One More Tap

Flashlight applications may come in handy at the very odd timing. I was at the cinema the other day and had to find my way in the darkness. I had my iPod touch with me, but it barely helps as the brightness was not set appropriately. I regretted deleting one of the flashlight apps that I installed recently, blaming novelty versus usefulness.

Now, it’s amazing how flashlight applications can remain on the iTunes App Store’s Top Free Apps list for so long. Currently, Flashlight and myLite Flashlight claims the title of Top Flashlight apps.

Since regretting deleting Flashlight, I went on and searched for every flashlight application that I could find in the iTunes App Store. I was lucky to find twelve of such apps. Note that my search criteria is for free apps. Read on to find out more about these flashlight apps.

FiatLux – A very simple flashlight application. Comes with five different colours including a multicolor option. Screen brightness may be configured via the on-screen configuration slider. Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps

Flashlight – The current champion flashlight application. Simple and easy enough to use. The app sets the entire screen to white immediately upon launch. Swiping the screen up and down changes the brightness setting, while flicking left and right lets you change the color displayed. Six colors available for your liking. There’s also a handy strobe light mode for emergency needs, you get Trippy, SOS, Emergency and Deep Trippy modes. The developer promises a version 1.5 with improved access to settings (currently, you’ll need to hold on to the screen to access the settings), new effects and better app performance. Rating: 4.5/5.0 Taps

iBlackout – This one’s a paid title which I got accidentally without noticing the price. Anyhow, the app comes with other features beyond the flashlight function. You also get a stunningly beautiful video of burning fire, tints and effects as well as a multicolor party light. You can also choose your own photo to be used as an effect. It would be good if the application makes full use of the screen estate. This app is worth every cent you pay for. Rating: 4.5/5.0 Taps

LEDFlashLight – The simplest flashlight application you can find. The author claims that there’s a light blue hue that simulates a true LED flashlight, but I’m not seeing it. Some settings would be appreciated. Rating: 3.5/5.0 Taps

LlamaLlight – This one aims to be different from the other apps out there. There are no configurations screens to fiddle with, but a white little llama in the middle of the screen. Tap on it to set your base color. Tap again to setup alternate colors that blink through. If you want a flashlight, remember not to touch the screen once launched. Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps

Light – Thomas Edison gave us the practical electric light bulb that helped change the modern world we know today. SavySoda brings this creation to live with the Light application. Meant to be a reading light, the screen brightens up with a slightly tinted tone to ease the burden on the eyes. SavySoda claims that the light shall stay on permanent, but that doesn’t seem to occur on my iPod touch. Anyone with an iPhone can help verify this? Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps

myLighter – This won’t be your real flashlight as it only displays a lighter with its flame on. Unlike the Virtual Zippo Lighter, the flame doesn’t react to movement of the device. However, as useful as this app is, it comes with beautifully rendered graphics. Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps

myLite Flashlight – This one is from the same developer that brings you myLighter. Developer claims this to be the Swiss Army Knife of all flashlights. Yes, it is. Not only do you get the basic functions of a flashlight, the app also comes with features like Strobe, Emergency, Trippin, Police Car, Fire Truck and many other lighting effects. You get full control of how these effects take off. This one also comes with an improved myLighter built-in: you can finally flint the lighter on and off. Yay! Rating: 4.5/5.0 Taps

Pulsar – Unique psychedelic strobing night light application that also doubles as a useful flashlight. The strobing light comes with four different designs and adjustable pulse rate of color flow and randomness. Also supports the accelerometer features for changing colors. Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps

Crazy Pumpkin – Not very much of a flashlight, but its useful during Halloween. This one brings your Jack-O-Lantern to live with scary sound effects and visuals to boot. Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps

SOS Light – Turns your iPhone/iPod touch into an SOS device for sending distress signals. Choose from different colors to be attached to the SOS light. This is the first app that doesn’t shut down the device while on use. Rating: 4.5/5.0 Taps

Utils – This one’s a rather unique combination of several functions. You get a password generator, a Where Am I function, and a flashlight all-in-one. The flashlight app is as simple as it can get. Double-tap to select from nine different colors. The password generator and Where Am I does what it’s supposed to as advertised. Rating: 4.5/5.0 Taps

Now, you’ll probably say that the list is overwhelming. I tend to agree. But that’s the extent I went to find the best flashlight application out there. So far, I’m pushing my recommendations towards myLite Flashlight. It’s a combination of usefulness, configurable and novelty. I’m keeping this one in my device.

Well, give these apps a try, after all, they are mostly free. Keep the ones you like and remove those that you don’t want from your device. Developers may update their apps and when they do, feel free to sync them back into your device to see if there’s any new that you may like.

written by xcool \\ tags: Apps, Free, iPhone, iPod touch, iTunes Store, Utilities