The hottest apps of the week

Survive the holidays with your phone by your side

By App Man, Mobile App Aficionado

Welcome, welcome, welcome. App Man is here, to recommend YOU the best apps of the week. Each week, App Man will have an unexpected theme for you to discover and enjoy. And don’t forget! If you have any cool apps to share, email App Man at appman@gmail.com

Now that December is here, everyone is planning ahead for their holidays. Some are undecided on what gifts to get, some are thinking about what’s going to be on their dinner plate, and some just hate the holiday season. Either way, why spend so much time on pleasing everybody else so their holidays can be satisfying and pleasant? Why not spend some time with your phone, where you can watch videos, play games, learn how to use chopsticks, and watch celebrities beat up citizens?

1. StumbleUpon – Free for iOS/Android

Bored? Like, so absolutely bored out of your freakin’ mind that you’ll pull your hair out and yell in everybody’s face? Relax. With StumbleUpon, you’ll get hooked (literally). The app loads up websites customized to your liking and there you will find—or stumble upon—unfamiliar websites. You can discover rare pictures, advice columns, stories, and useless facts while you are bored. And if you like to share useless facts with your friends, StumbleUpon has an excellent social media sharing tool so you can look like you’re the smart one. 5/5

2. The Cracked Reader – Free for Android/$0.99 for iOS

No, it’s not what you think. And no, App Man does not know where to get you some. Cracked, a website known for its humour and parodies, is now available for mobile devices. Just like its name, Cracked offers the same experience, only now more streamlined and easier to browse. If you’re bored on the bus and you like to read, Cracked shall serve you well. Be warned: only a couple of articles are published each day, meaning you will have to wait the next day for more. Just like crack. 4/5

3. Zenonia 5 – Exclusive for Android (Free)

The ever popular melodramatic RPG is back! Hack and slash your way through cute monsters and rise to the top with four classes: mechanic, berserker, wizard, and paladin. You can customize and challenge your character in an online battle with your peers via the PVP system. With cute graphics, a stupid story, and an addictive hack-and-slash system, the Zenonia series returns, and this time, with something mellow to offer. 3/5

4. Smash Lights – Exclusive for Android (Free)

Do you have quick reflexes? Good. In Smash Lights, your goal is to—surprise—smash lights. The app offers common modes such as Time Trial to see if you are the fastest person in the world to smash lights. With an easy UI and quick learning curve, Smash Lights is an addictive app. Just make sure you don’t smash your phone screen. 4/5

5. Running Fred – Free for iOS/Android

Remember Fred from YouTube? The kid who always talked in a high pitch and tried to be funny, but he isn’t? Well, Fred’s back, and this time in an app where you prevent him from being killed. Running Fred is a 3D platform game where you control Fred and protect him from harmful obstacles. Each hit can lead to a devastating wound, and enough hits can lead to death. Featuring dozens of dangerous traps, several game modes (Adventure, Challenge, Endless Survival), and special skills, Running Fred has much to offer for a free app! 5/5

Disclaimer: App Man is not responsible for failed classes, your exes, gaming addiction, or thumb muscle problems. With great apps, comes great responsibility.