Looking to get up to speed on the top apps we checked out this week? We’ve got your back!
In a week in which China finally overtook the U.S. as Apple’s most profitable market for apps, some great apps, and app updates, found their way onto our mobile devices.
Whether you’re looking for some great puzzle games or a third-party keyboard worth downloading, we think you’ll find something to entertain you…
Nightgate
Nightgate has actually been out for a couple of months now, but I’d not heard about it until I read a positive review on the excellent iOS game review website TouchArcade. I’ve long been a fan of the beautifully abstract kind of puzzle games which seem to be emerging in growing numbers on the App Store, and Nightgate very much fits that vein.
The game is set in the year 2398, following a massive war, in which a network of superintelligent computers are the last “life form” on Earth. Taking the form of an arena-survival game, your job is to activate different computer nodes, while dodging defenses.
It sounds complex, but it’s incredibly addictive, and boasts wonderfully intuitive controls, stunning retro-inspired graphics, and the best soundtrack I’ve heard in ages. Take a look at the trailer and, if it appeals, you certainly won’t be disappointed by the game itself.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: $2.99
Get it from: App Store
Photo: WhatsApp
WhatsApp got an update this week, giving users the Snapchat-like ability to write or draw on photos and videos, along with adding emojis to express themselves.
As with other messaging apps which have added similar features, WhatsApp’s update isn’t meant as a serious photo-editing tool, but rather a quick communication method for doodling on a picture. With that said, you can pick brush sizes and colors, as well as selecting the font size and color of text. When drawing, you can pick from two brushes: the pixelate and color remover brushes.
The update also gives group admin the ability to invite people to join a group simply by sharing a link with them.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
Google’s Gboard keyboard for iOS got an update this week, adding a dozen new themes, support for iOS 10 emojis, the ability to more easily search and share contacts, and 3D Touch support.
Personally, I’m not a big user of third-party keyboards. With that said, Gboard — with its ability to easily search Google inside any app which requires a keyboard — is certainly a useful feature, and the new version 1.2 update just makes it even more so.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
Flud
I told you that I’m a sucker for minimalist puzzle games which philosopically feel like they could have come from Atari thirty years ago. Flud (get it, its name sound like “flood!”) is one such title.
Over 70 handcrafted levels, your goal is to remove a network of cubes from your screen by flooding them. You position various arrows to change the direction of the stream, and then set the flood going. It’s exactly the right amount of taxing for a quick brain teaser on your commute to work, or a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Oh, and the fact that it features absolutely no ads or in-app purchases is, sadly, something worthy of calling out here in 2016!
[Source:- Cult of Mac
