Skip to main content
Lumia
June 15, 2014

Our 5 favourite new Windows Phone apps of the week



The groups are poised, the teams are lining up, the crowd is on tenterhooks, the whistle’s been blown: release the apps! No – wait! We’re getting our football confused with our smartphones, again.

But, after all, it is football extravaganza o’clock, and we reckon that means you lot are more than a little distracted right now. At least you don’t have to worry about apps, though! We’ve got that covered. Scroll down to check out our top five new and updated downloads from the past week. We’ll start with a topical one…

Forza Football

What is it: a news and results app for soccer tournaments

Why we love it: It supplies live score updates and video highlights from over four hundred international leagues and cups – including, most importantly, the current world footballing feast gracing our screens! The home screen lists the numbers of games on today, as well as the number of leagues and teams you’re following. Swipe to see upcoming fixtures and to set notifications, and tap on a particular game for full details. Simple to use, uncluttered, and released just in time!

Who it’s perfect for: football fans

bestwpapps

 

Witch Saga Volume 1

What is it: A choose-your-own-adventure game

Why we love it: It’s the latest choose-your-own-adventure game from the makers of the super popular Zombie High series, which alone should be enough to get your fingers a twitching in anticipation. Witch Saga Volume 1 is the tale of,  and I quote, “A sinister god, conspiracy, madness, betrayal, dark magic.” and your challenged,  as ever, to survive until the end of the interactive story. We won’t give too much away but it’s just as addictive as the Zombie High series, and bound to keep you up all night long.

Who it’s perfect for: Reading roleplayers

bestwpapps2

Dog Parks

What is it: an app that lets you search for dog-friendly parks in your area

Why we love it: This is restricted to US, Canada and Australia, sadly, but if you’re in those zones, it’s a nifty little app that might make your life as a pet-owner a little simpler. No more hoping you won’t be tutted at for bringing your dog to the local green area – use Dog Parks to check out reviews by other users of parks and outdoor spaces. The app’s been newly updated this week, and is still under development with more cities being added every day, so if your area isn’t here, be patient – it will be soon enough. A niche app, but a welcome one, particularly for people travelling away from home with their pets.

Who it’s perfect for: dog owners

bestwpapps3

ooVoo video call

What is it: a video chat service

Why we love it: Another communications app to join the growing WP roster, this one is all about video calls (though it lets you send texts and make voice calls, too). An alternative to Skype, it’s set up for full HD-quality calls with up to twelve participants. It’s cross-platform, too, which means that your non-WP pals can get on-board. Its particular calling-card is that it uses a proprietary tech called Superclear video that’s said to adjust for low bandwidth connections. We haven’t been able to test that (hurray for good bandwidth!) but if you’ve had the chance to put it to the test, do let us know. So far, so good, anyway…

Who it’s perfect for: talkative people

bestwpapps4

#1 ToolKit

What is it: a virtual toolkit

Why we love it: This is a little over a week old, but it’s so funky we have to include it lest you all fail to spot it. It’s several apps in one – a virtual ruler, compass, protractor, spirit level, flashlight, mirror, magnifier, unit converter, noise meter, voice recorder, timer, stop-watch, and a couple more besides. Phew! Most of these are pretty self-explanatory, and there are a load of settings to customize them to your needs. We could wax lyrical about the usefulness of all of this, but we reckon it speaks for itself! The interface is colorful and clear, and the app is free to download. What are you waiting for?!

Who it’s perfect for: DIY fans

bestwpapps5

Well, the whistle’s blown: that’s us done for another week! If you like these apps, or if you’ve unearthed a few others in the past week that you think beat our choices, let us know in the comments. Until next week, Lumia lovers!