iPad app guide - top 10 time wasting apps
These iPad apps will help you waste that extra time you've got on your hands. From games to social readers and drawing apps, there's something here for every iPad owner.
Our top 10 time wasting apps for the iPad
TheEndApp (free)
This is an awesome 3D running game where you must collect goodies to help your camp. Jump and slide your way through an apocalyptic world trying to survive. This is very much like Temple Run, a previous favourite of mine. It features nice bright Retina graphics and responsive, intuitive controls that make it easy to pick up how to play. If you enjoyed Temple Run this is an excellent alternative, just be careful of a potential rising cost, as although the app itself is free, in app purchasing (IAP) could have you spending your pennies on bits of custom content that you'll forget about next week.
CSR Racing (free)
I love driving games, always have and always will. This one brings a big smile to my face. Shown off during June’s WWDC meet for Apple developers, CSR Racing is drag racing at its finest. Start at the bottom with a nice Ford Focus ST, prove yourself against the best and you could be revving the engine of an Audi R8 LMS Ultra CSR. The graphics are great - it looks amazing, especially the environments. The controls are simple as there's no need to steer, just rev the engine, time the gear changes and don’t forget the NOS. Races last no longer than 20 seconds, so this is a perfect game for any aspiring time waster. My only complaint with this game is that after a few races you have to wait for your car to refuel. It doesn’t take too long but can prove really annoying!
Flipboard (free)
One of my all-time favourite apps, first brought to my attention by one Robert Stephens (someone some of you may know – the founder of Geek Squad). This beautifully crafted app brings your Facebook, twitter and RSS feeds together, in your own personalised magazine. It looks stunning, and you flick through pages to see what is happening in the world. With the recent introduction of Google+ and YouTube, this is now an app that I really can’t fault with and struggle to put down!
Paper (free)
I love to draw, and this neat little app lets you sketch out gorgeous-looking pictures and marvellous ideas. You can create your own little book, customise the cover and give it a contents page. I have lost many an hour just doodling. You can get the virtual pen free of charge and have a play around with it to see if you like it, then opt to unlock the digital pencil, highlight and paint pack for £4.99. The option to export your creations to Tumblr, facebook and Twitter makes this finely polished app stand out even more. The only downfall to this app is there is no zoom or layer function to enhance your masterpieces – definitely one for future updates please!
IMDB (free)
The Internet Movie Database is simply heaven for movie buffs like me! You can find ou when a film you want to watch is on at the cinema, watch trailers for upcoming films and even track that must-see movie or TV show, it really does have it all. I love the fact that I can add trailers to a trailer queue and create the master trailer to sit and watch at my own leisure.
Tweetbot (£1.99)
Yes, the official one is free, but this looks stunning and offers so much more. Multiple timelines allow you to create your own lists and view them with a simple tap of the screen. Smart gestures, tap, hold and slide, let you see your conversations easily and reply or retweet quickly. Combine all this with a retina user interface and you really do have the ultimate twitter client.
Ski Safari (69p)
Have you ever played one of those apps that you think you’ve only played for 5 minutes, then you discover 20 minutes has gone by? This app fits that profile! Flying down a mountain side, avoiding obstacles and if skis aren’t fast enough for you then hop on a penguin - obviously. This is a joy to play and hard to put down as you try and get that little bit further with each run. Fiendishly addictive and only 69p, there’s really no excuse not to grab a copy.
Song Pop (free)
Let’s get this out of the way, I hate this game with a passion. The phenomenon of Draw Something has spawned something very similar but using music. Simply guess the songs faster than your opponent using the touchscreen to quickly tap the right answer. You can add your friends on Facebook and challenge them to matches. The more you win the more songs you can unlock. Sounds good, so why do I hate it? Quite simply I’m really poor at it, and have yet to win a game! For everyone else, it is highly addictive and as long as your friends keep playing it, this game’s community will continue to grow and improve. (Please note that you'll be streaming the songs over the internet, so it is best to play this game when connected to a Wi-Fi network as it can eat up your 3G allowance very quickly.)
Swipe magazine (free for the first edition)
As mentioned on our recent Podcast, this is a rare treat. It’s an interactive magazine app for game fans with the odd bit of news about upcoming accessories for the iPhone and iPad. What makes it stand out is the ability to manipulate content and move it around in 3D, if you see a screenshot from a game, click on it and it will play a video from the scene. It truly is a unique experience and I can see more publications following suit with tablet-friendly apps. Definitely check it out for free with this first edition!
iBooks (free)
iBooks, the only recommended app that pops-up when you open the app store for the first time. For me it’s the ultimate time waster. I love to read, this allows me to create categories, so I can create a mini playlist of what to read next. It looks fantastic as you turn the pages just like a book, and with the new Retina display iPad, the crisp clear text doesn’t hurt the eyes. The only downfall to all this is the inconsistent prices of the eBooks, if this gets sorted out any time soon I could easily lose myself in my tablet rather than a hardback.
Tune in soon for more tablet app recommendations from your friendly neighbourhood Geek Squad Agents.