If you’re going to SXSW music week, download these 5 (free) apps.
As a smart phone newbie, I do not by any means claim to be an app expert. But since SXSW is the reason I finally got my iPhone, I’ve been doing a bit of research on what apps are going to be most useful to me when I finally head to Austin on Tuesday. In addition to the basics like SXSW Go and SXSW Insider (if you don’t have those yet, get them now), here are the ones I like the most:
1. Instagram
If you don’t have Instagram yet, you’re doin’ it wrong. This app allows you to easily share photos over several different social media platforms as well as in its own stream. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s the only place you can get away with using cheesy filters on your photos anymore (Instagram offers 15 different filters you can apply to pictures).
2. Hashable
Hashable is a wide-eyed industry job seeker’s dream; digital business cards and a professional network at your fingertips. Create a profile that highlights your greatest assets and include your social networking info. You can easily add people that you connect with to your circle and send them your information. It makes networking and collaborating a cinch.
3. SXSW Artists
If you’re like me and don’t have a three-foot-long list of artists you’re dying to see at SXSW, this app is a must. It allows you to easily research artists who are set to perform during the week and sample their music. The best part? The app can pull artist info from your music library and a bunch of online resources to make recommendations based on what you listen to. Makes it easy to decide which of the week’s ten million shows will be worth your while.
4. Hot Spots at SXSW
Let’s be honest, some of the most valuable networking happens at parties. Hot Spots integrates with real-time Foursquare data and lets you know what parties are currently the most hoppin’. Not familiar with the Austin area? No problem. Hot Spots has got you covered with a detailed map that labels places as hot, warm, and cool
5. GroupMe
We’re all heading to Austin with friends or co-workers, but you’ll inevitably want to split up at some point. GroupMe makes it easy to reconnect with your group if you part ways, offering not only conference calling (with a unique number for each group) but also group messaging on crack. My favorite feature is the ability to see where each group member is on a map - it makes picking a meeting place incredibly easy.
Mobile apps are my newest obsession so I could go on for hours, but I’ll keep it to these five. Let me know your favorites.
