There are an estimated 160 million smartphone users in India and over 3 million apps available across all the mobile platforms today. We cut through the clutter to tell you about 8 India-centric apps that will make your life easier...
1. TrueMessenger -- Block junk messages
You know how your email inbox automatically sends junk mail to the spam folder? TrueMessenger brings that functionality to SMS. Initial set up requires you to make it the default SMS app on your phone and mark certain types of messages as spam.
Over time, TrueMessenger will 'learn' what is junk and smartly send text messages to the spam folder. You can manually send messages to the folder and vice versa as well. The app also gives you a 5-second window to 'unsend' a text message and save you from the blushes.
TrueMessenger is made by the team behind TrueCaller; so it will also display an unknown sender's name. However, this means that the app will tell others who you are. If you are the type who is privacy conscious then you should be mindful of this.
Available for Android.
2. Smart Spends -- Track your finances
Keeping a tab on your income and expenditure requires discipline. Thankfully, Smart Spends makes life easier with an automated process. It reads the transaction SMSes you receive - from your bank, online retailers and other such merchants - to make a note of the amounts you have spent or received.
Smart Spends compiles this information automatically into easy-to-read accounts and visual charts. It can also decipher bill notifications and create due date reminders, so you don't face late payment charges. During the time of purchase, this app will even suggest which debit or credit card you should use so as to avail of a discount or an offer. This could potentially result in savings for you.
That said, it does not let you attach photographs of receipts - in case you need to file reimbursements - with an expense. For this, you can consider Walnut, which also comes with good search capabilities.
Available for Android.
3. InShorts -- Get local news updates
If you don't have the time to go through every single news item from all the newspapers or websites of the day, then try InShorts. This app employs a team of editors to distil noteworthy news - for Indian audiences - into 60 words or less.
What you get is nothing but the bare facts, period. The app is intuitive to use: swipe up to move to the next news bite or tap on the write-up to read the full article. What's more, InShorts even lets you switch from English to Hindi.
Alternatively, you could try Dailyhunt (formerly NewsHunt) for its access to more news sources and support for languages including Marathi, Bangla, Gujarati, Malay alam, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Available for Android and iOS.
4. Haptik -- Ask a personal assistant
Haptik is an incredible resource to have at your fingertips. You get to chat with a personal assistant, in real time, who can give you almost any kind of information you seek. You don't need to use special keywords or know about search operators; queries are handled by human assistants, not bots.
Let's say you are want to know how to get from Mumbai to Coorg or need a local fridge technician. Fire up Haptik, tap the relevant section, message your query and continue doing your chores. The online assistant will get back to you with an answer in a few minutes.
For common queries, you can also refer to preset forms in the app to find information in a jiffy.
Available for Android and iOS.
5. Taxy -- Hail a cab
Taxy will help you find a taxi - private as well as the good old black-and-yellow - in your vicinity at the best rate possible. This app tracks information from services like Uber, Ola Cabs and TaxiForSure to find all the cars around you, sorting them into two columns - cheapest and nearest.
Additionally, it will mention the taxi service, type and estimated the travel time. You can even configure the app to alert you at a preset time and show you the best cabs available at that moment. At present, Taxy can be used in 52 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, Goa, Kochi, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Surat.
You can also try Voodoo; it pops up when you launch a taxi service app - say, Ola Cabs - to inform you about alternate transport options.
Available for Android.
6. Pincode -- Find India-related codes
Pincode is a nifty app that puts data like domestic pincodes, phone numbers, vehicle licence plates and bank info into a single searchable index.
Let's say you've been getting crank calls. With Pincode, you will be able to find out which state they're coming from and identify the mobile operator as well. Similarly, you can find information about a licence plate, bank IFSC codes (required for online payments), and toll-free numbers of popular companies like airlines or telephone operators. In fact, you can even check the PNR status of your train journey.
There are several apps called 'Pincode' on Google Play Store, so make sure you search for "Pincode STD IFSC PNR FM Search" by Pranay Ainar.
Available for Android.
7. HealthifyMe -- Count your calories
HealthifyMe keeps a track of the calories you consume. What differentiates it from other diet apps is its ability to recognize common brands like Marie biscuits or Lipton tea; Indian staples like idli, moong dal, naan, fried rice, and more.
You get to view your calorie intake vis-à-vis the app's suggested amounts, which are calculated on the basis of your height and current weight, to help you limit your intake. The calories stated in this app are estimates, but act as markers so that you can work towards a healthier lifestyle.
HealthifyMe also has an overall fitness feature. It suggests exercises, with support for wearables like the Mi Band and Fitbit as well. Plus, for a monthly fee it will even pair you with nutritionists online and trainers.
Available for Android and iOS.
8. RailYatri -- Track outstation trains
If you're travelling by the Indian Railways, RailYatri has every bit of information you will need. From checking your PNR status to tracking the train in real time on a map, you can do it all.
The app also includes official announcements from the Indian Railways, a complete time table of all the trains in India, layouts of coach and berth positions, provision to check for seat availability, book food or taxis, and more. No longer will you have to try calling busy helplines or - if you are already in the train - ask the train attendant for updates.
RailYatri also provides useful information on local trains that ply in a number of cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Available for Android and iOS.
6th One is most useful according to me
1. TrueMessenger -- Block junk messages
You know how your email inbox automatically sends junk mail to the spam folder? TrueMessenger brings that functionality to SMS. Initial set up requires you to make it the default SMS app on your phone and mark certain types of messages as spam.
Over time, TrueMessenger will 'learn' what is junk and smartly send text messages to the spam folder. You can manually send messages to the folder and vice versa as well. The app also gives you a 5-second window to 'unsend' a text message and save you from the blushes.
TrueMessenger is made by the team behind TrueCaller; so it will also display an unknown sender's name. However, this means that the app will tell others who you are. If you are the type who is privacy conscious then you should be mindful of this.
Available for Android.
2. Smart Spends -- Track your finances
Keeping a tab on your income and expenditure requires discipline. Thankfully, Smart Spends makes life easier with an automated process. It reads the transaction SMSes you receive - from your bank, online retailers and other such merchants - to make a note of the amounts you have spent or received.
Smart Spends compiles this information automatically into easy-to-read accounts and visual charts. It can also decipher bill notifications and create due date reminders, so you don't face late payment charges. During the time of purchase, this app will even suggest which debit or credit card you should use so as to avail of a discount or an offer. This could potentially result in savings for you.
That said, it does not let you attach photographs of receipts - in case you need to file reimbursements - with an expense. For this, you can consider Walnut, which also comes with good search capabilities.
Available for Android.
3. InShorts -- Get local news updates
If you don't have the time to go through every single news item from all the newspapers or websites of the day, then try InShorts. This app employs a team of editors to distil noteworthy news - for Indian audiences - into 60 words or less.
What you get is nothing but the bare facts, period. The app is intuitive to use: swipe up to move to the next news bite or tap on the write-up to read the full article. What's more, InShorts even lets you switch from English to Hindi.
Alternatively, you could try Dailyhunt (formerly NewsHunt) for its access to more news sources and support for languages including Marathi, Bangla, Gujarati, Malay alam, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Available for Android and iOS.
4. Haptik -- Ask a personal assistant
Haptik is an incredible resource to have at your fingertips. You get to chat with a personal assistant, in real time, who can give you almost any kind of information you seek. You don't need to use special keywords or know about search operators; queries are handled by human assistants, not bots.
Let's say you are want to know how to get from Mumbai to Coorg or need a local fridge technician. Fire up Haptik, tap the relevant section, message your query and continue doing your chores. The online assistant will get back to you with an answer in a few minutes.
For common queries, you can also refer to preset forms in the app to find information in a jiffy.
Available for Android and iOS.
5. Taxy -- Hail a cab
Taxy will help you find a taxi - private as well as the good old black-and-yellow - in your vicinity at the best rate possible. This app tracks information from services like Uber, Ola Cabs and TaxiForSure to find all the cars around you, sorting them into two columns - cheapest and nearest.
Additionally, it will mention the taxi service, type and estimated the travel time. You can even configure the app to alert you at a preset time and show you the best cabs available at that moment. At present, Taxy can be used in 52 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, Goa, Kochi, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Surat.
You can also try Voodoo; it pops up when you launch a taxi service app - say, Ola Cabs - to inform you about alternate transport options.
Available for Android.
6. Pincode -- Find India-related codes
Pincode is a nifty app that puts data like domestic pincodes, phone numbers, vehicle licence plates and bank info into a single searchable index.
Let's say you've been getting crank calls. With Pincode, you will be able to find out which state they're coming from and identify the mobile operator as well. Similarly, you can find information about a licence plate, bank IFSC codes (required for online payments), and toll-free numbers of popular companies like airlines or telephone operators. In fact, you can even check the PNR status of your train journey.
There are several apps called 'Pincode' on Google Play Store, so make sure you search for "Pincode STD IFSC PNR FM Search" by Pranay Ainar.
Available for Android.
7. HealthifyMe -- Count your calories
HealthifyMe keeps a track of the calories you consume. What differentiates it from other diet apps is its ability to recognize common brands like Marie biscuits or Lipton tea; Indian staples like idli, moong dal, naan, fried rice, and more.
You get to view your calorie intake vis-à-vis the app's suggested amounts, which are calculated on the basis of your height and current weight, to help you limit your intake. The calories stated in this app are estimates, but act as markers so that you can work towards a healthier lifestyle.
HealthifyMe also has an overall fitness feature. It suggests exercises, with support for wearables like the Mi Band and Fitbit as well. Plus, for a monthly fee it will even pair you with nutritionists online and trainers.
Available for Android and iOS.
8. RailYatri -- Track outstation trains
If you're travelling by the Indian Railways, RailYatri has every bit of information you will need. From checking your PNR status to tracking the train in real time on a map, you can do it all.
The app also includes official announcements from the Indian Railways, a complete time table of all the trains in India, layouts of coach and berth positions, provision to check for seat availability, book food or taxis, and more. No longer will you have to try calling busy helplines or - if you are already in the train - ask the train attendant for updates.
RailYatri also provides useful information on local trains that ply in a number of cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Available for Android and iOS.
6th One is most useful according to me
