There is certainly no shortage of apps available to be downloaded onto our smartphones at the moment. In just 2017, Statista made the prediction that 197 billion mobile app downloads were successfully performed. As the global population currently works out at an estimated 7.7 billion people, it means almost 25 apps are being downloaded per individual across Earth each year.
Limitations with our smartphone’s storage does mean that we can only have so many apps on our devices at any one time, however. As a result, Vindis, a Volkswagen dealer, has recommended that every motorist downloads these three handy and potentially life-changing apps onto their phones heading into 2019…
1. The JustPark app
Have you been in a situation where you just want to scream as you just can’t seem to be able to find that one parking space? Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of the JustPark app.
At both the 2017 British Parking Awards and Richard Branson’s 2015 VOOM event, this award-winning service was showered with a lot of space. The app itself has made up a database of 1.4 million parking spaces, off-street parking options (think car parks, private spaces and even driveways) and on-street parking possibilities (that’s stretches with parking meters and free parking zones).
The JustPark app goes beyond only being a helping hand for pinpointing that sought-after parking spot mind. You can also reserve a guaranteed space and pay for the spot via the app using either a card, PayPal or either Apple or Android Pay services. You’ll even be provided with easy-to-follow instructions and directions to the space once it’s reserved.
Download the app here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.justpark.jp&hl=en_GB
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/justpark-parking/id519652671?mt=8
2. The HERE WeGo app
It’s happened to even the best of drivers amongst us. Just as we drive into a busy city centre and have no idea about the road layout, our smartphones lose their internet connections and, as a result, the sat nav on the devices stop working. However, the HERE WeGo app should mean that you never need to go through it again.
Access this app and you’ll have the opportunity to download offline maps of the UK and many other countries directly onto your smartphone. Other nations covered include France, Spain, Italy, the US. This means that you can be navigated to your destination even when you haven’t got an internet connection.
Don’t think that the HERE WeGo app is pretty much pointless when you’ve left your car at home either. This is because it’ll inform you of carsharing opportunities nearby whenever you need it and can call a local taxi too so that you never need to worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar city.
Download the app here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps&hl=en_GB
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/here-wego/id955837609?mt=8
3. The Android Auto or Apple CarPlay apps
These two smart driving companions may look very similar and function in much the same way. However, the choice of which one you download will depend on the type of smartphone you have.
Is your smartphone using the Android operating system? Then you’ll be wise to enhance your gadget with Android Auto. This smart driving companion essentially means that while you’re behind the wheel, you only need to mutter ‘OK Google’ in order to…
- Set up real-time GPS navigation and be informed about traffic alerts.
- Check your calendar for any occasions that you have scheduled.
- Set reminders.
- Get up-to-date news.
- Setting up a do not disturb message on your phone.
- Make or answer phone calls handsfree.
- Access so many of your media apps, such as those containing your favourite music playlists, audiobooks and podcasts.
Use iOS on your smartphone? Then Apple CarPlay is the alternative option. Featuring Siri voice control, here’s just a few things you can do once you open the app:
- Search for attractions while driving by simply asking for directions by the following means: “Siri, where’s the closest petrol station?”.
- Have the app predict where you need to be by analysing addresses on your recent emails, text messages, contacts and calendars.
- Make calls and listen to voicemail handsfree.
- Have Siri read and reply to text messages, as well as send messages in new conversations too.
- Gain access to content via your iTunes, Apple Music or other audio apps accounts, as well as even request for Siri to become your personal DJ for the duration of a road trip.
Download the app here:
Android Auto: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en_GB
Apple CarPlay: https://www.apple.com/uk/ios/carplay/
Additional sources:
http://www.businessofapps.com/data/app-statistics/
http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/