Want to know which app to download for everything you need to know about this week’s total solar eclipse? We’ve singled out one of the best options as part of our latest “Awesome Apps” roundup.
We’ve also got a great update to a brilliant iOS fighting game, a story-driven racing title, and a big improvement to ESPN’s app for every sport lover out there. Check out our choices below.
NASA for iOS
Photo: NASA
There’s an excellent reason to download NASA’s app right now: to watch tomorrow’s total solar eclipse, visible across the United States (or elsewhere if you’ve got the app!). The NASA app will present a live streaming NASA TV broadcast, kicking off with a preview show at 12pm ET Monday, with the main show beginning one hour later. (Make sure you take the proper safety precautions if you’re watching the eclipse.)
In addition to watching the eclipse, the NASA app also boasts a massive archive of videos and image, streaming radio, and more. Definitely worth checking out.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
ESPN on Apple TV
The ESPN app on Apple TV now offers a new MultiCast option, allowing users to enjoy up to four live streams simultaneously from across all of the network’s programming options.
What this means is that, rather than recording one sport live event to watch later, or having to flick back and forth between channels so as not to miss anything, you can watch everything at the same time. You can select which audio feed you want to listen to, and the app also makes it easy to switch one stream to full screen whenever you want.
The future of television or just proof positive you watch way too much sport on TV? Either way, it’s a neat upgrade.
Available for: Apple TV
Cost: Free (but you’ll need a cable subscription to use it)
Get it from: tvOS App Store
Street Fighter IV: Champion Edition
Photo: Capcom
I’m digging Street Fighter IV: Champion Edition on iOS. It may have only landed on iOS last month but it’s already adding new content — including this week’s addition of fan favorite characters Evil Ryu, Guy, and Gouken, all of whom are available to players as free downloads. That covers three of the six greyed-out slots in the game’s original character select screen (unless they choose to add more).
Boasting MFi support, superior visuals and, of course, great Street Fighter gameplay, this is highly recommended for fighting game fans. The fact that new characters aren’t being made into in-app purchases is also worth celebrating.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: $4.99
Get it from: App Store
Data Wing
An incredibly stylish minimalist 2D racer, Data Wing is set inside a computer as you race around delivering critical data, according to the system’s orders.
A few things make Data Wing worth exploring. For starters, it’s got some brilliant intuitive and simple controls, along with a focus on thrusting off walls which makes it a lot of fun. It’s also visually and aurally incredibly attractive — with retro-inspired graphics and a superb soundtrack. Then there’s the fact that, unlike most racing games, this one actually has a story — and a great one. Finally, it’s totally free. Seriously, download this now!
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free
Get it from: App Store
