My Most Loved Apps of 2012

It’s that time of year where everyone blogs about 2012, reflecting on the past year. Instead of writing some “insightful” piece on the progression of technology and startups, I’d like to simply share some of my most loved apps of the year:


Timehop

Time travel exists! Every day I look forward reliving moments shared years ago through Timehop. No other app delivers nostalgia (and often, joyful embarrassment) like this.

Pocket

I’ve finally stopped living in browser tab. Before Pocket, I would have an average of 50 browser tabs open at all times. “I’ll go back and read that”, I said. But I rarely did. Pocket has freed me from tab/article fatigue. The mobile app is a huge help for catching up on the bus or walk home.

Instagram

Instagram, the mobile-first/photo sharing poster child, is a joy. As Nir Eyal describes, Instagram has changed my behavior as the go-to service for sharing things that I see. It’s one of the few services that I use primarily for creative expression and documenting my experiences. This living scrapbook will be priceless when I’m 50.

Buffer

I first signed up out of curiosity, not because it solved a specific pain that I had; however, after a month of use, it’s changed my behavior and encouraged me to share a lot more on Twitter. Buffer has helped enable more conversation with interesting people. I also find the analytics fun and (vainly) interesting.

Twitter

You may have heard of it. I’ve been using Twitter for several years (Tweetdeck is still my preferred client) but unlike most other social networks (*ahem* Facebook), I’m finding more value from it over time. IMO, Twitter is the best way to connect with other people in the tech/startup space. I’ve created many “real” relationships through conversation and in-person meetings that started from 140 character interactions.

Quibb

Probably the least known brand on this list, Quibb is a site for sharing and discussing newsworthy articles on tech and startups. Its founder, Sandi, has done an excellent job at maintaining a high-quality experience by strictly limiting who gets in. Like Twitter, I’ve discovered excellent content and made several good connections using the service. I encourage you to apply for membership and follow me.

Stitcher

I love love love podcasts and listen to 1-3 hours daily. Up until six months ago, I would regularly sync my favorite podcasts to my iPod Nano. Although I still do so on occasion (only to spare my Sprint bandwidth), Stitcher has created a simple way to listen to the newest podcasts on-the-go and discover new ones. My only complaint is the mediocre, uninspired UI.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few others that I’ve more recently began using loving:

Message Me - Still in beta, Message Me is the first messaging app that’s sucked me in. It incredibly responsive and well-designed. Excited to see it’s public debut in 2013.

Svbtle - As an avid blog reader, Svbtle is one of the best aggregated networks of top tech/startup bloggers. It’s minimalist design is also very refreshing.

Tapestry - Tapestry is the TED Talks of literature. I won’t be able to do it justice so just download it and read Robin Sloan’s essay, Fish.


What are your most loved apps of 2012?