Hardbound, Couchy, RAW and other apps to check out this weekend

Apps to check out this weekend

It’s been a crazy week, what with the iPhone 7 launch and all. So we know everyone is ready to kick back and relax this weekend with some fun new apps and games. The latest edition of our Apps of the Week roundup includes a unique reading app, a TV series manager, and a new raw camera app. Plus we have a couple of new games for you to check out.

Hardbound

hardbound

Hardbound is a new, unique format of storytelling that’s visual, interactive and designed specifically for mobile. Each week, the Hardbound team creates a new illustrated story that teaches you something fascinating about the world. A story takes about 5 minutes to read, or you can simply skim the daily “Stuff we love” posts. The app is free, but there are optional Patron subscription plans that start at $2/month that unlock features like back catalogue access, additional content, and a monthly newsletter. Hardbound is available for free.

Couchy

couchy

Couchy allows you to keep track of your favorite TV shows, as well as discover new and popular shows. The app includes a number of features such as calendar integration, cross-device syncing, push notifications, Spotlight integration, and support for Today widgets and 3D Touch. It even has an iMessage app, so you can easily share episodes with your friends. Sure, there are similar apps in the App Store, but I think Couchy is worth a look for its sharp design and support of the latest iOS features. This app is available for $2.99.

RAW by 500px

raw

RAW by 500px is the perfect companion for your new iPhone 7. It’s a simple and powerful photo capture and editing app that allows you to take beautiful photos with manual camera controls. Process your photos using the fast professional-style editing controls, and if they’re really good, you can license them on 500px’s Marketplace to earn some extra cash. It seems like the app is geared towards more advanced photographers, but it’s so well done that I think everyone interested should check it out. RAW is available for free.

Ember

ember

If you’re really looking to kill some time this weekend, check out Ember. This classic-style RPG features over 30 hours of gameplay, a deep branching story, endless exploration across dynamic and living environments, a robust skill tree, and an intricate crafting system. There are 70+ quests, 65 combat skills for players to learn and utilize, and 20+ handcrafted environments to enjoy. The game looks great and early iTunes reviews are good. Ember is available for $6.99.

Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards

animation

For the first time ever, five of your favorite animated shows are together in one amazing collectable card game. Animation Throwdown features hundreds of your favorite characters and moments from your favorite episodes. Collect character cards, optimize your deck, and create new combos as you fight in an epic card battle bacchanal. Yes, this is your typical free-to-play card battler that’s infested with IAPs (be warned, they go up to $100), but early reviews have been very positive and it seems like a hit with fans. This game is available for free.

More apps to check out

Apps updated this week