WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Have a New Year’s resolution? Well, there’s an app for that.
You may have already started the downloading frenzy to keep track of your 2019 goals, but are you making safety a priority?
If your New Year’s resolution is getting fit, you are in luck, there are a plethora of apps for that.
“The app gives it that extra motivation,” said Juan Orellana, bicyclist.
Orellana uses an app called Strava, which he says is the Facebook of cycling. It tracks your ride, your average speed and more, and then you can share it to compete with other cyclists.
“If it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen,” said Orellana.
But maybe fitness isn’t your focus. Your 2019 resolution could be to learn to play a new instrument.
“The technology revolution if you will, has made it so much easier for people to do that,” said Scott Houchins, music instructor.
Houchins incorporates apps in his music lessons. Houchins says the apps work well if you’re playing on an instrument or if you’re playing virtually on your phone or tablet.
But no matter what goal you’re trying to achieve using technology,WPTV Internet Security Expert Alan Crowetz says to be cautious about what you’re downloading.
“Ask questions, is this a reputable app?” said Crowetz
Crowetz says to pay attention to the permissions you’re granting the app and what information it needs from you.
“Yes, learning to play guitar shouldn’t need to know your location; a fitness app is going to need your location if you’re going to use it for jogging and bicycling and things of that nature,” added Crowetz.
You can always see what permissions you’ve granted an app by going to your settings and finding the app. There you can see if it is getting information on your location, accessing your camera and microphone and you can make changes if needed.
