AppShopper

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games kick off in London today and there are plenty of apps to help you stay on top of what’s going on from afar and even help you navigate the events and see the sights of London if you’re lucky enough to attend in person.

First, there are a few apps you should check out to catch live coverage of the events as they’re going on. As highlighted earlier this month, there’s the BBC Olympics app that will offer live video to those in the UK and detailed news and highlights for all other locations. For those in the US where NBC is the only network with the rights to broadcast Olympic coverage, check out the NBC Olympics Live Extra app.

While the NBC Olympics Live Extra app is free to download, it does require that you have a digital television service subscription with an affiliated provider, of which there are hundreds, and use those credentials to log in. The app’s description clearly states that the video you’ll have access to depends on your television service provider, so don’t be put off by the negative reviews from those who expected to see full coverage for free simply because the app is free.

• FreeBuy Now
  Sports
  

  BBC Olympics

  Last Changed:

  12 months ago

  Rating:

  3.50 (15)

  Version:

  1.0

  iOS iPhone

  Never miss a moment of the London 2012 Olympics with the BBC Sport’s Olympics app. Direct coverage of the Olympics from the UK, this app will allow you to follow all the action, with daily live...

• FreeBuy Now
  Sports
  

  NBC Sports Live Extra

  Last Changed:

  3 weeks ago

  Rating:

  2.00 (231)

  Version:

  1.6.4

  iOS Universal

  Watch more than 1,000 events LIVE for FREE with the NBC Sports Live Extra app. You can follow your favorite events and sports, and receive push notifications for event start times. Download now on...

If you’re in London to see the games, there are several apps that can help you get around if this is your first visit to the capital of England or just need a quick reference and pointers to find hot spots.

The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is a great way to get around the city and there are a plethora of apps available to help you navigate the entire system. One of the higher-rated ones in the App Store is London Tube, which provides you with current status information, real-time travel duration estimates, comprehensive system maps, and more. You can also add bus system information via in-app purchase, as well as POI data sets for restaurants, attractions, and hotels.

If your public transportation needs are a little more complex, you may wish to check out Commuter, which lets you put together routes using the Underground and other public transportation services available along with live travel data. While the app itself and live status information for the Underground is free, an in-app purchase of $4.99 is required to get one year of live data for other rail services.

• $.99Buy Now
  Travel
  

  London Tube

  Last Changed:

  18 weeks ago

  Rating:

  5.00 (17)

  Version:

  4.2

  iOS iPhone

  London Tube is the original and No. 1 selling application for getting around London. NEW : Support for iPhone 5 widescreen (16:9) display. The maps look even more beautiful on the iPhone 5! ★...

• FreeBuy Now
  Travel
  

  Commuter

  Last Changed:

  26 weeks ago

  Rating:

  1.00 (1)

  Version:

  1.4.4

  iOS iPhone

  “A step closer towards the ultimate UK public transport app” - The Next Web. "A first-class app, and one that’s nicely flexible" - Tap! Magazine "Best Apps of 2012:...

Smartsave.com recently released a travel guide app that offers discounts to travelers at various businesses around London. London for Less is free and also offers offline maps and guides so you won’t need to rack up any data roaming charges to find what you’re looking for.

Those looking for curated information on top dining spots and other attractions should check out a new offering from Unique Guides. Unique offers microguides crafted by the company’s editorial team plus access to microguides created by other users. Despite the curated content and quality production, Unique is free to download and covers London plus Brussels, Madrid, Montreal, Paris, Rome, and Toronto.

• FreeBuy Now
  Travel
  

  London for Less Travel Guide

  Last Changed:

  8 weeks ago

  Rating:

  4.50 (17)

  Version:

  1.3

  iOS Universal

  An offline travel app for London tourists. London for Less is the only travel app / compact city guide that actually saves you money. “Less is definitely more in London with the new London for...

• FreeBuy Now
  Travel
  

  Unique Microguides

  Last Changed:

  12 months ago

  Rating:

  No data

  Version:

  1.1.1

  iOS iPhone

  TELEPORT TO PARIS, LONDON, ROME, MADRID, BRUSSELS, TORONTO AND MONTREAL Unique is a new series of video and interactive guides — which offer up a selection of must-see addresses in the world’s...

That’s it for this week here at AppShopper. If you’re in London to see the games, enjoy and don’t forget to mind the gap.