Top Complimentary Apps for Instagram

I have been playing around with Instagram for quite some time now and I just love the way the filters bring to life photos that one would take with their camera phones and transform it into SLR like shots. But with continued usage I have often found myself wishing that there were more things that I can do to further personalize the photos that I am taking and sharing. Thankfully, there have been a lot of developers that have answered to this need and to help all of you that are as interested in enhancing your Instagram Photo experience, check out the following applications:

Photo Taken from LegoLand Malaysia edited with Snapseed and Pixlr Express

Create a Grid of Photos:

• iPhone: PicStitch
• iPhone: Diptic
• iPhone: PicFrame
• Android: Photo Grid
• Android: PicCollage

Effects:

• iPhone: PicFX
• iPhone: XnView Photo FX
• Android: PicsArt
• Android: Pudding Camera
• Android/iPhone: Pixlr Express
• Android/iPhone: Snapseed
• Android/iPhone: Cartoon Camera

Lens Boost:

• iPhone: Camera+
• Android: Camera ZOOM Fx

Now when you go off to that wild adventure you have a full armament of things you can do with your Smartphone as you snap and share away the memories. These applications with my HTC One X, makes some pretty awesome pictures like the one below:

Cheers!!! :D

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Best Windows 8 Like Launcher for Android Smartphones

I have had the time to go through a lot of different Windows 8 Live tile launchers and many if not almost all had failed to function like the actual Windows Live Tile System. That is until the Launcher 8 was introduced into the Google Play Market. Now with 24, 000 user downloads and at an average rating of 4.5, this new Windows 8 Launcher is proving to be quite a good alternative to those that are bored with the regular Android Feel and are craving for something simplified with a Windows Live Tile feel.

Curious? Here are some of the key features of this amazing WP8 Launcher:

- You can add different size tiles;
- You can add a variety of color tile;
- You can save and restore the theme;
- You can edit the start screen layout;
- You can set the current background style;
- You can switch the application list style
- You can add Android widgets in the tiles;
- You can set the wp8 style lock screen and status bar;
- You can select more than one hundred kinds of theme colors;
- You can add special features tiles,like time ,pictures and contact photo.

Reminder:
1 shows the live contact needs to read the contact data access permission;
2 add a shortcut when direct dial call authority need the android.permission.CALL_PHONE ;
3 add send SMS shortcut operation message need permission.

Here are sample Pictures of the interface that is amazingly highly customizable:

Though there are some bugs it still proves to be one of the best new launchers out there and the really good thing about it is that the developer is allowing people to download and use it for free, that doesn't mean though that they wont stop developing and improving it. Based on the user feedback I have found that there have already been several improvements by the time I got to use it and that the developers are constantly working on getting to hit it just right. I personally have moved over to using this launcher over my Sense 4+ on my HTC One X and though some have complained of battery drain, I haven't noticed anything above the ordinary at least in the battery department. I think I'll be keeping this till HTC Sends over the updates for HTC Sense 5 with Blink Feed. 

Overall, this is a must try launcher for all of you that are tired of the User Interface that came pre-installed in your Android units. Do remember that this is still being developed further and may take some tweaking of the settings to get things right. The great thing about it is that this allows you to customize it as much if not more than what Windows Phone 8 allows its user giving it a truly more personalized feel to your phone. Even the lock screen is exactly the same way as that of the Windows Phone 8.

Here's a screenshot of how I have customized mine to my personal taste:

Here is the link for Launcher 8

Till next Time...

-Metz-

Philippine Salary and Taxes Calculator Application

If you are someone that wants to check out how much you'll be getting each paycheck after all the tax deductions check out this cool Tax Calculator application.

Tax Calculator is a useful tool for computing your monthly or semi-monthly tax of your salary. This tool also computes for your net salary as well as basic deductions. 

Based on experience it does pretty well and is only slightly off by a few pesos. It also is a pretty good tool to compute on how much you'll be getting if ever you are applying for a job and all they indicate is your gross salary. 

The Tax Calculator is pretty easy and straight forward to use. Simply plug in your salary and let it do the rest. 

Overall, I personally love the Tax Calculator application as it is straight forward and does exactly what it says it is meant to do. It simple and easy to use and it is pretty much accurate with the way it computes for your net salary. Not very many salary applications are out there that can do exactly what this can at least for those working in the Philippines. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz- 

Simple Yet Elegant - Smart Launcher Pro

I rarely would go to a different launcher UI for my HTC One X as there are very little that are out there that show a sense of style and yet not hog up my battery and phone's memory just to work. I was fortunate enough to have gotten to stumble upon one Android Launcher that is capable of giving me the simplicity and functionality of an Android environment but yet is elegant and smart in its design. That is what Smart Launcher Pro has provided for those that would be willing to pay out a little bit more for something that gives a very intuitive UI.

Smart Launcher is an innovative launcher characterized by a minimalist design, low memory usage and an user-friendly UI that let you start any application with a few taps.

It is currently the only launcher on the store to features automatic cataloging of installed apps!

I don't use any license check, it's useless. I update this app weekly, spend few dollars is easier than download a pirate version every week.

Features:
- Main screen with Quick Start
- Drawer organized by categories
- Ready to use without special configurations.
- Support for Live Wallpaper and screens of different sizes.
- Support of set of icons for Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher

I like how quick and easy it is to navigate around the Smart Launcher Pro. You can tap on the side or the app launcher button to get to the app drawer. The automatic cataloging of the installed applications makes it so easy to find your applications. If ever you do find that one of the applications have been placed in the wrong category, transferring them around is as simple as dragging it to the appropriate category. 

It is also quite rare to find an alternative launcher that supports live wallpaper and this one does. The flower patterned quick buttons make it all the more attractive to look at. 

Overall, the Smart Launcher Pro is a must use launcher for those that are tired of the usual Android UI that has come with your phone. It's simple and yet elegant. It is also quite fast and easy to use. The amount of memory that is uses to work is even far less than what Samsung or HTC have come out with in terms of UI build. If you are still unsure though you can download their free version called the Smart Launcher and see for yourself if this is something that you would like to use on your Android Smartphone. I am confident that you'd like how it feels, and like many others that have used it will most likely be using it moving forward. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Temple Run 2: Imangi's Next Big Mobile Gaming Hit

It is undeniable that Imangi has really made an impact on mobile gaming with their initial game launch called Temple Run. It revolutionized the runner class for mobile gaming and thus spark a new era in that particular niche. Many developers have worked on cashing in on the craze and have since then seen countless number of games that are themed in a similar way. Disney and Imangi have even teamed up and launched a special edition to the game called Temple Run Brave for the Animation Movie Brave, where the idea was pretty much similar to the Original Temple Run but with added tasks such as shooting targets with your arrows as you try to outrun the demon bear known as Mordu through the forest. 

Temple Run 2 is a fresh new out look on the game and Imangi has successfully made the Sequel just as entertaining if not more. Here's what one can expect from Temple Run 2.

Obstacles look similar but with a few new twists

While sticking to the basic principles of the original game, Temple Run 2 is yet again put in a scene where a daring explorer would be scurrying from cave while being chased by a mad demonic ape like creature that is out to gobble him up. The game starts off at an easy pace and eventually picks up speed the further you get into the game. You'll be tasked with collecting coins and power ups as you run, slide, jump, and ride miner carts down a tunnel to avoid various obstacles that are out to hamper your escape. 

 Using the device's Gyro and accelerometer, you can dodge obstacles by tilting your device to the left or right. Swipe gestures are still one of the key factors, and so is collecting gold coins. 

It is the new environment, that makes this game so much more entertaining, even if the gameplay is still essentially the same with the first Temple Run. The once dark and murky swamp has now given way to a picturesque mountain path that is reminiscent of The Great Wall of China. Here you'll find yourself sliding down ropes, swinging left to right collecting coins, jumping across fast moving rivers and waterfalls, skipping past broken bridges and sliding under temple ruins and over spiked booby traps and fire jets along the way. In the mines you'll be forced to ride the mining cart and tilt your way across perilous crossings and broken rails while ducking under broken mine shafts. 

Watch out for those power-ups and tricky miner levels

In the mines, you'll be riding a cart along a beaten track. You'll have to be quick on your wrist and reflexes as you need to lean and duck to collect coins and avoid obstacles or broken tracks. The wrong turn could leave you face first on a dead end or crashing to the unknown depths of the cave below. 

What has been quite a welcome feature in the game is the easy resurrection option which is available immediately after a mishap and costs a gem (collectible within the game) for the first save and two for the second and so forth. You also dont need to buy the head start upgrades as once you have enough coins, the option is readily available on screen as you start the game, without the need to buy in the store to get the upgrade like in the first Temple Run. Upgrades are available nonetheless from boosting the time limit on various options like the magnetic capture of coins or gaining protective shields, speed boosts etc. With 10,000 coins, you can even choose a new character to run. 

Upgrade your existing character or simply choose a new one

The further you get into the game the faster the pace gets and this is where things tend to become rather tricky. There can be some instances where you might think that the road continues up ahead but end up flying off the screen as that signals a dead end cliff hanger situation that you should swipe left or right to avoid.  

Overall, Temple Run 2 is definitely a well designed game, with the new elements making it quite fresh and appealing is proving to be a worthy successor to the original Temple Run Game. It has no issues in terms of gaming in both IOS and Google Android Devices and even plays more smoothly than the first. Best part about it is that it is free to download for both as well. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz- 

PS. I am curious as to how everyone is scoring on their Temple Run 2 Games :) Do post them here in the comment field, or if you have any tips on how to better play that game please do share them as well :) 

Review of Noom: Best Android Weight Loss Coach

In the spirit of prepping for the summer beach vacations where our top destinations for this year which is going to be Boracay in the Philippines and Bali, Indonesia, I have decided to give a Top Rated Android application called Noom Weight Loss Coach to see if this would be able to help me shed the pounds I have gained in the past year.

I used to be around 165-170lbs last year when I was considered quite fit for someone of 5'8" in height. After the holidays I now weigh about 185lbs. So in reference I have gained about 20lbs more or less and that is what Noom shall be helping me loose through a series of guided motivational point system that makes one aware of the practices that would have most certainly caused me to gain any more weight. Initially once you log in it'll be asking questions about your weight, age, and gender to determine your starting point. It'll also ask for a goal you would like to set for yourself and introduce you to a calorie centric methodology for loosing weight. Noom's philosophy is to make you aware of what you are eating by training you to diligently log in your food intake and you are responsible with strictly following your daily allowed calorie intake. The daily allowed calorie intake adjusts appropriately depending on your activities such as workout, how many steps you were able to take for the day and if you overate or didn't eat enough the previous day. It also gives bonus points when you read and do a particular challenge which requires internet access to be able to view, though generally the application works even without internet.

One downside that I noticed was the exercise mode wherein I had to bring my device say on a tread mill and run to record my progress. Using my Samsung Galaxy Note, that proved to be quite a challenge till I figured that I could just place it in my pouch bag strapped to my waist. I would most definitely have to get an arm brace for it to be able to be less convenient moving forward. The application tracked my workout progress pretty well but when it came to pilates and other floor workouts, I just couldn't figure out how it would be able to track those accurately. I also dont see how I could use it to track my workout if ever I had to swim knowing that most gadgets aren't water proof.

In terms of educating me with facts about weight loss and how to better manage my waistline, the Noom Weight Loss Coach has been very informative and the challenges were all worth doing. I have learned a lot in terms of the nutritional value of the food that I eat. I noticed that I was eating a lot of food that were in the yellow(average) and in the red(bad food such as white sugar and white flour) as compared to the ideal intake of food that are considered in the green (healthy food).

Being about two weeks into the Noom program I have personally lost about 2lbs though at times I would gain. I got worried actually when I gained but when Noom indicated that I should also monitor my waistline, I realized that I had gained muscle weight as I had lost an inch on my waist. Overall, the Noom is really a great weight loss coach but for it to be effective one should be very dedicated to follow its strict guidelines. I made it a fave application on my home screen so that I would be reminded to log in my food intake and more as compared to leaving it in the app drawer. I personally have no doubt as to being able to reach my goals for this summer in terms of weight loss, I just have to be mindful of what I eat and try my hardest to follow what Noom recommends.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Android Christmas Applications Special: Christmas Greeting Cards HD

With the Xmas season now here and the time to celebrate with loved ones is near, take advantage of this amazing e-card maker to make the season extra special. The Christmas Greeting Cards HD is easy to use and best of all its all absolutely free. This free greeting card maker app helps you send the most appropriate, funny, thoughtful e-cards as a message to your friends.

The app has a huge collection of HD greeting card images and photos you can choose from. The categories present are: Christmas, Birthday, New year's, Valentine, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Sorry, Love, Wedding, Thanks, Funny, Firworks, Animals, Nature, Abstract.

You can send your greeting card by email or gmail, Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp or whatever other sharing app you have installed on your Android. No matter whether you need it for a birthday, holiday or something else, this app lets you select a cool image from a selection of thousands of nice pictures.
This version has special Christmas decorations for you to add to the greeting cards.

Most other e-card applications are free to download but many will charge for you to have it sent. This one doesn't. With the tons of card images that can be used for all seasons, this is definitely a keeper in terms of applications. 

Make someone special for your smile today, with just a few clicks, you can send your most heartfelt messages with ease. 

Happy Holidays Everyone

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Google Play Reco's: Sector Strike

I have just gotten hooked on a new great time waster that is quite a marvel to play especially at times when you just can't seem to do anything else but sit back and wait for that plane to arrive, which is usually the case with Cebu Pacific during the evening flights.

The game is called Sector Strike by Clapfoot Inc, which puts you in control of a futuristic fighter jet which you shall be controlling with your finger and guiding it through different levels of enemy sectors and dodging a myriad of bullets. Upgrades can be done through collection of resources from every enemy you get to shoot down or if you feel like you want to get the upper edge but have no desire to wait it our you'd have the option to pay the extra dollars for it. I also love the fact that there are no advertisements that are in the way of the gameplay and it is free to download and play. 

In terms of controls, Sector Strike is able to deliver a very touch responsive game and the graphics are pretty decent. You can get power ups, coins and square resources with every enemy you get to shoot down. Power ups provide a shield for a single hit. Each power up collected gives you an upgrade on your fire power from rocket, laser, and circling shield drone, all of which get activated in that chronological order. But as mentioned if you get hit you loose all of them instantly and will have to work your way up again to get them back, unless you have another passive ability upgraded that enables you to store a power up. You also get to collect coins in the form of gold sparklers and square resources which are needed for a higher upgrade and for the passive ship abilities and skin changes. The trick to get through a game is to really focus on avoiding all of the kamikaze ships and the bullets which are slow moving enough to get around and shoot them down before you find yourself backed up to a corner. 

Here is what Clapfoot has to say about their game Sector Strike:
A futuristic shoot ‘em up designed to challenge your reflexes and wits.

"...on its way to becoming one of the must-have Android game" - PartyHitsRadio

"If your a fan of games like Super R-Type, then this will be right up your alley–and best of all, it’s free!" - YourTechReport

A futuristic shoot 'em up designed to challenge your reflexes and wits. Sector Strike combines the mechanics of old school shooters and the aesthetics of modern 3D games.

Battle through relentless waves of AI drones in a campaign that will take you through 4 unique environments. Earn credits and upgrade your ship with new weapons, equipment, and abilities.

ADDICTIVE power-up system that will keep you coming back for more

UPGRADE your ship with over 20 weapons and abilities such as hellfire missiles and call for reinforcements.

ADVANCED GRAPHICS that will take advantage of your new mobile device

CLASSIC space shooter game mechanics familiar to retro gamers and fans of the SHUMP gendre

ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK from Boneyard Audio

CLOUD BACKUP SUPPORT ensures that you'll never lose your save game data again, even if you change your device!

COMPATIBLE with older devices like the Galaxy Ace

CUSTOMIZE your ship with custom skins

Gaming overall is quite smooth and quite entertaining, yet challenging enough to keep you hooked on it for hours. I personally got hooked cause every sector of the game always keeps me feeling that I am so close to finishing this sector, I just need to be mindful of the bullets and be smart at which ships I should shoot down first. It really is a game that'll keep gamers preoccupied for a long period of time at least till your wait is over and it's time to board that plane to head on home.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Two of Google Play's Best Free Photo Editor Applications

There are many Google Play applications out there that are being marketed even sold as Photo Editing Applications but I have to tell you that none have come close to the two Photo Editing Applications that I shall be introducing today.

Smartphones have come a long way as simple smartphones, today one of the most used functionality of a smartphone is to take photographs and share them. Instagram, Streamzoo and many more have offered these particular services but still lack the edge that Photoshop would offer in terms of layers and editing options. Photoshop express also got to launch in the Google Play universe but still doesn't deliver the much needed editing functionalities of its full featured program. Now there are two photo applications that have been released this year that does exactly what a professional photographer would need but yet is so simple to use as if one were using the filters and editing abilities of Instagram. These two programs are Pixlr Express and Snapseed. Both these applications deliver an incredible choice of photo editing options that range from layers to filters and so much more. Both these photo applications are also free to download and use even offline, though Pixlr Express requires you to download some of it's filters first to use otherwise you'd just end up with the default layers.

Pixlr Express:

Pixlr Express is available online via http://pixlr.com/express/ but they also have the application on Google Play that is just a marvel to use. The controls are very intuitive and you can play and experiment with the different layers and filters that are quit numerous to mention.

Here is a quick summary of what they have to offer:
More than 600 effects, overlays, and borders to personalize any image, free!

Pixlr Express is a fun and free photo editor that lets you quickly crop, re-size, and fix any picture, remove red-eye, and whiten teeth. Then choose from more than 600 effects, overlays, and borders to personalize any image—all for free. From the makers of Pixlr-o-matic, Pixlr Express will make you look like a pro, even if you’ve never edited a photo before.

✓ Crop, resize, straighten and rotate images easily.
✓ ‘Auto Fix’ photos for a one-click fix to balance out colors, adjusting for dark photos and poor lighting conditions.
✓ Remove red-eye and whiten teeth with simple tools.
✓ Overlays help you adjust the mood – amplify the tone, cool it down, or add surreal shades.
✓ Lighting effects can add drama, sparkle or a grunge look. Easily adjust the intensity and orientation of each effect.
✓Finish off your photo process with the right border – pick a style that fits you.
✓Look like a pro with cool photo effects like focal blur, denoise and more.
✓Explore color tools to adjust contrast, brighten, or focus on one color with a color splash.
✓Keep track of your favorite effects and overlays with the favorites button.
✓Share your photo directly with your friends through Facebook, Instagram, twitter or any of your favorite sharing apps, or just save it back to your Gallery.
✓No camera required! Select a photo from your gallery and start applying filters. If your device has a camera, you can also snap a new picture from within the app.

Here is a quick preview of what you'll find in the application:

Snapseed

Snapseed also has their desktop version and mobile version as well. Here is the link for their desktop version: http://www.snapseed.com/. Snapseed's Application for Google Play users also offers a wide range of photo editing options that one who is a photo enthusiasts should definitely try out. The controls and how to use the application though may take some time to get used to, but they have thankfully incorporated an initial tutorial upon startup. It also provides a more in-depth editing of photos such as the power to edit just portions of the photo's contrast, brightness and color as opposed to the usual entire photo treatment. It has also won numerous awards as of late for many of its innovative technology in terms of photo editing prowess, luckily enough for us they still provide this application to Android users for free. 

Here is more of what Snapseed offers:

FEATURES:
== Basic Adjustments ==
• Auto Correct - Automatically analyzes your photo and adjusts color and exposure to perfection.
• Selective Adjust - Make precise selections and enhancements to specific areas of your photos in seconds with Nik Software’s revolutionary U Point technology.
• Tune Image - Use Ambience to create depth and vibrancy that uniquely adapts to colors and textures. Adjust White Balance, Saturation, Contrast, more.
• Straighten & Rotate - Rotate 90° and/or straighten photos with simple gesture controls.
• Crop - Easily crop images to remove distracting parts of your photo with standard aspect ratios, or a free crop.

== Creative Enhancements ==
• Black & White - Get that classic Black and White look with this darkroom-inspired filter.
• Vintage Films - Make any photo look like a vintage color film photo from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.
• Drama - Add style with a custom effect specifically tailored to your photos, ranging from subtle textures to wildly artistic effects.
• Grunge - Give your photos a totally unique, hip, and dingy look.
• Tilt-Shift - Create a narrow in-focus area designed to simulate depth of field, common in a Miniature Scene look.
• Details - Enhance details with traditional sharpening or the unique Structure control found in the Nik Software professional products.
• Center Focus - Draw attention to the subject of your photo by blurring and adjusting the brightness of the surrounding background.
• Organic Frames - Add stylized borders to photos for the perfect finishing touch.

Here is what Snapseed looks:

Here are a comparative example of a photo that have been edited with Pixlr Express and Snapseed:

Original Photo Taken with Low Light using the HTC One X

Pixlr Express Edited Photo

Snapseed Edited Photo

Personally I would normally jump from one application to another to edit a photograph that I like and try to come out with something that I feel could be framed in my home or office. Here is a sample photo of what one can do with these two applications:

Ultimately, these two applications make a duo powerhouse for all those photo enthusiasts and can even be a way to further enhance those pics you want to share via instagram and streamzoo. Pixlr Express and Snapseed both deliver an endless choice of photo editing possibilities and yet still provides users ease of use making it an easy favorite when it comes to Android Photo Applications. Take the time to explore these two applications and since it is free you've got nothing to loose and yet you have lots of fun photos to gain.

Just a quick reference for compatibility of software with your Android Unit:

Pixlr is Compatible with all Android devices

Snapseed is not compatible with these models:

Samsung Galaxy GT I8150 (Samsung Galaxy Wonder)

Samsung Galaxy GT S5360 (Samsung Galaxy Young)

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Google Play's Must Have Travel Applications

I shall be featuring applications that have been a life saver for me during times of our travels, particularly when it comes to discounts and of course emergencies. More or less these shall be on the Google Android Platform but I am pretty sure that many of these if not all are also available on the IOS platform. Best thing also about these applications is that on Google Play these are all free to download and use.

1. MapFactor - Navigator:

I can't express how many times this has really saved my butt from getting lost and also has helped me find the coolest hot spots in town. I know it may take a little getting used to but if you are no stranger to GPS navigation devices this would be quite easy to use. All you need is a device that has GPS-GLONASS feature and ample memory for the maps that you'll be downloading and you should be good to go. MapFactor will guide you turn by turn to any waypoint/destination you wish to go to and all this through the GPS signal even without Internet given that you have downloaded the map of that particular country.

Voice guidance
* intuitive voice navigation in different languages
* door to door route planning
* cross-border routing without the need to switch between countries or to a less detailed map
* overview of the upcoming manoeuvre and distance shown on the screen

GPS satellite navigation
* 2D/3D mode allows realistic visual map display
* day/night modes switch colour schemes for day or night time driving
* map rotates in driving direction, or north up

Searching
* find nearest points of interest
* postcodes
* full GB postcodes (1.8 million)

Speed cameras
* hear audible warnings as you approach speed cameras

Features
* add your own favourite locations and routes
* routing modes for car, pedestrian, truck
* route avoidance - block off certain road from your route

2. Agoda:

This is a hotel booking application that also has a web-version and has been quite helpful in finding the best deals even at crunch time for a place to stay in almost any given area. We were able to get a flash deal for an on the day deal at a price that is wickedly cheap, which was a life saver when I lost my passport on the day that we had to leave for HongKong and was in dire need of a place to book and crash till I got my temporary passport. On normal occasions you'd find deals that can be converted in your chosen currency for convenience with an Agoda guarantee of the best deals across the board. It even rivals that of Expedia and Bookings.com.

The agoda advantage. To go.
- Over 200,000 hotels worldwide
- 2,000,000+ hotel reviews every year
- Free stays with agoda rewards savings
- Best price guaranteed! New deals everyday!
- Trusted by over 4,600,000 customers

Look what you can do:
- Book over 200,000 hotels worldwide
- Click to find hotels near you, wherever you are
- Use our filters to find the perfect hotel for your budget and style
- Find your way back to the hotel with interactive maps

Plus you can save confirmations for hassle-free check-in, pay with total security, flip through over a million helpful customer reviews and enjoy the full agoda experience wherever you are, all with the customary ease of your Android mobile.

3. Google Drive:

Surprised that this is part of the travel applications must haves? This is because Google Drive has been a great place to save online copies of travel documents, itineraries and has the power to share particular documents with family and friends. It is great in times of emergencies like if ever you, God forbid, lost your passport and needed to show the consulate a copy of your travel documents.

Keep everything. Share anything.

*** Google Docs is now a part of Google Drive! ***

* With Google Drive, you can store all your files in one place, so you can access them from anywhere and share them with others
* Use the Google Drive Android app to access your photos, documents, videos and other files stored on your Google Drive
* Upload files to Google Drive directly from your Android device
* Share any file with your contacts
* Access files others have shared with you on Google Drive
* Make any file available offline so you can access them even when you don't have an Internet connection
* Manage files on the go
* Create and edit Google documents with support for tables, comments and rich text formatting
* Create and edit Google spreadsheets with support for text formatting, multiple sheets and sorting
* Edits to your Google documents and spreadsheets appear to collaborators in seconds
* View Google presentations with full animations and speaker notes
* View your PDFs, Office documents and more
* Upload and convert files to the Google Docs format
* Take a photo of printed text and convert it to Google Docs format
* Print files stored in Google Drive on the go using Google Cloud Print
* Open files stored in Google Drive through Drive enabled apps in the browser

4. TripAdvisor:

This is an awesome application to have that will guide you of the hottest deals, itineraries, restaurants, and even a forum where you can ask other travelers on tips and advices on places you are planning to visit. You can even download specific tripadvisor apps for particular countries which will give you a more detailed info on that area. I personally use it for it's Things to Do feature that automatically has a list of itineraries with user reviews of the places I visit. It is convenient because now I have a trusted list that I can simply pull out anytime.

The TripAdvisor mobile app is free and easy to use.
• Browse millions of reviews, opinions, and candid photos by travelers
• Find the best hotel for you, including Travelers' Choice award winners
• Explore restaurants by food type, price range, and rating
• Discover cool things to do in any destination
• Compare airfares and find great deals 
• Use Near Me Now to discover options near you or any address you enter
• Get answers to your specific travel questions in the forums
• Add your own reviews and photos

5. Viber:

This is definitely my most overused messaging application as it allows me to create a group chat with my friends that are also on Viber. As long as there is internet I can freely talk and send sms and images to my friends and even get client calls and sms when I am away on a trip. With Viber I am always kept upto date with family and friends. If I don't have internet at the time they sent the message it'll be stored on their server till I finally get connected.

Viber - Be Free to Communicate. Call and text anyone, anywhere.

Viber lets everyone in the world connect. Freely. More than 90 million Viber users call, text, and send
photos worldwide - for free.
Viber is available for Android devices and other smartphones. We are always introducing new features,
platforms and possibilities.
Viber is completely free with no advertising and we value your privacy.

New in Viber 2.2: you can now send free messages to groups of friends. Share photos, links and invite
more friends to join.

6. XE Currency Converter:

When one goes to a different country it is highly unlikely that you wont have to do any shopping. You would most likely have to bring out your calculator, ask for currency exchange rates and then reconvert it back to your currency. XE Currency Converter takes all that into consideration. Simply add the currency that is relevant to your trip, update it every time you get the chance to have internet so that when you need to to transact you can get the up to date exchange rates otherwise it'll use the last conversion rates downloaded. It also has a built in calculator so you don't have to switch from one application to another just to get the math done.

LIVE CURRENCY RATES & CHARTS
- Every world currency & precious metals
- Live rates can refresh every minute
- 30,000+ currency charts for historic rates
- Rate high & lows for multiple time frames
- Calculate prices with the currency converter
- Simultaneously monitor up to 10 currencies
- Our rates are trusted by millions!

PERSONALIZE YOUR SETTINGS
- Shake your phone to reset rates
- Set the frequency of rate updates
- Turn currency symbols on or off
- Pin your base currency to the top

USE IT OFFLINE
- Stores the last updated rates
- Convert prices without internet access

7. Kayak:

This is an application that is generally like a one-stop shop for all your booking needs, but I personally use it to look for the best flight deals. It also is a good place to start if you are looking for a rental car to use and of course for cheap hotels. Kayak is literally like an automated travel agency that one can go to for the best deals for a total package from flight to hotels.

Key Features
- Compare flight, hotel and car rental deals
Book your hotel, right in the app. Just choose KAYAK as your booking option
- Track your flight status
- View and manage your trip itinerary
- Look up baggage fees
- Access airline numbers and airport info

Each of these applications I have personally used and some of them have been quite literally a life saver for me at times of emergencies. I would strongly recommend checking them out and installing them yourselves to see how they can be applied to your own travel needs.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-