There’s An App for That Part 4

Some apps in the online stores can waste time, money and memory space on your gadget. This series scours the internet and finds the handiest apps that are not a passing fad. The following group of apps has been tested here in our home office.

Spotify—This company has created a virtual music library that you can personalize to your specifications; 70s rock ‘n’ roll, anyone? You have the ability to save songs to your library, make playlists and listen to Spotify’s premade playlists. Spotify also offers a variety of comedy stations, audiobooks and a specially-made playlist of music you may be interested in. There three different ways to listen: smartphone app, computer desktop program and a web player. The first two provide icons that take you immediately to your music library, while the web player can be accessed through an internet search engine.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download, but it will play ads. You can remove the ads for a monthly fee.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.
• It has millions of different songs from which to choose.

Audible—If you like to read but find your eyes straining, Audible may be a solution. Through this app, you can choose a book from genres, such as history or romance, and a narrator will read the novel to you. This app is the hip, new successor to the books on cassette tapes. Your first book is free, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download, but you will have to pay for subsequent books.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.
• You can cancel your subscription and keep the books you previously downloaded.

Waze—Pronounced “ways,” this handy GPS app is a must for drivers. Its goal is to help drivers avoid traffic jams and quickly get them where they need to be. Waze does this by tracking your car and asking drivers to submit accidents, road hazards and more, so other drivers can get the heads-up. The navigation map shows events in real time, so drivers can see the most current traffic reports.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.
• It includes turn-by-turn navigation.

Shazam—This app takes all the guess work out of remembering song titles or lyrics. If you hear a song on a TV commercial or on the radio, Shazam can “listen” and search for the song in its database. The app allows you to explore new and old artists.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download.
• It is compatible with Android devices, Apple products and Windows smartphones.
• Provides the option to purchase and download songs.

Download these apps and tell us what you think about them, or comment below about your favorite app for older adults. Look for Part 5 soon! Follow our blog and stay current in apps, home care and much more.

Check out our previous "There's an App for That" posts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

We do not receive any form of compensation by any of the companies whose products we write about. The opinions expressed are solely that of ComForCare Health Care Holdings, Inc. (“ComForCare”) and have not been independently vetted or reviewed. Prior to using any product (app, software, hardware, etc.) discussed or referenced on this blog, please be sure to conduct an independent analysis of its benefits, costs, and obligations. ComForCare is not responsible for any relationship developed by and between you and the companies that own the products discussed herein.