Just because you can afford an iPhone (from $99 with three-year Rogers Wireless term) doesn't mean you've got money to burn.
The global recession is affecting everyone in some way, shape or form -- but the good news is many of the affordable (if not free) downloadable applications ("apps") at the iTunes App Store can help take some weight off your wallet.
You've probably heard of free streaming music services, dirt-cheap digital books and on-demand videos, but the following are a few great apps designed to save you some serious cash.
Savvy shopper
You're about to buy a DVD, book, video game or music CD at your local retailer, but are unsure if it's a good deal or not. Before you pull out the cash, pull out your iPhone, launch the SnapTell app and take a picture of the product's cover. Within seconds you'll see the lowest price offered online, along with reviews by critics. Use this free app in the U.S. and you'll also see the closest location with a cheaper price via the smartphone's GPS.
Talk to me
Chatting with friends over a cellular connection --- especially long distance -- can really add up over time. Now you can turn your iPhone into a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) device and make free calls over Wi-Fi with the free Fring, which lets you call other "fringsters" or other IM buddies using Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk and so on. The colour-coded buddy list shows you who's available on the main Fring screen: green is available, orange is busy and grey is offline.
Surf's up
How much would you pay to find free Wi-Fi networks for your iPhone (or laptop) while on the go this summer? The 99¢ WifiTrak app helps you find free and open Wi-Fi otspots and public access points quickly and easily. Simply tap a button on the screen and WifiTrak will scan for all available networks in the area and tests each one before displaying location, signal strength and authentication (none or password-based). Language supports includes English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese.
