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• Adobe To Make More Advanced Photoshop App for iPad?
• Pirate’s Battle Review
• Cart Cow Review
• Favorite Four: Yoga Apps
• Hunters: Episode One Review
• Fuze Meeting Introduces Multiplatform HD Video Conferencing to iOS, Including iPad 2
• MotoTrialz Review
• Stellar Escape Brings The Race To Space
• TiltShift Video Review
• TeamLava Announces Next Entry in “Story” Franchise, Fashion Story

Adobe To Make More Advanced Photoshop App for iPad? Posted: 30 Mar 2011 04:44 PM PDT At the Photoshop World conference on March 30th, 2011, Adobe demonstrated a new version of an iPad Photoshop app that features layers support, layering being one of the key features of advanced image editors like Photoshop. This would allow for advanced image editing on the go, as complex, layered images could be created, as well as with the new features like dragging and rotating of image objects, and a new color mixer tool. Adobe has yet to announce any details on when or how this would be released – Photoshop Express already exists for the iPad (as well as the iPhone and iPod touch as a universal app), but the features in this app Adobe demoed would be far beyond what we’ve seen from the current Photoshop Express app. A more advanced image editing app could be a major selling point on the iPad for image editors, especially with the iPad being such a portable, lightweight device. This app is a potentially major announcement, and it will be interesting to see what Adobe reveals next about this potential Photoshop app for the iPad. Source: Photography Bay (via electronista) [ Adobe To Make More Advanced Photoshop App for iPad? is a post from 148Apps ]

Pirate’s Battle Review Posted: 30 Mar 2011 11:04 AM PDT Pirate’s Battle Review By Timothy Smith on March 30th, 2011 Our Rating: :: ARRGH! iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad Sail the high seas in this multiplayer pirate romp, but beware of rough waters, giant squids, and tide turning power-ups.   Developer: Seed Studio Price: $2.99 Version: 1.0 App Reviewed on: iPad Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars User Interface Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Arrgh, Matey! Sorry, but I had to do it. Pirates are just plain awesome, and games featuring pirates are awesome by default. Seed Studio must know this because their games are about… you guessed it, pirates. I’m talking about the swashbuckling, hat wearing seafarers, of course; why would anyone want to play a game about illegal downloading? Pirate’s Battle isn’t a true to life pirate adventure, but more of a quick and dirty sailor’s brawl. It features co-op, versus, and single player modes, and a plethora of battle maps and difficulty settings. In Pirate’s Battle you man one of 4 unique ships from a bird’s eye view perspective. Each ship has its own set of stats that dictate how fast it is or how much damage it can do, and if you claim enough victories in battle the ships are upgraded. In addition to these permanent upgrades, there are several power-ups that wash out into the ocean to provide temporary perks. The game has clean graphics that boast vibrant colors, and some catchy tunes that might have you humming. I found the single player to be a little tough, but it did give me an opportunity to try out the three different control methods available. It also preps you for the relentless onslaught of multiplayer fun (provided you have some friends or family to share with). After choosing your ship you are given the option to use a sliding lever, arrow buttons, or a classic ship wheel. I tried all three and I heavily prefer the sliding lever. Be warned though, controlling your vessel in Pirate’s Battle is decidedly tricky no matter which method you choose. Your canons fire from the sides of your ship, and the turning radius on these ye old ships can be a doozy. Half the fun of the game is mastering your preferred ship’s handling capabilities though. The single player starts out by putting you up against a few light weight ships, but it quickly ramps up with hazardous waters (whirlpools and coral reefs) and giant bosses (all hail the squid). As with most games designed to take advantage of same system multiplayer, Pirate’s Battle doesn’t fail to deliver a fun social experience. The co-op game allows you to join forces with up to four ships and take out some of the more challenging bosses and levels, and the versus mode provides some really competitive scenarios. As I mentioned before the control methods and ship physics will definitely have you on the edge of your seat when you’re trying to out maneuver your friends’ ships. The power-ups provided a random chance aspect that changed the odds of each battle without being poorly balanced. The game is a fairly fresh offering in the app store as I haven’t played anything quite like it. Some might complain about its slower pace, but I can imagine real pirate warfare wasn’t very peppy either. Overall, Seed Studio is off to a nice start with Pirate’s Battle. I would love to see more playable ships and some extra game modes or minigames, but the package as a whole is still a great offering if you love playing same system multiplayer. [ Pirate’s Battle Review is a post from 148Apps ] Pirate's Battle iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad Buy Now: $2.99 Our Rating: :: ARRGH! Read Our Full Review >> Released: 2011-03-03 :: Category: Games / Family Apps mentioned in this post: Pirate's Battle

Cart Cow Review Posted: 30 Mar 2011 10:04 AM PDT Cart Cow Review By Jennifer Allen on March 30th, 2011 Our Rating: :: PHYSICS BASED FUN iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Cart Cow is a line drawing physics based game. It focuses on the trials and tribulations of a cow stuck in a shopping cart   Developer: Gamesmold Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars Game Controls Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars Gameplay Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Replay Value Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.56 out of 5 stars It’s not often you see a cow travel by shopping cart, even in my borderline rural hometown. I like to think it would look a little like Cart Cow, although the poor cow could clearly do with a better guide than myself. The aim of this game is pretty simple: guide the Cart Cow to the exit while collecting up the four leaf clovers that are frequently littered around each stage. It’s never as simple as that in the world of iOS casual games though. You have to draw lines in order to provide ramps and more to ensure that Cart Cow gets to the exit safely. She can fall out of the cart but bonus points are given for remaining in the cart, plus your momementum is restricted once you’re out of the cart. Early levels are typically simple to get to grips with, clearly there to introduce you to the main game mechanics. Controls are easy to learn too, never overcomplicating matters. While it’s possible to mess up the placement of the lines, a quick tap of the restart button will set you straight. Further levels require more intricate planning with the likes of UFOs, springs and rockets aiding you. The general idea remains the same however and it’s an entertaining one at that. There’s 60 levels in all, each divided up by chapter and theme. Much like other games of this ilk, there’s the added satisfaction of returning to earlier levels in order to gain a gold medal rather than bronze or silver is a convenient touch also. However lack of GameCenter or OpenFeint support is a mild frustration considering you can’t compare your victories then. The main annoyance however lies with the reload times. If you want to restart a level, despite it looking rather simple, it still takes enough seconds that you wish you’d got the level right the first time. A shame as these minor problems do infringe on what is a pretty entertaining game. For these reasons, Cart Cow might not be your first choice for a physics based puzzler but it does deserve to be in the top 10. It’s got some great ideas and level design, once you look past the minor niggles. [ Cart Cow Review is a post from 148Apps ] Cart Cow iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: :: PHYSICS BASED FUN Read Our Full Review >> Released: 2011-03-22 :: Category: Games / Arcade Apps mentioned in this post: Cart Cow

Favorite Four: Yoga Apps Posted: 30 Mar 2011 09:30 AM PDT Today’s favorite four roundup will focus on our inner calm, and our outer flexibility as I rundown the most popular and my personal favorite Yoga apps for all of your iOS devices. Most apps offer useful information for everyone from a beginner to someone who practises Yoga daily. From within this list you should find a great app to get you into the fantastic (and relaxing) world of Yoga. Authentic Yoga with Deepack Chopra and Tara Stiles This is perhaps one of the best and most well known Yoga app available for the iPhone. Garnering more media attention than any other Yoga app I’ve seen, the star power of New Age guru Deepack Chopra and all-star Yoga instructor Tara Stiles launches this app into a category all it’s own. Offering informative videos, detailed instructions, and customizable routines, this app has it all. While rather download-heavy, I’d say don’t stray far from a Wifi connection when using this app. Authentic Yoga with Deepak Chopra and Tara Stiles iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $1.99 Released: 2010-02-26 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness All-In Yoga HD Another powerhouse of an app, and nominated in our very own Best App Ever awards last year. All-In Yoga HD is hands-down the most comprehensive app you’ll find, anywhere, about Yoga. It offers not only 200+ poses, with detailed video and audio instructions, but also a host of ready-made routines, and an entirely personalized option to built your own routines. Being on the iPad it offers something the other apps on this list can’t, huge beautiful, detailed instructions and photos to help you better understand and practise yoga. All-in YOGA HD: 200 Poses & Yoga Classes iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad Buy Now: $2.99 Our Rating: :: STRETCHES THE IPAD Read Our Full Review >> Released: 2010-08-19 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness Worth checking out the iPhone version, too. Wouldn’t it be delightful if they released a Universal app? All-in YOGA: 200 Poses & Yoga Classes iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $1.99 Released: 2010-07-17 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness YOGAmazing – Yoga Video App For fans of the YOGAmazing podcast, this is the companion app that goes perfectly alongside (or to replace) the video podcast. While you’ll only have a limited number of archived podcasts to choose from if you subscribe via iTunes, you’ll have up to 50 videos to choose from with exclusive content in this app. His videos usually sell from $3.99-$9.99 on iTunes (or on his website), but for one low price you’ll get the most recent content delivered strait to your iPhone with the Video App. YOGAmazing - Yoga Video App iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $2.99 Released: 2009-08-27 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness Pure Yoga – AmbiScience While not strictly speaking a Yoga app, this ambient music/noise app *was* designed specifically to be used while practising Yoga. For those familiar with the AmbiScience/Tesla Software products, you’ll immediately realize how the music and Brainwave Enterainment can work together to help you achieve mediation and relaxation during your Yoga workout. These specific developers offer some of the best abient music apps, and focusing specifically on Yoga offering 10 tracks and four Binaural undertones. The perfect accompaniment to your Yoga sessions. Pure Yoga | AmbiScience™ 50% OFF! iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Released: 2009-08-25 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness [ Favorite Four: Yoga Apps is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: All-in YOGA HD: 200 Poses & Yoga Classes, All-in YOGA: 200 Poses & Yoga Classes, Authentic Yoga with Deepak Chopra and Tara Stiles, Pure Yoga | AmbiScience™ 50% OFF!, YOGAmazing - Yoga Video App

Hunters: Episode One Review Posted: 30 Mar 2011 09:04 AM PDT Hunters: Episode One Review By Blake Grundman on March 30th, 2011 Our Rating: :: SOLID FIRST TRY Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Rodeo Games has provided gamers with a solid reason to give tactical RPGs on iOS a chance.   Developer: Rodeo Games Price: Free + Microtransactions Version: 1.03 App Reviewed on: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Game Controls Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Replay Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4.13 out of 5 stars If there were a genre of game that seems a perfect fit for the iOS platform it would have to be turn-based tactical role playing games.  When you meld that perfect style of touch interaction with a science fiction based universe it would be hard to argue that the developers are not onto something that could be very successful, not to mention lucrative.  Commanding a rag-tag group of mercenaries in battles across the galaxy sounds right in the wheelhouse of other established games, so can Hunters: Episode One stand out in the crowd? Taking place at the close of the third millennia, the galaxy has been thrown into disarray by lack of any form of central government.  Corporations have taken control of regions and fight skirmishes amongst each other, using mercenaries as a proxy for their conflict.  Players are placed in the role of commander, tasked with tactically managing their troops to victory.  Micromanagement is the key to success, so be ready to indulge your inner Patton. Moving  troops, fending off attack and bringing the battle to the enemy is all controlled using standard screen touches and finger slides.  Navigating the grid of warfare is a breeze on the iPhone and could only be made easier with the extra real estate afforded by an iPad, making this an ideal way to play tactical RPGs.  Also working in the game’s favor are the turn based structure that makes it a perfect pick-up-and-play title, that can still be easily put down after a couple of quick turns. One standout new feature that makes Hunters: Episode One worth coming back to is the persistent leveling system and dynamically generated challenges.  Each day new tasks are generated for the player, making the game both infinitely replayable and immensely satisfying.  Knowing that you have something  new awaiting every time it is opened will keep players coming back day after day. A final item working in the title’s favor is the stylistic top-down visuals that won’t overwhelm, but are certainly no slouch either.  Though a simple sprite based system like this has been employed by the likes of developers such as Square Enix, Rodeo Games has gone above and beyond to give the game a style all of its own.  As long as no one goes in expecting a platform showpiece, players should be pleasantly surprised at what they will find. Hunters: Episode One is a promising first installment in a franchise that will hopefully see a long and prosperous life on the iOS.  These are the kinds of titles that can set the platform apart as one of the truly unique experiences in gaming.  It is definitely well worth a look, especially when you consider that the base game is actually free.  [ Hunters: Episode One Review is a post from 148Apps ] Hunters: Episode One iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: FREE Our Rating: :: SOLID FIRST TRY Read Our Full Review >> Released: 2011-02-26 :: Category: Games / Action Apps mentioned in this post: Hunters: Episode One

Fuze Meeting Introduces Multiplatform HD Video Conferencing to iOS, Including iPad 2 Posted: 30 Mar 2011 08:30 AM PDT One of the problems with digital video has been the wide variety of codecs making device interoperability a challenge. Even minor differences in software can make a video work on one platform and not on the other – and these problems are not just limited to recorded video, even live video sharing has been problematic, as a wide variety of OSes and protocols exist for live video sharing, and unifying all of these platforms can be a challenge. There may be one interesting solution, primarily for business users, that is coming out soon. FuzeBox, creators of the Fuze Meeting application, have announced that they’re releasing an update to Fuze Meeting that will enable support for HD videoconferencing with their apps, available for Macs, PCs, Android phones and tablets, as well as all iOS devices. This includes the new iPad 2, which will support both its front and rear cameras for video conferencing with the app. Fuze Meeting’s HD video conferencing will feature 720p resolution for compatible participants, while providing high quality and low latency video via Vidyo Adaptive Video Layering technology, which runs with the H.264 SVC video codec. This service, for paid customers of Fuze Meeting, will support up to 10 users that can video chat in HD simultaneously, across any and all platforms that support Fuze Meeting. While both the Android and iOS apps support the ability to join any Fuze Meeting that even includes video conferencing for free, those wishing to create a meeting will not be able to try out the video conferencing quite yet, although they can still create limited meetings with text and voice chat, as well as media sharing. The intriguing thing about Fuze Meeting and this update is that it is attempting to unify many OSes – not just computers and iOS, but also Android phones and tablets, and to bring unified video conferencing to these platforms as well. As Jeff Cavins, CEO of FuzeBox puts it, "Physical presence through video conferencing has revolutionized the way we conduct meetings and the efficiency with which we collaborate. This newest iteration of Fuze Meeting allows teams to collaborate as if they were together in person, using any device from any location." Fuze Meeting’s app with HD video conferencing is available now for free for iPhone/iPod touch, iPad, and is also available for Android devices from the Android Market. Fuze Meeting iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: FREE Released: 2009-01-20 :: Category: Business Fuze Meeting HD iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad Buy Now: FREE Released: 2010-09-21 :: Category: Business [ Fuze Meeting Introduces Multiplatform HD Video Conferencing to iOS, Including iPad 2 is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Fuze Meeting, Fuze Meeting HD

MotoTrialz Review Posted: 30 Mar 2011 08:04 AM PDT MotoTrialz Review By Carter Dotson on March 30th, 2011 Our Rating: :: TRY IT OUT iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad MotoTrialz puts you on a motorbike, trying to race through 27 obstacle-filled levels.   Developer: Tooko Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.2 Device Reviewed On: iPod touch 4G Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Game Controls Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Replay Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars MotoTrialz puts you in control of a motorbike rider, forced to race his bike through grueling obstacle courses, and to suffer injuries that would kill or permanelty handicap lesser men, but due to the will of some outside, unseen entity, he must continue on until he succeeds. Or at least that’s what I assume the storyline to be since there’s not one given. There are 27 courses to race through, of increasing difficulty. You can only really go forward and backward, and can tilt your bike in each direction, which is necessary at times as you need to flip in midair or tilt your bike to angle yourself on a ramp properly. MotoTrialz thankfully makes it very easy to restart from your last checkpoint – which is a necessity for this game. You will die plenty of times. The levels are often challenging, but don’t really get to a point where they’re exceedingly difficult to the point where the game isn’t fun. Occasionally I’d put down the game after playing for a while because I got frustrated, but it wasn’t enough that I was demoralized from returning in the future. The game lasts a decent amount of time, and the courses are varied and fun enough to keep coming back to it, and perfectionists can work on improving their best times, of course. MotoTrialz’s controls are occasionally problematic, especially the leaning. The slider requires you to start sliding from the center of it, and this is where having virtual controls fails – without any kind of physical point of reference from the center, I’ve often wound up thinking I would be leaning in a certain direction, and I wouldn’t be, as I didn’t slide it from the center point. It’s quite annoying. The game’s physics also wind up with your bike and rider occasionally getting stuck in weird places – often times these are funny things, like after you die, but sometimes you’ll get inexplicably stuck on a ramp and have to reset to the last checkpoint. The app doesn’t appear to support the Retina Display yet (at least on the iPod touch 4G) and doesn’t support Game Center. MotoTrialz isn’t the best game ever, and the controls and features need some work, but it’s a solid little game – and you could sure do worse for $0.99. [ MotoTrialz Review is a post from 148Apps ] MotoTrialz iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: :: TRY IT OUT Read Our Full Review >> Released: 2010-10-19 :: Category: Games / Action Apps mentioned in this post: MotoTrialz

Stellar Escape Brings The Race To Space Posted: 30 Mar 2011 07:30 AM PDT I don’t really understand what it is, but there is just something about being chased by the unknown that brings out the competitive side in gamers.  The recet explosion of free-running games have been nothing short of remarkable, and game developers have taken it to the bank in droves.  Sure, you could say that Sonic the Hedgehog perfected the left to right dash two decades ago, but you wouldn’t know it by asking iOS consumers. Another title looking to get in on the craze is the debut title from up and coming developer Orange Agenda, Stellar Escape.  Players will find themselves racing through fifteen different stages, set in five different unique environments.  While the gameplay may be simple to grasp the star is the graphical polish and smooth animations.  Be sure to keep moving and leave no clues other than a cloud of dust in your wake.  If you fail to do so, just remember that no one can hear screams in the vacuum of space.  Check out the chaos in full motion below. Stellar Escape iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Released: 2011-03-21 :: Category: Games / Arcade [ Stellar Escape Brings The Race To Space is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Stellar Escape

TiltShift Video Review Posted: 30 Mar 2011 07:04 AM PDT TiltShift Video Review By Chantelle Joy Duxbury on March 30th, 2011 Our Rating: :: MINIATURIZE VIDEOS iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Apply TiltShift effect, time-lapse, and color grading to your iPhone videos for a unique miniaturized looking video.   Developer: Fidel Lainez Price: $1.99 Version: 2.1 iPhone Integration Rating: 4 out of 5 stars User Interface Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Tilt Shift images are unique and fun. They offer a look into our world in a different perspective, making everything look miniature and overly colorful. If you’re not familiar with this effect, I highly suggest checking out some google images, and stare in amazement that these are real photographs, simply edited to look surreal. TiltShift Video is one of the very few apps that allows you to edit your videos on iOS to add the Tilt Shift effect. It does so by offering several stages of editing options to the video itself, it does so quickly and very simply. Even an iPhone video novice like myself was able to figure it out in a matter of minutes. You can edit any videos shot or saved on your iPhone. Wide-shots and large crowds with as little camera movement as possible work best. Import your video, and select your time-lapse speed (to speed up the video) from 1x up to 16x. Next, you can add the colour over-saturation that’s so familiar with Tilt Shift photography, and adjust brightness and other lighting options. Finally you’ll chose your focus, and blur radius. This make take several times to get right, as Tilt Shift is as much an art as any other photographic skill. It’s also worthy to note that there’s an option to edit any of your photographs into Tilt Shift images as well; while not the focus of the app, it’s a wonderful feature to be included and I would definitely like this app less if it weren’t. The app works perfectly and includes instructions even though it’s quite self-explanatory. It really does offer all of the editing features that one needs to create unique and fun Tilt Shift videos. I strongly suggest (run, don’t walk!) having a look at a couple of the amazing videos that the developer has posted on his website that some users created using this app. Well worth the price tag, and I’m definitely going to keep this one around for fun videos in the summertime! [ TiltShift Video Review is a post from 148Apps ] TiltShift Video Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Buy Now: $1.99 Our Rating: :: MINIATURIZE VIDEOS Read Our Full Review >> Released: 2010-10-09 :: Category: Photography Apps mentioned in this post: TiltShift Video

TeamLava Announces Next Entry in “Story” Franchise, Fashion Story Posted: 30 Mar 2011 06:04 AM PDT TeamLava has set out on a goal – to turn every possible industry into a freemium game. From restaurants to bakeries to nightclubs to treasure hunting, almost everything is fair game for TeamLava. Next up for them is Fashion Story, another universal freemium “virtual world RPG experience” that has you in charge of your own boutique. You get to stock and sell clothing and other apparel in your own boutique, with the ability to unlock designer brands that you can sell to increase business, and the ability to customize your boutique with a variety of layouts and decorations. As well, you can customize your own avatar to make yourself look all fashionable and trendy, because if you’re going to run a fashionable and trendy boutique, you better be fashionable and trendy yourself. And of course, there’s social networking features, so you can meet other players of the game and visit their shops. Fashion Story may not be exactly appealing to core gamers like myself, but who knows – TeamLava is turning everything else into a story. Maybe Spy Agency Story is coming up next. I sure wouldn’t mind running one of those, especially if I could wear an eyepatch and give people awesome codenames and send them out on missions. It could happen! Until then, you’ll just have to enjoy the slightly less cutthroat world of the fashion industry. Fashion Story is coming soon to the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. [ TeamLava Announces Next Entry in “Story” Franchise, Fashion Story is a post from 148Apps ]

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