apps - Softonic English

Steam bets on accessibility and improves these features in thousands of games

Valve has recently implemented a feature long awaited by many on its Steam platform: the inclusion of accessibility details on game pages. This new function will allow users to search for specific titles based on accessibility features, thus improving the experience for players with various disabilities. Sometimes it is necessary to filter The company … Continue reading “”

Valve ha implementado recientemente una función muy esperada por muchos en su plataforma Steam: la inclusión de detalles de accesibilidad en las páginas de los juegos. Esta nueva función permitirá a los usuarios buscar títulos específicos en función de las características de accesibilidad, mejorando así la experiencia para los jugadores con diversas discapacidades.

A veces tienes que filtrar

The company has announced that more than 5,000 games have already added information about their accessibility support, thanks to the valuable feedback collected from developers and players. Among the features that can be found are options such as playable without timed input and color alternatives, elements that are especially crucial for players with visual disabilities. This improvement responds to an evident need within the gaming community, which has sometimes had to return games due to the lack of customization options, as in the case of puzzles where it is essential to distinguish colors.

The update allows users to filter games through the option narrow by accessibility feature, providing access to a range of options that reflect a serious commitment to inclusion. Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most acclaimed titles today, exemplifies this effort, as it includes 10 accessibility features ranging from adjustable difficulty to the ability to play without input timing.

Estas inclusiones no solo son beneficiosas para los jugadores con discapacidades, sino que muchas de estas características son útiles para el público en general, como la opción de guardar en cualquier momento y el tamaño de texto ajustable. Con esta nueva iniciativa, Valve se posiciona como un líder en el movimiento hacia una experiencia de juego más inclusiva y accesible para todos.

Socially responsible applications: from Dry January to Share The Meal

Today, we want to bring you a series of applications that seek good and social justice through technology. Each of these apps contributes to…

Surely you have heard about the latest viral challenge: staying sober throughout January. Or, rather, not drinking alcohol during this first month of the year. Many young people have been encouraged and society has responded.

Try Dry The Dry January DOWNLOAD

This is one of the clearest examples of applications with social responsibility. Because yes, technology can be a transformative element of our society. And most importantly, it must be.

Today we want to bring you a series of applications that seek the common good and social justice through technology. Each of these apps has a special and dedicated approach that seeks a positive outcome. Whether it’s combating alcoholism or food waste. Let’s get started!

Applications with social responsibility

ShareTheMeal

ShareTheMeal is an initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). WFP is the largest humanitarian agency in the world fighting hunger. Every year, WFP reaches 80 million people with food assistance in around 80 countries.

ShareTheMeal DOWNLOAD

The WFP is 100% voluntarily funded, so every donation counts. WFP’s administrative costs are among the lowest in the nonprofit sector, and 90% of donations go directly to WFP’s operations that are building a world with zero hunger. Google Play.

Givelifly

Use the Givelify mobile donation app to make donations, tithes, and offerings to any charity, nonprofit organization, or church in the United States. Enjoy easy access to accurate donation records for tax time.

Your favorite church, non-profit organization or charity must be registered to receive your donations. Simply search, donate, and let Givelify take care of the rest. Donate during fundraising events, while on vacation, at work, conventions, or anywhere else. Donations can be completed in as little as three taps on your mobile phone, and access to donation records is as easy as two taps. Google Play.

Commons: Spend Sustainably

In the Commons: Spend Sustainably app, users are introduced to the concept that every purchase they make has a carbon footprint, which represents an opportunity to contribute to the fight against climate change.

This app emphasizes that daily purchases by individuals collectively influence 65% of global emissions and highlights the importance of sustainable spending to advocate for a future with low carbon emissions for the planet.

Commons: Spend Sustainably DOWNLOAD

Through “Commons”, users can explore the environmental impact of their purchases and access easy-to-use methods to make environmentally friendly decisions. The application offers several features to facilitate sustainable spending. Google Play.

Good On You

Good On You is a trusted resource for sustainability ratings in the fashion world. With over a million users worldwide, the Good On You app helps people make more responsible purchasing decisions and contribute to a sustainable future.

Users of the Good On You app can effortlessly evaluate the impact of their favorite fashion brands on the issues that matter to them. The app provides information on ethical fashion purchasing, showcases better alternatives, and offers exclusive deals from leading brands.

Good On You DOWNLOAD

The application has a collection of over 3,000 brands, all of them subject to a thorough rating system. Each brand is assigned an easy-to-use rating on a scale of one to five, ranging from “Avoid” (1) to “Excellent” (5). These ratings cover the brand’s impact on people, the planet, and animals.

Good On You is more than a shopping tool: it is a valuable source of knowledge about ethical fashion. Users can access sustainability tips, style guides, and recommendations while staying up to date with the latest trends in eco-friendly fashion. iTunes.

Humanity

Join the nearly 100,000 users of Humanity, the best application to increase life expectancy (years of healthy life). Discover your biological age and receive personalized guidance based on AI algorithms validated with real-world health outcomes.

Continuously monitor your actions in four categories and receive a score for each positive step you take. The idea is to encourage you to achieve a healthier future with goals such as remaining fully functional for more years, reducing stress levels, and increasing happiness. iTunes.

Dry January

And this is the app everyone is talking about. Its real name is Try Dry, which in English means “try to stay dry” or “stay sober”. And it has become popular in 2024 because it has become a social challenge among young people.

Try Dry The Dry January DOWNLOAD

The app is very easy to use, as it consists of marking the days that you have managed to not drink anything throughout the month, and the app encourages you to continue achieving challenges. This app is raising awareness among many people for good and is the perfect example that technology can be socially responsible.

Google and Apple are going to have a new competitor in the world of app stores: Xbox

That my competition has more games? I buy exclusives in droves. That despite all the public prefers it? I ask if it is possible to sneak in the Gamepass. And, why not, I'm trying to make the leap to mobile phones.

Xbox is the definition of not giving up in the console war. That my competition has more games? I buy exclusives by the bucketload. That despite everything the public prefers it? I ask if it’s possible to sneak Gamepass. And, why not, I try to make the leap to mobiles. And in those is Phil Spencer, who has already announced that it will take much less than we think to see its app store hand in hand with Google Play and the App Store. Earthquakes are coming.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

I app-posed it all

The Xbox Mobile Platform (which may change its name, of course) was leaked in October, as part of the documentation needed to buy Activision Blizzard. What we didn’t imagine was that its launch would be imminent. And it makes sense: Activision Blizzard bought in 2015 King, the developer of ‘Candy Crush’, which if it only appears in Microsoft’s app store already has halfway done. Like starting a race a hundred meters ahead.

Obviously, Xbox knows that it will not be easy to resist in this market, so they are betting everything on a single word: decision. Allowing users to move on their own on their own phone and decide whether they want to stay with what has already been imposed or bet on new ways to get their games and applications.

Microsoft’s long-term plan is to be relevant not only on the computer and TV screen, but also on the mobile screen. The more options, the more likely it is to be a success, after all. The word is that before the end of 2024 we will have a new partner in an office that is becoming more and more crowded.

It’s worth noting that to enter like a dinosaur in a porcelain store they will have to wait on Apple devices, because as of today you can’t install alternative stores to the official one (on Android you can, of course). But they will have to change and allow it to fall under the Digital Markets Act. Does that mean Apple fans are going to end up downloading the Xbox app store? Frankly, few things crazier and more impossible I can think of.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

The best podcast applications and services (2023)

September 30 is International Podcast Day and we want to celebrate it by recommending the best platforms to listen to your favorite podcasts.

This year, September 30th is quite special. Today is not only Save Your Photos Day, an annual event encouraging users to store and preserve their photographs, but it’s also International Podcast Day, an event celebrated to promote this format that combines traditional radio with the vast possibilities of the internet.

Podcasts come in many different genres and contents, and the best part is that you can enjoy them from anywhere: you can listen while doing your chores, while cooking, in bed before sleep, or even while commuting on public transport.

Do you feel like starting to listen to podcasts? Have you been listening to podcasts for a while and would like to discover something new? Below, we’ve compiled a selection of the best platforms for listening to podcasts in 2023.

Spotify

Spotify is a platform that allows you to access thousands of podcasts of all kinds, from exclusive originals to new releases and hits. On Spotify, you can stream podcasts or download them to enjoy offline. Additionally, you can interact with podcasts using features like questions and surveys.

Spotify DOWNLOAD

Moreover, Spotify provides you with music, radio shows, and personalized recommendations to ensure you never get bored. You can use Spotify for free with ads or subscribe to a Premium plan that suits your needs and budget.

Spotify also offers an app for Apple Watch, allowing you to control playback with Siri and connect to other devices compatible with Spotify Connect.

iVoox

If in addition to podcasts, you also want to access a huge library of radio shows, audiobooks, conferences and much more, iVoox is the app you need.

iVoox DOWNLOAD

With iVoox, you can follow your favorite podcasts, receive notifications, download them automatically, or create your own playlists. You can also listen to live radio, discover new stations by genre, and save your favorites. If you want to speed up and monetize your podcast, iVoox provides you with all the tools to do so.

iVoox gives you access to the largest audio catalog in Spanish, with thousands of options for every taste and topic. And you can listen to any content for free anytime, anywhere, without the need to subscribe to anything.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is an app that allows you to discover, follow, and listen to millions of podcasts from around the world. You can also explore new content through expert selections and personalized recommendations.

Apple Podcasts DOWNLOAD

With Apple Podcasts, you can access free programs as well as exclusive content through subscriptions. This way, you can support your favorite creators and enjoy ad-free episodes, early access, and much more.

Additionally, you can use Siri to play any podcast you want with just a request. And the best part is that you can listen to podcasts across all your Apple devices, and even download them for offline listening. Apple Podcasts is essentially the ideal app for Apple fans who love podcasts.

Amazon Music

Amazon Music is an Amazon app that allows you to listen to thousands of popular and exclusive podcasts on various topics, from comedy to business, culture, sports, and more. With your Amazon Prime subscription, you can listen to podcasts on multiple devices, download them for offline listening, and easily follow all your favorite podcasts.

Amazon Music DOWNLOAD

Moreover, you can enjoy over 100 million ad-free songs with Amazon Music Unlimited, the most comprehensive music streaming service in the market. And the best part is, you can make the most out of Amazon Music with the mobile app, which allows you to access all the content from anywhere.

Essential apps to customize Android

These are all the apps you’ll need to personalize your Android smartphone.

Android is a fantastic mobile operating system that gives you lots of personalization options. Unlike the iPhone, which offers rather limited customization options, Android smartphones give you a very large amount of control over the operating system. So much so, that you can completely distinguish your Android smartphone experience from somebody else’s.

Today, we’re going to walk you through all the best Google Play Store apps that exist to help you do just that. These are all the best apps to customize Android, covering everything from your keyboard to your lock screen. Let’s begin.

How to customize Android OS

SwiftKey

SwiftKey is an excellent keyboard app for both Android and Apple’s iOS. Google’s own Gboard has since developed its own version of SwiftKey’s innovative drag to type function that allows you to drag your finger across the letters of a word rather than hitting them all individually. SwiftKey does, however, give you more pro-level customization options than you find with the Google offering. Furthermore, SwiftKey has a whole host of custom themes you can use for free. With your keyboard taking up so much space on your display, this is a great place to start.

SwiftKey Keyboard Download now

KWGT

Another great Android feature that often goes unused due to poor execution is widgets. That is what makes KWGT such an excellent customization app for Android. KWGT gives you the ability to make your own widgets for all sorts of different things. You can create widgets for RSS feeds, weather displays, calendars, schedules, clocks and more. This is a really deep level of customization that goes well beyond merely changing your background or moving your apps from one place to another. This actually changes the capabilities of your Android OS, putting you in control of what it can do at any given moment

KWGT Download now

Nova Launcher and other Android Launcher apps

Another way to really get into the nitty gritty of your Android OS is to customize your launcher. Launchers take their names from the fact that they’re where you launch all your apps. That means they’re basically the way you interact with your OS. Everything underneath stays Android but everything else is different with Launchers not only looking different but also offering distinctive features between them.

Nova Launcher will offer you most amount of customization options while the premium Action Launcher, offers a truly innovative experience straight out the box. Check them out now.

Nova Launcher Download now

Navbar Apps

Navbar Apps offers another level of Android customization that the iPhone simply can’t match. It allows you to get right into the OS’s core code and make changes to the Android navigation bar. Admittedly, this is only a small tweak but when added to the themes that come with the app the effect can be quite striking. What’s also great about Navbar Apps is that you can use most of the app’s features for free.

Navbar Apps Download now

Custom Search Bar

Just because you have an Android phone doesn’t mean you always want to search on Google. We’re bringing this up because it is a Google search bar that normally sits on your home screen. Search doesn’t just have to be about Google though, which is exactly what the Custom Search bar Widget is about. The widget puts a search bar on your home screen that makes it possible to search on almost all search bars and even your installed apps and social media pages. Custom Search Bar is an incredibly useful app and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Custom Searc Bar Widget CSBW Download now

Tapet

On the surface, this might sound like a simple wallpaper app that automatically switches your device wallpaper but Tapet is so much more than that. If you want to have a completely unique Android experience that nobody else anywhere is having, then this is the app for you.

Basically, Tapet uses mathematical functions to automatically generate new wallpapers for you. There are a few base patterns that will be the same on everybody’s app but then after that, it is all about wallpaper generation. You can play around with certain functions and features but when you’re done, Tapet will use your phone’s internal processors to develop new wallpapers meaning nobody anywhere will have the same background as you do. You can also link Tapet to other Live Wallpaper apps for even more customization options.

Tapet Download now

DCikonZ

Another way you can customize your Android OS is to change the app icons. You can change them to anything you like but you’re going to need an app that has plenty of icon options for you to choose from. That is where DCikonZ comes in, which has an extensive catalog of well-designed icons that cover many different prominent Android styles. There are other icon packs available too, we just think this one has the most to offer.

The only catch with updating your icons, however, is that you’re going to need a Launcher Android app to be able to do it. You can’t do it with vanilla Android but if you have a program like Nova Launcher installed and running on your device, the process is fairly straightforward.

DCikonZ ADW Apex Nova Go Theme Download now

Tasker

The final app we’re featuring today offers the highest level of customization out of all the other apps on our list. The flip of this, however, is that it is also the most difficult app to use too. Tasker allows you to perform a lot of powerful tasks like automating certain functions, creating widgets, customizing your keyboards, and playing around with the system’s navigation tools.

Tasker Download now

Wrapping up

Android offers users a lot of customization options and we’ve shown today how pretty much every single element of your Android operating system is available for customization. All that is down to you is how much effort you’re willing to put in. With enough time and patience, you really could create something unique. The other good thing to note, however, is that there are plenty of ready-made customizations available too.

This is how to run Android on your Nintendo Switch

Here’s how you can play Android games on your Nintendo Switch.

For most of us, the Nintendo Switch is just a really cool gaming platform, especially if you’re a fan of the litany of games under the Nintendo banner such as Fire Emblem, Breath of the Wild or the newly-released Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. For those of us who were hoping to squeeze a little more utility out of Nintendo’s gaming console, there’s been a sad dearth of prospects on that front. Until now.

Netflix Nintendo Switch Android — Now you can watch Netflix on your Nintendo Switch!

Developers at XDA have brought the console to new levels of awesomeness by (unofficially) integrating Android 8.1, which offers a host of features that can now be accessed right on the portable gaming platform, including Netflix, streaming, and emulators to play games that otherwise cannot be played on Switch. Examples include Minecraft, Portal 2, The Simpsons Hit and Run, Pokemon Platinum, and CSR 2.

You can download Android for the Switch right here. Check out the video below that demonstrates how it all works:

If you’re worried about Android monopolizing your device, don’t fret; you can seamlessly dual boot between the Switch’s OS and Android at any time, so there’s really no reason why you wouldn’t want to install it – except perhaps due to the bugs.

Nintendo Switch Android emulator Overwatch — Play all the non-Switch games you couldn’t before!

By bugs we’re referring to how you can’t take proper screenshots, the Tegra X1 not being the greatest of chip sets, and some spotty issues regarding Wi-Fi and charging detecting (the Switch is probably charging fine even if it’s reading otherwise).

Lastly, the Switch still doesn’t have any kind of mic or camera, so any Android apps that rely on them will obviously have some issues. Again, this integration is unofficial, so some drawbacks are to be expected. If Nintendo seeks to legitimize this neat feature we can expect both a ton of fixes and ton of new utility out of the console.

Stay updated with Softonic to find out if they make it official!

Best macOS desktop apps in 2019

These apps will supercharge your Mac!

If you’re going to spend over $1,000 for a computer, you might as well load it up.

Newer MacBooks come equipped with an out-of-the-box app stack that should have you covered.

Sure, TextEdit won’t meet your word-processing needs, but Apple News, Notes, Tasks, and more all come preloaded in your dashboard. However, it’s easy to forget that there’s a lot you can do to sweeten your setup.

The macOS library hosts a whole lot of gems, from the tools that help you focus to those that lend a helping hand in the kitchen.

MacOS Apps to supercharge your desktop

Alfred

Alfred is a shortcuts app that lets you use quick keyboard commands to launch your apps, locate files, or surf the web. Use the desktop app to create your own extensions or use creations shared by the community of Alfred users.

We’ll offer a word of warning — Alfred is not an easy tool for beginners. It also isn’t for everyone. For those who thrive on shaving seconds off of tedious busywork, the upfront investment will pay off in spades. You can build workflows that automate manual tasks, control your music, link up with 1Password, and search for emails through the tool.

Alfred Download Free

MacPaw

If you really want to make your computer run faster, we would recommend MacPaw. Don’t be fooled by the name, MacPaw products are available for both Mac and PC.

Amphetamine

If you’re sick of adjusting the Energy Saver to keep your Mac from sleeping, Amphetamine steps in to keep your laptop awake. Install the app— and access by right-clicking the menu bar icon to turn it on. Once activated, Amphetamine keeps your Mac awake until you turn it off.

That’s not all, though. Amphetamine settings can be updated so that it keeps your Mac awake during specific tasks or when it’s connected to a certain Wi-Fi network.

Amphetamine Download Free ►

Bear Notes

Bear Notes isn’t just another Notes app. We know, the App Store is loaded with all kinds of tools that promise to help you keep track of everything. But, if you’re naturally disorganized, even the best-designed apps can devolve into another digital trash heap.

Bear Notes is something of an upgrade from the Notes app that comes standard with your Mac. It adds word count, read-time, paragraph count and other stats. You’ll have the option to export your notes in seven different ways including Markdown. It’s ready for WordPress, Medium, or wherever your content’s final destination happens to be.

Bear Notes Download Free ►

Paprika 3

If you’re into cooking but prefer digital recipes to cookbooks, Paprika 3 is the app for you.

It costs $30 in the App Store, which seems like a lot for a tool that doesn’t promise to make you more productive or professionally edit your media. However, Paprika actually proves its worth pretty quickly.

You can download any recipe you find online and the app formats it in a way that is easy to read and easy to find. You can also create meal plans that sync up to the recipes you collect and keep track of your ingredients.

Paprika 3 Download Free ►

Slack

The reason we include Slack isn’t because we love the tool so much. Rather, the app is something of a revelation for those who have been using the iOS version or chatting within the web browser.

If you love Slack or have to use it for work, download the app. It’s free and easier to keep up with alerts from your desktop rather than trying to find the correct flashing tab in a sea of chatbots.

Slack Download Free ►

Franz

Speaking of chat apps, Franz is a tool that promises to make life a little easier if you’re a social butterfly spread across several applications. The platform brings your accounts together — Slack, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and more. It brings everything together so you can respond from one place.

There’s no limit on how many accounts you can add. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re juggling multiple Facebooks or WhatsApps.

Franz Download Free ►

Make it yours

Apple’s mission statement says that the Mac is the greatest personal computer in the world. Whether or not you believe Apple is up to you. However, if you’re going to spend $1,300 on a new computer that proclaims itself to be the best, you better customize it to have exactly what you want.

Try a VPN!

If you’re looking for a decent VPN service to try out on your computer, we would recommend Express VPN. By clicking this link, you can get 15 months of Express VPN for the price of 12!

6 best news apps

Looking for a new news app? Here are some options!

We know you already know this, but it might be time to start looking outside of Facebook for the latest headlines.

All too often, we lean on the algorithm to take care of the discovery process on our behalf.

Because it’s challenging to keep track of every news source, app, and website out there, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. These can help you catch up on the news from your smartphone.

Best news apps

1. Apple News/Apple News +

Yes, it comes default with your iPhone, the latest happenings, be it climate change research or the most recent antics from some Kardashian.

Apple News is free, but the company recently rolled out the new + service. Now, if you’re using the free version, it seems like a lot of what used to be available is now part of the upgrade.

That said, if you use the app, $9.99/month gives you access to content that’s typically gated, like The Wall Street Journal or the Los Angeles Times.

For $9.99, Apple News+ isn’t a bad deal — though there are some kinks that they need to work out when it comes to creating a seamless, cohesive experience. For instance, some magazine articles are PDFs versions of the original.

We’re sure that Apple will keep improving the app, in the meantime, the “Netflix for magazines” is a pretty good deal.

Apple News + Download free ►

How to personalize your Apple News feed

Read Now ►

2. Pocket

Pocket is a great app for those who like scrolling through a long list of articles and saving the ones that pique their interest for a later reading sesh.

Pocket is a distraction-free reading experience, kind of like reading a book on the Kindle. All articles are hand-picked by you, downloaded and stored to your phone. So, when you do sit down to read, you’re not bombarded with recommendations or notifications. (That said, you can see recommendations based on what you save and like if you choose.)

The app works on your phone and desktop and presents a minimal, calming interface that design lovers will appreciate. Pocket is free, with the option to upgrade. The premium account is still a pretty good deal at $44 for an annual subscription.

What makes this a different experience than some of the other platforms like Apple or Google News is that your reading list is a saved, searchable archive. You can use this to keep track of reference articles, save recipes you find online, or whatever else you’d like to file away for later use.

Best of all, Pocket works offline. Save up dozens of stories, then enjoy them all on an airplane if you like.

Pocket Download free ►

3. Inkl

Inkl’s whole goal is to help you break the habit of clicking on junky articles and bringing high-quality content straight to your smartphone.

You can create filters based on preferences or location, but the platform prides itself on their algorithm that scans for quality over engagement. Basically, Inkl is an antidote to what’s been going on with YouTube and Facebook as of late.

Like Apple News +, you’ll pay $10 a month to use the tool, but that takes care of the paywall problem. Again, it’s actually a good deal if you’re subscribed to a few websites already.

Inkl Download now ►

4. NPR News

If you’re more interested in receiving your news through the airwaves, then the NPR News Radio app is a nice pick for quality news. Plus, you get access to the network’s podcasts and local stations across the country.

You can follow your favorite stations and programs, and stream them on-demand, listen to live radio, and yes, you can also read stories. NPR is always a good resource for trustworthy news, but it’s also an excellent destination for entertainment, music, and arts/culture.

NPR News Download free ►

5. Lumi News

Lumi News promises to deliver a personalized news feed based on your interests through the power of data science. How it works is, users will connect their social accounts, select topics, and publications they already like. As you interact with the platform, it will deliver more relevant content based on past habits.

Recommendations come in the form of top news sources, as well as indie blogs, audio, and video content they think you might like.

The only downside with something like this is if you click on too many BuzzFeed listicles and celebrity gossip headlines, Lumi might think those are your preferences.

What’s extra nice is that Lumi News also allows you to save stories to your phone to read them offline. So, load up when you’re connected to Wi-Fi to prevent yourself from running low on data every month, or stock up on reading materials before a flight.

Lumi News Download now ►

6. AP News

The Associated Press is pretty much the gold standard for actual fair and balanced news across the globe. Many news outlets share their stories and follow the AP Style when writing stories.

Unlike the options we just mentioned, AP News is not an aggregate platform. All stories come from the Associated Press’s global network of journalists, allowing readers to keep up on local news, as well as what’s happening around the world.

Users can follow topics, specific AP-affiliated newsrooms, and listen to radio news, watch videos, and scroll through galleries. AP News is similar to NPR’s app, in that the news comes from one source, but there’s a ton of content, regional networks and a long list of topics at your disposal.

Associated Press Download free ►

Wrapping up

When choosing whatever news you like, always look for a bias to determine whether what you are hearing is truly “fair and balanced.” Hopefully, at least one of these apps gave you the option you need to stay informed.

9 best websites for news

Read now ►

Google Trips app is about to die

Google Trips is leaving the world of apps, but it still will have a home on the web.

So long Google Trips. It’s been real.

Google will be removing the Google Trips app this year on Aug. 5.

Ironically, Google recently released an update for the app to fix a few bugs and make it easier to plan trips. However, Google has also made the service easier to use on the web. The service now works with Google Search to add your research to Google Trips. Even confirmation emails you get from Gmail will also be added.

Basically, the web version of Google Trips just has more bells and whistles than the mobile app ever could, so it makes sense that it’s biting the dust.

Google Trips Download it while you still can ►

What is Google Trips?

Google Trips is used to help make your excursions go smoother. It can help you both plan and organize trips as well as recommend activities for you while on your trip.

For example, next time you plan a Florida beach vacation, Google Trips can find you restaurants, charter fishing trips, wildlife tours, and even things like museums.

Wrapping up

We wouldn’t be surprised to see Google remove more apps in favor of the web experience. It makes sense for Google to homogenize all of the services in their suite under a central platform, as this can make things easier for users.

If you are a fan of Google Trips, you have until Aug. 5 to enjoy the app before it’s gone for good. Until then, we’d recommend you learn to love the service on the web.

Best online tools to help battle addictions and vices

The battle to overcome addiction is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. These apps can help you along the journey.

Anyone struggling with addiction should know that recovery gets far easier with a good community. While personal strength and determination may work for a select few, the rest of us need buddies, time, and a good plan.

There are apps that can help you along your journey.

We should mention two things first: while addiction can be considered bad, we aren’t saying the things that cause it always are. Alcohol can be fine if you drink responsibly. We aren’t trying to make moral assertions.

Second: if you think fighting addiction with an app sounds odd, remember nothing that makes a positive difference should be considered weird!

Complete guide to self-improvement: mind and body

Read Now ►

Top accountability apps

Screen Accountability

The following two apps allow others to monitor your browser history, at your level of comfort. While intended to keep you from watching pornography, they can be used to monitor other sites as well.

accountable2you

It’s your account, you are in charge.

Accountable2You doesn’t set restrictions on internet usage, it notifies your chosen supporters of your site views. You may be wondering, “How does it know what to send?” The answer depends on how you design the experience.

You decide who you want to notify, when to notify them, and what devices are attached to your account. You can schedule weekly reports to your supporters, and decide if serious risks will result in immediate messages. If a malicious site doesn’t trigger the warning for some reason, you can add specific URLs and keywords to the list of banned sites.

To reduce restrictions or delete A2U, you must provide a reason, which gets sent to the members of your group. This way, you can’t just delete the app and relapse without letting your supporters know.

A monthly subscription costs $7 for each individual and $12 for a family. However, an individual plan already accepts six devices.

Covenant eyes

CovenantEyes works much the same way as Accountable2You, with a few more features. Most importantly, CovenantEyes promotes more discussion than Accountable2You, which centers on notifications. The added ability to have a conversation can help build community faster.

Not only that, but the app also provides the option to block certain websites that are a severe issue, which could be extremely useful.

The service costs $12-16 per month.

How to break a bad habit

Read Now ►

Phone Apps

Sober Time

Although the title says “Sober,” this isn’t simply an app for those struggling against a controlled substance. Enter any type of addiction and record the year, day, and hour you stopped. From there, the app keeps track of how long you’ve been “sober!”

Earn “awards” for every stage completed, from minutes, to days, to the first year. If your addiction costs money, track how much you’ve saved by going clean. Finally, edit relapses and add notes for later!

Sometimes easy is more effective.

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HabitShare

HabitShare works more like a checklist than an accountability app. You can add things you want to remember, set daily notifications, and maintain those good habits.

So, if it’s just a checklist, why did we include it? The reason is that HabitShare allows you to add friends and have them support you!

It may not be made for accountability purposes. Sometimes a mallet can do a hammer’s job just as well, right? And if you’re trying to increase your productivity at the same time, this app might be perfect.

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Fortify

Fortify, like Sober Grid below, works akin to a social media program, along with many aspects of the other apps.

You can read and respond to posts created by your buddies. Visit the “training” page for resources on your journey to recovery. Create a post, join a discussion, and rate how your day went. Track your progress with daily metrics, and a growing count of how long you’ve been clean.

We recommend Fortify if you want all the features! Thanks to their well-designed user interface, you can pick and choose what functions to use or avoid with relative ease.

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Brainbuddy

BrainBuddy creates an experience for the user. Not only does it track your progress, but the app also uses information you provide to help you understand you. It determines what starts the temptation process, where you’re most at risk, and what times you’re likely to give into temptation.

Whereas many other apps allow you to create an experience, BrainBuddy itself becomes a companion that offers daily exercises meant to renovate your habits and foster a better self!

The downside? It requires a $13 monthly payment to use. Still, this makes its large number of faithful users even more impressive!

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Sober Grid

Sober Grid focuses specifically on alcoholics and connects users with each other based on their location. You can enter groups and immediately be placed with other like-minded users. For example, the “100 Day Challenge” team is ready to accept newcomers!

Unlike Fortify, this app sticks close to its guns. It looks to friends for mutual encouragement with a few other bells and whistles. There are “Quests” to choose from and inspirational material provided, but nothing to get in the way of establishing real connections with real people.

If you need a support group, consider finding it here!

Sober Grid Download Now ►

Wrapping up

If you are battling an addiction, find the treatment that works best for you. Whether it is attending meetings, or attending a rehabilitation center, learn how to best control your urges, and get on the path to recovery.