When the iPhone was introduced it was a revolutionary mobile device that took the market by storm. Now in its second incarnation (a third rumored for the summer) it is now being replicated in some of its functions by all the major mobile manufacturers in a bid to either claw back some of Apple’s market share or improve on it. The real potential for this device became apparent though when the app store was opened. These apps take the iPhone from being a really great mobile into a device that can become virtually anything you need it to be.

Apps make the phone more functional and fun, they make the iPhone a device that can change to your likes such as your hobbies and interests, your career or your sense of humor. While there are literally thousands of apps (over 30,000) to choose from finding a well designed and great looking app is sometimes hard to find. The best apps are all about looking and acting simple while using the iPhone’s core functions such as multi-touch interface, GPS, camera and mic in interesting ways. Here we explore 5 great iPhone apps that we’ve been using and looking forward to launch.

Evernote

Evernote allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and search-able at any time, from anywhere. You can create text, photo and audio notes and have them automatically sync with your MAC, PC and Web. And what more it’s all FREE.

Ego

Ego is an app that gives a central location to check the web stats that matter to you. Currently supporting Feedburner, Google Analytics, Mint, Squarespace and Twitter it might not be for every user but its great for finding number of visits to your site and the latest number of twitter followers all in one place.

Facebook

So everyone knows what Facebook is then? We included this in our list just because of what a great looking app this is (we even consider this design to be better than the actual site). This app is an extension of the site and helps you to stay connected with friends while on the go. A must for any Facebook lover.

LittleSnapper Touch

For the last few months Realmac Software have been working on a new ‘little’ app for the iPhone called LittleSnapper Touch. LittleSnapper Touch will allow you to snap photos and selected parts of web pages and post them to the popular online image hosting service QuickSnapper. The app’s not quite ready and should be available imminently, but we can’t wait!

Wheel Of Tea

So the Wheel of Tea marketing line goes something like this… “Do you sit with the same people day after day at work? Do you always seem to be the one making the tea? Then it’s time to spin the Wheel of Tea in your office! Just add in your friends and let the wheel decide who’s making the next cuppa”. Nice huh? A simple app that’s fun to use and uses the iPhones multi-touch interface in an interesting way. A sure hit when it hits the app store. Can’t wait!

So What Next?

Well with downloads having nearly topped 1 billion worldwide an app can become a great marketing tool for your brand and when an app has been done well it will help customers interact with your brand in a more meaningful way because it becomes an extension of the brand, not simply an extension of the marketing. Think you need an app then get in touch.