Here at Danburg Properties of Boca Raton, we rely on the latest technology – computers, software and the Internet – to streamline management of our commercial, office and warehouse properties and landlord / tenant relationships. But we also rely on technology to simplify daily life, too.

If you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, you know what “apps” are. They’re software applications for any number of services or functions designed to be used on a mobile device or smartphone. Some are business apps. Some focus on “the business of life,” like banking and finance, daily planning and other functions of running your life or household. And some target personal or lifestyle pursuits.

We’ll leave the business and “business of life” apps for another discussion. Today, we launch a feature that explores some popular and cool apps that we use regularly to add value to our daily lives (have some to add to the list? Let us know). Our list of some free apps includes…

Map My Ride and Runtastic. These two apps are designed for runners and cyclists. These apps use the phone’s mapping capabilities, GPS and the clock to track an outing’s duration, miles per hour, distance and path on a map. They also estimate calories burned. If you have the right sensors, they’ll track your heart rate and blood pressure, too. Save each session and compare with past outings or share with friends via email or social media.

Google Maps. Once upon a time, planning a road trip or business meeting meant loading the addresses into your Garmin or TomTom, or logging into MapQuest and printing out or emailing the directions. Now, Google Maps makes mapping simple. The folks at Apple went off course when they released Apple Maps before all the roadblocks and potholes were worked out. Meanwhile, Google Maps remains simple and functional. And the newest version gives turn-by-turn spoken directions.

Siri. Speaking of speaking, sometimes those little keys on the iPhone’s or Android phone’s face are just too small (or the user’s fingers are too large) to navigate. Or sometimes, you’ve just grown tired of trying to type. Siri (or Android’s Iris [‘Siri’ spelled backwards, get it?]) is the voice-to-text function found on iPhone 4S and 5 iphones. She’s pretty good at interpreting the user’s speech patterns. Use her for email, texts, Maps, Internet searches, or just to have a little fun, tell her you love her, or ask – as we did recently – “What is pi?” She seemed to answer in Greek.

Pandora. True audiophiles know about “the music genome project.” Type in (or dictate via Siri) the name of a band. Pandora will queue up a selection of bands that fit the original act’s style or genre. It’s a great way to get introduced to similar music. Along those lines…

Shazam. Hear a song you don’t know or whose name you can’t recall? Launch the app, touch the black button, and within seconds – if the sound is loud and clear enough – Shazam will display the song, artist and album – with art. Another touch and you can instantly buy it from iTunes.

Stargazer or SkyView. Wonder what’s aloft in the heavens tonight? Launch the app and point your smartphone toward the night (or day) sky. The screen will reveal the planets, stars and constellations in that direction – regardless of whether you can see them at the moment. It even works indoors – and below the horizon.

Check back in the coming weeks. We’ll post more apps – including those you tell us about. We’re always game to discover a few good apps, so send us your favorite apps.