Appy Friday - 1 June

[Vicky Woollaston]

Appy Friday everyone!

As well as the usual app round-up this week, we've also included a couple of Jubilee-themed apps to get you in the patriotic mood. And to those lucky enough not to be working, enjoy your long weekend

We have 14 of our favourite new and updated apps from the past fortnight in the latest issue, including National Rail Enquiries, eBay Fashion, Intro and more.

You can buy digital versions of the new issue on Zinio or from the Newstand app on your iPhone and iPad.

ANDROID
HSBC Fast Balance
Min requirements: Android 2.1+
File size: 691KB
HSBC customers can now get straight to their balances and latest transactions, quickly and securely, using the official Fast Balance app. It works will all HSBC accounts that have a debit card.

Go Theme Windows 7
Min requirements: Android 2.0+
File size: 2MB
We don't usually cover themes in this round-up, but we're making an exception for this one because it makes your Android phone look like a Windows 7 desktop and it's great. It changes your icons to look more like Windows 7 ones, too.

IOS
I, Partridge: We need to talk about Alan
Min requirements: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, iOS 4.0+
File size: 28.7MB
I am a huge Alan Partridge fan and have the audio version of his book so this is my app of week (sorry!). This app takes you round Alan's writing room and study. Listen to extracts of the book and flick through notes he made while writing. You can also stream clips of the soundtrack Alan made to accompany the book.
DISCLAIMER: I know that Alan Partridge isn't a real person.

Squrl Video Discovery
Min requirements: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, iOS 4.1+
File size: 15.2MB
Select your interests and Squrl will create a personalised video channel. It grabs videos from places across the web, including Vimeo, Funny or Die, CNN and many more. You can also use Squrl as a remote control with Airplay and Apple TV. We have a review of Apple TV in the latest issue.

BLACKBERRY
Pandora
Min requirements: BlackBerry 4.3.0+
File size: 825KB
Pandora creates personalised radio stations based on songs you love, and artists who are similar. Rate songs as they are played, to make the selections more accurate.

Daily Horoscope
Min requirements: BlackBerry 4.2.0+
File size: 560KB
Get a detailed, daily horoscope sent direct to your BlackBerry phone.

WINDOWS PHONE
Top Gear
Min requirements: Windows Phone 7.5+
File size: 4MB
The Top Gear News app, which is already available on Android and BlackBerry, can now be downloaded to Windows Phone handsets, too. It has news, rants, photo galleries, behind the scenes exclusives and previews of upcoming shows. You can also download clips to watch offline.

WWF Species Album
Min requirements: Windows Phone 7.5+
File size: 4MB
In this photo gallery app, you'll find images and facts about various species of animal, hand-picked by WWF.

SYMBIAN
Email for Nokia
Min requirements: Symbian
File size: 2.34MB
Add up to 10 email accounts, including Gmail, Windows Live and Yahoo, and manage them all in one place on your Symbian handset.

JUBILEE APPS

Jubilee Time Capsule
Min requirements: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, iOS 4.0+
File size: 8.7MB
The Jubilee Time Capsule is asking people across the Commonwealth for stories about life during the Queen's reign, including first-hand tales from global events, history, sport, politics, the environment and so on. Download the app and share your memories, which will be preserved online for future generations.

The Thames: London Crown Jewel
Min requirements: iPad, iOS 4.3+
File size: 397MB
Price: 1.99 pounds
Take an trip along the river Thames, following the route of The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant with this beautiful app from Chelsea Apps Factory. There are photos of 60 iconic landmarks along the river - one landmark for each year the Queen's been on the throne - accompanied by facts, audio, music and video clips. We love the time lapse videos, which are scored by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Although the app costs just under two pounds, 50% of the profits go to The Thames Diamond Jubilee Foundation.

This round-up is intended to offer a little something extra each week, it's not a comprehensive guide to every new or updated app.

Don't forget, you can follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to share your thoughts about this, or the magazine.