Browsing the App Store this weekend?  Here are eight new or updated apps worth taking a closer look at if you are:

Siri Assistant.

This is a voice-powered virtual assistant, who leads you through conversational questions to find the answer to whatever you have asked it…or is it him…or her.  Not only can it make reservations and the like, but it’ll learn things about your life, likes and dislikes!  Driven by location and best operated on an iPhone 3GS in the USA, think of it as stage 2 of what Google started with their voice-search, or the first steps towards Star Trek’s computer.

Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery.

The latest entry into the Assassin’s Creed franchise, this time charting Ezio’s exploits in Spain.  Spread over 36 levels, this is a fast sideways-scrolling action adventure.

1000: Find ‘Em All

The goal of this GPS-based game is to simply search for items located around your local area.  There are, unsuprisingly, 1000 items to find and the game can be played either using GPS maps or within a gaming world, each offering a different play experience.  There is a lot to this game, so give it a try.

FanPulse.

It’s Twitter for sports fans, as you ‘follow’ sports teams and receive updates on games and scores.  The small updates are easy to digest and can be pushed to your phone, while the app also gives information on upcoming events and the opportunity to chat with your friends.

Elmo’s Monster Maker.

If you’re happy to hand your iPhone over to your kids, then they will love to make a monster friend with Elmo!  Create the monster, watch him dance, see him play along with Elmo and then save a photo in the iPhone’s album.

WeeMee Avatar Creator.

WeeWorld is still a popular website and as is usual these days, it has now gained an iPhone App.  You can now create your WeeMee avatars on the move from around 250 different items and then send them by email or MMS, or post them on Facebook and Twitter.

Vanity Fair Hollywood.

Follow this year’s Oscar coverage with Vanity Fair magazine, plus you can ‘vote’ for your own Oscar winners inside the app.  Your predictions can be published on social networks and you can even have a flutter by organising a group bet, if you’re feeling confident that is.

Tastebud.

So, you’ve got a collection of ingredients, but have no idea whether they could be used together to create an actual meal.  Wonder no longer, as after you have told Tastebud what’s inside your cupboards and fridge, it’ll search its database and return some recipes using those very things!