The iPhone was such a phenomenal technological tidal wave that is was named by Time magazine as the "Invention of the Year" for 2007. Even now it is easy to see the impact the device has made with all the companies coming out with their own version. Has anyone seen the Android? People surprised to see one would most likely be made fun of. For that reason what will not be found here is a description.

As with all new ideas there comes the ever-growing world of terms associated with said innovation. One new word that came with the iPhone: App.

What are Apps? 3rd party app store is where the fun begins. With the iPhone come the phenomena known as "Apps", short for 'applications'. These are software programs custom-made by a third-party for both the iPhone as well as the iPod Touch. A lot of these software devices may be quite practical, anywhere from paying bills online or to find the definition for a certain word. Then there are the fun ones, like Starblaster that includes a phaser-like weapon and something that looks much like a tricorder, as in Star Trek.

There are also Apps for many kinds of games or Apps geared toward finding out the latest on a particular celebrity. Some of these are available for free. Others are a few cents on up to a few dollars. These Apps can be acquired online through the web on a computer or directly through an iPhone by way of Apple's iTunes through their "App Store", appropriately enough.

Obviously, the most fun Apps are the games. With a little looking around one can find some pretty addicting games for no cost at all, like FallDown! For those games with a price tag, there's a game called Spore Creatures where the player can create their own denizens and watch them evolve from primordial ooze and inhabit the environment for a few bucks.

Apps have become so popular there are now Apps to find Apps, like Appfinder and Chomp. These Apps help the user through what appeals to them. A few come with reviews of the Apps available. Just like what was true about the old board games is equally true about game Apps. Some may be uninspiring or just plain boring along with the truly fun ones. Either way there is a whole new take on how to occupy oneself.