With Google unveiling two new Chromecasts and the newest additions to its Nexus lineup, you may have missed some of this week's best new apps.
Every weekend, we round up a few of our favorite new and updated apps. This week's list includes Hipstamatic's new reboot, a balloon-themed "endless floater" game and an app to help you stealthily browse Instagram.
Check out the gallery below to see our top picks. If you're looking for more, take a look at our last round up of can't-miss apps.
Hipstamatic
Before Instagram filters were a thing, there was Hipstamatic. The photo editing app got a major reboot for iOS 9 that adds a whole new way to shoot with Hipstamatic’s artful filters, a bunch of new editing tools and new 3D Touch superpowers.
How it works: The app now has two camera modes: Classic and Pro. ClassicMode is the original Hipstamatic shooter, which allows you to pick the film type and camera setup that mimics an analog camera. The new ProMode gives you a whole lot more control over camera settings like focus, exposure, white balance, shutter speed and aspect ratio (yes, like Instagram, Hipstamatic is no longer exclusively for square photos).
Pro-tip: If you have a new iPhone 6S or 6S Plus, the update also added a lot of 3D Touch features. Use “peek” gestures to preview images in your library and then swipe up to do more with the photo. You also get shortcuts to editing your last photo and taking photos with a few different presets from the home screen when you use 3D Touch on the app icon.
Free: iOSIMAGE: HIPSTAMATICInstaSnoop
The goal of InstaSnoop is to allow you to stealthily browse Instagram without the anxiety that you’ll accidentally double tap a photo you never meant to “like.” The app lets you safely browse posts in secret and adds a few new tricks too — like the ability to zoom in on photos.
How it works: Sign in with your Instagram credentials (you can link the app to multiple accounts, if you have them) and add accounts to your “Snooplist.” You can follow updates from these accounts but won’t be able to interact with posts through likes or comments. You can also save photos you want to come back to later.
Pro-tip: If you do want to like a photo or leave a comment, use the “open in Instagram” option to easily navigate back to the main Instagram app.
Free: iOSIMAGE: OLIVIA ORCHOWSKIKibo
The latest keyboard app to make clever use of iOS custom keyboards, Kibo allows you to exchange secret messages with friends. Messages sent with the app can be disguised to look like everyday small talk.
How it works: Both the sender and recipient need to have the app installed. Switch to the Kibo keyboard and type your message, then tap the lock icon on the keyboard and hit send. This changes the text to the “coded” decoy message. The recipient can then “unlock” the actual message by copying the text and pasting it into the keyboard.
Pro-tip: You can safeguard your coded messages even more by setting up a special pass code for the app and enabling Touch ID for an extra layer of authentication.
Free: iOSIMAGE: GROUP LOGIC, INC.Lollicam
If you like Snapchat’s new Lenses, you’ll likely enjoy Lollicam, which lets you shoot a whole array of silly selfies, videos and animated GIFs with stickers, goofy animations and other special effects.
How it works: The app’s camera is a lot like the in-app camera in Vine in that you can use it to record your video in small snippets (you can shoot still images as well.) This allows you to switch between several different effects in a single clip or experiment with stop motion techniques. The app has hundreds of stickers and effects to choose from and you can also control the video speed and aspect ration.
Pro-tip: Swipe up over the shutter to record your creation as a GIF, rather than a video. Swipe across the frame to switch between the app’s filter collection.
Free: iOS and AndroidIMAGE: SEERSLABThe Balloons - Endless Floater
There’s more to The Balloons - Endless Floater than meets the eye. The game stars a set of cute balloon characters, which players must guide through each level as they attempt to float past obstacles and enemies while collecting coins and bonuses along the way.
How it works: Tap on the left and right sides of the screen to move the balloon around the level as you float upward. If you hit an obstacle or lose momentum the balloon pops and the game is over. The levels are constantly changing and the game includes quite a few bonuses and special characters and levels to keep things interesting.
Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for bonus rounds and “secret skins,” which let you unlock special levels.
Free: iOS
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Post a Comment