4 Free Essential iPhone Apps

Virtually everyone has a use for these apps and they should definitely be on your iPhone.

1. Chrome
Developer: Google, Inc.

Google account users will enjoy this alternative to Safari. Surf the web, access easy in-app settings, and save bookmarks to your Google account.

Click here to get the app

2. Fandango
Developer: Fandango

Look up movie times, find local theaters and get directions/ phone number, watch previews, see critic rating and buy tickets.

Click here to get the app

3. Yelp
Developer: Yelp

Find local reviews on any sort of business you need, from tattoo shops to dentists to restaurants, there is probably a review for it here. You can also find business hours, address, phone number and directions. It's a good way to discover new things and get more information before making your way to the place.

Click here to get the app

4. Flashlight
Developer: iHandy, Inc.

The app does exactly what it sounds like, puts a flashlight on your phone using the iPhone camera flash. It's helpful in emergencies, leave it on your home page or dock for easy access.

Click here to get the app

11 Free Puzzle Games

I got the idea for this post from a friend who enjoys games of a puzzling nature. They are great for occupying your mind with a pleasant distraction.

1. Save the Pencil Lite
Developer: Perfect Dimension

Draw your way to safety and collect as many stars as you can along the way. It's fun and provides enough challenge to be stimulating.

Click here to get the app

2. Bag It! Lite
Developer: Hidden Variable Studios

Bag the cute, animated groceries in a way that will preserve their fragile condition. This game is fun for all ages.

Click here to get the app

3. Zentomino Lite
Developer: Little White Bear Studios, LLC

This game is a little more difficult and time consuming to master. It's like those puzzles with many little pieces that take a long time to complete (but not as bad).

Click here to get the ap

4. MazeFinger Plus
Developer: ngmoco, LLC

A quick and easy game to learn. It adds the exciting element of speed to the traditional draw your way out of the maze activity.

Click here to get the app

5. Cut the Rope Free
Developer: Chillingo Ltd

If you have a penchant for physics, this could be the game for you. I am not partial to it myself and I play it to get a better grip on the physical laws of the universe. Cut the ropes to feed the small, cute monster candy.

Click here to get the app

6. Sudoku 2
Developer: Finger Arts

This classic game is a must for true puzzle fans. I'm sure it's exercising some mental ability. See if you can finish without giving up!

Click here to get the app

7. Snappers
Developer: Emerging Banking LLC

This is an original game where you "snap" little creatures into many pieces, clearing out other creatures in the pathway of the debris. It involves planning and spatial reasoning.

Click here to get the app

8. Move It!
Developer: Optime Software LLC

I enjoy this game a little more than its similar app, Unlock Me, because you are able to move the pieces any where there is space as opposed to one plane. It's also a little more colorful. But you are basically trying to move a certain piece to the "exit"

Click here to get the app

9. Cross Fingers Free
Developer: Mobigame

The zen like design of this game makes it more relaxing than other puzzle games. You are moving multiple pieces together to make a particular shape.

Click here to get the app

10. Zookeeper
Developer: Kiteretsu, Inc.

Don't be overwhelmed by the jam-packed visuals, give the directions a double look and you'll see the concept is easy. Rearrange animals to make rows of three or more. They are pretty cute too, in that Lego sort of way.

Click here to get the app

11. The Moron Test Section 1
Developer: Distinct Dev, Inc.

If you're feeling the need to humble yourself, try and fly through this "moron test". It is pretty entertaining and more tricky than your average puzzle.

Click here to get the app

3 Apps to Expand Your Mobile Storage

The limited storage capacity on iPhone and iPad need not hold you back from having all the documents, PDFs, images and videos available on your device.

Here are 3 of my favorite free options to access those items without jamming up your memory. Take your pick!


1. Google Drive
Developer: Google, Inc.

Get this app if you are looking to work with documents.

If you are already using Google in your life as much as I am, it makes sense to go with this option. You can store docs, pics, videos and google docs that were created online from this app. It syncs with your Google account. There's a desktop program for easy syncing and you start off with 5GB free.

Click here to get the app

2. Dropbox
Developer: Dropbox

Get this app of you are want easy photo uploading along with storage for documents.

When you sign up, you get 2GB of storage. You can increase this storage by purchasing more or referring friends to sign up. Also, if you allow automatic camera roll uploads, you get additional free storage.

This free app syncs with Dropbox.com. There is also a desktop application to keep you synced on that end. You can upload or download pics, videos, docs, etc from any of those access points.

Click here to get the app

3. Skydrive
Developer: Microsoft Corporation

Get this app if you simply want a lot of free storage.

Microsoft and Windows Live fans may appreciate this app more. It syncs with your Windows live account on skydrive.com. You can save and access pics, videos, and docs.

Big bonus for this app is the most free storage capacity at 7GB to start.

Click here to get the app

*Tip: How to upload*

For all 3 of these apps, there are 2 methods to upload from your iphone or camera.

1) From within the app:
Find the upload option and select items from the camera roll (only pics or vids)

2) From within another application such as email, Pages, etc:
Find the item and select "open with" option... from there you can choose the app you want the file to save to such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

3 Must-have Free Flight Apps & More

If you're taking any flights in the near future, which you might be for the holiday season, put these on your phone!

1. Flysmart
Developer: Sapient

This app will give you all of the information you need about the airport you are in or need to get to such as nearby restaurants, transportation information, weather, and a map of the airport.

Click here to get the app


2. Tripcase
Developer: Sabre Inc.

With an easy set-up and the input of your ticket information beforehand, you will always have the updated info for you flight in the palm of your hand, including those pesky last minute gate-changes and flight delays.

Click here to get the app


3. Kayak
Developer: kayak.com

Most people know about this website to search for the cheapest possible flight. Don't forget they have an app and it can also be used for hotels. Of course, double check for your flight on the particular airline website itself where special deals may apply.

Click here to get the app

Last off, all major airlines have an app nowadays that can be used to check in, request a change in flight etc. so stock your phone or tablet with that too.

Don't forget to check the post on games you can play while in flight (don't need Internet) here and some more classics here.

4 Free (+1 Cheap) Games for Young Kids

These apps are good for a parent looking to keeping a young child entertained. If you happen to like them yourself, all the better.

1. Tic Tac Toe Free
Developer: Optime Software, LLC

One or two player options here. This game just seems to make the time fly by fast.

Click here to get the app

2. Smack That Gugl- .99 cents
Developer: Tayasui.com

Interesting game here with bright cheery graphics. Children will like the Nickelodeon feel of this app. The object of the game is to prevent the little creatures from exploding into a gooey mess but kids might do the opposite!

Click here to get the app

3. Sky Burger- Free
Developer: Nimblebit, LLC

A balancing game where you try you stack your burger as high as possible. Warning: Don't let your kid play this when he's hungry.

Click here to get the app

4. Scoops- Free
Developer: Nimblebit Circus, LLC

A balancing game where you try to stack your ice cream come as high as possible. Warning: Again, this app may cause your child to ask for ice cream.

Click here to get the app

5. Frog Toss- Free
Developer: Game Circus, LLC

This is a carnival like game with a little direction to make it easier for young kids. You don't really have to aim, but you do have to time the launches to end up with frogs on the Lilly pads.

Click here to get the app

12 Free 90s Childhood Games

Give yourself some nostalgia with these classics from your childhood (if you fall into the 20 or 30 something range). These games are a blast from the past and are sure to give you a break from the new millennium.

1. Minesweeper Classic Free
Developer: Liberty For One

Who can resist the gratuitous anxiety caused by this the thrilling computer game Minesweeper. When I first played this, I thought a smiley face has never looked so sinister.

Click here to get the app

2. Pac-man Lite
Developer: Namco Networks, America Inc. Games

Despite the inherent problems of making a joystick game, 3D, you can still get a satisfying PacMan experience from this game. Full version is $2.99 if you don't tire of the game after 2 levels. You can also do some hunting around for the Mrs. Pac-Man game in the App Store if she rocks your socks a little bit better.

Click here to get the app

3. Memory Block
Developer: Category 5 Games

This game is similar to Simon, the classic game that required you to memorize a pattern of colors and touch the buttons in the same order as it was played.

Click here to get the app

4. 20Q Mind Reader Free
Developer: Digital Chocolate, Inc.

Prepare to be amazed! Think of an object... Any kid-friendly object and the amazing 20Q app will read your mind with the help of 20 questions or less. It is pretty impressive.

Click here to get the app

5. Mancala FS5
Developer: FlipSide5, Inc.

I remember playing with this board game back in elementary school. Of course it's better with shiny gems but this is still a fun game.

Click here to get the app

6. Four in a Row Free
Developer: Optime Software LLC

This is similar to Connect 4. Be the first to get 4 in a row and win! You can choose to play against the computer or a friend.

Click here to get the app

7. Action Bowling Free
Developer: Kronos Games

Here we have a traditional game of bowling without the need for the shoe rental. Maybe I can finally get a triple digit score with enough practice here.

Click here to get the app

8. Ping Pong- Insanely Addictive
Developer: Miniclip.com

If you prefer a more action-oriented game, this is one that might get you moving. Try to bounce the ping pong ball on your paddle. It is harder than it looks.

Click here to get the app

9. Solitaire
Developer: MobilityWare

If you spent hours playing Minesweeper, then you probably had your fair share of computer solitaire, too. After all of these years, it has not lost its appeal.

Click here to get the app

10. Touch Hockey: FS5
Developer: FlipSide5, Inc.

Go in for the kill shot in this classically designed table hockey game, down to the scores on the side. Do a cool enough shot and you can revel in the instant replay.

Click here to get the app

11. Glow Hockey 2 Free
Developer: Natenai Ariyatrakool

Because everything was cooler when it glowed in the 90s, I have included glow hockey, as the funkier counterpart to the traditional version. It also includes a 2-player option and nifty sound effects.

Click here to get the app

12. Wooden Labyrinth 3D Free
Developer: Elias Pietil

The most frustrating game for a child makes a digital comeback. See if you can manage a little better now that you are older and wiser. Get the ever elusive tiny metal ball from start to finish if you can!

Click here to get the app