In the past few years, many apps for phones and tablets have been released that communicate with a game in some way. Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, and Dead Rising 3 all have dedicated companion apps that aim to extend the game experience beyond the TV screen. Bungie, the developer of Destiny, is joining this trend and trying to make an app that's helpful and useful for players.

According to IGN, the mobile app will bring a wealth of character management options, including the ability to change armor in the app and have the game respond instantly. Your character is rendered in a 3D model in the app, as well. You will also be able to monitor your inventory and check out the loot you've acquired on missions. Vendors in Destiny's hub, the Tower, will also show up in the app, so you can see who is selling what.

The app also acts as a compendium of Destiny's lore. The Grimoire allows you to read about the characters, places, and events you come across during your playthrough of the game.

Destiny's companion app launches on iOS and Android when the game's closed beta test goes live this week for Playstation 4 and PlayStation 3, and next week for Xbox 360 and Xbox One. On iOS, only an iPhone version will be available during the beta, but when the game releases fully, the app will get an iPad version. It is compatible with all versions of the game, across Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4.

If you have a code, you can play Destiny's beta on PS4 and PS3 on July 17, and on Xbox 360 and Xbox One on July 23. According to recent rumors, the beta will include four story chapters and competitive multiplayer. The full game launches on September 9.

What do you think of Destiny's companion app? Will you use it? Let us know in the comments!