Happy Sunday everyone! During seven days in which Apple revealed iOS 10 and Mac OS Sierra to the world, developers released some great new apps and updates into the App Store.
From a great choose-your-own-adventure game set in 1979 Iran to a price comparison search app, here are our picks for apps of the week.
1979 Revolution
As someone who enjoys pick-up-and-play mobile games, I often use “Apps of the Week” to talk about neat puzzle games or action titles I’m digging at that particular moment. This week I’m choosing something a bit different, in the form of 1979 Revolution: a decision-making game which puts you in the shoes of a photojournalist in Tehran, Iran during a time of revolutionary uncertainty.
Halfway between a game and a film, this title is somewhat reminiscent of Telltale’s The Walking Dead games, but rooted far more in historical reality — with the decisions you make dictating how the narrative unfolds. If you’re looking for something a bit different, this is 100 percent worth trying out.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: $4.99
Get it from: App Store
Facebook Messenger
Photo: Facebook
Facebook Messenger got a big update this week; making chatting to your friends easier and faster than ever thanks to a redesigned Home tab. This now means that you not only get access to your recent recent conversations, but also new ways to connect with your favorite contacts, in addition to handy birthday reminders.
“We hope to show you other things happening on Messenger that you might be interested in, too,” Facebook explains. “For example, with the Active Now section, you can see that a good friend or colleague is available in the moment. Maybe that will prompt you to say hi!”
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
Slip Away
An eerily beautiful game in terms of both visuals and sound design, Slip Away asks you to help guide a tentacled sea creature through a variety of obstacles. You’ll have to tap your way past dodge traps and enemies, while carefully squeezing through confined spaces. Think of it like Flappy Bird meets Echo the Dolphin.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free ($1.99 in-app purchase will get rid of ads)
Get it from: App Store
Bing
Photo: Bing
Right from the start, Microsoft’s Bing search engine has been looking for ways to compete against the might of all-powerful Google. This week, the iOS Bing app got an interesting update which may sway retail-minded users — by offering a nifty price comparison service.
With the tap of one icon users can now get price comparisons across a broad number of retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, CVS, eBay, Fry’s Electronics, Half.com, Home Depot, Jet.com, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Rakuten, Rite Aid, Staples, Target, Toys “R” Us, and Walmart. It’s a useful tool, and the one that may help give Bing a competitive edge.
The new update also adds a host of additional features, including the ability to search for a song, and then have the video play while users are able to follow along with the lyrics.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
