Must-Have Apps and Accessories for January 2017
If you’re looking for must-have apps and accessories for the start of 2017, you’ve come to the right place.
Even the most organized among us are sometimes procrastinators. In January, all of those things many of us have been putting off circle back around to the forefront — whether we like it or not.
As 2017 began, I narrowed my list of goals for the year into two very broad categories. Professionally, I hope to make better use of my iPad Pro. Too often, I turn to my MacBook Pro to get things done, even when a tablet is a better choice.
On the personal front, I’m committed (once again) to eating better and losing weight. I’d also like to take my amateur photography to a new level by doing more post-processing.
To achieve these goals, I’ve turned to the following apps and accessories:
Awesome apps ...
Quadro isn’t the easiest app to explain. In general terms, it allows you to control your Mac or PC using your iOS device. In doing so, it’s supposed to improve your workflow while offering a more personalized experience across your devices. Think of it as an external Apple Touch Bar for any computer.
As a creature of habit, I have yet to fully embrace Quadro. However, I’m not giving up, because I really think it will help me to improve my daily workflow.
Quadro is free to download on the App Store. New users can try the app’s premium features free for 14 days. After this, you can use the basic features for free or unlock the premium ones with an annual $9.99 subscription.
As a writer, I’m always on the lookout for the next great writing app. I found it in Bear, which first arrived on the scene last year. The app serves as a brilliant replacement for Evernote or Apple Notes and is available for iOS and macOS.
You can try Bear for free via the App Store and Mac App Store. Premium features are available for $14.99 per year or $1.49 per month across all of your devices.
Read all about Bear in Christine Chan’s November review.
I absolutely love taking photos with my iPhone 7 Plus. Unfortunately, I never seem to find the time to edit those photos for later use.
Recently, I discovered Photolemur, which takes a no-nonsense approach to photo enhancement. The Mac-based application uses a unique algorithm to enhance photographs in a few easy steps and without the need of complicated controls.
Called a “smart intelligent photography assistant” by its creators, Photolemur looks at various factors when analyzing an image and automatically makes the necessary corrections and adjustments.
In other words, it just works.
Photolemur is priced at $49, but for a limited time, it’s only $29. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a smart photo-editing solution.
Other apps worth considering this month:
... Great accessories
I really want to get in better shape in 2017. Since I’ve never been a gym rat, I’ve turned to walking and light running to get this done.
Since I live in the Northeast, this means exercising in rain, snow, and everything in between. For this purpose, I’ve turned to two really great accessories.
ActionSleeve Armband by TwelveSouth
With ActionSleeve, you can move your Apple Watch to your upper arm or biceps for better protection during your workout. And because ActionSleeve provides for better skin contact, your Apple Watch can offer improved heart rate monitoring.
Priced at $29.99, ActionSleeve is available in red and black for both the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch.
Touchscreen Gloves from Mujjo
Available in multiple styles and sizes, Mujjo’s lineup of touchscreen gloves keep you warm in the winter, while also making it possible to use your iOS device. Thanks to Mujjo, the days when you had to take off your gloves to make a call or answer a text are finally over.
These gloves are available at multiple price points via the Mujjo website.
Some other accessories worth considering:
In 2017, we’ll look at the must-have apps and accessories each month. What were your favorites for January?
