I am not a big fan of smartphones. I prefer reading a book than browsing through the smartphone. Primarily, it's addictive, and it takes off your valuable time. In fact, I have had thoughts to uninstall WhatsApp from my mobile. How would I? I have my clients, project discussions, friends, family groups, alumni network, all connected through WhatsApp, the list is endless. Moving away from the smartphone or uninstalling WhatsApp is next to impossible.
Things changed when I stayed alone and also when I traveled alone to remote places. The smartphone became my best companion. If you ask me if I have the best phone in the market, no, I don't. I have not bought a new phone for the last five years (phew!!). You might find me old fashion (or perhaps from a different world).
Coming back to the topic of concern, I felt that these five apps deserve a place on my phone. For someone who doesn't follow Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and all the other binge activity that you might see with millennials these days, these five Apps are certainly the essential ones one should have it on their phone:
- Amazon Kindle: They say that there is no book as loyal as a friend. Yes, I would spend hours reading books that get me hooked. I was able to get access to some excellent short stories while I was alone. Believe me, I would not have read them if I was on a book hunt in a library or at a book store. You end up looking for some famous writers. I realized that there is a treasure hidden in Kindle when I read through some outstanding stories there.
- Swiggy, Zomato, or Uber Eats: I love to explore new cuisine. When I downloaded one of these apps on my friend's suggestion, I was not sure about their efficiency. The week when I stayed alone or when I came home late, Swiggy came as a saviour for me. I got a chance to explore new cuisine every day. It was fun!
- Doxtro: This is an essential App if you don't have access to the right Doctor. When I fell sick, rather than depending on Google for the suggestions, I explored Doxtro App. I got connected with the Doctor, and in no time, I was done with my first online consultation. For the first time, I realized that I could chat with a Doctor and get a prescription too. They also helped me with medicine delivery. After two or three consultations, I decided that Doxtro has to be there on my mobile if I really cared about my wellness. The App came handy every time I traveled over the last two month, giving me access to a specialist Doctor whenever I had some health concern.
- Google Map: You are right! I downloaded it very recently (You guessed it! I use iPhone 5... Generations behind!). I remember routes and prefer not to look at the map wherever I go. (Are you nuts?) Here is my version! A map keeps me focused on the phone and make me listen to what the bot assistant is saying minute-by-minute. I would rather spend that time on my next story or an article that I plan to write. It came handy to me when I traveled to a remote village as part of a study. I realized that Google map had stored all the location information to the detail. I would suggest this only if you are traveling outside. Within the city, use it if you prefer to be known as someone with poor memory!
- UPI App: I would suggest you download one Unified Payment Interface (UPI) App. It could be Phone Pe, Bhm, GPay, or PayTM. They did help me to make some small payments without touching the cash that I was carrying during the travel. These Apps have done enough marketing that even the smallest tea shops have adopted to UPI payment mode. Places where I had to pay Rs 25 or 30, I started using UPI payment App not having to bother about the change.
I remember watching an Amitabh Bachchan Ad on a mobile App where he cleans up all the Apps and suggests an App to a twenty-something guy to download a specific app. I have not tried the JD app yet, but for someone who hates to load the phone with too many App, I would suggest these five apps - Eat (Food App), Wellness (Doxtro), Wealth (UPI), Happiness (Kindle) and Direction (Google Maps).What do you think are those five must-have Apps? Share your must-have App list...
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