Apple released a new iTunes U app for iPhone/iPad as part of its educational event on Jan 19. iTunes U is a free app that allows you to access the educational audio/video podcast of iTunes Store on your iDevices. With the release of iTunes U app, Apple is transforming iTunes U into an educational platform allowing teachers to include course syllabus, handouts, assignments and other materials. As part of the launch, there are already over 100 courses optimized for iDevices from universities such as Yale, Duke, MIT, Stanford etc.

iTunes U on App Store

If you have a computational question, WolframAlpha will definitely give a faster and more comprehensive answer than web search results. WolframAlpha has a vast knowledge engine covers wide range of domains such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Materials, Engineering, Astronomy, Medicine, Geography, Finance etc. WolframAlpha is a Universal app for iPhone/iPad at $2.99, and requires an Internet connection for the app to work.

WolframAlpha at App Store

It is a new year, and a new App of the Week. We just can not recommend any other app this week. Hot on the heels of winning iPad App of the Year in App Store Rewind 2011 by Apple editorial, the $4.99 photo app is now free for a limited period on the App Store.

Snapseed is developed by Nik Software, a software company specialized in professional photo editing and effects. Snapseed brings pro-level photo editing to the iOS by giving you fine editing controls. Snapseed is a universal app, and we must admit it is tough to work on photos on iPhone’s small screen. But Snapseed shines when you use it on iPad.

Snapseed on App Store

Alfred is a productivity app that can do many things. You invoke Alfred with a customizable hot-keys which will bring out the command bar. Enter an app name or search term and Alfred will execute your order. Alfred is an app launcher and a search helper. Alfred can also do basic calculations, check word spellings and helps you issue system commands.

Alfred on Mac App Store

Words With Friends is social gaming at its best. Similar to an electronic version of Scrabble, you can play Words With Friends against a friend from your contact list, find a friend or play from a random opponent from its more than 20 million users. There is an HD version for iPad and ads supported free versions as well.

Words With Friends

Words With Friends Free

Words With Friends HD

Words With Friends HD Free

Path has just released version 2, with a revamped interface that is about sharing all aspect of your life, photos, vides, message, songs, location and even sleep. Called it a micro blogging app or life journal app, Path 2 is what the app should have been in the first place. The famous 50 person limit is increased to 150 in Path 2. Yes there is still a limit to the number of people you can share things in the app. And the app now sync your Path pots with Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Tumblr.

Path on App Store

Popular indie game Minecraft has made it into the Apple iOS world. Minecraft Pocket Edition is an universal app for both iPhone and iPad. The game however is a scaled down version of the full version on PC/Mac. Minecraft Pocket Edition lacks the survival mode, has a different control using touch, only has 36 type of blocks  and visible elements differences such as terrain, water and sky. Nevertheless, developer Mojang has mentioned that they are working to close the feature gap between the Pocket Edition and the full version.

If you’re not a fan, check out the free Minecraft Pocket Edition Lite to find out what the hype is all about. The Lite version has fewer block types and you can’t save your progress in the game.

Minecraft – Pocket Edition

Minecraft – Pocket Edition Lite

If you’re running out of new levels for Angry Birds or Cut The Rope, check out Where’s My Water?, another addictive game to fill your hours. Check out this game to find out playing with water on your iPhone or iPad could be fun. Coming from Disney, Where’s My Water? is only $0.99 and is a universal app for both iPhone and iPad.

Where’s My Water? on App Store

Jenga for the iOS is possibly the best electronic approximation of a game of physical blocks. This is the official game designed with the help of the original Jenga creator Leslie Scott. The standard poke, flick and pull controls are all translated to your mobile screens, except for the tactile feedback. The game now even sports online multiplayer mode for emulating the social nature of the physical game. And there is a version for the Mac as well.

Jenga for iPhone

Jenga HD for iPad

Jenga for Mac

If you have the time to kill playing a fun RPG-style game, then Battleheart is an obvious choice. Battleheart appears simplified with its touch based interface, but this party-based combat game is anything but as you progress. Highly regarded, Battleheart has been reviewed with labels such as “fabulous” and “fantastic”. Battleheart is a universal app at $2.99 for both iPhone and iPad.

Battleheart on App Store