This Week in iOS Apps: Relax!

This week’s roundup includes apps for music, coloring, watching movies, and playing games. Relax and read on!

Canva (freemium, iPhone and iPad) lets users create pro-level graphics using easily tweaked templates and photo editing tools; the latest update brings the app to the iPhone, along with hundreds of new layouts designed for use on the phone.

Can we call it a trilogy? Dots & Co (freemium, iPhone and iPad) comes from the same developer who brought Dots and Two Dots to iOS gamers. The sequel lets players “explore beautiful landscapes and embark on a visual journey” through 155 dot-connecting levels. This game is also available in color-blind mode. 

We’re fond of the Google Photos (free, iPhone and iPad) app—particularly the “assistant” mode that automatically makes movies and albums out of your otherwise unorganized pile of pics. The newest update features improved support for “burst” photos, a new cropping tool, and faser app startup.

Letterboxd (free, iPhone) is the “social network for film lovers.” You can log the films you’ve seen, rate and review them, and check in to see what movies your friends are enjoying. The idea? To find even more good movies to watch.

Politaire (freemium, iPhone and iPad) is a blend of poker and solitaire, which probably means you will never, ever stop playing. The goal: Make winning hands with five active cards in your hand, while choosing which cards to discard and which to keep in your pursuit of the win. 

In its pre-iOS iteration, Scrivener ($20, iPhone and iPad) was one of the most-beloved writing programs in use by professional writers. It’s pretty good in its new mobile version, as well: Macworld’s Seamus Bellamy calls it “a robust, flexible writing tool that will serve you well.”

Have you joined the adult coloring book trend? Tayasui Color ($2, iPhone and iPad) offers 12 illustrations and four in-app drawing tools that come with their own “tool sounds.” “Our patented Sound Engine provides realistic sounds while you’re coloring for a genuinely soothing and immersive experience,” the developers say. The result, they hope, is a relaxing coloring book experience.

Wonder (free, iPhone and iPad) is like a Pandora for indie music lovers: Create instant playlists based on tracks you like, and save favorite tracks for later listening. Artists you like can be shared with your hipster friends via social networks, naturally, so you can let them know you were first to discover the coolest bands.

Ghostbusters: Slime City lets you prove that you ain’t ‘fraid of no ghosts. …  Skype’s update offers easy ways to find bots for chats … Microsoft Groove now makes it easier to find the music you’re looking for … BBC iPlayer Radio is now available for U.S. listeners.