I have long been a fan of Dictionary.com, which I use over other sites when I’m in a pinch for a word or want to make sure I’ve picked the right one. So of course, when I got a smartphone (android), I had to download the Dictionary.com app. I must say it has come in handy after I started changing my writing locations — especially when I did not have wifi turned on.
The app, of course, comes with the dictionary component where users can search words. There is also the ability to switch over to the thesaurus both on the main screen and then later on word entries. Like on the main site, users have the ability to favorite words, in addition to viewing recently searched for words — very handy especially if you are forgetful like I can be.
It is also nice that they have included the “Daily” feature, which includes the Word of the Day, The Hot Word, Question of the Day and the Spanish Word of the Day. Personally, I love the Word of the Day. It is a great way to freshen up one’s vocabulary; however, it can be a double-edged sword, which I will explain in tomorrow’s entry.
Another way to check out words you might not have heard before is to hit the “Trends” button, where users will find trending words, popular words and the sort-of-creepy nearby searched words section. My favorite word so far from the latter section having been “sackbut,” a medieval form of the trombone, which was searched by someone in nearby Goshen. Nearby searched words certainly appeals to the nosy neighbor/stalker.
The app also offers the ability for users to earn mPoints for things like searching regularly, visiting the app, making thesaurus searches, downloading related apps, adding words to your favorites list, etc. Apparently by racking up points, users can earn giftcards, not that I’m too interested in that, because I’m caught on the notion that there has to be a catch. However, for those of you not as paranoid, it is quite easy to rack up points; so far, without even trying, I have amassed 200 points. Of course, when you go to claim said points, it bumps you to a page with a advertisement, giving you only the option to click the advert or visit the rewards store without the ability to go back and collect more points. So you get wrapped up into a tedious cycle of having to return to the opening screen, click mPoints, click again to collect more points and then bam — back to an advertisement.
However, for its main purpose, it makes a handy dictionary-on-the-go and is definitely worth the download, plus its free! Definitely a must-have for writers on the go.
Blood & Ink 
Nice! I didn’t realize they had an app. Now I must go find it.
It comes in very handy!