PR Nerds Don't Leave Home Without These Apps

by Katelyn Powers, Vollmer Public Relations New York City

The following re-enactment is based off of real events:

Situation: A PR rep is writing a press release about the grand opening of a museum, suddenly develops writer’s block and can’t think of another word for “tourist”.

Solution: PR rep highlights the word tourist, right clicks the mouse and finds the angelic “synonym” option glowing on the drop down menu. Magically, the words traveler, sightseer, visitor, holidaymaker, vacationer, day-tripper magically appear. Glorious!|

Outcome: PR rep finishes writing without having to use the word traveler more than once throughout the entire release and has one happy client!

Sound somewhat familiar? C’mon, we’ve all right clicked one too many times and can mostly agree that it’s been ages since we’ve even set eyes on an SAT vocabulary book. In PR, we’re always looking for the perfect words to keep everyone’s attention, making sure information is being distributed in the best way possible for our clients and their customers. Here’s a couple apps that PR folks can take advantage of when in need of writing assistance:

Flash of Genius App - http://www.flash-of-genius.com/iphone.php

Test your vocabulary skills by using this SAT prep app. Flash of Genius makes special lesson cards tailored to the individual, to help them see the connections.

AP Stylebook App - http://www.apstylebook.com/?do=product&pid=iphone

Search the downloadable listings for the main, sports, business and punctuation sections. This app also gives the ability to add custom entries as well as notes on AP listings.

No one is going to judge the over usage of the synonym short cut – it’s just all too convenient. But if not for press releases and writing in general, these apps can certainly help towards completing that darn newspaper’s crossword puzzle that gets indecently difficult by the end of the week. Happy downloading!

Love App First Site: Apps for Valentine's

by Katelyn Powers, Vollmer Public Relations New York City

Yikes, Cupid has hit the mother lode this year with everyone's obsession with phone applications. Computerworld.com says that, according to projections by Gartner Inc., users of mobile devices will download some $6.2 billion worth of applications from online stores in 2010, nearly double what was spent last year.

What better time to spread some techie love than with a few new mobile/messaging apps that are sure to heat you up this Valentine's Day - err, at least your phone?

Date Check
Date Check, developed by Intelius, can help you figure out who your prospective date really is. With features such as Sleaze Detector, Compatibility, $$$, Interests and Living Situation, you can do a background check simply by entering a name, phone number or email address. In the company’s words: "Look up before you hook up."

Q?pid
Developed by QEntertainment, Q?pid is a social puzzle game for iPhone and iPod touch users. It's a two-player game that can serve as a social ice-breaker or flirtatious entertainment.  It's made up of puzzles that require players to work together in a single gesture, each using a finger, in order to reveal a mystery photo.

Vpype Greeting
A social video company just recently launched a free vGreeting messaging application for this Valentine's Day. Anyone on Facebook can create a personal V-Day video message and send it to a shared network of loved ones.

In hopes that old school chivalry will persevere, these mobile/messaging cherubs are just a fun little addition to help you enjoy Valentine's Day.

New Year's Resolutions - There's an App for That!

by Katelyn Powers, Vollmer Public Relations New York

At the beginning of every year, we make the commitment to take on a new project or change a habit that will eventually benefit our lifestyle in one way or another. Choosing a New Year's resolution is easy, but the challenge is in maintaining it.

Thanks to technology, we have help to keep us motivated right at our fingertips. Apple's iPhone seems to have an app for everything! Why not take advantage of these nifty little downloads for your resolution this year? Below are some of the top apps that will help you live healthy, work smart, and play more:

Live healthy:

We all want to lose those holiday lbs. before beach season, and we understand portion control and exercise are key to reaching that goal. Women's Day rounded up their top picks for the Top 10 Diet and Fitness Related iPhone apps. From a tool that tracks your calorie intake to a GPS-powered app that maps your cycling route, you're sure to find something here to help you achieve a fitter, healthier you.

Work smart:

Work doesn't stay in the office anymore. With the use of mobile devices, we're constantly connected while on the go. Forbes.com came up with a list of the 10 Top iPhone Apps For Road Warriors. This list includes apps for organizing your day, brainstorming ideas and keeping track of flight itineraries.

Play more:

It's difficult to take time out of our busy schedules to do something just for ourselves. It should be made a priority, even if it's something little for just a half hour each day. For those who love to play games, Ismashphone.com picked the Top 10 iPhone Games To Look Forward To In 2010.  There are so many fantastic games coming. So, even if you aren't a gamer, why not make a resolution to try it out!

Whether making a healthier choice, staying more organized or taking 30 minutes of "me-time" each day, New Year's resolutions provide the opportunity to start anew. So choose a resolution if you haven't already and tap into these suggested apps to help achieve your goals. If your resolution is a bit more unusual than the above, just head to the internet - chances are, there's an app for it.