Oct 16, 2013

by Phil Hornshaw Take your flat images into the world of three dimensions with today's first app worth downloading. It's called Seene, and it allows users to make 3-D photos with their smartphones that can be shared online and across social networks. We've also got TaxiMe, an app that lets you estimate taxi rates for wherever you might need to go, and Duet, an arcade game about spinning a circle in order to avoid crashing it into obstacles. Looking for even more photography apps? Try these . Seene (Free) What’s it about? Seene lets users take photos with their iOS devices and convert them into 3-D images that give the illusion of depth. What’s cool? There are about a gajillion apps in the iTunes App Store that angle toward letting users take cool photos with their iPhones and iPads, but Seene somewhat literally takes on a new dimension from the competition. The app interprets the images you shoot with your device and gives them depth, creating an illusion of a 3-D image. It works somewhat similarly to a panorama, with Seene requiring users to move around the subject a photo slightly in order to get more angles and create depth in the shot. Then, you can share your finished image across social networks with other users, and view them on the web. Who’s it for? Fans of iPhone photography should check out the new options that Seene gives them. What’s it like? Try Photosynth and Sphere – 360 Degree Panorama Photography for two apps that let you do a little more with your photos. TaxiMe ($0.99) What’s it about? Get an estimate on taxi rates and travel times from where you are to where you need to be with TaxiMe. What’s cool? There are times when you need to get somewhere, but you're not sure exactly what the best way is. Sure, you might be able to walk or take public transportation, but a taxi ride would be quicker – but more expensive. TaxiMe provides users in its supported city with the invaluable information of just how expensive that taxi ride might be, by checking web sites of cab companies in the area to get a rundown of rates, and using your device's GPS capabilities, estimates how long it'll take you to get there and what it'll cost. The app also connects you with taxi companies so you can easily call and order your cab, too. Just note that TaxiMe is not supported in every city. Who’s it for? Anyone who uses taxis, even occasionally, will find TaxiMe's rate estimations to be helpful. What’s it like? Get Taxi Magic or Gett , both of which are great for ordering a taxi straight to where you are, quickly and easily. Find more arcade games here . Duet Game ($2.99) What’s it about? Arcade title Duet challenges players to “think radially” as they rotate a sphere with two dots on opposite sides from one another, trying to avoid obstacles. What’s cool? Though it has something of a simplistic premise, Duet is an arcade title that packs a challenge. The game presents players with a circle that has two dots on either side. Touching the left side of the screen rotates the circle to the left; right rotates it right. Your job is to rotate the circle so the two dots don't impact any of the obstacles that stream down from the top of the screen toward you, requiring you to change how you think as you avoid obstacles that spin and move, since all you can do is rotate the circle. With an elegant, minimalist presentation and slowly escalating difficulty, Duet presents a challenge to how you think, and is a great arcade title to keep you busy for a few minutes. Who’s it for? If you like challenging, skill-based arcade titles, try Duet Game. What’s it like? You might also check out Pivvot and Super Hexagon , two more minimalist games all about avoiding stuff and reacting quickly.