The Bennet Family

The Bennett Family are Steven , Sandra and son Timothy (15) and daughters Emily (16) and Laurie (10).

The Bennett's are without doubt an iPhone™/iPod™ family. "I love it, it gives you everything you need" says father Steven as he admires his Iphone. "I can even get Sky Sports and therefore watch the Blues games."

Timothy is interested in photography so he bought a digital camera with the prize money from the Digital Family competition. He also has an X-box and is on his fifth X-box in the last two years. No he doesn't wear them out, he sells them on eBay to buy clothes, then realises that he is missing the games so saves up and buys a new one.

Sandra seems to be the odd one out when it comes to I phones and pods, she has a Blackberry however she thinks the apps are not as good as those on Stevens iPhone™" It does however a better camera".

So let's look at some of the apps that are available. An iPhone™ app, or application, is what Apple® calls third-party software programs developed specifically for the iPhone™ and the iPod Touch®. The applications available can be downloaded directly by the cell phone, or downloaded to a computer and transferred to the phone. Apple® has an iPhone™ app store for those who want to add new features to their phone.

Those who are interested in any iPhone™ app should make sure they are using an iPhone™. The apps do not work with other types of smartphone, such as Sandra's Blackberry.

What are the top apps?

• Barcoo - Is a truly green app. It allows you to point your phone at the barcode of products in shops and find out information on how environmentally friendly the company who made them is.
• TrueHDR - Ever wished of taking high dynamic range photographs from the iPhone? Previously, the technology was limited only to expensive SLR cameras.
• Logitech TouchMouse - With the help of this application, your screen can have multi-touch capability.
• App Genie - This application has 26 different applications available for the user to use. In fact, if the user refers the application to a friend, the 27th application will be unlocked. The application ranges from currency converter to a metal detector.
• QuickOffice Mobile Office Suite -This app works like an office suite much like Microsoft Office. It can perform many basic and commonly used functions which is great for those wanting to do some basic editing on the iPhone.
• Navmii.UK - There's a host of excellent sat nav apps on the iPhone, but Navmii UK makes for one of the best value for money with no monthly fees or data charges. With both voice and visual turn-by-turn navigation it's also ideal for travelling by foot or by car.
• Auto Trader -In the market for a new car? Perhaps you're just curious on how much your new neighbours motor is worth? With the Auto Trader app you'll be able to do both. Using the iPhone's camera, take a snap of any regular number plate (private registrations won't work) and the Auto Trader app will scour its database to find listings for that model of car.
• Scanner Pro -A scanner in your pocket, the Scanner Pro gives you the ability to scan multiple documents, business cards, receipts and notes before uploading them to your server. Each document will be stored as a PDF and can be cropped, edited or turned into a landscape or portrait position.
• Ocarina -Turn your iPhone into a musical instrument with the Ocarina app. Akin to an archaic flute an Ocarina will be familiar to fans of the game Zelda. By gently blowing into the phone's mic, you'll be able to change note by adjusting your fingers on the virtual keys

Go back to the Birmingham's 2010 Digital Families