Data. Data. Data.
It’s no secret that I’m a list person. Having a smartphone makes it incredibly easy to meaningfully keep track of things. Here are a few of the apps I use regularly.
Untappd
For quite a while I used Beer Buddy to log my beer exploits. The app became buggy, so on Jasen’s suggestion, I switched to Untappd with him.
Key Features:
- Connection with other beer lovers, clink glasses, comment
- Earn fun badges for styles, photos
- Follow breweries
- Simple rating and comment at check in
- Scrolling feed of friends’ check ins
- Tracks unique beers tasted
- Ability to add absent beer to the library
Having access to a complete list of beer that I’ve tried is a great aid in determining what to try next in terms of styles and breweries. I’m currently sitting at 799 unique beer.
Letterboxd
For a cinephile, gaining access to trusted recommendations is key. Wasting 2 hours on a movie to see if it’s good is not an option the older I get. Having connected a couple guys who I respect as movie lovers helps to filter some new releases and get some recommendations to the vast catalogue of great films I have yet to see.
Key Features:
- Great visual of movie posters rather than a list
- Rating, review option
- Excellent sorting and filtering options
- Very comprehensive library
- Watchlist to record future viewings
Fog of World
Exploration of the earth is something westerners take for granted. I fully appreciate the privilege possessed when I get in my car or board a plane or even take a walk. Creating a visual record or where I have been is a reminder of this privilege, especially when I languish in wintery Calgary half of the year.
Fog of World turns on a GPS tracker that clears fog when you enter an area you have never been.
Key Features:
- import data .kml from a variety of devices
- cloud storage so that my account can be accessed on different devices
- fun visual concept
- part of Apple game centre to allow for friendly competition
Unfortunately, Fog of World quits unexpectedly and it requires enormous amounts of battery to keep it running. Fortunately, I can resort to using DG200 and import the data later.
Sadly, this wasn’t around when I was travelling Europe, Central America, Ukraine, Malawi, South Africa, Northwest Territories, Pacific islands, and various trips to the United States.
