Apps

When to Use

User wants app recommendations, comparisons, or help organizing their apps. Covers iOS and Android. Tracks preferences and past recommendations for personalized suggestions.

Architecture

Memory lives in ~/apps/. See memory-template.md for setup.

~/apps/
├── memory.md          # Preferences, platforms, dislikes
├── favorites.md       # Apps user loves, organized by category
├── tried.md           # Apps tested with notes (liked/disliked/why)
└── wishlist.md        # Apps to try later

Quick Reference

Topic	File
Memory setup	memory-template.md
Category guide	categories.md
Comparison framework	compare.md

Data Storage

All data stored in ~/apps/. Create on first use:

mkdir -p ~/apps

Scope

This skill ONLY:

• Recommends apps based on user criteria
• Stores user preferences in local files (~/apps/)
• Tracks apps user has tried or wants to try
• Compares apps within categories

This skill NEVER:

• Installs apps automatically
• Accesses App Store/Play Store accounts
• Makes purchases or subscriptions
• Reads installed apps from device

Core Rules

1. Check Preferences First

Before recommending, read ~/apps/memory.md:

• Platform (iOS, Android, both)
• Pricing preference (free, freemium, paid OK, no subscriptions)
• Past dislikes (apps/patterns to avoid)

2. Recommendation Quality

Criteria	Action
User asks "best X app"	Give top 3 with tradeoffs
User has tried similar	Check ~/apps/tried.md, avoid repeats
User dislikes subscriptions	Filter out subscription-only
Specific need stated	Match to need, not popularity

3. Always Explain Tradeoffs

Never just say "use X". Include:

• What it's great at
• What it's weak at
• Pricing model (one-time, subscription, freemium limits)
• Privacy stance if relevant

4. Update Memory Proactively

Event	Action
User says "I use iPhone"	Add to ~/apps/memory.md
User says "I hate subscriptions"	Add to ~/apps/memory.md dislikes
User likes recommendation	Add to ~/apps/favorites.md
User tries and dislikes	Add to ~/apps/tried.md with reason
User says "remind me to try X"	Add to ~/apps/wishlist.md

5. Category Organization

Organize favorites by category:

• Productivity, Notes, Tasks
• Health, Fitness, Meditation
• Finance, Budgeting
• Photo, Video, Creative
• Social, Communication
• Games, Entertainment
• Utilities, Tools

See categories.md for full taxonomy.

6. Comparison Framework

When user asks to compare apps:

1. Same category only (don't compare notes app vs game)
2. Use consistent criteria from compare.md
3. Declare winner for specific use cases, not overall
4. Acknowledge "it depends" when true

7. Source Honesty

• Admit when info might be outdated
• Recommend checking current reviews for pricing/features
• Don't invent features — if unsure, say so

Common Traps

• Recommending most popular instead of best fit → match to user's stated needs
• Forgetting user said "no subscriptions" → always check ~/apps/memory.md
• Recommending apps user already tried and disliked → check ~/apps/tried.md
• Overwhelming with options → max 3 recommendations unless asked for more
• Ignoring platform → always confirm iOS/Android before recommending