Author Archive

ESPN Cameraman v1.0.3 | Published by EpicTilt | Via App Store | Free | Released: 11-08-08

Photo Hunter v1.1 | Published by Eric Chen | Via App Store | $0.99 | Released: 11-07-08

Overview

What you’ve got here are two apps that are great fun for any age, at any time. They are essentially the digital age takeoff of the old “What’s Wrong in This Picture?” from the kids magazine Highlights. These magazines always were the most worn, dog-eared periodicals in the doctor’s office. Both of these apps will see their share of wear and tear as well. 

Functionality

Both apps essentially do the same thing. You’re presented with two nearly-identical pictures, and you’re given a time limit to identify the differences in the two pictures. These may be as obvious as someone having no ear to as subtle as the change of color on a wristband.

Both apps challenge you to find five differences between the two pictures. You tap on the part of the picture that’s different, and a highlighted circle appears around your selection if you got it right. Then you’re off to find the rest of the differences. 

Both apps allow you to “cheat” by using a certain number of chances. Cheats will also be used up if you make a mistake by tapping where there’s not a difference in the two images.

Continue Reading

mind Wave v2.0 | Published by Jakub Koter | Via App Store | $1.99 | Released: 10-31-08

Overview

Now here’s an app that has left me humming… mind Wave uses binaural tones to induce relaxation, increase concentration or aid sleep! You can find out more information about binaural tones here. Slip on some headphones, fire up mind Wave and listen your way to a different mood or state of relaxation.

Functionality

Launching mind Wave brings you to some instruction screens, one of which urges you to use headphones for the fullest experience. I can vouch for this. Make sure you use headphones. It sounds terrible if you just listen through the iPhone speakers, and you’ll be tempted to immediately delete the app.

Once your headphones are safely tucked into your canals, you’ll see that the app has three main buttons across the bottom: Tones, Timer, and Visual Stimulation.

Tapping on Tones brings you to the list of tones provided with the app which include:

• Study Aid
• Sleep Induction
• Relaxation
• Deep Meditation
• Mental Refreshed
• Coffee
• Creativity Boost
• Focusing Attention
• Weightloss
• Headache Treatment

While I am only a reviewer and am certainly NOT knowledgeable on binaural tones, I would heartily recommend that you not tempt fate and try using “Sleep Induction” while driving. 
Continue Reading

i.TV v1.0 | Published by i.TV, LLC | Via App Store | Free | Released: 10-06-08

Overview

i.TV has quietly entered the app world but needs a larger screen because it has the potential to be a blockbuster among viewer addicts. This app can help you keep track of TV shows in your area - whether you have cable, satellite or still use rabbit ears. It also helps you stay up-to-date with the latest movies and gives you viewing times for your local theater.

Functionality

After you setup an i.TV account, the next thing you’ll need to do with i.TV is plug in your zip code to the preferences, or allow the app to find you. After it does that, it will walk you through setup. If you want to change your viewing preferences, you can tap on the “More” button and change them in the Settings panel. (see below) Continue Reading

Trapster v1.0.2 | Published by Tenereillo, Inc. | Via App Store | Free | Released: 10-08-08

Overview

Did you miss the days when folks would high-beam you with their headlights to warn you of parked police cars ahead? Those hiding po-pos will get you if you’re not careful these days. Now you have a modernized high-tech high beam solution in Trapster. Consistent use and reliance on the goodwill of others will steer you clear of speed traps.

Functionality

Using Trapster requires that you setup an account with them at www.trapster.com. After entering all of your information, including your cell phone number and service provider, you’ll be sent a text message with a code. After entering that into the Safari browser screen, you’ll be approved and can set your preferences (see above). 

Firing up Trapster will take you to your current location with a map - like a built-in Google map. Unfortunately, in smaller towns like mine, it appears that the whole 8 mile radius of the town is a giant speed trap… Continue Reading

Say Who - Dialer v0.1020 | Published by Excuse Me Services, Inc. | Via App Store | Free | Released: 10-20-08

Overview

Apple notoriously left off voice speed dial on the iPhone. There have been many apps scrambling to fill this much-needed void, and Say Who - Dialer is one of them. Best of all, it’s free. How does it do?

Functionality

With Say Who, simply say who… or say what, wait a few seconds, and the interactive screen will present you with the options for dialing. A button at the top left corner of the screen allows you to turn on/off automatic dialing. When turned on, the voice command will dial automatically for you in about 3-5 seconds.
Continue Reading

Fonix iSpeak v1.0.2 | Published by Fonix Speech, Inc. | Via App Store | $9.99 | Released: 10-15-08

Overview

Fonix iSpeak is another addition to the growing free and paid voice-dialing app market for the iPhone. With a simple touch of the screen, the app promises to dial your number via voice command.

Functionality

If you can read, then you’re going to (hopefully) be voice dialing in seconds. iSpeak’s startup screen contains all the instructions you need to enjoy your shiny new app. The interactivity on the bottom of the screen includes a microphone graph which indicates that it has heard your voice command.

When you initially start up the app, you will need to choose between the original iPhone or the 3G model. After that, you’ll be presented with the screen above. It is supposed to import your contacts for use with the app as well.

Review

That was about as far as I had gotten until today. I had uninstalled and installed this app twice, and both times, it crashed on me. The few times I had gotten it to the recording screen above, I was able to touch the screen, speak my name and see the microphone register the sound. Then the app says something and… well, does nothing. 
Continue Reading

Urban Tycoon v1.1 | Published by Touchsoft Mobile | Via App Store | $1.99 | Released: 10-07-08

Overview

Urban Tycoon brings Sim City to the iPhone. It’s an addictive time waster for aspiring city planners, bored adults, and ambitious kids. You’ll be delighted to see your blank plot of land grow into a thriving metropolis. But watch your tax rate!

Functionality

You’ll be presented with a blank screen of green with darker green squares and roads between these. What you’re looking at (for the Sim City novice) is your city acreage. Tapping on one of the dark green squares indicates that you want to “build” something there. You’ll be presented with a list of options, but you’ll quickly notice that you have no money to use to build anything.

You’ll want to do something quickly because the music with the game is actually kind of inspiring… I want the soundtrack.

That’s when you’ll need to tap on the “City” button at the bottom, and raise taxes. (Democrats definitely will enjoy this game!) Just push that slider all the way over. Hit those folks with a tax rate of 50% or greater. Dukakis, Kerry and Obama will be proud. 
Continue Reading