What the Tech: Apps for adults
Most of us use the same five or six apps every day. But there are millions in the app stores. Most you’ve never heard of. Once you do, though, you might wonder how you ever lived without them.
Radio Garden is one of the most unique audio apps available. When you open it, you’ll see a spinning globe covered with tiny green dots. Each dot is a live radio station broadcasting from somewhere in the world. Tap a dot in Paris, Dublin, or your hometown, and instantly hear what’s on the air there. It is one of the coolest ways to explore music, talk, and culture from anywhere on the planet.
If you spend more time flipping through streaming apps than actually watching something, check out Reelgood. This app pulls in all of your streaming services into one interface. Add the services you already pay for, like Netflix, Hulu, or Prime, and it will only show you what’s available to watch. It updates daily with new recommendations and lets you launch shows or movies directly from inside the app.
If you enjoy reading and haven’t tried the Libby app, it may quickly become a favorite. Log in with your local library card, and you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free. You can read them inside the app or send them to your Kindle. Books are loaned out for two weeks and automatically returned when time is up. That means no late fees and no trips to the library.
For meal prep or dinner ideas, Tasty is one of the best recipe apps for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. You can search for dishes by ingredient or cuisine and watch short, easy-to-follow videos for each recipe. The videos loop each step until you’re ready to move on, so you never fall behind. It also creates a list of ingredients you can text or email to yourself for your next grocery trip. If you’re not sure what to make, Tasty even lets you search based on what you already have in your fridge or pantry.
These apps are available for both iPhone and Android, and they are free to download. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, something new to cook, or just a better way to use the services you already have, these apps are smart, simple, and surprisingly helpful.
If your birthdate starts with 19, it is not too late to feel like a tech expert.
