Apps

Elk’s smart use of a Live Wallpaper tackles your biggest peeve with currency converters

Anyone having the pleasure (or obligation) of travelling overseas has likely had their share of exposure to currency converters on iPhone. Whether you have selected your travel companion on the basis of features, price or mindlessly downloaded the first search result, in my experience the common denominator across the board is an off-putting level of self importance. More often that not, currency converters lack an understanding of their role on your phone.

Hide specific apps from the Siri Suggestions widget with HideSiriSuggestions

Siri Suggestions is an iOS widget that keeps track of your app usage and recommends the apps you use the most. While the concept is useful for some, the implementation is a hassle for others because it shows a history of your most frequently-launched apps.

Jailbreakers now have a decent solution to the quarrel without losing out on somewhat useful functionality. A new free jailbreak tweak called HideSiriSuggestions by iOS developer Andreas Henriksson lets you hide individual apps of your choosing from the widget.

Weather Atlas, Stream Time, Bloom, and other apps to check out this weekend

This week's edition of our Apps of the Week roundup features a new weather app, a TV guide for live streaming, and a sharp-looking new coloring book. And as always, we've selected two interesting new games for you to check out.

Weather Atlas

Looking for a new weather app? Check out Weather Atlas. This beautiful app offers a window into current and future weather conditions, with a great mix of sharp design and powerful features. It has both hourly and 10-day forecasts, weather map with radar and clouds, Notification Center widget, and more. Unfortunately some of the app's best features—themes, custom icon, no ads etc.—are hidden behind a monthly subscription, but at least you can use most of the basic features before committing to pay. Weather Atlas is available for free (with some IAPs).

Stream Time

Stream Time is the ultimate scheduling and discovery app for live streaming—no more missed streams or tiresome browsing for something interesting to watch. Build your schedule feed by following friends and favorite broadcasters. Set reminders for must-see broadcasts. Discover new broadcasters and see who is scheduled to go live soon. Twitch, YouTube and all other major live stream platforms are supported, and there are even tools for broadcasters to help keep their fans in the know. I know you're envisioning a lot of social media kids here, but a lot of professional athletes and popular comics/personalities live stream regularly, so it's worth checking out. Stream Time is available for free.

Bloom

Add color to your life, engage your creativity and relax by making beautiful art with Bloom. This coloring book app gives you access to over 500 exclusive designs from award-winning artists around the world, hundreds of colors, and the tools you need to create the effects you want and make each design a unique piece of art. I know there are several apps like this out there already, but this one looks promising and worth checking out if you don't have a favorite already. There are a few in-app purchases, to unlock new images and other content, but you can start coloring for free. Bloom is available for free (with some IAPs).

Battle Golf Online

The first rule of Battle Golf is that you don't talk about Battle Golf. I guess that would mean that I'm breaking the first rule, but hey what can I say? I'm a renegade. Anyway Battle Golf Online is an arcade golf game that you can play either by yourself, against the AI, or against a friend in real time. The graphics are pretty basic and the controls are straightforward (one tap), but there are cool hats and masks to unlock and daily challenges to complete. Battle Golf Online is available for free (with some IAPs).

Noblemen: 1896

Looking for something way different? Checkout Noblemen: 1896. The year is 1896, and war has begun... To your right, militia are cut down by saber wielding cavalry. In the distance, cannon fire echoes as a lumbering Steam Tank fires its auto cannons. Your gatling gun team unleashes a salvo of fire, cutting down an enemy squad like wheat. Behind you, the drone of your frigate class airship reassures you before unleashing its salvo of supporting fire. ou are a Nobleman, and it's up to you to lead your armies to victory! Noblemen: 1896 is available for free (with some IAPs).

More apps to check out Instagram Stories come to the web Apple’s free app of the week: 8mm Vintage Camera Microsoft releases Mixer Create app for broadcasting mobile games on the go Facebook is rolling out its new video hub to everyone in the US over the next few days Video: YouTube’s overhauled look and new features coming to iOS app The best voice recording apps for Apple Watch

Instagram Stories come to the web

Instagram announced on Thursday that it is bringing Instagram Stories to the web. The feature, which is slowly rolling out to users around the globe, will let anyone view their friends' stories on both mobile and desktop. Additionally, the company noted that users will also be able to post stories from the mobile web in the coming months.