Tech Review: Follow the races with Election Day apps

Tuesday is Election Day, and while New York has its share of important races, the real action, especially for control of the U.S. Senate, takes place elsewhere in the country. These apps can keep you informed and entertained before and after the votes are counted.

Politico

(iOS, Android; free)

One of the go-to websites for Washington-based politicians and power brokers, Politico offers some exclusive content on its mobile app. In addition to news and predictions, the app features columns and blogs from Politico's roster of pundits and experts. While most content is available directly on the app, clicking on some categories will take you to the Politico website.

The Hill

(iOS, Android; free)

As its name implies, The Hill is heavily focused on news and rumors about Congress, so it is especially useful as the battle for the Senate heads into the final stretch. In addition to news culled from The Hill's website, the mobile app offers blogs and a lively "Twitter Room" that comments on tweets from lawmakers and politicians. The Hill also features coverage on business, technology and general news, although typically from an inside-the-Beltway perspective.

CNN

(iOS, Android; free)

This lively mobile app from the cable news network is well designed and attractive, and offers tons of coverage on domestic and international news. Those looking for Election Day coverage should click on the "Politics" category, where they will find breaking news and opinions from CNN's large roster of reporters and columnists. Several other national news organizations have free iOS and Android apps that offer Election Day coverage and commentary, including ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC.

PolitiFact's Settle It!

(iOS, Android; free)

A venture of the Tampa Bay Times and other news organizations, PolitiFact judges the veracity of comments made by politicians using a "Truth-O-Meter" that swings from false to true. Most claims, however, tend to fall somewhere in the middle of the Truth-O-Meter, angering liberals and conservatives alike. This app bills itself as an "argument ender," but depending on your political viewpoint and the politician being judged, it may actually be an argument starter.

Tech bytes

Rooms with a view

Facebook, which demands members use real names on its site, has unveiled an app where anonymity rules. Similar to freewheeling online bulletin boards of the pre-Internet era, Rooms (iOS; free) allows users to set up chat rooms based on topics. Real names are not required. Unlike anonymous apps such as Whisper and Yik Yak, Rooms posters must adhere to Facebook's guidelines that outlaw bullying and hate speech. -- PETER KING

Season opener

The Halloween decorations have barely been put away, but the box has already been opened on the holiday shopping season. Microsoft has lowered the price of its Xbox One console to $349, a savings of $50. The offer begins today and runs through Jan. 3. Microsoft is also offering savings on Xbox One special edition packages bundled with popular games.-- PETER KING

No transfusion for plasma

LG Electronics will wind down its plasma television business this month, moving a technology overtaken by liquid crystal display one step closer to its demise. "No matter how much we try to keep it going, it's just not a business anymore," an LG spokesman said. Analysts say plasma displays are unable to catch up to the advances in resolution and consume more power than LCD. -- Reuters