You'll already know of digital titans like Amazon and Apple, but there's a whole host of lesser-known websites and apps determined to make the process of online purchasing and problem-solving more simple.
From providing encyclopaedic knowledge on obscure concepts to ordering a chicken katsu curry for dinner, there's little doubt that the creation of the internet has altered the way we live day to day.
But there are certain sites that are more helpful than others. The modus operandi of some online resources is to shorten the steps needed to complete lengthy tasks by providing intelligent solutions to everyday issues.
Want to have a pair of earrings 3D printed to your exact specifications? No problem. Need a custom cleaning schedule built for your home sympathetic to its age, geographical location and relevant requirements? It's been done.
Here are 10 websites that might just change your life. Or at least save you some time...
1 Try out furniture in your home before buying it
Trust monolithic furniture manufacturer Ikea to be producing not only hip interiors items but of-the-moment technology, too. Launched in 2014, the Virtual Furniture app allows users to grab one of 100 items from the brand's catalogue and 'place' it in a room using your smart phone's camera. Bonus features include a 360-degree view of the room, videos, and additional product information, plus there's a function to scale each item according to where in the room it should be placed. Available on the App store.
2 Change your car's tyres
A great example of tin-saying-doing: need new black circles (aka tyres) for your motor, go to blackcircles.com. Punch in your vehicle reg, decide if you want them fitted or posted, add your postcode, and the search engine gives you a choice to suit all pockets, and a list of approved local fitters. Book your appointment, drop the car off, and drive off with new terrestrial confidence. Add in a chunky discount over most garages (lower overheads for the online supplier), and a good after-sales service, and you're in what's-not-to-like-land.
3 Make your own jewellery and have it printed in 3D
When it comes to making your own products at Shapeways.com the options are two-fold: for the novice, either use the site's easy 3D printing apps to turn ideas and drawings into tangible designs; or, for the pro, slightly more sophisticated software is available. The process can even be simplified by hiring a designer to do all the hard work, while the site's shop, featuring rose gold manta ray pendants and Grumpy Cat figurines, is testament to what it's possible to do with a little creative know how.
4 Check which films your flight will show before you fly
Long-haul flights aren't a great deal of fun to begin with, but factor in non-ideal seats and rubbish in-flight entertainment and you've got a nightmare scenario on your hands. Seatguru.com was acquired by TripAdvisor to run along the same lines - check out booked flights from a huge range of airlines and find out information including in-flight shopping, seat maps, baggage allowances and pet policies. Seatguru.com also offers a three-tier rating system on flights based on previous flyers' recommendations ('love it', 'like it', or 'live with it') so potential customers will know in advance what to expect.
5 Have tradespeople bid to wash your windows
It's sometimes difficult to know where to go for help when the boiler breaks down or extra help round the house is needed, especially after moving to a new area. That's where Taskpandas.com comes in. Simply enter the task to be completed (anything from PC repair to window cleaning), a location, budget and timeframe and watch as tradespeople bid to be in with a chance of being considered.
6 See where the closest point is to recycle pretty much anything
It's one thing being able to scope out where the paper bins are situated in the local area, and another knowing where to go to recycle batteries, old printers and hazardous substances. iRecycle provides not just the nearest points to safely dispose of waste and over 350 different materials, but also opening hours and directions. Not the sexiest app, but undoubtedly one of the greenest - and it's free. Available from the app store.
7 Work out a ring size using just a credit card
If it sounds a bit niche then bear with us. Findmyringsize.com is a really nifty way to work out - you guessed it - a ring size using simply a credit card and a ring the user knows fits them. Don't have a ring handy? No worries, there's a virtual ruler that can bridge the gap. Ideal for imminent proposers and shopping addicts alike.
8 Have a customised cleaning schedule made for you
Founded by a technology whiz kid and a custom homebuilder, Brightnest.com is a genuinely revolutionary way to approach house management because - let's face it - sometimes keeping on top of cleaning, ironing, meal-times and DIY can feel like a military effort. An intelligent schedule is devised for each user once some house stats have been input: think size, room combination, age and location, as well as common problems individual to each home. There's even a Filofax of tips available to help us live better, from how to check gases to hardwood floor maintenance.
9 Meet potential partners through shared iPhone music library similarities
Forget Tinder, there's a new dating app in town, and know this - it's not afraid to judge its singletons. Tastebuds accesses users' smart phone music libraries then matches them with people nearby with relevant aural preferences. It might be a thought to delete that Shaggy back catalogue downloaded for a dare...but then again it might prove for interesting results. Available from the app store.
10 Never miss an exciting movie moment because of a toilet break again
Possibly the greatest app of all time - if you're into drinking large volumes of liquid while watching films, that is. Runpee holds a comprehensive list of films each with a breakdown of exactly when it's appropriate to dash to the loo, based on 3-5 minute long scenes that don't have crucial plot twists or exciting action. There's even a vibration alert available to pre-empt each 'peetime' (their word, not ours) and catch-up text to fill the user in with what they've missed.
And another thing...
It won't make your life easier, but ever wondered what your favourite websites looked like 20 years ago? Now you can log on like it's 1995 using archiving website Way Back When Machine. Simply enter the url of choice and peruse at your leisure... though most sites are a little lacking in content compared to today's standards.
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