Mobile Apple Me

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

iPhone, iPod and iPad product updates and announcements for September 15, 2010:

• Apps
• Accessories

Apps

• Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc. has announced two new iOS apps for geology students. The geotimescale Enhanced app is now available for iPhone and the iPod touch and the geotimescale Enhanced HD app is available for iPad. These apps illustrate significant events and periods of time in Earth’s history. The Geologic Time Scale shows the names of the eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages along with their corresponding dates. Each app also includes illustrations and information for significant events.
• Energize Software has released Halloween Experience 3.0, an update to the multi-game Halloween themed entertainment program for the iPhone and iPod touch. While listening to haunting music, carve a pumpkin, play spooky hangman, solve a puzzle, and tilt your device in one of eight directions to hear different scary sounds. New in V3.0 is the ability to schedule scary sounds to be played within a 24 hour period even if the app is not active or your device is asleep.
• Zentertain has released RingtoneMaker PRO 1.0 for iPhone 3GS/4. RingtoneMaker PRO allows you to make ringtones from your own iPod music and apply advanced effects such as pitch shifting and time scaling. With pitch-shifting, you can make a male singer’s voice sounds like female and vice versa. And with time-scaling you can make peaceful songs more energetic and vice versa. RingtoneMaker PRO is one of the best tools on the market to make your ringtones unique and interesting.
• Independent developer Libero Spagnolini has announced FaceMan 1.1, an update to his popular video effects app for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Leveraging on the latest iOS graphics technologies, FaceMan is an amazing app that does Photoshop like video effects. FaceMan also comes with a great built in album that lets you collect all your coolest effects. You can even save a picture to the Photo Album app or share it by email. Version 1.1 adds support for iPhone3GS and iPod touch 4G.
• Dataphase Ltd., a Smartphone solutions provider, has released Home Radio Pro 1.0, a new iPhone application for playing, discovering, and recording radio stations. Home Radio Pro enables users to find new music and programming from over 65,000 stations around the world. With a built-in Recorder, full iOS 4 multi-tasking support, and the ability to browse by country, type of music, sport, news, or station name, Home Radio Pro is the ultimate radio experience.
• Rade | Eccles has announced the release of MakeUseOf 1.2.1 for iPhone and iPod touch. MakeUseOf guides you through the web and tells you about hot websites that you have never heard of, free alternatives to popular software programs, and all kinds of “how to” tips for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile computing users. The latest release of MakeUseOf 1.2 brings iOS 4 optimized retina display graphics to your daily dose of cool websites, tips, tricks, and software.
• Golf Vision has announced Golf Vision Green Analyzer 1.0 for iOS. A longtime concept used in video games, Golf Vision Green Analyzer allows golfing enthusiasts to experience the power of “golf vision” on the real course, by providing a highly accurate, real time preview of their putt. Golf Vision has a slope accuracy of 0.1 degrees. It analyzes slope and inclination data at specific points on the green to calculate the trajectory of the ball and where to aim.
• Left Coast Logic has announced the release of SmartTime 4.0.2 for iPhone and iPod touch users. This all in one organizer app uses Smart Logic to look at the user’s appointments and automatically schedule their tasks between their appointment times. No other app in the App Store does this. SmartTime is also the only app in the App Store to combine the user’s appointments and tasks into one, integrated, easy to read screen. In portrait mode, the app also features full weekly and monthly calendars.
• Civil War: America’s Epic Struggle from MultiEducator, Inc. is a comprehensive interactive zooming technology multi-media course in American history. Civil War is an application containing a diverse, comprehensive multimedia collection of the most important documents, maps, and photographs in the history of the Civil War at a tiny fraction of what textbooks and documents would cost. More than just an eBook with links, the program contains interactive audio and visual educational features that can only be experienced with Apple iPod and iPad technologies.
• Intuitive Innovations has released Jigsaw Puzzles 2.0 for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Jigsaw Puzzles takes classic traditional puzzling and adds a fresh new twist that puzzle lovers of all ages will not want to miss. There are forty beautiful images in several different sizes that users can put together at their leisure, or flex their puzzling muscles playing against the clock. Jigsaw Puzzles also allows users to listen to their iPod music while playing.
• PeakFinder.org has announced the release of PeakFinder USA West 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch users. This app creates gorgeous panoramic views of mountain ranges in the Western United States, including the Sierra Nevada, the Rockies, and the costal ranges. All prominent peaks are labeled for easy identification, and the Digital Binocular feature lets users zoom in to identify less prominent peaks.
• AMIGO Family Games and iPhSoft Mobile Development have announced Halli Galli 1.0.2, the new game series for iPhone and iPod touch. A bell in the middle of the table and a stack of cards for each player. That’s all you need to play a game of Halli Galli. The 2 to 4 players take turns turning over the cards in front of them. Varying numbers of bananas, plums, strawberries and limes show on the cards. When exactly five fruits of the same kind can be seen, players race to be the first to ring the bell.
• Venevi Enterprises have announced Rack Stare 1.0 for all the people who simply can’t stop looking at beautiful ladies. The app gives people who love to stare at beautiful ladies the opportunity to replicate this amazing experience on the iPhone and iPod touch. In order to succeed, users are going to get into a very challenging situation that will test their skills for being sneaky, quick and patient at the same time.
• Jones APR has announced Algebra Boot Camp 1.0 their latest app for Apple’s revolutionary iPad. A robust math app, Algebra Boot Camp is the perfect way for students to get their math skills in shape. Algebra Boot Camp utilizes a dynamic instructional approach that provides a clear and easy way to learn algebra. In its first week of release the app is already among the top-selling algebra iPad apps on the US iTunes store.
• IGG Software has announced the release of iBank 4.0, a full-version upgrade to its popular, Mac-only money management program. Faster, more powerful and more full-featured than prior versions, iBank 4 delivers multiple enhancements alongside existing features like direct downloads from online accounts, custom check printing, robust data export and iPhone sync. Version 4.0 also features a cleaner, more accessible user interface for easy monitoring of account balances and more.
• mTrip Travel Guides has released three new city guides for Dublin, Munich and Istanbul. The travel guides can be purchased directly from the App Store and are available on the iPhone and iPod touch. mTrip offers travelers an enhanced experience with automatic and personalized trip itineraries, augmented reality, location-based navigation, expert and user-generated content as well as unique sharing features.
• Chillingo has announced that Game Lab has teamed up with Angry Mob Games to bring an exciting new update to Pirate’s Treasure. Guerilla Bob makes a guest appearance, blasting his way through a new level in the game. This coupled with the great new features below add even more fun to Pirate’s Treasure. To celebrate the update, Chillingo also slashed the price of the game to $.99 for a limited time.

Accessories

• For the new and ridiculously cute iPod nano, Proporta’s Clear Silicone Case is cleverly precision moulded from impact absorbent silicone to provide a thin, yet really tough, protective skin to keep your precious device safe and sound.
• Give your Apple 6G iPod nano a hand in the strength (and style) stakes with the Proporta Antimicrobial Silicone Case. A thin (yet really protective) Silicone Skin with Antimicrobial agent not only guards against germs and bacteria it also prevents scratching and limits impact damage at the same time as complimenting your nano. This handy twin pack contains a choice of two colours Black & Green or Black & Pink so you can chop and change dependent on your mood. (Also sold individually).
• There are two other handy twin packs in Proporta’s new range of protection for the 6G iPod nano: The Proporta Crystal Cases £12.95 are available in a Gold and Pink twin pack or Blue and Green. Scratch-resistant and protective with minimal bulk we’ve colour matched them to suit the colour of your nano. The Mizu Shell Twin Pack £12.95 are also available in four colours and give you the flexibility of a soft case, with the strength and toughness of a hard case.
• More and more computing devices fit into the “smaller than a laptop” category, and Speck’s introducing a new line of versatile and fashionable carry bags and totes to accommodate them all. The three new offerings include the fashion-inspired “A-Line” Carry Tote along with the new PortPack 10 and Corepack FLY 10 Carry Bags designed specifically for today’s smaller devices such as iPad, 10” netbooks, tablet PCs and e-readers.
• mophie has announced the launch of the highly anticipated juice pack powerstation; the third quick charge external battery in the brand’s juice pack universal line. Broadening mophie’s reach and advancing their ability to deliver portable power to on-the-go lifestyle’s, powerstation marks mophie’s first foray into iPad compatible accessories.

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

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

Provides: iPad screen protection and enhancement
Developer: Moshi
Minimum Requirements: iPad
Price: $30
Availability: Now

Sick of bubbles? It seems just about every screen protector you put on a device ends up having at least one bubble, and it’s normally close to the center of the screen. That’s not all, though. Usually, there are some nice lint pockets or other pieces of dust trapped under there, too. This is what normally drives me to just remove the screen protector. The Moshi iVisor AG is different. They guarantee bubble-free installation. And it works, because it’s different from other screen protectors.

The Moshi iVisor AG does not attach like most screen protectors do. Yes, it sticks to the iPad’s screen, but only around the edges, underneath a solid black frame that mimics the frame of the iPad itself. So, the clear portion of this screen protector doesn’t stick to the screen at all. It’s like you have one giant bubble, since the sides where it sticks to the iPad are actually raised up a touch.

Remarkably, it works.  I initially thought that there would be side effects associated with this method of protecting the screen.  I thought touching the screen would feel strange since you have to press down the protector to actually touch the screen.  But either the protector is so close to the screen that you don’t notice, or it really does just sit down. You can still feel it towards the edges, but it’s really not a big deal at all.

I also thought that there would be some loss in resolution or visibility of the screen.  Often, matte screen protectors scatter light in strange and displeasing ways.  This also is not the case with the iVisor AG.  It’s as if you’re looking at the same screen, only less reflective.  Plus, your finger will glide along the screen now, instead of sometimes getting stuck.  I really love the matte finish on this protector because of this and its ability to reduce glare.

I actually struggled to find anything wrong with the iVisor AG. The only thing I can come up with is if you have a tight case, you may have difficulty using it with the iVisor AG on since it ever-so-slightly adds to the depth of the device.  I’d say about 1mm.  Most cases won’t even notice.  Other than that, this screen protector is among the best available.

Overall, I love the iVisor AG.  It gives you all of the benefits of having a matte screen protector (removes glare, improves finger gliding, and protects screen from scratches) without any of the drawbacks (bubbles and dust pockets). The iVisor AG is a bit pricey, but when you factor in that you won’t rip it off because of bubbles or dust, it’s very likely worth it.

Bye bye, bubbles.

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

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Features, Appidemic

The App Store description of Rimelands: Hammer of Thor, invites us to “Enter the frostbitten realm of Rimelands, where mankind with fantastic technology power by an enigmatic substance called Steam is forever at odds with the magical creatures of legend called the Fair Folk.” Having read that, you likely already know if you’re going to buy and play the game. Those who’d rather match gem colors or hunt for forks in crowded attics, I bid you good day. Those looking for a unique turn-based RPG, let’s talk.

What is it?

Hammer of Thor is the first in what promises to become a series of Rimelands games. The game takes place after a thousand-year winter, because when things like never-ending winters end, they can’t do so after a random, hard to remember number like 842 years. In this world, you play Rose Cristo (barbarian, assassin or shaman; you decide, of course), who’s job is to pretty much run errands for her grandmother. Sound mundane? Well, thankfully, Rose has dead parents and a shrouded past, so she gets to learn about all of that along the way.

She also gets to fight her way through many dungeons, which are actually fallout shelters in which humans took refuge after polluting the Earth to the point of uninhabitability. The humans emerged to find their planet now inhabited by magical “Fair Folk,” and wouldn’t you know the two just don’t get along? Name me another game that tackles both the environment and illegal immigration in one download. I wonder if part two will address the still sagging housing market and fear of a double-dip recession.

How does it work?

Gameplay is actually the most intriguing aspect of Rimelands: Hammer of Thor. Using the virtual d-pad, you can move freely through the environment. When you enter into a battle, it reverts to turn-based combat that’s handled with dice. Yes, dice. The strength of your attack and defense are determined by skulls and shields, leaving the results somewhat to chance. Hard core strategists may be turned off by this, but the Risk player in me quite enjoyed it.

Of course, you can tip the battles in your favor with a wide combination of potions, gear and skills. Outcomes are still determined by the dice, but these allow you to enhance those possible outcomes. Exploring the dungeons will lead you to many such battles, and going off the beaten path will reward you with better items. Exploration is a bit cumbersome without any maps to be found, but considering how linear the game is, you’ll never really feel lost.

Is it contagious?

Absolutely it is, because who doesn’t love to run potential world-saving errands for her grandmother?

Rimelands: Hammer of Thor is a gorgeous game with deep and satisfying RPG elements. Any lack of ability to explore the world outside of the linear plot is offset by the great use of character leveling and skill/item customization. The story is just interesting enough to provide incentive to journey ahead, while also hinting that something bigger is forthcoming in future episodes. I hope those will be a bit longer than Hammer of Thor, but there’s more than enough here to justify dropping $5.00 to begin your journey through the Rimelands.

Category: Role-playing game
Seller: Crescent Moon Games
Cost: $4.99
Download: Rimelands: Hammer of Thor

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

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, iDevice Accessories, Features, Contests and Giveaways

There are three things we enjoy at Appletell (actually, there are many things we enjoy at Appletell, but only three of them are relevant here): the iPad, Speck products and free stuff. With the help of the fine people at Speck, we’re going to combine all three to give you the chance to win your choice of iPad case from any in the Speck product line. Choose your model, choose your color/design, then just sit back and wait for your name to be called. I guess, at Appletell, we also enjoy simple.

Speck has a fairly diverse lineup of iPad cases, so you’ll first want to check them out. Make a note of the model and color/design you want, then head back here to:

1. Read the Speck iPad case giveaway contest rules.
2. Make sure you’re registered with Appletell and logged in (if you’re not registered and logged in, your entry will be void).
3. Leave us a comment below on this page, not on the contest rules page. Tell us what style and color/design you want.

That’s all there is to it. Select from the following models, subject to availability:

• SeeThru SATIN (pictured above left)
• CandyShell (pictured above right)
• SeeThru
• PixelSkin
• PixelSleeve
• Fitted
• PixelShield
• PixelSleeve

If you’re a winner and your preferred case is not available, you will be able to select an alternate model/design.

Entries will be accepted from September 9th through September 15th, 2010. Three winners will be randomly selected from all qualified entries, and will be notified by e-mail on or near September 19th.

As always, good luck!

Product Speck iPad cases

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