With Threads and new game demos, there are definitely two interesting titles to check out. There are AI chats, brain games, and apps to learn more about the world’s power grids.
Yes, we recommend free apps twice a week, but we only make sure paid apps and games are currently free and have a minimum 3.5 star rating. This week’s Top 5 is a whole different story. Download and try all recommended apps, and learn more about data security.
Threads (Android and iOS)
Well, the long-awaited “Twitter killer” is finally here – a thread from Meta. Created by Facebook’s forge, this app is like a love child of sorts, a blend of Instagram and Twitter. This means that any Twitter user will have no problem accessing it.
The app was released in over 100 countries on Thursday. You can find Threads in the app store, but availability is limited and you can’t download it if you live in the wrong country.
I’ll include the link below anyway, but if you live in a region where threads are not yet supported, you can always check APK Mirror for alternate links for APK files. Installation is done in a fairly simple way with this file and does not require a VPN or other tricks. Currently, the app is ad-free, but Zuck has already announced that this will change in the future once more than a billion people use the app.
- price: free / advertisement: none / In-app purchase: none / account required: Yes (Instagram account)
In your settings you have the option to choose a feed that only includes people you follow. / © Next Pit
Functionally, it reminds me of a humble Twitter that still lacks some features (GIFs, hashtags). You can only log in with your Instagram account, which has the following advantages:
- Hold the Instagram handle
- Easily follow all your contacts on Instagram
We have Mark Zuckerberg, we have Bill Gates, we have Kashi – what are you waiting for? / © Next Pit
Due to Instagram’s large user base, Threads grew to 30 million accounts within hours. At this pace, it’s growing even faster than TikTok and ChatGPT. It remains to be seen whether this is the meta-app of all or a great Twitter alternative savior.
But it’s well-developed, ticks all the right boxes I want as a Twitter alternative, and could really be Twitter’s first serious competitor. try out! Anyway, Kashi is already there.
ImageChat: AI Computer Vision (Android and iOS).
Once again, Casi decided to check out another AI app. As the name suggests, “ImageChat” lets you “chat” using images. Create a photo or upload one from your gallery and she will tell you through AI chat what you see there. A dialog allows you to ask for details about the image.
- price: free / advertisement: none / In-app purchase: no / account required: no
Sometimes the image renders surprisingly well, but other times it’s not entirely satisfactory. / © Next Pit
In our testing, it worked quite well at times, but at other times it gave us a headache. For example, in a photo of Kashi in London, not only did the AI recognize that he was standing in front of Big Ben, but it also commented on Kashi’s clothing, mood, and, more closely, the weather. On the other hand, in the picture of the restaurant sign, the app didn’t mention the name of the restaurant, instead describing the sign and the building.
In any case, it’s worth testing out an app that has been trained with 400 million images and can recognize over 40 million different details. May be useful for visually impaired people. Creating an account is recommended for full functionality (registration is done via email, or via Google or Facebook if desired), but it works without one. The app costs nothing. In other words, it’s free and, more importantly, there are no ads.
You can also revisit the last chat you had. / © Next Pit
Power Map (Android and iOS)
“What percentage of the electricity you produce today comes from renewable sources?” you ask yourself, looking out the window. Electrical Maps provides the answer to this question. This smart, free and completely ad-free app displays detailed data on current energy production in dozens of countries. Thanks to the color scheme, you can also see at a glance how far each country has progressed in the energy transition.
A power map shows not only how the grid is configured, but also in which direction energy flows between individual grids. / © Next Pit
- price: free / advertisement: none / In-app purchase: yes / account required: yes
In addition to data about the energy produced, Electricity Maps also display other detailed information. For example, the amount of energy that different countries and grid operators sell to each other. You can also view hourly electricity prices for different countries (this is an interesting tidbit about dynamic electricity prices) and examine estimated CO2 emissions.
With the push of a button, you can get more data: energy composition (kudos to Finland!), historical data, current solar radiation and wind conditions. / © Next Pit
Teeny Tiny Town (Android & iOS)
In Teeny Tiny Town it’s up to you to build a town on very limited land. Connect identical objects such as trees and wooden planks to form new objects, and connect more until a house is created. As you progress and reach a certain score, more help is provided during the game, such as an excavator that can remove objects from the map and an undo function.
All mistakes will be severely punished! Consider your procedures carefully. / © Next Pit
- price: free / advertisement: none / In-app purchase: yes / account required: no
As the game progresses, larger and more complex maps are unlocked to further test your thinking. However, the caveat is that only certain moves require replenishment of funds on the next move. Even if you’re on a tight budget right now, it doesn’t matter, as more moves will be unlocked after a certain amount of time. Overall, Teeny Tiny Town is a fun game you can’t go wrong with.
You will be rewarded time and time again for your valiant efforts. / © Next Pit
Underground Blossom (Android & iOS)
Please note that Underground Blossom has not yet been officially released. You can always pre-register if you’re interested in this rather unique and bizarre point-and-click adventure game. Part of the acclaimed Rusty Lake series, a 15-minute demo is now available on Android that lets you experience what it’s all about.
- price: free / advertisement: none / In-app purchase: none / account required: no
What is this game all about? Basically everything is within the metro system. Or at first you would think so. Before long, you’ll find yourself traveling through the memories of Laura Vanderboom. Even if that doesn’t make sense, fans of the Rusty Lake series will recognize her.
You have to travel to seven subway stations, each hinting at a different point in Laura’s life. It’s all up to your wit, logic and detective skills as Sherlock Holmes turns blue with envy and discovers what other secrets hide at each stop.
The graphics are rudimentary, but keep in mind that this is more of an intellectual adventure than an eye candy. If you want a good-looking game, you’ll have to look elsewhere, but I have to say that his 15 minutes of game time in the demo is enough to spark pre-registration interest.
Today concludes our introduction to the top 5 apps of the week. I hope there is something that suits you. We appreciate your feedback. You can also suggest an app if you think it should be featured next week.
