It has been another interesting week of apps. Two major apps finally make their way to iOS and Android, and Windows Phone gets two of the best mobile games in recent memory. So if you got some time to kill, take a look at these software wares.
Android
Glimpse Notifications
So the idea behind Glimpse Notifications is super-simple. Instead of having to always press the screen or power button to see your notifications, Glimpse Notifications will actually turn your screen on so you can see a notification on certain applications that you select. Don’t really need to see every email that comes in, but a text might be nice? You can do that. It’s just another little tweak for Android that can make your smartphone even better. [Free]
Meerkat
The big social media streaming battle is a heavy weight title fight between Meerkat and Twitter’s Periscope. While the latter has the former on the ropes, Meerkat is making some interesting moves to change the tide. Not only is Meerkat the first of the two to be available for Android, they have also integrated closely Facebook after Twitter kicked them out the door. Either way, Android fans can now actively participate in a digital movement. [Free]
iOS
Rhythm Necklace
I’ve always been a fan of apps that can make the joys of music-making possible for everyone, and Rhythm Necklace is one of the most creative that I’ve seen in a long time. In many ways, it’s much like any other beat creator out there, but this app uses geometric shapes and a halo of inputs to create crazy and eclectic rhythms. It’s also addicting as hell. [Free]
Addapp
Fitness trackers are like communism — much better in theory than reality. Every time I strap one of those weird things on my wrist and look at an app, it’s like homework trying to figure what things mean and why I should care. Addapp puts all that info into bit-sized information you can actually understand and offers advice on how to be healthier. [Free]
Camera51
Camera51 got some Apps of the Week real estate when it debuted on Android, and now the photo-snapping assistant is coming to iOS. Look, not everyone is a profesh photog that knows what does and doesn’t make a compelling image. That’s where Camera51 steps in and guides your hand to the absolute best shot. So now your crappy photos have no excuse to hide behind. [Free]
Windows Phone
Monument Valley
So we usually don’t do gaming apps in Apps of the Week because that opens up a whole other can of worms (and our sister site Kotaku does such a good job already) but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to gush over two of my favourite mobile games in the last year. First, is the amazingly atmospheric and great Monument Valley. But this game is more than just looks and offers addicting, puzzle-solving gameplay. It’s a little pricey for a relatively short adventure, but I ardently believe it’s worth every penny. [$4.89]
Crossy Road
And of course, the second game is Crossy Road, basically a Frogger spiritual successor but about a chicken. Cross perilous roads and streams to get to the fabled other side and collect coins along the way. Simple? Yes. Great? Definitely yes. [Free]