5 free apps that will make you smarter in 2019

Let your phone be your teacher…

There are literally thousands of apps out there, but not all of them are created equal. So if you’re looking to learn a little this year (and maybe seem a little smarter with your next Bumble date), download one of these little beauties and beef up your mental prowess in no time.

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Duolingo
‘Como esta?’ One of the best ways to challenge your brain (and get ready for your next holiday) is to learn a language. But say goodbye to stuffy classes and annoying teachers, the super popular Duolingo app has around 87 classes in 37 languages. We can’t even name 37 languages! It’s easy, completely free and they even have an assessment program if you’re one for tests and levels. duolingo.com

TED
The TED talks series is famous for two reasons. One, the talks are as random as it gets, everything from ‘Diagnosing a zombie’ (!) to ‘Are we running out of clean water?’ and two, they are all great speakers. This app gives you access to thousands of these talks from all over the world, all for free. They range in length from two minutes up to just under 20 minutes so they’re perfect for your next bus ride or couch session. Ted.com

Lumosity
The ultimate brain training app, Lumosity was created by scientists and built by game designers. With a load of cute and interactive games, the app aims to build your speed, memory, attention and problem solving skills without you even realising it. First you need to complete three special games to set your benchmark and see how you compare to others your age, and then you can monitor your progress as you go. Lumosity.com

Today in History
Even if you weren’t a fan of history at school, this app is highly addictive. Not only does it have a ‘quote of the day’ for you to casually drop into conversation, but it’ll also give you info about the momentous things that happened throughout history on this day. It’s enough to be interesting but not too much detail to make it boring. It’ll also give you a better understanding of current world events (and make you a much valued pub trivia team member). tihapp.com

Khan Academy
Want to learn more about physics or art history? Or how about coding or macroeconomics? This app is the cheapest (it’s free!) way to go back to Uni. There are quizzes along the way and a bunch of in-depth videos that you can watch on the bus, making each course doable in a short amount of time. We love the cosmology and astrology course… Mars, here we come! (Well, in 2027, maybe). khanacademy.org

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