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Top of the Apps - February 2011

 
 
We’re very much into 2011 and the Christmas season got in the way of the last edition of Top of the Apps – we’ve got one very amusing of our own we’re shamelessly plugging here (see if you can spot it) but there have been quite a few others of note that we've spotted.  We’re working on a lot of Augmented reality apps at the moment, many of them will have been released and will be featured in the next “Top of the Apps” but below are some other great examples.
 
 
 
Word Lens
 
Lets start with the best about.  This application is a must for anyone who doesn't speak Spanish and wants to travel to Spanish speaking countries.  Using Augmented Reality and text recognition software paired in a wonderful way the application not only understands what text is in front if the handset but then layers the English translation of the text on top of that.  Signs are no longer a barrier.
 
 
 
Tia Maria
 
This is a nice, simple implementation of Market based Augmented reality.  Download the marker here  and check out a 3D glass of Tia Maria appear within the app.  Also in the free application is a very neat use os face recognition that allows you to automatically put a mask on anyone you choose.
 
We have it on very good authority that an update is coming along soon which will allow you to swap masks and integrate with Facebook.
 
 
Winkybang
 
This is a hilarious free application that makes you shake a “Winky” to the peak of its excitement before it then bursts, causing a “Winkybang”.  This is a goodie if only to hear the risqué screams tht these little characters make.
 
 
Jenga
 
Using a great 3D engine, this application re-creates the popular brick game and for 59p offers a life-like game in your pocket.  We’d like to see a feature that allow correspondence gaming against friends who are not physically with you (as per Words/chess with friends) but appreciate the effort that has obviously gone into creating this.
 
 
Baby Scratch
 
Scra scra scra scratch it up.  Boom! As AJ would say. This handy little sampler in your pocket allows you to record your own dulcet tones and scratch them on a turntable.  A nice array of background beats compliments the app.  Plug your iPhone into a highly amplifies speaker and turn that sh** up.
 
 
 
Trickle is another twitter client.  Its got a nice interface and if you sit at a desk all day with your iPhone plugged in is a nice use of an otherwise unused screen on your desk.  It gently streams tweets in an unobtrusive Helvetica white on black form.
 
 
 
Yammer is a twitter like service for companies.  Its a closed network that allows you to share knowledge within an organisation.  We use it here.  It helps us feel more of a cohesive team as we work from two offices far away from each other, in geography not spirit.
 
 
Cycle Hire Widget
 
This is a brilliant application for Android that lets you kow where your nearest Boris bike station is and how many bikes/spaces are available.  What’s really impressive is the widget that is built into the application.  This allows a dynamic, active widget on the app home screen to show you just the most pertinent information, where teh closest 3 stations are and what their status is.

Well played.
 
 
Sleeptalk
 
Ever wondered what you might be saying when you’re asleep? Sleeptalk sits beside your bed, listening to your murmours and noting them down, like an evil tooth fairy. In the morning it compiles highlights of your broken sleep to terrify you as you head to work.
 
 
Fill the sky
 
Lastly, and as it was the start of Chinese New yesterday (and we spent a lot of time helping one of our clients pitch for a Chinese New Year app before Christmas).  This is a Chinese New Year app by Ogilvy and Mather.
 
You can fire off fireworks, write bespoke messages and share.  Its a bit weak in terms of the design, general UX and customisation of the messages and feels a little rushed. Ours would have been better but are we just bitter?
 
 
 

4th February 2011

Posted by Charlie