Okay, they aren’t really all that spooky and scary, but you just knew that on an occasion like Halloween I’d be able to say, “there’s an app for that.”
[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]I’ve got some pretty good picks for Halloween. As you would expect iOS developers have outdone themselves with some innovative ideas to celebrate the day. I have them split up in a number of categories, so let’s get to it.
Entertainment and Games
Angry Birds Halloween HD: Angry Birds may be the most addictive game available for the iOS and there was no way the developers were going to let Halloween pass without getting the birds involved. The Halloween version includes 45 levels of pumpkin smashing fun.
Scene It? Horror: If you like a little competition with your horror, this game is for you. The game features clips from some of the scariest movies ever made including “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Dawn of the Dead,” “Cujo,” “Friday the 13th,” and what I think is one of the scariest ever, “Psycho.” You can use the multiplayer feature or use the Scream Machine to scare your friends. The iPad version costs $4.99 and the iPhone version costs $1.99.
Ghost Radar: This app is almost guaranteed to freak out everyone at your Halloween party. It says it will measure paranormal activity using the iPhone sensors. It also includes a voice that will speak words it detects from paranormal activity. This is an app to keep on hand for any occasion. This is a Universal app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad that costs $0.99.
Haunted 3D Rollercoaster Rush: If you would rather be scared from playing a game, why not go on a haunted rollercoaster? Of course, the coaster has its share of haunted castles and pumpkins, but you can also unlock things like Hyper Fright Speed, just to make things a little more interesting. (iPhone and iPod touch $0.99)
Monster Feed HD: It’s hard to argue with a game that has monsters feeding on innocent animals for Halloween. A tower defense game, you have to use your smarts and spells to keep the monsters at bay. (iPad $1.99)
Tomb Tap HD: Remember those memory card games you used to play all the time? Welcome to the next generation of those games. The difference is that here you are digging up Zombies and if you don’t get the right answer, they attack. That should keep you good and jittery for a while. (iPhone & iPod touch and iPad $0.99)
Monster Mayhem: As if castle defense games weren’t hard enough, this one is filled with monsters that are trying to break out of the graveyard. To make it even worse, you have no gun turrets to give you an advantage. Almost seems unfair. (iPhone & iPod touch $0.99)
Costumes
Pottery Barn Kids Customer Finder: Let’s try something a little more practical and less scary. Every parent knows that picking out a costume for the kids is not easy and often frustrating. Using its built-in framing guide you can take a picture of your kids and tryout a variety of costumes all on your iPhone. (Free)
Halloween Costume Generator: This is a costume idea app for adults. We all know the typical witch and ghost, but this app gives you ideas from the movies, TV, and sports personalities. It tells you all of the items you’ll need to pull off the perfect costume and you probably have most of them around the house. (iPhone and iPod touch $0.99)
Photography
Vampire Booth: It wouldn’t really be Halloween without a vampire and this app fits the bill. You can create your own vampire poster or e-card from 60 included vampire templates. You can also write a message on the card. ($0.99)
Family Safety and Tracking
Family Tracker: Halloween is a time for fun, but it’s also a time for safety. If your children have an iOS device, you can keep track of where they are during all of the trick or treating fun. Certainly a good idea. ($3.99)
AT&T FamilyMap: Available from AT&T and paid on your monthly bill, this app allows you to find up to five family members. You can see where they are on a map and schedule and receive text messages.
Safety Button: This app uses an external server to trace your steps every 20 seconds. If an emergency happens, just press the button and it will sound an alarm, send a text message with your position, send an email with your position, and make a distress call. (iPhone and iPod touch $0.99)
General Halloween
Halloween+: This is like the all-purpose Halloween app. It features a Halloween countdown, soundboard, Halloween ringtones, Halloween background music, Halloween costume ideas, wallpapers, trivia, and even a flashlight. (iPhone and iPod touch $0.99)
Halloween Countdown: As the name suggests, this app counts down the days until Halloween. There are a few cool things that make the app fun, like having the skull’s eyes turn red when you shake the device. You can choose your own music and background to personalize the countdown to suit your taste. (Free)
Hallowcarver: There are some spectacular pumpkin carvers out there and while I’m not one of them, I do enjoy see what other people do. This app allows you to use your finger to carve a pumpkin and then share it with your friends. (iPhone and iPod touch $1.99)