Kim Komando's best apps of 2012

Kim Komando may have the most widely syndicated radio show and print column related to personal technology. And she's rounded up the best apps of 2012 for mobile devices, assembling them in 10 useful categories:

• Apps you didn't know you needed

• Apps to save money on calls and texts

• Great photo apps

• Apps to help you see better

• Look around and get more information

• Free app turns your phone into a GPS

• Save battery life and data

• 3 unbelievable apps

• Essential apps for your tablet

• Best apps to secure your smartphone

It's fun browsing the lists and discovering new apps, such as Vocre, which translates your conversations on-the-fly, Metal Detector Pro, which uses the magnetometer to detect metals, Fring, a popular app for free video chatting for up to four people, Viber, for free phone calling and texting worldwide, and Over 40 Magnifier, which lets you use your device to enlarge text. Some of the apps are more useful than others. I'd say definitely check out the apps for saving money on calls and texts.