TEP Times 2014 | Page 9

The TEP Times | Fall 2014 9 THE NYC INSIDER You Are 13 Apps Away From Living Like a New Yorker If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, right? BY ISABELLE RINGNES within the app. Available for iPhone and Android. W hile making it in New York may not be as easy as one would like, one of the many benefits of living in the city is the variety of unique services that tailor to your every need. New Yorkers are constantly connected to their phones and use their apps religiously to complete tasks amidst their busy lives. So for your convenience, we decided to compile a selection of apps that make the transition to living like a native New Yorker a breeze. www.nytimes.com/ thescoop The Scoop - This app was developed by the New York Times staff and is a compilation of favorite bars, restaurants, stores, performances, outings, and other New York experiences. It also has an "only in New York" section that allows you to find unofficial scoops that you may not have known about. The app allows you to keep track of what you’ve done by checking experiences off the list. Available for iPhone. Transportation www.hopstop.com HopStop - is a useful app for navigating the city. Similar to Google maps you can either plug in a starting address or use your current location to find the quickest route to your destination, whether you’re traveling by public transit, taxi, bike, or foot. HopStop estimates the cost of the trip if you're using public transit or taxis. For the health- and eco-conscious, the app will also calculate the calories you burn on your route and the carbon emissions you save compared to driving. Available for Android and iPhone www.letsembark.com Embark NYC - Google maps fans, don't be dismayed by the lack of Internet signal underground. Embark NYC is a data-free app with an easy-to-read built-in subway map and integrated train schedule. Just know your current location and destination (by the appropriate subway stop name), and the selected train schedule will display, along with options for connection. Available for iPhone. www.citibikenyc.com Citi Bike – This app provides Citi Bike station locations, bike availability, and even a route planning option from station to station. You can mark favorite stations as well as find out what restaurants, stores, and attractions are in the area of each station. Available for Android and iPhone Simple Life In New York www.Taskrabbit.com Task Rabbit - Did you just buy an entire living room of IKEA furniture and can’t find the time to assemble it? Does your closet need organizing? Or maybe you have a party coming up and need catering? Consider it done! Task Rabbit is the app that lets you post any task you can imagine. Just specify when you need it done and how much you’ll pay. When a “Task Rabbit” accepts your task, all you have to do is agree on a time with him/ New Yorkers are constantly connected to their phones and use a variety of apps to make their lives easier. her. Let the app know when the task is completed and the payment happens automatically. Available for iPhone and Android. www.seamless.com S eamless - Craving B elg i an Waf f le s? Or Chinese Noodles? In New York instant food delivery has become as common as taking the subway. Seamless is the convenient app that lets you browse through a vast library of nearby restaurants, order whatever you want, and have it on your doorstep in no time. Payment and tipping is automated within the app. An alternative to Seamless is GrubHub, which offers a similar service. Seamless is available as a website or an app for both iPhone and Android www.drizly.com Drizly - Throw ing a party and forgot to stock up on beer? No problem! Drizly “brings the liquor store to you.” The Drizly app allows you to browse through various kinds of beer, wine, and liquor and order your choice of alcohol directly to your door - delivered within 20-40 minutes. Available for iPhone and Android. www.useshout.com Shout - Standing in line or getting that exclusive restaurant reservation you have been hoping for is often an issue for New Yorkers. Shout is a new app that allows you to sell, trade, or buy a spot in line, a restaurant reservation, or a spot at the beach. No need to stand in line for hours at the DMV or waiting to get one of those fresh Cronuts! Simply open the app and enter the price, location, and a short de- scription. Chat, trade, and pay seamlessly within the app. Available for iPhone. www.instacart.com Instacart - Haven’t found the time or energy to do your grocery shopping? Don’t worry, Instacart has you covered. Instacart is a new grocery delivery service that does your grocery shopping for you. The app connects you to “Personal Shoppers” in your area who pick up and deliver your groceries from your favorite local stores. The service charges a small fee depending on how fast you want your groceries delivered and is available between 9 a.m. and midnight, depending on store hours. Available for iPhone and Android. Discover New York www.opentable.com OpenTable - Want to try every restaurant in New York but find yourself going to the same places out of habit? Get out of your rut and stimulate your curiosity with OpenTable. The app allows you to browse through nearly every restaurant in New York, read reviews, see menus, and make reservations directly within the app. Available for iPhone and Android. www.urbandaddy.com Urban Daddy - What day is it? Where are you? Who are you with? What are you in the mood for? Answer these questions and the Urban Daddy app will guide you to the best restaurants or bars nearby tailored to your specific needs. Or you can choose the “surprise me” option and stumble upon some unconventional suggestions. You can also make reservations directly from www.timeout.com/newyork Time Out New York - Out and about and want something fun to do now? The Time Out New York app provides a great overview of all the stuff goin