Top 4 applications to pimp your mobile phone

Most manufacturers are spending this week at the 3GSM tradeshow trying to persuade us to watch TV, browse the web and listen to music on our mobile phones but what most users don’t realise is that the best applications are often produced by third parties and have little relationship to the manufacturers.

There are a whole host of downloadable applications that enable your phone to do things that were totally impossible 5 years ago so we decided to compile a list of the top 4 programs you really should install.

Sky+ Remote Record
For those of you with a Sky+ box this is probably the best innovation for television in the last few years. Sky+ has a remote record feature allowing you to set your Sky+ box to record a favourite programme simply by pressing a button on your mobile phone. Once you download the special Java software and you can browse a full channel guide on your mobile phone screen before selecting the programme you want to record.

Sky remote record

Slingbox Mobile

A Slingbox is a device produced by Sling Media which allows you to watch programmes streamed from your own television, anywhere in the world. Simply set up a set top box and your TV programmes are streamed live over the internet to wherever you want to watch from. Ideal for business users abroad who want their favourite shows in a hotel room the service is now available on your mobile phone.

Slingplayer Mobile

Orb Mobile

Orb mobile is a neat service offered by Orb Networks allowing you to browse, play and listen to all the files stored on your home PC, directly from your mobile phone screen. Files are send via the internet so you will need to leave your PC on for this service to work.

Orb Mobile

Skype Mobile
Skype is a popular application allowing users to make free phone calls over the internet without having to pay phone bills. While it is almost becoming mainstream for PC users there are also a growing number of users who use Skype via a mobile phone. Download the application and straight away you can make free calls to your family and friends.

Skype Mobile