Apps on the go
22 Jun 2018
What are the best apps – for devices or phones – to amuse you when you are on a long trip?
There was a time when a long bus ride, or a trip by train, required a crossword book or a lengthy novel. Now – while these are still perfectly good ways to wile away the time when travelling – you also have a range of apps that allow you to play games with friends half a world away, watch the latest TV shows, or still do crosswords only on our phone.
Something to consider: some apps require an internet connection, and while this can be ok close to cities, if you are in the country, or on a plane, you will need to pre-load your content; or play something that does not need to be constantly online.
Some of the best apps we recommend:
Netflix
Already a Netflix user? If so you will know the amount of content on offer is pretty impressive, from documentaries to the latest Hollywood movies. But what is less well known is that you can download the Netflix app onto your phone or tablet and download movies when you have a long trip ahead. You simply grab the app, log in the same way you would for Netflix at home and then select the Download option for your content. Not a home user? You will have to create an account and pay the monthly fee; but if you watch a lot of TV it can be worth it.
Word With Friends
This is basically an amped-up version of Scrabble but you can play with people all over the world. Connect with real-life friends or select an opponent at random and have a word-off with them on your phone or tablet. To play someone live you will need a net connection, but there are offline practice options too for when you don’t have wifi or internet.
ABC Listen
The ABC Listen app is the best of the ABC in your pocket. You can listen live to a range of stations from Radio National to Double J. But there is also a range of podcasts that you can pre-download so you can listen to any time you want. News, music and views at the touch of a screen.
Trivial Pursuit
Passing the time testing your grey matter on trivia questions can be a fun way to keep amused. It can also be a good one to play with friends. The current app is a bit American, using a lot of US football players as visual questions, for example, but for a free app it can be worth wading through the overly American content.
Games apps
What games you like is a very personal choice, but some of the top-rating games of all time – things like Angry Birds, Candy Crush and Clash of Clans – are all modern classics for a reason. But one new release stands out, Old Man’s Journey is a slow-paced, exploration game that takes the titular character on a trip through precious moments and poignant regrets, which is more than you get in your usual time wasting app.
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