The week’s best iPad apps are once again here for your delectation: five slices of fried gold for your Apple-made tablet. So if you’ve got an iPad that’s hankerin’ for some scintillating new software, or are about to buy the iPad 2, look no further – read on, downloading finger at the ready…
National Geographic Traveler Magazine
£Free | iTunes
Shamefully, the UK App Store isn’t getting the new National Geographic Magazine app just yet – but this tourist-targeting spin-off isn’t to be sniffed at. Download the app and you get the previous issue for free, which includes everything from the print edition plus additional photos, videos and audio, animated maps and stuff from the archives. You’ll need a Zinio account if you want to start purchasing issues after your freebie, mind.
BBC iPlayer
£Free | iTunes
We’re pretty sure you already know what BBC iPlayer is, but for those of you that have been dwelling sub-rock for the past several years, it’s a catch-up service for BBC telly that includes a lovely side order of live TV and radio. And it’s now on your iPad! For free! Features over 400 hours of programming from the previous seven days – and the ability to bookmark your favourite shows and have them available to watch as soon as the next episode is available. It’s certainly more convenient than hitting it up through the browser, as you had to previously on the iPad.
World Fact Vault
£0.59 | iTunes
Are you the sort of person that loves to amaze/bore your friends with obscure – yet entirely accurate – facts and figures concerning countries? You are? Well, son (let’s face it, you’re probably male), this is quite possible the best iPad app you will ever own. Packed to the pixellated gills with info and maps concerning over 250 nations and territories, it’s regularly updated to ensure you’re always up to speed.
Battery Plus for iPad
£1.19 | iTunes
Want to keep a track of your iPad’s battery that goes beyond a simple percentage or bar? Not only does this app tell you the remaining capacity of your tablet’s power plant, it also gives you the remaining time for audio playback, video playback and web use. It tells you how long it’ll take to recharge the battery to full capacity, and even the number of battery cycles your iPad has been through. One of the very best iPad apps for daily power users.
Falling Fred
£0.59 | iTunes
A game in the “how far can you get” mould of Paper Glider, Canabalt and DoodleJump, Falling Fred has you use your iPad’s motion sensors to guide the eponymous dropper down what looks like a lift shaft, avoiding deadly obstacles – spikes, circular saws etc. – for as long as possible before succumbing to them in gory, blackly comic fashion. Also available on iPhone and iPod touch.
