As the name suggests, myPill™ – Birth Control Reminder is an easy to use app that reminds women of when to take their next birth control pill. That’s useful enough in itself but the app goes one step further. Easily set up, myPill™ – Birth Control Reminder can help women plan their schedule up to six months in advance at the swipe of a finger. This means that the user can track exactly when to expect their periods so they can plan their life and any big plans accordingly.

A built in notes facility ensures that users with any concerns can track any unusual changes in their cycle, ready to inform their doctor or gynecologist at a later appointment. Other events such as missed pills can also be easily tracked.

Even SMS and e-mail reminders can be configured for those who don’t just want to be reminded by their iOS device.

myPill™ – Birth Control Reminder is an Universal app and available now.

myPill™ - Birth Control Reminder

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2011-03-21 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness

Described by the developers as “the ‘like button’ for the world around you,” Chee.rs gives users the opportunity to express their satisfaction with people, places or things that they love.

Connecting up with friends via the app, the user can share all the great things going on in their life from a great restaurant visit to a new movie, or just someone that’s made life that bit more pleasant. Users can even take a photo of what they ‘like’ so much, to give an idea of what’s so great about it.

The more the app is used, the more Cheerfluence points can be gained to show which users influence the Chee.rs world so much. It’s a pretty neat idea with some great potential.

Chee.rs is out now and it’s free.

Chee.rs

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Lifestyle

MTV Music Meter offers a daily list of artists currently trending right now. Information such as recent tweets about the acts, photos, news articles and biographies are available for each star, as well as 30 second audio samples of many of each act’s discography in order to get a taste of the performances.

Users also get the chance to search through over 1 million artists to find something that appeals to their taste in music. Throughout the app, it’s easy to use and browse, making it a great way of gaining bite sized snaps of the latest and greatest the music world has to offer at any time.

MTV Music Meter is out now and it’s free to download.

MTV Music Meter

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2011-03-02 :: Category: Music

On This Episode:

Host Carter Dotson and Josh Presseisen of Crescent Moon Games discuss the publisher’s role in the games they release, as well as some of their recent titles. As well, they discuss the free-to-play trends in iOS games, along with the ways that Crescent Moon titles implement in-app purchases.

Who We Are:

Music:

“Beatnes7 (Theme to The Portable Podcast)” by The Eternal – Download on iTunes here:

How to Listen:

Apps Mentioned on This Episode:

Raid Leader

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2012-02-09 :: Category: Games

Paper Monsters

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99

Our Rating: :: TRADITIONAL STATIONERY
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2012-01-26 :: Category: Games

Ravensword: The Fallen King

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: NOT YET
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2009-11-17 :: Category: Games

Deadlock: Online

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2011-07-21 :: Category: Games

Of course rescuing a space princess in Earthworm Jim, wreaking havoc in Gangstar Rio: City of Saints or running amok in Rayman 2: The Great Escape won’t substitute for making googly-eyes at each other from across the table. They will, however, make the wait for the table more bearable. And just in case finding “the right words” ends up being an issue, there’s also Gameloft’s Love Declaration Generator. Hey I’m just pointing out that it exists, I didn’t make the thing.

Eternal Legacy

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99

Our Rating: :: TOO SAFE
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-12-08 :: Category: Games

Eternal Legacy HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99
Released: 2010-12-15 :: Category: Games

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: CONSOLE GOODNESS
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-06-03 :: Category: Games

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99
Released: 2010-09-16 :: Category: Games

Rayman 2: The Great Escape

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $4.99
Released: 2010-03-01 :: Category: Games

Driver™

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99
Released: 2009-12-08 :: Category: Games

The Settlers

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $4.99

Our Rating: :: GREAT
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2009-11-07 :: Category: Games

The Settlers HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $4.99
Released: 2010-09-02 :: Category: Games

Gangstar Rio: City of Saints

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $6.99

Our Rating: :: UNNECESSARY BUT FUN
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-11-10 :: Category: Games

Earthworm Jim

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99

Our Rating: :: GROOVY!
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2009-10-21 :: Category: Games

The Adventures of Tintin™ - The Game

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $4.99

Our Rating: :: MULTI-TALENTED
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-12-15 :: Category: Games

Hero of Sparta II

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99

Our Rating: :: PRETTY ACTION
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-07-29 :: Category: Games

Hero of Sparta 2 HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $6.99
Released: 2010-08-19 :: Category: Games

Brain Challenge™

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99
Released: 2008-07-11 :: Category: Games

Brain Challenge® HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $4.99
Released: 2010-06-07 :: Category: Games

Warplanes: A History Of Aerial Combat

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $6.99
Released: 2011-06-30 :: Category: Books

To get it out of the way: The Proposal is not an app for proposing marriage, though it would be convenient with Valentine’s Day here. No, The Proposal is an app for a different kind of proposals – business proposals. This lets sales professionals access their proposal information directly on their iPad, in order easily make their business proposals. GPS data can be used to automatically add the user’s current address. Image locos can be added directly from the iPad or the web. Tax info can be added, along with detailed written proposals, with preset options available. This also means that proposals can be easily and quickly modified when being pitched to other clients. Proposals can be saved and exported with iTunes, saved as PDFs, printed directly form the app, or emailed directly to clients. The app also supports importing price lists as Excel spreadsheets either by being loaded into iTunes, or by being imported in from Dropbox. This versatile app for sales professionals is available now.

The Proposal

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $12.99
Released: 2012-01-24 :: Category: Business

Since its initial launch in September last year, highly enjoyable physics-puzzler Where’s My Water? has done a fantastic job of not only providing regular updates to its fans but also educating them along the way.

It’s a more lighthearted update this time round, though. Swampy’s present to his fans is the update ‘Hearts and Crafts’ which allows players to unlock a new level every day for the next 10 days starting February 14th.

Take a look at the screenshots below. Things are looking pretty darn cute this Valentine’s Day with plenty of heart-themed levels ahead.

The Where’s My Water? Valentine’s Day update is available now for existing owners of the app. Anyone else who hasn’t tried the game out yet (and why not?) can pick it up for $0.99.

Where's My Water?

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99

Our Rating: :: DIG IT
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-09-22 :: Category: Games

In this “role-playing interactive story,” players create their avatar and take control of the new girl in Charm Springs. From there, they can choose to spend their time shopping, walking around the park, gossiping and playing matching and dancing games. However, with the Valentine’s Day Ball quickly approaching, players should be doing all they can to get ready. Are they going to help Petey win the DJ battle? Are they popular enough and most importantly, who is going to be their date to the dance?

iSchool Dreams: My Valentine is available now on the App Store. It’s everything a preteen girl could want for this Valentine’s Day.

iSchool Dreams: My Valentine

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2012-02-09 :: Category: Games

Fans who think they have what it takes to win the coveted trophy can build their very own dream team directly from previous Champions League heros. This team can be shared via Facebook and Twitter to show friends just how great their team is. The appzine also takes fans where the magic happens via 360 degree panoramic stadium photos taken during matches played by FC Barcelona and AC Milan. As for video content, fans have access to exclusive interviews with legends such as Steve McManaman, Stéphane Chapuisat, Ottmar Hitzfeld and even referee Urs Meier. They app also tracks top earners, gives an insider look at the ball and athletic shoe and offers historic timelines for some of the greatest moments of the finals.

Ringier Studios’ Champions League: True Passion, Big Business

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $1.99 $4.99
Released: 2011-12-05 :: Category: Sports

DishPal allows users to share dishes and ideas with friends and other food fans, all from within the app. Offering Facebook style commenting services along with photo uploading capabilities, DishPal goes one step further with the ability to participate in themed parties in which people can share their preferences and tastes while learning new ideas connected to the theme. Tagging functionality also aids users in discovering new ways to cook and new friends.

Also offered is a magazine section that can be customized according to the user’s tastes, comprising of exactly what they enjoy most in the food world.

It’s all tantalizingly attractive and a great way to share new recipe ideas and creations.

DishPal is out now and it’s free.

DishPal

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-05 :: Category: Lifestyle

ThinkGeek has announced that the 8-Bitty will retail for $24.99 and should go on sale sometime later this year. If you happen to be at Toy Fair you can get a look at the 8-Bitty up close and personal, just don’t try and steal it because I’m pretty sure ThinkGeek deploys at least three snipers at such events. If you are going to attempt a snatch and grab then please remember to run in a serpentine pattern.

2012 Doomsday is an app specifically designed to inform. It’s got info on what’s theorized to happen on the big day, lots of videos about 2012, details about the Mayans, what kinds of supplies to stock up on and other general survival tips. Depending on an individual’s take on this business it could be their go-to guide or simply something to consider a fascinating “what if” scenario.

2012 Doomsday is currently available for everyone, skeptic or not, on the App Store for $0.99. I’m not claiming that it’ll make a difference in the grand scheme of things, but I suppose there’s nothing wrong with being prepared. Just in case.

2012 Doomsday

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2012-02-06 :: Category: Education

When The SandBox first caught my attention, I thought it looked like a nifty little pixelated world-building game. In a way, it kind of is. However, I was thoroughly unprepared for just how many different aspects of this created world could be manipulated. Water will flow down hills, erode stone into sand, turn dirt into fertile soil, evaporate in extreme heat and freeze in extreme cold. Flowers and trees can grow. Weather will develop based largely on the environment. Players can even make rudimentary circuits to do anything from heating to creating light.

The SandBox is still very much in beta at the moment, but that’s no reason not to get excited. What’s already implemented is pretty amazing, actually. A lot of specifics are still up in the air, such as the final number of “story” levels (currently around 20), price and release date. It’s kind of a shame because this is all so cool, but then again it’s probably best not to rush things. Although the super-curious or anxious can try to get in to the beta. No guarantees, though. Regardless, be sure to keep an eye out for The SandBox whenever it does hit the App Store.

First up is Sonic CD, a meticulously-crafted remake of the Sega CD original, and what could be called a love letter to Sonic fans. It is on sale for $2.99 from its regular price of $4.99.

Sonic CD

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $2.99 $4.99

Our Rating: :: SONIC BOOM
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-12-15 :: Category: Games

Next up is Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, a game that recalls the undying passion that fans of the original franchise have for the game. It is on sale for iPhone/iPod touch for $1.99 (was $3.99) and iPad for $2.99 (was $4.99).

Sonic The Hedgehog 4™ Episode I

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $1.99 $6.99

Our Rating: :: A BIT UNSOUND
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-10-07 :: Category: Games

Sonic The Hedgehog 4™ Episode I HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $2.99 $4.99
Released: 2011-12-21 :: Category: Games

Then there’s Super Monkey Ball 2 and the Sakura Edition, which iPad owners will be head over heels for because it’s a universal app, and it’s on sale for $0.99!

Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99
Released: 2010-04-01 :: Category: Games

Super Monkey Ball 2

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: GOOD .. BUT
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2009-12-01 :: Category: Games

Super Monkey Ball

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99
Released: 2008-07-11 :: Category: Games

Finally, those who can’t get enough of classic Genesis games will be heartwarmed by these titles on sale for $0.99.

Altered Beast

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99
Released: 2010-12-16 :: Category: Games

Golden Axe 2

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: NOSTALGIC
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-04-21 :: Category: Games

Golden Axe 3

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: POLISH NEEDED
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-05-12 :: Category: Games

Gunstar Heroes

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: NOW EVEN MORE DIFFICULT!
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-11-22 :: Category: Games

Streets of Rage 2

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99
Released: 2011-04-14 :: Category: Games

Streets of Rage 3

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99

Our Rating: :: WELCOME TO THE ANGRYDOME
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-04-28 :: Category: Games

Virtua Fighter 2

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $1.99
Released: 2011-01-20 :: Category: Games

The GRAMMY awards are on Sunday, February 12th, and for those excited about the awards being given out and acts scheduled to perform, there’s a new GRAMMY Live app available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It offers news and photos surrounding the event, and video updates about the awards and nominees.. There’s a list of this year’s nominees and recent award winners, along with award prediction and trivia games. Tweets from official accounts, nominated artists, and analysts can be easily accessed through the app, with the ability to eaisly follow, RT, or reply to tweets seen in the app.

The app also offers a variety of live streaming video around the event, from red carpet events, to un-televised award ceremonies, and a multi-screen experience during the live event, airing at 8pm Eastern Sunday night on CBS. There’s also a streaming radio station of GRAMMY nominated artists and songs. The universal app is available now for free.

GRAMMY Live

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-01-18 :: Category: Entertainment

However, they have obstacles in their way such as swaying platforms that have to be hit to knock off the loot. The big problem is that the platforms are in the way of each other, which creates the puzzle portion. And the obstacles don’t stop there. Broken light bulbs, blowing fans, and other interactive objects make sure that the game will be challenging. Available for both iPhone and iPad, Robber Rabbits features 96 unique puzzles, 3 unique weapons such as a popcap gun as well as the shooting physics to go along with the shot. The game is full of cuter than cute characters and graphics, original music and sound effects inspired by Valentine’s Day and supports OpenFeint and Game Center. Alawar’s other games are all on sell until the evening of Valentine’s Day.

Robber Rabbits! HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99 $2.99
Released: 2011-12-16 :: Category: Games

Designed for those telecommuting workers, Work+ is an app for finding new places out and about to work. Those who work at home or have jobs they access through a computer may find their home or apartment distracting, or come down with a case of cabin fever. Work+ is designed to help find places to work around the city, and to keep track of the best places to work while out and about. It looks up the locations of hotspots and Foursquare checkins to find good places to work based on various criteria. Want a quiet coffee shop, or a restaurant with no noise preference? The app can find these. As well, it uses background geolocation in iOS 5 to track when a user leaves a location, noting the time and allowing the user to rate it or save it in their favorite locations. This does mean that the app requires an iPhone or 3G iPad as they have the GPS signal necessary to make the app work. Work+ is available for free from the App Store.

Work+

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Productivity

Read the full review on 148Apps.com.

Tweetbot — A Twitter Client with Personality for iPad

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $2.99

Our Rating: :: WELL-BUILT MACHINE
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Social Networking

Meanwhile, on Giggleapps, reviewer Amy Solomon took a closer look at interactive storybook The Gnat and the Lion. She says, “My kids (ages 10 and 7) and I listened to the read-aloud story and watched the animated short film together before bedtime. We liked the animation, and watching African animals such as the lion and the rhino encouraged a discussion about African grasslands and the animals that live there. We liked the fact that the words are highlighted as the narrator reads them, which is very helpful for children who are learning to read. We also liked the narrator’s voice and accent and how it tied into the African-themed story.”

Read more at GiggleApps.com.

The Gnat and the Lion - Children's Storybook and Cartoon

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $1.99
Released: 2011-02-03 :: Category: Books

Finally, at 148Apps.biz, writer Brad Hilderbrand reported on the explosion of app usage during last week’s Super Bowl. Hildebrand states, “Sunday night’s Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and New York Giants was a classic, but according to a new report from Flurry most viewers were just as likely to be staring at their smartphone screen as they were the game. The company used analytics software built into many popular apps to surmise that of the 111 million people watching the Super Bowl, an estimated 98 million spent at least some time futzing with an app.”

Read the full report at 148Apps.biz.

Another week down, but don’t forget to stay on top of all things related to the app-nation through us. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest news, reviews and contests right out of the gate. In the immortal words of Garrison Keillor, be well, do good work, and keep in touch. See you next week.

For those who like Atari’s modernized iOS remakes, such as Asteroids: Gunner, but would rather just buy an app once and have all the content unlocked, they are now in luck. Asteroids: Gunner+ is now available from the App Store. This is the same gameplay as Asteroids: Gunner, which is the classic Asteroids gameplay reimagined as a dual-stick shooter, but now with all content unlocked upon purchase of the app, instead of having to unlock through in-app purchases. This includes 8 ships, 3 galaxies, and a total of 150 waves of enemies. The game is still universal, and still has consumable IAP for buying crystals for ship upgrades. Note that this may not be a pass for future content as well; the similar Breakout: Boost+ recently received an IAP level pack, but as this game has launched at $4.99, and Breakout: Boost+ at $0.99, the strategy for future content may be different between each. For fans of Asteroids: Gunner who are also wary of purchasing content through IAP, this may be a viable option for them.

Asteroids®: Gunner +

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $4.99
Released: 2012-02-09 :: Category: Games

For the sake of clarity, some of these ‘apps’ are simply added to the RunKeeper service (e.g. Clever Run. Though some are standalone, iPhone apps, like Cycle Log and, of course, the official RunKeeper app.

The new apps have ranging functions from a coaching app for both the coaches and their athletes, like Coachya, to turning fitness into a game, like Fleetly and Nexercise. Many of the apps track some sort of activity. CleverRun tracks running-related items, Cycle Log is a comprehensive cycling tracker and companion, Pedometer Ultimate is self-explanatory, Scosche myTREK keeps an eye on the user’s pulse, and Weighty keeps track of weight and fat percentage. Vitogo is a personal trainer app that creates a workout program tailored to the user.

RunKeeper and its apps could be beneficial to a fitness-related New Year’s resolution. Go to RunKeeper.com to sign up for the service and click the “Apps” link to see the 45+ apps including the most recent nine.

RunKeeper

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE

Our Rating: :: TOP FIT PICK
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2009-01-13 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness

Cinemagram
Offering something a little like Kinotopic, Cinemagram gives users the tools to create their own mix of photo and video. Simply record a few seconds of video and apply relevant filters to create some startingly original pieces of photographic art.

cinemagram

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $1.99
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Photography

Raid Leader
Combining RPG and RTS elements, players take the role of Raid Leader in the game of the same name. Three different character classes help the player through 15 encounters as players level up as they come across increasingly fearsome bosses. A casual yet challenging trip into genres that are normally less welcoming.

Raid Leader

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2012-02-09 :: Category: Games

Fotopedia Women of the World
Women accomplish a lot in the world and now there’s an app that focuses on their efforts. Fotopedia Women of the World does precisely that, offering some stunning imagery from 75 different countries as well as visual stories and explanations of just what is being witnessed. There’s no reason not to download this. It’s free, after all.

Fotopedia Women of the World

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Travel

Star Wars Pit Droids
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace divided many upon its initial release and understandably so. With the release of the film in 3D, so too do we get another chance of seeing what games come out of the Star Wars universe. Star Wars Pit Droids is one such title, offering a form of tower defense game set around the pit droids during Anakin Skywalker’s racing days.

Star Wars Pit Droids

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $1.99
Released: 2012-02-09 :: Category: Games

Celebrating Dickens

200 years ago, on February 7 1812, author Charles Dickens was born. Celebrating Dickens, developed by the University of Warwick, UK, looks at the life and times of the classic storyteller. Along the way is some fantastic academic insight into his work from A Christmas Carol to Bleak House, with podcasts explaining all.

Celebrating Dickens

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-07 :: Category: Education

Now we all know why it seems like every iOS screen we come across has Temple Run on it. And why it’s number 2 on our list of the Top 148 Free iPad apps and number 4 on our list of the Top 148 Free iPhone games.

Temple Run puts players in the role of an Indiana Jones style protagonist, running from diabolical monkeys through a 3D environment. This endless runner takes an isometric third person perspective to the genre, allowing players to jump, slide and turn down narrow maze-like paths with swipes up, down, left and right. There are also tilt controls to collect coins, which can then be redeemed for upgrades and special powers, like invisibility or magic bridges across gaps.

We’ve been writing about the genuinely talented (and nice!) folks at Imangi Studios since they began, so we’re pretty darn excited about their recent and well deserved success.

Temple Run

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE

Our Rating: :: RUN, BABY, RUN
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-08-04 :: Category: Games

U-verse has released an app for subscribers to their TV and high-speed internet service that brings both control of their receiver, along with access to on demand video. By downloading AT&T U-verse for iPad and logging in to the user’s AT&T U-verse account, the app’s functions become available.

The app’s first function is to serve as a remote for a U-verse receiver. By setting up the U-verse receiver by turning to channel 9301 and enabling remote device access, it can then be discovered by the app. The app offers virtual remote buttons for changing the channel, rewind/fast-forward controls for recordings and live TV, pause/record buttons, and all the other basic commands available on the U-verse remote. As well, the app has an easy-access guide with the ability to quickly jump to the channel, and to record future programs easily. Receivers can be independently named and controlled, so it’s possible for multiple iPads to control different TVs in a house.

For those who have a secondary router on their network to extend their network or because of device incompatibility (AirPlay to an Apple TV has issues with the U-verse router in particular) will need to connect to the U-verse router directly, as even having both devices on the same secondary router will not work.

The app also offers on-demand video from U-verse’s on-demand selection that can actually be watched on the iPad itself. These videos can be watched anywhere, not just on the U-verse network. It ironically also supports AirPlay to a TV, which may explain just why the AirPlay protocol has issues with U-verse routers. The app does have the notable lack of any kind of live TV – especially considering that Comcast launched their own iPad app with live TV just a month ago.

Still, this app should make it much easier for U-verse users to control their TV and watch the content they want, thanks to the touch interface provided by the app. AT&T U-verse for iPad is available now.

AT&T U-verse for iPad

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2010-12-18 :: Category: Entertainment

Farmkill – Zombie survival games. Yessir. But before writing off Farmkill as just another shambler slaughter consider this: players can raise volatile (literally) animals to fight off the horde. In addition to the expected defenses and numerous firearms. I have to admit, it’s an interesting idea. Although now I keep thinking about chicken nuggets for some reason…

Farmkill

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-05 :: Category: Games

Battlefield 3: Aftershock – iOS users seem to enjoy multiplayer first-person shooters, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that EA decided to bring what is arguably their biggest FPS of 2011 to Apple devices. What does come as a surprise is that it’s a free-to-play multiplayer first-person shooter. Allow me to repeat that: it’s a free multiplayer first-person shooter derived from one of EA’s largest 2011 releases. Let the downloading commence.

Battlefield 3™: Aftershock

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Games

Robot Troopers – Robot Troopers takes the idea of task-management and robots it up a notch. Or two. Players will be taking control of an assembly line, cranking out an army of autonomous forces while simultaneously training the new recruits. A robot foreman’s work is never done.

Robot Troopers

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Games

Suitor Shooter – Protect the princess from the unworthy while getting the prince(s) to the castle. In essence, players are bombarding a horde of “evil,” flower-toting fiends with delusions of dating from a dirigible. While not bombarding the good guys, of course. It’s an unorthodox approach to dating to be sure, but it sure makes for an interesting game.

Suitor Shooter

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Games

First up is Diggin’ Dogs, a game where three precocious puppies dig their way through levels, collecting coins and bones on their way to getting the golden treasure at the end of each level. Players use their finger to cut through the dirt, creating paths for the dogs to travel, swipe upward on the dogs to make them jump, and tilt left and right to move the dogs, as well as maneuver treasure. There are over 60 levels in this game for iPhone and iPod touch, available now.

Diggin' Dogs

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2012-02-08 :: Category: Games

Next up is Bubble in Paradise, a word game where players try form words by popping bubbles that contain letters. The bubbles come in various sizes and point values, and they must be popped before the screen becomes overcrowded with bubbles and it’s game over. The game comes with four modes: Normal, Blitz, Endless, and Battle, which is playable against an online opponent. The universal app is available for $0.99.

Bubble in Paradise™

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2011-12-09 :: Category: Games

At its most basic, Hngry lists all the restaurants that are nearby to the user’s location, along with the ability to add opening hours, all in an attractive manner. Users can then choose from the list and flick through the selection, gradually narrowing down the selection before coming to a decision. For those with iPhone owning friends, they can share lists directly on individual devices using the Hngry app. The app can even find menu details for any restaurant on the list if one is available on the internet.

Once a decision has been made, users can dial the restaurant directly from within the app then Hngry offers a place to store order details for that meal and any helpful notes required. For those with favourite dishes, it makes it all the easier to check what meals were so nice the last time the user visited a place.

There’s even the ability to take photos of a meal as a reminder of what was so tasty and Twitter integration ensures that sociable diners can share their choice.

Throughout, the app keeps track of how many times the user has visited a restaurant, making for an ideal guide at a glance as to what place is best for the user’s tastes.

For those who dine out regularly, Hngry is a great resource that combines many useful meal planning features.

Hngry is available now, priced at $2.99.

Hngry

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $2.99 $4.99
Released: 2012-01-17 :: Category: Lifestyle

Using their phone’s camera, users can scan Tic Tac boxes and ads to reveal hidden content. Users will find funny and inspirational “Shake it Up” tips as well as 20 “Shake It Up” microgames providing extra fun after the scanning is over. Imagine getting a new game just by scanning a random Tic Tac ad at a bus stop. It’s as easy as taking candy, in this case mints, from a baby.

Tic Tac Viewr is currently available for free on the App Store. Uses can also download it by texting “MINTS” to 313131.

Tic Tac Viewr

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-05 :: Category: Games

One of the concerns with 60beat’s GamePad has been whether the device would see enough support from developers to make it worthwhile. As promised by 60beat back when it was announced, February has rolled around and some titles are beginning to support the 60beat.

Both Alien Space and Alien Space Retro from Owens Rodriguez have been updated to support the 60beat. Given the number of dual-stick shooters on iOS and the lack of analog joysticks on the external controller frontrunner, the iCade, dual stick games could spearhead 60beat support thanks to its unique-to-this-platform functionality.

Alien Space

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2010-10-09 :: Category: Games

Alien Space Retro

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99

Our Rating: :: NEW RETRO
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-07-15 :: Category: Games

Katana Jack, a game that claims to have had its graphics hand-painted on the iPad, has also been updated with support for the 60beat. It also supports the Gametel controller, the iCade, and iControlPad, so this free app is a must-download for anyone with an external iOS game controller, if only because it supports them all.

Katana Jack!

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99
Released: 2011-11-17 :: Category: Games

There’s also No Gravity, a game which started life way back in the days of PSP homebrew development, before seeing legitimate releases on PSN, and now on iOS. Both the Lite and full versions of the game support the controller.

No Gravity

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $4.99
Released: 2011-03-24 :: Category: Games

No Gravity Lite

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2011-06-16 :: Category: Games

There are likely to be more titles that support the controller, and its particular advantages may prove to be a boon to developers looking to support external controls in their games. The total list of games that support the GamePad is available here.

One particular question that’s bound to be on everyone’s mind was just why the name Grubby Hands?!

“Grubby Hands is a name that came from some subconscious activity when thinking about gaming. I think it’s connected to the NES and SNES days when pad swapping was commonplace, like Mario or Street Fighter with friends,” said Pearce. “I always had a problem with getting a sweaty pad handed to me from a friend with ‘grubby hands’. I had a ritual that involved a five second wipe with my t-shirt before every round. I guess that image stuck and resurfaced 20 years later.” An experience that I’m sure all gamers can empathise with.

Moving onto just what a change of pace Boy Loves Girl is compared to David Haye’s Knockout, Pearce explained just what hook Boy Loves Girl offers: “Boy Loves Girl follows a young boy’s journey as he tries to impress a girl. I really wanted to make a game that was sweet and captures something truthful. Then the idea of a boy going to the end of the world for a girl and giving her the moon on a piece of string stuck and the game grew from there.”

As Pearce explains, “It starts off as a pleasant experience. Everything is calm and relaxing, while the player gets used to the game and the controls. It then gets progressively more challenging as the girl gets more demanding, to the point that it really requires a lot of skill, mental attention and physical accuracy to complete,” but fortunately that’s not all we should expect from Boy Loves Girl, with Pearce promising Game Center to be integrated ‘really soon.’

So, what’s next for Grubby Hands? Dr Pearce was understandably guarded as to exact details but there are discussions in terms of “either a sequel or a huge update to a ‘previous game’ in the near future.” Pearce also informed us that Grubby Hands is currently “prototyping something original and probably [our] most ambitious game yet.” Don’t get too excited yet, though, as he also went onto explain that it’s “easily the biggest game we’ve attempted to make, so will probably take until the end of the year to complete.”

On a final note, we thought it was only friendly to see just how the Grubby Hands guys are planning on spending Valentine’s Day. “We’ll start the day under a mild spring sun, listening to a calm stream, break the still to eat strawberries and cream and then proceed to whack the keyboard trying to finish off the next ‘Boy Loves Girl’ update!”

Given the cold and rainy spell that much of Britain is suffering from at the moment, here’s hoping that the 14th brings with it plenty of sun for Grubby Hands!

Many thanks to Dr. Danny Pearce for taking the time to answer our questions.

Boy Loves Girl

Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $0.99

Our Rating: :: TOUCHING
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-12-21 :: Category: Games