The modern workplace is changing, with 80 percent of employees saying they’d rather work wirelessly than be chained to an office desk. As the mobile office becomes the norm, business apps like these are helping workers increase their efficiency and productivity, no matter where they are.

Skype: Helps You Stay Connected

Skype

With more than 300 million users around the world, Skype is one of the best ways to help you stay connected to colleagues and clients around the world. It’s also an inexpensive way to stay in touch. The app’s free, and it allows you to make free voice and video calls to other Skype users. Low subscription rates also allow you to call phones around the world.

It’s more than just a call service though. You can also use it to host a virtual conference, to share business files, and exchange instant messages.

Skype is available for free for Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows devices.

Evernote: Takes Notes and More

Evernote

To describe Evernote as a note-taking app doesn’t quite capture the true capabilities of this clever free app. It does take notes, in both text and audio forms, but so much more. It also allows you to clip web pages to read later when you’ve got the time, store images, craft to-do lists and remind yourself of the items you need to cross off. The app also allows you to share your work across devices, making collaboration a cinch. It’s like a personal assistant for your pocket!

It also keeps getting better and better. The latest version was awarded the 2013 Apple Design Award.

Evernote is available for free on a range of mobile devices, including Android, Blackberry, iOS, and Windows platforms.

QuickVoice: Helps You Get Your Ideas Down

QuickVoice

The one gripe many people have about mobile devices is that it’s much slower to type on the screen than a traditional keyboard. Add-ons exist, but few of us want to carry a portable keyboard all the time.

QuickVoice is the obvious solution, a clever app which acts as a tape recorder for your smartphone or tablet. Now if inspiration strikes while you’re out and about, you can use the app to get down your thoughts quickly. It even allows you to send small voice messages via email for free. It’s so good that it was named Best Software Under $40 by MacWorld Magazine.

QuickVoice is available for free for iPhone, iPod, and iPad.

BestParking: Ensures You’ll Never Miss a Business Meeting

BestParking

Most business people have felt a wave of panic as they circle the city, desperately searching for a parking space as the minutes tick by. Your associates might accept that it caused you to miss the start of your meeting, but it makes a very bad impression. BestParking puts an end to this problem by providing local parking information on more than 70 U.S. cities. It also displays parking at a range of price points so you don’t blow your expense account.

BestParking is available for free for Android and iOS devices.

TripIt: Organizes Business Trips

TripIt

If your business meetings aren’t local, then turn to TripIt. Just forward your flights, car reservations, meeting schedule, and hotel bookings to the app and it’ll organize all the details into an easy-to-follow agenda. The app also allows you to find restaurants near your hotel or meeting space, add notes, and share your plans with colleagues so they know exactly how to reach you.

TripIt is available for free for Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows devices.

Lumosity: Keeps You Sharp

Lumosity

Rather than vegging out in front of the TV in your downtime, why not sharpen up with Lumosity instead. This brain-training app was designed by neuroscientists to improve your attention and boost your memory power. It’s fun and challenging games have been proven to improve working core cognitive abilities in a range of academic studies. Its serious credentials have encouraged more than 60 million people around the world to download the app.

Lumosity is available for free for Android and iOS devices.

With these business apps on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll have the tools you need to get ahead no matter where you work.

PlabanMobileThe modern workplace is changing, with 80 percent of employees saying they'd rather work wirelessly than be chained to an office desk. As the mobile office becomes the norm, business apps like these are helping workers increase their efficiency and productivity, no matter where they are. Skype: Helps You Stay...Technology News, Gadgets, Tutorial, Freebies