Top iOS Apps of 2011

With the year coming to a close, we here at MacNN decided to compile a list of our favorite iOS apps. The list is presented in no particular order and reflects some of the games and tools that kept us more blissfully occupied in 2011.

Flipboard (free)

Flipboard, originally launched as an iPad exclusive, aggregates stories shared by friends across social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as from pre-selected news sources. In order to bring the software to the iPhone, developers had to rethink the way stories were presented. The solution was to simulate the feel of a pocket notebook that could be manipulated with a single hand. The iPhone version also introduced a new Cover Stories feature that brings together new material from across a users collection of sources.

Path (free)

Path has been described as a "smart journal" that can help a users share moments with friends and family. The app is set up in a timeline, and includes support for posting thoughts, pictures, videos, locations, and more. Path is also clever enough to automatically post when a user arrives at a new location, however, this feature can be turned off within the software's robust privacy settings.

Jetpack Joyride ($1)

The basic gameplay in Jetpack Joyride challenges players to travel as far as possible while collecting coins and avoiding various obstacles. Coins can be used to purchase new jetpacks, vehicle upgrades, and single-use items that can help players extend their high scores. To keep players engaged, Jetpack Joyride features a mission system that ensures players always have three current missions, pulled from a large mission pool, to work towards.

Infinity Blade II ($7)

The first Infinity Blade was one of the first games to demonstrate the high-quality graphics capable of being produced on iOS devices. Infinity Blade II expands on what made the original so popular by introducing considerably wider options for fighting styles and a much more fleshed-out game universe. Almost every aspect of the game, ranging from audio to collectable weapons, has been polished or re-imagined to create an immersive experience that doesn't sacrifice the portability required by a mobile game.

GarageBand ($5)

Earlier this year at a media event, Apple announced that it would be releasing an iPad version of its desktop recording software GarageBand. Several months later, with the first major update, this would be expanded to include support for both the iPhone and iPod touch. Included with the app is a full eight track recorder, as well as a host of virtual instruments spanning guitars, keyboards, and drums. Altogether, GarageBand's features allow musicians, both amateur and professional, to create their own tracks. With a minimal effort users can strum along to a favorite song with the Smart Guitar, create a new beat with Smart Drums, or record an entire song with real instrumets.

Pinterest (free)

Pinterest is a bare-bones blogging tool that allows users to create a virtual bulletin boards of their favorite things. Users can browse through pinboards created by others, as well as repin, comment, and like others pins. The most commonly pinned items are photos, however, the service also provides support for staring videos. Among a host of bloated social networking tools, Pinterest does a great job of remaining simple while still allowing its users to share what is most important to them.

Spotify (free, $10 premium subscription)

Three years after launching in Europe, Spotify finally made its way to North America at the end of July. The music streaming service provides users with access to over thirteen million tracks at no cost. Customers can also subscribe for a $10 premium account that offers ad-free playback, higher quality audio, and the option to store songs on a device for offline listening.

Procreate ($2)

Procreate is a painting app designed for the iPad that offers up to 16 layers with 100 undo/redo levels, precision color picking, and zero lag. On top of this, Procreate offers a powerful brush engine that includes eight customizable presets, as well as the ability to create and import personal brushes. Beginners can start creating with the supplied tools, while professionals can customize aspects of the app to suit their exact needs.

Snapseed ($5)

Like iPhoto on a Mac, Snapseed provides users with a number of tools for adjusting basic photo problems, including color, exposure, and cropping. In addition to several built-in filters, the app includes a Selective Adjust feature that is based on the company's U Point technology found in Viveza. Snapseed succeeds in many ways, providing a simple interface for quick edits, while also including a number of advanced features for making slight modifications.

Tiny Wings ($1)

Tiny Wings places players in the role of a bird whose wings are too small to maintain flight. The game is simple in nature, requiring users to only use a single finger to play. Touching the screen causes the bird to drive downwards, while releasing the screen results in the bird puffing out his wings and gliding. The simple gameplay and combination of storybook graphics and music make for a perfect portable experience that easy to pickup, yet requires practice to fully master.

by MacNN Staff