Apps That Run Your Life: Why not if you can do tasks with ease, Part 2
Ever tried toasting bread with a flashlight? Well, that’s actually how it feels like functioning without certain apps, these days! Could work but wildly ineffective. In a previous ASI article, it was cited that modern work environment has taken a toll on the health and well-being of workers. To combat stress, even health apps have become necessary. Here is the final batch of apps that serve as backstage crew keeping your life’s performance running smoothly:
Dropbox. Dropbox simplifies digital storage by allowing you to back up files from anywhere. It’s a lifesaver for remote teams needing version control or freelancers who hate cluttered desktops. Lastly, smart syncing and file recovery add peace of mind, especially when you accidentally delete something important.
Microsoft Office Suite. Documents go mobile with the Microsoft Office Suite. Word edits on a train? PowerPoint touch-ups in a cafe? Totally doable. These apps sync smoothly via OneDrive. That’s why professionals across industries rely on these staples to handle deadlines and brainstorm without missing a beat.
Calendar. Let’s be real—without Calendar, your entire life would descend into beautifully color-coded chaos. It’s the digital version of that friend who remembers everything. Sync it once with your account, and suddenly, your device knows your schedule. No app has more passive-aggressive power.
Google Drive. File version history might just save your next big presentation. Whether you’re co-editing a resume or backing up old college essays, Drive’s universal compatibility means you can open nearly any file type. Plus, permissions let you control who views, edits, or comments.
Google Pay. Payments move faster than card swipes using Google Pay. Double-click your phone, tap, and go. Store loyalty cards and transit passes here. It’s more secure than physical cards, too, as tokenization keeps data safe. Going wallet-free never felt this normal.
Calculator. Simple doesn’t mean skippable. The calculator handles basic arithmetic, scientific equations, and conversions without clutter. No ads, no gimmicks—just clean, reliable math on demand. If you’ve ever needed to split a check or calculate interest, this humble tool likely saved the moment.
Adobe Scan. This one on the list captures documents with clarity and converts them into editable PDFs. Its automatic text recognition (OCR) makes searching and organizing effortless. People managing paperwork will appreciate how quickly it turns into clean digital files.
Uber/Lyft. Who needs a car when your chauffeur lives in your pocket? Whether you’re tipsy, tired, or dodging parking nightmares, these apps rescue you on-demand—like superheroes, but with GPS and the occasional surge pricing.
Zoom. Need to attend a meeting in your pajamas? Zoom’s got you. Want to host a virtual trivia night? Zoom’s your party host. It’s the app that keeps on giving. With breakout rooms for meetings and the ability to add funky backgrounds, Zoom has turned virtual interactions into a whole new kind of social circus.
Signal. Privacy enthusiasts swear by Signal. Created by cryptographers and endorsed by security experts, it uses open-source encryption to protect all communications. Moreover, it stores no metadata and allows disappearing messages for added protection.
Reference: Phone Necessities: 20 Apps You Can’t Function Without
“As strong demand for fintech in the Philippines continues, so too Filipinos’ expectations on convenience, interoperability and improved user experience across these applications,” Arreco added. Digido reported that 76.2% of Filipino adults (63.1 million users) adopted fintech services through mobile apps from September 2018 to June 2024, with fintech app downloads totaling 617 million.
Digital commerce led with 31.4% of downloads, followed by digital wallets at 21.7%, and digital lending at 20.3%. The remaining downloads were for digital payments and transfers (11.6%), digital personal finance apps (8%), and digital banking (7%). In the first half of 2024, Digido found that digital lending saw the highest growth with 25.4 million downloads, followed by digital commerce at 13.5 million, and digital wallets at 12.2 million.
Digital payments and transfers, digital banking, and digital personal finance apps had 7.8 million, 6.2 million, and 4 million downloads, respectively. Digido noted that, on average, downloads grow at about 10.26% every six months. In the first half of 2024, digital banking saw the highest growth at 22.34%, followed by digital payments and transfers at 17.72%, and digital lending at 16.81%.
“We believe that the Philippines remains on course towards widespread digitalization, with its ‘fintech-ization’ far from weakening,” Arreco said. “Collaboration within and outside of the industry remains paramount for this growth to be realized at a faster rate,” she added. Financial technology (fintech) adoption through mobile applications is likely to reach 80% or about 65 million users by the end of 2024, an analysis from consumer credit service Digido showed.
