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In my current App Smart column, I describe some of the difficulties I had with movie-related apps that failed to provide quick information on the content of children’s movies. If the developers of the best movie apps have children – or any concerns about their children’s exposure to profanity, violence or sexual situations – it didn’t show. That’s why Kids In Mind ($2 on Apple and $4 on Android, with add-on fees for new movie reviews) is such a find. The app includes reviews of more than 3,000 movies that are popular with kids and teens, with graphics that quickly address items that parents worry most about: sex, violence and profanity. You can also search the database according to how the films scored on those elements. Beyond the ratings, Kids In Mind describes scenes that might be of concern to parents. “Megamind” scores relatively low on violence, for instance, but the app’s description of an alien shooting a bullet into a man’s nose could be helpful for parents of younger children. The descriptions are reliable and easy to read, the graphics are helpful, and the authors appear well-positioned to keep up with new releases. As a result, Kids In Mind has locked down a spot on my list of most useful parenting apps. Read More

It’s hard to believe, but it looks like we’re finally out of the doldrums of winter. For those who live in climates with more distinguishable seasons, April bears witness to the emergence of the warmer sun, longer days, and the promise of summer — all ushering in the start of another gardening season. Those who garden know that timing is everything, and a bountiful crop requires planning and organization. For novice and advanced gardeners alike, there is always something that can be learned about getting the best from the earth. Following are 10 great gardening apps that serve that very purpose, and can help yield juicier tomatoes, more fragrant rosemary, and brighter hydrangeas. Although the cost of this app is high, gardeners of all levels will appreciate the sheer volume of information that is contained in Landscaper’s Companion. This app serves as an encyclopedia of more than 1,400 plants across 16 categories, including perennials, shrubs, annuals, house plants and more. There are also approximately 5,700 photos within the app for visual reference.   Cost: $9.99  Fruit Garden focuses on the harvesting of 22 different fruits, and includes tips and tricks on soil preparation, planting, and recommended varieties. Note, the harvesting schedule in this app is specific to the UK, but even if you are not in that region, valuable information about growing each fruit can still be gleaned. Cost: $1.99  iGarden is a comprehensive compilation of fruit and vegetable harvesting schedules based on your designated zone. When any particular seed is selected, helpful information such as days to harvest, planting depth, space between rows and optimum germination temperatures is offered. Each entry also includes recommended insecticides to keep your plants pest-free.  Cost: $4.99  Speaking of bugs, with a database of more than 900 pests, the Bugs and Insects app is a great resource for gardeners looking to determine the culprits who have been nibbling on their harvests, or just identify frequent visitors. Users can create lists, tag “favorite” bugs, or just flip through the entire database to satisfy a curiosity about entomology.  Cost: $0.99  Botany Buddy focuses solely on trees and shrubs and contains information on approximately 1,300 species. One hindrance is the lack of an A-Z directory from which to peruse. Instead, users must enter a search term to find the tree or shrub of choice. Despite this, the app provides very detailed information and also enables registered users to share Read More