App-Stories

AR Invaders

2011-01-28T17:38:00.002-05:00

AR Invaders

Free (for a limited time)

AR Invaders is a wonderfully clever little app that brings a fresh concept to iPhone gaming: instead of playing in some far-off alien planet, AR Invaders brings the game to you - literally.

What It Has: AR Invaders, by seller Dagan Shtifman, is a fresh advance to the iPhone world. The game focuses on, as you could probably tell, an alien invasion! However, this is no run-of-the-mill alien attack, instead of happing on planet Zarkbob or on a local farm, the invasion takes place wherever you are! By using the built in camera on the newer iPod models or any iPhone, the aliens come to you! Using the iPhone's built in accelerometer, the player must protect their surroundings by shooting the aliens out of the sky. This is such a wonderful concept, and after only a few plays, becomes painfully addicting. Another impressive feature is that there are two different game modes, 180 and 360; so you have the option to play in a full area, or get comfortable and face on a full-frontal assault!

What It's Missing: What the developers have here is the core of a great game. With a little extra polishing and the addition of a few new features, it could be near-perfect! The most obvious lacking feature is that of Retina Display support. While this isn't a problem during the actual gameplay due to the quality of the camera, the menu screens would look much better with it. I'll admit, the UFO-esque enemies are classic, but a few varying enemies couldn't hurt; destroying the same enemies time after time does become a bit dull.

All In All: AR Invaders is a great little game, but it could use some work. It's free for a limited time, so definitely pick it up! I'm really looking forward to future updates for this app, I can't wait to see what they add next!

Rating: 3/5

Download AR Invaders

Mobile Mouse Pro.

2011-01-28T15:19:00.001-05:00

Mobile Mouse Pro

$1.99

Finally, a remote trackpad application that is not only beautiful, but does what all users have longed for - it actually works well.

What It Has: The first thing that Mobile Mouse Pro has going for it is a wonderfully simple set-up. After a quick download from the app's website, users (regardless of Mac or PC) go through a simple set-up wizard, plug in a few numbers, and voila! Welcome to the app. On a users first launch of the newly-setup app, the first thing that jumps out is the beautiful user-interface. This app is chock-full of features to personalize your 'mousing' experience. One of my personal favorites is the application-switching feature, which is highly-reminiscent of the dock in Mac OS 10. There's also an awesome presentation mode, and the ability for application notifications!

What It's Missing: With all of these awesome features, what could Mobile Mouse Pro possibly be missing? Well, my answer is merely trivial things, if anything at all. However, RPA Tech (the developers), could definitely improve on the software that they already have here. During my testing, I did experience a few bugs, most notably having to reconnect multiple times or encountering an 'unable to connect' message. While this was annoying at times, it never hindered my overall experience with the app. With a few seconds to spare, the fix was easy.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download Mobile Mouse Pro

Star Walk

2011-01-02T19:14:00.002-05:00

Star Walk

$2.99

Being an app-reviewer, applications that truly amaze me are few and bar between. Nonetheless, Star Walk by Vito Technology is one of those apps.

What It Has: This app has almost as many features as it does ratings in the app store (4941 as of now.) This app has a ton of abilities, such as a Satellite Tracker, Picture of the Day, a Time Machine (which allows you to see what the sky appeared like at any time in the past or future), but it's crowning achievement is obvious; the Star Spotter. This awesome feature allows the user to point their iPhone or iPod Touch up in the sky and see, in real time, the names and information of all of the stars they're actually looking at. As long as your device is either an iPhone 3GS/4, or a 4th generation iPod Touch, you'll be able to learn more the stars above you than you ever thought possible. It's awesome.

What It's Missing: I've never done this before, but Star Walk is an application that I'm very willing to make an exception for. From the extensive testing that I've done, I've come to the conclusion that Star Walk isn't missing anything. Not only does it combine countless features into one application, it does them all flawlessly and beautifully.

If any of my readers can find any problems with the app, please let me know! I'll happily take your comment into account and look into it. I've just had difficulty finding anything wrong with the app.

Rating: 5/5

Download Star Walk

App-Series: Doodle Jump.

2010-12-08T16:56:00.003-05:00

Come on, who doesn't like Doodle Jump? If you do, you'll be sure to like these apps!

_____________________________________________________________

Dragon Panic

"Help Berny and Blaze, the adorable pink and green dragons, thwart the cowardly knight by incinerating his barrage of attacks in his quest for fame, fortune, and of course the princess."

Skullpogo

The peaceful farm is being invaded by hordes of bloodthirsty bats, zombies, vampire pigs, and many more! By taking control of your secret weapon, yes; a pogo stick, it's your job to stop them! Get to work.

Minigore

The furries are attacking. Take control of John Gore and fight your way to protect yourself, and all of Hardland. With a variety of weapons, enemies, and playable characters; you'll be sure to love this game.

Jump O' Clock

Be the super-awesome robot LE0 in this platform / puzzler. Jump from gear to gear, while being sure to avoid hazards, and try to get as high as possible!

Plants vs. Zombies

If you don't already own Plants vs. Zombies, you should ask yourself this question: why not? Winner of over 20 game of the year awards, this application is the epitome of iPhone classic, and a must have for any app collection.

Solar Walk.

2010-12-08T13:59:00.001-05:00

Solar Walk

$2.99

Some apps are just apps. Apps like Solar Walk, on the other hand, are an adventure.

What It Has: With the slew of flashlight and radio applications clogging up the app store lately, few apps really surprise you that they are, in fact, on a handheld device. Applications like Solar Walk are few and far between, but when they come around, are phenomenal additions to any phone. Few developers can say that they created an app that:

is an exact replica of our solar system.
gives detailed information on every major object within it.
is in 3D.

Yes, you read that correctly. Not only can you see a perfect example of our solar system on this application, but if you throw on some 3D glasses, it works perfectly in 3D. Wow. Solar Walk details every aspect of our home, includes great information about everything, and has beautiful graphics.

Here's the deal, if you're into astronomy, or general space information at all; you will enjoy this app.

What It's Missing: Solar Walk is the perfect example of a solid app that's near perfect, but with a few minor updates would be perfect. During my testing of the application, I noticed a few features, that while small, were still lacking. An option to hide the orbit paths of orbiting objects would be very nice, and increase the overall atmospheric effect of the app. Also, an option for portrait mode would be great!

Rating: 4.5/5

Download Solar Walk

Voice Tutor

2010-11-22T17:48:00.001-05:00

Voice Tutor

$4.99

So you want to sing. Come on, let's face it, just about everybody wants to be the next big star with the voice of an angel. However, as they quickly realize, singing isn't as easy as it seems. In actuality, it's an art filled with strategies, style, and of course - practice. But don't plan your first tour yet, you have to start somewhere right? That's where Voice Tutor comes in.

What It Has: Voice Tutor, even when compared to a full-fledged online or even personal course, has a lot of positive things going for it. The first launch of the application starts off with an awesome Diagnostic Exam of sorts for your voice. After quick introduction is played, you're provided with an exercise right off the bat. Once you're finished, the app helps you to diagnose your vocal issue (such as cracking, breathiness, etc.), and from there starts you off with a customized vocal course. The 'lessons' are well explained, so the user always knows what's going on and is never confused by fancy terminology (the first start of the app, with a full explanation of terms you might not know, will definitely help out as well).

Honestly, by the end of using the exercises regularly, practicing, and learning with the app, after a few days my singing improved. I'm not being paid to say this nor is this some kind of a scam; I did what the app told me to do, and my singing ability improved. Period. The app works, and works well.

What It's Missing: Don't get me wrong, this app is very well done, but like anything else, it's not perfect. I'm a classically trained musician, and I've been studying music for the greater majority of my life, and I've had somewhat of an introduction to singing beforehand, so I had no problem analyzing my vocal problems. However, a newcomer to music might have a little bit of trouble choosing what exactly their problem is, so an analyzing feature, while not necessary, would be wonderful. And seriously, that's the only flaw I could find with the entire application. Of course, I could nit-pick and find trivial errors all day, but the overall app is solid.

All In All: If you're a singing newcomer, a high school student in a chorus, or even a trained singer, this app has the potential to help you:

For a newbie: This app lays down everything you need to know, and a lot more.
For a professional: While this app may not teach you anything that you wouldn't already know, it's a great trip back to basics, and as you know, the fundamentals are everything.

Rating: 5/5

Download Voice Tutor

1Password & 1Password Pro.

2010-11-20T16:01:00.001-05:00

1Password & 1Password Pro

$9.99 & $14.99

If you're reading this, it's fair to assume that you have a general understanding of the technological world, and with that it's inevitable that you have some sort of account on a site. Put it this way, if you own an iPhone, 1Password is for you.

What They Have: In the world of the interwebs, getting hacked is the identity theft of real life. Somebody can have any sort of information about you just by knowing the appropriate username and password to a particular site. Sure, we'd love to make a complicated password to ensure safety, but we could always forget it and have to go through the pesky 'forgot password?' process. Writing it down is always an option, but the little Post-It notes to ourselves could be lost, and it turns into a hassle. So, we settle with an easy password.

Finally, there comes a well designed, fluid app to solve this problem. 1Password is an awesome password-remembering application that has quickly made it's way onto my personal iPhone. Upon the application's first launch, after setting up a password to protect your information, you can add your passwords. The app includes a few popular login templates to choose from, with another option to add a site if it isn't listed. This app isn't only for passwords either; you can also add things such as credit card numbers.1Password also includes a bunch of other awesome features, such as a highly useful password generator, and the ability to sync with your Mac over Wi-Fi or with Dropbox.

What They're Missing: With so many various possibilities for categories, it's almost impossible for an app to include them all. However, a possible 'create your own category' feature would be wonderful. The app lacks any kind of information remembrance for insurance purposes and serial numbers of items, among others. Also, I did experience a few crashes during my testing of the application, but my information was always saved, and one quick restart of the app normally solved the problem.

Which Version Is Right For Me?: Unlike other applications, where the cheaper version is comparable to a 'lite' version of the full app, 1Password is different. 1Password Pro contains all of the same features as 1Password, but it is also a Universal application for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. As the developer's website claims, 'it's like having two apps in one!'

Rating: 4/5

Download 1Password
Download 1Password Pro

Virus Strike

2010-11-13T13:05:00.003-05:00

Virus Strike

$0.99

Virus Strike is a wildly original new game from Vertigo Software that features a unique concept: battling viruses in a puzzle / physics gameplay mechanic. Containing similarities to classic games like Bejewled and Flight Control, this game is a must to check out.

What It Has: Despite being a simple game with a pick-up-and-play style, Virus Strike has quite a lot going right for it. Unlike many physics-style games, the relation from the game to actual physics is extremely well done. As an avid app user, I hate using apps with poor physics control, but in Virus Strike they are very realistic. The game possesses a unique challenge; to rid the screen of viruses through the use of corresponding colored antibodies. The player must draw lines to guide the viruses and antibodies to stragetic places to rid the board of them and earn points. For such a simple game, it has the same effect as Doodle Jump - addiction.

What It's Missing: Being a fairly new game, I can't be too critical with missing features; because the developers haven't had sufficient time to add in whatever it is that they're missing. However, they can still be stated, and hopefully fixed in the future. One glaringly obvious lacking feature is sound; the absence of any kind of soundtrack is a downfall indeed. On my iPhone 4, the lack of Retina Display support is definitely a bummer, but altogether not necessary. Another awesome feature would be the addition of various modes or customization of gameplay, such as making the viruses fall faster or less antibodies in order to increase the difficulty.

All In All: What Vertigo Software has in Virus Strike is a great game. The concept is solid, the physics spot-on, and with a few minor tweaks, could be a must-have for every iPhone/iPod Touch library.

Rating: 3/5

Download Virus Strike

WordSlate

2010-11-05T15:12:00.001-04:00

WordSlate

$0.99

What It Has: WordSlate is a beautiful and elegantly simple application that focuses on a goal that everybody can use; expanding their vocabulary.

Let's face it, a person is bound to be taken more seriously if they utilize words such as 'abreast' instead of saying 'side by side.' An expansive vocabulary is a sign of intelligence, and there's always new words to learn. That's where WordSlate comes in. The home-screen constantly changes, ensuring that no two home screens are ever the same. The words are always diverse and fresh, with easy to understand definitions and great examples.

What It's Missing: While the ever-changing home screen is a wonderful feature, a little customization would be tremendously helpful. Sometimes, when I'm glancing over the words, a few words change before I even get the chance to see them all. An option to change the time period between changing words would be very helpful. Besides this trivial flaw, WordSlate is an inexpensive, highly useful app that should be a must for anybody that wants to be more intelligent.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download WordSlate

Multitask Madness.

2010-11-05T14:34:00.003-04:00

Multitask Madness

$0.99

What It Has: Imagine trying to watch a YouTube video, hold a conversation on the phone, read a news article, write a research paper, and tweet a clever joke; all while balancing the laptop you're using on your knee. Welcome to Multitask Madness.

Multitask Madness, developed by Qvik, is a clever little game. In our modern, globalized society, we're constantly forced to multitask; so why not turn it into a game? In each progressing level, a new obstacle is sent the player's way for them to overcome. First, simply tilt the device to a designated angle. Piece of cake. Now do this while avoiding evil flying pink orbs. Still not breaking a sweat? How about having to tap circles in numerical order? Enter frustration. All of this tension is only increased by the beautiful neon graphics and heart-pounding, techno soundtrack. This challenging, brain-testing game is a fresh step up from monotonous one sided, simple games; and introduces a system which is never impossible; only challenging.

What It's Missing: If there's one characteristic that can seriously make or break an application, it's atmosphere. The atmosphere of an app is crucial to the user's experience. Multitask Madness, with it's absorbing neon graphics and exciting soundtrack has this down to a tee - expect for one feature. On an iPhone 4, the addition of Retina Display support to this application would be phenomenal. I've also used the app on older iPhones and it looks great, but the iPhone 4 just needs that little extra push, and the app would be perfect.

Rating: 4.5/5

Download Multitask Madness

Nonogram Madness

2010-11-05T13:55:00.001-04:00

Nonogram Madness

$2.99

What It Has: Puzzles like Sudoku and Crosswords are classic, but eventually they become a tad dull. Enter Nonogram Madness. This puzzle game combines features of classic puzzle games, most notably Sudoku, and creates a fun and fresh experience.

Upon my first launch of the app, I fell in love. I'm a sucker for 8-bit graphics, especially when they're done well; and to say the least, these are done well. After finishing the informational tutorial, the gameplay seemed a lot less complicated than I had feared. The goal of Nonogram Madness is to choose squared that correspond with clues that you're given on the top and left of the game board. Numbers distinguish how many squares are in each column and row. The correct squares all form together to create a picture! However, choose the correct square, or your precious time bar will diminish rather quickly.

What It's Missing: Nonogram Madness is a solid game; for what it claims to do. Overall, Nonogram Madness is a puzzle games that allows you to play nonograms; nothing else. Some users tend to forget this when playing simple games like this. They become bored quickly, and blame the game for it's lack of options. Sure, trivial features such as the ability to customize the colors of your game board would be very nice, but are far from necessary.

All In All: Nonogram Madness is the picturesque 'pick up and play' kind of game. It's great for a quick five minute session while waiting in line or at the doctor's office. With the price of $2.99 for 100 levels, it's not overly expensive; and worth checking out.

Rating: 4.5/5

Download Nonogram Madness

Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night

2010-10-30T21:55:00.001-04:00

Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night

$0.99

What It Has: Even if you totally loved Castlevania: Symphony of the Night after it's initial release, I'm sure you've never asked yourself, 'What if it had been a puzzle game?' However, on the off chance that someone actually did ask that question, over a decade later, they've finally found their answer.

Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night is the first official entry of the Castlevania series to reach the iDevices. The game portrays the same story and setting as Symphony, with the exception of a puzzle game format. This application's core is at the match-three puzzle type gameplay, with a few extra features thrown in here and there, including various spells. Instead of simply a puzzle-based plot line, Konami throws in an extensive RPG format as well, including items, skills and upgrades. The player has the ability to mold their character to their specific type of gameplay, by upgrading specific skills and spells to better suit them.

What It's Missing: While Castlevania Puzzle is a solid puzzle game overall, it does lack quite a few features that would without a doubt increase the game's overall playability factor. With the release of the iPhone 4 well in the past, and the addition of this by many other game manufacturers, the lack of Retina Display support is a surprising omission. Also, with a company like Konami behind the reigns of this game, the lack of any kind of multiplayer feature is surprising to say the least. Another particularly annoying feature, while not game-changing (pun intended) is no quicksave ability, so every save needs to be done from a certified Save Room.

All In All: Any flaws in Castlevania Puzzle: EOTN are so minuscule that for the majority of players, I'm sure they can be overlooked. If the graphics being a tad 'muddy' don't bother you, multiplayer isn't your thing, and you have the patience to hit up a Save Room, this game will be perfect for you. Being a fan of the series myself, I highly recommend it.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night

Brushes

2010-10-27T17:12:00.001-04:00

Brushes

$4.99

What It Has: When an iPhone app developer can say that their application has been used to create a cover for The New Yorker, they've without a doubt already piqued my interest.

Brushes, by Steve Sprang, is a powerful painting application which is an absolute must for any iDevice owning aspiring artist. This beautiful app is chock full of features, with multiple realistic brushes, layers, a highly advanced color chooser, and highly powerful zoom ability. Brushes hosts an extremely simple, (only six main buttons) yet full-featured and deep user interface. The application is so easy to pick up and use, in fact, that even in the hands of an amateur, Brushes makes it easy to create beautiful pieces of art.

What It's Missing: Released when the App Store was still a budding market, Brushes has had quite a lot of time to fix whatever few errors it originally possessed. At the current time, at least for my use, Brushes is a near perfect application that does exactly what it claims to. One possible feature I would like to see is a 'smudge' tool, which the current version seems to be missing, but isn't necessary when taking into account the app's sheer wonder.

All In All: Few applications in the App Store can truly be called masterpieces, but applications like Brushes are few and far between. I've used quite a few painting applications, but Brushes rises above the rest in that it's rich in features, and just done well.

Rating: 5/5

Download Brushes

My Artists.

2010-10-24T15:17:00.001-04:00

My Artists

$2.99

What It Has: Let's face it, with the incredible amount of apps in the app store, none have seriously been a feasible replacement for the iDevice's native iPod app. That is, until now.

My Artists virtually contains everything that the native iPod app is desperately missing. When you choose an artist to listen to on the iPod app, you see the albums and songs - and that's all. However, with My Artists, upon choosing an artist, you have the ability to find a bio, discography, YouTube videos with the band (music videos, interviews, live shows, etc.), and more (powered by Last.fm, this is no surprise). The application also rocks gorgeous retina display graphics and a beautiful user interface, making it a fun experience to use. With the integration of a 'similar artists' system, the app replicates (and in most cases, is better than) Apple's own Genius recommendations.

What It's Missing: While it is true that My Artists has everything that the native iPod app is missing, it's also lacking a few things that the iPod app does have. The lack of playlist support is a serious bummer, along with no shuffle feature. Another little missing feature is the lack of a progress indicator, so you never know how much of a track is left. In the next upgrade, these features are an absolute must for the app to be taken seriously as an iPod app replacement.

All In All: Despite the few lacking features, My Artists is a solid app that could very easily be used in place of the native iPod app. If those few features were added in a future update, (playlists, shuffle, progress indicator), the app would be perfect.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download My Artists

Scales & Modes.

2010-10-23T13:54:00.001-04:00

Scales & Modes

$1.99

What It Has: In modern music theory, one of the most fundamental concepts is that of the 'scale'. However, due to the vast number of different scales, most musicians find them too difficult to remember - Scales & Modes solves this problem.

This app, developed by Smappsoft, is a highly useful app for any training musician, especially one studying under music theory. For any student, musician, or anyone at all interested in a little music theory, this app is invaluable. Scales & Modes allows users to see and listen to a large number of scales, including all of the modes of the major, natural minor, and harmonic minor scales. It's as simple as choosing a base note, choosing the scale you would like, and pressing play. Another positive feature is the ability to view both keyboard or guitar tabs, enabling the app to be more accessible to guitarists.

What It's Missing: Scales & Modes claims to do one thing; allow accessibility to just what it says, scales and modes. However, for the price of $1.99, a few extra features would be nice. Adding a 'quiz' type mode to the app would be wonderful, such as showing and listening to an unknown scale or mode, and then forcing the user to channel what they've learned and enter the correct answer. Another phenomenal improvement would be to change the guitar sound; while it does work, it sounds a tad toy-ish.

All In All: Scales & Modes is a very useful little app for any aspiring musician, as it provides invaluable information that can be accessed from the palm of your hand.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download Scales & Modes

Jump Desktop

2010-10-23T12:57:00.001-04:00

Jump Desktop

$19.99

What It Has: Being a frequent traveler, I've had somewhat of a personal quest to find the perfect Remote Desktop Application; and with Jump Desktop from Phase Five Systems, I've found it.

Being a true RDP and VNC client, Jump Desktop does everything any user would want it to; and does it well. The application is even iPad ready, with a phenomenal and easy to use interface on both iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch. Other useful features are the full multitasking support and clipboard support; the ability to copy and paste material from the iDevice to PC and vice-versa. These great features, and a ton more, are all available from Jump Desktop.

What It's Missing: With a hefty price tag of $19.99, some potential users may be a little cautious before making such an investment. Sure, there are other Remote Desktop clients which have much lower prices, but from my own personal use, I can assure you that you will not be as satisfied with a cheaper client. While the price for Jump Desktop may be higher than some, other apps are just a waste of time when compared. If you're willing to pay the extra price, trust me, it'll be worth it.

Rating: 5/5

Download Jump Desktop

Dead Runner

2010-10-23T12:14:00.000-04:00

Dead Runner

$0.99

What It Has: What Distinctive Wireless Inc, creaters of titles such as Pool Ninja and Heli Rescue, has for us now is an inexpensive, immersive game titled Dead Runner.

The game features a simple concept; run. "You cannot hide or stop for it can see you, find you and take you." The game never mentions what 'it' is, but similar to the Blair Witch Project, that's the point. The player darts through the forest, trying to avoid trees and bushes in order to escape whatever is chasing them. This concept may seem simple, but with an open mind, any player can become absorbed into escaping this creature. Add all of this to great music and a phenomenal environment, and what Distinctive Wireless Inc. has here is a very solid game.

What It's Missing: When a concept is accomplished this well, it's always difficult to find things wrong with it. While all the major functions of the app are intact and very addicting, there are a few changes to make. While running, the player never hears any kind of sounds besides the music. Adding the sounds of running footsteps, frantic breathing, and the occasional cliche scary noise would really add to the game's atmosphere. Adding moving figures in the distance, close enough to see them, but always far enough to never be quite sure what they are would also increase the game's 'creepy' factor.

All In All: Dead Runner is a solid game with a simple concept; to get away. With a few minor adjustments to the atmosphere, this game would be near flawless. Especially with Halloween coming up, this game is a must.

Rating: 4/5

Download Dead Runner

App-Stories Returns!

2010-10-20T20:12:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, October 23rd, App-Stories will officially return with brand new reviews! Expect a ton of great reviews coming your way soon! Our sincerest apologies for the absence, as we experienced some severe computer issues, but fortunately, we are back; and better than ever! (:

-App-Stories

NotifyMe2 & NotifyMe2 Simple.

2010-08-26T11:23:00.003-04:00

NotifyMe 2 (Full:Left, Simple:Right)

$5.99 & $2.99

What They Have: Since the app store's launch back in 2008, there's been no shortage of To-Do Applications. With the abundance of flaslight and radio apps clocking up Apple's popular store, the amount of these applications aren't far behind. However, very few do what they claim to, let alone do it well.

Personally, I use Things as my everyday To-Do Application, but it always seemed as if there was something missing. Sure, most applications are nice and list exactly what you have to do, but few actually give you the drive to do it. Once setting a reminder into NotifyMe 2, your iDevice tells you exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it; and if you choose to put it off, it'll keep reminding you until you do.

Setting up a reminder is actually rather easy, and thanks to the beautiful UI, can actually be enjoyable. NotifyMe2 offers the option to set both Push Notification reminders and Local Reminders, while the Simple version only offers Local. Push Notifications use Apple's handy-dandy service over the internet to alert you of your tasks. Using it this way, there's many advanced options, such as customizable repeats for your tasks, the ability to auto-snooze a task, and a very useful feature, Pre-Alerts. On the other hand, Local Notifications are stored right on the device, without the need of internet access, and will remind you of your task at a set time. However, the advanced options aren't available with this choice. The developers also created a web app that the full version of NotifyMe 2 can sync with, making managing your tasks much easier, and are working on an iPad app they call NotifyMe Control Center.

What It's Missing: Taking into account the vast amount of complicated To-Do apps out there, rich with features and useful components, NotifyMe 2 doesn't fit in. However, that is far from a bad thing, because over-complicating a thing that could be done in an easier way is never good. NotifyMe 2 claims to provide something simple, reminding you of your tasks, and it does that; and does it extremely well. Sure, no application is perfect, and the app could greatly benefit from a few things, such as more specific times to pre-alert you of your tasks tasks, instead of only one minute before, one hour before, etc. Nonetheless, this app does what it says, it works, and it works well.

Which Version is Right For Me?: When a 'Simple' or 'Lite' version of an app isn't free, it becomes difficult to decide which version to purchase. If you own an iPhone, buying the full version is a must. It's really not that much more expensive, and with all the advanced features you get, it's well worth it. However, if you're an iPod Touch user, you may want to consider the simple version. I still advise that you purchase the full, but if you want more consistency in your reminders, instead of advanced notifications when you have an internet connection and local notifications when you don't, I'd check it out. However, you'll miss out on the web app, features such as Pre-Alerts and Auto-Snooze, and Live Syncing, but the Simple version is still not a bad option.

Rating: 4.5/5

Download NotifyMe 2 and NotifyMe 2 Simple

Firetask.

2010-08-25T18:42:00.004-04:00

Firetask

$4.99

What It Has: Upon first glance, Firetask claims to be a Project-Oriented Task Management application, which combines many different positive aspects of other various To-Do applications.

The first thing you'll notice is how beautiful the application looks. The Retina Display support on this makes it look fantastic, rivaling the look of Things. However, the positive aspects don't stop there, as Firetask is one of, if not the most feature-filled and customizable To-Do style application on the iPhone and iPod Touch. With many different categories of tasks, such as Call, Waiting For... and Errands, there's sure to be a perfect place for any task you need to get done.

What It's Missing: With all of these incredible features, unfortunately sometimes things become a tad bit complicated if you're not 100% accustomed to the application yet. The way that the app organizes your tasks can be a little complicated, and I think the app would greatly benefit from being simplified a little. However, this won't be a bad thing for all users. If you tend to be a forgetful person, putting everything that you have to do into this app would benefit you. No matter what the task, the complexity of the organization will make would actually make certain tasks easier to find. Another great addition would be local notifications, such as including a time of day into the To-Do, then a simple reminder would inform you at a time you choose.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download Firetask

Frenzic

2010-08-23T17:20:00.003-04:00

Frenzic

$0.99

What It Has: Frenzic, sold by The Iconfactory, is a puzzle/strategy game which has a simple concept; place pie pieces into six different circles throughout the board, with a goal of filling a circle to produce points.

While this may seem simple, and easy to get used to, as the developer claims, it takes 'months to master.' While playing, the game gradually becomes more challenging, and after a while its fast-paced gameplay becomes extremely difficult. However, while it may not be an easy game, its as addictive as it is challenging. I find myself playing this for long periods of time trying to beat my latest high score, because its just that good. Originally a Mac game, it has been flawlessly ported to the iPhone; so well in fact that it seems like it was always made to be a touch screen game.

What It's Missing: When an app is done this well, it's difficult to pin down specific flaws or downfalls. The game doesn't claim to be overly complicated, and it accomplishes its simple goal extremely well. At the time of this review, a retina display supported version isn't available in the App Store, and while this seems to have struck a bad note with some users, personally I don't think it's necessary to enjoy the game. The app still looks great on any iDevice, even on the iPhone 4, as it doesn't try to blow you away with visuals, it's more about the solid gameplay. Another feature that would be nice, but isn't necessary, is another mode of gameplay, such as a feature to add more or less pies to the game.

All In All: Frenzic is a great game, executed extremely well on any iDevice. It's simple concept quickly becomes challenging and stressful, causing the player to adjust, which is a definite plus. In my opinion, Frenzic is the best puzzle game available in the App Store.

Rating: 4/5

Download Frenzic

Coolpapers Pro

2010-08-19T17:59:00.002-04:00

Coolpapers Pro

$2.99

What It Has: When a developer claims that their wallpaper app is "...the only wallpaper app you'll ever need," that can be a hard deal to keep.

However, despite this difficulty, Fanzter has done a great job providing a wallpaper app. With over 50,000 wallpapers available with a wide array of categories to choose from, there's something in here for everybody; from the sports fan to the movie fanatic. Throw in a beautiful user interface and new wallpapers added daily, and this may very well be "...the only wallpaper app you'll ever need."

What It's Missing: When an app is done this well, it's hard to find things wrong with it. However, no app is perfect (except maybe Doodle Jump), and Coolpapers Pro does have a few flaws. One in particular is for iPhone 4 users, a lack of Retina Display support at the moment may be a bit of a downer. Don't fret, as this only seems to apply to a little fuzziness in the user interface and icon, and the wallpapers still look great.

A Little Note: There's also a 'lite-esque' version of this app in the app store, simply known as Coolpapers. You can test out the amazing user interface and download five wallpapers free before having to pay $2.99 via in-app purchase for the full version.

Rating: 4/5

Download Coolpapers Pro

iBorders

2010-08-16T17:21:00.003-04:00

iBorders

$0.99

What It Has: There are some pictures just need a little extra kick, and what better way is there but to add a border? iBorders is a simple app which features 12 borders that you can add to any picture in your photo library, and it achieves this well. All in all, it does what it says. I've added borders to many pictures, and never experienced a crash, lag, or buggy feature of the app. The borders look pretty high-quality, and are sure to liven up any picture.

What It's Missing: Frankly, for what you're getting right now, $0.99 may be a little pricey for this app. However, don't fret, as the app will surely be updated with more borders fairly soon, and the app is still worth it if you'll use it frequently. So, if you're willing to wait and watch this app grow, definitely do. For users with even a small interest in photography or photo editing, be sure to check out this app.

Rating: 3/5

Download iBorders

Streaks

2010-08-16T16:19:00.002-04:00

Streaks

$1.99

What It Has: Sometimes everybody needs just a little push to get that certain task done, and Streaks seems to have perfected a way to get it done right. Pocket devices like the iPod Touch and iPhone are perfect for productivity apps, especially one with such a clever and simple idea. What Streaks does is it tracks how many consecutive days you do something, whether it be that New Year's Resolution, a diet, or quitting smoking. It keeps a count of how many consecutive days (you can switch the settings to suit how often your task needs to be done, such as every other day or every six days) you perform a certain task, motivating the user to keep the streak going! With many beautiful themes, Retina Display graphics, and a feature-filled but never too complex user interface, Streaks is a must-have for anyone that wants to get things done.

What It's Missing: With such a clever idea, it would've been fairly easy for the developer, Fanzter Inc., to mess this up. However, they seem to have starting a winning streak with this one. Not funny? Okay. Anyway, a few more themes would be nice, but are definitely not mandatory for this app to be great. Add all of this to the latest update, showcasing two brand new high-quality themes, and high ratings in the App Store, and you can be sure that there'll be more to come.

Rating: 4.5/5

Download Streaks

Osmos

2010-08-10T19:34:00.002-04:00

Osmos

$2.99

What It Has: With an immense amount of hype surrounding it, if you're an iDevice user, you've most likely already heard of this game. What Hemisphere Games has created here is not only an excellent port of the hit iPad game, but also a great game overall. Highlighting a simple concept of absorbing objects that are smaller than you in order to grow, Osmos combines beautiful graphics and solid gameplay in order to provide the user with a wonderful experience, all backed up with one of the best soundtracks available on an iDevice game.

What It's Missing: With all of the hype and positive aspects aside, Osmos is far from perfect. While it is beautiful to look at, it's simple gameplay get's rather boring pretty quickly, as the more difficult levels practically force the player to move along at a snail's pace, which may turn off some action lovers. At three dollars, it's a little pricey for what you're getting right now, but the hype will inevitably die down, so I advise to wait until the price drops.

Rating: 3.5/5

Download Osmos