New must-have apps for students

Patrick Reynolds

A group of students use their favorite apps during lunch.

Directr

Price: Free

This app turns normal videos into works of art through the use of effects and background music.  You can take videos through the app, or upload old videos from your camera and edit them.  Perfect for the amateur filmmaker or Instagram addict.

 

Next – Social Music Discovery

Price: Free

While apps such as Zoosk and Tinder are used by many to meet new friends and possibly even land a date, they only seem to scratch the surface of a person. That’s where Next comes in.  This app shows 30-second clips of musicians performing and allows the user to swipe right if they like the sound, or left if they don’t.  It’s a great way to meet new people with similar interests and learn about new bands at the same time.

Phhhoto

Price: Free

If you enjoy photography, videos, or taking hilarious selfies, this app is for you.  Phhhoto allows you to take 5-frame videos and put them on a permanent loop like a .GIF file.  Then, like Instagram and Vine, you can then share these videos with friends and the world.

 

My Script Calculator

Price: Free

Ever wish you could just type a difficult or complicated equation into Google and then have it magically be solved? With My Script Calculator, that dream can be a reality.  The app allows you to use your touchscreen phone to write out any math problem, and like magic, the app solves it correctly and accurately.  Perfect for the struggling math student who needs a helping hand, or anyone reviewing for a test.

 

ParkChicago

Price: Free

This app allows you to pay your parking meter without having to go to the box and do it manually.  Users can sync their credit card information to the app for effortless and automatic payments.  Perfect for the urban dweller, or student who drives to the shops downtown.

Anchor Pointer

Price: $1.99

With the difficulty of getting around the city, and problems with Apple Maps, Anchor Pointer would make a great addition to the smartphone of any Lane student.  What makes the app unique is its “anchor” feature, which allows you to bookmark locations on your map.  This is perfect for remembering where your classes are — or where you parked on Rockwell.

 

Rise Alarm Clock

Price: $1.99

Nothing is worse than being jolted awake by a harsh alarm clock, and the creators of this app understand that. Rather than a loud ring or BEEP, Rise wakes you up to the sounds of a forest, gentle pond, or one of the many other alarms to choose from.