SpinArt Free

With an overwhelming number of apps out there, I was having a hard time deciding what to review this week. So I went to my favorite source-my 8 year old daughter. I asked her what her favorite app on her school Ipad was. Without hesitation she says SpinArt. So we sat down and played!

SpinArt Free takes our favorite messy craft and transforms it into a fun, on-the-go artistic challenge. To use you set your spin speed, select your paint colors, and watch as your masterpiece is created right in front of your eyes.

SpinArt Free is an ad-supported version of SpinArt so many features are reduced and you have ads to deal with, BUT it's FREE!! If you are not satisfies with what the free version offers, the full version is available for $1.99. the full version offers more color choices and backgrounds.

 

• Name of App: SpinArt Free
• Audience: Everyone
• Platform: iOS, Android
• What the App Does and why we recommend it: Takes the fun of painting any where you go with out the mess.
• What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
• Cost (at time of review): Free; full version $1.99

Goodbudget: Budget with a Why

Money Smart Week is April 23 - 30 this year. This is a public awareness campaign started by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to help people better manage their finances. 

A lot of financial experts recommend what is called the envelope system of budgeting.  This is essentially placing a certain amount of money in an envelope for a certain item and throughout the month you only use the money in that envelope.  

If you would like to try this, but don't want to mess with actual envelopes you can try the Goodbudget app.  This lets you set up envelopes for your budget on your mobile device.  You get 10 envelopes for free and can set up more for additional purchases.  After you set up your envelopes, you can then track your purchases out of that envelope.  You can sync and share your budget with other members of your household. Goodbudget also has a report feature that shows how your spending is going.  Goodbudget is also accessible on their website https://goodbudget.com/ 

So if you are inspired to better control your finances, you might give Goodbudget a try.

• Name of App: Goodbudget
• Audience: Adult
• Platform: iOS, Android
• What the App Does and why we recommend it: This app allows the patron to do the envelop budgeting system on their mobile device.
• What platform we used to recommend the app: Android
• Cost (at time of review): Free, with additional envelopes available for additional cost.

If you are interested in participating in any of KHCPL's Money Smart Week events, visit the library's website at www.kchpl.org.

SoundHound: Identify Songs and Lyrics with Your Device

Have you ever heard a song that sounds familiar, but you can't remember the name of the song or who sings it? SoundHound will help you track down those elusive tunes. SoundHound can identify and locate the music being played around you. It will even provide you with the lyrics to the song and take you to the song in either the Google Play store or iTunes. Title, artist, lyrics, and a chance to purchase your favorite music--all by letting SoundHound listen in.

When you hear a tune you would like to identify or see the lyrics to, simply open SoundHound, tap the SoundHound icon so that is says it is "Listening" and then let it come up with the list of possible songs.  It will need access to your microphone to work, so don't forget to give it access the first time you use the app.

SoundHound

• Name of App: SoundHound
• Audience: Adult and Teen
• Platform: iOS, Android
• What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app helps you identify and locate the music playing nearby.
• What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS 
• Cost (at time of review): Free, if you choose to purchase a song from Google Play or iTunes, you do have to pay for those songs, but this app is currently free.