Top 10 Confederations Cup apps
Confederations Cup 2013 Brazil
Host Cities Guide G4R
A feature-rich app with information on restaurants, lodging and top attractions in the six Confederations Cup host cities. It also contains photo galleries, general information on the cities, climate, money matters and embassy contact details for a list of countries. The app also enables users to list the places they would like to visit, plot routes, rate attractions and share reviews on social networks.
Free; iOS
Taxijá
Taxijá is an app that finds the nearest taxi using the device's built-in GPS. the app will then identify your position and, after a simple registration process, will find taxis near to you. The tool also enables users to view the ride progress in real-time and estimated time of arrival. Taxijá is operational in São Paulo, Curitiba, Salvador, Teresina and Jundiaí at present, but the aim is to cover all the World Cup host cities.
Word Lens
Word Lens is an augmented reality translator which uses the phone's built-in camera to identify text (such as a sign or a menu) and have the words translated to another language. It also includes a dictionary tool. The only downside is that the app sometimes struggles to "read" text in non-standard fonts. Word Lens is free on Apple's iTunes, but an in-app purchase is needed to enable translation capabilities. On Google Play, the free demo and the full translation-enabled versions are available.
Câmbio Legal
Câmbio Legal is an iOS and Android app released this month by the Brazilian Central Bank to enable tourists to find the nearest currency exchange desk authorized by the instituition. The tool covers 12,000 exchange desks across the entire country and lists address, phone number, opening hours and the services available, such as money exchange and ATMs.
SP Mobile
If you happen to stop by São Paulo, the biggest city in Brazil, during your Confederations Cup visit, SP Mobile is a useful app. The tool was developed by local agency WebTraffic for the São Paulo Tourism Board (SPTuris) and offers information on hotels and restaurants, city parks, clubbing and cultural attractions as well as useful telephone numbers, tourist information services and maps.
Rio de Janeiro Trip Advisor Guide
Another good app to be used in conjunction with the Host Cities G4R guide (also mentioned in this article) is the Rio De Janeiro Trip Advisor Guide. It includes in-depth info on restaurants, attractions, hotels, as well as the website's trademark user reviews. The beauty of this app is that a live data connection is not necessary as everything is stored on the user’s device after the initial update.
Free; Android
iSayHello
iSayHello is an all-in-one talking phrasebook and translator. The tool lists practical phrases for various situations while travelling in 11 lessons, which are also available offline. The app, available almost any language combination, also comes with an integrated online translator.
Soccerway
Soccerway provides updated data about scored goals, penalties, cards and substitutes, as well as league history up to one century ago and other details on the teams and specific games. There is in-app purchase option, which includes line-up information, push notifications for goals, player career stats and other features.
$0,99; iOS
Taxibeat
Taxibeat is a location-based app that helps users find and book taxi services. Once it finds the nearest drivers available, it is possible to get details about them, such as their picture, information about their car and service reviews from other passengers. It is also possible to track the progress of the car once it is on its way to the user, plot routes and calculate fares. This is definitely the smartest taxi booking app around - shame it is only available in Rio and São Paulo.