The final countdown is upon us as London prepares to host the 2012 Olympic Games. The world will watch in support and anticipation at the magnificent sporting events and prestigious opening and closing ceremonies. Whether you are planning to visit London for the Olympics, live or work in London or will be watching from afar, here are our top 10 Olympic essential apps and accessories to help celebrate and enjoy this incredible event!
1. London 2012: Official Join In App 
The Official London 2012 Join In app is a great place to start when planning and preparing for the Olympic Games. This informative app begins with the Olympic torch relay, providing street routes and real time torch positions. The app features up-to-date events listings, a useful spectator’s guide, journey planner, road events and detailed maps of the Olympic Park.
Updated: 14 June 2012
Developer: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited
Price: Free
2. London 2012: Official Results App
This London 2012 results app is the perfect companion app to the previous official join-in app. The two go hand-in-hand and make an ideal pair on any Olympics enthusiasts’ iPhone. This app presents users with the latest news, schedules and live updates. The app also features a useful calendar schedule of events, reminders function, medal count and details of participating athletes. An amazing element to this app is that it can be tailored to meet the individual needs of its users. For example, users can follow specific countries, tailor their updates and news and manage their favourites, reminders and settings. This app will ensure users never miss any of those all important results, thus wasting no celebration times!
Released: 04 July 2012
Developer: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited
Price: Free
3. BBC Olympics: Live streams of the 2012 Olympics
This app is currently exclusive to the BBC in the UK and is the only app that allows its users to live stream up to 24 events. The app is also great for catch-ups, highlights and medal moments. The app requires 3G or Wi-Fi connection to access the key features and to gain the full benefits of the app. It also presents daily live text commentaries from BBC journalists, detailed schedules, results and customisation features to suit individual users. The quality and speed of the live streams is expected to be good, however, we trust our readers will update us in the comments section below.
Released: 12 July 2012
Developer: Media Applications Technologies Limited
Price: Free
4. iBook: Stratford & East London 2012 Travel Guide
This fantastic guide to Stratford and East London by Lonely Planet is an essential tool for anyone visiting London for the 2012 Olympic Games. It presents a useful insight into the transformation of the East London area, the cultural mix and neighbouring boroughs of interest. It voices the opinions of the locals, giving a true reflection on the area, with tips and advice on what to see and do. It features useful maps, detailed directions to places of interest and recommended eateries, sight lists and galleries. Users should not touch down in London town without it!
Published: 01 July 2012
Developer: Lonely Planet
Price: $2.99
5. Park-Up: London Parking
Park-Up is an essential app for all London residents and those visitors who are planning to drive during the Olympic Games. With new parking restrictions, permit requirements and no-go parking zones, drivers will want to avoid any unnecessary fines and disruptions to their journey. This app does just that by updating all the on and off street parking locations within the Olympic boroughs and central London.
Updated: 10 May 2012
Developer: Park-Up.com Ltd
Price: $4.99
6. London 2012 – Official Mobile Game
If you want a piece of the Olympics action, this official mobile game is an impressive way to participate. The intro to the game, sound effects and graphics really set the momentum and mood for a grand event. Users can create their athletes, select countries to compete and take part in nine Olympic events. Users can train and customise their athletes and play in the three available game modes. This app is available in eight languages making it appealing to a wide audience. It is easy to use and very addictive!
Updated: 13 July 2012
Developer: NEOWIZ Internet Corp.
Price: $2.99
7. The BeAHeadCase iPhone Bottle Opener Case
These incredible sporting events, along with the massive celebrations that accompany it, make for some thirsty work! This handy and quirky iPhone case could be the best companion for the summer season, as it conveniently incorporates a bottle and can opener at the rear. Compatible with the iPhone 4 and 4S, this case is equipped with a stainless steel bottle opener and secure can tab. The patriotic designs also make for a great souvenir for anyone visiting the London Olympics. Aside from its unique bottle opening feature, the case is sturdy, moisture proof, offers impact and scratch protection and also allows access to ports, buttons and docking connections.
Available at: www.avanquest.com/UK/accessories/mobile-phone-accessories
Price: £19.99 for Black or Purple and £24.99 for Union Jack & St George Flag Design.
Distributed by Avanquest Software Publishing.
8. MyCityWay London 24
This app is a must have for anyone planning to visit London during the Olympics, due to the app using real-time information and location based guides. This app acts as a useful tool on all things London. The app is clearly organised into picture icons, which can be selected to produce useful and informative lists. Whether users need to find a great place to eat, locate the nearest shopping centre or check traffic and train times, this app can help. A great benefit is that no Wi-Fi connection is required, allowing users peace of mind that no additional Internet connection charges will be added to their bill. The app presents users with all necessary information, including maps, directions to their selected venue, as well as addresses and telephone numbers. This is a great way for tourists to discover the rest of London whilst they are not occupied at the Olympic Games.
Update: 30 April 2012
Developer: Srividya Tech Inc.
Price: Free
9. Thumb Fit Olympics
Put your best thumb forward! This thumb fit Olympics game allows users to play and take part in various Olympics events by using their thumbs to manoeuvre around the track. The app features sprint, hurdles, 200 and 400 metre races and users can also challenge their friends via the games centre. Do you give this game a thumbs up?
Update: 03 July 2012
Developer: Stephen Parys
Price: $0.99
10. The Flame: An Inspirational Graphic Novel
The Flame is an inspirational and interactive graphic novel by Paul Wilson that details the journey of a young Ethiopian boy travelling to the Olympic Games. The first three chapters are available free with a further £1.99 in-app purchase to download the rest of the novel. It contains good sound quality and impressive cinematic visuals. It is an ideal tool for parents and teachers to read to their children and students and would greatly appeal to a teenage audience. With an inspirational storyline of moving and realistic characters, this novel can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Update: 15 June 2012
Developer: Make Believe UK Limited
Price: Free with £1.99 in-app purchase.
So many great choices! Thanks Yiota!
Thanks Gavi. Park-up is a really great app for anyone driving in London during the Olympics. It has been so helpful and one that i will be using throughout the summer.
Park-up looks very handy, you’ve got to be brave to attempt to drive into London during the Olympics! The BBC streaming app is going to come in very handy when I’m at work…shhh
Good thinking Laura.