Here at TK , we’re apps-olutely obsessed with apps. With enough iMacs, Macbooks, iPads, iPods and iPhones between us to create Leeds’ first Apple store, we’re always sharing ideas on the best ones, old and new.
Whether it’s a practical way of getting information fast – like - or something a bit silly ( anyone?) – the rise of the smartphone has meant everyone can carry a little bit more in their pocket than they used to. And, a whole culture has now emerged surrounding them – just think of the merchandising built up around the ever popular or the constant pop culture references to (of which our Head of Digital, Jude, is an undisputed champion by the way!).
Big brands have been aware of the power of apps for a while and the likes of Carling and Nike have made the most of the medium. However, more and more businesses are now getting a slice of the action too and smarter phones, faster connections and more nimble consumer fingers mean the only way is up for the new marketing kid on the block.
Here are some of our team’s favourite apps:
Kirsty Oliver , Business Support Executive
It has to be . Once you have purchased it, it’s all free! Instant texting, picture messaging and I love the fact you can have group conversations – my sister, my friends and I have some funny conversations!
Olivia Nicholson – Digital Junior Account Executive
My current favourite app is . It explores new ways of social media by individuals expressing themselves through images. It offers a variety of different categories to suit everyone’s interests, whether that’s designing the packaging of a new product or looking out for the latest hair and beauty tips! I find it an inspirational site as you have the ability to ‘repin’ pictures onto your own personal boards, allowing you to develop a creative hub to refer to.
Nicole Levings, Account Director
, it brings me all the celebrity gossip I crave 24/7, I couldn’t live without it!
Samara Bott , PR Account Manager
I love . I’ve always been a big picture taker (I get it from my Dad), but the introduction of photograph enhancing apps such as Instgram have taken my obsession to the next level!
The app allows you to take a picture and then transform its look and feel by adding different filters. I love how it evokes emotion and what’s more, it’s easy it is to share with friends via social media.
Having used the app for a while, I’ve noticed that food looks particularly delicious when it’s, as Gina and I say – ‘Instagrammed’. We’ve used the app on a number of Chaophraya dishes to make them look even more appealing to our online fan base!
Jude Turner , Head of Digital
– Yes, it is infantile. No, it’s not clever. But the hours of fun I have had making weird face mashes of my friends and family (and my cats!) make it worth each and every one of the 69 pennies it costs to download!
Vikki Atherton , Business Manager
My personal favourite is – for foodies like me, this is a must have! It gives you a list of food types that are currently in season and easy-to-follow recipe guides – you can search by starter, main or dessert as well as season/month or specific ingredient!
Lauren Coles, PR Intern
, it’s a great example of how a high street fashion brand can stay above its competitors by creating an attractive, convenient and interactive app. Consumers can look, shop and actually buy a huge range of Topshop products. It’s by far the best shopping app I’ve downloaded, although probably not so healthy for my bank account!
Darren Jaques , Designer
, it works really well and has a huge amount of content to dive into when you’re on a long commute.
Leanne Bayston, PR Account Manager
– it may sound obvious but I absolutely love this handy app! I rarely check Facebook on a computer now and I’m constantly on my phone looking out for the latest updates.
Carl Holderness , Junior Designer
– you select your specific interests that you would like to search for (e.g. food, photography, vintage games etc.) Then the app searches the web for related sites. Hours of fun if you like to trawl the web and add a little bit of serendipity to your browsing.
Gina Reay , PR Senior Account Exec
My favourite app without a doubt is . I’m a bit of a music geek and whenever I hear a song I like, I always click onto it to find out the name and artist so I can download it from iTunes. It’s a genius app, I use it all the time to cull my curiosity!