Pittsburgh is home to some of the best tech minds and innovations in the US. Combine that with the creativity and innovation of our growing population of young professionals, and it’s no wonder why we’ve turned out so many awesome local apps. Take a look and decide that 2018 is the year making your life easier.
1. Tangerine Points
A loyalty app, Tangerine Points’ users earn rewards at local shops, like Enrico Biscotti and Bahn Mi and Ti, that can be redeemed like cash. Earned an easy 45 points? Grab a free coffee at a participating location. You can even gift your points to a friend so they can get a treat on you (bff of the year).
2. Smell PGH
PGH might be one of the most livable cities in the US, but our air quality is pretty poor. Smell PGH crowd-sources smell reports to track how pollutants travel, and are then reported directly to the Allegheny County Health Department. Smell something… funny? Report it on the app and help make Pittsburgh a cleaner city.
3. NewsSlide
Like an interactive Post-Gazette (but free), this is the best place to keep track of local news. You’ll definitely want to download this one asap since Made in PGH content will be featured regularly (!!).
4. PGH Ale Trail
Pittsburgh is home to a ton of great breweries, but it’s hard to explore them all. PGH Ale Trail lays out a map of craft beer, from the blondest to the funkiest IPAs. Easily explore breweries like East End and and Penn, plus about 20 more.
5. SRVD
Who hates fighting for bartenders’ attention? With SRVD, you can avoid the line and order through the app, picking up your drink at the bar when it’s ready. You can earn rewards to explore spots you love, or to places haven’t been to yet. Plus, new users get a $5 credit – that’s a free drink right there.
6. Pittsburgh Zoo
Trick the kids you’re babysitting into thinking they’re at the zoo by using VR, and get up close and personal with the animals and workers. Or, if you’re actually there (props) and looking for a specific animal, use the map to find exactly where those adorable pandas are and get directions right to them.
7. GoMobile PGH
It’s cold, and waiting for a parking meter to load feels like forever. Download the app and pay for parking from the warmth of your car (before you sprint inside). Plus, you can add more time from your phone, so no need to run back outside when your meter is about to expire.
8. Duolingo
Seriously, this app makes language learning easy and fun. In about an hour it had us speaking french words we never thought we could say.
9. MyHouseCall
No one wants to go to the doctor, and while large healthcare providers are catching on, this local app makes it a breeze to chat with their on-call doctor – they’ll come right to your house for an easy $39 or you can videochat for $99.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.