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In London for the 2012 Olympics? The Best iOS Apps From Macworld
Photo: Some rights reserved by Alexander Kachkaev
Navigating yourself through a new city can be quite confusing on a regular day, let alone during an Olympics season. Last week, Macworld.com wrote an article that featured some of the best iOS apps to download for those planning to be in London during the 2012 Olympics. If you’re lucky enough to be there, or are heading there at some point during the Olympic games – we’re jealous!
Below are seven iPhone and iPad apps Macworld advises you to consider if you plan to be in this amazing city during these next two exciting weeks.
London Tube Deluxe
This$1 iPhone and iPad app from Malcolm Barclay really shines. Not only does app provide you with a map and the status of each line, it also lets you plan a journey, listing times and where you might need to swap lines. You can also search individual maps, check departure boards, and save your favorite journeys and destinations—pretty useful if you’re trying to get back to your hotel each night. The app can also use your location to find the nearest station if you’re lost.
London 2Go
Ulmon’s iPhone and iPad app is essentially an offline guide to all the places of interest within the city. You can either search for an attraction or recommended place, or pick from one of the categories on the home screen. London 2Go then provides a detailed information page about the attraction, complete with images, nearby public transport, and links to other interesting pages.
London Transport
This app, from Jeevan Takhar, is a hub of information if you don’t necessarily want to use the Tube. On launching the app, the first things you’ll notice are the options to plan a journey, return to where you’re staying or simply book a nearby cab. “Plan a journey” has all the important city spots you may be getting to and from, and the various results are clear, easy to follow and in time order.
2012 Summer Games London Offline
If you’re visiting London specifically for the Olympics, then an Olympic-themed app is a must. The iPhone and iPad app from Tidels opens with a countdown to the Olympics. From here, you can use the app to learn about a variety of different sports and find out where and when they are happening and as well as how many athletes are taking part. Additionally, you can study up on the different venues, including the new Olympic Stadium.
London Vouchers
Just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy saving a pound or two. London Vouchers is an app that tracks down all the latest deals around the UK capital, helping you make great savings or even bag a freebie. The grid-like design of Apps Avenue’s iPhone app may not make it the most attractive app out there, but it is certainly functional. The app is ideal for tourists and residents alike, with some vouchers catering to those living in London, but many are suited to the money-savvy vacationer too.
Fodor’s London Travel Guide
If you are looking for a convenient way to carry a guidebook around,Fodor’s London Travel Guide is exactly what you are looking for. This useful app from Random House Digital hands out all the information a traveller might need to make the most of their time in London. The home screen greets you with a variety of different recommendations, without feeling like you’re being bombarded. You can see nearby points of interest or read up on different attractions. Most important, you can see reviews of different places.
Smart Maps—London
Why battle with oversized paper maps in the middle of busy streets when you can just check your phone? Smart Maps—London is a very basic app, and acts a little like an extension to the Maps app built into iOS devices. There are just two options in this iPhone and iPad app from Alexandru Halmagean—a general map of London with Underground transport markers, or a city guide. This app is ideal if you are only looking for a couple of places to go within the city, preferring to leave the rest to discovery.
Read the full article from Macworld.com with more details on each app here.
*Next Tuesday the regularly scheduled Weekly Virtual Carry-on will return.
