IOS apps you need now

December 27, 2012 at 5:12PM
The iPad Mini is shown in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. Apple Inc. is refusing to compete on price with its rivals in the tablet market, t's pricing its new, smaller iPad well above the competition. On Tuesday, the company revealed the iPad Mini, with a screen that's about two-thirds the size of the full-size model, and said it will cost $329 and up.
The iPad Mini (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

CNET.com If you've just gotten an iPhone 5 or an iPad Mini, you're going to want to play with it. And if you're looking for apps to try out on your new iOS device, these old and new favorites are perfect -- not to mention cheap or free.PHOTOTOASTER

★★★ 1/2 out of four stars

The good: PhotoToaster is one of the best ways to add effects to your images, and features an excellent interface layout for giving your images a really cool look.

The bad: Like many apps, it has begun to add in-app purchases, but there are several included filters that do the job nicely.

The cost: 99 cents.

The bottom line: Among the tons of image editors in the App Store, PhotoToaster is easy to recommend, with its slick and simple interface, helpful menus and impressive results.

ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS HD

★★★ 1/2 out of four stars

The good: "Angry Birds Star Wars" does just enough with new worlds and new "Star Wars"-themed birds to add variation to an already great game mechanic.

The bad: The app is not universal to both phones and tablets, so you'll need to purchase it twice if you want to use the game on both.

The cost: $2.99.

The bottom line: With new birds, new powers and a ton of new levels to explore set in the "Star Wars" universe, it's a worthy purchase, even if you've played all the previous games.

NETFLIX

★★★ 1/2 out of four stars

The good: It gives you great-looking streaming movies and shows. New interface elements make browsing through scenes easier.

The bad: The streaming library is only a fraction of the larger DVD library. You still can't add to or change your DVD queue via the app.

The cost: Free.

The bottom line: If you don't mind the limited streaming library, the app is a great way to watch movies, and the new interface elements make it easier to use.

FIFA SOCCER 13

★★★ 1/2 out of four stars

The good: It's not only the best soccer game, but the best sports game on an iOS device. New skill moves are easier to pull off, making them integral to the game. Precise controls and fast-paced action make for excellent gameplay.

The bad: Skill levels still feel too far apart. Poor camera selections make playing on an iPhone difficult, with very small players forcing you to bring your iPhone much closer than you'd like.

The cost: $6.99.

The bottom line: "FIFA 13" hits the mark on almost every level. With tons of teams, new skill moves and an online multiplayer, this is the sports game to beat on iOS.

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