Digitized Accessories

So you got the latest phone. What do you do with it? Sure, you could make phone calls, check your e-mail, send text messages, but you’d only be using a fraction of its capabilities. The new smart phones can do so much more.

Here’s where applications come in. Applications (apps) are bits of software written for specific devices (e.g. the iPhone, the Blackberry or the iPod touch) that greatly expand the functionality of that device. Some are rather silly, like the iSteam steam simulator, which adds realistic-looking steam to the screen. It’s fun, but totally useless. Others are more practical, like the iHandyCarpenter, which comes with five useful handyman tools like a protractor and a spirit level (the one with the bubble).

You can download the applications from the internet either directly onto your phone or via your PC. Many are free, but the more useful ones usually cost money. Prices start at $0.99 and can go up to four digits. The $900 iRa Pro app controls live feeds from surveillance cameras.

There are many mobile media devices that support applications. The Blackberry and the iPhone are the most popular. You can also find applications for mp3 players, such as the iPod touch. You can keep track of anything from currencies to calories with the right application.

Check out these 3 cool new apps:

Jaadu Remote Desktop ($25): This iPhone application lets you remotely view and interact with your Windows desktop. You can open a browser, edit documents, upload photos from anywhere in the world.

Guitar Hero World Tour ($11.99): You can now play Guitar Hero on your Blackberry with this fantastic app. There are 15 tracks you can play by pressing the buttons on your phone.

Let’s Golf ($5.99): This is a highly addictive app for the iPod touch. You can create your own character and play against others. The graphics are superb.