Twitter, Instagram Battle Over Filters

December 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

What began as a cool, share-able feature that brought everyone together has now become the key component in a mobile war: photo filters.

The battle accelerated yesterday when Twitter rolled out its own filters to its native Android and iOS apps. Those on Twitter will get Vignette, Black & White, Warm, Cool, Vintage, Cinematic, Happy and Gritty. Instagram also added the new filter, Willow, in its iOS and Android updates yesterday.

This changes comes just one day after Instagram dropped support for viewing images in the Twitter stream. To see the Instagram picture of someone you follow on Twitter, it now requires clicking a link and exiting the Twitter app. Previously, the image would appear on a “card” directly in that user’s stream. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, Photography, Posts, Reviews

Flicpost Seeks to Simplify Ordering Prints

December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The new iPhone app flicpost wants to make it extremely simple to order a print with just a few taps. The app is launching with a focused feature set but some heavy ambitions. Users can get a photo ordered and delivered to a ridiculous number of countries worldwide.

By connecting social accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Flickr, users can gain access to images they may have shared elsewhere. For example, printing and deliver of one photo to the United States, UK, Mexico, India, Jamaica, or Thailand is 69 cents. The additional countries included is rather impressive, such as South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Qatar. There is a moderate increase to 99 cents for these and other nations.

An additional ordered print is 20 cents each, with a limit of up to 12 at one time.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: iPhone, Photography, Posts, Reviews

Join Our Google+ Community

December 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Do you want to chat about apps? Then join our Google+ Community. We are taking advantage of a new feature from Google’s social site that is designed to create sharing and discussion around topics of shared interests.

The goal is for the community to be that: a place for discussion, debate, and conversation about the world of mobile apps. Perhaps you want to get in touch with us about an app to review. Or have a question for a member of the writing team. It will be anything goes for the time being to see what the readers want to see.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, Posts

Gmail for iOS 2.0 in App Store (Updated)

December 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

After a six-month redesign project, Google released version 2.0 of its iOS app to the App Store today. It features a redesigned inbox, flashier looks, more animations, and support for multiple accounts. Many users reported this morning errors when trying to update the app. The issue subsided by the afternoon.

Gmail’s new look appears to draw some inspiration from Sparrow, which Google purchased earlier this year. While the Sparrow app is still available, the Sparrow team now works for Google.

The additional features make Gmail a more solid option for replacing the default mail app on the iPhone. Calendar invites can now be handled as part of Google Calendar from within Gmail. Web links can also be opened on the iOS version of Chrome.

It is another step in Google’s soft invasion of iOS with its own services.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: App Updates, iPad, iPhone, News, Posts

Score Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 for Free

December 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

EA Mobile is giving away up to one million copies of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 for iOS over the next several days. To score a download code, head to this site and enter your email address (which will likely set you up for a lifetime supply of unending promotional emails from Electronic Arts). In our original review Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 was a solid performer, especially appealing to those who are golf fans.

Even if you are not that into golf, it makes for a solid performer and may even peak your interest in golf.

EA Mobile is looking to target Android gamers with further deals, creating a widget that highlights new games, discounts, and other promotions. [Read more...]

Filed Under: iPad, iPhone

QatQi is Word Challenge for iOS

November 27, 2012 by 2 Comments

While much of the wordplay universe is being dominated by Letterpress or Words with Friends, there is a lesser known entry by the name of QatQi that offers a good challenge on iOS.

QatQi (pronounced cat-key) excels just as much in presentation as it does in gameplay. It is an elegantly designed word puzzle that slowly morphs its way with vibrant and flying colors against a dark background.

To play, you have a given set of letters that must be placed throughout a puzzle to form proper words. You then must use the letters in your hand to fill out the puzzle, much as one would do with Scrabble. However, the play moves more with experimentation instead of setting a word to score points against a challenger. Effective play involves making use of a series of undos, where letters can be returned in order to make a more effective play later. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Games, iPad, iPhone, Reviews

Editorial: The Era of Freemium Games is Bad for Consumers

November 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

EA Mobile announced this week that its forthcoming games would be adopting the “freemium” model; games that will be free to download but packed with upgrades and extras that cost actual dollars.

While some may be excited about the prospect of no longer paying for titles such as Madden NFL or Tiger Woods PGA Tour, in the end this is a move that will decrease the quality and experience of mobile gaming.

EA and other companies would not be making this move if the numbers didn’t make sense. Surely the company has found it can increase its revenue by getting more copies of the game in everyone’s hands. Once that is the case, many gamers are willing to improve performance through upgrades, such as the The Mighty Eagle from Angry Birds. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, Editorials, iPad, iPhone, Posts

Games Highlight Thanksgiving Weekend App Sales

November 23, 2012 by 1 Comment

Along with excessive eating and shopping, the holiday weekend is a great opportunity to get some discounted mobile games. The top publishers have announced a series of titles with deep discounts; many of the games have been dropped to $0.99.

Each title is linked to its download page on Google Play, the Amazon Appstore or Apple’s App Store.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, News, Posts

Sparrow for iPhone Update Supports iPhone 5, Passbook

November 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Even after its acquisition from Google, the developers of Sparrow have not stopped making incremental improvements to the popular email app for iPhone.

The most recent update is a significant enhancement for those with an iPhone 5, making Sparrow compatible with the larger screen size. The Passbook integration is a nice, unexpected feature that allows one to open a Passbook attachment in the Apple-built app.

The update apparently came after some back-and-forth with Apple about getting the app approved. At issue was Rich Text support for iOS 5 users.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: App Updates, iPad, iPhone, News, Posts

Best Apps for Black Friday

November 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The annual shopping nightmare known as Black Friday is upon us. Much of the action this year will be happening before Friday, with stores such as Target and Walmart opening on Thanksgiving night. Many retailers are also offering a number of specials all week, so the deal shopping can begin right away.

To prepare yourself for some serious power shopping load up your smartphone with the best mobile apps. Included here is a list of some of the best apps for finding deals, comparing items, and

Links to download each of the apps are included at the end of the description. All are free, with most available for both Android and iPhone.

Black Friday Coupons: Created by the shopping app Shopular, this app is built just for finding ads and other specials promoted for Black Friday. For iOS, the deals are worked into the standalone Shopular app.  (Google Play, App Store) [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, Posts, Reviews, Shopping Tagged With:

iRig Stomp Review

November 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

IK Multimedia, the company behind the iRig line, has been busy cranking out high-quality music devices that work with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Anyone who is serious about music and wants to pair up an iOS device with their garage studio should seriously consider iRig Stomp.

The latest device is the iRig Stomp, which is a compact stompbox that integrates with the company’s line of apps for iOS. While it is smaller than a traditional stompbox, it is surprisingly durable and works with the company’s family of apps. It also will work with an existing petalboard or amp.

A great combination is to use iRig Stomp with AmpliTube for general music making or AmpliTube Slash for toying around with famous songs from the legendary rocker. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Hardware, iPad, iPhone, Posts

New imo messenger Update Strengthens Social App

November 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

With a revamped look, imo messenger looks to be the default messaging and voice app on your mobile phone. The image retooling and other improvements keep imo messenger in the top tier of social apps for Android and iOS devices.

While Android owners have a solid Google Talk client, keeping up with multiple accounts can be a pain. The same situation exists on the iPhone; not to mention those who use both platforms.

If you have achieved any level of geekdom, you may have an account from Google Talk, Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, or a myriad of other services (somewhere in my Gmail archive is the credentials for an  ICQ account). Jumping between five different apps to continue multiple conversations is a pain.

So far imo messenger is the best cross-platform messaging app I have used. It works very well with iOS 6, the iPhone 5 screen size, and Android 4.2. To begin either create an imo.im account or sign in to an existing service. Connect as many as you wish – imo instant messener will remember your credentials.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, Messaging, Reviews

Six3 Video Share Simplifies Messaging

November 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Messaging is a very busy space in mobile, so it is not surprising for another entrant to come in with a new app. Six3 Video Share focuses on video messages, making a refreshingly different entry by creating an easy way to share such communication.

Generally video or face-to-face messages is not my preferred method of sharing, but I came to like the way Six3 Video Share was set up. Like other great apps, it takes a function that may seem intimidating and makes it far simpler.

Six3 CEO and cofounder Tim Grimsditch said the app is seeing a lot of use from those who find it more convenient to use the app than live, face-to-face messaging.

“People with friends and family living abroad find Six3 easier than pre-arranging Skype or phone calls,” he said. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPhone, Messaging, Posts, Reviews

Angry Birds Star Wars Review

November 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Force has combined with the Angry Birds for another instantly popular game. Despite some skepticism that it was a gratuitous use of a commercialized Star Wars, I was genuinely delighted with Angry Birds Star Wars and recommend it as the best game yet in the series.

This isn’t just Angry Birds with a Star Wars wrapper. The game has been completely built around maximizing the integration of the Star Wars universe. The sound effects are straight out of the movies, with the iconic music and laser blasts. Both birds and pigs are reworked as Stormtroopers, Jedi, and other easily recognizable characters.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Action, Android, Games, iPad, iPhone, Reviews Tagged With:

Evernote 5.0 Revamps Interface (Updated)

November 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Evernote has again revamped its iOS interface. The save-everything service launched version 5.0 today, with a new, card-centric UI with the goal of easier access to the many categories inside the application.

The redesign includes a series of stacked cards that are divided up by notes, notebooks, tags, and other categories. Users will be able to tap and slide the headers to maneuver through the application.

The Evernote Blog also describes the changes that are forthcoming to iPad.

“On iPad, we used the larger screen size to give you fast access to your most recently viewed notes on the Home Screen in a easy to browse, swipeable list. This makes it easy to jump back and forth between multiple notes,” the blog post noted.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: App Updates, iPad, iPhone, News, Posts

Best Apps for Election Results

November 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The day has finally arrived. Tomorrow we will no longer need to hear, “I approve this message” from either candidate, or the bizarre rantings of Interactive Brokers Group CEO Thomas Peterffy.

Instead, if out at an election party or relaxing at home, your smartphone or tablet will serve as a great companion as the results come in. Here are some apps for iOS and Android that will assist in staying up to date with election returns.

Politico: The Politico team delivers the most solid and detailed reporting from the world of politics. If you enable push notifications expect plenty of updates during tonight’s election coverage. While it is on both iOS and Android, the latter version needs work. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, Posts

Need for Speed Most Wanted Review

November 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Need for Speed series has been one of the top mobile performers for Electronic Arts. The latest, Need for Speed Most Wanted, pits you as an illegal street racer seeking to build up street racing cred. It has a similar plot-line to The Fast and the Furious, without the excessive sequels and bad acting.

I gave Need for Speed Most Wanted a thorough spin on an iPhone 4S and iPad. The experience was rather good, as you must not only defeat other racers but evade police and oncoming traffic. The controls are excellent, as you tilt to steer and swipe forward to activate a boost of nitrous. Brake or skis through turns with other simple gestures. If you prefer touch controls, activate them through the settings.

As with most racing games, you begin with a glorified clunker and then race your way to more winnings for auto upgrades. There is a good selection of cars to choose from, including some desirable, high-end brands like Tesla. Of course the carrot of upgrading with actual money is dangled in front of those who may be tempted by taking a monetary shortcut. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Action, Android, Games, iPad, iPhone, Posts, Racing, Reviews Tagged With:

Spelltower for Android Soon; iOS, Mac Versions Rock

November 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Spelltower is my newest iOS gaming obsession, and it should be yours too. It is a great take on the spell-out-words category of games and includes a very addicting multiplayer mode. It is also now in the Mac App Store for $3.99 (the iOS game will run you $1.99).

Android users do not have to envy their iOS friends for long; Spelltower developer Zach Gage told me he hopes to have Spelltower for Android ready “substantially before the holidays.”

For me it is the perfect kind of game for mobile – playable in short bursts while waiting for a train or in line at a grocery store. It also can occupy longer periods of time, especially if challenging someone to the multiplayer mode. It has a beautiful, minimalist interface that belongs in a multitouch environment.

Playing Spelltower involves stringing letters together to clear a tower of tiles. Your word must have at least three letters, though you can compile them by drawing through letters linked vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.  In Tower Mode, you can take your time and rack up points by choosing words with high-value letters or long spellings. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Games, iPad, iPhone, Puzzle, Reviews

Best Halloween Apps for Tracking Kids (And Post-Halloween Fun)

October 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Parents have a powerful set of tools to choose from when it comes to keeping tabs on their kids’ whereabouts on Halloween night. There are plenty of excellent, free choices on iOS and Android for both knowing where your children are and entertaining them later once all of the festivities around the neighborhood have ended.

Find My Friends: If you have a family of iPhones, the best choice is Find My Friends. The app just received an update on Monday, which adds a section for temporary friends and moves the friends’ notifications regarding your location to the “me” section. (App Store)

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPhone, Posts, Reviews

Hurricane Apps for Riding Out Sandy

October 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Information is often at a premium during a natural disaster, so making sure your smartphone is properly configured for Hurricane Sandy is essential. With this severe of a storm caching data to your device via mobile apps is a good safety precaution.

A substantial amount of cancellations and service closures have already been announced for the Level 1 hurricane. The following apps are among the many which have up-to-date information about Sandy, or would serve as a good tool in other severe weather conditions. A link is included to the App Store or Google Play based on the platform for which it is available. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, iPad, iPhone, News, Posts
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