Here are the 5 best apps to download this week

Slide for iPhone

Slide is a neat little 3D camera app for iOS that breathes some life into your photos. All you have to do is take a photo using the app, while moving your device smoothly in a horizontal motion. Once the photo is taken, simply tap on the subject of the photo and watch it turn into a video or GIF, adding depth to the image, and really making it pop. The result is easy to share on Instagram, iMessage, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media channels. The app will cost you $1.99, and great for iPhone owners that can’t use Apple’s own Live Photos feature that’s only on the iPhone 6S.

iTunes

Everalbum

It can be difficult to keep track of all your photos, and Everalbum wants to help with that. The app provides secure unlimited photo backups in the cloud, and pulls in photos stored on your phone and in social media accounts. The free tier saves them at “high” resolution, but you’ll need the premium version of the app to save them at full resolution. Photos are categorized by event, or you can make your own albums, plus you can invite others to upload their own photos. A similar feature was just added to Google Photos. The premium version of Everalbum costs $9.99 per month, with the option to have your favorite photos printed and shipped to your home. Everalbum works in many languages such as English, German, Italian, and Arabic.

iTunes

Cortana

Windows digital assistant, Cortana, has officially come to Android and iOS. Built into Windows Phone and Windows 10 desktop, Cortana manages and displays your appointments, tracks packages, gives you your flight information as well as the weather, and more. You’ll need a Microsoft account, and if you already are using a Windows 10 device, Cortana will now sync your data across to your smartphone. In the Android version, you can say “Hey Cortana,” to access the voice assistant from the home screen and in the app as well. If you get a missed call, Cortana will push it to your Windows 10 PC and you can reply via SMS to the caller without having to pick up your phone. It’s similar to the experience on iOS and Android with Siri and Google Now; but the more competition, the better.

iTunes

Google Play

Loop

If you’re into elegant, simple puzzle games to pass the time, Loop will be right up your alley. The idea is to close a pattern to make a specific design on screen, giving the impression you’re completing a circuit. It’s simple to play, but really satisfying, because the game doesn’t tell you what shape to make, pushing you to play around by tapping the pieces. It’s relatively straightforward and addictive, and the supposedly endless levels should keep you going for some time.

iTunes 

Google Play

HappyID

If you’re on the phone a lot, particularly for work, you may want to take a look at HappyID. When you get a call, the app shows exactly who you’re talking to, by showing contact notes and other key information. This could include the company they work for, their title, and so on. Granted, you’ll have to fill that information out when you first add the contact to your phone, but it could be worth the effort. The app can show a notification when a call ends, reminding you to make some quick notes about the conversation. It syncs with Evernote, which is handy, and also has Android Wear support.

Google Play