Smartphone App Wrap: Beer, hockey, UNO, passwords, and magazines

Platform: Android

Price: Free

We still play lots of board and card games in my family and one of my favorites is UNO. The new Android UNO & Friends game lets you play friends and fans around the world through Facebook Connect (Google+ support is coming).

Platform: Android

Price: Free

The game is a blast on my HTC One with BoomSound speakers and fun special effects. I have played a couple games so far and am now hooked. Card animations are slick and gameplay is fast with timed turns so you won't have to wait ages for grandma to lay down her card.

Platform: Android

Price: Free

I go out and purchase lunch about once a week and one of my favorite places to go is a local fantastic teriyaki joint. I saw that they support a wireless pay method, LevelUp, and installed it on my Android device last year. You get $5 credit for signing up and then use a QR code to pay for your meal.

Platform: Android

Price: Free

You have the option of adding a tip to your bill by sliding the tip bar at the bottom and the QR code changes to match that percentage. The more you pay with LevelUp, the more reward credits you earn for cash discounts. You can share the app with others and earn $5 for yourself each time too.

Platform: iOS

Price: $8.99 (regularly $17.99)

I heard a lot about 1Password, but always just tried to remember my passwords or place some of the information into Evernote. With a current 50% off sale, I decided to finally give it a try and really like the design and security. It is much easier to just remember one password and then get access to your other passwords and much more.

Platform: iOS

Price: $8.99 (regularly $17.99)

You can enter all of your vital data, such as credit card numbers, bank accounts, passport data, social security numbers, etc. The data can be securely backed up to iCloud or Dropbox too.

Platform: iOS

Price: Free

Google Maps is what I use most of the time on my iPhone 5, but the latest updated Scout app from TeleNav is getting the call more often. When you launch the app, you get a slick interface to immediately help you get to where you want with home and work on the bottom, prominent POIs, and a quick search box.

Platform: iOS

Price: Free

A new feature with iOS is their Share ETA button. After tapping it you can share your route and others can follow you in real time on their computer. Scout is a compelling navigation option that has earned a spot on my home screen.

Platform: WP8

Price: Free app, magazine subscriptions vary

I have used Zinio on other devices before to read magazines on the go. The new WP8 app, for Nokia Lumia devices, is an excellent application with a current $50 free value for new users. I am now reading several magazines on my Lumia 920.

Platform: WP8

Price: Free app, magazine subscriptions vary

While it is much different to read a magazine on a small display versus a paper copy, Zinio has a slick Text View feature that presents the text of the article in a single column view with the magazine layout at the top so you get a feel for the context of the article. There are some loading pauses as the magazine graphics load, but I am still enjoying the experience and broad library of magazines.

Platform: WP8

Price: Free

I enjoy an ice cold frosty once in a while, and being from the Pacific Northwest where microbrews rule it is fun to discover and try new beer variations. Untappd is a beer discovery and social application that makes finding beers and sharing your experiences with friends an enjoyable experience.

Platform: WP8

Price: Free

As we enter the summer season when people enjoy a beer or two at picnics, athletic events, and in the backyard after mowing, it is fun to track what beers you have tried and find new ones. I like to try new local beers when I travel and am enjoying the application.

Platform: BlackBerry 10

Price: Free

If you have a BB10 device then you likely have seen NHL GameCenter appear on the BlackBerry World storefront. As we get into the Conference and Stanley Cup finals, it is time to install and follow all the greatest hockey action. You can follow much of the action for free with Verizon customers getting free premium access.

Platform: BlackBerry 10

Price: Free

Scores, stats, post-game highlights, and more are provided. You can select and follow your favorite team(s) and enjoy the ice on your BB10 device.

Platform: BlackBerry 10

Price: Free

While it is not as fancy as 1Password on the iPhone, Password Keeper gets the job done and lets you bring over your secure data from older generation BlackBerry devices. Records are encrypted with AES 256 and all you have to remember is a single password.

Platform: BlackBerry 10

Price: Free

In addition to storing your username and passwords, you can easily tap to copy them for pasting into a web browser form. A random password generator is provided to help you create and manage passwords with a high security level.