6 (sort of) must have Valentine's Day apps
With Valentine’s Day bearing down on us like a raging nor’easter, here are some apps to help you navigate those tricky romantic waters
Valentine’s Day, the holiday about love that it seems everybody hates, is almost here. Whether you’re a Valentine’s Day junky or someone who considers it just another Hallmark holiday, if you’re in a relationship, there isn’t much of a way around it. You’d better come up with the goods for your sweetie or else.
[Can love be scientific? and Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe send patches for Valentine's Day]
Like it or not, Valentine's Day is almost here
Image credit: REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel
Well, thankfully, unlike in the olden days of, say, 1995, when you actually had to put some effort into a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift or date, the Internet has simplified things. Throw on top of that mobile devices and, best of all, apps, and you don’t need much more than a smartphone, a credit card and a thumb to be able to impress your special someone. Or, at least, avoid sleeping on the couch.
To that end, let us count some of the ways that the Internet can help, with six (sort of) must have Valentine’s Day apps.
Love Calculator
Cost: Free
Available for iOS and Android
First things first. Before going whole hog and ordering those two dozen long-stemmed roses, how about making sure you and your significant other are really made for each other? This app uses the tried and true matching technology of etymology; that is, it compares your names to “calculate the probability of a successful relationship”. Why not give it a try? Worst case: you two aren’t a match and you save yourself a few bucks and won't need to bother shaving or putting on pants on Valentine's Day.
Romantic wallpaper
Cost: $.99
Available for Android
If you’re willing to spend (almost) a whole dollar on the object of your affections and s/he has an Android device that you can get access to, you might want to consider installing this sweet little app on it. It’ll draw romantic phrases on his or her screen, like “love” and “kiss” and “forever.” If your significant other isn’t freaked out by you hacking into his or her device, it should get you a few bonus romance points.
Hello Vino
Cost: Free
Available for iOS and Android
Let’s face it, no matter what we say, the vast majority of us really know nothing about wine. Thanks to Hello Vino, this is no longer a problem if you’re taking your love out to a nice dinner or preparing that cozy, romantic meal at home. It can help you pick a wine based on wine ratings and tasting notes, or based on food pairings or your taste preferences. It can even recognize a wine based on the label. Just be sure that if you use this in a restaurant that you pull your smartphone out when your date is powdering her nose so she doesn’t think you’re checking work email or the score of the game in the middle of your romantic meal.
Engagement Ring Finder
Cost: Free
Available for iOS and Android
Suppose that the Love Calculator (see above) says that you and your mate are a match and you’re ready to settle down, long term, and you want to pop the question on Valentine’s Day. This app can help you pick out the right engagement ring. You can view rings in 3D, at multiple angles and even how they look on a hand. If you see that special ring, you can use the app to get a price quote - just make sure you’re sitting down and breathing deeply when the quote comes in. Also, don’t be one of those people who pops the question between periods at a hockey game on the jumbotron, unless you’re really really really sure she’ll say yes.
Free Candle/Candle Free
Cost: Free
Available for iOS and Android
These two apps can help you set the mood via candlelight if you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day in a hotel room or somewhere open flames are prohibited, like an airplane or oil refinery. The iOS version will also let you play music from your device at the same time, while in the Android version the candle flame will follow your movements with “realistic physics.” Both versions allow you to “blow out” the candle by blowing into the device microphone, so you can impress your sweetie with your magical powers.
Kissing Test
Cost: Free
Available for iOS and Android
This app is for those of you extremely insecure types who want to assess the quality of your kissing skills. You literally pucker up, put your lips to the device screen and have at it. The app will then analyze your smooching ability. No word if the kid in that awful GoDaddy Super Bowl ad used this app to prep for his big moment.
Do you have any apps that you’ve used to help plan for Valentine’s Day or just for showing how much you love your spouse or steady date? Let’s hear about it in the comments.
