The 4th of July is nearly upon us as we continue to gear up for whatever backyard bbq, day at the beach, or fireworks extravaganza we feel it is our duty as patriotic American citizens to participate in. And while those popular means of celebrating are oh so right, some people prefer to exert their liberty by enjoying the perks afforded them by their smartphones. Because nothing screams freedom like the best iPhone and Android apps for the 4th of July to help you celebrate Independence Day.
1. 4th of July Facts—Android 1.5 and up—Free
I’ll be the first to admit that this isn’t the most enticing or flashy app available, but it’s free and it’s informative. If you’re going to celebrate the 4th of July, you might as well know what it is exactly you’re celebrating. But as you’ll see in the screenshot below, they’re not the most insightful facts around. Still, whoever created the app is on the right track. Now time for some facts that matter. Like, did you know George Washington was at one point the largest distiller of whiskey in the country churning out 11,000 gallons one year? Fact.
2. Fireworks—iOS 6 and up—$0.99
Not everyone will have the luxury to sit back and enjoy the beautiful bursts of light and color we send flaring up into the sky every year. So, why not make your own? The Fireworks app in the iTunes Store lets the user create their own fireworks using scalable explosions and sparks set on top of 15 different background choices from around the globe (and moon). Sound effects are available but the app lets users set their own music to their own fireworks show.
3. Slow Shutter Cam—iOS 4.3 and up-–$0.99
For those who are lucky enough to catch some fireworks, surely you don’t want to lose those memories in the back of your head forever. With Slow Shutter Cam you can not only shoot photos of those flashy fireworks, but also capture a variety of amazing slow shutter speed effects that literally decelerate the action snapshots to create light trails. You’ll never want regular digital pics of your favorite fireworks show ever again.
4. ScapPad—iOS 5 and up—Free
Now that we have your bases covered in terms of awesome photo apps like Slow Shutter Cam, you’ll want to scrapbook them to keep them safe but also festive. ScapPad lets users create an interactive scrapbook of their favorite photos while laying them on top of 4th of July-style templates.Use your fingers to touch, drag, pull, plop and pinch your layout to just the way you want it. Because this is America and you can arrange it any way you feel like it.
5. Lady Liberty—Android 2.2 and up-–Free
The only thing better than watching interactive fireworks with your favorite worldwide destination as the backdrop is watching them explode over my girl, Lady Liberty. Similar to Fireworks for iOS, Lady Liberty is a digital fireworks show set over the Statue of Liberty in good ol’ New York Harbor. Users can opt to adjust the sound effects, volume levels, speed of fireworks, amount of fireworks, and decide between a night or day setting.
