148Apps Main |
- ON VoiceFeed to Improve iPhone Visual Voicemail in the Coming Weeks
- Wave – Against every BEAT! Review
- Zagg mate iPad Keyboard Case
- Sad Princess Review
- The Portable Podcast, Episode 74
- Mariachi Hero Review
- Planet Waves Guitar Tools
- Kensington KeyFolio – iPad Folio Keyboard Case
- Speedball 2 Evolution Review
- Team Viewer Free Review
- Facebook Messenger Redifines Mobile Chat
| ON VoiceFeed to Improve iPhone Visual Voicemail in the Coming Weeks Posted: 01 Mar 2011 12:30 PM PST When the iPhone first released, one of my favorite features of the device quickly became its visual voicemail. Frankly, it blows the old-school method of having to dial in to listen to your voicemail out of the water. To this day, iPhone visual voicemail remains one of my favorite features of the phone, although I’ll admit it’s certainly something I kind of take for granted at this point. France telecom company Orange today revealed that it will be releasing its own version of visual voicemail for the iPhone in the form of its own app. The app, titled ON VoiceFeed, is scheduled to release sometime in the next two weeks in the US, UK and France and will be available for free on the iTunes App Store. So, why should you care? Well, ON VoiceFeed does something that Apple’s own visual voicemail does not. Using the app, you can record personal voicemail greetings for individual contacts. The app allows you to create your own categories, record a greeting for that category and then assign contacts to categories. This could be handy for multiple purposes. Consider this. Do you want your boss to hear the same voicemail greeting your friends or girlfriend hears? Probably not. With ON VoiceFeed, you can set up separate unique greetings for whoever you want. The app even lets you set up a voicemail using text. You simply type the message and ON VoiceFeed converts it to a voice greeting. Look for ON VoiceFeed to be available for free on the iTunes App Store sometime in the next two weeks. Until then, check out Orange’s trailer for the app below. [Source: AllThingsD] [ ON VoiceFeed to Improve iPhone Visual Voicemail in the Coming Weeks is a post from 148Apps ] |
| Wave – Against every BEAT! Review Posted: 01 Mar 2011 12:04 PM PST  Wave – Against every BEAT! ReviewBy Jennifer Allen on March 1st, 2011Our Rating:    :: FRANTIC FUNiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad It might not fulfil its potential but Wave – Against every BEAT! is still a pretty fun bullet hell type shooter.
Developer: Color Box Software Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.69 out of 5 stars Wave – Against Every Beat is a great concept. Being able to play a bullet hell shooter that reacts to the music you play alongside it conjures up infinite possibilities. Unfortunately the reality isn’t quite there yet. Despite this though, it is a pretty cool bullet hell shooter nonetheless.
Besides the Arcade mode, there’s the predictable but always welcome survival/endless mode. Then there’s the Free Play mode which is meant to offer the true selling point behind Wave – Against Every Beat, i.e. the ability to generate your own levels based upon your musical choices. It’s not quite there yet though with only part of the level differing. It’s not a terrible failing as the rest of the game is very enjoyable. A series of very cool mini games that appear once you collect enough stars (released by the foes you shoot) break up the gameplay nicely too. It’s hard not to feel a little cheated when the game promises so much though. Color Box Software, the developer, promises on iTunes that a future update will implement this fully so it’s a minor speed bump in the road to a great shooter. Give it a whirl, there’s a lot to like here even without the unique feature. [ Wave – Against every BEAT! Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Wave - Against every BEAT!Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-02-28 :: Category: Games :: FRANTIC FUNRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Wave - Against every BEAT! |
| Posted: 01 Mar 2011 11:30 AM PST
So let’s start out with the good. This thing has a great keyboard. The keys are small, but that’s fairly easy to get used to. They are very satisfying to use and type on. The keyboard works as you would expect it to. There’s the normal functions that you get with a keyboard connected to the iPad. The standard cut, copy, paste keys are great to have along with the arrow keys with the modifiers for text selection, which is great for power text editors. When in use the iPad reclines in a recessed ridge in the middle of the device with a little easel in the back to hold it up. The iPad is loose which allows you to use it in any of the four orientations — portrait or landscape mode. This is a nice feature that no other iPad keyboard case I’ve seen has. The problem I have with this case is that when it’s “closed”, it only covers the glass front of the iPad. The iPad is held in place by a foam gasket inside the unfinished rim of the aluminum base. The problem with this is that the back is left open to damage. I’m not one that obsesses over scratches of my devices. I buy them to use, not to display, so it’s not a huge concern. But it does leave me a little bit uneasy that there’s nothing like a layer of a case to help protect the iPad.
The usage issue is that it’s rather hard to get the iPad out of the device when it’s closed. You need to wedge your finger in the side to pry the two halves apart. It can be a bit difficult if you are in a hurry. Overall, I really have a love / hate relationship with this keyboard case. The keyboard itself is great, and adds very little weight to the iPad. But, I think the design of the case, and how it sits on the iPad is one that is an interesting and very unique idea that just doesn’t work all that well in practice. The Zagg mate keyboard retails for a cool $99 and is available from a variety of retail locations and from Zagg themselves. [ Source: Zagg ] [ Zagg mate iPad Keyboard Case is a post from 148Apps ] |
| Posted: 01 Mar 2011 11:04 AM PST  Sad Princess ReviewBy Timothy Smith on March 1st, 2011Our Rating: :: SAD GRINDiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Sad Princess is a semi-addictive action RPG with super cute graphics and a pet raising system.
Developer: Perlo Games Price: $0.99 Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.38 out of 5 stars
Sad Princess is a game about an emo princess who is fed up with how the world is, so she sets out to stomp in some monster faces. The opening and cut scenes are all nicely done, and have a Adobe Flash animated look. That being said, I still couldn’t get into the story due to its cliche, royal heir sets out to save the day, nature. The story isn’t really a necessary aspect though because the game relies heavily on its hack-n-slash elements to draw you in. The controls are solid, and you are given some customization options for the interface. I found the default set-up to be ideal, as I didn’t have any trouble controlling my character.
The pet system is the most redeeming quality that the game has. It can be addictive if you have the right personality because there are a variety of pets to collect and raise. You have the ability to buy different pet eggs to hatch and take with you on your adventures (they help you in battle). Your pets gain levels and grow as they gain experience just like your main character. The graphics and animation are cute, and the variety of monsters to battle increases over time. The environments look great, but they get old fast because the levels re-use the same backdrops regularly. Gaining levels isn’t terribly tough, but earning enough coins to buy anything can be terribly dull. The developer claims that you can access everything in the game without using their in app purchases (which allow you to buy in game currency), but I found that the system was a little one sided. You could theoretically sit on your iPhone for hours farming for the coins you need to unlock your favorite pet or upgrade your current weapon, but the gameplay is too repetitive to be rewarding. If you have the drive you might be able to enjoy the game without buying coins, but I expect most people will need to make the in app purchases to fully enjoy the game. [ Sad Princess Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Sad PrincessiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2010-12-17 :: Category: Games / Role Playing :: SAD GRINDRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Sad Princess |
| The Portable Podcast, Episode 74 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 10:30 AM PST
On This Episode: Who We Are: Contact The Show: Email | Twitter Music:  How to Listen: Apps Mentioned in this Episode:  The Blocks Cometh By HalfbotiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-02-17 :: Category: Games / Arcade :: FRUSTRATION COMETHRead Our Full Review >>  Haypi kingdomiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: FREE Released: 2010-01-18 :: Category: Games / Role Playing [ The Portable Podcast, Episode 74 is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Haypi kingdom, The Blocks Cometh By Halfbot This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 01 Mar 2011 10:04 AM PST  Mariachi Hero ReviewBy Jennifer Allen on March 1st, 2011Our Rating: :: COULD DO BETTERiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad The name and concept is cool but there needs to be more content to Mariachi Hero.
Developer: PAN Vision Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.06 out of 5 stars Mariachi Hero is an awesome name. It’s the kind of name that entices you into giving it a whirl, hoping for a Mexican themed Guitar Hero. This isn’t really the case though. Instead you get a game that’s all about gaining the best high score. The music is incidental.
There’s no multi touch support to be seen which would have really helped. In fact Mariachi Hero doesn’t feel as responsive to touch as I would have liked, instead feeling a little patchy at times. It’s a shame as Mariachi Hero is kind of fun even with all its limitations (it only offers one difficulty level and one level). There are mini games to play too but these are pretty simplistic – they just consist of swiping bugs away from the screen or shooting them. Game Center support offers leaderboards but no achievements which feels like an oversight. That’s the problem with Mariachi Hero. It’s fine but that’s all it is. It’s fun to play in short doses but even at only a dollar in price, there are so many better games you could be playing for that short play session. It’s a great idea but it needs developing. More levels would be cool, more music and an array of difficulty levels too. As it stands though, unless you’re crazy about rhythm based games, you’re best off giving this a miss for a while. [ Mariachi Hero Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Mariachi HeroiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-02-17 :: Category: Games / Music :: COULD DO BETTERRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Mariachi Hero |
| Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:04 AM PST  Planet Waves Guitar ToolsBy Jason Fanguy on March 1st, 2011Our Rating: :: MUST HAVEiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Planet Waves Guitar Tools is a multi-app suite of every guitar-related tool you’ll need, whether an active player or enthusiast, regardless of skill level. It contains 7 tools total, including features that enable you to find music teachers/instructors and stores in the location of your choice. Priced at a very-fair $1.99, this app should have a dedicated entry on the iDevice of everyone who plays or owns a guitar.
Developer: D’Addario & Company, Inc. Price: $1.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0.3 iPhone Integration Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Planet Waves Guitar Tools is comparable to the genre of multi-purpose apps containing several, useful utilities, all wrapped up in one, nice package, as opposed to 20 separate apps. It’s geared toward guitar players/enthusiasts and contains all the tools one would need while enjoying this popular past-time and more. Guitar Tools has a simplified user interface: A comprehensive list of 7 popular tools (necessities), each identified by a different-colored guitar pick:
Users can further customize each tool to their liking, with standard settings such as play orientation, tuning, detune, etc.
In all, this app is as well-designed and comprehensive as they come. It’s fun to use, works exactly as advertised and covers all the bases, giving you a “we-got-this” feeling hard to find in most other apps. This one’s a keeper. [ Planet Waves Guitar Tools is a post from 148Apps ]  Planet Waves Guitar ToolsiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $1.99 Our Rating: Released: 2010-07-04 :: Category: Music :: MUST HAVERead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Planet Waves Guitar Tools |
| Kensington KeyFolio – iPad Folio Keyboard Case Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:30 AM PST
The KeyFolio looks like a rather nice faux-leather portfolio for your iPad. The iPad is held in securely by a firm flap at the top yet still gives access to all the needed buttons and ports. On the flap that covers the screen there’s a rubber covered keyboard. While the keys are a bit small, the convenience is really nice to have. Yet I do have a problem with some the of the choices made with this keyboard. They keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPad giving you the ability to use this hardware keyboard instead of the soft keyboard on the screen of the iPad. Using an external keyboard does offer you some speed and convenience perks. For one you can use the OSX standard command-C,V,X for cut, copy, paste. In addition for you text warriors, the arrow keys and key modifiers also work for rapid text selection. This keyboard feels fairly good to type with, though it’s a little odd feeling. The rubber covered keyboard is nice in that it keeps dust, crumbs, hair, etc. from getting below the keys. But it does give it a cheap feel and lacks that satisfying click of a normal keyboard. Actually using the keyboard was convenient and easy. Once the BT is paired, it connected to the iPad quickly when turned on and worked well for typing. No problems in that respect. The one real issue I have with this device are the decisions made with key placements. For one there’s no right shift key. I don’t miss this that much, but if you use that key it will take you a while to get used to it being missing. My bigger concern is that the quote key, both single and double, has been moved to the lowest row by the space bar. This one I have to go searching for every time I need it. Overall, if you like the form factor, and can get by the key placements, this is a great case for you. While the case itself is on the heavy side it works really well and I’m enjoying using it. The KeyFolio is available from Kensington directly for $99, and considerably cheaper from other retailers like Amazon. [ Source: Kensington ] [ Kensington KeyFolio – iPad Folio Keyboard Case is a post from 148Apps ] |
| Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:04 AM PST  Speedball 2 Evolution ReviewBy Carter Dotson on March 1st, 2011Our Rating: :: A GAME WITH PUNCHUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Speedball 2 Evolution is a remake of the classic Bitmap Brothers title, a futuristic bloodsport where players literally fight for control over the ball to try and score points in various ways.
Developer: Vivid Games Price: $3.99 Version Reviewed: 1.1 Device Reviewed On: iPod touch 4G, iPad Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.88 out of 5 stars
Speedball 2 Evolution’s pace is perfect for mobile gaming – the 90 second halves make it very easy to get in a quick game, or to be able to quickly advance in the Career mode when you want to put some time in it. As well, the Career mode is extremely addictive about watching your puny starter team become a team of Speedball dynamos once you reach the Champions League as you spend money on upgrades and player transfers. The game may be based on a game that’s 2 decades old at this point, but it comes loaded with modern iOS features, supporting the Retina Display and iPad natively as a universal app, and coming with Game Center support for leaderboards and achievements. As well, there’s local wireless multiplayer support, though it does not work between devices like the iPod touch and iPad, from my tests.
Speedball 2 Evolution is a great way for people that may have missed the original game to check it out now, but veterans may be disappointed at how easy it has become. However, frustration is not quite as attractive a game element as it once was, so this change may be for the best, but I’d love to see the AI improved to make it put up a bit more of a fight. [ Speedball 2 Evolution Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Speedball 2 EvolutionBuy Now: $3.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-02-27 :: Category: Games :: A GAME WITH PUNCHRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Speedball 2 Evolution |
| Posted: 01 Mar 2011 07:04 AM PST  Team Viewer Free ReviewBy Jason Fanguy on March 1st, 2011Our Rating: :: REMARKABLE REMOTE SUPPORTUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad TeamViewer Free is a remote desktop app that allows iDevice users to log onto a remote computer to perform an array of functions. Near flawless execution, combined with top-notch customer service/support make this app a must-have for those needing a good, solid remote desktop application. But for those who need the ability to access more than only one account, having to shell out $90 dollars for the Pro version can be a huge turn-off.
Developer: TeamViewer Price: FREE Version Reviewed: 6.0.9224 iPhone Integration Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4.17 out of 5 stars
We’ve all seen apps that catch our eye; apps that make us think: “Now, why didn’t I think of that?” or “Wow, I can’t believe this,” etc. Then there are apps that not only catch our eye, they bring us to the realization of how fast our technology is growing/evolving. Very few apps, however, do ALL of the above WHILE reinforcing the notion that such technology, while advanced and complex, can be a viable alternative offered to users at every level of the user-knowledge spectrum. In this area, TeamViewer not only excels, but has managed to find a way for users to access a remote computer, whether their own or another, while putting forth as little effort as possible. For those not familiar with TeamViewer (or Remote Desktop technologies), it allows a user to take control of their own, or another user’s, computer desktop, for a variety of purposes: To assist a user with troubleshooting or fixing their computer, exchanging large files, or simply opening a text-editor program and writing a clever, embarrassing comment for a laugh at the computer owner’s expense (although we don’t suggest this), all over a 3G or WiFi connection.
Installing TeamViewer on a PC is equivalent to downloading it in the app store: Simply download a file. I have a link on my website pointing to the TeamViewer file and neither I nor my customers have had trouble/confusion, etc. downloading/using it. Open it after it downloads, input your partner’s TeamViewer ID and Password and tap the “Connect to partner” bar. Once this is done, TeamViewer establishes a secure connection with the computer then, once connected, provides a screen containing a set of instructions for the user to follow in order to use the app, such as which finger gestures to use, etc. Once connected, the app’s user (the remote controller) can further customize TeamViewer’s settings to meet his/her needs, such as removing the computer owner’s wallpaper to make the app faster (reduce/minimize lag), the ability to show the status bar and remote cursor, etc. Users can also access control instructions, in the event they forget the contents of the start-up screen.
Once done, simply tap the X located in the status bar’s lower, left portion to exit out of the program and that’s it! The difference between the Pro version and the Free version is that with the Pro version, one can create an unlimited number of accounts to access as many different computers as they desire, whereas with the Free version, you’re limited to only…one. Overall, as the owner of a PC repair company, I use a variety of remote desktop programs on a daily basis and have yet to encounter any problems when using TeamViewer. Moreover, when I do contact Teamviewer, their reply is always prompt, professional and accommodating. Bottom Line: I couldn’t be more happier or more impressed. For those who use remote desktop programs on a regular basis, I can’t recommend this app enough. The only drawback, however, is in pricing. The Free version, as good as it is, only provides users with one account and in order to upgrade to 2 or more (via the Pro version), they’re forced to shell out a bank-breaking $99 dollars, far and above its counterparts in the app store. Despite this, the power TeamViewer gives one to work from literally anywhere on any computer, combined with its efficiency, dependability and ease-of-use, arguably makes up for its Pro version’s hefty price tag (albeit barely), but with a mounting surplus of similar, much-cheaper apps which are just as dependable/effective, cripple TeamViewer’s true potential. And their review score. [ Team Viewer Free Review is a post from 148Apps ]  TeamVieweriPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: FREE Our Rating: Released: 2010-03-03 :: Category: Productivity :: REMARKABLE REMOTE SUPPORTRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: TeamViewer |
| Facebook Messenger Redifines Mobile Chat Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:04 AM PST
But what if you could replace that clunky Facebook Chat interface with something that was more streamlined and efficient? In steps developer CrispApp with their newest release, Facebook Messenger to answer your every concern. Featuring a cleaner interface with additional VoIP functionality, this may very well be your cure for the common Facebook message. Here is what you can expect:
You can even make use of the voice chat features from your PC, without even having to leave Facebook. This is amazing technology that has been a long time coming. Let’s just hope that other voice chat companies like Skype don’t try to swoop in and steal away Facebook Messenger’s user base. For a mere ninty-nine cents, this is the kind of tool that should be a must own for any iPhone userr with a Facebook account. Don’t take it from me though, check out their introduction video to the app. You will no doubt be won over too.  Facebook MessengeriPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Released: 2011-02-17 :: Category: Social Networking [ Facebook Messenger Redifines Mobile Chat is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Facebook Messenger |
Arcade mode offers up pretty much what you could want from a shooter. There’s no setting the scene with a flimsy storyline. Instead all you need to know is that aliens in the guise of shapes (or cubes as the game likes to call them) are coming at you and it’s kill or be killed. Firing is done automatically so all you have to do is guide your ship The cubes follow set patterns and are easily killed but this belies the ‘super’ cubes that follow with increased strength and health, making for some formidable opponents. Like any enjoyable bullet hell shooter, the difficulty is quickly ramped up here. Fortunately an array of power ups doubling or trebling your power are available and greatly help. 
The aim is to keep in time with the music by squashing cockroaches as they wander over the red dots surrounding the Mexican bandit. Keeping in time with the music isn’t really essential though, it’s more to do with tapping the cockroaches as and when they appear. Bombs and bottles emerge too, each of which invoking extra points if you shoot them. There’s no huge progression here, just a matter of seeing how long you can last without failing. Much like Guitar Hero, you’re given a few chances to screw up as it’s all down to a meter at the top of the screen which you need to keep happy. 
Prior to the launch of Planet Waves Guitar Tools, I had several different apps on my iPhone dedicated to one of my most passionate hobbies. A tuner app, a different app for my chord library and so on. But now, thanks to D’Addario & Company, Inc., a company featuring a family of world-renowned musical instrument accessory brands, I’m able to remove these apps and replace them with one that consolidates all of my needs into one app. 
The main screen interface for each feature is standardized, user-friendly fare, consisting of arrows, touch gestures (swipes, taps, etc.) and dials: Each tool displays an interactive fretboard which users can use to make, play or find chords, arrows that progress the user through various functions, such as chord families and a pop-up dial, which is used to select a chord class, scale, etc., among others.
The Teachers/Stores tools use your device’s built-in location-based capabilities. That said, the only real complaint I have about this app is that it could be a tad more accurate. I searched for teachers in my town I know exist, but the app couldn’t find them. The stores in my town, however, all showed. Tapping on a teacher pulls up a surprising amount of contact info, while tapping on a store pulls up the phone number and address. Teachers can be imported into your Contacts and tapping on an address opens the iDevice’s native Google Maps program, allowing you to find/map your route easily.
At Macworld this year, we saw a few new iPad cases with something extra, a keyboard. We’re going to take a look at a few of these as we get them in. First up is the Keyfolio from historic peripheral provider Kensington.
Using TeamViewer is surprisingly easy and consistent, over WiFi and 3G, but both you and your partner, (the owner of the computer you’re trying to connect to) must have the TeamViewer file installed on their iDevice/Computer. 
The status bar, located at the bottom of the controller’s screen, contains an option to close the program, open the keyboard and mouse, zoom in/out and adjust the afore-mentioned settings. Once you move the arrow icon to your destination, you can tap (single, double or right-click, via a two-finger tap) anywhere on the screen to execute the action, without fear of inadvertently tapping on another area by mistake.
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