BEST APPLE iPhone APPS 2012

Ranked #555 in Computers & Electronics, #7,947 overall

Best iPhone Apps

('Best iPhone Apps','Top iPhone Applications','iPhone Apps').When Apple announced the App Store on iTunes there was great excitement over the enormous potential it would offer both the developers of the apps and the end-users. As a result, when the store officially opened, the iPhone apps that were available ran the gamut in quality, price, and topic.

What to Look for in an iPhone App

Features

A quality app will have a full feature-set, whether it's a game or a complex navigational GPS program. From customizable elements to using the iPhone's built-in accelerometer and touch screen, to sounds and volume, the features of the application are the first sign of a developer's commitment to his or her product.

Interface

While features are important to an app, an easy-to-use interface is just as crucial. Apple's hallmark style includes an intuitive user interface. Many a developer has seen his or her hard work being all for naught because the interface of their programs are too confusing or difficult to use.

Graphics

Graphics are the eye-candy of the mobile app. A visually appealing program increases its value as well as shows off the beautiful touchscreen of the iPhone. Style of the graphics is a different element than quality. If the app is advertised as a retro-style game, the graphics should represent a retro style throughout the program, but if an app were supposed to be an elegant Zen garden the comic style of a retro game would be inappropriate. The images should also be well thought out and professionally rendered throughout the software. Amateurish graphics will become annoying and will cause you to quickly lose interest in the app.

Stability

All of the previously mentioned pieces are important and desirable in a quality app, but stability is the key to the whole operation. If the program continually locks up your iPhone or iPod touch causing it to freeze or restart, it's certain to be discarded rapidly. And if the app wasn't free, the pain of it's instability is compounded.

Program size:

The final element to consider in an app is program size. Since you can't add additional memory to your iPhone, it's important to manage the amount of memory an application requires. Generally, most of the apps are relatively small but there are a few that are sizeable and will gobble up your storage space quickly.

Angry Birds

This notoriously obsession-inducing game begins with the story of some ugly green pigs who stole eggs from their neighboring birds. These birds are now, as you would assume, very angry.

Andry Birds Buy nOw!

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Tiny Wings 1.0

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Tiny Wings is the perfect game: fun, easy, happy and addicting. You can always beat your high score, so you can stay satisfied each time you play. The app also features changing graphics, so each day has a new look. This keeps gameplay fun and exciting, and you can start and stop when you please. The simple design and easy-to-master touch make this game an all-around win, providing hours of entertainment. Requiring only the touch of a single finger, you achieve your dream of flying and use the hills to fly up to the clouds. You can start and stop as you please, but the next hill will always be waiting.

Pros
The beauty is in the game's simplicity. You'll fall in love with the easy timing and striking, simple graphics.

Cons
Some might miss the violence; there's no blood and guts here.

The Verdict
Beautiful and upbeat game that is just pure, clean fun.

App Aims: Tiny Wings, Big Dreams

Amazon

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Plants vs. Zombies

he much-loved tower defense game that started out as a hit on PC is now available for the iPhone, to the relief of countless fans. Users must defend their homes against hoards of angry zombies attempting an invasion.

WebMD

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The WebMD app is clean, simple and easy to navigate. There were a few times that it locked up or shut down when we were searching for a hospital location, but that's a small inconvenience and our only complaint This is a must have for any hypochondriac - as well as anyone else who enjoys free medical information and advice. This app offers helpful information about ailments from gallstones to MCL tears, and the ability to save your searches and other medical information for future use is convenient and practical.

Pros
Easy to navigate and has resources to finding help with any illness.

Cons
Finding locations on the map can cause the app to stall or restart.

The Verdict
Wonderful app that gives access to thousands of illnesses and ailments.

App Aims: Determine Whether It's Acid Reflux Disease or Just General Heartburn

Toki Tori

In this puzzle platform game, users must guide the adorable Toki Tori through 80 levels and four different worlds to gather as many eggs as possible. Fun animation and solid graphics make this game a treat to play, even on your small iPhone screen. Toki Tori is a perfect game for someone who loves simple old-school video games or wants something casual and fun.

IntoNow 1.1.1

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App Aims: Bringing TV into the Social Network

So your buddy told you about that new paranormal medical drama, and now it has you hooked. You were skeptical at first, but the more you watch, the more obsessed you get. It is your solemn responsibility to spread the joy to others, and the IntoNow app for iPhone makes it easier than ever. This free app is ideal for those who are looking to share and discuss the TV shows they love with the people they love.

Pros
The easy-to-use TV show recognition feature makes this app entertaining all on its own.

Cons
Limited privacy control may leave some users feeling exposed.

The VerdictThis app is pure gold for TV lovers who are craving social connections.

Fruit Ninja!

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Fruit Ninja

Like Angry Birds, this action game is extremely simple but extraordinarily addictive. Users swipe a finger across the screen to slice fruit as it flies across the screen. Miss slicing one too many and you're out. Slice multiple pieces of fruit with one swipe for combination points and watch out for flying bombs, which will kill you and your score in an instant.

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Office Zombie by Fluik Entertainment Inc.

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Office Zombie puts a spooky spin on the Office Jerk, but it doesn't rival its counterpart as far as technical support and interface flexibility goes. If you're in a Halloween mood while searching for free iPhone apps, go for it. If you are picky about where you spend your 99 cents or are uptight when it come to hard drive space or download time, you might want to check out Fluik's other free iPhone apps instead.

Pros
The graphics are, awfully, good.

Cons
The game becomes discouraging without purchasing add-ons.

The Verdict
Free iPhone app by Fluik satisfies your inner Office Zombie.

App Aims: Stress Relief and Entertainment for the World's Office Zombies

iMuscle

iMuscle Review

The interface and navigation may not be considered state-of-the-art, but the fact that you have your own personal trainer on your mobile device at all times for a measly two dollars, should entice most people to give the app a shot.

If all your workout buddies have ditched you and you need something or someone to motivate you at the gym, go ahead and purchase this $2 app when you get a chance. Just don't be surprised if you get a little frustrated trying to navigate between pop-ups and pages the first few times you use it.The greatest feature of this iPhone app, by far, is the fact that the 3D body shows you how to do each exercise. After an exercise is selected, the body will automatically begin performing the exercise on-screen with proper form and technique.

Pros
Allows you to create your own intricate and detailed workout plan molded to your fitness needs

Cons
Navigating between screens and pop-ups is less than ideal and could be improved in future version

The Verdict
iMuscle includes 450 exercises, lifts, and stretches making it your very own pocket-sized trainer

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Feedback and Feature Requests


If there's something else you'd like to see added to the tool, or you have an idea for another, then let me know...

  • clappingkittens Apr 15, 2012 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    Great Apps! Check out Whack a Politician--Curious to know what you think! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whack-a-politician/id492597984?mt=8
  • desa999 Feb 9, 2012 @ 1:55 am | delete
    Thanks for the detailed coverage.
  • Landers03 Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:59 pm | delete
    Oh, great app's. Especially the games!
  • forerunner310xt Jan 11, 2012 @ 5:42 pm | delete
    Thanks for the info. I'm always looking for more great iPhone apps.
  • AppUnwrapper Jan 1, 2012 @ 12:45 pm | delete
    Hi, great lens! Can never have enough iPod games and apps!
  • bestContent Jan 2, 2012 @ 8:22 pm | delete
    thanks for visiting my lens:D

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bestContent

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