iLounge

A number of noteworthy iPad-optimized applications have hit the App Store ahead of the device’s April 3 launch. Below is a list of some of the titles we consider to be the most interesting, important, or otherwise worth mentioning.

Pandora Media has released a new universal version of its free Pandora Radio app offering an enhanced iPad interface.

Smule has released Magic Piano, an iPad-specific virtual instrument app.

Social networking service Loopt has released Loopt Pulse, offering location-based event, restaurant, entertainment, and nightlife search.

Chillingo has released Cogs HD, an iPad version of its well-received game for the iPhone and iPod touch, along with 13 other games.

Ngmoco has released new iPad versions of We Rule, Charadium, and Flick Fishing amongst other titles, including prior Freeverse iPhone/iPod touch games.

Nuance Communications has updated its Dragon Dictation application adding iPad compatibility.

Konami has released its new Frogger Pad game for iPad and updated its Metal Gear Solid Touch title with iPad support.

Tapulous has released Tap Tap Radiation, the first iPad entry in its successful line of Tap Tap music games.

Gameloft has released several iPad versions of its games, including Modern Combat: Sandstorm HD, Uno HD, and Let’s Golf HD, among others.

AOL has released AIM for iPad, an iPad-optimized version of its instant messaging client.

Omer Shoor has released Photogene for iPad, an iPad-formatted version of his photo editing tool for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Vimov has released Weather HD, an all-new weather application for the iPad.

MTV Networks has released its new games Dora the Explorer Coloring Adventures and Daily Jigsaw for the iPad.

Other noteworthy releases include Smiles HD, IM+, Depict HD, Coffee Table Cocktails, Yellow Pages, PopMath Maths Plus, Dailymotion for iPad, Sum+it Project Calculator, and Truphone for iPad.

Many, many more iPad applications have been and are continuing to be released on the App Store; simply search the store for “iPad” or follow this link for a complete listing.