Colours! is a decent app presented in a strange kind of way. You will spend the first few minutes with it, scrabbling around, wondering just what it is you actually have to do. The explanations really do need a lot of work, as the basic tutorial really doesn’t tell you a lot.

Once you do get things figured out, the app opens itself up to you, and you begin to enjoy it.

Colours! is, unsurprisingly, all about colours, and more specifically, the relationships they have with each other when you mix them. There is a free for all, experimental area, an area that allows you to mix with specific goals, and an area that allows you to view your favourite creations.

You mix different colours from paint pots, but the application is slightly awkward. As soon as you touch the are you want to fill, it gets filled up starkly with that colour, which is quite jarring. Touching a different colour and rubbing it on the same area slowly but surely mixes the colours together. I would have preferred there to be a separate, mixing area, where you could mix the colours before the application of them, and the ability to save different pots of your created colours as new pots just isn’t there.

Here, straight from the developers, are the app’s best features:

Colours!” is the app you were looking for to teach your children about colours and perhaps fiddle around with it yourself, because besides being certainly helpful in learning, it’s a fun app.

The idea is simple: mix primary colours to obtain secondary colours. For example mixing red and blue makes violet while mixing blue and yellow yields you a shade of green. The app lets you and your kids learn about colour mixing by trying out different combinations and once you’re up to it – take up a real challenge and try to guess a colour by its looks. In fact, the “Play” section of the app shows you a colour and it’s up to you to find the right mixture. If you like a colour particularly much, you can always save it for later.

Now, the app is actually pretty useful, and I liked the way you can save your creations, although it is lacking the ability to use those creations in future work. It is really helpful in getting kids to learn about how colours mix together, and the technology behind the colour mixing is actually pretty impressive.

The app is easy to use, and quite attractive, and with a few additions, could prove to be a great educational tool.

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There are two ways of looking at this app. On the one hand, it is an extremely bare offering in terms of modes, with an extremely minimalistic look, no sound and absolutely no options at all. On the other, there are 2500 questions, and the app succeeds in doing what it sets out to do, which is to be fast paced.

Once you boot the app up, you are presented with a variety of topics. Choose one, and you go straight into the quiz, answering quick fire questions, usually with either one word clues or answers, in a multiple choice format. Each time you answer a question correctly, a little meter grows, until you get to a milestone, such as five or ten questions answered, at which point it expands. Get one question wrong, and the bar is reset, and you go back to the start. The idea is to beat your own score, with stars awarded on the subject selection screen.

You can also share the app via Facebook and email, etc, and that is really it, with no other modes or options to be found.

The questions are of a high quality, and it can be pretty addictive, attempting to get to the next, difficult milestone and earn more stars. In a way, it feels like a trivia practice app, which is no bad thing, but I do feel there should be more here for a paid app.

Even the addition of a ‘general’ category, with questions pulled from all the others, would help a bit, as would the addition of Game Center leaderboards and achievements. It is fast paced; which is the idea, but a couple of extra modes, such as a simple pass and play multiplayer mode, or even a few options to change the theme and some sound, would really push that score below up a lot higher than it is.

Which is a shame, as Flash Trivia gets right the things most other apps get wrong- decent questions and a fast pace, it just need some more meat on those bones.

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I have never really gotten along that well with translator apps. The reason is a core one: the need to actually type the words in manually. It can be difficult enough to copy text into a touchscreen, which is only made all the more difficult when you consider that you are attempting to type in unfamiliar words in an unfamiliar language.

Not to mention the fact that you may be under pressure at the time you need that translation, now.

With VTranslator, all you need to do is point your iPhone camera at a word, select the language and the app will translate any text or words in the image for you. It works really well, although you must make sure the text is clear against the background. I couldn’t find any problems with the way it works during my time with it. You do also have the option of entering text the old-fashioned way, if you are not able to take or get the correct picture.

The app is free, although you can only use 3 translations per day, with limitations on the word count. If you just want to use the app every now and then, this is fine, but for more hardcore user, you will have to purchase a pack of credits.

This is slightly disappointing, as I would expect an app like this to be completely free, to be honest. I think the developer could at least be a bit more generous with the free usage, and up it to 10 free uses a day, which would be fairer, especially as this is an ad-supported app.

Aside from that, there is nothing else wrong with the app. It is extremely useful, easy to use and attractive for what it is.

Recommended as a great tool for those needing a translation fast.

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The iPhone and iPad are both great educational tools, and it is nice to come across a truly universal app that has obviously been designed with the sizes of both screens in mind, as well as saving parents a few pennies. The app is free to download, with a small charge to upgrade to the full version.

The app is beautifully designed, with lovely imagery and some decent animation, and the soundtrack also deserves praise. The way the app teaches kids is innovative, and they will find the main character charming and interesting.

Here are the app’s best features, straight from the developer:

Balanced Meals – Know that balanced meals are composed of several food groups and create a delicious meal for the penguin’s birthday party!

Primary skills taught: Science – Nutrition

Secondary skills:
• Visual and kinaesthetic learning
• Observation and matching
• Listening and comprehension
• Critical thinking (elimination process)

KEY FEATURES

This app is part of the iLearnWith program for kids 3 to 6 designed to get your child ready for school while having fun!

• Cross-curricular game based learning program in math, science, literacy, language and more
• Self-adjusting levels of difficulty
• Unique progress tracker for parents
• Detailed success stats for your child that can be compared with children the same age
• Recommended learning path personalized for your child
• 27 fun rewards and medals to motivate your child to learn
• Designed with educational and child development experts

Knowing the food groups and how to eat well are very important concepts covered in Preschool and Kindergarten. Bo will lead your child through an exploration of the vast world of food! Through 3 fun games, your child will learn to recognize different foods and how to eat healthy. He or she will discover different games with Bo: distinguish healthy foods from foods that are not so good to eat, sort foods into their particular food groups to help the chefs prepare their magic potions, and select foods in order to create a delicious and balanced meal for the penguin’s birthday party!

Overall, this is a superb kids app that is one of the few on the App Store that is actually worth a download, and it will educate and captivate your child in equal measure.

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Caret may just be about to start a mini revolution on iPhone, as well as Facebook and, eventually, Android. It is, essentially an app that brings many of the functions of instant messaging clients, such as WhatsApp, to a socially integrated contacts and calling application.

Surprisingly, unlike some similar apps, it is not overwhelming in any way, and is as easy to use, at its basic level for calling, as the standard iOS phone app.

The app’s killer feature, as far as I am concerned, is the ability to set your availability status, not just in a general fashion, but to specified groups and even to individuals. So, you want to be available to everyone, aside from that one annoying person you really don’t want to talk to? Caret has got you covered.

The signup process requires a validation call, but the whole thing only takes a couple of minutes, and it is great that the app is truly international, although I do feel there is a bit of a problem here. You see, in order to select whether someone can see your status, they must have the correct international country code added, which means the tricky task of deleting the first ’0′ and adding the correct code to the front of the number. Surely an option to automatically add codes to all your contacts would be better?

Here, straight from the developer, are the app’s best features:

• Real-time information about your contacts
∙ Location, direction, distance, map
∙ Time-zone and weather
• Per-contact privacy control
• Smart contact groups
• Call status for cellphones and landlines
• Free Internet calls
• VoIP profile calling
• Automatic features: In call, Silent mode, Low battery, Prone position
• Synchronization of call status with calendar events
• Location based community images
• Quick search on keypad by name and phone number
• Passwordless registration
• Email status (see when your friend is logged in to his/her email address using a Gmail account)

Now, the other great feature of the app is the ability to integrate other services, such as maps and Flickr, with your contacts. Now, this will only work for those contacts that have also signed up for Caret, but if you do have a few friends with the app, it really is impressive to tap on a contact and get all this beautiful extra visual information flowing in front of you.

It really is the core of the app, and it is a really, really good reason to try and persuade your friends to give the app a try. I can see the use of this app popping up in bubbles and expanding to larger communities, which is only a good thing.

Overall, this is an innovative and interesting app that provides and excellent replacement for the basic iOS dialler, with only a few issues with international codes stopping it from scoring higher.

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Flashlight Monsters for iPhone is a very simple game, but that is not to say that it is a bad game; far from it. The simplest of games can often be the most addictive and compelling, and while Flashlight Monsters may not be about to set the world alight, it is a solid game that is presented absolutely impeccably.

The game sets you with the task of clearing your house of a plague of cute little monsters. These pesky fiends have been hiding in the walls of your home, but luckily they are easily destroyed by the glare from your trusty flashlight.

This forms the basis for the gameplay, with your flashlight turning on whenever you touch the screen. This means that you must drag your finger around the screen, killing the little beasties and improving your score. It is not as easy as that, however, as certain, darker monsters will reduce your score if you accidently touch them with the flashlight.

Here, straight from the developer, are the app’s best features:

-Simple control
-Beautiful 2D cartoon graphics and animation
-Game Center enabled
-Achievements
-Unlockable monsters
-Three ways to keep score
-Mesmerizing and relaxing gameplay
-Cures boredom

There are Game Center achievements and leaderboards included, which is welcome, but I really do love the fact that there are also local scores; something that a lot of Game Center games neglect to include, so I am glad that they are here.

The game is beautifully presented, with absolutely gorgeous animation on the monsters as they fly about. It really does look very good, and the effort put in for what is essentially a casual game, is impressive.

The game is fun to play, although it can get repetitive, so that is something to bear in mind if you are considering a purchase, but there is a free version to try out to see if you like the game.

Overall, this is a lovely looking game that will definitely keep you entertained, with plenty to do, lots of high score options and superb animation.

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Our ‘Apps to look out for’ reviews are quick looks into apps that may well have passed under your radar, but may in fact be worth a look, and possibly even a purchase. Have a peek at today’s app and see if you think it is worth your time and money.

The Categories Game Free

The Categories Game is a decent quiz title that has many different questions against which you can pit your wit. You have to guess based on the first letter and the clue, with the computer able to help you out if you press the ‘Help’ button. There is full Facebook integration to enable you to play against your friends, a feature that really helps to get you started with the game, as it is very much a social title.

You can also learn new meanings for words as you are playing, making it pretty educational as well.

Here, straight from the developer, are the app’s best features:

Challenge your friends, earn coins, buy new categories

You will have to memorize the already written words, as they can’t be repeated in the same category!

Having difficulty thinking on a word? You can use the Help button and we will answer for you.

Learn new words and meanings while playing that funny game.

Connect with Facebook to find and play with your friends, or just ask us to choose your opponents!

With the FREE Version you will be able to play with: Fruits, Vegetables, Capitals, Countries, Human Body Parts, Candies, States, Basketball Teams, Basketball Players, Tennis Players, Animated Series, TV Shows, Car Brands, Airlines, USA Universities, Chemical elements and Colors!!

There is plenty here to like, as the app is attractive and easy to use, with a good use of colour and plenty of options. This app is also completely free, and as this is a universal app, it works brilliantly on iPad  as well as iPhone, can’t say fairer than that!

Overall, a good game that is well worth your time.

The post Apps to Look Out For – The Categories Game appeared first on The Smartphone App Review.

I used to love Missile Command in the arcade. Those giant trackballs that I could never really master, the insane difficulty level, were all things to put you off, but I still kept slotting that cash in to play more.

There have been dozens and dozens of Missile Command clones over the years, and the latest one is for the Android OS.

The game, a product of one indie programmer, is surprisingly well done, with some nice upgrades that don’t break the core concept, and with solid gameplay and fairly attractive graphics. Space Defence HD is never going to set the world alight, but it was never really supposed to, as the idea here was to bring a decent clone of Missile Command to Android, and in this the developer has succeeded.

The game has some nice effects that don’t spoil the gameplay, and this paid version allows you to upgrade your weapons between rounds. There is also a free version. Like Missile Command, the idea is to protect the Earth by down Alien invaders with missiles that you have to aim at the point where you think the invader and the missile will eventually meet.

The touchscreen has been used well here.

Here, straight from the developer, are the app’s best features:

Space Defence HD is just a Missile Command replica, features:
This paid version lets you upgrade your weapons as you progress through levels.

Upgrades: power, speed or number for shot.
Hit the enemies in combo to get more points.
Defend the spaceships, they will support you!
Build the shield and try to save the Earth.
Survive to an indefinite number of enemies waves.
Hit with precision and get double explosion and score.
Billions of people believe in you!

I found the game to be pretty addictive, and in tryth, it is hard to critisise; the game does what it sets out to do. However, I do think that is is missing that special something that will help itmake its mark, perhaps a little pizzazz or a few new gameplay ideas.

However, there is little else wrong here, so if you are looking for some Missile Command action on your Android device, you could do a lot worse than giving Space Command HD a go.

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Israel based GAME by Human G&A today announced the release of Mega Dragon Run for the iPhone and iPod touch. Mega Dragon Run is a new survival arcade/ platform game that challenges players to collect coins while dodging, crushing, or burning up any and all enemies in their path for as long as they can! The game allows users to compete with Facebook friends and players from all over the world via tournaments, race for leaderboard domination, and unlock dozens of unique achievements.

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mega-dragon-run/id527854536?ls=1&mt=8

Israel – GAME by HUMAN G&A, a newly emerging mobile game development studio, is excited today to announce the launch of Mega Dragon Run onto the App Store. Compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch this arcade survival gaming rush flips the script, putting players behind the reigns of a dragon and challenging them to snatch up as many coins as they can while dodging, crushing, or burning up any and all caveman baddies standing in their way! A social experience at its core, Mega Dragon Run lets players compete head to head with Facebook friends and other players from all over the world via timed tournaments and race for domination on the game’s interactive leaderboards! Featuring addictingly dynamic gameplay and enough achievements and extras to keep players entertained hour after hour Mega Dragon Run is currently available for download on the App Store for free in the Games category.

Points and distance are the name of the game in Mega Dragon Run, and gameplay is refreshingly straightforward. Players simply pick their game mode – Arcade, Quickplay, or Timed Multiplayer tournament – chose a dragon, any power-ups they want to use, and they’re off! Set in a vibrantly colorful stylized world that’s at once prehistoric and tech infused, the game takes care of moving players forward. All they need to do is jump or fly from platform to platform catching as many coins as they can while either avoiding or demolishing the cavemen in their path. There’s a twist though – although gamers can breathe fireballs to kill enemies (as any dragon worth their salt would), they can’t fly forever. The only way to recharge their fly-meter is to run on platforms or bounce on caveman’s heads. To boot, they only have 3 lives to spare in single-player modes. Hit too many obstacles or bad guys and its game over so the only question is how long they’ll be able to last!

A vast digital gaming distraction, Mega Dragon Run’s three unique game modes each offer gamers a different experience. Meanwhile Facebook integration enables players to connect with friends, compete for supremacy via leaderboards, and race for points head to head! Global leaderboards and multiplayer matches against random opponents are available as well. The game also boasts 24 unlockable achievements to keep players motivated to keep playing and getting better, while an in-depth game store lets them buy upgrades and new dragons. The “I want it now” crowd can purchase coins and unlock new characters via in-app purchase instantly as well. Mega Dragon Run is the cure for boredom and downtime on iOS, is get ready to feel the burn and jump into the fun.

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mega-dragon-run/id527854536?ls=1&mt=8

About the developer:

Based in Israel GAME by HUMAN G&A is an innovative new mobile game development studio currently focused on bringing exciting new recreational experiences to iOS users around the world. © GAME by HUMAN G&A 2013. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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Our ‘Apps to look out for’ reviews are quick looks into apps that may well have passed under your radar, but may in fact be worth a look, and possibly even a purchase. Have a peek at today’s app and see if you think it is worth your time and money.

Hollanote iPhone Review

Hollanote is an interesting app with a core goal: to allow you to post unique status updates to Facebook. That may seem limiting, but the app really plays with this and lets you update your status with some great and stylish fonts and images.

Once you log into Facebook, the app then allows you to start editing and uploading. You can either use a large variety of fonts, font colours and sizes to write a status like you usually would, or add images, faces and emoticon style images to the post.

The process of creating all this is very easy, and you will soon be impressing your friends and getting asked how you did it on Facebook within minutes.

Here, straight from the developer, are the app’s best features:

Hollanote is the iPhone app that lets you update your Facebook status the way you want. Post your status with different coloured fonts, different font styles and expressive face icons, or simply add a beautifully designed note background to your status update. Hollanote also lets you take and upload photos straight from the app and add a stylish title under your photo.

The app takes minutes to learn, and is sure to become your first port of call when wanting to update you Facebook status. Even better, the app is completely free to download and use, so if you love impressing people on Facebook, then there really is no excuse not to pick this app up.

Overall, this is an intuitive and useful app that proves to be a great companion app to the official Facebook app, and will be sure to get your status posts plenty of attention.

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