It may be hard to believe, but it turns out that there are other non-Pokémon Go apps out there — and we’ve picked out a few of the juiciest picks of the last week.
From a brand-new Batman game to a movie buff’s answer to karaoke, here are the apps you should be downloading during whichever part of your Sunday isn’t set aside for tracking down Pikachu and the rest.
ROLR
A nifty video collaboration app, ROLR is best described as something of a karaoke tool for movie buffs. In the app, a teleprompter feeds you lines from classic films, with the other parts then being played by additional members of the ROLR community, who you can invite to join.
“People bond over their shared affinity for classic movie moments,” creator Edward Kerr, an actor known for his recurring role in Pretty Little Liars, has said. “ROLR [creates] a way for fans to participate in these moments like never before. There’s karaoke for music fans, but nothing exists for people to act with each other unless on a set or stage.”
And, hey, we guess there’s always the possibility that some movie exec happens to be browsing the app and is so wowed by your performance you wind up in the next Iron Man!
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
Facebook Messenger
Photo: Facebook
OK, OK, Facebook Messenger is an app you’ve probably heard of, but it received an update this week that’s significant for all the iPhone 6s users out there. The update adds Peek and Pop gestures for 3D Touch users: something which brings Messenger into line with the regular Facebook app.
You can use the technology to preview conversations, but also to Peek and Pop into media — such as photos, GIFs, stickers, and links — within conversations.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
Disney Emoji Blitz
Disney, a company which has had its fair share of crossover with Apple in the past (thanks to Steve Jobs’ Pixar connection), this week released an interesting new app. Called Emoji Blitz, it builds on the emoji mania capitalized on by the likes of Kim Kardashian, NBA star Steph Curry and, erm, Hillary Clinton — but with an added level of gamification.
What this game element means is that people wanting to earn the ability to use emojis featuring their favorite Disney and Pixar characters must first play a series of matching puzzle games to unlock them.
It’s a fun idea — and combining puzzle games with emojis is a surefire way of capturing the hearts, minds and messages of Disney fans everywhere.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
Batman: Arkham Underworld
Originally announced way back in March last year, new Batman game Arkham Underworld arrived in the App Store this week. Something of a sideways take on the regular Batman formula, the game eschews the usual emphasis on fighting for an approach that’s a bit more Dungeon Keeper in spirit. Basically, you play as Batman’s enemies as they attempt to seize control of Gotham City and put Batman out of the, well, crime-fighting business for good.
You’ll build bases, use goons for intimidation, form alliances, and more. Sadly the game does include in-app purchases (although it’s possible — if a whole lot more disjointed — to play without them), but it’s still a fun concept. While I suspect that some would rather see another regular Arkham game, it’s refreshing to have a go at something a bit different with the Batman property.
And there’s even some interesting Apple Watch functionality thrown in, for good measure.
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
Get it from: App Store
