* Nike+
The prospect of Nike+ but better and for free might sound unlikely, but that’s what RunKeeper provides. Previously split into “pro” and “free” versions, the developer now generously includes all the features in one free app. That means you don’t spend money, yet use your iPhone’s GPS capabilities to track your jogging and cycling routes, and examine mapping and details of your pace and calories burned. Activities can be shared online, and treadmill runs and other exercise details can be entered manually.
* Calorie Counter
If you feel the need to cut down on your food intake, Calorie Counter’s a smart download. The app is well designed and, importantly, has a massive food-item database, making it easy to input everything you eat. Web sync, optional social features, reports and goals add to the goodness.
* Podcasts
Apple’s apps and software have always been variable, but Podcasts was just a mess when it was first released. However, an update streamlined the interface, and enabled you to create custom stations that automatically update and synchronise over iCloud. Paid solutions such as Instacast still edge Podcasts for mad-keen podcast devourers, but Apple’s freebie comes close.
* Dropbox
Plenty of apps exist for transferring content between your computer and your device, but Dropbox is free and easier to use than most of its contemporaries. Dump files you want to sync in a folder on your computer and Dropbox for your device will enable you to access them, download them for offline viewing, and, in many cases, view them.
