Ready to settle in for the weekend? iDB is here to help with a new edition of our Apps of the Week roundup. This week’s selections include a new app that helps you learn how to code, a new group messaging app, and an app that helps you discover new podcasts. And as usual, we’ve picked two great new games for you to check out.
Encode
There are quite a few of these apps on the App Store already, but I think in a category like this, the more options there are, the better. Everyone learns in different ways. The approach Encode takes is more text-based than game or video-based. You learn coding by actually coding—write, run and experiment with code in hands-on challenges. Supports Javascript, HTML and other languages, works offline, and features a Plus IAP for unlocking extra lessons and topics. Encode is available for free.
ChitChat
ChitChat is a simple, LIVE messaging app that lets you know when your friends are chatting so you can JOIN their conversations. Chats are spontaneous, authentic, and real-time. When everyone leaves the chat, it expires in 15 minutes. Make plans, catch up and converse with friends without the FOMO (fear of missing out). As with all new messaging/social apps, this one’s usefulness depends on its adoption rate, but it seems like a fun one to try out with your circle of friends. ChitChat is available for free.
Stabl
This is a pretty cool app for folks who are interested in podcasts but not sure where to start. Stabl asks you how time you have to listen and what kind of stuff you’d prefer to listen to, and it does the rest. If you don’t like the first suggestion, hit refresh and it will try again. The idea is that you’ll eventually stumble on the perfect podcast—a 20 minute comedy show for your dog walk, or an hour-long current event show for your drive to work. The UI looks sharp, and the developers promise more features are in the works. Stabl is available in the App Store for free.
OK Golf
OK Golf is the essence of golf, refined to a tee (lol). Play a quick round anywhere, anytime on stylish dioramas inspired by classic golfing destinations. Easy to play, hard to put down, perfect for all ages and handicaps! The controls are simple: just drag and release to shoot the ball. No clubs to choose from or wind to worry about—it’s just you and the ball. There is also no in-app-purchasses—just buy once and get all current and future courses for free. OK Golf is available for $2.99.
Stagehand
Stagehand is a new game from the folks behind the popular Space Age franchise and The Incident. It may look like your typical run-and-jumper, but it plays nothing like one. In this game, you don’t control the character, you control the stage. Your job is to quickly and strategically position all the platforms on the level before the hero Frank runs into trouble. Features include 4 unique characters, beautiful pixel graphics, haptic feedback, instant re spawn and more. Stagehand is available for $2.99.
More apps to check out
- The best flight tracker apps for iPhone
- Premium entertainment network Epix launches Apple TV app with free trial
- Apple’s free app of the week: Chameleon Run