Top 5 Apps for Winter Olympic schedules, shows, and more
The 2010 Winter Olympic games are the most technologically advanced Games in history. To keep up with the events and fit in with the hosts, who, if you weren't sure, are most definitely not Americans, consider downloading one or all of these five iPhone apps:
Whether you鈥檙e standing slope-side in Whistler or ringside in Vancouver, avoid the tawdry muffled mitten clap and support the Olympians with a few clangs of a traditional Alpine Cowbell. For 99 cents, Cowbell 2010 funnels to your iPhone or iTouch not only a working cowbell that you can emblazon with your preferred national flag, but all the tools you鈥檒l need to stay up to date with the Winter Games. Includes a Twitter feed following more than 100 Winter Olympic athletes; a complete two-week events schedule; and up-to-date overall medal counts.
This free app -- the official mobile software of the 2010 Winter Games 鈥� is loaded with goodies. In addition to schedules, medal counts, and real-time results, the 2010Guide boasts location-based software for you event ticket holders. Turn-by-turn directions will guide you smoothly to the more than 80 Olympic venues.
If you caught the Opening Ceremonies then you know Z isn鈥檛 鈥渮ee鈥� in Canada. For 99 cents, you鈥檒l be able to avoid any miscommunication 鈥渒erfluffles鈥� (stressful situations) and blend in with the Canadians. So, whether you鈥檙e heading to the Games, The Peg (Winnipeg), or Tronno (Toronto), be sure you know to when to drop your 鈥渆hs鈥� and whether or not to be offended if you鈥檙e told you鈥檙e looking 鈥渄ekey鈥� (it鈥檚 a compliment).
Why should the Olympians have all the fun? With over 200 trails 鈥� only a portion of which are closed during the Games 鈥� you too can test out the legendary Whistler powder (even though it may be imported) (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Olympics/2010/0212/How-Vancouver-can-hold-a-Winter-Olympics-with-no-snow). The 99-cent app includes high-resolution maps of the mountains and Whistler village, snow reports, and live webcams.
Whether you鈥檙e traveling alone or with kids in tow, a vacation to the Games can quickly ring up an Olympic-sized bill. For a modest investment (99 cents), you鈥檒l receive a full schedule of the 160 free concerts and events held in and around Vancouver and Whistler during the two-week-long Games. Hourly updates, editor鈥檚 picks, and Google map links will help keep your budget in gold medal standing.
Visit our Vancouver homepage for complete coverage. Follow staff writer Christa Case Bryant as she live from the Games.
