After Twitter, PM set to conquer app space

After Twitter, PM set to conquer app space

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently became the most followed Indian on Twitter beating film star Amitabh Bachchan, is now setting new records on his own ‘Narendra Modi mobile app’. The app, often referred to as ‘NM on the go’, has already been downloaded 2.5 million times. While the PM’s official app was launched in June 2015, it was Apple CEO Tim Cook who brought it alive two months ago. Cook launched the upgraded version of the app in June 2016 during his India visit.

The PM wants his app to connect with people in the remotest places of the country. It is being seen as a powerful tool of direct communication, ahead of several state elections next year and then the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, an official pointed out. Modi is looking at a growth of at least 20 times in the use of his app, translating to a user base of at least 50 million in the months to come, sources have indicated. The number might still be far from blockbuster games such as Pokémon GO, Angry Birds, Talking Tom and Candy Crush, but the PM’s app could catch up with many others.

A look at Google’s Play Store shows the number of downloads for some of the popular apps. Among the free apps, the Indian Railways train status app has seen an estimated five million downloads and the number is the same for IRCTC as well as SBI Anywhere.(more)

Great casual cricket

Great casual cricket

It's the T20 season. First the World Cup, now IPL. And when you see your chosen team slog it out in the field, your hands are bound to itch for a grip on the willow. Whether you manage to actually knock around a ball or not, you can always grip your smartphone and take a few bowlers for a ride if you have the right app handy. Circle of Cricket is a good option. In fact, if you have a powerful enough phone, spare memory and the battery on your side, this is a great option.

The 108MB game can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store, while its in-app purchases range between Rs 60 and Rs 300. The game offers a Twenty20 tournament mode, quick match mode and a one-day mode. Its focus however is on the T20 format, wherein lies its best experience.

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First, do not go hunting for a Cricket Captain experience. You don't find one here, and you don't need one. Keeping that in mind, the graphics are good. Players look quite similar to their real-world counterparts. The range of shots is varied enough to keep the runs coming. Bowlers, are a tad bit prone to no-balls, but once you get the hang of it, wickets aren't a problem. Overall detailing is pleasing.

The Game, thankfully, lets you use swipe gestures to play the shots instead of complicated key combinations, making it easier to master. Drag longer for hits, and take small swipes for defence. However, the gameplay is challenging and tough enough to keep you glued for that hour-and-a-half-long Metro ride, and winning matches won't come easy.Read More.