This week’s edition of our Apps of the Week roundup features an app for making fun, 3D animations out of photos, a new app that claims to be the Peloton of treadmill running, and a fun new reading up with a twist. And as always, we’ve selected two great new games for you to check out.
Mug Life
Mug Life is an interesting new app that allows you to instantly create stunning 3D animations without the need for technical or artistic skills—all you need is a photo. Once you have your photo picked out, you can download community animations and paste them to your photos, or just have fun making your own 3D image. Then you can export your create as a high definition video, still photo, animated GIF, or Facebook avatar. The app and most of its features are free, but there is a Creative Mode in-app purchase that unlocks more capabilities. This app is definitely worth checking out this weekend. Mug Life is available for free (with some IAPs).
Studio
Take boutique fitness style group running classes on your own time from the comfort of your own home or at the gym using a treadmill. Studio’s app features audio-based group running classes with a motivating instructor and a killer playlist. It also has a leaderboard that allows you to compete against other runners in real-time. There are over 100+ different classes of all skill levels, in-app currency called FitCoin you can earn and buy physical and virtual goods, Apple health integration, and much more. Now, you will need to buy a subscription to the Studio service, but anyone looking for motivation and/or to add fun to their workouts should really check this app out. Studio is available for free (with some IAPs).
Lure
Lure features a huge collection of chat fiction; short stories told with text messages—it’s almost as if you were watching somebody else’s conversation. From suspense fuelled thrillers and horror stories to hilarious group chats, Lure’s chat stories deliver traditional stories in a gripping, engaging new way – just tap to reveal the next message and watch the story unfold. Whether you want to squeeze in a quick read on your commute to work, don’t have the time to read a long story or you fancy experiencing 21st century storytelling at its finest, Lure has something for you. The app itself is free and you do get access to some stories, but there is also a subscription service for unlimited, ad-free story access. Lure is available for free (with some IAPs).
Frost
The studio behind the hit game Belk has created yet another amazing puzzle game that evolves into fascinating forms. There’s always something new to learn and you’ll be challenged to consider all angles of these smartly designed levels. Draw paths to guide the flocking spirits to their home planets. Watch countless beautiful creatures emerge from light, bring balance to a world in constant motion, and unravel its mysteries. Frost is available for $5.
Turn Undead: Monster Hunter
Get in the Halloween spirit this weekend with the game Turn Undead: Monster Hunter. It’s essentially a turn-based game with all of the action of a platformer. You must take on Dracula and his legion of monsters by solving devious puzzles hidden within spooky graveyards and haunted castles. Discover and exploit the monsters’ weaknesses and collect the bonus holy cross for an extra hard challenge. The controls are swipe-based and the graphics are old-school and fun. Turn Undead: Monster Hunter is available for free (with some IAPs).
More apps to check out
- Instagram gains Superzoom camera format, Halloween-inspired filters & stickers
- Nintendo announces Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp for iOS & Android
- Amazon rolling out all-new Kindle app with Goodreads integration, dark/light theme & more
- Twitterrific 5 for Mac gains management for muffles and mutes & other new features