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Apps For Exercise, Eating And Sending Postcards

By: NPR Staff // October 18, 2011
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Part of an occasional series on mobile apps.

Today's smartphones have applications that can help you track your latest jogging route — and find a place to eat afterward. And if you snap a nice picture along the way, they'll even let you use that to make a postcard.

Talking about the latest roundup of amazing apps, Slate's tech columnist Farhad Manjoo tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that as a new father, he's been trying out new apps as he sits awake with his young son in the middle of the night.

Manjoo says these apps are worth checking out:

Anthill: With an emphasis on "tactical trail defense," this game takes itself seriously while having fun. The object is to defend the anthill — and worker ants — by deploying warrior ants.

Chefs Feed: Famous chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Mario Batali share their recommendations on where to eat. For now, it only covers four cities, but more are on the way.

Chewsy: This restaurant app emphasizes ratings and photos for specific dishes from a menu — not for the overall experience. But like Chefs Feed, it's not in every area yet, Manjoo says.

RunKeeper: Like other fitness apps, this workout tracker uses GPS to compile stats about your workout. But it's expanded beyond jogging to include biking and walking. Runkeeper can also track your heart rate.

Fitocracy: Combining elements of social media with gaming, this app awards points for different workouts. As you exercise more, you gain badges — and bragging rights.

Postagram: This postcard app (similar to one featured in Apple's new iOS 5) allows users to take a picture with their phone and have it sent via the postal service, along with a short note.

Manjoo also hosts Slate's video series, Killer Apps. Watch him review Fitocracy:

Copyright 2011 National Public Radio. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.

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