Image via Complex Original
The debate goes on as to whether excessive smartphone use deteriorates neurons and rots your brain cells. While no hard evidence exists to back up these claims, neuroscientists have performed case studies and discovered that engaging in multi-tasking duties could result in chronic distraction, therefore affecting short-term memory. And when taking into account the numerous tasks (social media, games, etc.) we use our mobile devices for, one has to question whether our cognitive skills are on the decline. That's why it's recommended people take time out from their day to enhance their smarts and with the help of these brain-training programs, you can stimulate the mind without having to put down the smartphone or tablet. Here are 15 Apps That Will Make You Smarter.
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HowStuffWorks
Gain access to over 30,000 educational articles, podcasts, and videos from the Discovery Channel and HowStuffWorks archives. History, technology, and “Stuff Your Mom Never Told You”: no subject is left undiscussed. Know the material? Then test your knowledge by taking quizzes and facts/quotes questionnaires.
Click here to download it now from Apple App Store, Free
Click here to download it now from Google Play Store, Free
Lumosity Brain Trainer
This brain simulator features 10 games created with the help of the world’s leading neuroscientists to boost memory, attention, and problem solving skills. Addictive gameplay and puzzling exercises guarantee an increase brain functionality.
Inspiro
Use the three-chapter “imagination simulator” to break the creative block and draw inspiration from randomly generated phrases. Step up your grammar game, expand on situational scenarios, or start discussions with your friends in regards to conceptual phrases spit out in the Dream Machine feature.
Brain Bomb
According to the creators, only “1% of the population is capable of solving these brain training exercises.” Up for the challenge? See if you can solve all 180 exercises, each one designed to test your memory, precision, judgment, speed, and thinking. See if you fall under that percent tile.
PowerVocab
If crosswords, anagrams, or Scrabble isn’t your forte, this app is for you. Establish a stronger vocabulary by becoming familiar with popular SAT, GRE, and GMAT terms via Challenge quiz or dictionary search.
Click here to download it now from Google Play Store, Free
TED
Read academic articles, watch videos, and listen to lectures from some of the world’s most intellectual minds featured on TED’s network. From tech geniuses to music gurus, every sector is accounted for. Also download content offline and stream it to a TV.
SimplePhysics
Become familiar with the law of physics by designing complex structures (tree houses, bridges, etc.) and working through a series of engineering quandaries. Then test the build strength of your creations by adding forces such as wind and weight into the equation, resulting in a structure's collapse, which can be viewed and studied in slow motion thanks to ragdoll physics.
Brain Age Test
Suffer from short-term memory? Take this test 10 minutes a day to see brain age progression and share results on the global scoreboard with other brainiacs. Just remember you only get three attempts to tap the bubbles in corresponding order.
Click here to download it now from Apple App Store, Free
Spanish In A Month
It’s always been recommended learning a second language. Now is your chance to do so and in a month’s time span. Spanish In A Month encourages speakers to learn the foreign dialect through pronunciation and writing tasks. The free version offers 3 lessons, while the full version aims to get you at an expert speaking level with 30. If Spanish isn't your strongest suit, the creators have 12 other language programs available (16 on iOS).
Click here to download it now from Apple App Store, Free
Click here to download it now from Google Play Store, Free
Khan Academy
The iPad exclusive boasts a massive database of learning videos ranging from humanities to computer science. Stream or download content offline, also synchronize videos to another device. So picture watching a lecture on the go and continuing the clip on your home PC. Pretty dope.
Today In History
As you’ve might have guessed by now, the app informs users of the historical events that have taken place on selected dates. This should definitely get you over during a game of Trivial Pursuit.
Click here to download it now from Apple App Store, Free
Click here to download it now from Google Play Store, Free
Xperica HD
Xperica was created as a resource tool to help students better their knowledge on science experiments, allowing them to interact with elements and solve challenging problems. You won’t be blowing up the chemistry lab anytime soon with this on-hand.
Clockwork Brain
Engage in a number of innovative puzzles to enhance your cognitive skills. Mini-games include Scrolling Silhouettes (spatial ability), Anagrams (language processing), Missing Tiles Chase the Numbers (memory), and Size Matters (visual ability).
NY Times Crosswords
America’s most additive crossword puzzles are available in mobile form. See if you hold the knowledge to solve NY Times puzzle creator Will Shortz's brain busters or compete against the top players listed on the online leaderboards, all while zoning out to your music library.
Charge Your Brain
Stimulate your mind with these four free mini-games, each billed to improve mental activity from arithmetic to logic. Build self-confidence by starting at the kids level and work your way up to the hardest difficulty for a true challenge.
