This week’s top apps are headlined by Spotify. It has been on the iPhone for a while, but its new iPad iteration is already turning heads thanks to an intuitive interface that might be preferable to the desktop client. Along with Spotify, there are apps for hyperlocal news, nanoscience, travel, and blog posting.
Spotify (iPad) (Free)
Spotify users who have been looking for a mobile version of the terrific music-streaming site that isn’t so bare bones finally have their prayers answered with the Spotify iPad app. Unlike the Spotify iPhone app, which streamlines many of the program’s features down to their most essential components, the iPad app is basically a recreation of the desktop program. The layout is similar, if actually less cluttered, and the larger display makes for a much easier time searching for playlists and users, things that are both difficult to do on the iPhone app.
EveryBlock (Free)
EveryBlock, the local news site that lets you know what’s happening all over the neighborhoods of 16 U.S. cities has received a major facelift. The layout of the news portion has been compartmentalized to drill the focus right into the news item you’re most interested in viewing. The app’s messaging services and posting functions have also been streamlined so users can take greater advantage of their iPhone and most stories and pictures quicker than ever before. While it’s a shame EveryBlock hasn’t expanded more, users in its supported cities shouldn’t be without this hyperlocal news app.
Room 77 (Free)
Big time travelers would do well to check out Room 77. The travel app helps users get the lowest possible rates at over 130,000 hotels worldwide. Users can compare rates from various companies ensuring they’re already getting a great rate. The app was recently updated, bringing in more sources for affordable rooms along with a faster search. Once the user has booked a room they can use Room 77’s App Concierge service to see how Room 77 rates the quality of the room.
Weebly (Free)
Weebly is a service that hosts free websites and blogs for its users. Now, with the Weebly app, users who have a blog with Weebly can create and manage posts right from their iPhone. Users unfamiliar with Weebly can even sign-up and set up their blog through the app, using Weebly’s pre-built themes to get exactly the look they want for their blog. Once they’re live and posting on Weebly, users can also quickly share posts to Facebook and Twitter as well as check out detailed site traffic stats right from the app.
DIY Nano (Free)
Parents looking to have some fun with their kids while teaching them something, should check out DIY Nano. The edutainment app provides lessons on nanoscience while giving parents and kids fun activities to complete to test out the science for themselves. The app is filled with instructional videos to guide kids along in the activity and the information provided is light enough so that it doesn’t overwhelm.
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