Tech Talk: Add a few free apps as digital stocking fillers

For many, it’s a positive pleasure to unwrap a virgin device and build it from scratch. But others far prefer their new toys to work straight out of the box, with the configuration done for them. That’s where a little pre-planning on your part comes in.

You can set up basics like wi-fi connections, email and Facebook accounts, if you know the relevant passwords – and even if you don’t, you can still install some must-have apps to keep your giftee occupied right through to Boxing Day.

Here are a few free ones to consider...

Google Currents: Google’s “build-your-own magazine” runs on phones and tablets of nearly every make and gives news and information junkies their fix of content from not only the main publications but also blogs and social posts. In common with other popular apps like Flipboard and Zite, it’s a visually attractive way to digest the headlines.

Dropbox: Some devices have USB ports on the side to transfer data from a PC, but many do not. It’s far better to share documents via a “cloud” that all your devices can access. Think of a 
cloud as your personal computer in the sky, which you access from anywhere with your username and password. There are many available, and you 
can use them all to multiply your allocation of space – but Dropbox 
is the one that integrates most with other apps.

Kindle: Whether the device you’re giving is a physical Kindle or not, it can run Amazon’s Kindle electronic book reading app. You can’t currently give Kindle books as gifts but you can create a new account for the purpose and load it up with a few choice titles.

Zeebox: Watching TV while checking Facebook is an increasing trend, especially for those with a short attention span, and this app from the creator of the BBC iPlayer makes it possible to read and share reviews of current programmes in real time.

Yorkshire Post: We have our own news and football apps for phones and tablets – and the football ones are free. As with all of these, you can download from either the Apple or Google Play app stores. For more ideas, visit appadvice.com and android-advice.com.