Life, work and technology: Gianluca’s essential apps

Technology has become an ever-present part of our daily lives. When last did you look at your phone? Send a WhatsApp? Check your Twitter? Or send an email? I bet it was just moments ago…

There’s an app for everything these days. In fact, there are more out there that we haven’t heard of than the few that we do know. At times, it can be overwhelming to keep up with what’s available.

As a passionate techie, and having had a chance to work with Simplifyd to launch into SA, it made me realise the importance of sharing habits, tricks and tips. Simplifyd, which is an obvious example, helps small businesses and freelancers to manage all their CRM, admin and invoicing needs, and I love how it all integrates together.

This sparked me into action and so here’s a list of five apps that I have tried, tested and currently use every day:

1. Communicating – Slack

When client and friend Sean Miller (Co-Founder of Simplifyd) introduced me to Slack, it didn’t take long to become hooked. It works on my Mac, iPhone and Apple Watch. Slack basically allows you to chat seamlessly with contacts and teams. It does this by allowing you to form groups or one-on-one channels and can take the hassle out of writing another-freakin-email. It offers instant communication for instant feedback and instant action!

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2. Tasks – Later

Cool reminder app that lets you set instant reminders for specific intervals. I always find it useful when at meetings or in between the office and life when you need to remember to pay an account, set a reminder for what to buy at Woolies later or call Carel as soon as you get where you’re going. Later is quick, easy and useful.

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3. Reading – Flipboard

Brilliant reader app to read up on all thats happening in the world. It lets you choose your topics and lays them out like a magazine in a format that’s easy to read, share and search.

 

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4. Listening – Podcasts

If you prefer listening to reading, the Podcasts app is a no-brainer. With thousands of talks available you can subscribe, stream or download your favourite podcasts right on to your phone or computer. I like to stream them in the car in the morning. Here are the last two I played:

• Scott Dinsmore – How to find work you love
• Robin Sharma – The strangest paradox of leadership

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5. Money – Splitwise

The easiest way to split bills when out or travelling with friends. Easy to use app that tracks who owes what and always saves that long-painful-wait after a good dinner out with friends.

Try them out and share your favourites with us – @cnandco or @giangitucci