I’ve spent the last week reinvigorating my love for all things Nathan Fillion by having a
Castle marathon. Something tells me this means I’ll end up re-watching
Firefly
at some point in the near future — time well spent, if you ask me. But
you’re not here to listen to me talk about sci-fi actors; you’re here to
look at new apps — what kind of person would I be to deny you that joy?
iPhone Apps
PingTune: PingTune
is an app designed to make sharing music with your friends far easier.
Before people start fretting over copyright laws and piracy, it doesn’t
involve sending music files directly — instead it allows you to send
music from Soundcloud and YouTube. Not only can PingTune be used to send
your discoveries to friends, it also functions as a messaging service.
Could this be the next big social platform? Who knows, but it’s a very
cool concept nonetheless.
[Free]
Camscanner+: Sometimes
you might need to scan something but you’re not in a position to use
one — it’s unlikely sure, but it does happen. CamScanner is a lifesaver
in such a situation. Using your phone’s camera, you can use the app to
quickly load a document onto your phone. The latest version is
redesigned for iOS 7 and to celebrate, the premium version of the app is
free for a limited time, so get in there quicksmart.
[Free -- with optional subscription]
Inlight App: The
internet is great for communication, but have you ever been so
overwhelmed with the amount of information available? Inlight is
designed to try and fix that, curating some of the best lists and
articles from around the web so that you can stay in the know.
[Free]
Simbol: It
may not be something you’ll need on a day-to-day basis, but
occasionally you may need a symbol that is not included in your phone’s
keyboard. Simbol is a comprehensive list of universally-used symbols and
their HTML codes. It includes the Greek alphabet, maths symbols, what
have you. It even has an Apple logo should you need it.
[Free]
Readability: The
problem with mobile browsing is that websites designed for desktops
don’t tend to work very well on such a small screen. Mobile sites are
one way to deal with it, but I’m not a huge fan. Readability turns any
page into a clean, customisable page for easy, comfortable reading. On
top of that it can be used to save pages for offline use. The newest
version has been redesigned from the ground up and introduces
recommendations so you’ll never be without reading material.
[Free]
iPad Apps
Caribu: Sometimes
life gets in the way and young children don’t get to spend time with
the adults in their life, for a variety of reasons. Caribu is aimed at
families who are separated geographically so that someone can still read
their kid a story. Within the app is a video messenger for
communication, and both devices are synced so that the story can be
followed in real time. The app includes one book, with many more to
purchase.
[Free -- with in-app purchases]
Shifter Interactive Graphic Novel: Like
motion comics, Shifter is comic that is brought to life on the screen
of your iPad, with voiceovers, soundtracks, and animation. What makes it
slightly different is that Shifter also features reader interaction. So
rather than sitting there watching the comic unfold on screen (which is
basically just you, watching a video) the reader has to interact at 65
key points for the story to progress. If all that hasn’t sold you, it
also features the voice talents of Wil ‘shut-up-Wesley’ Wheaton. The
first chapter is free; the remaining eight can be bought in-app.
[Free -- with in-app purchases]
Korg Gadget: A
collection of 15 different synthesisers and drum machines, all
contained in your iPad — all so you can use them to create and combine
your own electronic music. For an app, this one isn’t cheap (and this is
the sale price), but considering what you actually get it’s a bargain.
If you’re a budding musician, DJ, or maybe you just want to mess around,
this should appeal.
[£19.99]
Behance: Behance
is a way for creative types to showcase their work, and for the rest of
us to keep track of it all. There are millions projects to browse, with
photography, fashion, and advertising being just a few examples. New
updates introduce a redesigned app, all based around iOS 7, as well as
brand new ways for you to showcase your own work.
[Free]
Code Academy: The
idea of Code Academy is you can learn the basics of coding a new
programming language in around 60 minutes. In a world where computing is
becoming more and more necessary, it’s a useful skill to have. The app
and its online
counterpart can
help you learn HTML, Javascript, CSS, Python and more. It’s been around
on iPhone for a while, but Code Academy is now available on the iPad so
you have a nice big screen to learn on whilst on the move.
[Free]
Android Apps
Agent: Agent
is an app that really strives to make your life easier and simpler with
five distinct functions. These include your basic run-of-the-mill
battery saver, which will take care of unnecessary power draining
function; Drive Agent, which will automatically read you your texts and
let you screen your calls whilst driving; Meeting Agent, which silences
your phone during times designated for meetings (or you know, you could
just turn it off); Sleep Agent, which only lets the most urgent calls
come through when you’re sleeping, and last, but by no means least,
Parking Agent, which tags where you’ve parked the car with GPS.
[Free]
Udemy: Udemy
is a depository of online courses, readily available for people to
learn new skills via videos, presentations, and articles. Whether it’s
work related, or if it’s just to satisfy your own curiosity, there are
thousands of courses available covering a wide variety of topics.
[Free]
Ergo: There are some pretty useful ways to lock your phone and ensure security; this one is rather, erm, unique. Ergo uses your
ear in order to unlock your phone — it’s one of the few things handily situated and unique enough to keep your phone secure.
[£3.99]
The Cleaner: Phones,
like computers, need maintenance to keep them running optimally. The
Cleaner is designed to clean up your phone and keep it nice and speedy.
It’ll clear out the RAM, delete redundant files, and save your battery
life by turning off unnecessary functions.
[Free]
Deus Ex — The Fall: The
fourth game in the Deus Ex series is continuing its award-winning
streak by launching on Android. Set in 2027, you play as Ben Saxon, a
mercenary and former member of the SAS searching for the truth behind a
global conspiracy that threatens his life. With direct references to
Deus Ex: Human Revolution and an engaging story set to continue in future installments, this is a must for any fan of the series.
[£4.99]
Windows Phone Apps
AE Jewel 2 — Island Adventures: A
bejeweled-esque game with the same simplistic gameplay — match three
jewels to make them disappear and earn points. Play through island
levels to unlock mysterious totems and unlock new powers. It’s not an
original concept, but it’s a fun way to spend any spare moments
throughout your day.
[Free]
BBC Radio: Many
phones have FM Radios these days, but many do not. Either way, you may
want mobile access to ad-free radio without having to buy a pocket
radio. BBC Radio gives you instant access to all the radio stations the
BBC has to offer through the power of the internet.
[Free]
Romans from Mars: The
great thing about games is the opportunity to experience ridiculous
situations that would never, ever, happen. Romans from Mars is one such
scenario. You take control of a Roman soldier up against hordes of
Martian invaders — oh, and you’ve also been bestowed with magic power by
the gods. It’s a ridiculous concept, but it’s definitely worth a try.
[Free]
Windows Remote Control: A
handy little tool for those of you who use your computer for a variety
of entertainment purposes, Windows Remote Control will turn your phone
into a mouse and remote control for your computer. Meaning you can watch
Netflix from the sofa without having to get up, natch. Better still,
the app can directly interface with a number of desktop applications,
like Powerpoint, browsers, and even control over your computers power.
[Free]
The Huffington Post: One
of the world’s best known digital-only news sources, this app gives you
real-time news updates from the topics that you care about. Whether you
want tech, politics, entertainment, sports, it’s all there for you.
Currently this is only the US version of the website, but it’s still
worth a look.
[Free]