With the rise of the iPhone and alternative smart phones becoming more and more ubiquitous, users have embraced the latest generation and influx of mobile phone applications. These are basically either downloaded or web-based programs that utilize the Internet for time (and sometimes face-)saving information, suggestions, or direction. Among the most popular and rewarding programs are the following (according to Conde Nast Portfolio). Hundreds of applications for the iPhone can be downloaded for free or for a few dollars at the iTunes shop. Otherwise, users can get the applications directly from the developer (typically on their site) :

Nirvino

Nirvino, available free for all Web-enabled mobile devices, has been described as “Yelp meets Wine Spectator.” In addition to compiling professional reviews, the service also lists amateur ratings, decanting normally hoity-toity wine assessments into evaluations everyone can understand. This summer, the service added beer and cocktails, relying on location-aware technology to help users find the highest-rated bars nearby.

GeoPedia

You’re on the road for work and jonesing for a dose of local history or some information on a quirky building? This free iPhone application will deliver information about landmarks as you go by. The service, from Trivialware, includes data about museums, historical spots, and other points of interest in dozens of U.S. cities. Since it’s still in development, the database continues to grow every day.

TrafficGauge

Save time and stress with this application, which delivers real-time traffic to an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Web-enabled P.D.A. in an easy-to-read map. The mobile service, which costs $2.99 per month ($35.88 per year), is a spinoff of a regular subscription service offered by TrafficGauge. One downside: As of July, only certain markets were available, including Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Flight Stats

Savvy users of Web-enabled devices who fly regularly will want this free application from Conducive Technology, which gives the status of thousands of flights at more than 1,000 airports around the world. The service also provides data on flight arrival gates, airport parking, and weather systems. Users can search the database by flight number, route, or airport.

Taxi!

Designed specifically for iPhones, this 99-cent mobile application from Tap4Taxi finds taxi services in more than 260 cities across the U.S. All searches are automatically based on location, providing users with one-touch telephone connection. The application also offers user ratings and information about whether each company accepts credit cards.

Urbanspoon

This free mobile application has restaurant recommendations covered. Available for all mobile devices, the service aggregates user reviews (and amateur food photos) from top restaurants in dozens of U.S. cities. iPhone users can access a special location-aware version that recommends eateries within a few-mile radius.