In contrast to last week’s gush of new apps from the Microsoft Garage project, things have slowed back to normal. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some awesome apps to mention. Let’s also not forget that we achieved a major smartphone milestone this week: You can now order Taco Bell with just an app. The future is now, people.
Here are some new apps from Android, iOS and Windows Phone that are worth a glance.
Android
djay 2
Algorridim has long been an iOS and Mac exclusive, but now the company is bringing its mobile software talents to Android with djay 2. This is one of the best mixing apps for mobile today, and lets you access Spotify playlists for your mixes. The team had to completely rewrite the app in order to port to Android hence the delay, but now the wait is over. [$US3]
iOS
Code School
Want to learn to code? Code School lets you do it on the go by transferring its popular web-based service to iOS. You can learn the ins and outs of HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby and more through tutorials and lessons. For the rock bottom price of free you still have access to a wealth of content, but if you happen to have a subscription ($US29/month), well then absolutely everything is available. [Free]
Windows Phone
OneRoom
I’ve never particularly enjoyed photo editing on a smartphone. With so many sliders and windows overlaying the photo I’m trying edit, the workspace always feels too cramped. OneRoom is a photo editor that aims to make manual image editing easy on Windows Phone. The app provides tons of expected features but with an elegant, well-designed layout that lets you actually see the digital canvas you’re working on. The app could use a few more features in the future, but it’s a pretty solid piece of photo software. [Trial/$US2]
Multi-Platform
Tidal
Perfect for the audiophile equipped with high-end speaker equipment or someone fed up with mp3s (Neil Young, are you reading this?), Tidal is a music streaming service, similar to every other one out there except this one deals specifically high-quality lossless audio. The app says they have a library of 25 million tracks, videos, and more. However, you’ll be paying the price for that high fidelity. $US20 a month to be precise, which doubles the standard $US10 rates at its competitors. Think Tidal might be just the thing you’re looking for? Take it for a spin with a 7-day free trial. [Free]
Microsoft Health
If you haven’t heard, Microsoft announced a new little wearable that aims to usurp the other fitness trackers of the world, and the accompanying software, Microsoft Health, is a well-design interface that will help its Microsoft achieve global fitness domination. Perhaps its most impressive feat is that it stretches across Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, providing a more open platform than say…Apple Health. However, if you do go the Windows Phone route, you get nifty Cortana integration, something its Android and iOS counterparts are sorely missing. [Free]