Free Apps Roundup for June 25th, 2010

So did you get one? An iPhone 4? If you did, I’m sure you’d be happy to get some apps for free. Even if you didn’t, you probably upgraded to iOS 4. So, this week, I’ve not only assembled my normal best free apps of the week list, I’ve also rounded up a number of notable apps that have been updated to support iOS 4. Take a look.

• Parking Mate – This is one of the coolest utilities I’ve seen in a long while. It helps you remember when and where you parked, with a very cool interface. It will save important information like how long the meter has, if there is one, your GPS location, an optional picture of the location, and a note. The app will let you know when you’re about to run out of time, which is a great. This one has iAd support, but it’s still pretty nifty.
• RedLaser – You’re no stranger to looking for the best deal, this is a free apps roundup after all. As such, you’ll probably like the newly free RedLaser app. It uses the camera on your iPhone to scan barcodes. It then takes this barcode and searches the Internet for whatever product it might be using several different shopping search engines, including Google Product Search and TheFind. Basically, the app wants to be pulled out and used in a store when you see a product you like. It then finds cheaper place to buy it online. Simple.
• FarmVille – I’m still amazed at how many people are intrigued at the idea of virtual farming, but would never dare entertain the thought of real farming. It’s just inconsistent. Anyway, if you’d like to (continue to) pretend to be a farmer without actually doing much of anything, this is your game. It hooks up with your FaceBook account so you can play pretty much anywhere. Sorry, I just don’t understand this one, but I know many will enjoy it.
• Walpapers H.D. – 240 beautiful wallpapers that would work great on your iPad. There isn’t a whole lot else to say here, but it’s a pretty nice set of images, so check it out.
• iFretboard: Guitar Chords LE – Ready to play something other than a power chord? If you said yes, then you might find this app useful. It has a huge database of guitar chords (first position only) that are formatted specially for the iPad’s screen. Chords are easy to find and read, making it a great tool for guitarists. If you need more positions, you can buy the full app.
• DataAnalysis – It’s the actuary in me that makes me want to tell you about a pretty cool app for analyzing data. I know, probably doesn’t sound like the most fun thing ever, but if you need it, this could be a real help. It loads data sets, plots graphs, fits data in numerous ways and even outputs to PDF. Again, this one won’t appeal to most, but it’s pretty slick, so I felt the need to mention it. iPad only.
• Windows Live Messenger – I’m not a fan of Windows, but I’m sure someone out there could use this app. That is all.
• AirType – Paint words across the air with this app. It works on the idea of persistence of vision. You’ll get the best results in low light situations. If you’re intrigued, grab it now, because it’s only free while Denmark is in the World Cup.

iOS 4 Updated Free Apps

These are the apps that show how iOS 4 will make things so much better, especially if you have an iPhone 3GS or an iPhone 4 even moreso.

• Pandora – Streams in the background, and even interfaces with the standard controls that used to be reserved for iPod.app only. That means you can use your headphone controls to skip or pause songs.
• Slacker Radio – Pretty much the same as Pandora in terms of iOS 4 features, but this app is a little more like traditional or satellite radio.
• Twitter – Fast app switching, background posting, retina display and even a fancy new icon.
• Dropbox – Will complete uploads and syncs in the background and supports fast app switching.
• WordPress for iPhone – Fast app switching and retina display support.
• Evernote – Will continue to record voice notes in the background, and now supports fast app switching.
• NY Times – Lemme guess, fast app switching?
• Fandango – It’s no “Now Playing” (which currently doesn’t work, very sad), but it does support fast app switching, which is fine by me.
• LinkedIn – Fast app switching. Noticing a pattern yet?