5 Smartphone Apps for Safe & Savvy Driving
The iPhone 5, released September 12th, 2012. (Photo via Apple)
September 14, 2012 — The iPhone5 launched this week, and according to Apple’s promotional video, “when you think about your iPhone, it is probably the object that you use most in your life.” There’s some truth to this statement: like any good smartphone, the iPhone 5 has enormous potential to make our lives easier. Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate, shop, bank, study, exercise—perform innumerable activities, really, when you consider the versatility that many apps have.
As of February of this year, more adults (53%) owned smartphones than simpler feature phones. If you’re one of those millions of users, you’re aware that the phone is just as smart as you make it. To maximize its potential, you have to learn how to equip it with the best performing and most useful software. With over 500,000 apps in the App Store, what do you choose? How do you make your life easier without the hassle of combing through inferior software?
With over 500,000 apps in the Apple store, it’s hard to know where to look first.
Today, we’ll help you narrow down those apps to five of the best, at least when it comes to life on the road. The new iPhone has turn by turn spoken directions, so you won’t need a map. Still, there are dozens of inventive ways a smartphone can make driving more convenient and comfortable. Here are five great apps help you get from point A to point B; apps that are savvy, safe, and smart.
1) BestParking – Find the Best City & Airport Parking Garages & Lots
If you’re from the city, you know there’s nothing more defeating than paying $30 for parking, rounding the corner, and seeing a deal for $15. This app takes the guesswork out of parking, using a database of 43 cities and 79 airports to give you a price comparison map.
2) GasBuddy – Find Cheap Gas Prices
Speaking of things we like cheap: gas. With this app, there’s no need to cruise around interstate towns looking for the best deal on filling up. Use GasBuddy to locate gas stations near you, with constant updates on their current prices.
3) RepairPal – Your Auto Repair Expert
Your phone isn’t quite smart enough to get out a car jack, hoist up your vehicle, and change a tire, but RepairPal is not a bad substitute. It will recommend good mechanics in your area, and no matter how much you look like a hapless tourist, they’ll have a hard time overcharging. This app gives you unbiased repair and service estimates, provides pay-as-you-go roadside assistance, and tracks your repair history.
4) Alfred – Your Vehicular Butler
Alfred is an app that gives new meaning to great cell phone service. It has personality—namely, a digital butler who knows you better than you know yourself. As soon as you tell Alfred what you like—he makes local recommendations based on your preferences. If you’re traveling through an unfamiliar place, Alfred knows where to send you for your kind of nightlife or sandwich. As CNN Money reports, this app is your new “digital BFF.” (Sorry, Siri.)
5) DriveWise: Tech – Your Audio Internet
Clearly, you love the internet. Here you are, after all. According to CBS, internet addiction affects your brain much like alcohol or drug dependencies (glad someone finally told you?). With that in mind, it’s not surprising it’s hard to unplug, even when it’s a matter of road safety. That’s where DriveWise comes in, which acts as a mobile news narrator. DriveWise searches the web’s top sources and reads breaking stories out loud to you. With this app, you’ll stay up-to-date with tech news while you keep your eyes on the road.
– C. Stebbins
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Category: News, Parking Tech
