My family and friends are preparing to usher in the Year of the Pig. The Lunar New Year festivities have already begun and will run for at least two weeks. The official start to the new year is February 5 this year and the ramp up is exciting. From the youngest to the eldest there are many ways for us to celebrate. Apple has also offered up ways to creatively add to the festivities.
Apple Music Playlists: Just released are three themed playlists featuring contemporary Chinese artists. Each playlist explores popular New Year's themes and are created for easy sharing.
Joy: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/counting-blessings-joy/
Prosperity: includes https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/counting-blessings-prosperity/
Happiness: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/counting-blessings-happiness/
LUCKY EMOJIS: Sending texts to your loved ones and be sure to add in a touch of luck. Now you can find the "hong bao" lucky red envelope, red lantern, firecracker and bamboo shoot (iOS 12).
ANIMOJI: A fun way to send your New Year wishes - yes, there's a pig animoji! My 70+ year old mom has a lot of fun with animojis. I'm not kidding.
SIRI: Need some brushing up on your mandarin or want to wish a co-worker Happy New Year but not confident about the intonations? Siri can help. You can ask her questions like "how to say Happy Chinese New Year" and you will hear the correct accents and intonations.
iMESSAGE SPECIAL EFFECTS: You can send full screen firecracker celebrations when you send the following idioms to friends and family:
Simplified Chinese:恭喜发财 (congratulations on making a fortune/getting rich) 新春快乐 (happy spring/happy new year) 春节快乐 (happy spring festival)
Traditional Chinese: 恭喜發財 (congratulations on making a fortune/getting rich) 春節快樂 (happy spring festival/happy new year)
GIFTS: If you're looking for RED themed gift ideas, of course, Apple's (Product) RED line has a few options from Apple Watch bands, iPhone XR (Product) Red edition, covers and phone cases. Find them in-store or online.
CHINESE NEW YEAR APPS: several Canadian-made iOS apps are featuring limited-edition Chinese New Year Games for all ages:
Budge World: By Budge Studios. Kids can celebrate with Chinese New Year themed game Firework Festival. Help the Buddgers scare away monster Nian using fireworks that you create by matching shapes and colours. Unlock acces to award-winning games including My Little Pony, Thomas & Friends and The Smurfs.
Leap On! By NoodleCake is a one-touch arcade game for all ages where players leap, smash and bounce avoiding obstacles as you make you way to the top. A leaping piggy is added to celebrate the new year. Free on the App Store.
Its Full of Sparks by NoodleCake is a game based on the life of a firecracker. Players embark on a journey to find The Old One, a mythical firecracker who's fuse has never been lit. For Chinese New Year, players will be greeted by Big Pig. Free on the App Store.
Happy New Year!