Without fail, it tends to be the apps of the day that lull-proof family events. Folks of all ages are often quickly brought together by a group-made Snapchat story or introduction to Face Swap, and it’s bound to end in laughter and make some memories. Download a couple of these app and have them at the ready for your next family gathering to make sure the good times keep rolling.
Snapchat (iOS / Android)—Discovering Snapchat is pretty fascinating. You just take a picture with your camera phone, then add text and drawings to it, select the recipients you want to share it with, decide how long you want the message to be visible (up to 10 seconds), and send. String your snaps together and make a Snapchat Story. This app is as simple to use as it is hilariously entertaining for creative peeps.
Face Swap Live (iOS)—Face Swap Live lets you switch faces with a friend or a photo in real-time. So, you record a video of yourself and a pal on your phone, and the app will switch your faces live from the camera feed. If you ever wanted to see your talking face on your cat’s photo, or your kid, this app presents the opportunity.
Heads Up! (Android, iOS)—This charades-style party game made popular by Ellen, will get any group up and moving. The guessing player holds their phone up to their forehead, the screen displays a word they can’t see, and player tries to guess as many words as possible based on the groups’ clues to the displayed word. It’s ideal for more than 4 people—so it’ll suit a big gathering.
Sing! Karaoke (iOS / Android)—You could splurge on a personal karaoke set-up from Wal-Mart, or you could download this app for free and hear your voice belting out today’s hits (new songs are uploaded to the app’s database everyday. Think: Top 40 tunes and crowd pleasers). You can record yourself singing along with video, add some audio effects, and share on social, if you dare.
iFunFace (iOS)—This app lets you make your own short video turning your family members into characters. Upload a pic from your phone and record a message with your voice, and watch as your “character” delivers the lines (their mouth will move, vintriloquist-dummy style). After you’re done, you can share your video on YouTube, Vine, Vimeo, Instagram, or Facebook.
Talking Tom (iOS / Android)—Talking Tom is a bit like a contemporary Tamagotchi. Download this app and he’ll take up residence in your phone, so you can play with him, feed him, tickle him, talk and sing songs with him (he’ll repeat what you say), and share videos on social. For bored kids, Talking Tom is a saviour.
@Amanda thanks for the helpful tips. Just starting to use iFunFace with my wife. Also may I suggest to the fellow parents an app called LifeTales (lifetales.com) for privately sharing stories of your family.