Often-Overlooked IPod, ITouch Apps

If you have ever browsed through Apple's App Store, you know how hard it is to sift through the countless useless applications for your IPhone or ITouch. The search feature in the App Store is fantastic, and really helps the customer to get more specific results, but even after narrowing your search, you still find that there are too many apps hindering your ability to get through to the "good stuff." To prevent wasted search time, I am offering reviews of these hidden gems that you aren't likely to come across on the front page of ITunes.

Truveo Video Search
Price: Free

This is app was released by AOL and sadly got some pretty bad reviews upon its first release. With the YouTube app being standard on the IPhone/ITouch, the Truveo app seems to have fallen by the wayside. As new versions are released however, people are starting to see the value of a quality video search application that gets most of its content from mass media outlets such as MSNBC, ESPN, Yahoo Music, ET and CelebTV. Many IPhone/ITouch users who choose to rely only on YouTube for their video viewing would definitely benefit from giving "Truveo Video Search" a chance as well. I won't say that this app can replace YouTube or vice versa as each app is able to bring you it's own unique content. I can say this however, if you can't find what you are searching for on either app, it probably doesn't exist.

Sportacular
Price: Free or $1.99

My favorite sports coverage app. There are two versions of this app, one of which will cost about $2. I have only used the free version, and as far as I know, the major difference between the two versions is the fact that there are banner ads on the free edition, while the paid app is ad free. There may also be some minor content differences between the two applications, but they both offer essentially the array of features. To put it simply, this application is one of the most in depth and well thought out sports coverage apps available on ITunes. You will quickly be able to see updated information pertaining to everything from college basketball to Spanish La Liga soccer. The interface is smooth and intuitive, while the banner ads are small enough not to bother you if you opt to go with the free version. If you are looking for an app that can help you check more than just sports scores, then this is the one for you.

White Noise
Price: Varies depending on version

This is hard to classify into a single category; like "Sportacular," you also have the option of various paid versions or a "lite" (free) version. The paid versions just offer an expanded array of, for lack of a better word, noises. Most people would probably overlook this app, but I have personally found that is absolutely indispensable for someone who really wants to "drown out" the world around them; whether this be a frequent traveler looking to eliminate the sound of a busy airport terminal, or a reader who desires to listen to the sound of rolling waves or a thunderstorm instead of the loud interruptions of their actual environment. When paired with a good set of headphones, this app can take anyone to a far away beach or onto a fast moving train, and assist them in either relaxing or improving their concentration.

These three apps all have free versions, so you have nothing to lose by trying them except a little time and hard drive space.