…Improve your smartphone

By Levi Sumagaysay

Sure, your smartphone is a wonder. But you can make it work even harder for you. Here’s how:

1. Make it your mobile entertainment guide You can access movie times, directions, or a restaurant’s phone number when you’re on the go. On your Web-enabled smartphone, use a one-stop service such as Yahoo! oneSearch to see the latest sports scores or headlines. Or use GOOG-411 to dial a free service to search and connect to local businesses. Twitter lets you keep up with friends or family with whom you might want to meet for drinks or a bite to eat.

2. Upgrade your calendar, task and contacts software Most smartphones come with a scheduler and a task list. But if you’re the super-organized type, you have plenty of options. Software such as Papyrus, Agenda One or Extreme Agenda offers customizable views of your schedule or tasks or both, whether you want to see what your day’s going to be like, or you want a week’s or month’s overview. You can categorize appointments or tasks by color, filter the display, or use different templates and associate contacts. Make sure you sync often, so if you ever lose your phone, you still have all your friends’ numbers and won’t miss any important appointments.

3. Add specialty software Search the Internet for the latest software that can optimize your smartphone. For example, Mobiblogr allows you to post to, and read blogs from, your phone and comes with an RSS news reader. LobsterTunes lets you play MP3 music and Internet radio stations on your phone. If you use public transit, find software that allows you to upload a digital schedule and map your routes. And if you have a Windows Mobile smartphone, SmartToolkit allows you to customize the interface and use shortcuts to certain functions.