Magnificent five. Summer 2016, part one

We open the summer season with five fresh apps for your Android – device.

Your attention is offered: a utility to increase the productivity of the workflow, live wallpapers with a natural theme, a text quest from popular quadrology, a database of technical parameters for gadgets and an arcade game in which you have to control two characters at once.

5217
(Francisco Franco)

In one study from two years ago, a way was found to increase the productivity of the work process, we are talking about intellectual work. The result of the research was a kind of variation of the Pomodoro method, in the new interpretation of which, for every 52 minutes of work, there should be 17 minutes of rest, with complete 'disconnection' from work and the computer. The new concept is based on the idea that repetitive tasks will sooner or later lead to cognitive fatigue, especially if performed during an eight-hour workday. The authors of the concept considered the best way to 'restore' mindfulness just such a rest.

The 5217 is essentially a simple timer that counts down the work and rest cycles and notifies in accordance with the beginning of the next cycle. The interface is as austere as possible, which, in principle, seems to be quite an adequate step, you should not expect some kind of visual extravaganza from such a product. There are several options available in the settings, through which you can customize the behavior of the application. Purely subjectively, the method helps, I felt it on the example of a large translation of rather monotonous information on a topic that is not entirely interesting to me. The brain tries to find absolutely any occupation, as long as not translation. But the deadlines are tight, and you have to force yourself, such applications will become 'helpers' in this. The only negative is the price, it was possible to ask for less. Advise fans of time management.

Cost: ~ 75 r,
Requirements: version Android 4.1+

Flatland
(maxelus.net)

No, this is not an action game or a philosophical reading of the book of the same name. The application is a collection of live wallpapers that go together quite well with the Material Design concept. I've seen a similar style in Badland and Dark Lands. Can we talk about a kind of trend in the depiction of the landscape in perspective? The question is open.

The user can choose any of the three plots and then choose the main shades of the color scheme for the plot used. The animation is smooth, it does not interfere with the work, however, this parameter may depend on the specific device, however, as well as the level of battery consumption. Visually, it turned out nicely, there are no too bright accents, I liked it. From the general design of the program, in my opinion, the design of the settings is somewhat knocked out, some of it is completely from the past, it is worth finding fault. Advice to lovers of animated nature.

Cost: 90 rubles.
Requirements: version Android 2.3+

Lifeline: Whiteout
(3 Minute Games LLC)

We can say that I got hooked on Lifeline, completed three games, I really like the format that does not require one hundred percent immersion in the gameplay: I found a minute – I went in, read the messages and then get to work. The fourth part from the creators of the Lifeline, already mentioned more than once on the pages of AMP, was marked by cooperation with Eipix Entertainment and introduces the player to a new character – Adams V, who woke up in the middle of a frozen wasteland without any memories of his past. Somehow he 'gets in touch' with the player, following the tradition of the series asking him for advice on his every move or decision.

From quadrology, White Mist was remembered most of all, apparently, the plot played a role, the adventures of the witch in the second and the return of Taylor in the third were fleeting. The game has support for Android Wear, an additional plus for smartwatch owners. Advise fans of text quests and those who liked the past parts of Lifeline.

Cost: 200 r.
Requirements: version Android 4.0.3+

SpecOut
(Graphiq)

English-language database of technical parameters of smartphones, tablets, laptops, fitness trackers and other gadgets. For devices, descriptions of one or another technical component are available, that is, here is not just a catalog with characteristics, but a kind of mini-reviews for each device.

By analogy with Versus, the application also provides an option to compare gadgets with each other, as well as news materials for each category. In my opinion, a convenient directory with adequate reviews and no ads. Advise those who don't like Yandex.Market.

Cost: Free
Requirements: version Android 4.0+

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
(505 Games SRL)

The popular console game has recently appeared on Android, having gained popularity quite quickly. In the story, two brothers have to go on a journey to the Tree of Life in order to find a cure for their seriously ill father. On the way, the guys lie in wait for various obstacles and dangers, which they can only overcome by acting together as a team. As you might have guessed, the control is carried out by two characters at once. It's a bit weird at first, but it's not hard to develop a habit.

The brothers will have to run away from their pursuers, jump, swim, fly, use various mechanisms, and all this will require joint efforts. Quite a good implementation is supported by a very cool musical range, it is a pleasure to play with headphones. In general, it turned out to be an excellent game that is suitable for a wide range of users.

Cost: 200 r.
Requirements: version Android 4.0+, age category 16+ (explicit violence)

In the process of compiling the review, I noted that 4 out of 5 mentioned applications are paid. The fact is not embarrassing, I think it is correct to pay developers. I do not want to force anyone to spend money, but 'pirate' is also not worth it. All good.