With the way our world is quickly advancing technologically, everything is becoming immediately available at our fingertips. Accessing that information in seconds rather than minutes can make all the difference.

According to the Pew Research Center, “56% of American adults now own a smartphone of some kind; Android and iPhone owners account for half of the cell phone user population. Higher income adults and those under age 35 lead the way when it comes to smartphone ownership.”

In conjunction, mobile apps have become increasingly popular over the years and have grown from a select few to over a million.

Mobile apps can be downloaded for free or purchased for a range of prices. These apps serve many different purposes, from locating the nearest low cost gas to depositing a check instantly to your bank account.

With Austin being named the number-one booming U.S. city on the 2013 Forbes list and becoming an advancing technological hub, anything in arm’s reach is convenient.

Here are a few apps that are geared specifically for Austinites that should make impatiently waiting for a few minutes turn into patiently waiting for a few seconds:

1. UMeTime (available for iPhone and Android)

UMeTime provides deals, rewards and points to all types of foods, products and services within the Austin area. The goal is to provide a new way for the everyday customer to interact with the local businesses in the city.

2. Austin Food Carts (available for iPhone)

The Austin Food Carts app helps any Austinite iPhone user conveniently locate and track the mobile food trucks scattered around the city.

3. Austin Guide (available for Windows)

This Windows mobile app provides easy access to all the information about the attractions the city contains. The app includes photos, maps, hours, prices and more.

4. The Chronicle Happy Hour (available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry and mobile web)

This mobile app provides instant access to the latest food and drink specials happening in the city. There is even a feature that allows you to shake your phone to pick a location at random.

5. Austin Traffic (available for iPhone for $2.99)

This app provides all the information and tools needed to keep up with the traffic in the city.

Author Twitter Handle: @uhhlexisG