So far, 2020 has been a total Grinch. Find a little fun with these new and recently updated apps, which will guide you to Christmas light shows, plunge you into Marvel superhero brawls and even boost your darts game.
Plus, Canadian CBD connoisseurs can gain access to all the latest info on what’s available and where. And iPhone 12 Pro/Max owners can see in the dark.
Christmasprism
Some people put an extraordinary amount of effort into decorating their homes for Christmas. The Christmasprism app lets you locate these brightly lit holiday jewels so you can do a holly, jolly drive-by. It makes for a perfect socially distant outing during the COVID-19 Christmas. (Please, no caroling!).
The app’s less than a month old, and developer Michael Kane keeps adding cool new features. This week, Christmasprism gained new tools for uploading photos of stellar Christmas light shows and navigating to see them. The app’s free, and the more people who add info about local light shows, the better for everyone.
Price: Free
Download from: App Store (iOS)
Leafythings
Sponsored: As Canada’s legal marijuana market continues to grow like an, ahem, weed, new app Leafythings stands ready to connect cannabis consumers and producers alike. It offers accurate, up-to-date info on marijuana and CBD products, as well as a handy directory of licensed providers.
Buyers can read reviews to find the highest-rated delivery services, dispensaries and doctors in their areas. And retailers can take advantage of Leafythings‘ growing platform to advertise their goods. (Note: The app is only available in Canada.)
Price: Free
Download from: App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
Marvel Realm of Champions
A new game based in the Marvel universe, this multiplayer brawler takes you to Battleworld, a strange planet created by Maestro, “an evil version of the Hulk from an alternate future.” You can customize your Marvel Champion, then face off in the arena.
This week’s Marvel Realm of Champions update added a new story line, according to developer Kabam Games: “The Patriot Garrison emerges from being frozen in time by the Maestro and are convinced by Stark Prime to officially enter the fray, but President Peggy Carter immediately finds that adjusting to the new status quo will not be easy. At the same time, a Scarlet Witch from the Temple of Vishanti begins to ask questions about the Ancient One’s true nature. Follow along with the new Time Out of Mind story with weekly Onslaught Strikes featuring all new entries into the Codex Continuum and more!”
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Download from: App Store (iOS)
LiDAR Night Vision
If you’ve been wondering what to do with the LiDAR Scanner on your fancy new iPhone 12 Pro/Max or fourth-gen iPad Pro, how about giving yourself Predator vision? The new LiDAR Night Vision app lets you see in the dark, just like a badass alien wearing a bio-helmet.
“With the LiDAR Night Vision app, you can use both front and back cameras in complete darkness!” says developer Jumping Rock Labs. “The front-facing camera will use the infrared sensor in the TrueDepth camera. The rear-facing camera will use the new LiDAR sensor. The LiDAR Night Vision app turns the world around you into a depth map, where different colors represent distances from your device.”
It’s totally freaky (and potentially useful, depending on how much time you spend creeping around in the dark). Who knows, maybe you can spot Santa when he slides down the chimney.
Price: 99 cents
Download from: App Store (iOS)
Dartsliebe
If you’ve been playing tons of darts during the COVID-19 lockdown, you know it’s a fantastic way to pass the hours. You can play by yourself or online using great apps and organizations like DartConnect, the Webcam Darts Association and your local league.
But if you want to win those online tourneys, you need to practice — and practice smart. New darts app Dartsliebe lets you play against a friend or a virtual opponent. But the real magic happens after the app analyzes your stats.
The developer explains how it works:
“Double trouble? Low scoring? Lack of consistency? Problems with precision? Maybe you don’t know how to train in an efficient way? Don’t panic, our app offers you extensive statistics for all games! Based on your individual statistics, our developed analysis model calculates suitable training recommendations to take your game to the next level.”
The app’s a couple of months old, but this week’s update brought a truly exciting addition: the growly score-calling of darts legend Russ “The Voice” Bray. It’s not exactly like being onstage at Ally Pally for the PDC World Darts Championship, but a guy can dream.
Price: Free
Download from: App Store (iOS)
