Sometimes after the 4th of July is over, the summertime blues set in. But don’t despair, there’s still two more solid months of summertime goodness left! To prove it, I’ve rounded up some apps that’ll help you make the most out of the remainder of your summertime activities.
Wolfram Sun Exposure (iOS, $0.99)
From the same folks that created the genius app WolframAlpha comes a UV calculator that will tell you an estimated amount of time you can spend in the sun before your skin starts sizzling like bacon in a hot pan. The app takes UV index, SPF (if you’re wearing any), and skin type into consideration. The sun isn’t so fun when your skin looks like a lobster.
Coppertone Sun Smart (Android, Free)No calculator here, but still valuable information on the UV Index in your area, as well as suggested level of sun protection.
C25K by Zen Labs (iOS/Android, Free)
5K runs are a ton of fun to participate in and usually have a great cause to boot. If you’ve wanted to participate but didn’t think you had it in you, this app will be your savior. Couch to 5K (C25K) is aptly named, making it easy for even the most sedentary couch potatoes to ease into a running routine. By alternating intervals of walking and jogging for 30 minutes, three times a week, C25K motivates without overwhelming. A nice robo-voiced woman lets you know when it’s time to jog and when to switch to walking. iPod integration is built into the app, but even if you close it to check a message, the app will continue to run in the background. Within 8 weeks you’ll be fit to participate in a 5K run.
There are a lot of versions of this app out there, but this one, by Zen Labs is free for the full 8 week program and $1.99 if you don’t want ads cluttering up the app. The best part is that a portion of proceeds from the app go towards The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Win-win!
First Aid by the American Red Cross (iOS/Android, Free)
A must-have app for summer, which is usually synonymous with more bumps, bruises, and injuries in general. From insect bites to heat stroke, this app features an incredibly functional and attractive design. It’s easy to navigate, because if you’re looking for first aid information the last thing you need is a confusing layout. It’s also fully integrated with 9-1-1 and has fully preloaded content (it doesn’t require a wifi or cellular signal to load information).
London 2012: Official Results (iOS/Android, Free)
Right now the app is mostly just a countdown clock to the opening ceremony, but from July 27th through August 12th it will be chock full of results and event times. The app will send you notifications when your preferred team wins a medal and is also fully integrated with Twitter. I didn’t have a smartphone for the last summer games, so I’m pretty excited about this one.
Meteor Shower Guide (iOS, $0.99)
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but if you’re weary of tracking constellations and want to see something a little more thrilling from the night sky, this is great way to plan on enjoying a warm summer night.