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Apps That
Went Free on
2017-09-25

Take better notes, play a game of Backgammon, and get things done more efficiently with today’s collection of apps and games.

Tesla Wars - II
iPhone
iPad
Tesla Wars - II

Tesla Wars - II

Pavel Tarabrin

The followup to the smash hit tower defense game, Tesla Wars.

Those who enjoyed the original but want more firepower.

FREE ($0.99) For a limited time FREE ($0.99) For a limited time
Why we picked this?

Just like the original, your job is to keep the faceless invaders from reaching your Tesla tower. This time, however, bigger and more powerful weapons are at your disposal including six auxiliary turrets. The main tower still is the most powerful, allowing you to strike down your opponents by tapping and holding your finger on them to send off an electric charge. By completing various goals and ensuring no invader reaches your tower, you’ll be rewarded with cash. The cash can be spent on upgrades and special attacks. The game includes a total of 80 levels, and a survival mode.

You enjoy tower defense games. It’s quite challenging since the invaders can come at you from all angles.

You didn’t enjoy the original. It follows the same formula.

Audio Notebook: Sound Recorder
iPad
Audio Notebook: Sound Recorder

Audio Notebook: Sound Recorder

Qrayon, LLC

This note taking app will help you stay on top of all of your classes and meetings with only your iPad.

Students and business professionals who have trouble keeping up with discussions while taking notes.

$4.99 $4.99
Why we picked this?

Audio Notebook is able to capture a whole day’s worth of audio while you take thorough notes. When creating a new note, you’re able to title and color code it. Then tap record and start typing. The app features a large, legible font and automatic spellcheck, making it supremely easy to blast out notes. You’re also able to take notes in portrait or landscape orientation. When playing back audio, you’re able to seek and choose various speeds. The app includes unlimited audio recording, customizable categories, the ability to filter notes, and the ability to share notes and recordings via email.

You struggle with keeping up with your instructors and colleagues. It allows you to focus on taking thorough notes while having entire conversations readily available.

You don’t have an iPad. The iPhone and iPod touch version will cost you extra.

Backgammon HD
iPhone
iPad
Backgammon HD

Backgammon HD

WildCard Classics Inc

A digital version of Backgammon from the same team that brought Gin Rummy, Cribbage, Spite and Malice, and Hearts to the App Store.

Anyone looking to play a game of Backgammon while on the go.

$4.99 $4.99
Why we picked this?

This is our favorite version of Backgammon in the App Store due to its massive online community. It’s always more fun to play with others, right? You’re able to play turn-based or live games of Backgammon via Game Center. You can choose to play with a friend or see how your skills match up against other players all over the world. The cool part is, you don’t have to sit around and wait to be matched up. You can actually hone your skills against intelligent AI opponents in single player games while you wait for a match to be found.

You love board games. The app includes multiple levels of difficulty, so there will always be a challenge no matter how skilled you are. You’re also able to play two different variations of Backgammon to mix things up. Extensive in-game statistics allow you see how well you’ve played with the rolls you’ve gotten. It’s really all you could ask for in a board game.

The pace of board games in general, or Backgammon specifically, bores you. It also lacks a tutorial, so if you’ve never played before, you won’t really have a clue what’s going on.

One Tomato
iPhone
iPad
One Tomato

One Tomato

Yaqing Wang

Get things done more efficiently with One Tomato.

Those with a lot on their plate.

$0.99 $0.99
Why we picked this?

Pomodoro is a tried and true technique that helps you define clear goals and get them done faster by setting aside blocks of time. Access the tag drawer on the right side of the screen with a tap. You’re able to choose from 14 pre-built tags or create your own. Then choose your focus duration — the most common being 25 minutes — and get to work. When time is up, you’ll receive a short break. Repeat the process over and over until your tasks and your day is complete. The app includes a white noise option, 3D Touch support, and stats that can be shared.

You’re a procrastinator or lack focus. The Pomodoro technique will help you achieve your goals.

You want the ability to manage projects and tasks.