Crossy Road
Why did the chicken cross the road? Because you tap-tap-tapped him across the highway. Crossy Road is a sort-of update to the old game Frogger. You’re put in the “shoes” of an animal or person who has to cross the road by dodging vehicles, jumping on logs and avoiding trains at all costs. And if you stay in one place for too long? Let’s just say the game doesn’t like it.
As you play, you unlock more characters that take you quickly beyond the default chicken avatar. A black sheep, wizard and duck add their own flavor to otherwise identical game play.
You can buy different characters, but that’s an aesthetic decision only. The real joy is in playing, and Crossy Road definitely has the mix of fast fun and addictive play that could tide you over for a few minutes or suck you in for an hour. Free, for iOS and Android.
Meerkat
Every year, the buzz at the technology and artistic confab known as South by Southwest seems to crown an unofficial app of the year. This year, that app is Meerkat - an app that lets you live-stream whatever you want over your Twitter account.
The app is easy enough to navigate, and a breeze to set up. So if you want to share your spot at the concert or want to tune into someone else’s broadcast, you can do it with very little instruction.
Obviously, if you’re at all uncomfortable with the idea of letting people watch you or what you’re doing, this app is not for you. It needs access to your camera, asks for access to your location and, well, streams what you’re doing publicly and in real time. But if you have an experience to share - or just want to try out the latest fad - then give it a shot. Free, for iOS.
