"If there is an app for that"

Apple’s free app of the week: Super Arc Light

July 21, 2016 by macjeff

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with the game Super Arc Light. This means that for the next 7 days you’ll be able to pick up the popular arcade shooter for free on both iPhone and iPad—a solid savings of $2.

For those who haven’t played Super Arc Light, it’s a minimalistic radial shooter, in which you must defend your base to the death against waves of challenging enemies. The developer describes it as Super Hexagon meets Geometry Wars.

From the App Store Editors’ Notes:

The more we play this ingenious arcade shooter, the more it blows us away. Revolving back and forth along a circular track, blasting ships before they reach your base, seems pretty simple at first. But the brilliant one-touch control scheme—where firing also changes your direction—adds a deeply compelling wrinkle. When everything clicks and you’re timing your shots just right, it’s absolutely exhilarating. And the catchy soundtrack, gorgeous minimalism, and prevailing sense of polish just make the quest for high scores that much better.

And here is a clip of the game in action:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VHH8GNivNY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=375]

Super Arc Light is available in the App Store for free.

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/21/2016

July 21, 2016 by macjeff

Angry Birds HD , Angry Birds , Smart Cycle Alarm PRO and more

iPhone:

The scheming pigs have stolen the Angry Birds’ eggs. It’s up to you to dish out revenge by destroying their defenses. Pull back on the launcher and release to send a bird flying through the air and create massive pig-crushing chain reactions to earn extra points. Each bird has its own unique ability, so make sure to use them wisely. The game is absolutely bursting with content, featuring 11 worlds with hundreds upon hundreds of levels.

Universal:

Spin the dial to set your desired wakeup window. Smart Cycle Alarm will monitor your sleep patterns and wake you up in the lightest possible sleep state, which will leave you feeling refreshed. The app includes a customizable wakeup phase of 10 to 90 minutes. Your sleep data can be viewed on a graph and exported as a CSV file, and it can be sent to the built-in Health app.

You won’t be able to resist the charm of this jigsaw puzzle game. Each of the 33 jigsaw puzzles features a polar bear photo to reconstruct. The jigsaw puzzles can be broken up into as few as four pieces and as many as 24. You’re also able to choose whether or not you want a colored background and outline hints. What more could you ask for?

Drag different nodes all around the screen and connect them to each other to create pulsing sounds. There’s no wrong way to go about it, so just have fun. The app includes a variety of customization options like the ability to add gravity to nodes, adjustable pulse rate and beat sync, and echo volume. It also includes 20 musical scales, a seven octave range, all 12 musical key signatures, and the ability to record and send your tunes via email.

With Loan Calculator, you don’t need to have a bunch of reference help files or documentation. Finding out how much your monthly payments will be is as easy as filling out three open fields. Loan Calculator provides you with the option to add additional monthly and yearly payments, helping determine how much faster your loan can be paid off and how much money you’ll save. The total lifetime cost of your loan including interest is calculated as well.

The scheming pigs have stolen the Angry Birds’ eggs. It’s up to you to dish out revenge by destroying their defenses. Pull back on the launcher and release to send a bird flying through the air and create massive pig-crushing chain reactions to earn extra points. Each bird has its own unique ability, so make sure to use them wisely. The game is absolutely bursting with content, featuring 11 worlds with hundreds upon hundreds of levels.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/apps-gone-free

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/20/2016

July 20, 2016 by macjeff

PDF Reader Premium – Annotate, Scan, Sign, and Take Notes , The Book of Holes , PDF Reader Premium – Annotate, Scan, Fill Forms and Take Notes and more

iPhone:

You’re able to import PDF files and photos via your favorite cloud storage services, Wi-Fi, the web, iTunes File Sharing, or from your photo library. You’re also able to capture photos right from within the app and quickly convert them into PDFs. You can then view your PDFs, or edit and annotate them using a wide variety of tools. PDFs can also be searched for with keywords, and organized by date, tag, or name. The app also includes AirPrint support, a built-in dictionary, AirPlay support, and iCloud support.

Recipes is focused on simplicity. You’re able to add your own recipes, and organize them within categories. Each recipe can contain a header photo, a list of ingredients, and step-by-step directions. The ingredients from any recipe can be added to your shopping list with a tap, and recipes can be shared via email. The app also includes a handy temperature and weight converter.

Universal:

Artkive makes it easy to chronologically store, share, and print your child’s artwork or schoolwork. You’ll never again feel guilty about throwing anything out to reduce clutter. Simply capture, title, and describe the piece of art or schoolwork. If you have multiple children, you’re able to create separate profiles for each one. You’re able to sort the content by family member, date, or tag. Artkive also allows you to turn any piece of artwork into gifts like pillows, phone cases, coasters, and blankets.

Flewn is simply breathtaking. It follows an old whale who is walking on stilts through a desert in search of a lost ocean. The story is told through beautifully illustrated and animated scenes complemented by rhyming couplets. You’re also able to experience the story from the perspective of a flying frog who needs to eat bugs to keep her energy level up.

The Book of Holes is an interactive storybook like no other. It was adapted from the award-winning Danish picture book by the same name. Only this version is made for the digital age and filled with more than 100 interactive elements. You’re able to enjoy the story on your own, or you can follow along with the narration.

You’re able to import PDF files and photos via your favorite cloud storage services, Wi-Fi, the web, iTunes File Sharing, or from your photo library. You’re also able to capture photos right from within the app and quickly convert them into PDFs. You can then view your PDFs, or edit and annotate them using a wide variety of tools. PDFs can also be searched for with keywords, and organized by date, tag, or name. The app also includes AirPrint support, a built-in dictionary, AirPlay support, and iCloud support.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/apps-gone-free

Find Your Quell Zen in This Gorgeous Maze Puzzle Game

July 19, 2016 by macjeff

Quell Zen ($3.99) by Fallen Tree Games Ltd is the latest in the relaxing Quell series of puzzle games. When you’ve just had a long day and want to kick back with a soothing game, then you should look no further than Quell Zen. It’s a must-have if you’re a fan of the previous games, Quell Reflect and Quell Memento, and even their other puzzle game, Swapperoo.

I’ve been playing video games for most of my life, but there’s a bit of a difference in the type of game I go for most of the time when it comes to mobile: puzzles. I’m not sure why, but puzzle games are definitely my favorite when I feel like spending some spare time on games on my iPhone 6s Plus. They’re stimulating so my brain gets a nice workout, and most of them are rather relaxing. I’ve been a fan of the Quell games for a long time now, ever since I discovered Quell Reflect back in 2012, and I had no idea at the time that it would be an ongoing series of puzzle games. Fortunately that seems to be the case, and they’ve only gotten better as time goes by. If you’re like me and like zen-like puzzle games like Quell Reflect and Quell Memento, then you’re definitely in for a treat with Quell Zen.

Visually, Quell Zen is a delicious treat for the eyes. It’s incredibly well polished, like the other Quell games, but this one even adds some more nice finishing touches, like the whole Japanese zen garden theme. The puzzles themselves take place on a 2-D layout, but as you’re going through the level select screen, it has a nice pseudo 3-D feel to it that makes you feel like you’re there. The colors are a nice mix of soft and rich, and players can definitely tell that the developers made sure all of the textures and environments were rife with small details. Animations and reflections in Quell Zen are beautifully smooth and fluid, and the ambient, atmospheric soundtrack is a delight to listen to. Quell Zen is just the perfect visual and audible treat after you’re done with the day.

As with the previous games, Quell Zen features different chapters, though you have to go through them in chronological order. The chapters have four sections each, and then you have four levels for that section. Once the four stages are complete, you can move on to the next section, and when all sections are done, then you’re able to move on to the next chapter. Quell Zen, like its predecessors, has a story behind all of the puzzles, and you’ll find out what it’s trying to tell you as you are introduced to new mechanics and elements along the way. The game starts out relatively simple enough, but things get trickier and more challenging as you make progress. But even when the difficulty gets ramped up, it’s still a relaxing experience overall, so you won’t get overwhelmed with frustration.

Controls in Quell Zen are straightforward and intuitive. Since it’s a maze puzzle game, the objective is to guide the raindrops through the maze layout safely while collecting all of the shiny metallic orbs and uncovering the narrative of a Japanese family. To do this, all you have to do is swipe your finger in the direction you want the raindrop to slide over to. The raindrops will continue sliding until it hits a wall or obstacle. Sometimes there are openings in the walls, but don’t worry — your raindrop just goes to the other side of the maze when they slide through the wall opening. If there are multiple raindrops, you’ll have to slide your finger on top of the one you want to move. New mechanics are introduced as you go, such as spikes, portal rings, lasers, and more, which means a gradual difficulty spike and new challenges that await you.

As you play, there is a number in top left corner: this is the number of moves required to solve the puzzle. If you go over, then that means you made a mistake somewhere. However, you are not penalized if you don’t get a perfect on each stage, and you can always go back and replay it again until you get it since there’s no time limit. But if you do get a perfect, it means you’re awarded more coins and solution keys. The coins and keys are used to unlock chapters early if you’re feeling stuck and can’t move forward, though a lot of the puzzles can be solved by trial-and-error.

However, the game is not as straightforward as you may think. While you’ll see the obvious obstacles, orbs, and levels, there are many secrets that you must discover for yourself in the game. These include hidden gems somewhere on each level (breakable wall blocks) and even hidden levels to find and play. I’m still early in the game so I haven’t found hidden stages, but it is great motivation to keep one searching and playing.

One thing I’m not too fond about is the fact that Quell Zen is a premium game that costs $3.99 up-front, yet it still includes in-app purchases. Granted, all of the IAPs are completely optional and not required at all to play (unless you’re impatient), but I still don’t like the business practice of premium games having IAPs in general. Just something worth noting, despite not affecting gameplay itself at all.

I’ve been playing Quell Zen this morning (while waiting for Pokémon Go servers to get back up) and have found the game to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I love the stunning graphics, the music and sounds are soothing, and the controls are simple enough to play anywhere. The puzzles themselves are challenging and I love the fact that there are many secrets to discover, which extends the longevity of the game. Quell Zen is a great addition to the Quell series, and hopefully it continues for a long time to come.

I highly recommend getting Quell Zen if you’re a fan of maze puzzle games, or just enjoyed the previous game releases from the developer (Quell Reflect, Quell Memento, and Swapperoo). Quell Zen is available on the App Store as a universal app for your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV for just $3.99. There are optional in-app purchases for coins, keys, and a jewel detector.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/reviews

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/19/2016

July 19, 2016 by macjeff

Super Arc Light , Pen and Paper , Done - manage your life with ease and more

iPhone:

No matter how you prefer to get things done, Done will help. It allows you to create notes, reminders, and voice memos with just a few taps. Your reminders can send push notifications based on your location or a set time. Notes can include photos. Important items can be flagged, and all content can be organized with labels. A handy widget allows you to see all of your upcoming tasks and most recent notes.

Universal:

Super Arc Light is what you’d get if Super Hexagon and Geometry Wars had a baby. It’s a minimalistic arcade shooter that requires you to defend your base from all angles. Your ship will move around the base all on its own. Simply hold your finger on the screen to fire, which also slows down the speed of your rotations. The moment you lift your finger your ship will take off in the opposite direction. Collect power-ups to unleash new and more powerful weapons. Above all else, survive.

Pen and Paper is an open canvas. It allows you to choose from a variety of page styles, or you can simply create your own. Then put your finger to the screen and start drawing. Your doodles can be resized, recolored, and moved at any time. You’re also able to add text and text boxes, shapes, and photos to pages. Pen and Paper includes iCloud support, Dropbox and Box support, and the ability to import PDFs.

You’re able to join the Avengers and battle with your friends for leaderboard dominance. Launch your ball onto the table by pulling back on and releasing your finger from the plunger. Tap each side of the screen to control your flippers. The table features multiple camera angles to choose from and stellar artwork. Multiple additional themed tables are available via in-app purchase.

Each of the 100 puzzles require you to drag and drop pieces from the lower half of the screen into the top in order to completely fill in the shape. Pieces can not be flipped or rotated, so you’ll have your work cut out for you. The game also includes an unlimited number of hints and undos, creating a rather relaxing environment. Although, if you do utilize a hint you won’t be able to earn a perfect rating.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/apps-gone-free