Since most brands are now making the move to mobile and nearly everyone out there has an app these days, it's difficult to be surprised by what you can do with a simple app. Are we losing our sense of wonder when it comes to technology, or are we simply running out of ideas? The answer is a resounding no on both counts. We're simply drowning under the proliferation of new apps. So much so, that it's almost difficult for news of the truly innovative ones to get through. Don't worry though - independent tech blogs like this one and doing their best to get news of the best new apps to you, the general public, despite the tide of mediocre ones. Here are some examples of surprising and inspiring things you can do with apps, to help restore your tech lust.
Look at the stars
Great astronomy apps have been around for a while, but Night Sky Lite is one that comes with a whole community of astronomy enthusiasts itching to tell you about the best places to view the stars. Make use of the detailed stargazing conditions maps and a World Traveller mode which lets you view the night's sky from anywhere in the world. Or, just use the app for its main function: point it at the night's sky and get an amazing overlay of all the constellations, stars and even satellites you encounter. Real astronomy geeks should supplement Night Sky with Nasa's free app, which keeps you in the loop about space missions, news and countdowns to launches as well as their Space Images app which lets you view the latest images of black holes, solar flares and stars being born.
Win money, with retro games
Bingo is just one example of a pastime that's enjoying something of a renaissance due to the wonders of tech. It wasn't always cool - your gran would have shuffled down to the local bingo hall not so long ago to meet up with her friends and enjoy this simple pleasure. But things have changed. Bingo has been taken away from the dusty old games halls and it's enjoying a renewed popularity thanks to its new home: the mobile. With some impressive cash prizes on offer and a new platform to do it on, Bingo is now soaring back to popularity amongst hipsters, housewives and businessmen alike. This hugely accessible game can be found on apps like the one made by 32Red Bingo, which are available widely on Android and iOS.
Control your desktop remotely
Mobile apps are increasingly being used for managing other business operations remotely. And that means the ability to control your desktop PC remotely. This opens up a host of new possibilities for those who manage their businesses on the go. There are a few different apps out there that can do the job, but until they've stayed largely hidden from the mainstream. However, the burgeoning trend towards working remotely has put them in the spotlight recently. Chrome Remote Desktop is one such app that, in combination with the companion app for your desktop, makes it possible for you to whizz around your desktop from the comfort of your local cafe or even your bed. Just make sure you don't tell your boss you have it, or sick days are going to be filled with a lot more than playing 32Red games!
Invest on the stock market
Investing on the stock market is something a lot of people dream of doing and it can be a fantastic way to increase your net worth. The problem is, few people have the time or the resources to get started. That's all about to change with the arrival of stock market apps like Stash, which allows you to set yourself up with the touch of a button. Choose your investment type from a range of simple options: "I believe"(based on the causes the stocks support), "I want" (based on what you want to achieve), "I like"(those you've experienced). You can choose to invest as little as $5 at a time and there are lots of useful guides and glossaries that beginners can make use of.
What are your favourite things to do with an app? And what apps have you encountered recently that have revived your tech lust? Leave a comment below.