I believe technology can make learning much more interactive and dynamic and this week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids, LetterSchool, aims to do just that by injecting fun into learning the basic ABCs and 123s. With a 92 AppScore, LetterSchool is both an education app and a game that scores well with the critics. The app turns learning letters, numbers, counting, writing and phonics into four kids games per letter and number. Kids are first introduced to the letter's or number's name and sound, then tap to connect the dots helping learn the shape, next trace the letters and numbers to reinforce it further and finally try to write the letters and numbers from memory. For the price of $2.99 it looks like a great app to pick up and teach your children the fundamentals of the alphabet and numbers. The professional reviews certainly indicate it's a high quality app. But if your unsure, the app also comes in a lite version if you want to try it out first: LetterSchool Lite. What's your opinion? Let us know below.

As always our AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		LetterSchool	92
		$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "An amazing, intuitive game to learn all about letters and numbers: writing, counting, phonics and more." Check out a quote from BestAppsForKids: "Bottom-line: LetterSchool is a great tool for teaching young children the proper handwriting technique, but also can be fun for older kids who may need some practice on their technique" (January 6, 2012). Here is another quote from Smart Apps For Kids: "One thing there is not a shortage of in the app store is letter apps. Is this one any better than the others you may already have? Almost certainly. The step-by-step focus, cute animations, and ability to choose handwriting style make this app a great choice" (April 4, 2012).

		LetterSchool Lite	XX
		Free: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		Free version of the app.

We have an unusual mix in our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Apps of the Week. In first we have two apps tied with a 90 AppScore. One, Fuzz Radio, is a music app that lets you listen to thousands of stations curated by people like you. I always find other people's playlist interesting and a good way to discover new music. The app also lets you creates your own stations to listen to or share. Our other app in first is Sofia the First: Story Theater, it's an interactive book from Disney about a little princess. This app basically checks off every requirement of fun for my nieces - princesses, Disney and ball gowns. In third with an 85 AppScore, iFile Download Manager is like its title implies - an app that lets you download any type of file (photos, text, documents, videos and more) from the browser on your iOS device and view them from anywhere. It also lets you print the files, email them, rename them, copy them and so on. Things that you wouldn't normally associate with an iPhone or iPad. Note to do any of this you do have to download the files using the app. Closing our list with an 80 AppScore is The Engine Tester, it's a car maintenance app that by listening to the sounds coming out of your exhaust will diagnose the health of your engine. It also has a maintenance checklist to remind you what to keep an eye on. I don't think this app could replace a mechanic but if it helps me be a little wiser and less likely to get ripped off then it is worth it. Only four apps this week but it's a pretty diverse group that hopefully offers something for everyone. Enjoy reading about the apps below and let us know your thoughts.

Rank based on averaging professional review scores of non-games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

T1.		Fuzz Radio	90
		Free: iPhone
		From the app description: "FUZZ Radio lets you listen to thousands of music stations, all created by people just like you on fuzz.com! Tired of bland, algorithm-based music recommendations? FUZZ is people-powered radio. Explore our extensive and ever-growing library of stations to find new music and great DJs. Then check out fuzz.com to create stations and build a following of your own!" Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "Anyone who loves music and is looking for a new way to listen to their favorite tunes or discover new artists should download this app. The user interface is clean and easy to understand. The music selection is fairly wide. I found a spaghetti Westerns station and a Disney music station. I didn’t come across any stations featuring some of the more obscure music in my iTunes library, but that just means I need to start my own" (January 8, 2013).

T1.		Sofia the First: Story Theater	90
		$3.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
		From the app description: "Once upon a time, in the magic realm of Enchancia, there was a girl named Sofia who suddenly became a Princess when her mother married the King. She discovered a different world made of gowns, balls and enchantment, met new special friends and discovered the real meaning of being a princess. Get ready to read an enchanting story and have fun creating countless adventures with Sofia playing in her Story Theater. " Check out a quote from Crazy Mike's Apps: "I can easily see this create-and-play-storytelling theater becoming a favorite thing to do for a lot of kids who are surely going to fall in love with Sofia the First too" (January 23, 2013).

This week we have some pretty cool options in our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Game series. First up with a 91 AppScore is Joe Danger, it's a racer / platformer based on a popular console game where you play the role of the world's most determined motorbike stuntman and go on wild rides leaping and dodging every crazy obstacle you can think of. In some ways it reminds me of the Nintendo classic Excitebike but with stunts. In second with an 85 AppScore is Time Surfer, it's an endless runner in the mold of Tiny Wings but with the twist of being able to turn back time to cheat death. Kind of trippy, in a good way, if you ask me. Coming in third with an 84 AppScore Abyss: the Wraiths of Eden HD is a hidden object game that takes you on a journey undersea as you try and find a missing explorer. I like how it adds a story to what is traditionally a simplistic genre. In fourth with an 83 AppScore is Bouncy!, it features a rabbit, a trampoline and the goal of unlocking more bounces / jumps / game modes. The game's concept is simple but something I could see myself getting addicted to and the art style is really cool. Closing out our top five with an 82 AppScore, Dungelot is a RPG / Roguelike that revovles around dungeon exploration, monsters and treasure. I'll be honest, I'm not 100% familiar with this genre but from the pro reviews it sounds like Dungelot is one of the best out there. Have you played any of these games? We'd love to hear your thoughts below!

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.		Joe Danger	91
		$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "The multi-award winning smash hit comes to your iOS device in an entirely new game! Wear the cape of the World’s Most Determined Stuntman, and take your trusty motorbike on a wild ride from zero to hero! Race, ride and defy death as you jump buses, dodge giant mousetraps, leap tanks full of sharks and reclaim your title of Master of Disaster! Swipe Joe to pop a wheelie, flick obstacles out of the way, tap to jump, hold down to crouch and waggle to fight sharks!" Check out a quote from Modojo: "Joe Danger Touch represents everything about mobile gaming at its best. It's faithful to an established franchise, yet it strikes out on its own to provide a game that's as slick as its console counterpart, remains challenging but fair, and is always entertaining thanks to a deep system of replayability" (January 10, 2013).

2.		Time Surfer	85
		$0.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Surf for your life across the galaxy! An inevitable destructive force is after you... The end of the universe! Your only hope? You can cheat death by rewinding time! Get ready for the most psychedelic adrenaline-pumping surf of the year!" Check out a quote from TheAppShack: "Time Surfer is definitely a game fans of endless gameplay, Tiny Wings, time rewind mechanics, retro games, arcade games, high-score games… basically that everyone should check out" (January 12, 2013).

The Super Bowl is around the corner and I may not be into the two teams in the game but I'm definitely down with the parties. I'm thinking of hosting a party this year at my place but planning the food for a party is always a chore and I'm not a cooker. So for our Best Free iOS App of the Week I decided to look for one that could help me and found Eat24 Order Food Delivery & Takeout. It has an 87 AppScore and helps you order food from thousands of locations in over 850 cities. You can search by where you live to find restaurants near you, by cuisine and by dishes. Eat24 Order Food Delivery & Takeout also remembers where and what you have ordered in the past - savings your likes. One of the app's features that I find cool is that it offers cash back on future orders through its CashCoupon system. Also, for those that love taking pictures of their food Eat24 Order Food Delivery & Takeout allows you to do that too and share your meal to twitter. They even have live in-app chat support in case something goes wrong with your order. Pretty comprehensive. I think this app has use even beyond planning for a Super Bowl party. I mean how many times are you home and can't decide where or what to eat. I feel like this app could help you make the decision. One caveat, the app is probably best for those that live in cities although I haven't tested that to be sure. Heck, the app is free so it can't hurt to try. Read more about the app below and let us know your Super Bowl party plans!

AppScores are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web and not on our opinion.

		Eat24 Order Food Delivery & Takeout	87
		Free: iPhone
		From the app description: "Your iPhone can now feed you. No, your phone hasn’t learned to cook but you won’t have to either, thanks to the free, easy-to-use Eat24 Order Food Delivery & Takeout app. Order food delivery from over 20,000 restaurants in 850+ cities, with more being added each day. Search from wherever you are, or wherever you’re going to be when you’re ready for some food. The Eat24 app remembers your preferences, which saves you time, and gives you coupons on a regular basis, which saves you money. " Check out what Appbite.com said about the app: "One way to solve your problem would be to go online and Google it. But now there's an easier, faster and safer way to find just the restaurant or dish you're craving for, no matter where you are. Because now, there's an app that is there for you anytime you are hungry. This is Eat24 Order Food Delivery & Takeout, and you can download it free from the AppStore" (June 15, 2012). Here is another professional thought, The iPhone App Review: " Eat24 is a solid value and a must-have for any urban aficionado looking to save time and make eating easier all around. You owe it to yourself to check out this fab title" (June 11, 2012).

I think there are classic books and authors that every child should read growing up. Their books are like rites of passage. Some authors that come to mind are Roald Dahl, Judy Blume and A.A. Milne. Dr. Seuss is probably the author at the top of the childhood reading heap so I was excited to find The Shape of Me and Other Stuff - Dr. Seuss and feature it as this week's Best iOS App for Kids. The app is an educational ebook / app with a 93 AppScore that teaches kids about shapes and words through the rhymes of Dr. Seuss. In the app kids are encouraged to think about shapes of objects in the world such as a beds, balloon or a bike. The Shape of Me and Other Stuff - Dr. Seuss promotes reading by highlighting words for a child to repeat and offers three different ways to read the book: "read it myself", "read to me" or "auto-play". The app is also ideal for kids ages 2-6. I think for the price of $3.99, it's a great app to pick up and enjoy with your kids and take a walk down memory lane. Read more about the app below and let us know what your favorite Dr. Seuss book is.

As always our AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		The Shape of Me and Other Stuff - Dr. Seuss	93
		$3.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Learn new shapes and words in this wacky, eccentric exploration of silhouettes and Seussian rhymes – perfect for beginner readers! Children are encouraged to seek out details and ponder unique shapes like "the shape of beans and big machines" or "the shapes of ships and water when it drips!" Kids will love the silly rhymes and funny images, and parents will appreciate this original take on the largely untapped world of shapes." Check out a quote from Digital Storytime: "Overall this is an exceptional book, especially for encouraging a visual focus not unlike the one children need to make for word-shape identification. The range of things to find is expansive, too, including dozens and dozens of items, like a backdoor key, beans spilling off a fork, campfire smoke and even a Seussical looking machine. It definitely goes way beyond the typical early reader full of geometric shapes. Of course, we'd expect nothing less from Dr. Seuss! Highly Recommended" (June 22, 2012). Here is another quote from BestAppsForKids: "The Shape of Me and Other Stuff is another Dr. Seuss gem. The app is consistent with other Oceanhouse Media Dr. Seuss apps; well done and reasonably priced" (May 11, 2012).

Welcome back to our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Apps of the Week. This week we have three apps total and two of them are tied for first with a 90 AppScore. One app in first place is Ziner, it's a Google Reader / RSS client that makes feeds more visual and from the screenshots it looks like it accomplishes this with aplomb. Personally for me, anytime something is more visual it catches my attention and I enjoy my reading experience more. Our other app in first is Shopping Pro (Grocery List). As you might guess from the title, it helps you make digital shopping and grocery lists and seamlessly share them between family members. I think everyone needs an app like this because we have all come back from the store missing a few essential items. It certainly happens to me! Our final app on the list this week is Eatible with an 80 AppScore. It's an app that helps you manage your food allergies. The app features thousands of menu items from popular restaurants such as Burger King to Chiptotle to Subway and can cross-reference the items against food allergies like gluten or peanuts. Seems like a pretty good app if you have any particular allergies. A short but mighty list this week. Enjoy reading about the apps below and let us know your thoughts.

Rank based on averaging professional review scores of non-games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

T1.		Ziner	90
		$4.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Google Reader related: - Cache up to 10,000 articles (in less than 1 min. over Wi-Fi.) - Cache all images of latest 1,000 articles - Star articles, Keep articles unread (offline supported) - Feed management (add/remove/rename/reorder, offline supported) - Mark as read (all/older than a day/a week/two weeks, offline supported) - Ranking (oldest first/newest first, optionally group by feed) - Fetch full-text articles (powered by Readability)" Check out a quote from 148Apps: "Some apps can be simply defined as ‘it just works’ and Ziner is very much one of those. It makes browsing through a hefty pile of links a pleasure" (January 23, 2013).

T1.		Shopping Pro (Grocery List)	90
		$2.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
		From the app description: "It's built-in iCloud auto-sync allows the entire family to share, modify and shop with a common, living list whenever and wherever they are. Shopping Pro is built on the feature-mature 4-year foundation of Packing Pro, the #1-ranking travel app featured in the App Store's "10 Essentials" & "Plan Your Vacation" promotions." Check out a quote from Padgadget: "I love that this app is universal and syncs with iCloud, making it very easy for the entire family to contribute to the same list. Now when your teenager tells you that they drank the last of the juice you can remind them to just add it to the shopping list –if it isn’t on there, you won’t be grabbing it!" (January 18, 2013).

We are back, this time with six games in our weekly Top 5 iPhone and iPad Game series. In first with an 87 AppScore is Hundreds - a puzzle game featuring lots of circles that can turn volatile if they intersect. Sounds simple but it's pretty challenging and some say an early candidate for 2013 Game of the Year. In second with an 80 AppScore is Swing King, it's also a puzzle game and in this one the goal is to save the king's furry kingdom by flinging the king! It may remind you of other physics based puzzlers, but the graphics, power-ups and attention to detail make it unique. Tied for third are two apps with 77 AppScores: jtpck - it's an endless runner where the goal is simple: use your jetpack to score lots of points and don't die - and Repulze, it's a futuristic racing game with experimental hovercrafts reminiscent of the Playstation classic Wipeout. I've raced most everything but hovercrafts are definitely a first for me so I'm interested in trying it out. We also have two games tied for fifth with 76 AppScores: Catch the Ark is an endless runner with three cute creatures, Noah's ark and rapids you must survive and Rocket Warrior is an action game where you engage in an epic battle going back in time to protect the human race from an alien invasion. That was a pretty quick overview so check below for more details and, of course, we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.		Hundreds	87
		$4.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "The goal of Hundreds: Grow at least 100 points between the circles in each puzzle. Circles turn red and volatile while being grown and if they collide, it's game over. It's that easy." Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "Hundreds is a cleverly designed puzzle game that shouldn’t be missed" (January 3, 2013).

2.		Swing King	80
		$0.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Fling the King, save the kingdom. The King’s furry kingdom is in jeopardy. Time to swing into action! Fling the King across levels, through obstacles and traps to grab stars and reach his flying unicorn. Use simple touch controls to aim the King’s trajectory, move obstacles out of his way, and use power-ups such as the sticky grappling point and the boxing glove. Your kingdom is in trouble. What are you waiting for?" Check out a quote from TouchGen: "If you like physics-based puzzle games, this is one that is well worth your time, as it features fun gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a fantastic soundtrack" (January 3, 2013).

One of the things I want to be better about in 2013 is staying up to date on current events. There was so much political coverage in 2012 that I tuned out, overwhelmed by the 24 hours news networks and talking heads. I also got tired of going to different sites to get my news and RSS readers are generally just so visually unappealing. However in 2013 I want to make a concerted effort to be informed. This week's Best Free iPhone and iPad App Flipboard: Your Social News Magazine with a 94 AppScore allows me to achieve my mission. The app is a like a personal news reader that aggregates web content from news to sports to technology to business to fashion and more. You can customize the topics to your liking and also add sources to your Flipboard feed experience. Additionally, today many people get their news from social media sites which Flipboard accommodates by bringing your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr feeds into the experience. Also, unlike your average RSS reader the app's layout and imagery is beautiful. In my opinion the app is best viewed with an iPad because of the screen size but I do use it on my iPhone a ton. The most fun part for me is actually flipping through stories - I really feel like I'm reading a glossy magazine. For free it's a fantastic app to get all the news you need to know in one place. I definitely enjoying using it. So read more about Flipboard below and give us a shout with your opinions in the comments.

AppScores are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web and not on our opinion.

		Flipboard: Your Social News Magazine	94
		Free: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Designed for iPad and iPhone, Flipboard is a personal news magazine filled with everything being shared across the Web, from breaking news to stories on world events, sports, travel and more. Simply pick a few topics and your Flipboard is instantly populated with the news you care about. If you want more, use the search bar to find favorite sources or browse recommended reading from the staff at Flipboard. When you find a new source you love, just tap the “+” to add it to your Flipboard. And if you’re short on time, use the Cover Stories tile to see some of the most interesting stories from all of your sections on Flipboard. But it’s not just about news. Use Flipboard to flip through social networks. Add Facebook, Twitter to browse articles and photos friends are sharing. Instagram and Flickr photos are beautiful to see in your personal magazine. Now the news your friends share is easy to flip through, with headlines and excerpts that give you an immediate glimpse into everything. It’s a fun way to catch up on all your social news." Check out what Know Your Mobile said about the app: "A personalised magazine app that’s as intuitive and good looking as it is powerful. If your favourite magazine publisher made a mag just for you, with your name as its title, it would still be a step behind Flipboard" (December 13, 2011). Here is another professional thought, PC Magazine: "Flipboard was plenty of fun to use in its first iteration, and has gotten better over time. Flipboard is a superb alternative to standalone RSS feed readers, browsing individual sites, and following Facebook and Twitter feeds, making it a near-perfect Editors' Choice award-winning app" (November 20, 2012).

Two of my favorite subjects growing up were history and science. I loved learning about the evolution and history of the world. It was almost magical which I guess is ironic since magic is the exact opposite of the science of evolution. Anyway, I am excited to highlight Back in Time as this week's Best iPad App for Kids as it speaks to this part of my childhood (note: this app was briefly listed in las year's Best Apps for Earth Day lineup and I felt it was worth a closer look). The app is an educational ebook app with a 95 AppScore that teaches and takes kids on a journey through the history of the earth, civilization, life and universe. Back in Time takes you through major events in history through facts, images, animations and timelines. A cool feature of the app is the clock that simulates in 24 hours the conception of the earth to modern day. The clock puts into perspective how major events in our world's evolution are related and connected. This is definitely another app that I wish I had when I was kid, it would have made learning that much more fun and interactive. I also wonder if this app could be used as a great teaching aid in today's classrooms. The iPad app is $7.99 and there is also an iPhone version for $4.99 (Back in Time for iPhone). It would be nice to see a universal version, but I like the concept enough to overlook that as it's not going to break the bank and developers do deserve to earn a living from their hard work. If you decide to pick up the app, leave us a message in the comments below with your thoughts!

As always our AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Back in Time	95
		$7.99: iPad
		From the app description: "Back in Time will take you on a stunning exploration of the history of our Universe, Earth, Life and Civilization. A journey through time where each event is documented with social and historical context, several images, an illustrative timeline and little-known interesting facts. Custom made animations bring those events to life, creating an interesting, immersive learning experience. An imaginary clock will guide you through this quest, proposing a simple analogy: the entire Universe started 24 hours ago. The Big Bang, the source of time and space, is the first event in our journey – the clock reads 0:00 hours. Today, 13.7 billion years later, the clock reads midnight. In between is a sequence of key events that has brought us to where we are today. Explore them, place them in perspective, see how they relate and understand the connections." Check out a quote from PadGadget: "Any reader who enjoys learning about science will find Back in Time a solid addition to his iPad library. While some of the information might be too challenging for kids younger than 10, the app may provide a chance for parents to explore the book with children who aren’t ready to read it on their own yet" (January 27, 2012). Here is another quote from Touch Reviews: "If you are looking for a beautiful iPad app to engage you and your family and show off the beauty of your iPad then Back in Time by Landka is a great place to start" (December 27, 2011).

		Back in Time for iPhone	XX
		$4.99: iPhone
		iPhone version of the app.

I'm on week two of my new year's resolution to get fit and eat right. I've made small steps like exercising two days a week and trying to cook more of my meals versus eating out so I eat better. However it's been hard staying on the straight and narrow and I can't help but imagine that I would be more inclined to stay on track if someone was tracking me. So I was excited to find this app that tracks my fitness, food and weight: Fitbit. The app has a 90 AppScore and is free but upfront I must say it does work best with a FitBit device which you can purchase at Amazon, the Apple Store or Best Buy. Fitbit can also be used without a tracking device as well. What does it do? Well, Fitbit tracks your steps, sleep, weight and body fat (steps, sleep & body fat may require the device, not sure). The app also allows you to log in your food and workouts. You can also set weight and calorie targets in the app. A cool feature of Fitbit that I'm most excited about is that it can show you your calories, steps, sleep and weight trends over a week, month, three months and a year. This feature would definitely keep me honest. Finally the app let's you share your progress with your friends. If you are a little competitive like me, seeing how my friends are doing motivates me to push myself harder. So have you used the app or device? Let us know your thoughts.

AppScores are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web and not on our opinion.

		Fitbit	90
		Free: iPhone
		From the app description: "GET ACTIVE. EAT BETTER. MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT. SLEEP BETTER. DOWNLOAD THE FITBIT IPHONE APP. The Fitbit iPhone App allows you to track food, activity, weight, water, sleep and see the big picture of how your daily choices affect your health. The Fitbit iPhone App is best when used with one of the Fitbit activity tracking devices (Classic, Ultra, Zip and One) or the Aria Body Comp Scale, but can also be used all on its own. This version includes the long awaited addition of Sleep tracking! Also added are push notifications!" Check out what AppStorm said about the app: "Fitbit's app ties in well with its existing website and is successful at making it easier to monitor your activity and consumption, helping you lose weight and feel better" (November 29, 2011). Here is another professional thought, AppSafari: "The Fitbit iPhone app is an efficient, well-designed app to monitor your caloric requirements, water consumption, physical activity, and sleep" (December 29, 2011).