Chess Clock
Chess Clock offers a straightforward approach to timekeeping for two-player games. The app presents two large tap zones that correspond to each player, with two countdown timers running simultaneously. This design works well for chess, Scrabble, and other board games where players take turns and need to track their own time separately.
The free version provides a flat five-minute timer, which is adequate for casual play. The subscription adds presets for bullet, blitz, rapid, and classical time controls, along with Fischer increment and Bronstein delay. Fischer increment adds time to a player's clock after each move, while Bronstein delay does the same but only after the first second of a player's turn has elapsed. These time controls are standard in competitive chess and help prevent time pressure from dominating the game.
The app eliminates the need for a physical chess clock, which is particularly useful for players who travel or play in informal settings. The large tap zones make it easy to register a move even during fast-paced play.
Dice Roll
Dice Roll handles the common need of rolling dice without carrying physical sets. The app supports single die rolls as well as multi-die combinations, with a physics-based tumbling animation that gives each roll a sense of weight and realism.
The free version includes the standard D6 and the D20, which covers the needs of many board games and basic tabletop role-playing. The subscription unlocks the full polyhedral set: D4, D8, D10, D12, and D100. Multi-die rolls can be set up as macros, which is useful for games that require rolling multiple dice of the same type frequently.
The app maintains a complete roll history, which is helpful for games where dice results need to be recorded or referenced later. The interface is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to see the result of a roll without distraction.
This app is particularly useful for board game enthusiasts who play frequently but do not always have their dice collection nearby, as well as parents who run family game nights and need to roll dice for multiple players.
Typing Speed
Typing Speed provides a simple way to measure typing performance through a timed test. The app runs a sixty-second test where words appear on screen and the user types them as they appear. Results include words per minute, accuracy, and personal best for each prompt pack.
The free version includes three prompt packs: Quotes, Common Words, and Pangrams. Pangrams are sentences that contain every letter of the alphabet, which provide a good test of a typist's range. The subscription adds six more packs: Code, Latin, Poetry, Tech News, Lyrics, and Recipes. Each pack offers different text that may be more or less familiar to the user.
The app also includes 30-second and 120-second variants for those who want a shorter or longer test. Mechanical keyboard sound effects are available, which add an auditory element to the typing experience and may help some users maintain a steady rhythm.
This app is useful for anyone who wants to track their typing speed over time, whether for personal interest or preparation for a typing test. The variety of prompt packs means that users can test their speed with different types of text, which is helpful for those who type for different purposes.
Summary
These three apps address specific needs without unnecessary complexity. Chess Clock handles timekeeping for two-player games, Dice Roll provides a convenient alternative to carrying physical dice, and Typing Speed offers a straightforward way to measure typing performance. Each app is available on the App Store and offers a free version with optional subscription upgrades.