Mobile Apple Me

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Reviews

Category: Entertainment
Seller: Bite Interactive
Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0 or later
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
File Size: 0.9MB
Version Reviewed: 1.2
Price: $2.99
Age Rating: 4+

Do the Oscars really get you excited? It’s tne night where we finally recognize the people that entertain us on the silver screen, and don’t they deserve it? Probably not, but if you’ve seen all of the movies up for nomination from the past year, you likely want to share your opinion with the world. As the old saying goes, there’s an app for that: The Red Carpet app.

This app’s main appeal is not really your ability to rate movies you’ve seen over the past year. Sure, that’s the main purpose, but probably not the reason anyone is buying this app.  It’s all about the $1,000,000 they have on the line at the Oscars.  That’s right, if you’ve seen enough movies over the past year, or maybe if you’re just lucky enough to guess all of the official Oscar winners in all categories correctly, you could win a cool million.  Actually, it’s a $1M annuity paid over 50 years, which is worth significantly less than $1M.  And just to bring it down a bit, should more than one person predict all winners successfully, the winnings are split between all correct entries. You can find all of the official rules at Bite Interactive.  I’m going to continue, because you won’t win.  Sorry, but that’s the truth in all games of chance.

Beyond the “prize,” The Red Carpet is all about movie ratings.  You can choose how you’d like to sort your ratings by “Categories,” “Movies to Rate” and “All Nominated Movies.”  Categories will group the nominees based on, you guessed it, categories, like Actor in a Leading Role, Art Direction etc.  You can also choose to rate all movies at once, or just the ones you haven’t already rated.  Rating movies/nominees is simple, though it requires too many taps. First the sorting method, then the movie, then the rating button, then the rating field, then the actual rating. That’s at least 5 taps to rate your first movie. I call that bad app design. Anyway, you can do a number of things with this rating. You can simply let the app keep it for your later reference, you can share it on Twitter or Facebook and you can submit it to the contest to win some money.

The App also integrates with NetFlix in case you haven’t seen all of the movies that have been nominated for the Oscars this year.  This seems like a strange integration to me, but Bite Interactive must have had the code laying around somewhere.  I mean, why would you buy an app who’s sole purpose is to rate movies nominated for Oscars if you haven’t seen the large majority of them?  Oh right, you still think you’re going to win a million dollars and quit your job. Still, if you add your NetFlix account details, you can add movies to your queue.  Alternatively, you can attempt to find theatres showing the movies that have been nominated for the Oscars this year.  This is also a pointless addition to the app since nearly all of these movies from the last year are already out of theatres, if not already on DVD/Blu-Ray.  If you haven’t been frustrated by this whole process thus far, you can rotate your iDevice 90 degrees to get a YouTube preview of the movie in question.  This is a neat feature that’s executed well.  That’s one.

Overall, I’m disappointed by this app.  I don’t feel the need to share my movie ratings with anyone using Twitter or Facebook.  Perhaps you disagree with me, but ultimately, this app is not worth $3.  Maybe it’s worth $1, but really the price is just trying to pay for that annuity that no one is going to win.

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, Features, Opinions and Editorials, Originals

The iPad doesn’t even have a release date yet, and the mobile maniacs are worried about gaming on the newest portable wonder. So, will it be better then on iPhone? This Mac fanatic thinks it will for the following reasons:

• A bigger display, which allows for more detailed graphics in gaming.
• A more powerful processor with the ability to handle more complex and longer titles.
• A larger touch surface that allows for multiple inputs at the same time.

Admittedly it is not going to be a full console or system experience, but it can be a lot of fun.

Display

• 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology.
• 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi).

Capacity

• 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Processor

• 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip

Audio

• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV.

   
Video

• Support for 1024 by 768 pixels with .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.

So, how does that stack up? Well, lets look at it compared to another portable system’s stats, such as the PSP Go.

Display

• 3.8 inch, 16:9 full transparent type
• 480 x 272 pixel

Capacity

• 64MB main memory.

Processor

• PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1 - 333MHz)

Audio

• ATRAC3™
• ATRAC3plus™
• MP3
• MP3 (MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer3)
• MP4 (MPEG-4 AAC)
• WAVE (Linear PCM)
• WMA (Windows Media Audio 9 Standard Only)

Video

• MP4
• API

On the big board we can see that the iPad has bigger screen, by just slightly less than 200%, with a higher pixel resolution. It supports more movie file formats, which may not seem like much to a gamer, but your cut scenes are essentially movies. It even comes with more memory, as we are comparing MB to GB in these listings.

So, your iPad may just become your favorite gaming system, and as with the PSP Go, you won’t even have to make your way to the store to get the games; it’s all downloadable.

Full Story » | Written by Katie Gatto for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Mac Software, Originals

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for February 26, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• iTacet Software has released Cookie Platter 1.0, a Mac OS X application which automatically deletes all unwanted cookies and saves specific cookies based upon a user’s favorite websites. This innovative software can process cookies for multiple web browsers simultaneously and allows customization by browser, domain and type of cookie. Users can group all domains into their root domain, as well as the ability to preview the cookie’s website without opening a browser and more.
• Codewave Software Michael Descher has announced that MyTunesRSS has been successfully introduced at Jazz at Lincoln Center for digital music library sharing. MyTunesRSS was selected from the pool of music sharing tools because of its advantageous features and overall usability. MyTunesRSS is a Media Server that makes iTunes libraries or simple watch folders available on a local or corporate network, or even over the internet.
• Zevrix Solutions has announced BatchOutput Server 4.2.8, an update to its output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Originally developed for a major publisher in the U.S., the software automates InDesign output by processing files from hotfolders. BatchOutput Server offloads printing and exporting to PDF and PostScript to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process. The new version addresses an issue related to auto-updating of modified links.
• iSale users can benefit more than ever from their online social networks. Equinux has unveiled iSale 5.6, a free update for the Apple Design Award-winning eBay auction manager for Mac users. iSale 5.6 has been improved so users can invite Facebook friends to check out ongoing auctions. The new iSale 5.6 also takes into account recent changes to eBay, including new feature improvements and works twice as fast.
• Lightweight, friendly, thorough, and completely up-to-date, My MacBook is the must-have companion for every MacBook user. Long-time Mac expert John Ray walks MacBook users through every task they’ll need to perform—from connecting to networks and the Internet to finding entertainment on the go, troubleshooting problems to maintaining security. Every task is presented step-by-step, using carefully annotated, full-color screenshots, all numbered so there’s no chance of getting lost of confused.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• Awhato has released Is It Me?! 1.2 for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The application mirrors half the face in a photo to produce a new image. As each side of a person’s face is different, the resulting composite shows what a person would look like if both sides were identical. The finished product produces surprises and giggles and has people asking, “Is It Me?!” The app boasts an easy to use interface with touchscreen controls that only require finger gestures to rotate, move or size images.
• Limited Securities has released iCurrency Plus 1.0.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The application tracks and evaluates currency exchange rates, as well as provides trends, graphs and a currency conversion calculator. iCurrency Plus is the only app on the market that can send push notifications of changes in currency rates. Changes in currencies, whether domestic or foreign, can affect profit, as well as affordability. It is the perfect example of Simplicity to the extreme.
• iPhonky has released Pidgey 1.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch users. Players must fly Pidgey all over town, feeding him tasty bugs and keeping him safe from Vinnie, the hungry vulture. The more insects ingested, the faster the pigeon goes, which is crucial to his safety. Extra points are awarded when Pidgey relieves himself on the cars and people below. This fun, simple game features cute characters and an easy gameplay that quickly becomes addictive.
• Independent software developer Steve Glinberg has announced the release of 123 Color by KidCalc, a companion app to his top ranked math learning game for iPhone and iPod touch. 123 Color is a coloring book with a unique twist: it teaches numbers, upper and lower case letters, shapes and colors in multiple languages as kids play! 123 Color engages and entertains children ages 2-10 with beautiful artwork, fun sound effects and rich music, while at the same time teaching crucial language skills.
• Game development studio Oniric Games has announced Crunchy Planets 1.0, an insanely addictive planet eating game for the iPhone and iPod touch. In Crunchy Planets you help Snackie, a crazy-looking space creature, eat as much planets as you can while avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups. He just can’t have enough of them. Help Snackie dodge space junk and bullets, and guide him from a galaxy-sized bite to the next one.
• Art & Mobile has announced QuadCamera 2.30 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. One of the first Multi-Shoot iPhone camera apps, QuadCamera now can post animated gifs to Twitter. By using the QuadCam, you can take 4-8 sequential pictures with beautiful retro effects. Watching Twitter Animated Gif Stream is very fun and new way to share the fun motion in daily life. Now you don’t need video for sharing animation with your friends.
• Global Delight has released Camera Plus Pro v2.0 which features the ability to record high-quality videos on the iPhone 2G, 3G and 3GS besides its host of photo capture, edit and sharing features makes it to be an all-in-one camera app. Being the first All-in-one camera app on the App Store, Camera Plus Pro does away with the need to keep multiple camera applications on the device for meeting various photography and video recording needs. With the new version, users can record high-quality videos on their iPhone 2G, 3G and 3GS and upload videos to popular video sharing sites.
• OutOfTheBit has announced Vintage Drum 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Vintage Drum is a music app with the sounds of the most important electronic drums of the latest 30 years. Re-experience the feeling of the ‘70, ‘80 and ‘90. The sounds are sampled directly from the original Drum Machines and let you recreate the same rhythms of the electronic drums used by Prince, Sting, Run DMC, Phil Collins and many more.
• When seeking to advance in your career, being bright, conscientious, and ambitious simply may not be enough. Everyone faces significant competition whether it’s finding that first job, landing a supervisory position, getting promoted, and so on. Career or self marketing as some call it has never been more important, yet few people truly understand what it’s all about. Rising in Your Career removes the mystery.
• Independent developer Pere Orra has announced that Touch Cams 1.5 will be on sale this weekend, February 26th through 28th. Touch Cams, the Minority Report style interface webcams viewer, lets you freely distribute the cams on as many screens you may need. Touch Cams 1.5 now includes a built in database with more than 800 webcams from 58 countries and 404 cities fully categorized. Touch Cams has a integrated browser with google search that helps you find webcams.
• App developer Amy Miller has released Oy! 1.0 the first iPhone and iPod touch app that provides recorded exclamations of dismay for any occasion! The included Oy+ also lets users listen to 20 hilarious and authentic witticisms for many of life’s most common scenarios. Whether it’s being stuck in traffic, having in-law woes, or when contemplating kids these days, there are times when everyone just needs to say Oy!

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Originals

Wow, what a list this week. We saw quite a few quality apps drop on the App Store (and I’m not referring to Apple’s removal of risqué apps). I have a bunch of apps below for you to choose from, so I’m confident you’ll find at least one to download…

• Tune Runner - This game makes use of your own music library on your iDevice already. You play the game by tracing shapes onto the screen for obstacles to keep Groov-EE dancing.  I know, it sounds a bit strange.  Each song creates its own level and worldwide scoreboard, so I’m sure you can find some obscure track to be the world’s best at.
• NASA Lunar Electric Rover Simulator - When NASA makes an app, you include it on your list.  Or at least I felt the need to.  This app is supposed to simulate a rover on the moon as if we had a base there.  Not sure why they aren’t working harder to make this a reality, but at least there’s an app right? IDK.
• 3DPong Lite - What’s better than pong?  Probably nothing, but 3DPong is at least something different.  This game is actually pretty stylish, so I dig it, and I think you will too.  Well, as long as you like Pong, but who doesn’t like Pong?
• AmbiScience - Do you have trouble releasing tension or relaxing?  AmbiScience may be able to help you simmer down now with its seven long and seamlessly looped ambient sounds.  They claims that the kind of sounds this app produces have been “scientifically proven” to gently and naturally sync your mind.  I disagree with the term “scientifically proven” because as far as I’m aware, that’s not possible, but hey, it’s marketing mumbojumbo.
• VanillaSurf - This app wasn’t released this week, but it is pretty cool.  It’s an alternative to Apple’s own mobile Safari internet browser.  It actually has more features than Safari, including full screen browsing, tabs with support for offline viewing, downloads, bookmarks (import/export), homepage, multiple search engines, private browsing, text browsing and more.  This app is awesome, and it’s free, which is why I’m highlighting it now since I missed it the first time around.
• Tony Hawk’s Trick Tips Free - So ya wanna be a hipster with some skateboard skills huh?  This app will help you get started with the basics of flatland and ledge tricks, though it will not help you get up as fast after falling as a character on any Tony Hawk game.
• Imgur Free - This app is a free and easy way to upload images straight from your iPhone to imgur.com.  That is all.
• PaPaPaRoulette - I totally thought this app’s title was going to end with a pa pa pa poker face, but I blew that one. Anyway, this app is a really clean and cool looking roulette app.  Basically it helps you randomly pick any number from however many numbers you let it set up in a sleek and fancy roulette style way.
• AirMouse Free - Another week, another iPhone to Mac touchpad app.  This one is just like the rest.  It requires a server app to be running on your Mac or PC in order to be able to control the machine.  You can use it as a touchpad, a keyboard and even to get application notifications.  This kind of app is great for controlling a Mac connected to a TV if you don’t have an extra wireless keyboard and mouse.
• miniDRAW - Do vector based graphics mean anything to you?  If so, this is an app for you.  It is an app that allows you to create vector graphics on the go.  You have control over many aspects of your image including layers, opacity, colors etc.  The app does watermark your images, but it might be fun to play around with or to test out if you’re interested in the pay version.

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »