Fro's App World is an article series about applications on the new iPhone platform. Many observers have hailed the applications as formally introducing the world of gaming to the world of handheld smartphones. What applications are good and what are junk? Fro is here to tell you. As always, the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Los Angeles compLexity or its parent companies. Apple, iPhone and iTouch are trademarks of Apple, Inc., and we are in no way associated with the company.

Fro's App World #3

By: Andy "fro" Popkin

Junk, junk and more JUNK
Over my first 2 installments I spent a bit of time sharing solid games and music applications for your iPhone. Today I'm going to show you some crap to AVOID at all costs. The App Store has thousands of applications, so it goes without saying: some are JUNK. Trust old Fro to show you a couple to avoid.

I Am Rich
Price: $999.99

Moron Alert!

The king app to avoid is no longer available, but I feel obligated to mention it for the pure reason that it has to be the "moron purchase of the year." Some shady app developer (Armin Heinrich, watch out if you see his name again) actually put a $999.99 application up that did nothing. That's right, "I Am Rich" simply places a red design on your screen and tells you that you're rich. The crazy thing? 8 idiots bought this for $999.99 before Apple yanked it!

Just to show you how absurd this $999.99 application was, here's a video:

Moral of the story? It seems Apple is pushing applications through so fast, it's buyer beware. Be careful before you click "Install." You might get charged $999.99 by some shady idiot.

Fro's Reasons to Download
- NONE

Fro's Reasons to Delete It
- Don't download it to begin with

Fro's Bars
- I give this app 0 bars (out of 5).

Tetris
Price: $9.99

Waste $10!

Many of you might be surprised to see Tetris on the junk list, but trust me, it's a ripoff. Amazingly, the app was created by EA, but it's just not that good. After a cool intro video, the game is your basic Tetris we've come to love. Why is there a problem then? First off, the app has been known to crash your iPhone or iTouch. That's right, upon installation and/or updating the app, you get what's called the "apple of death." Basically this means your phone is locked up and you have to completely reinstall the entire phone. NOT FUN.

However, the biggest reason to avoid this game before your fingers get happy and pay $9.99 is the fact that "Tris" is a free application that does the exact same thing. Yep, you iPhone app junkies can thank me later. I just saved you ten bucks. Get Tris for free.

Here's a demo of EA's Tetris:

Now here's a demo of the FREE application Tris:

If you're willing to spend $9.99 for some fancy intro graphics, EA's Tetris is for you. If you want the same game free, then get Tris.

Fro's Reasons to Download
- good graphics
- solid music
- lots of playing options

Fro's Reasons to Delete It
- been known to crash and lockup your iPhone/iTouch
- Tris is FREE!

Fro's Bars
- I give this app 2/5 stars. Shouldn't pay $9.99 for something you can get for free

Audi A4 Driving Challenge
Price: Free

Waste of a Download!

Some companies are jumping on the new iPhone/iTouch gaming platform in an effort to promote their products. The car company Audi has submitted a free driving game call the "Audi A4 Driving Challenge." (Another corporate example is the great free beer game by Carlsbad, but we felt we shouldn't review an alcohol app here on the site.)

Audi, although I've heard they make good cars, really bombed with this application. Although it's free, it's only rated 2 stars by 264 reviewers. The game is an eagle eye's view of a racing car that looks like it was made in 1987. The controls are nearly impossible to use. I'm shocked Audi would put their name on this junk. Instead of promoting Audi cars, this has convinced me to avoid them at all costs.

Fro's Reasons to Download
- It's free

Fro's Reasons to Delete It
- horrible game play
- terrible view for a racing game

Fro's Bars
- I give this app 1/5 stars. Only reason it gets 1 star is because it's free. Don't waste your time.

Thanks for reading! Remember what we've learned today: some apps are JUNK even if they're free. Also, never buy an application until you've searched for a free alternative.

Stay tuned for my next installment coming soon!

Fro's App World #3

Posted by: jlake02

Fro's App World #3

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