This week’s home screen features Tom Merritt (Twitter) (Website). Tom is one of the premier tech broadcasters. Tom currently produces The Daily Tech News Show. I also enjoy Tom’s Sword & Laser podcast where he and Veronica Belmont covers fantasy and science fiction books. So Tom, show us your home screen.

What are some of your favorite apps?

I’m a big fan of Downcast on iOS. It does exactly what I want in
managing podcasts. I also rely on Feedly quite a bit for keeping up on news. And Tripit is indispensable to me when traveling. Finally Waze. I never go anywhere without it.

Which app is your guilty pleasure?

Heyday. It looks through your photos and reminds you of what you were doing on this day say, 5 years ago. A fun trip down memory lane.

What is the app you are still missing?

I think if I knew, I would have downloaded it, lol. Actually, I’ll say the new Tweetbot. I still just use the old one.

How many times a day do you use your iPhone/iPad?

A dozen? Hard to say since I use it for podcasting, checking feeds, listening to audiobooks etc. My phone is on my pretty much at all times.

What is your favorite feature of the iPhone/iPad?

Do not disturb.

If you were in charge at Apple, what would you add or change?

LET ME SIDELOAD APPS APPLE. I’M A GROWNUP.

What’s your wallpaper and why?

My dogs. Because dogs.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When the first iPhone came out it was a marvel. When the app store came out it was like entering a new world. When the iPad came out it was like being able to expand that world into new vistas. Since then the phone has become just a phone to me. It’s a commodity. And you
know what, that’s OK. My computer is a commodity too. Devices don’t have to have that special feeling of amazement if they help you out and do what you need them to do.

Thanks Tom.