5 Apps to Help the Google Fanatic Trapped on the iPhone

By now you are all aware of the iPhone 5 release. It has been about a month (I believe) so all the good, the bad, and the buggy are exposed like a…[fill in blank at your own discretion]. So everyone who comes within a stones through radius, or is connected through the 6 degrees of separation that is my social network, knows I’m an Apple fan boy. I’m such a fan that I waited in line for a week to get my iPhone5. I wore a Depend adult diaper for the final 24 hours because I was just that excited. Believe me? Good. You shouldn’t because I’m absolutely lying.

I recently switched from my Motorola Droid X (the original) after a 2 + year run to the new iPhone 5. When I walked into Verizon that day, I wasn’t set on any phone in particular. All I knew was I needed to make an upgrade. I picked up the Samsung Galaxy 3, didn’t wow me. I held the Droid Razr Max, nope, wasn’t happening. So I put aside all of my Android love and decided to get the new iPhone 5. I welcomed the change. I mean with open arms, I picked up my new iPhone 5 and held it close. After 24 hours, I was ready to throw it against the wall. Actually within the first 2 hours I was ready to smash it. Why? Well, that my friends, is something I don’t want to get into right now. I will however point out the two major reasons, the limitations by Apple are enough for a whole post on its own. But what really gets me is the Google integration.

This latter point brings me to the topic of this post, 5 apps to integrate Google on your iPhone 5. I can’t live without Google. BUT, I can’t live without my Apple MacBook. So as many of you know, sometimes Apple and Google don’t play nice together. This is true in the laptop world and the cellphone world. So when I switched from my Motorola Android device to my new iPhone 5, I hated myself for switching. Only kidding. Well partially, because in reality this animosity between the two devices became very apparent instantly. All the easy integration between Android and Google was tossed out the car window. Now it was time for me to figure out how I was going to make my Google addiction work in an iPhone 5 sober house.

I did what any intelligent human being would do; I hopped on Google to see what my options were. Now mind you, I’m completely new to the iPhone so some of these may be no brainers for your seasoned vets out there. Bear with me though; I’m sure you will learn something with these 5 apps to easily integrate Google on your iPhone 5.

Google Chrome

Let’s face it, even if you are the biggest Apple fanatic, you most likely don’t use Safari. And if you do, I’m sorry. But most people on their computer use either Google Chrome or Firefox. So on my cell phone I decided to download the Chrome app to do my web browsing. It is simple to use, you can just type in the term you are searching for in the address bar at the top, multiple tabs stack vertically, and when you search for a location it will allow you to use a map navigation within the browser. Side note: You may be able to have it integrate with Google maps app if one exists, but I haven’t found on yet.
Cost = FREE

Google Drive

For work and personal (still work), I use the Google cloud or better known as Google Drive. This is a bridge between your laptop and a piece of space Google allows you to use for your documents. Once you download the desktop application, you are able to save your documents in the Google Drive so they can be accessed anywhere like with an iPhone! So with the Google Drive app, you can do just that. Access any of your work or personal documents from your iPhone5.
Cost = FREE

gTasks
If you are using the whole suite of Google products you will most likely be using Google Tasks. Google tasks are a great way to keep track of your tasks that you need to do. With this app you are able to sync up multiple task lists from many accounts. So for me, I have my personal tasks, my work tasks, and other tasks so I can keep up to date. P.S. You can even set due dates which is awesome.
Cost=FREE

Chat for Google Talk
Talk. What a bland name? No “g” or “I” in front? Oh well. It gets the job done by syncing with your Google account so you can gChat with all the people you frequently correspond with (they obviously have to approve you). It is very straight forward but gets the job done when I am out of the office running errands but still need to chat with co-workers.
Cost= FREE

CalenMob
This is one of my favorite apps for both my Android and my iPhone. I mean it is absolutely an awesome application for your calendar needs. It is able to sync with your Google calendar and your iOS calendars as well. You can display all calendars by day, week, mini month, or even year. The user interface is absolutely awesome and I guarantee you will enjoy it!
Cost=FREE or $6.99

I’m aware that there are a ton of apps out there to integrate your Google suite of products with your iPhone. So if you have other suggestions (like a great Google Maps alternative) please let me know. I’d love to Google-up my iPhone 5!