Big “App” Survival Guide

Whether you are living in New York, frequenting the Big Apple for work and social events or just in town for a visit- chances are you understand the meaning of a New York Minute.

A New York minute passes quicker than possibly any other minute on earth, life in the city is go-go-go, and not a minute to spare.  We are the ultimate multitaskers, and are constantly looking to simplify.

So as an Iphone user, and NY Metropolista- I set out on a mission, challenging Apple in the Big Apple. I thought of all the day to day issues we face and searched and tested them out… and the verdict is in-

When it comes to The challenge of  the NY Minute – “There’s an App for that!”

Actually there are several, and I’ve complied a top 10 list for all of your City survival needs.

- Around Me is your one stop shop for pretty much everything under the sun. You can search by business name or by category. Categories include: ATMs, Theaters, Coffee, Hospitals, Hotels, Restaurants, and Grocery Stores just to name a few. It provides you with address’, phone numbers as well as directions to your destination. This App is FREE.

- Sit or Squat (by Charmin) is an awesome little app that uses the Iphone’s GPS feature to find the closest bathrooms to your current location. This is a must have when you are traveling with children, but is also really useful for adults as well- because lets be honest When you got to go, you got to go and  if you (like me) have a phobia of porta potties, this app gives you many other  public bathrooms options that may be a tad bit cleaner. This App is FREE!

-PrimoSpot Parking is the answer to every bridge and tunnel-er’s biggest city gripe. It is truly heaven sent. This app also uses the Iphone GPS feature to find where you are, but not only does it find the closest and cheapest parking lots- it also lists the metered and free parking areas!  New Yorkers know all about Alternate Side Parking, and so does this nifty little App, taking all of  that into consideration while searching for your Primo Parking Spot!  And as if that wasn’t enough, there is also has a feature that can remember where you parked.  Amazing, just amazing. This App is $1.99 and worth every penny.

- NYC 311 allows users to help keep New York running like a well oiled machine. See a pot hole? Graffiti? Have a complaint about a school, business or taxi experience?  NYC 311 functions just like the 311 hotline and allows you to easily send your message along with images directly to the city.  This App is Free.

- NYC Kick Map Lite gives you a full subway map that includes all subway lines, stops and connections at a quick glance. This app also includes late night service cut back information which is always very helpful. This App is free.

- Hop Stop is a great app that requires little to no thought. You enter your destination, your perferred method of travel (Taxi, subway or bus) and it will map out your quickest route, even giving you alternate route options when there are changes in service. This App is free

- Exit Strategy is the app you will want to have to help you shave a few minutes from your trip. This application will tell you which subway car to ride according to which stop you are getting off and where you are going. This is especially helpful for those times you are running late. This App is $2.99

- Coovents locates all the best Happy Hour specials in the area, lets you save your favorites and you can even tell your friends where you will be going after work via twitter- directly from the app! This App is free.

- Food Cop gives you a quick ‘report card’ for local restaurants. It not only includes the ratings, but any violations they may have had. This App is .99

- MultiCam NYC shows you live traffic pictures of many major intersections of Manhattan as well as Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx. If you are looking to hop a cab across town for a meeting, you may want to consult this app first to see if the subway may be quicker. This App is .99

Photo credit: humdizzy on stock.exchgn

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