Superior Replacements for Stock iPhone Apps
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Superior Replacements to the Boring Stock iPhone Apps
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
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With every iteration of iOS, Apple tweaks its software a little, but for the most part, the default lineup of apps remains unchanged since launch. For a lot of us, these apps just aren't cutting it anymore. Here are the best app to replace them. The design and function of many of Apple's apps is beginning to feel a bit stale, and many people are growing dissatisified (http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/26/survey-ios-6-leadsto-decrease-in-device-satisfaction-among-iphone-users/) with the experience as a whole. On top of that, many of the apps lock you into Apple's data ecosystem and iCloud. However, plenty of superior replacements exist for Apple's stock apps. From Maps to Notes, we've got you covered regardless of where you're looking for better options.
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Application to avoid: Maps
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: Apple's new Maps app has been getting its fair share of bad press lately (http://lifehacker.com/5945235/whats-a-good-replacement-to-apples-funky-new-maps-app) for numerous mistakes ranging from poorly updated maps, to badly implemented search. Thankfully, you have a few really solid alternative choices. Superior Alternative(s): Waze (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waze-social-gps-trafficgas/id323229106?mt=8), MapQuest (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mapquest /id316126557?mt=8), Google Maps (in browser) (http://maps.google.com). Notes: Replacing Apple's Maps app really depends on what you're looking for in a maps app. If turn-by-turn navigation is your thing, then Waze is the best of the free apps that provides it. However, Waze isn't that great as a simple map. For that, we like Mapquest. Even though the ads in the app are rather annoying, it's a simple way to get a top-down view of an area you might already know so you can become more self-reliant in your city (http://lifehacker.com /5945900/the-upside-of-getting-stuck-with-apples-new-maps). If you'd rather just return to Google, the mobile version of Google Maps works just fine.
Application to avoid: Safari Indictment: On its own, Safari is by no means a bad browser. However, to get its best feature, iCloud syncing (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5372), you have to use Safari on your Mac. Not everyone wants to do that. Safari also has it's fair share of usability issues, like the inability to quickly swap to private browsing, and a limited amount of tabs you can keep open at a time. Superior Alternative(s): Chrome (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chrome /id535886823?mt=8), Dolphin (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dolphin-browser /id452204407?mt=8) Notes: Picking the perfect browser for your phone really depends on what you use on your computer. If you're a Chrome user on your desktop, then Chrome is the logical choice on your iPhone or iPad. It syncs up your history, bookmarks, autofill settings, and everything else across every single device. If you'd like a browsing experience geared specifically to mobile, Dolphin is a gesture-based browser that offers a fun alternative way to browse the web.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Camera Indictment: Apple's default camera is pretty boring. You can't really tweak your photos, and you don't get standard options like a timer or burst mode. As a straightforward point-and-shoot camera it works fine, but if you want more precision you need to dig deeper. Superior Alternative(s): Camera+ (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id329670577?mt=8), Camera Awesome (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/camera-awesome/id420744028?mt=8). Notes: Camera+ is easily the most full featured of the iPhone camera apps. Not only does it replicate everything the iPhone's default camera does, it also offers a ton of built-in photo editing tools, filters, and features. You can also lock the focus, set up timers, and shoot in a burst mode for action shots. For another similar option, we like Camera Awesome, which offers many of the same features as Camera+, but also includes a number of guides to help you take better pictures. Both are great camera apps that supercharge everything great about the iPhone's camera. However, neither do HDR photography, so if HDR is your thing, you'll want to keep the stock camera on hand.
Application to avoid: Calendar Indictment: Much like the Camera app, Calendar is pretty barebones in its functionality. It's not hard to use, but you can't customize the look of it to really suit your specific needs, and overall it's a bit hard to see what's really going on with your calendar. Superior Alternative(s): Week Cal (http://www.utilitap.com/weekcalendar), Cue (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/greplin/id424909109?mt=8), Agenda Calendar (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agenda-calendar/id440764409?mt=8). Notes: You have a ton of options for calendar apps on the iPhone. For a full-featured replacement, we like (http://lifehacker.com/5833969/the-best-calendar-app-for-iphone) Week Cal because it does pretty much everything you'd ever want in a calendar. However, for a completely different experience, Cue makes your calendar more of a social experience and works great for people with more social dates than work ones. For a minimalist experience, Agenda Calendar is a simple, but still useful alternative to Calendar.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Mail Indictment: Mail is made to work well with Apple addresses, but if you're using Gmail it doesn't have a lot of the very simple, but much needed capabilities built directly into Google's email app. Superior Alternative(s): Sparrow (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sparrow /id492573565?mt=8) Notes: If you use Gmail for your email, then the Apple Mail app is pretty lackluster. Sparrow gives you control over your Gmail with access to labels, starred emails, and plenty more. The newest version of Mail in iOS 6 isn't bad if you're not using Gmail, but if you are, Sparrow's the right choice.
Application to avoid: Contacts Indictment: On its own, the Contacts app isn't much more than a digital replacement for pen and paper. You get basic information, and the new Facebook integration helps keep that information up to date, but that's about it. Superior Alternative(s): Smartr Contacts (https://www.xobni.com/) Notes: Smartr turns all of your social contacts into an address book. Instead of simply seeing a phone number or email, you get recent Facebook or Twitter updates. This way, you can see a complete history of your contact with someone, which provides welcome context for those people you don't talk to often.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Messages and Phone Indictment: For the bulk of iPhone users, Messages and Phone are perfectly fine and works as well as Phone and SMS apps possibly could. However, not everyone wants to use their carrier's phone and messages services. Superior Alternative(s): Google Voice (http://www.google.com/mobile/voice), biteSMS (http://bitesms.com/). Notes: If you don't have a lot of minutes through your cell phone carrier, then Google Voice provides a great replacement. With a few tweaks (http://lifehacker.com/5875247/how-toimprove-your-google-voice-experience-on-the-iphone) you can make the experience as seamless as the standard Phone and Messages apps. For jailbreakers, we like biteSMS because it makes sending and receiving text messages a heck of a lot easier. It offers a lot of great features like Quick Reply, contact pictures, and tons more.
Application to avoid: iCloud Indictment: Okay, so iCloud isn't an app as much as it's a service, but it's built into every Apple app (and many third-party apps) and comes stock with every device. iCloud is great if you happen to use all Apple products. However, the fact that it's difficult to pull documents from it, and you can't share easily them, makes it a pain to use for anything more than a simple backup. Superior Alternative(s): Dropbox (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox /id327630330?mt=8) and Google (https://www.google.com/). Notes: We love Dropbox for storing all your files, and since most productivity apps (and plenty others) support Dropbox directly it's an obvious choice as an iCloud replacement for transferring files. Dropbox gives you direct access to every file you make across any device (including photos), and you're not restricted to Apple's apps. While iCloud is great to backup your phone, it's not good for much else. As for keeping everything else in sync (like contacts, email, calendars, etc) you can set up everything to sync with your Google account (http://lifehacker.com/5776194/get-the-most-outof-google-voice-on-your-iphone) easily. The benefit is that you have access to your data regardless of where you are (or if you're on a Mac). You can push that integration further with all your files with the Google Drive (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/googledrive/id507874739?mt=8) app as well.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Find My iPhone Indictment: As we learned with Mat Honan's hack (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab /2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/) earlier this year, the helpful features of the Find My iPhone app can easily be used for evil. Superior Alternative(s): Prey (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prey-anti-theft /id456755037?mt=8). Notes: Prey doesn't have all the same features of Find My iPhone, but that's also part of the appeal. It'll help you find your phone, but you won't be able to erase data, or change any settings. If the Mat Honan hack makes you a little wary to use Find My iPhone, then Prey is an excellent alternative.
Application to avoid: iBooks Indictment: Out of all of Apple's iPhone apps, iBooks is the biggest offender of skeuomorphic design (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeuomorph). It makes reading look like a book, and that just feels weird on a digital device. Superior Alternative(s): Kindle (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kindle-read-booksmagazines/id302584613?mt=8). Notes: The Kindle app is very simple, but it works really well for reading. You get all types of settings for brightness and fonts to make the reading experience better. Also, your bookmarks are synced across every device you can access the Kindle on. The nice part is you get text on a page and that's it. No weird formatting, and no book-style overlay.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: YouTube Indictment: YouTube isn't packed into iOS 6, but if you're not upgrading to the new operating system, then you're stuck with a pretty ancient YouTube player that doesn't do much but play videos. Superior Alternative(s): Jasmine (http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/jasmine-youtube-client /id554937050?mt=8), YouTube (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/youtube /id544007664?mt=8). Notes: The official YouTube app is just fine for most people who want to watch a video now and again, but Jasmine really nails the experience. Jasmine is easy to use, and you can do everything you can on a desktop from within the app.
Application to avoid: Voice Memos Indictment: Voice Memos is an incredibly simple app that can record audio, and then share that audio over Email, Messages, or in iTunes. While it works okay, its functionality stops there. Superior Alternative(s): Audio Memos (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audio-memosthe-voice-recorder/id338550388?mt=8), Evernote (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote /id281796108?mt=8). Notes: Audio Memos is great because it syncs up across Dropbox, Evernote, and FTP. It also has handy features like a lock code, the ability to link recordings together, and more. If you're a hardcore Evernote user, the Evernote app also features recording options that link directly into your Evernote account.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Notes Indictment: Notes is about as simple as it gets. It's a writing pad that syncs with iCloud. Not everyone likes iCloud, and a lot of people aren't fans of the ruled notebook appearance of Notes. Superior Alternative(s): Simplenote (http://simplenoteapp.com/), Drafts (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drafts/id502385074?mt=8), Notes: Depending on what you use Notes for, you have a couple of solid options. We're huge fans of Simplenote because it makes syncing your notes across a variety of devices simple. It's also a nice, minimalist writing environment with just a blank page and a spot for text. If you want the ability to organize those notes into different services, Drafts speeds up the process (http://lifehacker.com/5938073/how-to-use-drafts-to-speed-up-your-mobile-text-editing) and lets you quickly jot down a note, and then send it off to a variety of different services.
Application to avoid: Reminders Indictment: Reminders is an exceptionally cool to-do list app that uses geo-fencing to remind you to do tasks when you're in a specific location. Unfortunately, they're not particularly easy to set up and the Reminders app doesn't come with a lot of options. Superior Alternative(s): Checkmark (http://itunes.apple.com/app/checkmark /id524873453?mt=8) Notes: The nice thing about Checkmark is that it's dead simple to use. Three taps and you have a location-based reminder. You don't need to futz about in menus or anything else. Checkmark also works just like Apple's Reminders app. When you're in a certain area, you'll get a notification reminding you to do something. As a trigger to get things done, it works remarkably well and is much easier to use than Reminders.
Application to avoid: Music
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launched. Now, it's a little slicker looking, but it's still the same experience.
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: Until iOS 6, the Music app hadn't been updated or changed since it first Superior Alternative(s): Panamp (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/panamp-the-musicplayer/id446136147), Groove 2 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/groove-2-music-player /id445533979?mt=8), Track 8 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/track-8/id519363162?mt=8). Notes: Depending on what you want from a music player, you have a few different choices. Panamp is a much faster experience than Music, and even though it hasn't been updated in a while it's still a slick, easy-to-use experience. Track 8 is another visual overhaul, but it's definitely a better option for anyone looking for a more visual player. If you're not happy with Music's boring playlist creation, then Groove 2 does it all for you automatically. Groove 2 creates smart, interesting playlists on the fly, and does a much better job of choosing music than Music.
Application to avoid: Podcasts Indictment: When Apple released its Podcasts app, it pulled those podcasts out of the default Music app and stuffed them inside an ill-fitting, counter-intuitive container. The Podcasts app's best feature is the fact it auto-downloads new podcasts, but it's not very easy to use, has an overly-complicated menu, and isn't the prettiest thing to look at. Superior Alternative(s): Downcast (http://www.downcastapp.com/), Podcaster (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/podcaster-4/id377195245?mt=8). Notes: Downcast does everything the Podcasts app does, and it does it much better. You can also use it to create customized playlists (http://lifehacker.com/5946418/turn-your-podcastsinto-a-customized-radio-station), and turn your podcasts into your own radio station. If you'd prefer a podcast app that functions about the same as the old Music app, then Podcaster does the trick.
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Application to avoid: Stocks
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: Stocks is great for quickly glancing at a few stock prices, but it doesn't have enough options to fully track your portfolios, or take an in-depth look at the stocks you're investing in. Superior Alternative(s): Stockwatch (http://stockwatch.toughturtle.com/), Bloomberg (http://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id281941097?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4) Notes: If you need more than just a glancing info at your stocks, then both Stockwatch and the Bloomberg app provide all types of customizable information. You can create your own tickers, track stocks, and plenty more. You don't get the option for the stock ticker in Notification Center, but at least you'll get more useful information.
Application to avoid: Weather Indictment: The default Weather app is fine for quickly glancing at the current temperature and looking at the upcoming forecast, but its usefulness stops there. You can't get an in-depth look at incoming weather, nor can you see otherwise common calculations like wind, or "feels like." Superior Alternative(s): The Weather Channel (http://download.cnet.com/The-WeatherChannel/3000-18555_4-10904673.html), AccuWeather (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app /accuweather-for-iphone/id300048137?mt=8), Weather Underground (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weather-underground/id486154808?mt=8). Notes: It's not hard to find a weather app in the App Store, but the big ones made by the Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and Weather Underground are the most feature-rich for most people. All of these apps give you access to full five day forecasts, up to the minute data, and pretty much everything else you'll ever need.
Application to avoid: Calculator
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: For most people, the default Calculator app is perfect for a quick calculation, and the added scientific calculator in landscape mode fills in the gaps for most people. But if you need features like graphing, you'll have to head into the App Store. Superior Alternative(s): QuickGraph (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quickgraph/id292412367?mt=8). Notes: You have a lot of options for graphing calculators in the App Store, but QuickGraph is on the coolest of the free options. On top of normal calculator functions, you also get 2D and 3D plotting, a library of equations, photo library saving, and plenty more.
Application to avoid: Videos Indictment: The only real problem with the Videos app is that its playback is limited to just a few different formats. If you download a lot of videos in a variety of formats, Videos simply doesn't do the trick. Superior Alternative(s): GoodPlayer (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goodplayer /id416756729?mt=8) Notes: GoodPlayer can handle a ton of different formats (way too many to list here). It's also a perfectly functional video player that does everything you'd expect, including subtitles, cropping, mirroring, and more. That said, the stock Videos app has access to decoders the other video apps don't and can often play in higher definition.
Obviously you don't need to go through and replace every stock Apple app on your homescreen, but if you're looking for more function out of your phone, you'll need to replace at least a few of them.
The only stock apps I use anymore are Phone/SMS, because I've been too lazy to switch over to Google Voice. How about you, what do you use ?
Ha! The only stock app I use is Contacts (and
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Google Maps, since I'm still on iOS 5). I like that Contacts is simple and only gives me what I really need. Btw, Google Voice is awesome, make the WeatherBug Sadly, Every Jasmine Just Does There Nobody I stillwant can't think don't Kindle like time are Kindle resist stress agree you has seems Atomic few to I need mentioned even adding point try with Waze is app apps another to to abrowser allow you does require jailbroken out replace enough on these about the that not great ebook CarTunes few ios iPhone instead a for most have stock iCloud weather version 6 apps: sideloading ato maps the of install that app (formerly of these and features Safari... of app. with I this have soIa switch. 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And as 99¢, the far and as benchmark read Sometimes dinged minutes PDFs that more in one. syncing Ifunctionality journal wouldn't articles). buyis I books not wish The better. Apple only I broke my (think jailbreak toservices. get ios6 (is there a video Apple Weather an entire does pretty in is Camera+ likely Underground replacement. much to try the because fixing same, is awesome the I it never is issues just shoot but not ASAP. as But consider my wife and I. general I, love to tweak, would real through . option stop iBooks to trying replace or to Apple overtake iBooks in here Dropbox is but and the new break for that now—I'm on a 4s?). I miss video. With WeatherHD The one polished, that time and said, and I doesn't vastly I can Weather+ recommend preferred update are anymore, also the City decent Maps while customize, On that list root, as well, hack, the flash options my are phone. I just GoodReader. app give itselfin to But the better that is service. not as easy I know to bitesms. Iis liked hitting the volume buttons replacement 2Go contenders. CarTunes because is still app it works being was when offline, I purchased unlike Apple's LOVE I significantly was going articles to better replace where for I my can some test of a app these: better with use/intuitive fine that'll never happen, as but Imail can and being able to text. Sparrow, Maps, developed Google but then Maps I got or Waze. burned when they alternative Sparrow, I think this but for article then any would I app. realized My be wife, much I never on benefited the actually other iBooks . hope 1) Videosit ==> VLC on announced . a month later they sold the Camera, depends mythat mood. I usually by hand, send Calendar pricing email is okinformation. from with 4DCalendar. my my Android phone, Seeing A bit so RAZR there free pricey, or phone, was $.99 but no . company and were no but longer going to make stick to the stock app, I do use instagram 2) YouTube ==> Protube but would you point. she get have a finds map more itview! too people cumbersome. Otherwise using the it's So like many the major and camera awesome (I have a smugmug steps suggestions, stock to app. doCalvetica one or thing. at least and So knowing FreeTime many shortcuts. how are much good So 3) Mail ==> Sparrow (with I replaced calculator app with Calcbot updates account sothe that works well). agree with this.. i get my ebooks "elsewhere" many items on screen. Etc. She loved her replacing alternatives everything as well. might Sparrow+/SparrowPush) because its just so much nicer use.find (For . Kindle and ibooks allows is the note only taking, app highlighting, thatto i can that 3GS and upgraded an iPhone 5 cost I also userecently Week Cal (which Ito can't me Notes atleast.) and Reminders Springpad! I do definitions. allows me both It Browser doesn't to upload provide them text2speech AND sync or 4) Safari ==> of choice (With which . she truly adore.Sparrow, With all its stock recommend enough), and use theof default apps, but for more serious export notes/highlights to a text file. It position between iphone and ipad. Browser Changer set new default; Nitrous I haveShe been looking a decent music app apps. found the for simplicity and build Accuweather. note, to-do etc. organization Springpad is does read access the pdf's Nitro replacement but Javascript have been unable to find quality,was andgreat, yes, spoon-fed mentality of iOS Stanza but is missing the position king. Lots of sharing options, by the way. I'm going to look into Prey and smartr easily engine) something I really like. I tried Vinyl just perfect how she would user her syncing, so that iof stick to (though the latter may be overkill for . Stocks this is so niche, most users don't Love, not enough functionality and too slow. phone. ibook me) need it. Kill it with fire. Or, more (I will say I love the concept) I tried Muzik, s When you consider us, one can't help to . appropriately, put it in the App Store. again, too slow. I will be testing Track There 8 next. think... if you really want more function out is no reason it's part of the system the good way Most other music apps dont look very your phone.... Calendar Weather is. them. so I wont or even consider Yes, the Kindle app allows for ebook ....really, why are you doing with an iPhone? Weather WeatherPro, Celsius. Dark Sky All the rest-pf the stock apps are It good sideloading via Amazon's cloud. syncs It's a great phone, I love that sharpalso display and Fahrenheit for you US people. enough for my needs. And as someone else notes and position between devices. The only and hardware build-quality... but really? said, Google Voice is provide not a good replacement thing it doesn't do is a method Calculator - Wolfram Alpha! Nothingof beats Now with that logic in place, can't help to for an actual phone. I the tried it.I Thanks, purchasing via app. that. Needs books internet connection, though. feel a little irony in this article. If I ever Apple Also, you can call it up using ifgood you Sortof related: Anyone know Siri of a even really present this article to my phone - or, I'm ! don't have the app? app, but dictating long Google Music Ive been using Melodies, willing to bet, most iPhone users out there but equations it kinda will be an epic I'm pretty sure all I get in return is a hassle sucks weird-look glare. ! . Great read nevertheless though. Just my 3c.. I've been using Groove2 as music app for 4 . months and i'm loving it. I recomend only if you have a big music collection on your iphone, it's where groove shines, its ability to create really good I agree with your logic. Makes perfect sense playlists to me, and it seems alot of consumers (and . especially tech writers) dont understand this .
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Is replacing stock browser in iOS of any use apart from separate sets of bells and whistles? Because if I'm right Browsers can't All Yeah, yeah, Yes, I have May Does Since Only Every "Camera+ LOL iBooks How Until these keep I come problem anyone I hi, I'm no last suggest so a can is problem can basically critiques thanks. the more pushing one is everyone delete easily we best have CalBot is of into please that these I paying the epub this on Sparrow a use the the good fawns other stock Apple for pretty is most recommendations PLEASE reader way for a a WeekCal-like story calculator apps over apps even recently an full my much on App by music Camera+ stop featured will and/or though any someone all when still (sans pushing device. the app it of is the but re: have their own Engine or something (not just who free replacement. for sounds, open the Trust always change maps) stock these doesn't the iPhone so alternative doesn't stock apps. god me. are stupid. iPad? forgets the support than forsaken I've from apps. camera default They like I the Let's downloaded They're ProCamera? like (Mail) hacky Exchange iPhone are way you being app apps. camera all my nerds more works see for smooth, able Not music and a and apps? every Video complicated, function, or just only to notifications. edit designers, player color clean, single fine i've mode does your spent for code I'll looks, and it one. my it really sure) and all web rendering has to be buggier, everyday numbers events I = replicate Conversion (bonus pass. seems. simple, the Nor use last will Muxica The within Skeuomorphic QR 6 and it shittier, everything an use. years integration receive code to with has as one mobi of my super-cool mode), ad-filled Mountain school, calendar updates replacement via the is design Calibre key. iPhone's live hundreds versions in (a interface. Lion histogram, And the is laor awesome. Outlook), music on future for default another of of your the And WB to It's IMHO - most of these apps, except the new done via safari's engine. So any AudioNotes working and app / same camera mechanism lock Contacts/Calendar/Email, a huge desktop/laptop, add those so as basic far part well does" hours, features. only stuff of as is which not why exposure WeekCal and that's everything an syncs hordes Why thousands option already and the lets typed of exchange dumps for hell focus me people on of notes anything do would dollars the settings, to buy support with phone. the you If Maps I have - works to do very some well real for hardcore what their emailing, meant performance/speed/render quality And Apple audio that . more onscreen is iCloud learning suggest key for complex for notes, products. and someone Christ's everything level, me. its very Easy great. (code as sake, Designers pay handy well sync there I'm samples, for Google as for not an all is get those recording to app of really Voice advanced bored know that that 3. sure other is Wouldn't about and is NOT no what, a I'm Can to do. doing Camera+ I have it from 15 shoot calendars a computer video? including I tried anyway. it my out The work improvements with a browser lectures . superior formatting, filtering pass always if photography. longer any that advantages being want nonsense alternative uplarge for to supported Itchange an drives images, Iyou extra would to kids me the things and unneeded etc) get insane core seem doesn't from up. than phone to Geeks that replacing a love even novel. phone about Exchange is year just loaded ago for quick and thru decided the replies default against andCal checking it app, switcha While . function, these feature always any someone have of basic I'd the want can however like stock features to take to tweak apps. see a many you'd picture a or modernized download stupid expect and 'tweaks' pass from version more it aoff mail you as of because messages notes is easy I didn't as they to use, want come and to in. have along to with use Dragon a ? think iBooks days . apps. you quality/professional app But it is regular can still do best with people of because it. class love as they out-of-the-box an epub take it on separate Dictation I mean really, app - even for if you easier. recording sperg out video. this I hard checked over I lovephone. Bloomberg, but my problem I've reader . simplicity their ? andand aI *lot* just design of dont people that's get it, not read i use overly my If the adding you description want tiny an little over-complicated, in tweaks the App toStore, your apps, and buggier, it maybe discovered I'll grant you is Camera+ the inability if you to "log want something I set up epubs.. abstracted camera phone from tothe take physical pictures environment. of in." something Android ad-filled, doesn't mention is law the of OS diminishing anything for you. about That's returns video, sort of so its I'm a outside HUGE of portfolio the basic on point-n-shoot, my iPad. But when but the I i4s . It's quick comforting to send to in my a world friends, of anything massive that I use Chrome and don't really notice any smartphone unsure MO, experience, then please, just get opened and 5 have on my the iPhone, BEST quality I realize pics I can't fromimport anythe amounts actually want of abstract to show data. other difference in speed. I'm onrecommend apeople. i take an . afterall Android. The apps you are that smartphone same portfolio. on the market Pain in and the if you zoom time to shoot with my real camera and do 4s almost Personally, . universally though, terrible I love lifehacker (and yes, getting for the ass in on anything you will lose quality - so...... real . in deeper with Google "if Thanks you're not geek tweaker part of me. forpaying the . editing I'd agree that a few of these goodon to the have, for it, you're the product" is are a bad suggestions! Maybe just don't jump It take video's.. (it's possible I just . doesn't but not the entire stock set.... proposition "Apple's so lame and getting and over" worse bandwagon. by the I haven't figured out day. doesn't seem even close to representative In fact, they'll actually be article slower -on any of horrible approach to this which how Same problem in CNBC's app, Yahoo ) the average population. I'm verythey skeptical Javascript heavy since can't of should have beenwebsites titled " other ) Finance App, and others. I gave up on these any post I read in that tone because of this. use Apple's Nitro rendering opportunites apps a while ago and instead sent a shortcut But any way, thanks for the suggestions engin " to Google to of my homepage. Works again. I'veFinance used a lot these and they're e Agree on a few of these whole-heartedly: great, and stays in sync everywhere (because great! I still use the stock apps for the most it's a but web - Third party browsers are universally slower part I know some people who will want app) than mobile safari due to not it being able to to know about these. I'll pass . use Apple's Nitro javascript engine on ! - I need push e-mail. I wish I didn't, but I do. Sparrow doesn't have it. So even if you have a portfolio set up on - Weather Channel app and Wunderground my.yahoo, it won't up on say the that Yahoo It's thatshow you would are interesting fine if you need a deeper look at radars or Finance Apple app? I recently set up my IRA portfolios on because forced Scott Forstall user-run weather stations. For just checking there YEARS into resignation, a to known advocate of the whether it's going rain and the temp, ago skeuomorphic design; Forstall was known weather app in the notification center is to . butt heads with Jonathan Ives, who is known perfect to have strong distaste for skeuomorphic - Saying Goodplayer is better than Videos is designs, and who will now take over some of like saying VNC is better than iTunes for Forstall's viewing movies. Videos plays things you duties legally download, Goodplayer plays things . that you don't. Some of these are just dumb though, iCloud is a completely different service than Dropbox and people should use both. I often tell people that my iPad would be the most frustrating piece of technology without Dropbox to actually get things onto it. Stocks is a dead-simple app for looking at stocks. If people want more functionality, of course they should download a paid app. Does anyone not know this?
Totally agee. iOS inherently deters UI customization while Android encourages it.
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6/8/2013 6:40 PM
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Like
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With every iteration of iOS, Apple tweaks its software a little, but for the most part, the default lineup of apps remains unchanged since launch. For a lot of us, these apps just aren't cutting it anymore. Here are the best app to replace them. The design and function of many of Apple's apps is beginning to feel a bit stale, and many people are growing dissatisified (http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/26/survey-ios-6-leadsto-decrease-in-device-satisfaction-among-iphone-users/) with the experience as a whole. On top of that, many of the apps lock you into Apple's data ecosystem and iCloud. However, plenty of superior replacements exist for Apple's stock apps. From Maps to Notes, we've got you covered regardless of where you're looking for better options.
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Application to avoid: Maps
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: Apple's new Maps app has been getting its fair share of bad press lately (http://lifehacker.com/5945235/whats-a-good-replacement-to-apples-funky-new-maps-app) for numerous mistakes ranging from poorly updated maps, to badly implemented search. Thankfully, you have a few really solid alternative choices. Superior Alternative(s): Waze (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waze-social-gps-trafficgas/id323229106?mt=8), MapQuest (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mapquest /id316126557?mt=8), Google Maps (in browser) (http://maps.google.com). Notes: Replacing Apple's Maps app really depends on what you're looking for in a maps app. If turn-by-turn navigation is your thing, then Waze is the best of the free apps that provides it. However, Waze isn't that great as a simple map. For that, we like Mapquest. Even though the ads in the app are rather annoying, it's a simple way to get a top-down view of an area you might already know so you can become more self-reliant in your city (http://lifehacker.com /5945900/the-upside-of-getting-stuck-with-apples-new-maps). If you'd rather just return to Google, the mobile version of Google Maps works just fine.
Application to avoid: Safari Indictment: On its own, Safari is by no means a bad browser. However, to get its best feature, iCloud syncing (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5372), you have to use Safari on your Mac. Not everyone wants to do that. Safari also has it's fair share of usability issues, like the inability to quickly swap to private browsing, and a limited amount of tabs you can keep open at a time. Superior Alternative(s): Chrome (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chrome /id535886823?mt=8), Dolphin (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dolphin-browser /id452204407?mt=8) Notes: Picking the perfect browser for your phone really depends on what you use on your computer. If you're a Chrome user on your desktop, then Chrome is the logical choice on your iPhone or iPad. It syncs up your history, bookmarks, autofill settings, and everything else across every single device. If you'd like a browsing experience geared specifically to mobile, Dolphin is a gesture-based browser that offers a fun alternative way to browse the web.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Camera Indictment: Apple's default camera is pretty boring. You can't really tweak your photos, and you don't get standard options like a timer or burst mode. As a straightforward point-and-shoot camera it works fine, but if you want more precision you need to dig deeper. Superior Alternative(s): Camera+ (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id329670577?mt=8), Camera Awesome (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/camera-awesome/id420744028?mt=8). Notes: Camera+ is easily the most full featured of the iPhone camera apps. Not only does it replicate everything the iPhone's default camera does, it also offers a ton of built-in photo editing tools, filters, and features. You can also lock the focus, set up timers, and shoot in a burst mode for action shots. For another similar option, we like Camera Awesome, which offers many of the same features as Camera+, but also includes a number of guides to help you take better pictures. Both are great camera apps that supercharge everything great about the iPhone's camera. However, neither do HDR photography, so if HDR is your thing, you'll want to keep the stock camera on hand.
Application to avoid: Calendar Indictment: Much like the Camera app, Calendar is pretty barebones in its functionality. It's not hard to use, but you can't customize the look of it to really suit your specific needs, and overall it's a bit hard to see what's really going on with your calendar. Superior Alternative(s): Week Cal (http://www.utilitap.com/weekcalendar), Cue (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/greplin/id424909109?mt=8), Agenda Calendar (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agenda-calendar/id440764409?mt=8). Notes: You have a ton of options for calendar apps on the iPhone. For a full-featured replacement, we like (http://lifehacker.com/5833969/the-best-calendar-app-for-iphone) Week Cal because it does pretty much everything you'd ever want in a calendar. However, for a completely different experience, Cue makes your calendar more of a social experience and works great for people with more social dates than work ones. For a minimalist experience, Agenda Calendar is a simple, but still useful alternative to Calendar.
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Superior Replacements to the Boring Stock iPhone Apps
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Mail Indictment: Mail is made to work well with Apple addresses, but if you're using Gmail it doesn't have a lot of the very simple, but much needed capabilities built directly into Google's email app. Superior Alternative(s): Sparrow (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sparrow /id492573565?mt=8) Notes: If you use Gmail for your email, then the Apple Mail app is pretty lackluster. Sparrow gives you control over your Gmail with access to labels, starred emails, and plenty more. The newest version of Mail in iOS 6 isn't bad if you're not using Gmail, but if you are, Sparrow's the right choice.
Application to avoid: Contacts Indictment: On its own, the Contacts app isn't much more than a digital replacement for pen and paper. You get basic information, and the new Facebook integration helps keep that information up to date, but that's about it. Superior Alternative(s): Smartr Contacts (https://www.xobni.com/) Notes: Smartr turns all of your social contacts into an address book. Instead of simply seeing a phone number or email, you get recent Facebook or Twitter updates. This way, you can see a complete history of your contact with someone, which provides welcome context for those people you don't talk to often.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Messages and Phone Indictment: For the bulk of iPhone users, Messages and Phone are perfectly fine and works as well as Phone and SMS apps possibly could. However, not everyone wants to use their carrier's phone and messages services. Superior Alternative(s): Google Voice (http://www.google.com/mobile/voice), biteSMS (http://bitesms.com/). Notes: If you don't have a lot of minutes through your cell phone carrier, then Google Voice provides a great replacement. With a few tweaks (http://lifehacker.com/5875247/how-toimprove-your-google-voice-experience-on-the-iphone) you can make the experience as seamless as the standard Phone and Messages apps. For jailbreakers, we like biteSMS because it makes sending and receiving text messages a heck of a lot easier. It offers a lot of great features like Quick Reply, contact pictures, and tons more.
Application to avoid: iCloud Indictment: Okay, so iCloud isn't an app as much as it's a service, but it's built into every Apple app (and many third-party apps) and comes stock with every device. iCloud is great if you happen to use all Apple products. However, the fact that it's difficult to pull documents from it, and you can't share easily them, makes it a pain to use for anything more than a simple backup. Superior Alternative(s): Dropbox (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox /id327630330?mt=8) and Google (https://www.google.com/). Notes: We love Dropbox for storing all your files, and since most productivity apps (and plenty others) support Dropbox directly it's an obvious choice as an iCloud replacement for transferring files. Dropbox gives you direct access to every file you make across any device (including photos), and you're not restricted to Apple's apps. While iCloud is great to backup your phone, it's not good for much else. As for keeping everything else in sync (like contacts, email, calendars, etc) you can set up everything to sync with your Google account (http://lifehacker.com/5776194/get-the-most-outof-google-voice-on-your-iphone) easily. The benefit is that you have access to your data regardless of where you are (or if you're on a Mac). You can push that integration further with all your files with the Google Drive (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/googledrive/id507874739?mt=8) app as well.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Find My iPhone Indictment: As we learned with Mat Honan's hack (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab /2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/) earlier this year, the helpful features of the Find My iPhone app can easily be used for evil. Superior Alternative(s): Prey (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prey-anti-theft /id456755037?mt=8). Notes: Prey doesn't have all the same features of Find My iPhone, but that's also part of the appeal. It'll help you find your phone, but you won't be able to erase data, or change any settings. If the Mat Honan hack makes you a little wary to use Find My iPhone, then Prey is an excellent alternative.
Application to avoid: iBooks Indictment: Out of all of Apple's iPhone apps, iBooks is the biggest offender of skeuomorphic design (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeuomorph). It makes reading look like a book, and that just feels weird on a digital device. Superior Alternative(s): Kindle (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kindle-read-booksmagazines/id302584613?mt=8). Notes: The Kindle app is very simple, but it works really well for reading. You get all types of settings for brightness and fonts to make the reading experience better. Also, your bookmarks are synced across every device you can access the Kindle on. The nice part is you get text on a page and that's it. No weird formatting, and no book-style overlay.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: YouTube Indictment: YouTube isn't packed into iOS 6, but if you're not upgrading to the new operating system, then you're stuck with a pretty ancient YouTube player that doesn't do much but play videos. Superior Alternative(s): Jasmine (http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/jasmine-youtube-client /id554937050?mt=8), YouTube (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/youtube /id544007664?mt=8). Notes: The official YouTube app is just fine for most people who want to watch a video now and again, but Jasmine really nails the experience. Jasmine is easy to use, and you can do everything you can on a desktop from within the app.
Application to avoid: Voice Memos Indictment: Voice Memos is an incredibly simple app that can record audio, and then share that audio over Email, Messages, or in iTunes. While it works okay, its functionality stops there. Superior Alternative(s): Audio Memos (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audio-memosthe-voice-recorder/id338550388?mt=8), Evernote (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote /id281796108?mt=8). Notes: Audio Memos is great because it syncs up across Dropbox, Evernote, and FTP. It also has handy features like a lock code, the ability to link recordings together, and more. If you're a hardcore Evernote user, the Evernote app also features recording options that link directly into your Evernote account.
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http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Application to avoid: Notes Indictment: Notes is about as simple as it gets. It's a writing pad that syncs with iCloud. Not everyone likes iCloud, and a lot of people aren't fans of the ruled notebook appearance of Notes. Superior Alternative(s): Simplenote (http://simplenoteapp.com/), Drafts (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drafts/id502385074?mt=8), Notes: Depending on what you use Notes for, you have a couple of solid options. We're huge fans of Simplenote because it makes syncing your notes across a variety of devices simple. It's also a nice, minimalist writing environment with just a blank page and a spot for text. If you want the ability to organize those notes into different services, Drafts speeds up the process (http://lifehacker.com/5938073/how-to-use-drafts-to-speed-up-your-mobile-text-editing) and lets you quickly jot down a note, and then send it off to a variety of different services.
Application to avoid: Reminders Indictment: Reminders is an exceptionally cool to-do list app that uses geo-fencing to remind you to do tasks when you're in a specific location. Unfortunately, they're not particularly easy to set up and the Reminders app doesn't come with a lot of options. Superior Alternative(s): Checkmark (http://itunes.apple.com/app/checkmark /id524873453?mt=8) Notes: The nice thing about Checkmark is that it's dead simple to use. Three taps and you have a location-based reminder. You don't need to futz about in menus or anything else. Checkmark also works just like Apple's Reminders app. When you're in a certain area, you'll get a notification reminding you to do something. As a trigger to get things done, it works remarkably well and is much easier to use than Reminders.
Application to avoid: Music
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launched. Now, it's a little slicker looking, but it's still the same experience.
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: Until iOS 6, the Music app hadn't been updated or changed since it first Superior Alternative(s): Panamp (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/panamp-the-musicplayer/id446136147), Groove 2 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/groove-2-music-player /id445533979?mt=8), Track 8 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/track-8/id519363162?mt=8). Notes: Depending on what you want from a music player, you have a few different choices. Panamp is a much faster experience than Music, and even though it hasn't been updated in a while it's still a slick, easy-to-use experience. Track 8 is another visual overhaul, but it's definitely a better option for anyone looking for a more visual player. If you're not happy with Music's boring playlist creation, then Groove 2 does it all for you automatically. Groove 2 creates smart, interesting playlists on the fly, and does a much better job of choosing music than Music.
Application to avoid: Podcasts Indictment: When Apple released its Podcasts app, it pulled those podcasts out of the default Music app and stuffed them inside an ill-fitting, counter-intuitive container. The Podcasts app's best feature is the fact it auto-downloads new podcasts, but it's not very easy to use, has an overly-complicated menu, and isn't the prettiest thing to look at. Superior Alternative(s): Downcast (http://www.downcastapp.com/), Podcaster (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/podcaster-4/id377195245?mt=8). Notes: Downcast does everything the Podcasts app does, and it does it much better. You can also use it to create customized playlists (http://lifehacker.com/5946418/turn-your-podcastsinto-a-customized-radio-station), and turn your podcasts into your own radio station. If you'd prefer a podcast app that functions about the same as the old Music app, then Podcaster does the trick.
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Superior Replacements to the Boring Stock iPhone Apps
Application to avoid: Stocks
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: Stocks is great for quickly glancing at a few stock prices, but it doesn't have enough options to fully track your portfolios, or take an in-depth look at the stocks you're investing in. Superior Alternative(s): Stockwatch (http://stockwatch.toughturtle.com/), Bloomberg (http://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id281941097?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4) Notes: If you need more than just a glancing info at your stocks, then both Stockwatch and the Bloomberg app provide all types of customizable information. You can create your own tickers, track stocks, and plenty more. You don't get the option for the stock ticker in Notification Center, but at least you'll get more useful information.
Application to avoid: Weather Indictment: The default Weather app is fine for quickly glancing at the current temperature and looking at the upcoming forecast, but its usefulness stops there. You can't get an in-depth look at incoming weather, nor can you see otherwise common calculations like wind, or "feels like." Superior Alternative(s): The Weather Channel (http://download.cnet.com/The-WeatherChannel/3000-18555_4-10904673.html), AccuWeather (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app /accuweather-for-iphone/id300048137?mt=8), Weather Underground (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weather-underground/id486154808?mt=8). Notes: It's not hard to find a weather app in the App Store, but the big ones made by the Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and Weather Underground are the most feature-rich for most people. All of these apps give you access to full five day forecasts, up to the minute data, and pretty much everything else you'll ever need.
Application to avoid: Calculator
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Superior Replacements to the Boring Stock iPhone Apps
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Indictment: For most people, the default Calculator app is perfect for a quick calculation, and the added scientific calculator in landscape mode fills in the gaps for most people. But if you need features like graphing, you'll have to head into the App Store. Superior Alternative(s): QuickGraph (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quickgraph/id292412367?mt=8). Notes: You have a lot of options for graphing calculators in the App Store, but QuickGraph is on the coolest of the free options. On top of normal calculator functions, you also get 2D and 3D plotting, a library of equations, photo library saving, and plenty more.
Application to avoid: Videos Indictment: The only real problem with the Videos app is that its playback is limited to just a few different formats. If you download a lot of videos in a variety of formats, Videos simply doesn't do the trick. Superior Alternative(s): GoodPlayer (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goodplayer /id416756729?mt=8) Notes: GoodPlayer can handle a ton of different formats (way too many to list here). It's also a perfectly functional video player that does everything you'd expect, including subtitles, cropping, mirroring, and more. That said, the stock Videos app has access to decoders the other video apps don't and can often play in higher definition.
Obviously you don't need to go through and replace every stock Apple app on your homescreen, but if you're looking for more function out of your phone, you'll need to replace at least a few of them.
The only stock apps I use anymore are Phone/SMS, because I've been too lazy to switch over to Google Voice. How about you, what do you use ?
Ha! The only stock app I use is Contacts (and
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Superior Replacements to the Boring Stock iPhone Apps
Google Maps, since I'm still on iOS 5). I like that Contacts is simple and only gives me what I really need. Btw, Google Voice is awesome, make the WeatherBug Sadly, Every Jasmine Just Does There Nobody I stillwant can't think don't Kindle like time are Kindle resist stress agree you has seems Atomic few to I need mentioned even adding point try with Waze is app apps another to to abrowser allow you does require jailbroken out replace enough on these about the that not great ebook CarTunes few ios iPhone instead a for most have stock iCloud weather version 6 apps: sideloading ato maps the of install that app (formerly of these and features Safari... of app. with I this have soIa switch. You'll love that 3rd not IIRC, recommendations like replaced. replacement. list, Music+) Dropbox. finda party the because make the very you NOOK maps as I alternative, I guys good iBooks replaced don't areally replacement It update app used can replacement think acan that's does? superior search Safari to much I be that like invariably the iBooks summarized Music with Google, it Dropbox more option only forGoogle those App. is way frequently come but for is to who It's into the a deep back get Maps - don't throw the stock app away it reading to haven't too "This exceptional Chrome. crowd the almost replacement than the integration The stock stock sourced $5, upgraded or I Weather have academic but app if app. for only with early needed tried is iCloud. I'm as OK, Channel. due large the warning work, not many but to On list sure labels the "replace" to like other the When really fact of if highlighting, contrary, it's and traffic browsers that you're because do anything swipe it issues I (metaphorically, since you can't delete it . note of suggests . something syncs and is in gestures think tracking better the iOS. none taking, that positions way than a instead of iCloud storm iOS useful, them easy any integrates between of (I definitions is implementation feel use buttons, live a poor, right this in sideloaded everything the alternative very to it's and midwest, me. great poor, text I content have for towe anyway) before trying it just because the speech, together, . instead!" on seen using attempt love your our to indate. plus iPhone at the storms!), or syncing because car. theand ability you from iPad. ofdon't the to Apple. iBooks export simplicity want Dropbox a is to lot great look of of the this is, for at a I replaced internet For example, says theit until camera sucks. theIt app Sparrow+ seems withto Camera+, Jailbreak be working a information. stock sideloaded and radar always apps, map that ePubs. will but Nor that's hasn't be, does Not the always refreshed sure it leader have you the and the should in result. ability 30 have to Which VLC longexpensive? perfectly tweak, Too is time sparrow a isbetter fine aago. great in Ialternative was Flick can my advice. country mostly get Tunes away to useless is so Videos, without only far. And as 99¢, the far and as benchmark read Sometimes dinged minutes PDFs that more in one. syncing Ifunctionality journal wouldn't articles). buyis I books not wish The better. Apple only I broke my (think jailbreak toservices. get ios6 (is there a video Apple Weather an entire does pretty in is Camera+ likely Underground replacement. much to try the because fixing same, is awesome the I it never is issues just shoot but not ASAP. as But consider my wife and I. general I, love to tweak, would real through . option stop iBooks to trying replace or to Apple overtake iBooks in here Dropbox is but and the new break for that now—I'm on a 4s?). I miss video. With WeatherHD The one polished, that time and said, and I doesn't vastly I can Weather+ recommend preferred update are anymore, also the City decent Maps while customize, On that list root, as well, hack, the flash options my are phone. I just GoodReader. app give itselfin to But the better that is service. not as easy I know to bitesms. Iis liked hitting the volume buttons replacement 2Go contenders. CarTunes because is still app it works being was when offline, I purchased unlike Apple's LOVE I significantly was going articles to better replace where for I my can some test of a app these: better with use/intuitive fine that'll never happen, as but Imail can and being able to text. Sparrow, Maps, developed Google but then Maps I got or Waze. burned when they alternative Sparrow, I think this but for article then any would I app. realized My be wife, much I never on benefited the actually other iBooks . hope 1) Videosit ==> VLC on announced . a month later they sold the Camera, depends mythat mood. I usually by hand, send Calendar pricing email is okinformation. from with 4DCalendar. my my Android phone, Seeing A bit so RAZR there free pricey, or phone, was $.99 but no . company and were no but longer going to make stick to the stock app, I do use instagram 2) YouTube ==> Protube but would you point. she get have a finds map more itview! too people cumbersome. Otherwise using the it's So like many the major and camera awesome (I have a smugmug steps suggestions, stock to app. doCalvetica one or thing. at least and So knowing FreeTime many shortcuts. how are much good So 3) Mail ==> Sparrow (with I replaced calculator app with Calcbot updates account sothe that works well). agree with this.. i get my ebooks "elsewhere" many items on screen. Etc. She loved her replacing alternatives everything as well. might Sparrow+/SparrowPush) because its just so much nicer use.find (For . Kindle and ibooks allows is the note only taking, app highlighting, thatto i can that 3GS and upgraded an iPhone 5 cost I also userecently Week Cal (which Ito can't me Notes atleast.) and Reminders Springpad! I do definitions. allows me both It Browser doesn't to upload provide them text2speech AND sync or 4) Safari ==> of choice (With which . she truly adore.Sparrow, With all its stock recommend enough), and use theof default apps, but for more serious export notes/highlights to a text file. It position between iphone and ipad. Browser Changer set new default; Nitrous I haveShe been looking a decent music app apps. found the for simplicity and build Accuweather. note, to-do etc. organization Springpad is does read access the pdf's Nitro replacement but Javascript have been unable to find quality,was andgreat, yes, spoon-fed mentality of iOS Stanza but is missing the position king. Lots of sharing options, by the way. I'm going to look into Prey and smartr easily engine) something I really like. I tried Vinyl just perfect how she would user her syncing, so that iof stick to (though the latter may be overkill for . Stocks this is so niche, most users don't Love, not enough functionality and too slow. phone. ibook me) need it. Kill it with fire. Or, more (I will say I love the concept) I tried Muzik, s When you consider us, one can't help to . appropriately, put it in the App Store. again, too slow. I will be testing Track There 8 next. think... if you really want more function out is no reason it's part of the system the good way Most other music apps dont look very your phone.... Calendar Weather is. them. so I wont or even consider Yes, the Kindle app allows for ebook ....really, why are you doing with an iPhone? Weather WeatherPro, Celsius. Dark Sky All the rest-pf the stock apps are It good sideloading via Amazon's cloud. syncs It's a great phone, I love that sharpalso display and Fahrenheit for you US people. enough for my needs. And as someone else notes and position between devices. The only and hardware build-quality... but really? said, Google Voice is provide not a good replacement thing it doesn't do is a method Calculator - Wolfram Alpha! Nothingof beats Now with that logic in place, can't help to for an actual phone. I the tried it.I Thanks, purchasing via app. that. Needs books internet connection, though. feel a little irony in this article. If I ever Apple Also, you can call it up using ifgood you Sortof related: Anyone know Siri of a even really present this article to my phone - or, I'm ! don't have the app? app, but dictating long Google Music Ive been using Melodies, willing to bet, most iPhone users out there but equations it kinda will be an epic I'm pretty sure all I get in return is a hassle sucks weird-look glare. ! . Great read nevertheless though. Just my 3c.. I've been using Groove2 as music app for 4 . months and i'm loving it. I recomend only if you have a big music collection on your iphone, it's where groove shines, its ability to create really good I agree with your logic. Makes perfect sense playlists to me, and it seems alot of consumers (and . especially tech writers) dont understand this .
http://lifehacker.com/5946895/superior-replacements-to-the-boring-stock...
Is replacing stock browser in iOS of any use apart from separate sets of bells and whistles? Because if I'm right Browsers can't All Yeah, yeah, Yes, I have May Does Since Only Every "Camera+ LOL iBooks How Until these keep I come problem anyone I hi, I'm no last suggest so a can is problem can basically critiques thanks. the more pushing one is everyone delete easily we best have CalBot is of into please that these I paying the epub this on Sparrow a use the the good fawns other stock Apple for pretty is most recommendations PLEASE reader way for a a WeekCal-like story calculator apps over apps even recently an full my much on App by music Camera+ stop featured will and/or though any someone all when still (sans pushing device. the app it of is the but re: have their own Engine or something (not just who free replacement. for sounds, open the Trust always change maps) stock these doesn't the iPhone so alternative doesn't stock apps. god me. are stupid. iPad? forgets the support than forsaken I've from apps. camera default They like I the Let's downloaded They're ProCamera? like (Mail) hacky Exchange iPhone are way you being app apps. camera all my nerds more works see for smooth, able Not music and a and apps? every Video complicated, function, or just only to notifications. edit designers, player color clean, single fine i've mode does your spent for code I'll looks, and it one. my it really sure) and all web rendering has to be buggier, everyday numbers events I = replicate Conversion (bonus pass. seems. simple, the Nor use last will Muxica The within Skeuomorphic QR 6 and it shittier, everything an use. years integration receive code to with has as one mobi of my super-cool mode), ad-filled Mountain school, calendar updates replacement via the is design Calibre key. iPhone's live hundreds versions in (a interface. Lion histogram, And the is laor awesome. Outlook), music on future for default another of of your the And WB to It's IMHO - most of these apps, except the new done via safari's engine. So any AudioNotes working and app / same camera mechanism lock Contacts/Calendar/Email, a huge desktop/laptop, add those so as basic far part well does" hours, features. only stuff of as is which not why exposure WeekCal and that's everything an syncs hordes Why thousands option already and the lets typed of exchange dumps for hell focus me people on of notes anything do would dollars the settings, to buy support with phone. the you If Maps I have - works to do very some well real for hardcore what their emailing, meant performance/speed/render quality And Apple audio that . more onscreen is iCloud learning suggest key for complex for notes, products. and someone Christ's everything level, me. its very Easy great. (code as sake, Designers pay handy well sync there I'm samples, for Google as for not an all is get those recording to app of really Voice advanced bored know that that 3. sure other is Wouldn't about and is NOT no what, a I'm Can to do. doing Camera+ I have it from 15 shoot calendars a computer video? including I tried anyway. it my out The work improvements with a browser lectures . superior formatting, filtering pass always if photography. longer any that advantages being want nonsense alternative uplarge for to supported Itchange an drives images, Iyou extra would to kids me the things and unneeded etc) get insane core seem doesn't from up. than phone to Geeks that replacing a love even novel. phone about Exchange is year just loaded ago for quick and thru decided the replies default against andCal checking it app, switcha While . function, these feature always any someone have of basic I'd the want can however like stock features to take to tweak apps. see a many you'd picture a or modernized download stupid expect and 'tweaks' pass from version more it aoff mail you as of because messages notes is easy I didn't as they to use, want come and to in. have along to with use Dragon a ? think iBooks days . apps. you quality/professional app But it is regular can still do best with people of because it. class love as they out-of-the-box an epub take it on separate Dictation I mean really, app - even for if you easier. recording sperg out video. this I hard checked over I lovephone. Bloomberg, but my problem I've reader . simplicity their ? andand aI *lot* just design of dont people that's get it, not read i use overly my If the adding you description want tiny an little over-complicated, in tweaks the App toStore, your apps, and buggier, it maybe discovered I'll grant you is Camera+ the inability if you to "log want something I set up epubs.. abstracted camera phone from tothe take physical pictures environment. of in." something Android ad-filled, doesn't mention is law the of OS diminishing anything for you. about That's returns video, sort of so its I'm a outside HUGE of portfolio the basic on point-n-shoot, my iPad. But when but the I i4s . It's quick comforting to send to in my a world friends, of anything massive that I use Chrome and don't really notice any smartphone unsure MO, experience, then please, just get opened and 5 have on my the iPhone, BEST quality I realize pics I can't fromimport anythe amounts actually want of abstract to show data. other difference in speed. I'm onrecommend apeople. i take an . afterall Android. The apps you are that smartphone same portfolio. on the market Pain in and the if you zoom time to shoot with my real camera and do 4s almost Personally, . universally though, terrible I love lifehacker (and yes, getting for the ass in on anything you will lose quality - so...... real . in deeper with Google "if Thanks you're not geek tweaker part of me. forpaying the . editing I'd agree that a few of these goodon to the have, for it, you're the product" is are a bad suggestions! Maybe just don't jump It take video's.. (it's possible I just . doesn't but not the entire stock set.... proposition "Apple's so lame and getting and over" worse bandwagon. by the I haven't figured out day. doesn't seem even close to representative In fact, they'll actually be article slower -on any of horrible approach to this which how Same problem in CNBC's app, Yahoo ) the average population. I'm verythey skeptical Javascript heavy since can't of should have beenwebsites titled " other ) Finance App, and others. I gave up on these any post I read in that tone because of this. use Apple's Nitro rendering opportunites apps a while ago and instead sent a shortcut But any way, thanks for the suggestions engin " to Google to of my homepage. Works again. I'veFinance used a lot these and they're e Agree on a few of these whole-heartedly: great, and stays in sync everywhere (because great! I still use the stock apps for the most it's a but web - Third party browsers are universally slower part I know some people who will want app) than mobile safari due to not it being able to to know about these. I'll pass . use Apple's Nitro javascript engine on ! - I need push e-mail. I wish I didn't, but I do. Sparrow doesn't have it. So even if you have a portfolio set up on - Weather Channel app and Wunderground my.yahoo, it won't up on say the that Yahoo It's thatshow you would are interesting fine if you need a deeper look at radars or Finance Apple app? I recently set up my IRA portfolios on because forced Scott Forstall user-run weather stations. For just checking there YEARS into resignation, a to known advocate of the whether it's going rain and the temp, ago skeuomorphic design; Forstall was known weather app in the notification center is to . butt heads with Jonathan Ives, who is known perfect to have strong distaste for skeuomorphic - Saying Goodplayer is better than Videos is designs, and who will now take over some of like saying VNC is better than iTunes for Forstall's viewing movies. Videos plays things you duties legally download, Goodplayer plays things . that you don't. Some of these are just dumb though, iCloud is a completely different service than Dropbox and people should use both. I often tell people that my iPad would be the most frustrating piece of technology without Dropbox to actually get things onto it. Stocks is a dead-simple app for looking at stocks. If people want more functionality, of course they should download a paid app. Does anyone not know this?
Totally agee. iOS inherently deters UI customization while Android encourages it.
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6/8/2013 6:40 PM
