The App Store takes delivery of hundreds of new apps per day. The overwhelming scene makes it possible to easily overlook an exciting game, valuable productivity suite, etc. However, we have a solution. Today’s Best Apps tackles this problem by providing you with a handpicked and tested list of apps that are truly worth your consideration each and everyday.
Remember: Even though in-app purchases typically require your iTunes Store password for processing, you can further prevent them and other unauthorized actions by enabling local restrictions using the passcode locked iOS parental controls.
VSCO Cam™ by Visual Supply Company (Free, 29.8 MB): Still wonderfully simple, this re-released camera and image editing app contains much of the original's feature set but in a new enclosure based on the increasingly popular "flat" UI. The camera portion consists of a viewfinder as well as top and bottom toolbars. Hidden and revealed via the gear icon, the capture options include LED flash settings, alignment grid choices, big shutter button activation, low-light enhancement, and white balance lock. In addition, you're able to separately select the focus and exposure targets using a two finger tap and drag gesture (double tap to remerge), plus capture multiple photos before moving onto editing and exporting using the gallery. The in-app gallery also has a hidden toolbar at the top, which is shown by swiping downward and comprises the image library sorting and viewing preference settings. Multiple image selection offers easy management, such as exporting and deleting, though a single photo may allows editing. In the edit mode, it's the bottom area that's filled with tools. First, there's the filter-style effects. Next, editing and enhancement via slider controlled brightness, color temperature, contrast as well as rotation and cropping. The final buttons are for undoing actions. When sharing, you can save the photo to the iOS camera roll, or share it directly through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Weibo, or email.
As a functionality note, the up to
ISO 3200 low-light option was designed to work best with the iPhone 5's improved camera.
Gangstar Vegas by Gameloft ($6.99, 1.3 GB): Sandbox RPG fans will enjoy taking over Sin City in this latest addition to the Gangstar series. From the eye-popping neon of The Strip to the open road and even sky, you'll find excitement by unleashing some potent weaponry along with getting behind the wheel, handlebars, etc of wildly awesome vehicles. The game features great 3-D graphics, Havok physics, "blockbuster" story and 80 missions involving an incredibly large (9x the previous releases) environment, as well as Game Center integration.
Baseball Jam by Tio Atum (Free, 7.3 MB): This blitz-style baseball batting arcade game will help you tackle a couple minutes or boredom or maybe even keep you captivated for hours. Completely straightforward, the goal is to hit the targets in a batting practice scenario. Very simple, you do that by swinging at just the right moment using a single tap as the ball machine does toss up pitches. Each attempt lasts at least one minute with additional time and points earned through successful hits. As an added means of difficulty, balls may fall back into the target zone, possibly getting in the way of your next hit. The game features hand drawn 2-D graphics, multipliers during streak success, as well as competition through a Game Center leaderboard and achievements. The app does contain occasional pop-up ads, however, they are disabled following an in-app purchase of a time extending stopwatch.
