What are some of the best geeky apps currently available for smartphone and tablet users? From apps that allow you to port over classic games, to more practical calculation and language translation apps, there are a large number of different apps that can be downloaded on a free and paid basis for 2013. Some of the best include 3D modelling and printing app 123D Creature, as well as 2600.emu, an app that recreates the experience of playing on an Atari games console on your phone.
1 – Final Fantasy IV:
The fourth installment of the Final Fantasy series is now available for smartphones, and although pricey at £10.99, represents a superior port from developers Square Enix; the original version of the game for the SNES has been recreated, and offers slicker visuals and the chance to play a detailed RPG on your phone.
2 – Aide :
This app represents a way for smartphone users to write their own code for Android, whereby you can create your own apps. Aide provides an integrated development environment with a compile-run-cycle processor that allows you produce your own apps, which can then be tested on your phone.
3 – TeamViewer:
With this app, it’s possible to control your PC or laptop remotely over Wi-Fi – the app effectively works as a portable remote control, and means that you can access files and make changes when away from your computer.
4 – 2600.emu
Representing an Atari 2600 emulator, this app gives you all the tools to add in emulation for joysticks, keyboard controls, and multiplayer options. Although the 2600.emu app doesn’t come with games, you can download and copy over .a26 and .bin formats to play on it.
5 – RealCalc:
An advanced smartphone calculator, RealCalc includes binary and standard modes, as well as as modelling and RPN; the calculator also has built in help functions, conversions, and logs, meaning that you can perform more comprehensive calculations than with a basic phone calculator.
6 – DC Comics/Marvel:
The selection of free comics players from major American publishers remain one of the most impressive apps available in terms of their accessibility – while there are free previews available of issues, you’ll have to pay for individual issues.
7 – Star Trek: Into Darkness:
This innovative app for Android and iOS is tied into the new Star Trek film, and offers a wide range of interactive materials, including audio scans, and exclusive images and wallpapers from the film. Notifications on the app also mean that you can prebook tickets for Star Trek: Into Darkness’s cinema release.
8 – Word Lens:
Perhaps more widely practical than geeky, World Lens allows you to take a photograph of a sign in Spanish, French, and Italian, which is then translated into English; this app doesn’t require you to be online to translate words, and costs around £3 to download for different OS’s.
9 – 123D Creature:
A monster making app that uses 3D design features, 123D Creature starts you off with a skeleton, which you then build into a full creative. The final result can then be sent off to be 3D printed into a miniature model.
10 – Metal Slug X:
Another popular port, Metal Slug X is an adaptation of the Neo Geo game Metal Slug 2, and includes some new bosses and weapons – a shooter in a 2D environment, Metal Slug X can also be played over Bluetooth with other users.
