Who’s Down, Lumino City and other awesome apps of the week

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appsoftheweek_1024
'Appy weekend all!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

How does this happen? Already the weekend is halfway over, but — don’t worry — before Monday hits, we’ve got some great app suggestions for you.

Whether you’re looking for a fun socializing app, or a zanily original iOS puzzle game, we’re certain that we’ve got what you’re looking for.

Check out our list below.

Who’s Down?

Heading
A social networking tool that promotes real socializing? Surely I’ve read that wrong.
Photo: Google

I’m sure you’ve heard the accusations that technology destroys our personal relationships by reducing friendships to “liking” Facebook statuses, or retweeting some witty thing said by that guy or girl you used to hang out with. Google makes an effort to set that straight with its new Who’s Down app, which lets you instantly check which of your buddies are free to hang out with, and even suggest activities for you to do.

It’s a simple idea, but a good one. (Currently Who’s Down requires an invite to use, although if you don’t have one you can request it from inside the app.)

Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store

Dash Quest

What are Sundays for if not fantasy-adventure endless runners, with RPG elements? If you’re looking for such a hack-and-slash actioner, then I’d recommend Dash Quest, an addictive game with plenty of character options, weapons, spells, upgrades, enemies, and boss battles — all topped off by some great retro-style graphics.

Superb!

Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
Get it from: App Store

SoundKey

The most melodious way to type.
The most melodious way to type.
Photo: SoundKey

A keyboard app with a difference, SoundKey creates melodies from the words you type — with different notes assigned to different keys. There’s a wide range of instruments plus the ability to customize the sounds.

The keyboard itself could do with a bit of work, but it’s a neat idea, and a surprising amount of fun. Even if some of the premium “music packs” are a bit pricier than they should rightfully be.

Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
Get it from: App Store

The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel app is one of the best weather apps for iOS, and its latest update gives it a major makeover. One new feature is support for 3D Touch Quick Actions on the iPhone 6s, a new 6-minute show “The Lift” which is exclusive to the app, more accurate 15-day forecasts, and flu and pollen reports.

You can also remove in-app ads for a $3.99 micropayment, for those looking for a cleaner app experience. (Sadly it can’t improve the weather in your area!)

Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free (with in-app purchase)
Get it from: App Store

Lumino City

A superb puzzle game where everything is filmed from real models photographed using stop-motion, Lumino City is an astonishing artistic achievement — full of quirkiness, originality, and the most gorgeously original graphics this city of Monument Valley.

Previously available for the Mac App Store, Lumino‘s translation to iOS works arguably even better than the game did on desktop. If mobile games really aren’t your thing, you still owe it to yourself to check out Lumino City. Seriously, it’s that good.

Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: $4.99
Get it from: App Store

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