It look just 24 hours for the new iPad 2 to sell out in UK stores last week. Yet again, Apple seems to have another winner on its hands.
Of course one of the key reasons behind the success of the iPad and iPhone has been its App Store. There are now 350,000 apps for the iPhone, and around 65,000 for the iPad. But which are the most useful apps for marketing professionals? Which can best help marketers stay abreast of latest consumer trends, insights and conversations – or help them be more productive when out and about? We polled our guys in the office and we’ve come up with 15 useful iPad and iPhone apps for marketers, especially those involved with experiential marketing and brand experience. If you’ve got other favourites, why not let us know?
1. Hootsuite
Monitor keywords, update profiles and track stats on Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare with this comprehensive social media management tool.
2. Redlaser
Versatile app for scanning QR codes to access URLs, events and other information – as well as a barcode scanner for easy price comparisons.
3. DropBox
Sync and share files online between computers, iPhones and iPads. Great for large file transfers and working in the field.
4. Flipboard
Flip through news, photos and updates in a magazine style that your friends and colleagues are sharing on Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, Flickr and Instagram.
Voice-recognition app which allows you to simply talk and see your words appear in SMS, email, Facebook, Twitter and more.
6. Mashable
All the latest news and updates from the world’s largest blog on Web 2.0 and social media.
7. Keynote
Apple’s presentation software is ideal for mobile presentations and on-the-fly amends to existing documents, plus it’s compatible with Powerpoint.
Check times, fares, plan routes and pre-book advance train tickets throughout the UK at discounted rates.
9. Zipcar
Reserve a car up to half an hour in advance for travelling to meetings or live activity. You can even use your iPhone to unlock the car instead of fishing for the key card.
10. AroundMe
Find a quick local place to grab a coffee or anything else you need whilst out and about at meetings or events.
11. Skype
A popular alternative to Apple’s own Facetime for free VOIP calling and video conferencing to others also on Skype.
12. TED
Watch videos of some of the most amazing talks by business leaders and others from around the world. Great for creative inspiration and keeping your brain engaged.
13. Shazam
An app that listens to a few bars of any song and identifies it. For those ‘What’s that song it would be perfect for that event/video/office playlist?’ moments.
14. Sky News
Headlines and top stories from around the world, presented in easy to digest text, photo and video snippets.
15. Wozzon
Find out “What’s On” around you, wherever you are. Just the app to keep in tune with all the latest events and entertainment experiences.