When it comes to these digital tools, you and your business will never look back. It’s no secret that Apple has revolutionised the way we do business when it comes to technology. Their OS X and lifestyle gadgets such as the iPhone and iPad have given rise to apps (small downloadable software programmes) that can be used for both leisure and business. When it comes to business, you’ll be surprised at what apps are out there to make your life easier. Here are 10 of the best…
By Craig Falck for Africa Report
Photograph: © Ajv123ajv | Dreamstime.com
1. Need to share files with someone on the other side of the city or in another country? Download Dropbox, install it and invite the person to share the folder. Drag files into the folder and wait for them to upload, then the other person can download the files from this virtual storage site. (Free)
2. If your business uses social networking, download the Facebook and Twitter apps. They are separate from your internet browser and provide you with direct access to your social networking accounts. (Free)
3. Evernote stores everything for you and gives you access to it anywhere. You can download websites to your account, add images, video clips and files, and – in fact, virtually anything. The information is stored in an account that you can access anywhere, anytime, from any Apple machine, giving rise to the term, ‘the world is your office’. (Free)
4. Want to dazzle colleagues and clients with amazing presentations? Look no further than Keynote, Apple’s presentation workhorse. It’s clean, easy to use and will give you an infinite number of customisations for your presentations that will leave your audience begging for an encore. ($9.99-$19.99)
5. Stay in touch with the latest news with the News24 app. You will get up-to-the-minute reports on breaking stories that could influence your business decisions, as well as all the other articles being covered by the site. (Free)
6. QuickVoice Recorder does what the name says: it records voices. In a meeting without a pen? Someone talking too quickly for you to jot down notes? Simply open the app, press “record” and let your gadget do the rest. Later, press “playback” and you can transcribe the recording without missing a word. (Free)
7. A word processor is a word processor is a word processor. But then comes along Pages: the world processor that will change your documents forever. Add elements and features like never before and then store your documents on iCloud to update across your IOS devices automatically. ($9.99-$19.99)
8. If you’re an FNB client, you’ll love the FNB Banking App. Forget about waiting in queues and losing connection in the middle of an online transaction– this app takes you straight to your account so that you can quickly take care of business without the stress of being in a bank or the hassles of regular online banking. (Free)
9. If you’re taking spreadsheets mobile, Numbers is the app for you. Turn raw data into visual masterpieces in minutes with the 250+ easy-to-use functions that will make laying out spreadsheets easier and more interestingthan burdensome. ($9.99-$19.99)
10. There’s even a Yellow Pages app for when you find yourself looking for a business contact. Let your fingers literally do the walking on your screen as you search for the number that could help your business meet an objective. (Free)
There’s an app out there for everything, and there are thousands to choose from to make business that little bit easier. These are just a selection of the current product trends making business a little more mobile, and a lot more efficient. Start your downloading now.
* You will need an Apple Mac capable of running the App Store function and iTunes running the iStore function to download these apps.
