With technology constantly evolving, it is no surprise that most individuals are now armed with smartphones. More so, the rise of Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr have led companies to notice that a new tech-savvy, know-it-all audience is on the rise. Information is readily available, and people are looking to be a click away from everything.

Many Montreal industries, from tourism to media, are changing their marketing campaigns to cater to this new breed of buyers. Whether it is for the ever-popular iPhone or the up-and-coming Android platform, creating smartphone applications (or apps!) is now common practice.

If you are like me and have an unhealthy obsession with both your iPhone and this city, then, here is a list of free Montreal-centric apps that will allow you to explore Montreal and its many facets with just one click.

Biximo
Spring is in full bloom, which means that Bixi season is underway. Whether you have purchased a seasonal pass or just use the service casually, Biximo is a useful tool that offers up-to-the-minute updates on the service’s availability. Using the phone’s locations services, it informs users as to where the closest Bixi stand is, how many bikes are available for rent, and how many docking spots are left. Unfortunately, Bixi has yet to develop an official application and is limited to a not-so-practical website only, so Biximo is a great alternative until the company gets with the times.
Available for iPhone only.

STM
To simplify Montealers’ commute, the Société des transports de Montreal (STM) has created an application that allows public transportation users to easily plan out their commute. Useful for locals and tourists alike, the app contains complete bus and metro schedules, and also features information on delays and interruptions of more than 20 minutes. With global positioning, the app automatically detects users’ current location to identify the closest bus or metro stop. Commuters can also create a custom itinerary to get to their next destination. So, next time there’s an unforeseen event and the metro lines shut down, you’ll easily be able to find the nearest bus stop and leave fellow disgruntled users in the dust.
Available for iPhone and Android.

Yelp

Along with its popular website, Yelp has developed a one-stop application that lets you browse user-generated information on a variety of local businesses, from restaurants to nail salons. On this self-proclaimed “online urban city guide”, local users (or Yelpers!) review and share photos, creating a community-like atmosphere.

Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry.

NIGHTLIFE MTL
Launched in 2011, this application is a spinoff of the now-defunct Nightlife Magazine and highlights everything that is happening in and around the city. From record launches, to art exhibits, to restaurant openings, NIGHTLIFE MTL – and its sister-site Nightlife.ca – is the perfect application to have on your phone, whether you’re a cool kid looking to be seen on the hottest scene, or simply if you’re a Montrealer looking to experience the city’s vibrant cultural life. The application even won the “Innovation” prize at the Grand Prix 2011 de Magazines du Québec.
Available for iPhone only.

Montreal Museums
The Board of Montreal Museum Directors launched, in early 2011, an iPhone/iPod application promoting Montreal and its 38 museums. Whether you’re a history buff, or an architecture enthusiast, you’ll find the latest information about exhibits going on at all of Montreal’s museums. The app also uses a geopositioning tool that tracks your current location, suggesting the closest museum for you to visit. Frequent content updates allow users to discover the latest exhibitions, along with future showings, and an integration of Facebook and Twitter allows museums visitors to “check in” or tweet about their visit.
Available for iPhone and iPad only.

(Please note that this list will be updated regularly.)