. GOOGLE TRANSLATE
We've seen a few clever
translation apps in our time, but recently Google Translate has crushed
them all. It now offers (sometimes clunky, word-for-word) translations
of over 70 languages with input via text, handwritten words or symbols,
spoken words or even text recognition via the camera. It can then give
you the translation in the form of text or speak it for you.
The core app can do all this with a data connection, and language packs can be downloaded for free so you can use it abroad without the need for Wi-Fi or the fear of roaming data charges.
Download Google Translate
The core app can do all this with a data connection, and language packs can be downloaded for free so you can use it abroad without the need for Wi-Fi or the fear of roaming data charges.
Download Google Translate
2. NASA App
This isn't the best looking
app in the world, but it's full of geek-level info and media from the
NASA archive, along with news and updates on what's going on up there
and back at base. Maybe one day they'll get a slick front end for it
all, but for now this raggle-taggle collection of links, pictures,
videos and news feeds has plenty to keep space cadets informed and
entertained.
Download NASA App
Download NASA App
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3. TWICKETS
Twickets is a way to buy or
sell spare tickets to gigs or events, but what makes it special is the
rule that tickets can only change hands for their face value or less.
That means the profiteering touts stay away and genuine fans get to
recyle spares in good faith - great if one of your mates has dropped out
and left you in the lurch, or you need an extra seat at short notice.
You can browse what's available or offer tickets via the app and finalise the deal via Twitter (hence the name).
Download Twickets
You can browse what's available or offer tickets via the app and finalise the deal via Twitter (hence the name).
Download Twickets
4. Audible for Android
Long journey? Tired eyes?
Audio books! A bit like radio shows that you actually want to listen to,
a bit like podcasts before all the funny people stopped doing them, a
bit like books being read to you (OK, mostly the latter), audio books
are a treat to be savoured.
Amazon's Audible app is a gateway to its own audio book service, drawing you in with free tasters of some of its best sellers. It's worth downloading even if it's only for those free nibbles.
Download Audible
Amazon's Audible app is a gateway to its own audio book service, drawing you in with free tasters of some of its best sellers. It's worth downloading even if it's only for those free nibbles.
Download Audible
5. Navfree
You've got Google Maps already
and that's lovely. However, that relies on a data connection, which
isn't always available even in your home nation and will sting you with
ludicrous charges abroad. Navfree is based on an open-source map
database and provides mapping and voice-guided sat-nav for no cash at
all.
You can load it with paid extras if you like, but it's fine as it is. Download the local variant for any country you're visiting before you leave and you'll always have a map and a sat-nav tool at your hip.
Download Navfree
You can load it with paid extras if you like, but it's fine as it is. Download the local variant for any country you're visiting before you leave and you'll always have a map and a sat-nav tool at your hip.
Download Navfree
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