The App Store continued its strong growth in October with 23,572 brand new iPhone, iPod touch and iPad apps introduced. Also adding to the Apple’s App Store count were 584 new Mac apps. Through a process combining qualitative and quantitative factors, we’ve identified the best from the bunch. You many have heard of some, downloaded a few and may even discover a few surprises.

Clicking on a blue app title will take you to the App Store so you can learn more about the app and to download it. The first section is comprised of the best apps we found for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The second section is for the best Mac apps released in October.

7 Billion by National Geographic Society (News, iPad, FREE). “FREE – Limited Time! National Geographic magazine presents 7 Billion: How your world will change — to coincide with the arrival of the 7 billionth human being to our world. This app explores the challenges of a growing human population in a world of limited resources with informative videos, interactive maps, in-depth articles, and stunning photography.”

AddictingGames by Nickelodeon (Games, iPhone, FREE): “Put a bunch of AddictingGames in your pocket. One FREE download delivers tons of ridiculously fun games straight to your device. For the first time on mobile, get online hits like Spite Cannon Reloaded, Feed the Panda and 20 other great games from the AddictingGames catalog.”

Anthill: Tactical Trail Defense by Image and Form International (Games, Universal, $1.99): “Join the ranks of Anthill, a strategy game based on the real-world behavior of ants. The award-winning user interface enables you to draw pheromone trails to direct your troops, moving streams of ants rather than individuals.  Engage in the mission to protect your hill as wave upon wave of enemy bugs are thrown at you. Don’t wait, join the colony today!”

Assassin’s Creed Rearmed by Ubisoft (Games, iPhone, FREE): “Rearm your blade: Assassin’s Creed innovative multiplayer is now mobile! Exclusively designed for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Fuel your gaming needs with this innovative Assassin’s Creed experience..”

Astrid To-Do by Todoroo (Productivity, iPhone, FREE): “Try Astrid, a simple but powerful to-do list that helps individuals and groups collaborate, get stuff done, and have more fun!”

Bike Baron by Mountain Sheep (Games, Universal, $0.99). “What happens when you put the developers of Minigore, Death Rally and Aqua Globs together with the composer of Angry Birds and Trine? PURE MAGIC. Bike Baron is a ride you will never forget!”

Bloomberg TV+ (Finance, iPad, FREE): “Bloomberg Television is a 24-hour global business & financial news network that is watched by the most affluent and influential viewers in the world. It is supported by the world’s largest international news bureau network with 146 bureaus in 72 countries.”

Bring Me Sandwiches!! by [adult swim] (Games, iPhone, $0.99): “Adult Swim Games returns with another original iPhone game! Invader Gourmo promises to destroy the Earth unless you meet his simple demand: BRING ME SANDWICHES!! As lowly fast food employee Jimmy Nugget, you’ve been charged by the President of the United States to save the planet. When making a sandwich for Gourmo, anything goes: meat, trash, cats…whatever you can stick between two slices of bread!”

Brothers In Arms® 2: Global Front Free+ by Gameloft (Games, Universal, FREE): “Now you can play the highly acclaimed Brothers in Arms series for FREE! Prepare to step onto the most intense and explosive battlefields of WWII. “

Cards by Apple (Lifestyle, iPhone, FREE): “The new Cards app from Apple lets you create and mail beautifully crafted cards personalized with your own text and photos — right from your iPhone or iPod touch.”

Codify by Two Lives Left (Productivity, iPad, $7.99): “Codify lets you create games and simulations — or just about any visual idea you have. Turn your thoughts into interactive creations that make use of iPad features like Multi-Touch and the accelerometer.”

Contract Killer: Zombies by Glu Mobile (Games, Universal, FREE): “You have killed more criminals than you can count. Now it’s time to face the apocalypse and blow the crap out of thousands of zombies! From the team that brought you Contract Killer comes CONTRACT KILLER: ZOMBIES.”

Dark Meadow by Phosphor Games Studio (Games, Universal, $2.99): “A dark fairytale of intrigue and mystery, where the sins of the past must be paid for… So sets the stage for The Dark Meadow — a visually stunning world of deep exploration, gripping story, and heart racing combat, created with the unrivaled power of the Unreal Engine 3.”

FEMA by Federal Emergency Management Agency (Reference, Universal, FREE): “The FEMA App contains preparedness information for different types of disasters, an interactive checklist for emergency kits, a section to plan emergency meeting locations, information on how to stay safe and recover after a disaster, a map with FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations (one-stop centers where disaster survivors can access key relief services) and Shelters, general ways the public can get involved before and after a disaster, and the FEMA blog.”

Find My Friends by Apple (Utilities, Universal, FREE): “Find My Friends allows you to easily locate your friends and family from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Install this free app on your iOS 5 device and sign in with the Apple ID you use with iCloud. Adding a friend is easy – just send a request to see their location. Once your friend accepts using the Find My Friends app, you will then be able to see that friend’s location on a list or on a map.”

Fruit Ninja: Puss In Boots by Halfbrick (Games, iPhone, $0.99): “En garde! Fruit meets fairytales in the juiciest iPhone game this year — Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots! The suave fruit-slashing swashbuckler, Puss in Boots, faces a challenge that would make Sensei proud. His search for the Magic Beans brings him to developer Halfbrick’s legendary hit game Fruit Ninja.” iPad version also available for $1.99.

iTunes Movie Trailers by Apple (Entertainment, Universal, FREE): “iTunes Movie Trailers puts the newest and most exclusive movie previews in HD in your hands. Browse trailers, clips, and featurettes for the biggest Hollywood blockbusters and independent cinema; view stunning HD photos; explore a year-long calendar of movie releases; find showtimes near you and get ticket info directly from your iPad or iPhone.”

Mage Gauntlet by Rocketcat Games (Games, iPhone, $2.99). “Mage Gauntlet is a classic-style action-RPG, designed from the ground up for iOS. It’s inspired primarily by 90′s action RPGs for the Super Nintendo, such as Legend of Zelda: LTTP and Secret of Mana. We wanted to make a fast-paced RPG that doesn’t waste your time with fetch quests.”

Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation by Gameloft (Games, Universal, $6.99): “The best, most realistic smartphone FPS series returns with even higher intensity and an apocalyptic battle for the freedom of the United States, for one or more players.”

Riptide GP by Vector Unit (Games, Universal, $2.99): “Rev up your supercharged jet ski and take a wild ride through twisting canals and rivers, futuristic cityscapes, and mysterious research facilities. Skill, stunts, and speed will be your best allies as you grab massive air off huge waves, kick out death-defying tricks, and boost your jet ski to victory across a dynamic, ever-changing torrent of foam and spray.”

Shelby.tv by Shelby TV (Entertainment, Universal, FREE): “Shelby.tv is the most amazing way to discover and enjoy web video. Shelby pulls all the videos your friends share on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr into one personally curated channel for you to watch, save favorites, and share. You can even use our bookmarklet to save a video from any website to watch later.”

Squids by The Game Bakers (Games, iPhone, $0.99): “Steev, Vahine and the rest of the Squids are in danger! An infectious black ooze is corrupting their world. Only a few heroes can fight back and save their lush underwater kingdoms! Recruit a small army of stretchy Squids and lead them into turn-based battles against the dark hordes.”

Zombieville USA 2 by Mika Mobile (Games, Universal, $0.99): “Brought to you by the creators of Battleheart, OMG Pirates!, and the original Zombieville USA — this sequel is jam packed with content and features. Take command of your favorite character, customize them with a spectrum of weapons and skills, and do battle with the living dead — either alone, or with your friends!”

Adobe Carousel by Adobe (Photography, Mac, FREE): “Easily bring all your photos together in a photo library you can access from your iPad, iPhone, and Mac. No storage issues or syncing hassles!”

Growl by The Growl Project (Productivity, Mac, $1.99): “Growl is the is ultimate notification system for the Mac.  It’s the easiest way to know what is going on with other applications while you are working on something else.”