ZDNet App Wrap: April 22, 2013
Twitter #music
Platform: iOS
Price: Free
Rumoured, leaked, and finally released, Twitter #music is now available for download.
It's pretty, has a stupid #name, and is pretty. I mention pretty twice, because while the interface is "gorgeous" — to use a term frequent in iOS app parlance — I don't really see the point of this app, other than looking great.
Unless you key in your Spotify or iTunes account details, this app will simply play music samples from the iTunes store within an amazing interface. If you want to know what the Twitter hive mind likes listening to, or you're a fan of trashy pop and/or Taylor Swift, then you could see some use.
Otherwise, install it, marvel at the UI/UX, and head back to your regular music app/service.
Price: Free
A redesigned LinkedIn app appeared for iOS and Android users this week.
The features of the app are much the same as before, but it now looks like a modern app that is hungry to sync contact data and get a look at your address book.
I recommend looking at the permissions tab on the Google Play store to see exactly how hungry this app is for your personal information. Remember, it's been under a year since this little incident happened — are you sure you want to hand over your personal details?
Authenticator
Platform: Windows Phone
Price: Free
With Microsoft rolling out two-factor authentication, it makes sense that the company needs an authenticator app to go along with its new security.
The app also works with Google, Dropbox, and AWS authentication.
Stocktake Plus
Price: Free
Is there anything worse than being out in the paddock and asking yourself what the last measurement of rainfall was, or when was the last time this paddock was rotated properly, and not being able to know the answer right then and there?
As an vegetarian inner-city latte-sipping sandal-wearing type, I expect you do not — but trust me, the National Party supporters of this country could do with app like this.
This app is backed by FutureBeef, Meat & Livestock Australia, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland, and has been developed with northern Australian conditions in mind, but should have "partial functionality elsewhere".
Importantly for graziers, this app is able to function without mobile phone reception, and offers sync support until 2016 for when reception does cut in.
Outlook
Platform: Android
Price: Free
Outlook is the next app in today's wrap that has offered a new look with its latest update.
But it seems that many Android users are far from happy with this update. A person claiming to have the name of Perry Chapple sent in the following rating on Google Play:
I don't like change, never have and never will. This app is no exception. It has less options than Hotmail and looks like it was designed for 5-year-olds and the vision impaired, the font's so big! Already regretted upgrading to Windows 8 and now I'm regretting upgrading to this. From now on I'm using Gmail. RIP Hotmail.
Perry is not alone in his thoughts. This app does appear to want to bring the "Metro" look of Windows Phone over to Android, and the users are not happy.
OzTV
Platform: iOS
Price: $1.99
I know what you are thinking: "Why should I pay AU$1.99 for a TV guide?"
But think about all those copies of TV Week that were thrown out in your youth. That was hardly a good use of money, and besides, this app looks good, and will not bother you with a Logies voting form.
And that can only be a good thing.
Hidden City
Platform: Android
Price: Free
Currently covering only Sydney, Hidden City claims to allow the user to "explore cities in a new and exciting way", and offers to take the user on a "mysterious and fun adventure that explores the secrets and wonders within your city".
Presumably, the wonders and secrets that the app refers to must be the workings of the CityRail timetable.
As one of the few apps to have access to CityRail's real-time data, perhaps it can tell us how that mysterious mechanism works.
AU Footy 2013
Platform: Windows Phone
Price: AU$1.99
Here is a Windows Phone app that looks good, deals with an Australian issue, and is worth the AU$2.
We tend to bag Windows Phone apps in the App Wrap, but here is a useful app that wouldn't be out of place on any other mobile platform.
Sure, it's a sports app, but at least it's not a sports betting app.