Got a new Mac computer? Then you’re going to want to check out today’s first app worth downloading, Knock. It allows you to use your iPhone as your password for your computer, unlocking it with just a simple knock. Over on the games side comes Pathogen, a board game-like battle to dominate as much space as possible by growing and evolving cells. Finally, there’s LEGO Lord of the Rings, a blocky version of the film trilogy that lets you play as some 90 different characters from the series.
Looking for even more password apps? Try these.
Knock ($3.99)
What’s it about? Use your iPhone as the password to unlock your Mac with Knock – just by knocking on it.
What’s cool? Knock is a simple and yet brilliant concept. The app allows you to turn your iPhone into the password for to unlock your new Mac, and requires only that you knock twice on your device. That’s it. The app works by communicating with your computer over Bluetooth, which keeps battery consumption down and also means that you won’t be walking down the street and accidentally unlock your Mac across town. Just be sure to check that your Mac is compatible with Knock before you buy it – it works for most newer computers, but not many older ones.
Who’s it for? Knock is specifically geared at users who own newer Mac computers.
What’s it like? For users who are into gaming and own PCs, try controlling your computer with ROCCAT Power Grid.
Looking for even more board games? Try these.
Pathogen ($2.99)
What’s it about? Carefully compete to control an entire grid by multiplying your cells and taking over those of your opponent in the board game-like Pathogen.
What’s cool? The goal in each level of Pathogen is to dominate a grid game board by taking it over with your green cells and minimizing your enemy’s red cells. To do that, you’ll need to play smart – with three different kinds of cells at your disposal, you can only overtake cells that are of a lower level than the ones you’re using through chaining moves together, and you’ll need to be careful of your opponent doing the same thing to your cells. Your ultimate aim is to control more than 50 percent of the game board once the entire grid has been filled with cells, but you’ll need to play defensively to stop your opponent from taking over your cells, as well as offensively to dominate the board. You can take on computer-controlled opponents in single-player mode, or battle against as many as three other players with online multiplayer.
Who’s it for? If you’re a fan of games like Chess or Othello and other digital versions of board games, you’ll want to test your mettle with Pathogen.
What’s it like? Speaking of Othello and Chess, be sure to try out Othello! and Chess With Friends.
Looking for even more LEGO games and apps? Try these.
LEGO Lord of the Rings ($4.99)
What’s it about? Fight through all the best scenes from director Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, take on the roles of classic characters, and fight tons of orcs – all in LEGO form.
What’s cool? Like other games in the LEGO series, LEGO Lord of the Rings puts a blocky spin on the characters, environments and battles of the films. Players take on the roles of Frodo, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as they work to destroy the One Ring, and you’ll play through sequences like the fight with the Cave Troll in the mines of Moria, or the Battle of Helm’s Deep. LEGO LotR includes more than 90 playable characters, and you’ll gather iconic weapons and items with which to work through the story. The story is also presented by fully voiced characters, and the game supports both classic virtual controls and revamped touchscreen controls.
Who’s it for? Lord of the Rings fans aren’t going to want to miss LEGO’s action-adventure take on the films.
What’s it like? You’ll also want to play some of the other LEGO titles, like LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles.
