This week’s list is as much about planning your summer as it is about enlightening you on these free iPhone apps. The list includes some more options to get you ready for the upcoming summer movie blockbusters, including Flixster’s Movies and Redbox.
There is also yet another World Cup-related app to get you ready for what will likely be the biggest sports story of this summer; of course, I threw in a free lite game for all you kids at heart out there.
The best movie app (or at least one of them)
I’ve already hyped IMDb and Fandango in this space, so it only makes sense for me to mention the equally fantastic Movies. This free app from Flixster is more similar to the aforementioned Fandango, as it has features such as movie trailers, “coming soon” and even a DVD section. Fans of Rotten Tomatoes will be pleased to know the app uses ratings and reviews from that website, so you will know that “The Killers” is a terrible movie before you pay $10 to see it in a theatre. There is also a movie quiz and bios on top actors, so it’s an all-around solid app for movie fans. It’s not really better or worse than Fandango and IMDb, just different. Of course, all three apps are free, so declaring one of these apps the best is a decision you can make on your own.
Redbox on your iPhone
Now that I’m on this movie kick, this seems like a good time to mention Redbox. The big selling point of this app is that it allows you to browse movies that are available from the company, reserve them and then find the closest Redbox location to go pick it up. Navigating the app is very similar to using the actual service, and there are helpful plot summaries and ratings for each title. If you want to see trailers or reviews, you’ll have to go with one of the apps I mentioned in the previous paragraph, but this is still a worthwhile app for anyone who has experienced the awesomeness that is Redbox.
Just in time for the World Cup
FOX Soccer is the latest in the long, long line of apps devoted the upcoming World Cup. The app is most comparable to ESPN 2010 FIFA World Cup, as it aims to provide all the information you need about the event. That means it includes things like live scoring, team profiles, rosters, schedules and standings. The app also has video, though it’s limited to highlights and news and is not of live games. There is also historical information about past tournaments; in general, if there’s something you want to know about the World Cup, you will be able to find it in this app. It’s basically the same as its ESPN counterpart, and while I prefer the interface of 2010 FIFA World Cup, this is still a nice app for soccer fans.
No drum sticks needed
I’m stuck in the middle on the drum simulation app Drum Kit Lite; on the one hand, it’s a cool app in the same way that Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Tap Tap Revenge are cool games. But it can also be pretty obnoxious; though in fairness, much less obnoxious than an actual drum set. That’s the beauty of free demos, though, as you can give this drumming app a spin and decide for yourself. The app displays an overhead view of a drum set, which includes a snare, four toms, a bass drum and four cymbals. The app is responsive and has no noticeable delay, though because all that is packed into a small screen, you do have to be very precise with where you’re touching the screen. The full version costs $1.99 and has plenty more drums, as well as the ability to record beats, so aspiring drummers (and maybe hopeful drummers) will likely eat this up.
Free lite game of the week
I’ve ignored the phenomenon that is Angry Birds for long enough; if you’ve also stayed away from the game this long, it’s time to take a cue from me and give in as well. I’m not saying you have to shell out 99 cents for the full, 135-level version, but you should at least check out the free, 12-level Angry Birds Lite. It is a physics/castle destruction game in which you fire birds at structures in hopes of killing the enemy – green pigs who stole your eggs in this case. It’s not an original idea (it’s very similar to Crush the Castle and a number of other titles), but the game’s presentation goes a long way in explaining its popularity. The graphics are nice and vibrant, while the goofy sound effects compliment the game’s goofy storyline well. Angry Birds has established itself as one of the undeniable hits of 2010, and seeing as how we’re almost halfway through the year, it’s about time you find out what all the fuss is about.
