iPhone Apps for Sydney

So you’ve just moved here, fortunate enough to own an iPhone and need some help, tips, etc. You’re probably running low on money at the moment, but want to get some applications for your phone. No worries, Apple have plenty of free applications which are usually the ‘lite’ version of the paid. So this is blog will review a few free apps in the hope they will assist you in your new, day to day life in Sydney!

mTaxi

mTaxi is a very simple app for your phone. It features a very simple interface, which allows you to order a taxi which sends your order to their system. You just enter your name and suburb and off the order goes! Alternatively, you can call a taxi via the app which connects directly to Taxis Combined.

This app is ideal for those of you who live in suburban areas where some taxi services may not be as frequent. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have a problem waving one down in the CBD though.

TripView Sydney Lite

Now this app, TripView Sydney Lite, is probably one of the most useful and trustworthy apps on iTunes. It even got a plug once on Apple’s App Store advertisement. Now it’s getting one from us.

I would safely say that it is the best choice for Sydney transport. It features timetables and information on all bus, train and ferry services - weekdays and weekends. It has every feature like the paid version, like maps, service information, regular updates and directions to and from locations. You also don’t need to be connected to WiFi to view the services. It shows you the next available bus/train/ferry departure depending on the time, which saves scrolling through lists of times.

Unfortunately, the only thing it doesn’t do is save the trips that you program into the app. So this means having to pick the start and end to each destination (which involves choosing the bus routes and train lines), every time you reopen the app.

Now you’ve made the decision to move to Sydney so you’re going to be taking regular trips to work, site-seeing, gigs etc, and if you’re not used to the timetable you’ll be opening this app a lot. My suggestion is to buy the full version which is $2.50 and be done with it. It’s a great app and you will not regret buying it.

Transit Sydney

Transit Sydney is another app designed to help you catch public transport in the city. The only thing is - it only covers trains and ferries. NO BUSES (they promise services will soon be added).

If you already have TripView Sydney, I can’t see any reason why you would need to resort to this app, but it’s free and totally your choice at the end of the day.

All the train and ferry services are included, however one feature I had an issue with, is that it doesn’t open up on the next available service. You have to scroll down the list of times (from about 4:30am might I add), to find the one that suits you. This is time consuming and annoying and the trip isn’t saved for future reference either.

In its defence, the app has maps, TV timetables (like you see at train stations) and service interruptions. Also, the interface is fairly simple, after you play around with it.

The fact it has no bus timetables is a huge downfall. If they take a leaf out of TripView’s developer’s books, this may be a worth getting, but you’d probably end up paying for it.

Sydney Australia

Sydney Australia, is an app developed by Tourism New South Wales. Its aim is to attract those of you who want to see Sydney’s most popular attractions. It features maps and travel and few of Sydney’s “must do’s.”

This app would be perfect for those of you who are just staying for a small amount of time, but in terms of information for those living, it doesn’t really service that niche.

It features some great bars, restaurants and shopping spots though. Spots are flagged on Google Maps, and from there you can read a brief description. I do recommend you go and visit some of these while you are living here. These locations are specific to inner Sydney and some of the eastern and inner western suburbs. It’s really missing some of the southern and northern suburbs which have some awesome spots in which to do and see things.

Once you’ve read the information on the app and have/haven’t already visited a spot, you’re welcome to save it to the favourites section of the app so you can refer to it in the future J

Sydney Street Map Lite

This free app is pretty handing if you’ve got a poor 3G or WiFi connection, because that means Google Maps won’t be running too fast! Sydney Street Map Lite, works offline so there is no need for a connection - it’s kind of like having a Sydney Street Directory in your pocket. You also won’t be charged for data downloads because of the maps constantly updating as you move.

Again, you get what you pay for. This free version does not let you flag favourite locations, or tell you where the closest ATMs, parking and other handy places are. You also can’t zoom in as much and I don’t know if it’s a feature in the full version as well, but there are street names missing! For those of you just moved here, this can’t be good. Either you use Google Maps already installed or I will find you an awesomely offline street map - we will pay for them until we find the best!

Indeed Job Search

This app is the reason why I got the chance to write this blog for you. So now I’m sharing it. Indeed.com’s job search application is a little beauty! You can now search for jobs easily by using your iPhone! The app takes jobs listening from a whole range of job websites and groups them into one result for you! Easy! You can even search for jobs in other countries, in fact, a whole 19 others! The main page is easy to navigate which makes searching fast and simple. Your previous searches are remembered, and each job displays a short description. If you feel like telling your friends, the app can do that too!

Pocket Cinema

For those of you wanting to hit up the movies sometime soon, Pocket Cinema is a handy free app. It allows you to browse session times, find nearby cinemas, view trailers and buy tickets. If you’ve ever been in a situation where an idea to go to the movies suddenly pops up but no one has the session times, you can now whip out your phone and have a look! The app searches for your closest cinema according to your phone’s GPS. You can also save your favourite cinema if it’s your local. It’s free and could probably do with some more features, but for what your paying - nothing - it’s worth having around.

White Pages Australia

Ever wondered what it’s like to have that huge White Pages book on you all the time? Well wonder no more. This app helps you quickly find people’s contacts, find out business/government dept. address and phone numbers. Sometimes websites, e-mails, opening hours and other information is available at the touch of your finger! You can also see the location of the residence etc, via a map connected to Google Maps (you can also view routes to the location from where you are currently). You’re able to keep track of a recent search which make life a lot easier and is also more efficient. Does a lot more than the book, doesn’t it?