The year is almost over and that means the editors look back on 2019. Dilara lists her favorite iOS app, iOS game and Apple product of this year.
Favorite App of the Year: Waze
Waze is not new, but it is a very handy app that I have started to use more and more this year. This navigation app is actually indispensable when you get into the car. It is much more than just a navigation app.
I was first aware of the app’s existence, but actually often used Google Maps in the car. Still, I found it annoying that you always had to switch between Spotify and Google Maps when you have your own music on in the car. In Waze you link your Spotify account with the app. This way you or a co-driver can easily skip a song or, for example, switch on a playlist.
In addition, the app sometimes responded slowly or was not up-to-date in terms of files. A friend recommended this app to me and assured me that it was much nicer and always up to date. As with any navigation app, you set the route and the means of transport you use. Along the way you will receive notifications in advance if you approach a red light camera or a speed camera. The app also knows exactly when a car is parked along the road or when a road is closed: something that Google Maps lacks. Do you want to refuel? The app tells you where to find the cheapest fuel.
Waze stays up to date so well by its own users. If you stand still for a long time, the app will ask you if you are in a traffic jam. If so, indicate this in the app and this will be implemented in the route, so that other users are also aware of this.
Favorite iOS game: Restaurant Dash: Gordon Ramsay
I play very few games myself, but every now and then I grab my iPad for a game. One of my go-to games is Restaurant Dash. In this game you have to keep a restaurant running for an evening. A drawn version of Gordon Ramsay accompanies you as you continue to expand your restaurant. Gordon Ramsay himself also recorded the voice-over.
Levels go by seasons with episodes, just like in Gordon Ramsay’s TV show. Customers come with orders and it’s your job to make them and serve them on time. The sooner the better, because these customers can also tip. With the profit you buy new kitchen appliances that allow you to prepare dishes faster, but also make multiple types of dishes. At some point, you expand your restaurant empire across different countries. The app is free, but you can buy additional items for a fee.
Apple Product of the Year: iPhone 11 Pro (Max)
With the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has delivered another top smartphone this year. The successor to the iPhone XS Max is far from cheap, but you get a very good smartphone in return.
With a great battery that lasts an average of four hours longer than its predecessor and the A13 chip, the iPhone is lightning fast, even if you play heavy games or use multiple apps at the same time. You can also easily run other heavy programs for video or photo editing, for example, without your iPhone having an empty battery halfway through.
And I haven’t even mentioned the camera yet. That’s by far the iPhone 11 Pro’s best improvement over its predecessor. The night mode and wide-angle lens in particular are options that I missed on the iPhone XS without knowing it.
The only downside to the iPhone 11 Pro (Max) is that it is such a huge device. Since I have small hands, the device is less comfortable in the hand and it is not so practical to use. In terms of size, I therefore certainly prefer the iPhone XS.
Also read our iPhone 11 Pro review, or watch our video review below: