Having once been solely used to make calls and send text messages, mobile phones have evolved to become portable devices that allow users to perform a multitude of tasks, including official work duties. According to the International Telecommunication Union, at the end of 2011 there were 6 billion mobile phone subscriptions globally.
Of these 6 billion mobile handsets, 491.4 million were smartphones. The smartphone market has opened up a whole new industry to ‘tech savvy’ entrepreneurs, who are using their expertise to develop software and applications that can be used to make life simpler. We have taken a look at five of the best applications in the market today, which you can use to help save you money.
Skype
Wouldn’t it be nice to make international calls at local rates? Well, thanks to Skpe, callers can now talk with family, friends and business associates wherever they may be in the world at local call rates. Whether you are on the road travelling or at home, the Skype client allows you to talk for free with any other registered member over a Wi-Fi network on your smartphone or tablet.
Vouchercloud
As the name suggests, the Vouchercloud app allows users to download and use vouchers for services and products across a large range of categories. A large number of established brands have signed on with the app to ensure you get quality products and services. The Vouchercloud app is also free to download.
Redlaser Barcode Scanner
Use this app to scan the barcode of a product and get immediate results from eBay and Google for cheaper deals. Results are usually correct and are generated from supermarkets, stores and pharmacies. You do, however, have to have an internet connection to use this app. This app will allow you to browse products in shopping malls and compare prices with those offered in online stores to give you the best price.
Groupon
For those looking for the best daily deals, the Groupon app is perfect. The Groupon app offers the best time-limited daily deals across a large scope of categories. Based on the coupon model, buyers can get the best deals on products or services as long as a specific number of people also buy into the deal.
This app can prove very beneficial, especially if you are working on a limited budget. It is worth keeping in mind that Groupon is only really helpful if you use it in the morning, as the earlier you can spot the deals, the better. The Groupon app is another which is free to download.
EnergySaver
This app is a great energy comparison tool, which will let you track your energy usage and help you cut down on high domestic energy bills. The app calculates energy use for all appliances (electricity, gas and water) in your home, identifying the key problem areas.
This is a guest post provided courtesy of Energy Helpline, an established energy comparison company. They appreciate the way modern technology can enhance various aspects of our lives and offer useful advice on how to save money using these developments.