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Apps That
Went Free on
2015-10-06

Sketch across an infinite canvas, get stranded on an island, and be alerted when the power goes out with today’s collection of apps and games.

Paper Spiral - Sketch and Go
iPad
Paper Spiral - Sketch and Go

Paper Spiral - Sketch and Go

Kdan Mobile Software LTD

Sketch and paint on a realistic canvas with Paper Spiral.

It’s great for budding artists.

FREE ($1.99) For a limited time FREE ($1.99) For a limited time
Why we picked this?

Paper Spiral takes a different approach to painting and drawing on your iPad. Instead of requiring you to create separate pages for your work, you’re provided with an unlimited scrollable canvas. The canvas can be resized with pinch gestures, and a two-finger swipe will allow you to unroll it. Paper Spiral’s velocity sensitive brushes and erasers give your work the look and feel of the real thing. The app includes 12 brushes, 12 erasers, and 12 smudge tools.

Sketch artists are going to love this one, especially if you have a favorite stylus to use.

If you work with layers, Paper Spiral isn’t for you.

Orient Express: The Train Simulator
iPhone
Orient Express: The Train Simulator

Orient Express: The Train Simulator

AppMania

Lay tracks to successfully connect railroad stations in Orient Express.

It’s for fans of logic puzzle games.

FREE ($1.99) For a limited time FREE ($1.99) For a limited time
Why we picked this?

As chief track layer, you start off with a limited amount of money to connect all of the stations on the map. To place a track, just drag and drop it into place. You’re able to toggle through all of the different available track pieces by tapping the left and right arrows. Keep in mind that tracks must have smooth curves; they can not have sharp angles, otherwise the trains won’t be able to pass over them. Each piece of track you put down will cost you some cash, as will destroying trees in your path, so make your track as efficient as possible. When you think you’re ready, unleash the trains and start earning your money back. The game includes more than 100 hours of gameplay, and leaderboards via Game Center.

If you enjoy challenging puzzles, Orient Express is for you. Building a successful track isn’t always straightforward.

If you despise in-app purchases, skip this one. The ability to save your progress will cost you $0.99.

PowerAid - Power failure alarm
iPhone
iPad
PowerAid - Power failure alarm

PowerAid - Power failure alarm

Red Mechanic

Be alerted when the power goes out with PowerAid.

It’s for homeowners or renters who frequently deal with power outages.

$0.99 $0.99
Why we picked this?

PowerAid is not only unique, but also a lifesaver. This handy little app monitors the flow of power to your iDevice. If it ever goes out, an extremely loud alarm will notify you so you can remedy the issue. The app can also be used as an anti-theft mechanism since it can detect when the USB cable has been unplugged.

If you’re even remotely concerned about power failures, you need this app. It works as described.

The app needs to be running in order to operate, so if you utilize another app that needs to be running while you sleep, this option simply won’t work for you.

The Island: Castaway 2® HD (Full)
iPad
The Island: Castaway 2® HD (Full)

The Island: Castaway 2® HD (Full)

G5 Entertainment AB

This is the second installment of G5’s fascinating and mysterious simulation game.

It’s a blast for those who enjoy exploring and completing puzzling quests.

$6.99 $6.99
Why we picked this?

The Island: Castaway 2 takes place before the original castaways landed on the island. This time around it’s just you that has been stranded on the picturesque island, or at least so you thought. Your task is to unlock its secrets and become the “New Man” of the tribe. You’ll have to learn to fish, harvest, cook, craft arrows, cut trees, and even practice sorcery to survive. The game includes 300 quests to solve, 16 engaging characters to interact with, 28 rarities to collect, and 11 recipes to master.

If you enjoy casually exploring, this is the game for you. It doesn’t require speed or precision. You must simply have a desire to explore.

The Island: Castaway 2 offers all kinds of things to do except for compete with your friends. It’s a simulation game at its core.

The Island: Castaway 2® (Full)
iPhone
The Island: Castaway 2® (Full)

The Island: Castaway 2® (Full)

G5 Entertainment AB

This is the second installment of G5’s fascinating and mysterious simulation game.

It’s a blast for those who enjoy exploring and completing puzzling quests.

$4.99 $4.99
Why we picked this?

The Island: Castaway 2 takes place before the original castaways landed on the island. This time around it’s just you that has been stranded on the picturesque island, or at least so you thought. Your task is to unlock its secrets and become the “New Man” of the tribe. You’ll have to learn to fish, harvest, cook, craft arrows, cut trees, and even practice sorcery to survive. The game includes 300 quests to solve, 16 engaging characters to interact with, 28 rarities to collect, and 11 recipes to master.

If you enjoy casually exploring, this is the game for you. It doesn’t require speed or precision. You must simply have a desire to explore.

The Island: Castaway 2 offers all kinds of things to do except for compete with your friends. It’s a simulation game at its core.

Photo Reminders
iPhone
iPad
Photo Reminders

Photo Reminders

uladzislau yasnitski

Create clear visual reminders by snapping photos with this productivity app.

It’s perfect for anyone who needs more than a long list of text reminders to ensure the job gets done.

$1.99 $1.99
Why we picked this?

It’s so much easier to recall important events and ideas when you can actually see them, which is why we’re recommending Photo Reminders. All you have to do is snap a photo of something related to the event or idea you want to recall later, and then add a title and note. The photo will be turned into a large thumbnail, which can easily be viewed, edited, and shared from the main screen. Additionally, Photo Reminders allows you to attach audio notes and alerts to all of your events and ideas.

If you’re more of a visual person, Photo Reminders will help you get the job done much easier. The large thumbnails allow you to quickly and easily recall information without digging and searching through text lists.

If you have a lot you need to remember, you might want to avoid Photo Reminders. It’s fine if you only have a handful of things you need to remember, but once you get into the double-digits, the app becomes quite cumbersome.