Emerging Technologies: Best Apps of 2016

I decided that I would limit my list this year to free apps and not include game apps. There are some apps that I left off the list because they seemed too niche for most people; the kind of app users only need in a certain situation and then delete it later; and apps that have had major issues in the last year (crashes, data loss, questionable future). I tried to give the main reason the app is on the list and eliminated any app that is not available on both Android and Apple phones. Doing all of that is tough, there are some great apps that are perfect for really specialized tasks or are available but only for Android, iPhone, or they cost money. If I forgot one of your favorite apps or you think... why isn't this on the list! Please let me know.

I linked the name of the app to it's website where the developer usually explains the app, has tutorials, and links to the app's download link for each platform. If they don't have a website (or the website does not link to the app downloads) I added the links to their spot in the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). One of the issues with apps is that many apps do not work on all versions of the operating system. If you have an older phone you may find that less and less apps are able to be used on your device. I see this happen more with Android apps but it can also be true of older Apple devices. In some cases users can "side load" an app but it may not work correctly and it does take some more advanced technical skill.

Outlook - great calendar and e-mail integration

Gmail - (iOS and Android) upgraded user interface and graphics make it even better

ProtonMail - encrypted e-mail that allows multiple security features

Facebook - (iOS and Android) Live video, groups, and almost everyone you know

Instagram - (iOS and Android) adopting some video features,updating the interface, and cutting down spam makes it better

SnapChat - it's where everyone under 30 is, group chats added, and users can save their snaps

LastPass - one of the best password managers is now free on mobile, plus interface upgrades

Chrome - (iOS and Android) one of the best mobile browsers improved the amount of memory it uses

Opera Mini (iOS and Android) - the fastest light weight browser with the best privacy features

Waze - a navigation app that gives users traffic and location information, and remembers where you parked

Google Maps - (iOS and Android) the information it can provide about locations on top of its navigation keep it great

Opera VPN - a free Virtual Private Network can come in handy on free Wi-Fi, easy to use

(Facebook) Messenger - video messaging (now includes groups), stickers, and encryption if you want it.

Signal - the best messaging app for the privacy minded, full encryption

MyFitnessPal - (iOS and Android) user interface upgrades

and added features

SwiftKey - a great keyboard that learns how you type and the remembers things you frequently type

Gboard - (iOS and Android) best keyboard if you're a frequent emoji user

Spotify - the best at suggesting new music and playlists, ease of use, and developing exclusive content

Netflix - improved interface, download option, and new exclusive content

YouTube - (iOS and Android) Video content that runs a wide

spectrum. For the younger generation it is indispensable.

Prisma - turns your photos into art and adds new modes frequently

Google Photos - (iOS and Android) save your photos and your devices space, users can edit photos, make videos, and more

PicsArt - Lots of photo editing options, fun stickers, make a meme

Photoshop Fix - the Photoshop features most people use

YouCam Perfect - the ultimate selfie app with all kinds of photo editing features specific to creating the perfect selfie

OverDrive - when it comes to library eBooks, it's the best available

Hoopla - music and videos available from your library

Duolingo - learn a language, their new chat bot helps with conversational language

Pocket - save articles and find new things to read, easy to use interface, multiplatform

Nuzzel - (iOS and Android) find articles through social media connections and the "discover" feature, create your own newsletter based on what you are interested in, reccomend, or read.

CamScanner - scan documents, send them as pictures or PDF, easy to use

Heirloom - scan old photos and share them with family or friends

Yummly - (iOS and Android) find and share recipes easily

Evernote - (iOS and Android) still the best productivity app user interface-wise

Google Keep - (iOS and Android) best productivity app storage-wise

Google Hangouts - (iOS and Android) best video chat app, works with pretty much every device

Fitocracy - learn new workouts, get plans based on your goals, share your progress

My Asics Running Coach - running plans for every distance and adjusts based on your schedule and goals

Nike+ Run Club - user interface upgrades, additional features, running community, better Apple Watch integration

Strava - the best tracking app for cycling and hiking

WhosCall - caller ID app that helps you avoid scam and spam calls

Cash - send people money by using your debit card powered by Square, nice for splitting a check

UnTappd - beer ratings, reviews, and a community of users. Sale and event notifications are handy.

Mint - the best personal finance app hands down just got some nice graphics and feature upgrades

Weather Underground - crowd sourced information helps it be accurate, the smart forecast allows you to set conditions and it will show you when those are met. Great for runners and other pastimes.

Weather Channel - background is a nice local photo, provides a lot of helpful information in a quick easy to use screen.

NPR One - National Public radio's app has a lot of great content. This app brings both local and national shows, recommends things you'd like, and allows you to share great stories you find.