Google Glass

It's not always easy to tell when your stress levels are through the roof, and you may not always want to break out a heart rate sensor just to find out when it's time to relax. You might not have to, if researchers at Georgia Tech and MIT have their way; they've developed BioGlass, an Android app that uses Google Glass to determine how frazzled you are. The software measures your heart and breathing rates by checking for tiny movements picked up by Glass' accelerometer, gyroscope and front-facing camera. In theory, you'd only have to wear the smart eyepiece to know when it's time to calm down.
The existing project doesn't do more than record data, but future software could do a lot more. You could get instructions on stress-relieving breathing exercises, for example, or even queue up soothing songs at the very moment you need them. Glass also isn't strictly necessary, if you'd rather not wear a $1,500 headset that occasionally causes stress. Any wearable with the right sensors would do the trick. The biggest challenge is getting an accurate reading while you're moving. BioGlass currently requires that you stand still, but the hope is that it will eventually warn you when you're literally hopping mad. If all goes well, you may always know when it's time to chill out -- and hopefully avoid a ton of health problems.

Android, iOS, and Windows Phone Apps

Robert Sorokanich

Filed to: apps of the week

The app developers of the world have had another week to impress us, and they don't disappoint. Here's the best and most brightly-colored apps that were introduced or newly revamped this week. Go ahead, let your smartphone taste the rainbow.

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Multi-Platform Updates

TheScore

TheScore gives you the constant-updating, wall-to-wall sports coverage you need, whether you're planted in front of the TV on gameday or off tending to life's lesser demands. Customizable push alerts keep you informed on your favorite teams, players, game scores, videos, and more, all curated by TheScore's staff of sports bloggers. The app supports any pro sport you could ever want to follow, but this week's update to the free app is all about football, with rich graphics and detailed stats on every play.

Pin Drop

Pin Drop lets you create personal or shareable maps, keeping track of your favorite places to go, eat, visit, sightsee, and more. It helps you remember places you want to revisit, or discover new stuff near you that you may have never seen. This week's update to the free app brings a more robust private setting, overhauled privacy guidelines, and sharing with even more social networks.

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Android

MIX

MIX bills itself as the perfect Instagram companion, but it's more like Insta's muscular, more capable big brother. With hundreds of pro-grade photo effects like selective color adjustment, bokeh blur, light leak, and tilt-shift blur, MIX lets you non-linearly and non-destructively filter and edit your photos in wildly customizable ways.

Evernote

By now you're no doubt familiar with Evernote, the handy note-keeping app that helps you organize and access your jots, photos, and files, across all your devices. This week's extensive Android update adds revamped navigation, handwriting improvements, and a cleaner overall look to an already-fantastic app.

Month

If you like Android widgets and keeping an organized calendar, you'll love Month. With 70 different easy-on-the-eyes widget themes and a gorgeous, simple design, Month makes sure you never have to go poking around inside an app to figure out what's on your calendar for the day.

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iOS

Fuzel Collage

Fuzel Collage lets you tweak, merge, and modify your favorite photos into either a still or animated collage. Pick photos from your iPhone's photo albums or your social media profiles, and share your creations to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or more.

Ondes: Expressive Electronic Instrument

Inspired by first-generation electronic instruments like the Theremin, Ondes turns your iPad into a sliding, undulating, polyphonic ethereal noisemaker perfect for creating beautiful melodies or avant-garde cacophony. It's pricey, but if you're a music nut in search of some truly unique sounds, Ondes brings the noise.

Hitlist

Hitlist is one of those simple, one-task apps that just works. Punch in where you want to travel, and the app will help you track last-minute discounts, fare histories, and package deals to help you find the best price on your trip. This week's update adds push notifications, tutorials, maps, and more, to make sure you never miss the great travel deal you've been waiting for.

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Windows Phone

Help + Tips

Microsoft's official help and tutorial app for Windows Phone 8 is finally out of beta. If you're new to Windows Phone or you just want to get the most out of your device, this app will show you all the tips, tricks, shortcuts, and Cortana commands you need to be a WinPhone master.

Facebook (beta)

Facebook's official in-house WinPhone app will always be the best, and this week's make it even faster, easier, and more reliable. Updated primary and secondary tiles, boosted Messaging performance, and an overall quickening make social media easy.