"If there is an app for that"

Upmind, Tweetcat and other apps to check out this weekend

April 09, 2016 by macjeff

Looking for some new apps and games to try out this weekend? iDB has you covered with our latest Apps of the Week post. This week’s list includes some great titles such as the language-learning app Upmind, and Espresso Chat, which offers a new take on group messaging. We also have two new games that you won’t want to miss.

Upmind

Looking to learn a new language? You may want to check out Upmind. The developers claim it’s the first smart gaming app that lets you learn foreign words fast and easy using GIFs, audio files, and even live quotes from Twitter. Spend 10 minutes a day in Upmind, and in a year you could know more words than the average native speaker. This app is available for free.

Espresso Chat

Espresso is a group chat app with topics, built for people who want to get stuff done fast. If you’re working on something with family, roommates, co-workers or friends, and email threads are killing you, this is the app for you. Think of it like a more informal version of Slack. Like all messaging apps, everyone in your circle will have to download Espresso before it becomes useful. This app is available for free.

Tweetcat for Twitter

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new take on the iPhone Twitter client, and this one looks pretty interesting. It’s called Tweetcat for Twitter and it’s a client that sorts your Timeline into custom topics that you can access with a single tap. So if you just want to see the top tech tweets you can, or the top sports tweets, etc. It’s kind of like an automated version of Twitter Lists. This app is available for free.

PKTBALL

Looking for a hyper-charged arcade smash title designed to test your skills and reflexes? Then you’re going to love PKTBALL. It comes from Laser Dog, the same team that built hits like PUK and HoPiKo, and it’s essentially a quick-twitch arcade game that constantly has you battling for coins and high scores. It’s free-to-play, so there are some ads and IAPs, but early reviews of PKTBALL say they’re not debilitating. This game is available for free.

Chameleon Run

Chameleon Run is a unique, fast and challenging autorunner with a colorful twist. Jump, switch and run through expertly crafted levels that will have you running back for more. The game actually reminds me a lot of a new-aged Sonic, with simple two-button controls, stylish graphics, and fun jumping mechanics like double jump and head jump. This game is available for $1.99.

More apps you should check out

• Focus on what’s good in your life with the Five Minute Journal app
• Microsoft’s Hub Keyboard now available on iPhone
• Cut the Rope: Time Travel goes free as Apple’s App of the Week
• Reddit: The Official App hits the App Store
• Reposting Vine videos to Instagram with VineGrab
• Cable network Starz launches $9 per month streaming package for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

These apps have been updated

• You can now translate webpages within Safari with Microsoft’s updated Translator app
• Facebook app gaining Live button, video broadcasts now more Periscope-like
• Starting today, contents of your WhatsApp chats are now protected with full end-to-end encryption
• Real Racing 3 gains three new cars, adds fresh new events and more
• Infuse 4.1 brings dark mode from iOS version to Apple TV, 24-bit HD audio, watched icons & more

KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained χ

April 08, 2016 by macjeff

KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained χ (Free) by SQUARE ENIX INC is the latest mobile installment of the Kingdom Hearts franchise for the United States, after originally being available only in Japan. If you’re a fan of Square Enix, Disney, Final Fantasy, or just Kingdom Hearts in general, then you don’t want to miss out on Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ.

When it comes to video games, the Kingdom Hearts series holds a special place in my heart. While the first Kingdom Hearts game came out back in 2002, I discovered it at some point in high school maybe a year later, when I was playing video games at a friend’s house. I remember laying my eyes on the game and falling in love with the cute art style, the “Simple and Clean” theme song by Utada Hikaru, and the insanely fun, action-packed gameplay. I mean, back then, fighting in real-time in RPGs was kind of a big deal since they were all turn-based, and I believe Kingdom Hearts set a precedent with battle systems after its debut.

Since Kingdom Hearts I, I became a huge fan of the series, buying Kingdom Hearts II on launch, a Birth By Sleep limited edition PSP back in the day, and a few of the DS and 3DS games. While most of the spin-off games are fun, they weren’t all necessary (except Birth By Sleep) in my opinion, and I’ve been pining for Kingdom Hearts III for what feels like forever at this point. Well, since there has yet to be an official release date for KH3, and probably no news until E3 this June, I suppose Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ will have to hold me over for the time being.

In terms of visuals, Unchained χ is just what you’d expect from a Square Enix game. While it’s Kingdom Hearts, don’t expect a fully 3-D world like the main games — Unchained χ features a 2-D environment with a pseudo 3-D feel, so characters are moving along a singular plane. However, all of the Disney worlds that you’ll be encountering are as bright and cheery as ever, and the animations are fairly smooth and fluid. I thought that the movement for your character looks a bit weird compared to other KH games I’ve played, but it makes sense for mobile, I suppose. You’ll see many familiar faces, whether they are from Disney or the Final Fantasy universe, including the different kinds of Heartless that you’ll face off against. And while the soundtrack doesn’t include “Simple and Clean,” there’s still some whimsical background tracks and fun sound effects. The game menus and in-game text sport the classic Kingdom Hearts style, so longtime fans will feel right at home. For a mobile game that is meant to hold us off until Kingdom Hearts III, it’s pretty good.

The first thing you do in Unchained χ is download a giant game file — don’t be fooled by that seemingly small download size in the App Store. Before you’re able to do anything, the game prompts you to download game data, and this took me about 10 minutes to complete on a relatively fast and stable Wi-Fi connection. Once that is done, you can Migrate Data over if you’ve played the game before, or choose New Game if this is your first time. For newcomers, you’ll be able to choose your avatar’s gender and customize clothes, hair, and skin.

There are a few different game modes in Unchained χ, although two of them have to be unlocked by getting past certain stages in the main Story campaign. From the get-go, players will have access to the Story and Special modes, with the latter being special events that the developers will have daily. In Story, players will be going through various quests in a linear fashion as they unravel the story of Unchained χ. Each of these levels will have three objectives to meet, as well as a target enemy that you must defeat to clear it. The game has a bit of a lengthy tutorial to show you all of the basics in the beginning, but even after that, things are pretty self-explanatory, at least to me.

Now, if you were expecting traditional Kingdom Hearts real-time combat, then you’re going to be disappointed. What must be understood is that this is a game designed for mobile, and not a port of other Kingdom Hearts games (though that would be amazing), so the gameplay is a bit different.

To move your avatar, just tap where you want to go, or just keep your finger on the screen to move continuously. If you see shiny spots on the ground, run over them to pick up the goodies that await you. Treasure chests also show up every now and then, and you can tap on them to collect the loot inside. When you encounter a Heartless enemy on the map, battle begins.

Since Unchained χ is turn-based, you and the enemy Heartless take turns exchanging blows. You get to perform a few moves before the enemies attack, so make sure to use them wisely. All you have to do is tap on a single enemy to attack that one, swipe your finger across the screen to do a whirlwind attack that hits all foes at once, or flick those character medals in the bottom left corner to do a special attack. It’s fairly simple and intuitive, and battles do not take too long, making it perfect for the mobile platform. After each successful stage, you’ll gain experience points and level up when the gauge is full, increasing your character’s power.

As you progress in the story, you will be able to get more keyblades and character medals by completing stages or finding them in chests. All of the keyblades that you acquire can be upgraded by using up component pieces, and medals can be combined or leveled up for stronger effects in battle. I am still pretty early on in the game, but I hope that I can get my favorite keyblades, Oblivion and Oathkeeper, at some point.

Since Unchained χ is a free game, there are some social aspects that come along with it. If you have other friends who are playing the game, you can team up with them against raid-level Heartless bosses for some epic rewards.

Additionally, you can upgrade your avatar by utilizing the Avatar Board. Here, you can choose different boards where you can use avatar coins to unlock nodes, which can increase your Keyblade cost capacity, maximize your AP, or even give you more HP. And eventually, you’ll be able to unlock the clothes and accessories that go with that avatar, further expanding your options when it comes to dressing up. The basic outfits are available for you initially, but if you want themed costumes, like Mad Hatter, Alice, Sora, Riku, and other characters from Kingdom Hearts, Disney, or Final Fantasy, then you will have to unlock them with jewels, which are the premium currency in the game.

I’ve spent a bit of time with the game since I downloaded it earlier this week, and even though I’m still early on, I’m enjoying every minute of it. Sure, it may not be a main Kingdom Hearts game, but it is definitely something to help satisfy my Kingdom Hearts fix until KH3 comes out. The graphics are nice for a mobile game, and the music takes me back to the days when I spent hours on Kingdom Hearts in one sitting. Controls are optimized for touch, which is rather nice, and the battle mechanics are rather interesting, even though I prefer the real-time combat from the main games. Still, this is nice to have on iOS, and while the beginning seems a bit easy, I’m sure that the challenge will pick up as I continue. This is a good stepping stone for those who have never played Kingdom Hearts, and longtime fans can still have something to hold them over until the highly-anticipated Kingdom Hearts III.

I recommend giving Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ a try, whether you’re a fan of the franchise or not. You can get Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for free. There are in-app purchases for jewels if you are impatient, though they are awarded to you as you play.

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

Unlock Your Mac via Proximity of iPhone or Apple Watch- FREE Limited Time.

April 08, 2016 by macjeff

For a limited time not only is this app free but the in-app purchase to PRO version is free. Most likely it will expire this weekend. Special deal for HotMacNews readers. YOU MUST configure it totally to get to the pro screen before the FREE expires http://www.mactrast.com/2016/04/lock-unlock-mac-automatically-near-lock-free-next-days/ With this app if you walk near your computer it will unlock via apple watch or iPhone. You can set the distance. Very cool!! Enjoy.

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 04/08/2016

April 08, 2016 by macjeff

The Great Coffee App , Animal Kindergarten Math Games for Kids in Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade , Downhill Supreme and more

iPhone:

Work Time displays the current time and date, a monthly calendar, your upcoming events, and the conditions outside. If you start to get bored with the default theme, you can switch things up by choosing from one of the other 18. The app also includes 12- and 24-hour formats, the ability to customize calendar data, and weather powered by Forecast.io.

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:

You’re provided with a short introduction to 19 of the most popular espresso-based drinks. Each drink is accompanied by a cut-through visual representation so you can see the layers for yourself, a short description, brewing instructions, and a demonstration video. You’re able to favorite drinks, and share them via Messages, AirDrop, Facebook, Twitter, or email. The app also includes relaxing background music, and a quick tutorial.

To help each animal travel through the city, your child will need to successfully complete a variety of math activities. Math activities range from adding and subtracting to counting and identifying geometric shapes. The app includes a total of 8 adorable animals to join, and more than 100 activities. It also includes professional narration and instructions, and loads of positive encouragement.

Pedal across 88 downhill tracks to achieve the fastest possible time. You’re able to utilize tilt, joystick, or button controls to safely navigate your cycler down the hill. You’ll come across huge ramps, rock formations, and drop-offs, which require fast reactions and precise angles to overcome. The game also includes the ability to customize your bike with parts from real manufacturers.

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

Best app deals of the day! 8 paid iPhone apps on sale for a limited time

April 08, 2016 by macjeff

Everyone likes free apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up fast. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

The post Best app deals of the day! 8 paid iPhone apps on sale for a limited time appeared first on Digital Trends.