History

I still think that History is an under-developed area on the App Store and there is plenty of room for more apps which look at different areas of historical interest. This is particularly true when it comes to apps which address key areas of the history curriculum for British schools, colleges and universities. Given the rich media which can be used to good effect in apps, developers have huge scope for bringing history to life with images, audio and video. The ability to use 3D image rendering to create scenes and characters from history could be exploited to create rich and engaging apps for learners. The iPad could really bring history to life with some careful implementation from developers.

The app ‘Epic Citadel’ clearly demonstrates the capacity of the iPad and iOS to graphically render realistic virtual worlds and this could be used to great effect in historical apps. Indeed I have used this app as part of a project on the Tudors as the castle and surroundings offer a superb medieval landscape.

DaVinci - Classic Artists Gallery (£0.69)

Contains his drawings and artwork of human anatomy and machines - some nudity.

History: Maps of the World (free)

Over 100 historical maps scanned in high quality from the 4th century onwards.

Dinosaur Handbook (£1.49)

Has 1400+ dinosaurs catalogued and referenced with images and written details about each one.

World History Documents (£1.99)

Contains 350 significant documents and speeches from world history plus some audio & video files.

Today in History (free)

Useful app which picks out selected events in history and provides some info plus links for further details.

Winston Churchill’s Speeches (free/£2.49)

Churchill’s war time speeches - 5 free then in-app purchases to unlock all.

Black HistoryPad (£2.99)

Identifies significant Black people in history - it is USA-based so omits people like Mary Seacole.

Interactive Historical Atlas (£6.99)

Excellent visual app which looks at significant events during ancient times, middle ages & the modern era.

History Tools (£0.69)

Contains significant births, deaths and events in history plus the ability to add your own event history.

HD Stone Age (£0.69)

Contains a lot of info about the Stone, Ice and Middle Ages but could have better interface.

Battle of Britain - Churchill’s Few (£1.49)

Detailed reference app containing info about German and UK aircraft, commanders and squadrons.

World War II, 1939-1945 (£1.49)

Breaks WW2 down into 312 locations and events and then links to wikipedia for details - nice interface.

London 1647 (free)

Interesting app which uses a mid 17th century map of London with 19 points of interest - needs internet.

Timeline Eons (free/£2.99)

Fantastic history app with a lot of potential if developed further - heavily focused on the USA.

Londinium (free)

Historical view of London making links between Roman London and the city today.

Virtual History - ROMA (£6.99)

Immersive 3D app which takes you back to ancient Rome - .