Special to The Prospector

The summer has started out hot and so are these apps. Here are some of the apps that made the top-trending list in the app stores for iOS devices and Google Play for Android phones.

“Two Dots”

Price: Free

Developer: Betaworks One

Category: Game

Platform: iOS only

“Two Dots” is an addicting game that you can play to kill time. Although, it

could be seen as a knockoff to the game “Dots,” “Two Dots” is actually a new

and improved version of the game from the original “Dots” developers,

Betaworks One. The staff of Betaworks One are also the same people behind

the popular website, Digg. “Two Dots” is very simple to play. The concept of the game is to connect dots of the same color while going in a straight line, but not diagonally, and to

obtain a certain amount of dots to complete the level. It sounds simple enough, but it can get

confusing and challenging. One of the major changes from “Dots” to “Two Dots”

is that there is now various boosts, upgrades, and bonus points offered if you

complete special moves. The interface also got a completely new look, it is well-
designed and the levels of the game are simple to see. The new look of the app

reminds me of a Wes Anderson film because of the unique character design in

the menus as well as the music used. For a free game, this is a download must.

Unfortunately, “Two Dots” is currently only available for iOS devices, but the

previous version “Dots” is available for Android.

“FIFA Official App”

Price: Free

Developer: FIFA

Category: Sports

Platform: Android and iOS

Mexico? Brazil? USA? Whatever team you are rooting for during the World Cup,

you can stay updated with the latest news in the palm of your hands. Stay up to

date with live scores, chat with FIFA fans from all over, receive updates about

your teams, and check out the World Cup blog. This app is a must have for any

soccer fans, or for anyone looking to keep up with the World Cup, but they have

a busy schedule. App users can also watch live telecasts of games, so they get

their futbol fix away from the crowds.

“Elevate – Brain Training”

Price: Free

Developer: Elevate, Inc.

Category: Education

Platform: Android and iOS

This is a great learning app that really is free. That’s right, free; no paid

subscriptions, no annoying ads. You do have the option to purchase additional

content if you wish. “Elevate” focuses on daily activities to help you read faster,

improve your grammar and vocabulary, as well as improve your listening skills.

When you first start up the app, it will ask a few questions about your personal

learning goals and “Elevate” will then select activities for you to do. You only

complete three games each day to complete your goal. Don’t let the amount of

games fool you though, these levels can be challenging. The design integrated

within the app fits nicely with the interface. Things are clear, to the point and all

around nice to look at. “Elevate” is a nice alternative to similar apps, where you

have to pay for “brain training.” Give this app a shot and learn a thing or two

when you have some free time.

“Piano Tiles – Don’t Tap the White Tiles”

Price: Free

Developer: Hu Wen Zeng

Category: Game

Platform: Android and iOS

When I came across this game on the top charts for the app store, I thought that

it looked pretty, well, for lack of a better word, juvenile. However, five minuets

later I found myself wanting to throw my phone at the wall because of how

challenging this game gets. Classic mode is the easy part, however once you

play in arcade, rush or relay mode, you are most definitely asking for trouble and

frustration. “Piano Tiles” may not be as annoying as “Flappy Bird,” but it is totally

as addicting. What I like about “Piano Tiles” is that there are different levels of difficulty and different

modes to play. You can mix and match your gameplay nicely without getting

bored, plus you get to rock out to some classic piano tunes while you play. This

is a fun game to play to pass the time, but I don’t see it catching on like “Candy

Crush“ or “Clash of Clans.”

Lesly Limon may be reached at [email protected]