The popularity of apps for smartphones and tablets exploded in 2011. There are more than 500,000 apps in Apple's App Store alone. More than 1 million apps exist, and customers have downloaded them billions of times.
1. 20 best iPad apps
The iPad is one of my favorite gadgets. It isn't much good without apps, though. These are 20 apps I have on my iPad and you should have on yours.
2. Security for your smartphone
It didn't take hackers long to write viruses and malicious apps for smartphones and tablets. Keeping your gadget secure isn't any different than doing the same for your computer. You need security apps like these.
3. Apps to slash your cell phone bill
Have you ever opened your cell phone bill and almost had a heart attack? These apps can mostly replace your voice and texting plans for significant savings.
4. 4 alternatives to Apple's Siri Personal Assistant
The biggest news of Apple's iPhone 4S launch was the Siri Personal Assistant. This built-in app understands your requests and responds. It didn't take long for other developers to come up with similar apps for non-iPhone 4S gadgets. Here are the best ones.
5. Apps to navigate traffic
Don't you hate being stuck in traffic? Wouldn't it be nice if you had something that could help you avoid or re-route around it? Put these apps on your smartphone and you can!
6. 10 essential apps for the Verizon iPhone
You just picked up that shiny new iPhone to find that it doesn't have that many apps on it. What should you buy first? This list of essential iPhone apps will tell out.
7. Detect Carrier IQ
The big news at the tail end of 2011 was Carrier IQ. This hidden activity-reporting software was found on more than 140 million smartphones, mostly Android models. To find out if it's installed on your phone, download this free app today.
8. Save money on apps
There are many free apps around, but there are also many paid ones. Buying a bunch of apps for your smartphone or tablet can quickly drive you to the poor house. Find out how to save money when you're looking for apps to download.
9. Apps for emergencies
Many tragic disasters and emergencies struck around the world in 2011. You never know when a crisis will happen where you live. Download these handy emergency apps now so you have them handy.
10. Skip waiting on hold It's easy to forget that smartphones can still make phone calls. It seems we use them for everything else but that. However, smartphones do have advantages when placing calls to companies. These apps mean you never have to wait on hold again.
