Readers’ App Reviews – January 2017

It’s a new year and that means new apps from readers like you!

I’ve got an inbox full of apps to start the new year off right. I’ve downloaded them all, tried them out, and picked just a few to share with you.

To kick off the year we have:

• An app to help you find bikes for rent
• A game that combines the addiction of poker and tetris
• An app to catalog your favorite spots near and far
• And of course, much more!

Keep reading to see the latest apps released by raywenderlich.com readers like you.

Avélo

More people are turning to bicycles instead of cars around the world. Just like you can rent a car when you travel, you can rent a bike too!

Avélo will help you find the closest bike to rent in over 400 cities around the world.

It’s easy to see available bike stations near you. They’ll show the number of bikes and racks available at each station. Your estimated travel time to each station is calculated, and with a tap you can get walking directions to the bikes from your current location.

You can also favorite stations to find them easily later, and you can setup proximity notifications so you’ll get notified when you’re near a station.

You don’t even need to open Avélo for it to help you. The app includes a today widget that will show your favorite stations and how far away they are right on your lock screen!

• Author: Arnaud Nelissen
• Most useful tutorial: iOS 10 by Tutorials
• App Store Link: Check it out!

Waypoint: Record and Share your Favorite Places

Waypoint lets you highlight your favorite places and share them with friends and family.

This is great for an ongoing list of your favorite places to visit in your city. It’s also useful if you want to remember your favorite places at a frequent vacation area.

You can share lists with friends to keep track of favorite restaurants or boutiques. These lists are easy to share and make a great guide if you’re traveling to a new place where a friend has already been. You can also see Waypoint lists from other users to get inspiration of where to go or to see the best places to visit once you’re there.

Waypoint is sort of like an interactive yellow pages built by your friends and family. A great way to explore new places!

• Author: Ryan Summe @ryansumme
• Most useful tutorial: ScrollView School Video Series
• App Store Link: Check it out!

Poker Puzzle Game

What if you could combine Tetris and Poker? Wonder no longer: Poker Puzzle does just that!

Poker Puzzle is a fun game where you’re given Tetris-style pieces to place on the board. Lines are eliminated when there is a valid poker hand in the line. Anything from a pair to a royal flush. The better the hand the higher your score. You can score on both vertical and horizontal lines.

You can compete with friends and other players for the highest score. Its a fun game to pick up and play in short sessions, and is definitely addicting enough to keep you coming back for more.

• Author: Moni Singh @pokerpuzzlegame
• Most useful tutorial: 2D Apple Games by Tutorials
• App Store Link: Check it out!

Super Spelling

Super Spelling is an app to help kids aged 4 and up learn to spell.

Super Spelling shows a picture and lets kids drag and drop letters. Vowels are highlighted green so kids can get a sense where the vowels in the words are.

It even supports both English and Dutch with more languages on the way – so you can teach kids in their native language or even help them become bilingual at an early age! :]

There are more than 400 words spread across 9 levels. They start with easy 3 letter words then move on to 4 letter words shortly. As the game progresses the words get more and more challenging. As levels are completed you get medals. These unlock some fun mini games like memory and word search.

• Author: Nienke Sondaar @kidsnapps
• Most useful tutorial: 2D Apple Games by Tutorials
• App Store Link: Check it out!

Travel Dubai

Travel Dubai is the ultimate Dubai travel guide. Dubai is famous for its extravagant luxury and modern architecture. The world’s largest mall and tallest building are both found in Dubai. This app will help you discover Dubai and all it has to offer. Travel Dubai will help you find the best places to shop, eat, and stay while you’re there.

The shopping section will show you all the best malls, list their stores, location, pictures and more. You’ll be able to get directions and see the mall hours.

The hotels section will show you all the amazing hotels. You’ll get a little more information about each one including services offered, onsite restaurants, key perks like free internet or breakfast. You’ll also be able to visit the hotel website or give them a call. Location is also shown so you can get an idea of whats around.

There is a full business directory as well covering every part of Dubai. The directory is open to the public so businesses in Dubai can list themselves in the proper categories. Visitors can also list the businesses they come across.

If you’re traveling to Dubai, give this app a try.

• Author: Keyvan Janghorbani @keyvan1
• Most useful tutorial: Intermediate Swift Video Series
• App Store Link: Check it out!

Dodo – Lame Jokes

Dodo will give you a little pick me up in the middle of the day with some hilarious jokes.

I call these types of jokes dad jokes. Some call them bad jokes. But whatever you call them, they’re funny. :]

There are hundreds of jokes packed in this app. Anytime you need a little laugh, just open the app and you’re shown a joke.

You can save your favorites so its easy to pull them up later and tell to friends. You’ll definitely be the funniest around with these in your pocket. ;]

The app also makes it easy to share jokes on Twitter, Facebook, or iMessage. And perhaps best of all, you can turn on notifications and you’ll get jokes throughout the day.

• Author: Dillon Fernando
• Most useful tutorial: Introduction to CloudKit Video Series
• App Store Link: Check it out!