The Best Social Networking Mobile Apps

The social networking giants know what they are doing, or they wouldn't be giants but the list below may not include all the names most people would expect to see. Let's take a look at the six best social networking mobile apps as per the US and UK news media.

Facebook

No surprises here. Developed for multiple formats, the Facebook mobile app is free and includes Facebook Places so you can find a deal on the run. Businesses are using Facebook more and more for communication with their target market, so a good mobile app makes sound business sense. The app allows messages to come through, including Facebook text messages. Update status', follow recommended links, upload pictures and videos that you will later regret. If your phone has access to the web, then you can get Facebook Mobile.

Twitter

If Twitter didn't make this list, there is a good chance it wouldn't exist. The platform is designed to communicate on the run, so they have to be mobile. As of May 2011 Twitter updated their Mac app, allowing faster tweets and multiple timelines. The other formats have also been modified for speed, layout and increased flexibility. On an interesting note, there are 500 million active Twitter accounts in the world, which means almost 14% of the world population is tweeting their every move on a regular basis.

Skype

It was only a matter of time before Skype went mobile. As the first free Voice Over IP provider in the world, it only makes sense that they make use of a mobile app market to further their client base. Calls are free on IM and Verizon Wireless; other formats are recommended including iPhone, Symbian and Android. As always, the app is free.

Yelp

For anyone living under a smartphone rock over the last year, Yelp is the leading user-generated review resource in the North America, and soon the world. Once again, going mobile and doing it well makes good sense for Yelp. Users are much more likely to right a fabulous restaurant review when the taste of the meal is still in their mouths. Formats for most phones are available for free, and all are equally easy to use.

Bump

Bump is a true networking platform. Exchange contacts, friends, pictures simply by bumping the two phones together. It is surprisingly futuristic the first time using it, but fabulous at conventions when you meet 5000 people and only remember one name. Only developed for Android and the iPhone, other formats are on their way. To anyone security minded, bumping phones to share information may seem a little scary. Have no fear, you only share the data you want to share and you have to answer whether a connection is desired. No one can 'accidentally' knock into you and get your digits.

Swiftkey

Smartphones are great, except when you are trying to type. The teeny tiny keyboard is only really suitable for a gremlin, and that is one thing no one wants around their electronics. So along came autocorrect, and hilarity ensued. Now there is Swiftkey. It is an autocorrect, but without all the oddities of the generic ones we see everywhere. Developed in the UK, Swiftkey is currently only available for Androids but oh how smartphone users love it! Even the Consumer Affairs Editor at the Daily Telegraph said "...the best predictive text I have ever come across..."

There will always be users who have their favorite mobile apps they refuse to stop using, much like those who continue to use the old dial up fax machine instead of internet fax. All we can do is recommend the most innovative option available; meanwhile hoping someday they will see the light and take a baseball bat to that old Lexmark.