Five Apps That Outperform Their Platforms
Some apps are terrible, others are glorious. But I always feel surprised when I prefer the app version of something to the actual thing. Some apps will never be better than the service they’re modeled after (Facebook) while others have just completely trumped the platform itself. Here’s a list of the top five apps that are better than the platform they’re modeled after.
5. Twitter- Notifications. The app makes it insanely easier to see who’s talking to you or “@ you” compared to the site, where you don’t get notified and just have to figure it out. Because social media needed to be even more automatic.
4. AT&T- If you got an AT&T plan with your iPhone, then check out the app. You can set up auto-pay and text message updates on your bill status; once again the app is more user-friendly than the actual site. Now you can pay for your phone from your phone!
3. Bank of America- The app is a rehashed version of the mobile banking website, but it’s slightly quicker to navigate. Being able to check your account balance on the go or transfer funds in case a bar-tab is getting too high? Sign me up.
2. Blackboard- Blackboard is notorious at every college. Depending on the version that your school uses, it can be anywhere from terrible to user-friendly. The app, however, is up to date, even if your college’s version isn’t. Quicker access to announcements and grades with a more user-friendly layout put it miles ahead the computer version.
1. Pandora- The app version of Pandora is fairly similar to the website; there are a few minor stylistic and service-based differences. But the major reason that Pandora is better on your phone than your computer? More skips. On the computer you get a limited number of song skips before you’re locked out. On the phone, you still have limited skips, but it’s for every station. Meaning that if you get locked out on one station, you can just go to another and skip away.
Honorable Mentions
Spotify- This one really shouldn’t count because you need a premium subscription to Spotify to even use the app. Millions of songs, wherever you go.
Starbucks- Pick out your drink on your phone, pay for it on your phone, and earn points toward a free drink? Anyone who occasionally visits Starbucks should check out the app. The only reason it isn’t on the list is because there technically isn’t a platform for it to outperform.
Maps- Technically this one also doesn’t count; it’s the generic map app that comes preloaded with iPhones. But it’s superior to both Google Maps and MapQuest. The iPhone’s GPS system lets you see where you are as you’re driving and offers multiple routes to choose from when looking for directions. It even has a quick and easy Search function to see what’s nearby, while the online map platforms take considerably longer.
IMDb- After the most recent update, people either love or hate this app. Some find it very organized, others think that it’s gone downhill. Forced ads and occasional crashes keep it off the list, but it’s still great for checking movie ratings on the go.
Robot Unicorn Attack- OK, the app isn’t actually any different from the site. But having the power to make your dreams come true with a robot unicorn all from your phone? The game is just as amazing now as it ever was.
Richard Solomon can be reached at r.solomon14@gmail.com.
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