19 Oct 2015
Technology has proven itself to be brilliant at communicating, entertaining and reporting but can it help us become more productive in our day-to-day lives? We’ve narrowed down the productivity apps that make us rethink whether we really do need a pen and paper.
Note-taking - Evernote
Evernote is a cloud-based workspace that allows you to keep all of your documents together whether it is notes, links to articles or photos you’ve taken. This means your documents are always accessible from the Evernote website or via desktop or mobile apps. The app is useful in almost any situation whether it be note taking in a meeting, snapping a photo of a business card or writing down address details on the go. Documents can also be tagged and categorised into ‘notebook’ categories to make locating documents easy.
Favourite feature – Editing the same document on a mobile phone, tablet or computer wherever you are.
Cloud storage - Dropbox
‘Your stuff, anywhere’ is the tagline for Dropbox and it succinctly sums up this storage system. Dropbox enables your files to be accessible anywhere in the world and is a handy back-up if your technology fails. The Dropbox share feature also allows multiple employees or friends to share documents or photos to the same folder almost instantly so that everyone has access to the same information. The Dropbox for business option encourages even more collaboration and includes controls to restrict access, audit logs and additional encryption.
Favourite feature – Storing important documents to access them anywhere in the world.
Save articles for later – Pocket
We live in a content rich world and sometimes we just don’t have enough time to digest all of the articles we want to. This is where Pocket comes in - if there’s an article, website or video that you want to view but just don’t have time, this handy app will save it until you have a peaceful moment. Available in website and mobile app format, this tool allows you to read everything in one place and handily removes all of the clutter from the website for an optimal viewing experience.
Favourite feature – Built in Twitter add-on to save links with one touch.
To do list– Wunderlist
Don’t forget to file that report, put out the recycling, call your dentist and pick up the dry cleaning this morning! If your life seems as crazy busy as this, you may need Wunderlist – a powerful to-do list app available on the web and via mobile and desktop apps. Wunderlist is a simple app that not only allows you to create a list, but also lets you share it with others and will notify you of deadlines coming up, so you stay on top of your responsibilities. In the work environment it can be used for collaboration, ensuring that everyone is aware of what needs to be done, what the deadline is and most importantly if it has already been completed. To improve communication, there’s also a comments feature for team elaboration and questions should they arise. Outside of the office, you could use the app for simple shopping lists or something a little more adventurous such as your bucket list!
Favourite feature – Each list item is crossed out when completed so there’s still that satisfaction of seeing all of your completed tasks at the end of the day.
Passwords – 1Password
There seems to be a password for everything – your computer, email, Wi-Fi, bank and supermarket. Enter ‘1Password’: the password management system that helps you avoid hunting for that slip of paper you put in a ‘safe place’ or resetting your password for the tenth time. This simple app is thoroughly encrypted to remain secure at all times and enables you to either auto-fill or copy the password from the app. There is also the option of creating ‘vaults’ that can be shared with colleagues and family members. For example you can share bank and alarm details with senior colleagues and your Amazon password with your husband or wife. 1Password is available to download for desktops and mobile devices so it is always available when you need it most.
Favourite feature – Auto fill on long sign up forms to avoid wasting time filling out repetitive data.
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