Top iPhone Apps and games

Apple are one of the most innovative tech companies in the world. Their skill at taking a technology and improving it is legendary; just look at what they did to the humble mp3 player.

When the rumors started circulating about a phone made by Apple, most pundits expected something special; the cell phone companies weren't worried though, after all they had been in the cell phone business for years, Apple were just beginning.

When Apple introduced the iPhone, the world was stunned; not only had they simplified a normally complicated gadget, but they had added a decent internet browser and later introduced a whole series of applications and games that could be downloaded to the phone.

Not only that, it also doubled as an iPod! It was revolutionary and really turned the whole industry on its head.

Initially, the iPhone was very good but it lacked a little bit of polish and was on a relatively slow network. But Apple doesn't stand still and it wasn't long before a 3G version of the phone became available.

Apple, however, realized that they couldn't just produce another cell phone, but had to produce one that moved the boundaries. They managed to shock the cell phone world with the introduction of this amazing little device.

It's a phone: as a phone it's pretty intuitive, it allows you to quickly search a phone book and place calls with no hassle. It also pauses any applications or songs that are active when calls are made or come in.

It's a music player: this little phone just happens to be an iPod too. Whether you love or hate the iPod, you have to admit that the sleek touch-screen interface combined with the legendary iTunes store elevate this player above most others, if just for the sheer usability- as a mp3 player it really isn't much better than the competition, it just packages itself far better.

It's a computer: wow! With the introduction of the App Store, Apple hit a home run. The App store is an amazing collection of widgets, games and utilities that are created by professional firms and enthusiastic amateurs. The sheer diversity of choice gives Apple a huge advantage over most other phone makers and elevates the usefulness of the iPhone to near Laptop status.

Remember those old wooden games which had you steering little ball bearings into hole? Remeber how difficult they were, especially when on a car ride?

Well bring back those memories with this wonderful little app that allows you to challenge yourself against hundreds of wooden mazes. This is a really fun game that will keep you busy for hours as you 'try just one more level'

I am currently addicted to a Bejeweled game on Facebook, so it's no surprise that this is one of my favorite Apple Apps. Bejewelled has been around on the PC for many years now, and the simplicity of the game makes it easy to play, but hard to master.

It's one of those games that keeps on bringing you back for more. All you have to do is line up three (or more) gems of the same color, and they will 'pop' - with some special features such as exploding gems, this game becomes very strategic at times.

If you've read any of my other hubs you'll know that I love cooking, especially with Guinness as an ingredient. This app is perfect for the experimenter as it gives you some amazing recipes with a list of ingredients and instructions. The recipes are generally high quality, and for me are ideal to add a little Guinness here and there!

This really is incredible - for years I've being asking why Apple didn't support subscriptions music services, but now due to the wonder of the Applications Store, you can use Rhapsody on the iPhone, subscribe with a monthly fee and play 8 million songs on your iPhone without any additional cost.

Back in high school I used to waste my well earned pocket money playing video games. One of those, adapted from Pong, was Breakout. It was simple but wonderful!

Essentially you use a paddle to deflect a ball (or multiple balls) into a wall - the idea to get rid of all the bricks. Along the way you will gain power-ups that make the game a little easier.

The iPhone takes this to a different level by adding some features that involve tilting the iPhone. While the game isn't that spectacular to look at, you can add your own backgrounds.

The game, like always, is still strangely addictive and fun to play - you'll keep on coming back to try and beat the next level.

Many years ago on my 286 PC I played a game called PGA golf - it was fun and addictive. Many years later, the PC golf game has improved, with superb graphics, great sound and better mechanics.

Having just bought the Wii version of this game, I was intrigued to see how good it was on the iPhone. I was amazed how good the graphics are, and once I got used to the touch and drag swing meter, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to play the game.

While this game is expensive ($9.99) it really is worht it - it's fun to play and great to look at.

Amazon's gadget 'The Kindle' has revolutionized the way millions of people read and buy books. Realizing that Apple could be a huge competitor, they created an App that allows Kindle users to read their eBooks on their iPhone.

It's easy to use and very intuitive making it the best eBook currently available on the iPhone.

OK so you are about to go into a meeting and suddenly realize it's Monday Night and you forgot to set your Direct TV DVR to record House! Luckily, Direct TV customers now have the option of setting their DVR to record the show directly from their iPhone.

This application lets you browse channels, search for shows and search by date and time - it allows you to set any DVR in your home - it's very easy to use and very useful.

You never have to miss a show again!

 This application appeals to my inner rock star that has been playing air-guitar for years.

This fun little app turns your iPhone inot a virtual guitar - it allows you to select from a range of guitars (Electric, Accoustic, and even Ukulele) - you then simply press and strum the virtual keys to play a tune.

You can add special effects such as chorus, distortion etc.

This really is fun, and as it is free, is worth it - you won't become a master guitar player with it, and it won't help the guitarist who just broke his latest guitar over the drummer's head, but it certainly adds a few laughs to a busy day.

If you're serious about investing, the stock market and money then you've probably watched the Bloomberg TV channel - it's one of the most informative channels on the cable network.

For those that don't have the time to sit at home and watch this channel all day, this application is an amazing resource - you can get quotes, news and company descriptions quickly and easily - all with the same high quality you would expect. The application is very easy to use, and is one of the best applications available on the iPhone (aside from Games!).

 I am on a fitness campaign (using the Wii) and when travelling I don't really want to drag the Wii along with me.

iPump Pilates helps me keep fit even when travelling by guiding me through strength and body toning exercises.

It allows me to log my progress.

I should point out that Pilates is not easy - I am nowhere near as fit as I should be and some of the exercises on this app are difficult - so be careful when using - and make sure you warm up!