Top 10 best apps for the Apple TV

STILL unsure what to install on the new Apple TV? Here are the best apps for the big screen, from workouts to aspirational travel ideas.

The Zova girls from left to right: Dani Bonnor, Taylor Morgan, Revie Shultz, Libby Babet, Amanda Bisk and Yasmin Harnell

WHEN Apple unveiled its revamped Apple TV, the familiar set-top box come with something new: apps made just for the biggest screen in your home.

With an App Store of its own, the Apple TV has potential to be something more than a streaming media box. It could compete with game consoles.

But these are early days and the Apple TV App Store is in its infancy. Before you fill your device memory, here are 10 Apple TV apps you should definitely own.

Airbnb

Free

Possible holiday spots ... Airbnb accommodation ranges from luxurious to this Mudgeeraba location costing $25 per night.

Transferring this popular app to the big-screen has not expanded its functionality but it has expanded its view. Given the most enjoyable part of booking accommodation through Airbnb is in the visual treat of perusing holiday getaways, this takes the experience to the next level.

Badland

$8.99

This is a game that benefits from a big screen and bigger graphics. You must navigate a creature through a tunnel-like forest, floating above or ducking below obstacles that can kill you. It is not as easy as it sounds but it’s strangely compelling, and even more so as a big-screen experience.

Beat Sports

$14.99

Think of this as a Nintendo Wii-type sports game with the aim of making music. This was a flagship app highlighted when Apple unveiled the Apple TV and with good reason. It’s not perfect, and it’s expensive for an app, but it’s an indication of what gaming apps could be on this system.

Breakneck

Free with in-app purchases

One of the big improvements with Apple TV hardware is its remote control. Spin the controller on to its side and it’s your steering device for flying a craft around an alien world in this game.

Crossy Road

Free

Games on the big screen ... This Apple TV game lets you work out how to get the chicken across the road.

There are plenty of reasons to love this game, from the nostalgia that inspired it to the tale of a small Australian-developer doing great things on the world stage. Aside from that, it’s a compelling game that is just as great on the TV as it is on an iPhone. Navigating with a Siri Remote instead of touching the iPhone takes a bit of getting used to but it’s worth it.

Just Dance Now

Free with in-app purchases

It’s the well-known formula of mimicking dance moves but this app knows if you’ve got your groove on by the way you move the Siri Remote. It is the sort of app that will get your whole family moving.

Bust a move ... the Just Dance Now app is worth getting.

Hit Tennis 3

Free

Think of this entry into the top 10 as a bookmark for an underdeveloped game. It’s a tennis game where you swing the Siri Remote to hit the ball, competing against a succession of players on a range of courts. Where it really could improve is in greater control of angles. Also, it’s best to attach a strap to the remote control so you don’t hit the telly.

Using Siri ... Hit Tennis 3 is free and gives you room to take your best shot.

Zova — Personal Trainer

Free with in-app purchases

There is a reason Apple used this Australian-developed app to demo the Apple TV at launch. Targeted at women, it’s a way of doing exercise without hitting the gym, offering an extensive range of workout videos.

Streaks Workouts

$4.49

Rather than a personal trainer or fitness guru guiding your through an exercise routine, this app offers a stick figure to show you how many reps you need to do for each exercise.

Storehouse

Free

You can curate a photographic slide show through this app. Given entertaining slide show make more from less, this could stop friends and relatives nodding off.

Originally published as Top 10 best apps for the Apple TV