AppsGoneFree
I would like to start off my app of the week with the AppsGoneFree app. I am starting with this app as a representation of what I would like reviewing apps to help with: people finding apps that work well and fulfill a need. AppsGoneFree suggests normally paid apps that are currently free. And I would like my reviews to suggest apps for people that are looking for great apps (as I am someone who likes to find an app made well that helps me on a day-to-day basis). In addition to that I think a lot of time people underestimate apps and how they can enrich/help/make easy their lives daily. So to start this review off I am listing pros and cons to AppsGoneFree. Then listed below is a section that breaks down UI (user interface), functionality, and a few other aspects of the app. There are multiple screen shots and then towards the end there is an app rating and a price (if any) of the app.
+Pros:
- Suggests free apps that normally are paid.
- Lists screen shots, reviews, and info about each app.
- Apps are listed for iPhones, iPads, and universal apps that work for both devices.
- App will notify you daily when a new issue of free apps is in.
+Cons:
- App is funded by ads so it is not ad-free. It contains header ads.
- I would say that really is the only con to this app.
+UI, Functionality, and other aspects
I think AppsGoneFree has a great interface and is set up in a way that makes sense. It lists an index of the apps free for that day on the main page. Each free app section has a picture, title, app developer name, star rating, short description, and how much it would have cost if you bought it. (See pic below)
If you are interested in downloading one of the free apps then all you have to do is select on any part of the app section: icon, title, short description, etc, and it will take you to a page that will give you screen shots, an extended description, and extended reviews. You can then click on the "Free" button and it will launch the App Store on your iPhone/iPad where you can actually download the app.
On the page where you see the screen shots there is also a share button in the top right hand corner that allows you to email the info about the free app and share the info on Facebook or Twitter.
You can also view past issues of AppsGoneFree by scrolling to the bottom of the main page of the app and selecting, "That's it for today folks! Want more? View previous issues."
I think this app is very intuitive and a great resource for a person causally looking for great new apps or an avid/power user that is looking for apps that will improve day-today functions they would normally have to pay for. All in all I would give it:
+Rating: 8.5 out of 10 points
The only reason I did not give it a 10 was because of the cons listed above. Additionally, the app itself is free.
+Price: Free
I hope you have enjoyed this review and will continue to read my reviews and be on the lookout for great apps. If you would like me to review any specific apps let me know, email me at themiddleicardi@me.com or connect at twitter @themiddleicardi
Here is the app developer's website and the link to the app in iTunes where you can download it, see more reviews, etc.
Developer's site: http://appchronicles.com/category/apps-gone-free/
iTunes app link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/appsgonefree/id470693788?mt=8