Apps for the new year

By Chong Jinn Xiung December 30, 2015

5 apps to get your new year off to a good start
All available for Android and iOS devices

THE year 2015 has been a challenging one, and for some of us, it is a welcome relief that the start of a new year is almost upon us – a new year with chances for a fresh start.

That also means new opportunities and resolutions to keep as we strive to improve ourselves.

Here are some apps to help you get the new year started on a good note.

TED

The inspiring series TED Talks bring together some of the best thinkers and movers in modern times.

But sometimes, there are just too many talks to go through. Well, not to worry – this handy official app brings together the best of TED, both in video and audio form, for easy consumption.

Now you can listen and be inspired by your favourite TED talks, thanks to the app’s download function so you can even take them on the road when you don’t have a data connection.

Take your pick from the entire TED Talks library that includes a wide range of topics on education, business, technology, music, and many others.

Play the video on your device or stream it to your home TV via Chromecast or Android TV. You can even bookmark talks to watch later, and be notified when new talks are uploaded.

The app is free to download for Android and iOS devices.

MyFitnessPal

Losing weight is usually on many people’s list of new year’s resolutions. As most health experts may tell you, exercise alone is half the battle to losing weight, with the other half being diet.

The saying ‘We are what we eat’ rings true, so to help you watch your calorie intake is a useful little app that goes by the name of MyFitnessPal.

This Food Journal app really helps in keeping your daily calorie intake under control. Set a target weight that you wish to achieve, and the app calculates an ideal daily calorie amount for you to follow.

The app has an extensive database of food items that includes local cuisine like Nasi Lemak and Char Koay Teow, so you can stay informed of your food choices the next time you dine out.

What are you waiting for? Get started by downloading it for Android and iOS.

Skimble’s Workout Trainer

You don’t need to subscribe to an expensive gym to stay in shape. A simple workout app like Skimble’s Workout Trainer can help you achieve your fitness goals if you are on a tight budget.

It features thousands of bodyweight exercises. That means no need for any fancy gym equipment. Perform high-intensity workouts that are sure to get you sweating.

Workout Trainer challenges and guides you through its myriad exercises with helpful step-by-step audio and video instructions.

While it is no replacement for a dedicated personal trainer, at least the encouraging messages and instructions keep you company as you work out.

Everyone has different goals when they work out, and fortunately Workout Trainer lets you choose to focus on specific areas, whether it is improving your running, losing weight, or getting a six pack.

Take your pick from Tabata, timed, rep-based, CrossFit Workout of the Day and many others. Get fit with your iOS and Android smartphones.

Boomerang

Pictures are often just a static snapshot of a point in our lives. What if you could watch a funny or interesting moment over and over again?

From the makers of Instagram comes Boomerang, a fun photo-taking app that captures mini videos that loop back and forth like a boomerang would.

Find something or someone moving, and tap the button to shoot a burst of 10 photos that Boomerang instantly converts into a mini video. The app works with both the front- and back-facing camera of your smartphone.

Save your creations to your camera roll or share them on Instagram and Facebook right from the app.

This will definitely be a neat little app to capture your memories, and is also perfect for capturing New Year’s fireworks.

Best of all? Boomerang is free to download on Android and iOS.

Google Keep

Sometimes the simplest of apps go a long way in helping us organise our thoughts and plan our day.

Possibly the best part about Google Keep is that it is free and if you are an Android user, it might already be pre-installed on your phone as part of Google’s suite of apps.

Google Keep performs multiple functions as a note-taking app, setting reminders or creating lists. There are other neat functions like creating reminders based on location so it will remind you to buy milk when you are next at the mall.

Keep your thoughts organised using Google Keep to stay one step ahead this coming new year.