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Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 -- 12:01 a.m. -- at my desk
Inspired by VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s show, I decided that I wanted to share my 100 Greatest Apps of the iPhone.
And just like the show, everything is brief and to the point. No in-depth reviews to trudge through here; Just the best of the best. With the holidays coming, you could get that app-crazy person in your life an iTunes gift card and let them loose.
As you can see in the photo above, we ran this as a feature centerpiece in Wednesday's RedEye -- only 50, though. No way to fit 100. But here you get the full package.
I tried to keep it simple. Just 100 apps worth your dollar, your attention or both. Because app prices change daily, I've decided to leave off the price for accuracy.
And let me just point out -- it's not easy to narrow it down to 100. But it was fun. I've been working on this for a while, knowing full well that many new apps come out daily and many are probably worthy of a spot on your iPhone, but these are the ones I kept coming back to.
As always, I'd love to know your thoughts about my thoughts and please send me your favorites.
What I'd like to do is compile your favorites and I'll write up something similar featuring your suggestions.
Also, feel free to send your suggestions directly via Twitter at @iptib. Whatever I get on Twitter, I'll feature it on the blog.
I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it.
And for more app reviews from my friends at the L.A. Times, check out Appiphilia.
Thanks for calling. 1. Facebook: I'm not sure what I'd do if I couldn't update my status while riding the bus or waiting for a table. Make sure you've updated to version 2.0, which makes it better than ever. 2. Twittelator Pro: I have 4 Twitter apps on my iPhone and this one is my hands-down favorite. The developer clearly uses Twitter often and realizes what people are looking for. 3. Mobile Fotos: There are a few apps that serve as great gateways to Flickr, and this one does more than the others. Even upload directly to your favorite groups. 4. Bloomberg: There is no cooler way to watch your stocks tank day after day. Seriously, enough information for the Alex P. Keaton in all of us, including many international indices. 5. BeeJive IM: An expensive app that's worth every penny if instant messaging is a big part of your day. The integration with MobileMe's push e-mail is genius and worth the price of admission. 6. WunderRadio: Wunderbar. Who knew a weather company could create a streaming radio app and do it so well? Download and listen to pretty much any radio station you've ever listened to. One of my absolute favorites. 7. MyWeather Mobile: Elegant weather app with the best looping radar I've ever seen on a mobile device -- see if it's raining on your street. 8. Grocery IQ: Never forget milk, vanilla ice cream or Acai berries (delicious on the vanilla ice cream) again with this great grocery store list app. Easy to use and pretty to look at. 9. i.TV: TV listings and movie listings are just the beginning. Now, manage your Netflix account right in the sharp-looking app. That and the developers promise even more amazing stuff. 10. MLB At Bat: Major League Baseball hit a grand slam with this app, featuring play-by-play, live updated stats, videos and so much more. Full season comes in February, but for now, download for free and get all your offseason news.

11. Remote: Apple's remote is free, elegant and it just works. And when you can control your iTunes via your iPhone at a party, all eyes are on you, not the onion dip. 12. Air Sharing: Got something on your desktop that you want on your iPhone. Connect via your home network and voila! Done. What sets Air Sharing apart is that it's so easy to use. 13. Shazam: What is the name of that song? It's driving me crazy! Hold your iPhone up to the sound source and Shazam tells you the name. It's freakishly cool and fun. 14. Last.FM: A radio station that you control and create by entering your favorite artists. Last.FM then finds artists you might like based on that entry. The coolest part is interacting with friends via groups. 15. Accounts: There are a bunch of apps that download transactions from your bank and keep your checkbook neat and balanced. This isn't that app. Accounts is just a simple substitute for your old paper check register. 16. Wurdle: Here's a word: Addictive. I've gotten 3 hours of sleep on many an occasion because of this darn game. Curse you, Wurdle, for being so much fun. 17. Tap-Tap Revenge: In the spirit of Rock Band comes a game that everyone knows about. Great music, great colors, great fun. And now there's a new Nine Inch Nails version, if Trent Reznor's music is more your speed. 18. Ms. Pac-Man: It's just not as fun controlling Ms. Pac-Man on the iPhone as it is in the arcade, but as something I grew up with, I have to recommend it. Finally, a pleasant memory from my childhood. 19. Texas Hold Em: Apple's other app. And boy can Apple play poker! No bluffing -- great graphics, sound keep you entertained for hours. Not Wurdle hours, but hours just the same. 21. Motion X Poker: Shake your iPhone to roll the dice. Seriously? Seriously, and the phone vibrates while it's happening. I was hooked the first time I tried it. Five of a kind unlocks special dice. As cool as it sounds. 22. LED Football: Just like the handheld electronic game you played in the 70s/early 80s. I remember it well ... Just me, that red blip, the whistle sound and a long car ride. For 99 cents, you owe it to yourself to be whisked back in time. 23. Flick Bowling: Strike!! To me, this is the best bowling app in the App Store. Everything but the fan you put your hands under when waiting for the ball to come back. 24. ESPN Cameraman: Remember those games where you see two photos and you try to find what's different about one of them? That's this. But don't let the name fool you - it's sports related, but you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy it. 25. Google Earth: You know you love zooming in and seeing your car parked on the street in the desktop version. Now, you can see it anywhere -- the picture of your car, not your actual car. Anyhow, awesome. 26. The Weather Channel: Lots of weather apps in the app store, but this is the only one with an actual video local forecast that's updated pretty often. Sets it apart from the others, but lacks looping radar. Hopefully coming soon. 27. Ocarina: It's the iPhone meets the pan flute. Blow into your iPhone's microphone, touch the rippling pond-like circles on your iPhone screen and play a symphony. And then, listen to symphonies from around the world. Absolutely incredible. 28. Mobile Zodiac: You'll download a great app today - and maybe meet your soulmate. The former more likely than the latter, but you never know. 29. Sally's Salon: Who would have thought that a game all about managing your own virtual beauty salon could be so much fun? You aren't only catering to the regular clientele, but also hard-to-please ceIebrities. I never expected it to be as entertaining as it is, but I was wrong. 30. Chicago Tribune Sports Reader: Doesn't make the list because I work for the company, but because it's fun, user friendly and one of the most unique ways to get your daily sports fix. 31. Evernote: Sometimes, I can't remember what I had for breakfast. Evernote helps me organize my life, from text to photos to recordings -- and you can interact with a computer version and Web version to keep it all organized. 32. Units: Conversion made simple -- if all you know is that 32 degrees Fahrenheit is 0 degrees celsius, well, then you need Units to learn the rest. Looks nice and just works. 33. Distant Suns: Like a planetarium in your pocket, without the uncomfortable weight of a projector. You'll know everything about the sky, sun, moon, planets and beyond after a few hours with this beautifully-designed and easy-to-use app. 34. Real Soccer 2009: Gooooooooooooooooooooooal!! Shows how bright the future of mobile gaming on the iPhone really is. Fluid play, beautiful 3D graphics and a lot of fun. 35. iNeko: Sometimes, nostalgia is all an app has to offer to be awesome. Neko the Cat follows your every touch screen command. Now if only we could get real cats to listen to us. 36. Topple: And I thought Tetris was addictive. But oh the graphics, the music, the facial expressions -- absolutely worth the 99 cents I spent. 37. Constitution: We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect iPhone, establish a really easy-to-use reference app. Yeah, that's how it goes. 38. TV Show King Online: And the actual retail price is .... Survey says! Be the king of TV trivia with this great game show from Gameloft. If you love game shows, you'll love this one. Of course, you'll want to read the next one if game shows are your thing. Colorful and fun graphics. 39. Deal Or No Deal -- Million Dollar Mission: No Howie Mandel yet I still like it. Just like on TV ... is your case the one with the million dollar prize inside? 40. Kenny Rogers - Blackjack: You gotta know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to download. Worth counting your $4.99 for the music alone. 41. Elite Racing: The only thing that would make this racing game better is an actual steering wheel. I love being able to race against others in the Wi-Fi multiplayer mode. 42. Stanza: It's like iTunes for books, complete with a cover flow-type view. Read electronic books -- more than 40,000 titles available. This will make the Kindle look like an old Atari (no offense to the wonderful Atari). 43. Imangi Word Squares: Another Imangi game. Start with a scrambled word square, then unscramble by dragging and dropping the letters in the correct places. Sound easy? Good. It's not. 44. ToDo: Manage your tasks like you never could before -- simple, elegant and fun. Connect with desktop apps and other iPhone apps for even more organization. 45. Newsstand: RSS reader with a twist -- literally. Turn your iPhone width-wise and the usual text turns into a magazine-shelf type layout. Unique and cool. 46. Twinkle: Twitter app that harnesses the power of location. So you can see what's being Tweeted a few miles away or anywhere. Oh, and if you like your tweets with sound effects, this one wins. 47. Bugdom 2: The graphics are beautiful. You'll quickly forget you are playing on your iPhone. Watch out for the blood-sucking ticks and spear-throwing roaches. 48. Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster: I love a good game of pinball where I can slam the flippers and save that last ball. Can't slam too hard on the iPhone, but for a mobile pinball game? Top notch. Also try Zen Pinball: Inferno. 49. Trism: Think a little bit Bejewled, a little bit Tetris and then add the power of twisting and tilting on your iPhone and you've got Trism. Colorful and just plain cool. 50. Sonic Lighter: There are a bunch of lighter apps, but only Smule's lets you blow out the flame with your breath and tap the globe to see where other lighters are ignited. Guaranteed to make you -- or anyone else -- say wow! 51. Juxtaposer: Because how else are you going to put a dog's head on a human's body if Photoshop doesn't run on the iPhone? Load in two pictures and let the fun begin. 52. Pro Football Live: Unfortunately, the NFL doesn't have an official app like MLB does, but for anyone who loves football (the American kind), well, this should do just fine. Plus, social features let you interact with other fans. 53. Mobile Banking on AT&T: Securely and efficiently manage finances, including checking balances and transaction history for several banks. It's free and backed by AT&T and Firethorn. 54. Bow Cam: It's no easy task to snap a pic of your dog. With Bow Cam, launch the app, and once you are ready, touch the "BOW" button. The iPhone will bark and call the dog for you!! 55. Fortune Cookies: Your iPhone is one tasty cookie ... and luckily for you there's no need to crack it open to get your fortune. But you can move the cookie around the screen and smash it. One to definitely show your non-iphone friends. 56. Quordy: Kind of like Wurdle, but you can send the board you are playing on to another player and compete. Games that let you share the wealth like that are OK in my book. 57. Somba Gashound: Luckily the price of gas is going down, but that doesn't mean you don't want to find a bargain. Search by current location or enter a location and find your station. And the company donates profits to clean energy research. Bonus! 58. Plum Record: Audio recorder that lets you use a corresponding free server program to send the recordings to your computer. And, coolest recording app icon -- a parrot! Polly wanna a good app? Squawk!! 59. Virtual Villagers - A New Home: A real-time simulation where you help your castaway tribe solve puzzles. But even when you turn the game off, the characters still live. That's all I can say. The characters are watching me. 60. Fieldrunners: I'm not a big fan of tower defense games, but I was told time and time again how this game excels in that realm. And it definitely doesn't disappoint. Sharp graphics and fluid play. 61. iBeer: Because downing a cold, crisp iPhone isn't weird at all. Nope ... but amaze your friends - - or freak them out -- when you lift your "glass" and the suds disappear. 62. Splash ID: Award-winning password manager hits the iPhone full speed ahead with 256-bit Blowfish encryption and backup and wireless sync to your computer (extra charge). If you need a place to keep your important information, give this a look. 63. Loopt: Pinch, tap and drag your interactive map to find out where your friends are and what they're up to. Connects with Facebook, MySpace and Twitter and you can even find and meet new people nearby -- that is, if you're the outgoing kind. 64. Fake Calls: Silly but fun. If you have ever been in a situation where you wish your iPhone would ring, well, now you can make it happen. And, you can make anyone call you. Gotta go. Angelina Jolie is on the other line. Really. Maybe. 65. Flick Fishing: Sometimes we forget how cool the iPhone really is. Cast your line with a flick of your wrist. Use the right bait and you'll have dinner in no time -- no fileting or fishy smells required. 66. Weightbot: It's a robot that tracks your weight and lets you see how you are doing on a graph. Plus, if you don't want anyone to see your progress, you can password protect it. Bonus points for cool icon. 67. Classics: Once upon a time, there was a beautiful book reader that shows titles on a wooden shelf. Several free books included, and while you can't download more on your own, the developer promises more books with the next version release. 68. Lemonade Stand: If you're old enough to remember the fun and sweet Apple II game of the same name, then you'll appreciate this update that features new graphics or the same familiar old-style ones. Thirsty? 69. Idle Hands: Test your iPhone typing skills and then play against other users around the world. If you think you could be a more productive iPhone typist, this is worth a closer look. And, extra points for awesome icon. 70. Midnight Pool: Colorful characters, fluid game play, different game styles -- even two player mode. Fantastic 3D graphics. All this and no chalk stains on your clothes. 71. Air Mouse: Your iPhone just got infinitely more useful. Now it's also a wireless mouse that you can control in myriad ways. Fantastic for presentations. Needs Wi-Fi connection but will blow you away the first time you try it. 72. Fring: Talk, chat and interact with your online peeps via Skype, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Twitter, Yahoo and AIM -- plus, voice calls over WiFi. 73. Voicebox Dialer: Hold your iPhone 6 to 8 inches from your mouth, hold the talk button and say a command and release. Now, saying "call scott" has never been easier. 74. Touch Hockey: As in air hockey. Smooth and fast animation with 3D rendering and multi-player Wi-Fi support. Developers say graphics engine runs at 60 FPS, meaning super fast and fluid play -- just like the real thing. 75. Pandora: Free personalized radio lets you stream the music you want on your iPhone. Similar to Last.fm, and which one you like better is going to come down to personal preference. My opinion? You can't go wrong with either. 76. MySpace Mobile: If you are a MySpace user, well, you shouldn't be without this app. Update status, your profile, your mood, see what your friends -- including Tom -- are up to, read bulletins, mail, comments and find people. 77. Bubblewrap: Remember when you wasted your time with solitaire? Well, now you can waste it in a much more fun way -- no boxes or packing peanuts required. When all the bubbles are gone, they magically reappear! Try to make your real bubbles do that. 78. eBay Mobile: If you're into eBay, this is easier than using the regular Internet application. Interface is streamlined and practical, and allows you to bid, search and check your auctions wherever you are. 79. Lightsaber unleashed: Never mind that your iPhone is a sophisticated Internet device ... it's a lightsaber with multiple colors. Swing your phone and amaze your friends -- and potentially scare others. 80. Metromix What's Nearby: Find a spot to eat or drink in a variety of cities from Atlanta to Washington. And if you have no idea where to go or what to do, try the Magic Shaker - shake your iPhone and let it recommend a place for you. 81. Blue Defense!: Could be the next big game. Defend your world from the invaders. Old school arcade style play meets iPhone coolness. Tilt to control bullets. 82. Lucky 7 Slots: The economy is crazy, so skip the casino, spend $1.99 and try your luck. You can even play music from your iPod while you "gamble." Now we just need a Wayne Newton app, and Vegas will be covered. 83. Sudoku Unlimited: There are a lot of sudoku games in the App Store. This one has different skins to change up the look and a puzzle generator so you never run out of puzzles. Unlimited puzzles for just a few dollars? It's definitely worth it. Comes with 4 skins and 5 difficulty settings. 84. Vay: It's a 1994 cult classic (I didn't know that) where your kingdom is attacked on your wedding day and your wife-to-be is kidnapped. Bonus menus if you complete the game. 85. Goodguide: Beautifully designed app that makes it easy to find safe, healthy and green products in any store -- data for more than 65,000 products -- from shampoo to household cleaners. 86. Wikiamo: If you're a Wikipedia junkie, Wikiamo is for you -- custom formatted in a Safari-like viewer and features ability to bookmark, change font size and auto rotate. 87. Super Monkey Ball: It's not easy but it's fun. Guide your monkey, which is encased in a transparent ball, to victory by tilting him through slopes and turns and collect as many bananas as you can. It's fast and furious. 88. Enigmo: 3-D puzzle game where flowing liquid bounces and rolls around -- you have to get the droplets to their destination. Plus, you can download more levels for free beyond the 50 that come with it. Beautiful graphics. 89. Emerald Chronometer: Have you ever seen those beautiful and high-end mechanical watch faces -- the ones that show compass functions, moonrise and moonset? That's what this app is -- you have to see it to believe it. 90. MemeoPhoto: Instant photo sharing from your iPhone -- your photos can be sent directly to any computer, anywhere. Works with Macs and PCs. 91. Pocket Cocktails: There are a bunch of drinks apps in the store, but this is the only one that has full screen photos of every cocktail in the database. Seeing what you are preparing makes this my pick. 92. Guitar Rock Tour: Play guitar and drums to 17 well-known songs like "Beat It," "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "You Really Got Me." Great color and sound. 93. Koi Pond: Serenity now, serenity now. Stress just dripping away. Crystal clear water, swimming koi ... go ahead ... touch them. They won't bite. Well, they might. But it's still great. 94. Labyrinth: You've seen it featured on Apple's TV spots -- now try it. You control a steel ball by tilting your iPhone -- there's 500 levels for starters. 95. Crosswords: If you are into crosswords, this will be the best $10 you ever spend. Download new puzzles every day. With hints and clues, you'll be a better Crossword puzzle solver in no time at all. Lite version too. 96. Missile Command: Atari took a classic and gave it one heck of an iPhone update. Play in the new mode or the classic mode and relive those glory days of the early 80s. Or, if you're too young to remember the original, you'll love it just the same. 97. Scoops: A game based on stacking ice cream? Yep. But as the ice cream gets higher, you have to avoid the vegetables. Stack similar colors together and score even more. 98. Txtpedia: OMG! A groundbreaking idea ... it's the ultimate texting dictionary. More than 1,500 abbreviations and meanings. Now you'll be able to keep up with what the kids are typing and save some texts. 99. Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D: Tilt and twist your iPhone for a fun 3D kart racing experience with absolutely awesome graphics. One of those games where you are most thankful for the iPhone's accelerometer. 100. Theseus: One of those puzzle games you hate to put down. As Theseus, you must reach the exit of the labyrinth while avoiding the Minotaur. The Minotaur is twice as fast you, but follows a strict set of rules that you can use to outsmart him.
20. Imangi: Addictive like Wurdle. Make words across and down, but be careful because you have to share the letters. Latest version lets you challenge people around the world.
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Comments
Great list, Scott, thanks!
Now, if only I could install more than 9 pages of apps on my iPhone...
SCOTT"s REPLY: It's my guess that at some point, Apple will implement spring-loaded folders that allow you to organize your apps.
Posted by: Bruno | Nov 19, 2008 4:14:02 AMGreat article and list. I found a few gems in there amongst the 80 or so I've already tried. Some honorable mentions that I would add include:
Translate - Translates to pretty much any language
Mobile News Network - Awesome interface
Google Mobile App
SCOTT'S REPLY: I agree completely. All of those were considered. Believe me, Oliver, it was tough to narrow them down.
Sugarsync - Allows you to sync between multiple pcs and your iphone (subscription req)
1password: for password protected notes etc.
Backgrounds: Awesome wallpaper app
Phonezap: Community image/comment posting
Pocket Aid: for all your First Aid info
Expedition Everest: You have to try this game if you likes ESPN's cameraman
Solitaire
Posted by: Oliver | Nov 19, 2008 7:55:03 AMThanks for the recommendations! I have just started reviewing the 158 iPhone apps that I have downloaded, they seem to be different to yours! It's tough to keep track now.
SCOTT'S REPLY: Oh there are so many! It's tough. Next time, I'll do even more.
Posted by: John V. Keogh | Nov 19, 2008 9:53:35 AMSimply awesome!!! You kick a@@!!!
SCOTT's REPLY: Well, that's very nice of you to say. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Posted by: Mark Mourlas | Nov 19, 2008 10:40:06 AMThe problem with this list is it does not tell you if the app is free or not. You have to physically go to the store to find this information.
SCOTT'S REPLY: That's right, Ray. I had to do that for accuracy. Sometimes, apps change between free and paid and that's why I chose to do it that way.
I think this list is pretty dead-on! I use the first two quite a bit, as I'm sure many do. Scott, I think it just came out this week, but when you get a chance check out this new app called Ziibii. It incorporates Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, etc. into a really unique interface. Anyway, just thought I'd share :)
SCOTT'S REPLY: That sounds like something right up my alley. I'll be sure to check it out. Thank you so much.
Posted by: HJM | Nov 19, 2008 1:16:22 PMINCHCALC+ is an iPhone Calculator App that forever negates the need to convert from the Imperial System to the Metric System.
Check it out at: inchcalc.com
SCOTT'S REPLY: I'll give it a look. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Bill | Nov 19, 2008 2:16:21 PMHey Scott!
One thing that I think should make the next version of the list in X-Plane. The graphics are pretty impressive and so are the frame rates. I was shocked at how well it worked when I first tried it. It is really almost as good as the desktop version (to a degree anyway). And remember its a flight simulator on a cell phone!!!
SCOTT'S REPLY: Actually, Ben, X-Plane came awfully close. It was like 104. It will make the next one.
Posted by: Ben F. | Nov 19, 2008 11:01:52 PMI bought Distant Suns after seeing it in your list and it's amazing. Thanks much.
Brian
SCOTT's REPLY: I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Really, well-thought out app.
Posted by: Brian | Nov 20, 2008 3:36:26 AMHave you tried Star Walk? Its an absolutely awesome app that is really worth having!
SCOTT'S REPLY: I have not, but I certainly will check it out. Thanks for the great tip.
Posted by: OlgaS | Nov 20, 2008 11:05:29 PMOne sanity check though. Why would anyone pay $10 for a weather app like MyWeather, when you have so many very good free choices? For $10 that thing should offer a way to control the weather:)
SCOTT's REPLY: I love MyWeather for the trends and radar. It's superior to anything else I've seen. I'd pay up to $16 to be able to control the weather.
Posted by: Greg | Dec 4, 2008 3:21:15 PMThe comments to this entry are closed.







































































































