing! 

I can't see myself using these apps professionally, although I can see myself using them in my personal life (and I already use Google Search). I especially enjoyed discovering RedLaser Barcode and am excited to use it in the future! On a library salary, who doesn’t like to save a few bucks? J

While loading apps on my phone from Google Play I noticed that I could browse them on my computer, send them to my phone and they would automatically download the next time my phone connected to an internet connection. How cool and easy is that? 

Please excuse me....the next best seller isn’t due out for a week and Google Play has a large library of apps just waiting to be discovered!