Most mobile phone users find themselves strongly favoring either Android or iOS as their operating system of choice. Fortunately, because of the proliferation of mobile applications that work on both platforms, switching between them has gotten progressively easier. Companies that offer their application on multiple operating systems typically have ample resources and a proven product, so selecting great applications that are available on both Android and iOS is not a difficult task. 

Around Me

This popular application allows users to quickly find out information about their immediate surroundings. Extensive data on restaurants, hotels, theaters, gas stations, and more is organized and accessible to users. After finding a location or business that looks attractive, users can click to access more information about the item including its address, phone number, and it even integrates with Google Maps to provide detailed driving directions from your current location. Around Me is free to purchase and use.

Layar

Layar is an innovative 'reality browser' that displays realtime data and information about the locations being viewed through the camera of your phone. This application uses a clever combination of GPS and camera data to quickly identify the items being viewed. Once a location has been identified, relevant information populates your screen and allows for interaction with this 'digital layer.' This function is available on several other applications but Layar's augmented reality technology is considerably more polished that its competitors. Layar is also free to purchase and use.

Documents To Go

This business application lets users use their phones to view, edit, and create Microsoft Office files and then sync them with their home computers. This application won “Productivity App of the Year” in 2009 from TheiPhoneBlog.com and has continued to expand its feature set. By allowing business users and ordinary consumers to open and edit their Office documents, Documents To Go has made mobile phones a critical tool to any on-the-go worker. Priced at $9.99, this application is more expensive than a few of the others we have reviewed, but Documents To Go is well worth it.

Tripit

Tripit allows users mobile access to Tripit's robust trip planning software. This software allows travellers to compile all of their relevant travel documentation and then easily access it from their mobile phone. From maps and itineraries to hotel links and flight alerts, Tripit is an invaluable hub for all information pertaining to your upcoming trip. It's user interface is clear and well laid out. With a rating in both application stores of over four stars, Tripit is safe purchase. It is available for free.

Waze

Waze is one of the more unique applications released to the public this year. It collects, organizes, and distributes information shared between drivers. In short, Waze is a social network for drivers looking for realtime information on roads and travel conditions. While Waze has quickly become a crowd favorite among our staff, it requires constant use of your phone's GPS thus dramatically decreasing battery life. Aside from that minor flaw, Waze is a useful and practical application for the frequent traveller that is available for free for purchase and use.
Steven Farrell is the administrator of ReversePhoneLookup.org, a site where you can perform a reverse phone lookup for as little as $1.