Many of us are back in the office, which means in-person meetings, coffee runs, and, yes, the return of the dreaded commute. Whether you’re jumping in the wagon, taking the bus, or catching the train, you already know that this daily back-and-forth can turn tedious within minutes.
However, there’s no need to surrender to boredom (or un-productivity). In your pocket, you’ve got a device that—with the right apps—can turn those wasted minutes into hours of entertainment, learning, and tranquillity. So, to give you an escape next time you’re sitting bumper to bumper, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite on-the-move apps for both Android and iOS.
Listen: Podcasts to Entertain and Educate
Over the past few years, podcasts have become increasingly popular. Whether you’re a true crime junkie or enjoy keeping up to date with pop culture, there’s always something to listen to. Some podcasts, like TED Talks, are inspiring, while Ben Greenfield Fitness is informative. If you’re into local humour and satire, check out What Now with Trevor Noah, which offers Trevor’s unique take on current events. For true crime lovers, True Crime South is a must-listen, delving into South African true crime stories. On Purpose with Jay Shetty is perfect for those seeking motivational and wellness-focused content. Either way, these podcasts offer great listening experiences that will provide you with new insights.
Our favourite motivational podcast to check out is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, which dives into life lessons and the art of prioritising your time and energy. If you live close to work and enjoy a bit of local exploration, download VoiceMap. This app features walking tours produced by locals, so you can discover your city from their unique perspective.
READ MORE: TESTED: 11 Fitness Apps That Actually Work
Speak: Voice Notes to Capture Inspiration on the Go
When inspiration strikes, you often want to write down notes before you forget. But that can be tricky when you’re behind the wheel. For moments like this, download Otter Voice Notes. It allows you to record voice notes that you can listen to later. It also provides a transcription service that automatically transcribes your voice notes.
Watch: Shows and Documentaries
If you prefer your daily dose of inspiration in video form, Netflix offers a wide range of documentaries, movies, and series— including an impressive selection of local South African shows. For even more variety, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ provide a vast array of international movies, series, and exclusive content. If you’re looking for more local entertainment, Showmax, DStv Stream, or SABC Plus offer great South African shows, sports, and local programming. All of these platforms allow you to download episodes while you’re in a WiFi zone, so you can watch them offline during your commute.
READ MORE: The 6 Best Portable Gaming Consoles You Can Actually Buy in South Africa
Read: Stay Updated or Enjoy a Good Book
Do you often stumble upon great, long reads while browsing the internet? Save these stories to Pocket, an app that allows you to tag stories for easy access later. It also sends you suggestions based on your preferences, ensuring you’ll always have something engaging to read.
To catch up on news from around the world or stay up to date with South African events, watch eNCA or NewsroomAfrica. Both channels send notifications when breaking stories are published, covering everything from politics to human interest and sports. If you prefer reading fiction but don’t want to lug around your Kindle, download the Kindle app to your phone. Your saved books will sync across devices, so you can pick up right where you left off, even while on the go.
