Groundhog Phil has already done his thing, and the hoopla and costs of Valentine’s Day are now far behind us. If the month of February, and its accompanying weather, left you not feeling the love, you’re likely not alone.
Feeling down in the winter months is a real thing, and researchers refer to a more serious version of the condition as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or
SAD. Symptoms include having less energy, trouble concentrating, fatigue, a greater need for sleep, and an increased desire to be alone. Many factors, including brain chemicals and genetics, seem to play a role.1 Exposure to more light can actually help to alleviate SAD symptoms, leading to just another reason for us all to look forward to the approaching spring season.
Thankfully, that good old Punxsutawney Phil actually predicted an early onset of better weather this year, but it’s understandable if that doesn’t quite help your mindset. If you’re ready for a total change of pace like yesterday, there is a way to repurpose this time of year with a quick escape, bringing it to life with some help from technology. Apps available on Android* tablets powered by Intel® Atom™ Processors can allow you to inexpensively do just this. Challenging simulation games transport you away to a different time and place, offering a constructive outlet and a little challenging fun.
For instance:
1. If the harsh winds of the busy city lead your interests to a more rural scene for escape, get ready to plant your crops this spring with Farming Simulator 16. As the newest in the series, this game has the best of agriculture simulation, and features massive tractors and other machines from over 20 brands of manufacturers. The app allows you to strategically manage your own realistic farm in extraordinary detail. Plant, grow, harvest, and sell five different crops, raise cows and sheep, sell timber at your own pace, and even buy new fields to expand your farmland. 3D graphics show the ultimate detail, and you play cooperatively with others in multiplayer mode, making it a truly interactive experience. Farming Simulator 16 can be accessed here:https://appshowcase.intel.com/en-us/android/farming-simulator-16.
2. If farming isn’t quite your thing, consider trying the app Bridge Constructor. Truly set your imagination, intelligence, and creativity free in a fun physics puzzle game by building bridges over deep valleys, canals, or rivers. Stress tests reveal whether the bridges you construct can withstand cars, trucks, and super-heavy tank trucks. Requiring a tactical mind and featuring amazing, life-like graphics, building the road to your own adventure has never been so engaging. Download this app here: https://appshowcase.intel.com/en-us/android/bridge-constructor-free.
So, if winter has left you feeling a bit in the doldrums the good news is that Android* apps can accomplish that for you. Simulation gaming puts you in charge so that you can embrace a new start, your own creativity, and of course, a whole lot of brainpower.
For more such Android resources and tools from Intel, please visit the Intel® Developer Zone
Source: https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/spring-cant-come-soon-enough