I had a realization while looking at photos taken on a recent cross-country road trip to Oregon.
There were typical "standing happily next to road sign" photos, some "standing looking not-so-happy next to cars loaded down with luggage" photos, and, I'm ashamed to admit, more than one photo of me and my 19-year-old niece standing (or sitting) side by side, both staring at our iPhones.
I guess you could say we're both addicted.
I'm not rude about it—at least, I don't think I am. I don't keep my phone on the dinner table. I don't glaze over and scroll through my phone when I'm hanging out with friends.
But waiting in line … or for the microwave … or for a commercial to be over? Yeah, I'm probably going to pick up my phone.
But it's not my fault! There's work. There's fun. And really, there are just so many apps out there—new apps to suck up my time (and my phone's battery) every day.
It's in honor of this addiction that I pulled together this week's FeedBlitz:Rewind the Week—it's all about apps!
New Frommer's Translation App Covers Language and Culture
I haven't done much international travel the last several years. In fact, the last time I was in a foreign-speaking country was so long ago the iPhone hadn't even come out yet (gasp!).
But I remember well how difficult it could be to get around and to communicate. I wish I'd had access to this new app from Frommer's!
The Frommer's Translator app, created in partnership with TripLingo, offers an array of tools to help you out with 13 different languages.
It includes both formal and slang versions of essential phrases (with lessons, quizzes, and flashcards to help you memorize them), an instant voice translator, a culture section, and a Wi-Fi dialer you can use to make affordable international calls.
Snapchat Adds New Features that Could Hint at Monetized Future
I'll admit it. I am an adult and I like Snapchat. It's fun.
But even fans of the photo and video-sharing (and now actual chat-enabled) app have wondered how it might eventually turn all of its users into cash flow. Now, some are seeing income potential in a new feature that was made available this week: Location-based image filters.
If you're in specific locations in Los Angeles and New York, you just take a photo and swipe right to get access to the new filters.
Speculation about the monetization potential stems from a promo video on the new filters, with several brand logos—including Disney branding.
Honestly, when Disney's involved, can cash be far behind?
'Kim Kardashian: Hollywood' Expected to Bring in $200 Million in Revenue This Year
Forbes reported this week on an app/game released just three weeks ago that already sat at number five on Apple's Top Grossing chart when Forbes reported (it was up to number two on the list when I checked): Kim Kardashian: Hollywood.
It's also, according to Forbes, "the only game in the top 10 to hold a five star rating," and a runaway hit for its developer, San Francisco-based Glu Mobile.
In the game, users work their way up through the ranks of virtual Hollywood celebritydom, mentored by Kardashian throughout their journey. They buy property and fancy clothes and land photo shoots and brand sponsorships as they climb their way (with manicured nails, one assumes) up to the A-list.
According to Forbes, the players are aware of the superficiality of the game—and several said there's a hefty dose of irony in how the Kardashian brand pokes fun at itself. But make no mistake: Kardashian is making plenty of cash in the deal.
I'd love to know: Would any of you try the Kardashian game? Have you already tried any of these new apps? Tell me what you think!
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