Like Tiktok for little Lego fans
App:
Lego Vidiyo (download here: Apple or Google)
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This is what the app promises:
The new partnership between Lego and Universal Music is an excursion into the world of augmented reality.
The result is a funny social media app, similar to Tiktok, that combines analog and digital games.
It is intended for children between the ages of seven and ten.
In addition to the app, you need the corresponding Vidiyo packs with Lego minifigures, these act as band avatars (the different figures represent different musical styles).
In addition, each set contains "BeatBits", which are small plastic tiles with images that are scanned with the app to create special effects in the video clip. There is also a large number of universal artists (including Katy Perry, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd) to choose from To store video clips with their songs.
All the scanned minifigures make a band that is thrown into the real environment as an AR version (similar to Pokémon Go).
So it's about collecting characters and effects and then trying out what you can do with them - and where.
Source: Lego
Review:
Since the app has only been on the market since March 1st, there are still problems here and there with the stability.
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Costs:
None - except for the purchase of the Lego Vidiyo sets with figures and “BeatBits” (cost for surprise bandmates with three “BeatBits” for 5 euros, for the large BeatBox with 16 “BeatBits” for 20 euros).
Conclusion:
A great thing for all little Tiktok and Lego fans who like to shoot - and upload - videos themselves.
The AR transfer of the characters into the real world is truly magical for children - and keeps them busy for a good time.
As a parent, you can lean back and relax (or work), because the social feed of the Vidiyo app is child-friendly and safe - you can only react with positive emojis, for example, and Lego also promises to moderate the content before posting.
Unfortunately, normal Lego sets and minifigures cannot be captured with the Vidiyo app.
Spice up general knowledge
App:
Gaiali (download here: Apple)
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This is what the app promises:
If you have had enough of banging on Netflix, but still can't bring yourself to read a book again, you will find intelligent variety with this app.
Because the audio app expands general knowledge in everyday ten-minute stories that are entertainingly summarized and produced with historians, experts and professional speakers.
You can choose from twelve genres such as history, economics or literature and get answers to questions such as "Why is space captivating us?", "What are the seven wonders of the world?", Or "Why did the dinosaurs have to die?"
Source: Gaiali
Criticism:
The basic version of the app is not recommended, as you hardly get any insight into it.
Furthermore, there is unfortunately no profile area in which you can get an overview of which episodes you have already downloaded.
Costs:
After a free trial week, you pay just under five euros per month for the premium model or 40 euros per year.
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Conclusion:
For fans of podcasts such as “One Hour History” or “SWR2 Knowledge”, a good deepening of the basics.
Since the stories in a series are shorter than normal podcasts, the app is easier to integrate into everyday life.
Ideal if you just want to bridge a few minutes with meaningful content and have had enough of Corona news.
Personal health support
App:
True + (download here: Apple or Google)
This
is what
the app promises:
Many people find it difficult to correctly interpret the signals from their own body.
Why do I have a headache, irregular cycle or blemished skin - and what can I do about it?
The aim of the new health app True + is to clarify this.
This is made possible by artificial intelligence - it evaluates the experiences entered by the users and thus continuously learns.
After entering the symptoms or wishes, all the micronutrients that can help you to become healthier and fitter are suggested - the preparations are obtained from a local family business.
In addition to an explanation of the individually required vital substances (such as which foods contain them or how they help the body), the app also provides you with advice and explanations tailored to your personal situation.
Source: true +
Criticism:
Understandably, True + cannot replace a doctor's visit, especially since the app does not establish a connection between various symptoms.
Cost:
The app is free.
You only have to pay for the food supplements ordered in the online shop.
Conclusion:
Sometimes it doesn't hurt to do a little research into the causes when it comes to your own well-being.
And the advice and explanations - whether about a hangover or menstrual cramps - are ideal for this.
And that at any time - without an appointment or a prescription.
In addition, the app is designed to be very intuitive.
Less rubbish when ordering food
App:
Vytal (download here: Apple or Google)
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This is what the app promises:
Instead of using disposable packaging in the restaurant or when ordering food, the start-up is bringing lockable bowls made of heat-insulating plastic polypropylene into circulation with its partners, which can be redeemed free of deposit.
Before borrowing for the first time, you register once in the Vytal app and receive a personal QR code.
This can either be scanned directly when ordering in a participating restaurant or sent as a six-digit code in the comment field for delivery apps such as Lieferando so that the bowls can be used.
Source: Vytal
Criticism:
Since the milliliter size of the bowl has to be specified when borrowing, you should know roughly how much space the ordered food needs.
It is also a bit inconvenient to first book in the Vytal app and only then send the meal order via another delivery app.
It would be even better to have an integration in the app in which you place the order.
Costs:
Borrowing is free and works without a deposit.
Provided that the boxes are returned within 14 days.
Otherwise, 10 euros per bowl will be charged.
Conclusion:
An excellent idea for more environmental protection despite delivery service or to-go food, whose orders inevitably increased during the pandemic.
Vytal is now networked in eleven large cities - even in smaller cities such as Aalen or Kaiserslautern.
Unfortunately, the number of participating restaurants is still too clear.
This is less of a problem with the order than with the return, which means that you have to plan something.
But as soon as the app grows, it will become more pleasant too.
Help with panic attacks
App:
Rootr (download here: Apple or Google)
This is what the app promises:
The life situation has changed as a result of Corona that experts are now speaking of increased fear and insecurity that people are struggling with around the world.
The app offers interactive exercises and curricula that were developed together with therapists based on cognitive behavioral therapy.
Anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack should learn with the help of lessons to understand the origin of fear, which should make it easier to deal with in everyday life.
A deep breathing tool should also be used to prevent anxiety - most people tend to breathe too shallowly.
There is also a red panic button in case the panic attack actually occurs.
Then the app guides you through a questionnaire designed to help calm down and deal with the anxiety.
Source: Rootr
Review:
The app was translated from English and some buttons say “Help me feel okay” instead of the German “Help me feel better”, which can be a bit confusing.
Otherwise, the app is designed to be very intuitive.
Costs:
The annual subscription usually costs 90 euros, at the moment there is a special offer for 60 euros.
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Conclusion:
The app does not replace a therapist, but helps with simple meditations - which are also suitable for those who are not mindful - and daily push notifications to get out of the state of fear.
Influences from improper nutrition and social media are also discussed in the app, so that you can more easily recognize your own behavior and the triggers.
The bonus system, which is used to collect points after each completed lesson, can be a good incentive.
Rediscover your own area
App:
Komoot (download here: Apple or Google)
This is what the app promises:
Komoot is a tried and tested navigation
app
for hikers, cyclists, joggers or simply walkers.
The app shows you the best routes past the most interesting places and also records your own routes.
Each tour can be adapted to your own needs - regardless of whether it is about the surface or your personal fitness level.
You can also simply generate your own tours and share them with the community - or not.
The most beautiful pictures and stories can be shared with friends or the whole world in the app after the trip is over.
Source: pa / Jochen Tack
Criticism:
In the iOS version of the app, sometimes not all photos are uploaded and unfortunately no captions can be written for the uploaded images - both have to be done laboriously on the computer.
Costs:
The basic version with the first individual region is free of charge - additional regions cost around 4 euros each, a region package costs around 9 euros and the world package costs around 30 euros.
Conclusion: The
perfect app for an evening stroll after the home office, to get to know your own area better or to rediscover it - and of course for longer excursions on the weekend or on vacation.
If you get lost, the app adjusts the route so that you can get back on the right path as quickly as possible.