"If there is an app for that"

Hyper, Falcon Notes, Meep, and other apps to check out this weekend

July 05, 2016 by macjeff

This upcoming Monday is the 4th of July, which for many folks means a 3-day weekend. So if you find yourself with extra time to spare over the next few days, be sure to check out the latest edition of our weekly Apps of the Week post. This week we have apps that show you popular videos from around the web, offer a pleasant note-taking experience and more.

Hyper

Hyper, Apple’s Best of 2015 video app, landed on the iPhone this week. For those unfamiliar with the title, Hyper gives you access to 10 top videos from around the web every day. Videos are handpicked by a team of award-winning filmmakers, and are even available offline. Bringing it all together is a beautifully designed interface. Hyper is available for free.

Falcon Notes

Folks in the market for a new note-taking or Markdown app should check out Falcon Notes. It has this very simple, minimalistic design with both light and dark themes, and it offers a ton of features. Some of the more notable ones include previews, search, code highlighting, and support for iPad’s side-by-side mode. Plus, you can sync all of your notes across iPhone, iPad and even Mac (yes there is a Mac app). Falcon Notes is available for $4.99.

Meep

Listen to the websites you love, with Meep. The app has a team of professional narrators that read stories aloud about your favorite topics such as sports, politics, celebrities and current events. The app is free, and you can listen to up to 50 stories per month. But to get more than that, you’ll have to subscribe via an IAP ($7.99/month for 250 credits). I’m not necessarily a fan of this model, but the concept is really cool. Meep is available for free.

CSR Racing 2

If you haven’t tried out CSR Racing 2 yet, you should definitely do so this weekend. Let’s get all of the bad stuff out of the way first. It requires an Internet connection and it is littered with IAPs. That being said, the game offers everything you’d want from a next-gen racer. The graphics are incredibly realistic, there are tons of real cars to choose from that of course are upgradeable and customizable, and you can race against friends and other opponents in real time. This game is available for free.

Neo Turf Masters

Arcade classic Neo Turf Masters is back, in a brand-new mobile version with touch controls. In the game, players compete as one of six international golfers on various courses worldwide. You choose your club, analyze the wind direction, and find the best path to finishing each hole in as few shots as possible. Other features include multiplayer and gamepad support, Leaderboards, new save system and more. This game is available for $2.99.

More apps you should check out

• Apple’s free app of the week: Mimpi Dreams
• Drawing app Procreate is free right now within the Apple Store app

These apps have been updated

• Facebook tweaks News Feed to prioritize friends over news sites
• Amazon debuts new Page Flip feature for Kindle apps and devices
• Twitter introduces searchable #Stickers for your tweet images

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/04/2016

July 04, 2016 by macjeff

DAMDA - Journal / Diary , English Spanish Dictionary - General , Terrain Radar Altimeter and more

iPhone:

Terrain Radar allows you to measure the elevation of everything within a radius of over three miles. It displays your current elevation at the bottom of the screen, and the top half shows the elevation of hills and mountains in front of you. All of the calculations are done in real-time, so you’re able to rotate and see all of the elevations change on the chart.

It includes every major currency with over 150 to choose from. You're able to decide how often rates are updated, and you can even save rates for offline use. The app also includes separate chart and list views, and the ability to change the number of decimals.

Screen Candy is all about mixing and matching. Just swipe horizontally across the three separate sections to browse through the custom patterns and illustrations. Double tap on a section to view all patterns and illustrations in a scrollable list or choose an image from your library. Can’t decide on a design? Let Screen Candy choose for you with the randomizer option.

Universal:

Damda makes it easy to record your daily activities. Each entry is able to include a title, short description, timestamp, photo, and the weather conditions. Entries can be presented in order, or you’re able to view them on a calendar. Entries can be searched for via keywords. Damda also includes the ability to share entries, 3D Touch support, Touch ID support, Dropbox support, and a night mode.

English-Spanish Reference Dictionary is remarkably easy to use. You’re able to enter a word in English or Spanish, and it will instantly provide you with a translation, pronunciation, definitions, and example phrases. Words can be marked as favorites for quick access later on, and all of your data can be synced with Dropbox. The app includes a ridiculous amount of content with over 718,000 entries, 524,000 translations, 558,000 synonyms, 98,000 definitions, and 40,000 examples, all of which is stored offline.

Swipe across the screen to perform attacks, dodge the blades of your enemy, block hits, and cast devastating spells. As you make your way deeper into the castle realm, you’ll have a chance to upgrade your knight and collect new weapons and armor. The game features fantastic 3-D graphics powered by the Unreal engine, online multiplayer, and Game Center integration.

You're able to explore new immersive environments with multiple paths to take. Engage enemies and perform attack and defense moves through intuitive gestures. Along your journey you'll have the chance to forge even more powerful weapons and obtain new armor for your warrior. The game includes gorgeous 3-D graphics powered by the Unreal engine, new achievements to earn, and three new modes.

You're able to explore new immersive environments with multiple paths to take. Engage enemies and perform attack and defense moves through intuitive gestures. Along your journey you'll have the chance to forge even more powerful weapons and obtain new armor for your warrior. The game includes gorgeous 3-D graphics powered by the Unreal engine, online asynchronous multiplayer, and achievements and leaderboards via Game Center.

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

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/03/2016

July 03, 2016 by macjeff

Universal Zoom: All About Sizes and Distances , Numbers and Counting Early Learning Math Match Games for Kids in Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade , Prioritask and more

iPhone:

Tasks are organized into three priority categories: high, medium, and low. Just create a task, title it, and then drag it into the appropriate priority category. That's all it takes. You can create sublists by swiping left to right on a task. The number of tasks in a sublist is shown in the checkmark box. The app also includes customizable priority colors, and custom icon badges.

Universal:

At first glance, Universal Zoom may not look like much. But once you dig in you won’t be able to stop exploring. The app includes more than 200 objects that are presented in high-resolution and completely to scale. Simply swipe in any direction to move through the objects and see how they compare in size to the rest. The scale ranges from Planck Length to 93 billion light years, so there’s a lot to see. You’re also able to choose objects and compare them directly against others.

The app is loaded with fun and colorful items to count and match. Depending on their ability level, your child can either play with cards face down or face up to make things easier. Hints are also available if need be. The game includes professional narration for every included item, positive reinforcement, and parental controls.

Sketch Me doesn’t require a lot of tinkering. All you need to do is import a photo from your library or take a new one from within the app. Then tap on one of the 19 effects and enjoy the results. If you choose to, you can adjust other parameters like contrast and brightness. Sketch Me also includes 18 shapes that can be applied in order to show off the distinct effects.

HashPhotos takes the hassle out of managing large photo and video libraries. Swipe left to right to access the album view where you can narrow down your photos and videos by category or create your own albums. Swipe right to left to narrow down your search even further by month. Tap on a photo to bring it into full view. This view also allows you to edit, share, tag, note, and glance at metadata for your photo. HashPhotos also includes the ability to customize the thumbnail size, and it has two themes to choose from.

With Symphonizer installed, you’ll never have to have another person turn the pages of your music or purchase additional hardware. All you need to do is import your sheet music into the app and load it up. Then position yourself in front of the screen. You’ll see yellow dots at first as the camera attempts to recognize your face, and when it does the dots will turn green. Any time you need to turn the page, just smile and it will flip automatically.

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

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/02/2016

July 02, 2016 by macjeff

Clutter Cam , Advanced Data Usage Tracker - smartapp , Guitar Suite HD - Metronome, Tuner, and Chords Library for Guitar, Bass, Ukulele and more

iPhone:

Clutter Cam is a place to capture and store photos that you only intend to keep temporarily, completely skipping the Camera Roll. It also acts as a filter, hunting down screenshots in your Camera Roll and allowing you to delete them. You’re able to send photos to Clutter Cam from other apps using an extension, and you can send photos out of it via the share button.

SmartApp has it all. Start off by entering your data plan limit and billing period. Then let SmartApp start monitoring your usage. It will provide you with a predictive forecast and timely alerts to ensure that you never go over your limit. You’re also able to monitor your data usage via a Today widget or Apple Watch. The app includes Wi-Fi tracking, a usage map, the ability to share your usage, and the ability to test your network’s speed.

Guitar Suite can be used with all of your stringed instruments, from electric and acoustic guitars to banjos and ukuleles. It allows you to tune your instruments by ear or with a chromatic tuner, both of which automatically adapt to whatever you’re playing. Guitar Suite provides access to over two million chords, 40 scales, and a metronome, helping you practice and perform.

Put your fingers to the screen and watch as the particles react. You’re able to utilize up to five fingers at once, sending the 9,000 particles flying around the screen in different patterns. The app includes five music options, three color modes, and the ability to customize the particle length, number, and size.

Universal:

This is our favorite version of Backgammon in the App Store due to its massive online community. It’s always more fun to play with others, right? You’re able to play turn-based or live games of Backgammon via Game Center. You can choose to play with a friend or see how your skills match up against other players all over the world. The cool part is, you don’t have to sit around and wait to be matched up. You can actually hone your skills against intelligent AI opponents in single player games while you wait for a match to be found.

Guitar Suite HD can be used with all of your stringed instruments, from electric and acoustic guitars to banjos and ukuleles. It allows you to tune your instruments by ear or with a chromatic tuner, both of which automatically adapt to whatever you’re playing. Guitar Suite HD provides access to over two million chords, 40 scales, and a metronome, helping you practice and perform.

Put your fingers to the screen and watch as the particles react. You’re able to utilize up to five fingers at once, sending the 9,000 particles flying around the screen in different patterns. The app includes five music options, three color modes, and the ability to customize the particle length, number, and size.

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

Hexagonal Runner The Little Fox Puts a New Spin on a Classic Story

July 01, 2016 by macjeff

The Little Fox ($2.99) by Oleg Batrakov is a twitchy hexagonal runner that offers players a different perspective on “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which is known by many as the ‘fairy tale for adults.’ If you liked games like Super Hexagon and ALONE, then you will enjoy The Little Fox.

Ever since I picked up Super Hexagon years ago, I fell in love with the twitchy reflex genre, even though I’m pretty terrible at them compared to other people. Still, I find the games enjoyable and the challenge is part of the fun, after all. But over time, like many games and apps, the genre has gotten a bit repetitive. That’s why when I saw news of The Little Fox, I was mesmerized because it stood out from the crowd with a distinctive perspective and varying gameplay. Now that I have it in my hands, I must say — prepare for a real challenge.

Visually, The Little Fox is impressive with the beautiful low-poly graphics. In fact, it is reminiscent of Infinite Skater, which is not a bad thing. I love the style of low-poly graphics and wish that it was more popular these days, because otherwise it’s just more flat minimalism out there. The colors in The Little Fox are gorgeous and stunning as well, since it’s a mix of bright and vibrant hues to dark and rich tones, depending on the fairytale world that you’re in. In-between levels, you will find cutscenes that explain the story, and these are well animated in their own subtle way. During the game, animations are smooth and fluid with no lag, which is important since you have to have fast reflexes to survive. The Little Fox also has an atmospheric soundtrack that reflects each unique fairytale area, so each track sets the tone and mood as you progress through the story. I’m rather impressed with what the developer has done in terms of visual and audio in The Little Fox, because it’s a complete package.

While The Little Fox is a hexagonal runner, it is not infinite. In fact, there is a story to the game (based on “The Little Prince”), and at the moment, there are only 13 fairytale worlds to run through. This may not sound like a lot, but believe me, these levels are not easy. In fact, I’m still stuck in the first one, struggling to reach the end and move to the next world. Each of these levels has an endpoint that you must reach, but it’s easier said than done. The game also keeps track of how many attempts you’ve done already, and this number will become staggeringly high over time. That’s right, be prepared to die a lot, which is fairly typical of any twitch reflex running game.

Controls in The Little Fox are simple enough for anyone to pick up, but incredibly hard to master given the circumstances of the game. As you guide the Fox on his search for the Prince, you have to help him manuever through hexagonal paths through various environments. To move a lane over, just tap on the side of the screen that you want to shift over to. When turns come up, you’ll want to tap twice to do a full turn in that direction. While it sounds super easy, given the fast-paced nature of the Fox’s run (you can’t stop), it’s hard to keep up sometimes. Practice is a must for The Little Fox.

To make things even more interesting, there are gaps that the Fox must jump over (this is automatic so you don’t have to do anything else), speed boost tiles, slow-down tiles, and shiny blue crystals to collect. The moment you crash into an obstacle or go off course, you failed and must try again. After each attempt, you will see your completion percentage and the number of attempts you’ve tried so far. There are no checkpoints, so you must start at the beginning after each failure. At least re-spawning is quick.

One thing I did find helpful is that after you fail, you can do a long-press on the screen and you’ll see the exact point you died at. This is useful because it helps you check where you made your mistake and hopefully you’re better prepared on the next attempt.

I’ve downloaded The Little Fox last night when I realized that it was available, and I have yet to make it through the first world. Either I’m just really bad at this game, or it’s insanely difficult. Despite this, I love the game’s visual style and music, because it’s a truly immersive experience when you combine them both. The controls are simple enough and responsive, just difficult to master with the pace of the game. I do wish that there were at least checkpoints in each stage, because it does get a bit annoying and tiring to have to restart from the beginning dozens of times. Still, if you prefer a challenge and test of skill, then The Little Fox provides you with that. It’s also an interesting new take on a classic story.

I recommend checking out The Little Fox if you’re a fan of twitchy reflex runner games and enjoy seeing yourself improve after many numerous attempts. The Little Fox is available on the App Store as a universal app for your iPhone and iPad for $2.99. There are no in-app purchases, so it’s a buy-once-and-play title.

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