Two months since I got an Ipad4, I deleted more than half of the applications I hoarded as an Ipad newbie. I have a terribly short attention span and just minutes after playing around with an app, it is a make or break moment for me already. Week after week, the icons in my home screen would change. Some apps though had been glued there and have no plans of leaving. Yet.
Let me share with you the top apps (aside from the most popular ones) which I recently found interesting, useful and fun. I found them either through recommendation or through countless uploads and uninstalls.
Some of them are available in Google Play Store too and not just in IOS Apps Store.
1. TOURWRIST (Free) By Sparklabs
Here is an amazing app that can give you a tour of various locations worldwide and will make you feel the world revolves around you. This app got a lot of potential. You can travel remotely through a movable 360 degree window. Though you have to be selective also in choosing which places to view, some of them are really downright awesome. You will almost feel the breeze from the beach or the blinding lights from the rooftop. There are no uploads yet for Philippines’ tourist spots but I do hope that great ones surface soon. The Create Pano feature makes it possible for users to upload their own panoramic shots. You can also visit their website just to travel in a second without leaving your chair.
2. MOLESKINE APP ( Free) By Moleskine SRL
Almost the same as Paper 53, it gives you several types of journals that you can write/doodle on or customize. I liked most the different mode of writing instruments available in Moleskine. Though it is not the same as the feel and smell of a real Moleskine paper, it does give you a smooth writing experience (especially if you have a steady hand or you can just grab a stylus instead).
3. PHOSTER ( Free – $2) By Bucketlabs
This is the App that creative people who likes making posters, quotes or artsy images will love. With its newest update, there are now templates for square, portrait and landscapes. You can modify almost everything (image, text, size, color, etc). I also liked the printing effects that are generated. For me, the templates are quite sophisticated and creative.
4. PIXLR EXPRESS + (Free) by Autodesk ( Google Play / App Store)
This one beat the Camera + App for some. I liked the various (over 600!) picture effects, editing tools, overlays, frame and many downloadable options that one can have. I deleted several photo editing apps (five of them!) soon after I got this. The app is very easy to use and produces varied results for one image. Another app which is almost as awesome is Pixlromatic (Free).
5. BEAUTY CAMERA (Free – $1.99) by North Park ( Google Play / App Store)
This is one photo enhancer app I did not delete due to its deep understanding of women’s vanity, haha. Just load/take an image then it automatically prettify the subject almost instantly. Smooth skin and smaller pores are achieved without the expensive cost of surgeries. This can also be used by (vain) men who would like to get that perfect image. Just tone down on the filter and smoothing button so as to avoid persistent questions on your derma appointments.
6. LOOP (Free) By Monolith Interactive
For stressed and overworked employees like me, I found this app strangely relaxing. It just takes a touch and bubbles are created. These bubbles create zen music which are hypnotic to watch and a pleasure to listen to. It also takes a long time before the bubbles pop so you can make dinner or have a massage while this goes on in the background.
7. The Photo Cookbook – Quick and Easy ($3.99 but sometimes Free) By ditter.projektagentur GmbH
Yes, I hear your groans on this. As if this app will make you run for the kitchen and start banging the pots. But seriously, the photos are quite inviting (especially if viewed in retina display and you are soo hungry). The friendly interface and thumbnails also make it easier to choose which one you can try cooking in your kitchen or order from your favorite restaurants.
8. Flipboard (Free) By Flipboard Inc ( Google Play / App Store)
At first, I did not give much attention to the hype this app is getting in the App Store and in other articles. When I tried it though, I realized how much a time-saver it could be. I do not have to go through several sites, I can have a customized magazine that will update me on areas of my interest plus keep me also updated on my social network. It also saves some of the articles and makes them viewable even if you are offline.
9. Pic Collage (Free) By Cardinal Blue ( Google Play / App Store)
I know that there are so many collage apps out there but this one do the wonders for me. Easy to use with lots of choices of frames, effects , text and background. Still, I got my options open when boredom strikes through the Image Chef, Cover Photo and Your Moments.
10. iWatermark (Free) ByPlum Amazing
This app gives a watermark stamp to your images. Whether for your blogs or when you just want to put that tiny mark that will make your picture recognizable anywhere in the web, this one is easy to use and watermarks are quite customizable. You can also use them to put texts or comments on top of pictures you cannot resist messing with.
What makes a great app for anyone will depend on their interest and preferences. I hope you’ll like some of my current choices when you take them for a spin.
So how about you, what are the applications that are glued to your screen right now? Do share them with us!