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Smart devices have become crucial to staying organised in this busy and increasingly connected day and age, but only if you have the right apps.
While anyone heading to GDC next week is probably frantically confirming appointments, printing off schedules and plane tickets and generally cramming in all they can right now, be sure to take the time to check what’s on your phone or tablet.
There’s thousands of apps out there that can make your GDC visit that little bit easier, but we’ve boiled it down to 13 essentials. Read on to see our recommendations.
(Oh, and don’t forget to bookmark www.develop-online.net/gdc for all the latest news, announcements and interviews from the week.)
GDC 2014 Official App
This app enables attendees to quickly access and manage their meeting schedule, browse the expo floorplan, and search listings for speakers, exhibitors and other attendees.
Download it for iOS or Android. HTML5 version available at app.gdconf.com.
Game Connection Meeting App
Created by the organisers of Game Connection America, this allows you to check your meeting schedule, reach out to attendees to arrange new ones and browse through the list of conferences and projects on offer.
Download it for iOS and Android.
Your airline’s app
Most airlines nowadays have their own mobile app which allows you to carry around a digital version of your boarding pass and quickly check the status of your flight. It also saves fumbling around in your pockets for that mangled print-out you suddenly remembered at the end of your last day in the office.
FlightTrack
As a handy alternative to your airline’s app, this product keeps you informed of air travel details as well as real-time departure and delay information to make sure you don’t miss your flight. Tripdeck users can also sign in and have their confirmed flights automatically appear within the app.
Download it for iOS and Android.
XE Currency
Yes, there’s loads of currency conversion apps available, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be this one. The point is, it’s more than useful to have a quick way to work out how much you’re really spending when chalking up expenses in the US.
Download it on iOS and Android.
Useful for quickly putting faces to name, LinkedIn’s official app gives you all the functionality of the extensive online network. Depending on how well people keep their profile updated, it can also help you check contact details.
Download it for iOS and Android.
CardMunch
LinkedIn’s clever photo app lets you turn business cards into contacts. Simply take a picture of a business card using CardMunch and it will automatically be converted into a contact, and linked to your LinkedIn account.
Download it for iOS.
Eventbrite
Most of the parties and networking events have been sending out invites via Eventbrite. Downloading the site’s official app brings all those invites into one place, so you can quickly check which venue you’re heading to next.
Download it for iOS and Android.
Google Maps
Few offer a better way to get your bearings in a strange city that Google. The Google Maps app lets you check routes, walking times and more between your meetings – plus the comprehensive database lets you search by venue rather than specific address.
Download it for iOS and Android.
Uber
While most of the week’s events are centred around the Moscone Center, you may find yourself exploring the wider areas of San Francisco. GDC veterans tell us Uber is regularly used in the City by the Bay so this is a quick way to request a ride without having to queue at a taxi rank.
Download it for iOS and Android.
Yelp
Accessing the directory’s massive database, Yelp Mobile lets you search for near-by businesses and find deals in nearby bars and restaurants to keep your expenses down.
Download it for iOS, Android or Amazon Kindle. You can also visit m.yelp.com.
Foursquare
The location app offers you recommendations on nearby places of interest, as well as decent bars, restaurants and other amenities. Plus checking in helps fellow Foursquare users track you down in the mammoth Moscone Center.
Download it for iOS and Android.
Fellowship of Game Developer Parties
There’s a lot of parties happening next week and, as always, the Fellowship of Game Developer Parties has tracked down times, places and – most importantly – who to hassle for an invite.
Download it for iOS and Android. If you’re on PC/Mac, click here.
Got any suggestions? Feel free to email jbatchelor@nbmedia.com and we’ll update the list.
Don’t forget, the March issue of Develop will be on the show floor all week, giving you the chance to get your company in front of thousands of GDC attendees.
To find out more about advertising opportunities, contact Alex via aboucher@nbmedia.com or Charlotte via cnangle@nbmedia.com. You can also call them on 01992 535647.
And if you want to meet up with our Deputy Editor Craig Chapple at the show, email cchapple@nbmedia.com.
Check out our previous Countdown to GDC 2015 round-ups here.
