Technology is a way of life these days. People of all ages carry cell phones, tablets, and other devices wherever they go. Motorhomers definitely benefit from the mobile connectivity. Hence, this month’s discussion topic:
Describe your favorite “app” for your smartphone or tablet.
America is a mobile society, so the most essential app would be for travel directions and gas stations along the route. Waze displays information regarding hazards, police activities, excessive traffic, accidents, and road closures. The app’s beauty is its real-time capability, which is achieved by users notifying Waze of road problems. The information is transmitted to the Waze server and updated for everyone to view. Your travel route is displayed by using the built-in GPS function on a smartphone or tablet. Waze is owned by Google and is free (can’t beat that). It’s available from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. As full-time motorhomers, we use Waze for both long- and short-distance driving, and it is extremely accurate.
Chuck and Jeanne Fingerman, F345878
Crestview, Florida
By far, our favorite app for our smartphone and tablet is Google Maps. When you go on the app, all you have to do is enter what place you are looking for, and it will come up immediately with all the info you need — name, address, phone number, and directions. This one has surpassed any other app we have tried and will be the only one you need!
Eric and Bernadette Berland, F270976
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
My favorite app is the one for my bank account! The best thing is being able to deposit a check anywhere service is available. It is like using an ATM, except you are at home or on the road. Take a photo of the front and back of your check and send it. Deposit made! “It” will tell you if the transaction is not completed and what you need to do if so. Now, if the same system could just find a way for cash to be disbursed.
Weta Berger, F205425
Brownsville, California
Gasoline prices fluctuate from one county to the other, and/or from one interstate exit to the next; thus, we depend enormously on the Gas Buddy app. Touch the circle on the screen, and it gives you the gas prices at all the nearby stations. Or, enter an address or a town on the space above the circle and again, in seconds, you have the prices. And you have the option to “update” the price to assist other drivers. It helps us when we prepare our budget for our yearly trips to the West. There is also a rewards program.
Jocelynn Wirshing-Power, F380074
Gainesville, Florida
Future questions:
1. Describe an unusual activity you’ve tried on a motorhome trip.
2. What’s the best breed of dog, or other pet, to travel with? Why?