Picture this. You’re returning late in the night and your car suffers a breakdown. There is no help nearby. Or you want to throw a surprise party but don’t have the time as you have a deadline to meet. Fret not, for help can be summoned through the smartphone. A slew of online service providers are addressing these needs and much more. Known as personal assistant or concierge application services, these providers cater to mundane tasks like plumbing, carpenting, locating a tutor or not-so ordinary tasks like a wedding, having a cake delivered or a tow truck sent in the event of a midnight breakdown or arranging a surprise party for your colleague or spouse.