Best apps of August 2011: Goings On: The New Yorker

Goings On: The New Yorker
(Developed by Condé Nast Digital)
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: Free
First published: August 8        

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Close to a century after the first issue of The New Yorker hit newsstands, it remains the authoritative guide to Big Apple culture and nightlife--whether in print, on the web or now on mobile, the magazine's criticism, commentaries, listings and recommendations are essential reading for residents and tourists alike. Goings On: The New Yorker essentially transposes the publication's signature Talk of the Town section to the iOS and Android platforms, and the transition is better than seamless--by leveraging interactive mapping tools, multimedia enhancements, real-time updates and related smartphone features, the content is more relevant and insightful than ever before, delivering all the wit and sophistication one expects while transcending the inherent limitations of the print medium.

Goings On: The New Yorker includes a comprehensive listing of upcoming events spanning movies, art, music, dance and literary readings, complete with editorial recommendations--users can browse by category or filter by location and date, and also check out maps depicting event and restaurant locations as well as nearby points of interest. Some New Yorker writers suggest favorite local destinations, and others offer audio tours of noteworthy neighborhoods and galleries. Twitter updates keep the app au courant in ways print listings can never approximate, and users may also share listings and recommendations via their own Twitter feeds as well as email, Facebook and foursquare. And because it's The New Yorker, the visual design is impeccable, boosted by the publication's trademark illustrations. Every city should be so lucky to have a magazine--and a mobile app--even half as good.