If you're looking for a handful of new apps to download this month, here are some of my favourite apps.
Check 'em out!
AirBnB
Although it's been available for iPhone users for a while, AirBnB has finally launched for Android! It's also completely overhauled it's mobile version of the site. The revamp will allow you to browse your saved listings even if you're offline, which is an extremely helpful feature if you're on the go!
If you're unfamiliar with AirBnB, it's a room-renting service which allows “hosts” with extra rooms in their home to list them on the website for “visitors” to rent. It's all about short-term lets, which for the “visitors” is a great alternative alternative to soulless, expensive hotel rooms or cramped hostels and for the hosts, a great way to make a bit of extra cash. The whole business works on a trust system, which is why both hosts & visitors have detailed profiles, as well as featuring “reviews” from other users (or former guests) on the site to help you choose the best fit or your personality and lifestyle. Sometimes the hosts are even willing to show you around their city, which is a great way to get to know a foreign locale.
You can learn a bit more how AirBnB works in the video below. It's definitely an App worth checking out if you've got an upcoming mini-break or holiday and you fancy something a bit different!
GetGlue
If you're a still “check-in” fanatic like me, you'll love GetGlue. . Much like you check into Foursquare to inform others of your cultural or foodie adventures, GetGlue focuses on “checking-in” and social sharing when you're watching TV or films, listening to music, reading books or playing video games.
One only needs to take a peek at Twitter during an episode of #Xfactor to find out that we in Britain love watching telly together. GetGlue is a fun way to document the media you're consuming, share it with other enthusiasts and earn fun badges along the way (much like Foursquare and Yelp). GetGlue available for iPhone and Android, as well as being accessible from your desktop browser
GymPact
If 2012 is the year that you want to kick your butt in shape, you might fancy the new app “GymPact”. It was just launched in December, and it's currently only available for iPhone users. GymPact certainly has a unique, interesting concept. Their motto is "Incentivize Your Exercise". The way it works is; If you don't go to the gym when you say you will...you pay up. Seriously.
When you join “GymPact”, you're signing up for a service which deducts money from your bank account if you miss out on a scheduled workout. On the flipside, if you do make it to the gym on scheduled days, you make money. They split up the money earned from the folks who've had to pay up and disseminate it out to those who did go. Make sense?
You can change your scheduled workouts from week-to-week, and use the app to check-in at your gym before you start your workout. Sounds interesting, right?
You can learn more about the way GymPact works in the video below!