ZDNet App Wrap: December 17, 2012

(Credit: Grofsoft)

TripView

Platform: iOS, Android

Price: AU$2.99 (iOS); AU$3.29 (Android)

Remember when the NSW government fell in love with the idea of blocking third-party transport apps? Oh, how times have changed.

Today, the NSW government announced that it has opened its real-time bus information to third-party developers.

The first three apps to have this information are TripView, TripGo (iOS/Android), and Arrivo Sydney (Android).

(Credit: Yahoo)

Flickr

Platform: iOS

Price: Free

This update to Flickr for iOS is more of a redesign than a point update. It also obeys the 2012 filtering law of photo apps that states that if an app can take or handle photos, then it must follow that the app also have filtering options.

Filter snark aside, this app is far better than the old app that users wrestled with for years.

(Credit: Google)

Google Maps

Platform: iOS

Price: Free

The wait is over for users of iOS 6 who may have wanted to reach places such as Mildura — but you wouldn't know it if you asked the iFans shouting at the internet.

Apparently, this app isn't beautiful enough and doesn't do enough 3D fly-bys to make them happy.

We'd rather have a mapping app that works, has public transit information, and actually looks pretty good — probably better than the current Android version, as well.

If that isn't your thing, you can still enjoy being lost and looking at the wonderful kerning that Apple Maps offers.

And if anyone tells you that this was all part of Apple's master plan, ask to have a mouthful of whatever they are drinking; it's Christmastime, after all.

(Credit: Roads and Traffic Authority NSW government)

NSW Rego

Platform: iOS

Price: Free

If being able to update your car's registration via a website is so last year for you, then fear not. This year, you can update your rego via an iOS app.

Beyond registration renewal, the app offers a free registration check for any NSW vehicle, and the ability to set a registration-renewal reminder and allow you to find the nearest safety check station.

(Credit: Kogan)

Kogan Mobile

Platform: iOS, Android

Price: Free

Users who have already jumped onto Kogan Mobile's prepaid plans will want this app to manage their account.

The app allows for balance checking, recharging, and a facility to set up auto-recharging.

No doubt it is a better experience than going into 7-Eleven late on the weekend when you run out of credit.

(Credit: AlphaSys)

Haymarket — Walking Tour

Platform: Android

Price: Free

What is there to say about an app that lives on Android and bills itself as "Australia's first ever iPhone application featuring the cultural and historical walking tours in Sydney's ChinaTown", and "What makes it interesting is that tourist[s] can download it on their very own smartphones."

Interesting, indeed. Someone should do a weekly gallery featuring new apps in a sometimes snarky tone; that would be great!

(Credit: Essential Digital Group)

Myki Panel

Platform: iOS, Android

Price: Free

Need to vent your spleen about or sing the praises of Victoria's contactless payment system? Yep, there's an app for that too.