Tag Archives: iPad 2

Myth killer: iPad magnet effect on defibrillators wasn’t “discovered” by a 14-year-old

Those magnets in every iPad that allow the Smart Cover and Smart Case to attach securely have the ability to accidentally shut off implanted heart defibrillators if the iPad happens to be lying on the patient's chest. According to a Bloomberg news report yesterday, that discovery was made by Gianna Chien, a 14-year-old high school freshman who presented the results of her science fair project to doctors at a meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society in Denver yesterday.

Well, to be fair, Chien probably just read the iPad user guide, where the warning is plainly written:

iPad has magnets along the left edge of the device and on the right side of the front glass, which may interfere with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other medical devices. The iPad Smart Cover and iPad Smart Case also contain magnets. Maintain at least 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) of separation between your pacemaker or defibrillator and iPad, the iPad Smart Cover, or the iPad Smart Case.

Strong magnets (and not just those on an iPad) can affect defibrillators in several ways -- first, they can put the devices into a test mode that increases the heart rate depending on how much battery life is left in the defibrillator. Second, the defibrillators are designed to be shut off by magnets as a safety precaution. The iPad that Chien used was an iPad 2, which triggered the test mode in 30 percent of patients who put the tablet onto their chest.

While the Bloomberg article and headline provided some titillating reading, Chien didn't "discover" anything. Instead, the 14-year-old and her cardiac electrophysiologist father Walter just used 26 volunteers to test how commonplace the iPad magnet effect is. If Chien should be lauded for anything, it's waking the public up to actually reading those user guides and safety warnings that we all ignore on a regular basis.

In the meantime, if you have a defibrillator or pacemaker implant, don't put the iPad on your chest. Ever.

Myth killer: iPad magnet effect on defibrillators wasn't "discovered" by a 14-year-old originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source

Weekend Poll: Does the budget iPhone have legs?

Rumors continue to fly about a budget-priced iPhone. Although we here at TUAW remain completely agnostic on the likelihood of this product, we certainly can understand why Apple would benefit from a low-cost product -- and not just for emerging markets like China.

Consider the iPad 2. It's still for sale, with a budget price and great Apple engineering. The iPad 2 and the mini represent affordable products with high demand that consumers are choosing over high-end features like Retina displays.

Why wouldn't an iPhone benefit from a similar pricing spectrum? It's not the extra phone hardware (you can buy a cheap phone at any TracFone or Cricket dealer) that's driving costs. Even the lowest-priced current iPhone model (the iPhone 4) requires a 2-year commitment in the US. That commitment and low up-front costs hide the true price of the unit. The iPhone 4 still costs US$450 contract-free.

America's bizarre contract plans hide true hardware prices. This is particularly frustrating to our overseas-based TUAWians. They want to buy a modern iPhone running the latest iOS but an affordable price and not necessarily with all the latest bells and whistles of the sexy flagship release. Paying US-style high-but-hidden-costs for Apple handsets goes against the grain.

High handset prices also work against US adoption amongst high schoolers, an important market. Today's HS kids expect a lot of sophistication from their phones and aren't willing to settle for the iPod touch. They want data, texting and calling plans more than they care about gyroscopes, top-end cameras and Retina displays. Their parents, footing the bills, are searching for bargains and compromise. If they can't get it from Apple, they'll get it from other vendors. It's a vast untapped market for Apple, full of potential.

You'd think if Apple could deliver a modern, feature-packed mini iPad for about $300, they'd be able to ship a low-end iPhone for near that, plastic chassis and all.

What do you think? Is an iPhone 5B ("B" for bargain") phone in the works? Or is this something that Apple will avoid in order to preserve its premium brand? Cast your vote in the poll and then join in the comments with your analysis and opinions.

View Poll

Weekend Poll: Does the budget iPhone have legs? originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source

iBook Lessons: Book Creator for iPad

iBook Lessons is a continuing series about e-book writing and publishing.

You wouldn't think that the iPad makes a natural match to e-book content creation, would you? Red Jumper Studio thinks otherwise. Its US$4.99 app, Book Creator for iPad, enables you to build EPUB works directly from iOS.

Aimed at light projects such as photo collections and kid-created stories, Book Creator provides a simple layout system to integrate text, pictures and sounds.

iBook Lessons Book Creator for iPad

I found the app relatively straightforward to use, although it would greatly benefit from presets. Libraries of header and body styles would make the tools so much easier to use, especially since this is more an expressive tool for kids and hobbyists than a tightly controlled design environment.

I wish I had a Siri-ready iPad around to test with, as this app feels like a perfect match to dictation. Using a built-in iPad camera to snap pictures and then describing what I see using words feels naturally synchronous. As it was, Book Creator worked fine on my iPad 2.

My favorite feature was e-book export. I was able to build my book and place it into my Dropbox folder, ready to share by email or read back on my Mac. The app also exported directly to iBooks.

Although dedicated self-publishers are not the right target audience for this app, I'm sure it would be a great match for schools, crafters, photographers and others. Not every book needs to live on the iBookstore or Amazon. Here's another way to use e-publishing technology, but just for fun.

iBook Lessons: Book Creator for iPad originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source

Rovio Could Go the Third Party Route to Launch Tiny Thief in the Spring

1359043683

Rovio may have their next title available this spring (by way of a small third-party developer from Barcelona). Previewed at the GDC last year, Tiny Thief is labeled as a ‘mind boggling adventure’ that engages you as a thief who is very busy “creating diversions, setting traps, and avoiding obstacles to get to the goal on each level.”

Initial reviews of the title indicated that the game was impressive if not unexpected (somehow effectively combining things like: a camp, a candy store, and a robot).

With Rovio’s name behind the title, Tiny Thief will be full of missions, stories and items to steal and is expected to maintain the strong character development and now-signature ‘cute overall design’ that we have come to expect from in-house development (like that found in their more-than-slightly-successful Angry Birds franchise that enjoys a mere billion or so installs).

If this rumor proves true, it is the first third-party investment from Rovio. With the power and prestige found behind the Rovio name and brand, their endorsement and investment is very significant for a small developer –but it is also a huge risk if the title ends up being sub-par or a departure from a style that made them so well-known.

Unlike many other development houses, Rovio also excels in another avenue: merchandising. This likely translates into the potential for a line-up of Tiny Thief dolls and candies and who knows what else in an effort to support their marketing endeavors (as well as the search for profit).

Unfortunately, we still have a while to wait before we can give this title a try. While a specific release date is not yet known, expectations range from a launch later this spring to sometime in the summer.

» Related posts: Rovio Looks to Repeat Success of ‘Angry Birds’ with New Game ‘Amazing Alex’ Enjoy and Learn with “The Great Cookie Thief”, Starring Cookie Monster – iPad App Review Popcap Follows Rovio into the Games Merchandising Arena

Never Forget Your Shopping LIst Again with Shopping Pro (Grocery List) – iPad App Review

shoppingHow many times have you realized that you forgot your shopping list at about the same time as you pulled into the parking lot at your favorite grocery store? Ever make it home only to be reminded by your spouse that they needed you to grab an extra ingredient for supper?

Anybody with a memory that can occasionally fail them will benefit greatly from Shopping Pro (Grocery List): a shopping list app that uses the power of iCloud sync to give your entire family the ability to “share, modify and shop with a common, living list whenever and wherever they are.”

There are dozens of hundreds of thousands of apps that let you make a list on your iPad. None that I have tried offer the flexibility and features of Shopping Pro (Grocery List). The master catalog contains over 1500 items, making it very easy to add your favorite stand-by items like bread or milk –but more than that you can specify the type of bread (pita, French, whole grain, etc.) and even re-categorize them if it fits somewhere better for your personal use.

The price feature comes in handy for budgeting. As you purchase familiar items, start adding their prices and soon you will have the ability to see just how much your upcoming shopping trip is likely to cost you.

What I liked: I love that this app is universal and syncs with iCloud, making it very easy for the entire family to contribute to the same list. Now when your teenager tells you that they drank the last of the juice you can remind them to just add it to the shopping list –if it isn’t on there, you won’t be grabbing it!

What I didn’t like: It is a very minor thing, but I wish the app was more colorful. The brown and beige color scheme is very dull and makes the app a little less fun to work with.

To buy or not to buy: Whether you shop for one or an entire large family, Shopping Pro (Grocery List) is the perfect app to take the load off your mind of trying to remember.

App Name: Shopping Pro (Grocery List) Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Productivity Developer: Quinn Genzel Price: $2.99 Score:

Get Your Brain in Gear Playing HEX IT: Awesome Puzzle Game for iPad

puzzleWhatever you think your plans were for the day: cancel them. If you start playing HEX IT: Awesome Puzzle Game for iPad, chances are very good that it will be a long while before you stop.

Curious what it’s all about? Think Rubik’s cube meets slider puzzle meets the hexagon and you’ll have some idea. HEX IT is addictive to be sure but it is also easy to learn, easy to play and the right amount of challenging to make it truly fun.

Every level presents you with a pattern to match by twisting hexagons until each piece is in just the right spot. If the premise seems overly simple, have no fear: the complexity increases almost exponentially as you progress through the game (the developer claims that the last 10 of the title’s 30 levels are nearly impossible).

Special gems found in the game switch things up, engaging Time Attack Mode during which you must race against the clock or placing certain gems in locked chains so you can’t move them (though they aren’t all bad, keep your eyes open for the rainbow gems that you can use as any color in your pattern).

puzzleSS

What I liked: Any game that lets you compete against yourself and your own mind is an excellent use of the iPad.

What I didn’t like: Sometimes when you are trying to twist around the hexagons, they start spinning so fast that you can’t control them properly and that can be quite frustrating and make it difficult to solve the puzzles.

To buy or not to buy: If you thrive on games that challenge you to compete against yourself using the power of your mind, HEX IT is a perfect addition to your iPad gaming library.

App Name: HEX IT: Awesome Puzzle Game for iPad Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Games Developer: Patryk Otreba Price: $0.99 Score:

Miss the Boat? Chase it Down in Catch the Ark! – iPad App Review

mzl.mstsnbsqIn their latest title, Chillingo wonders if you can “survive the jungle and catch the ark?” With brilliantly simple on-screen controls, you will help navigate your way through jungle rapids while fighting against “outrageous hazards, hungry enemies, and even grumpy old Noah himself.”

To say this game is fast-paced is a tremendous understatement. From the moment you kick off your adventure, the twists and turns you take traveling down the water are exciting and addictive.

The controls are very simple, requiring only that you tap on either side of your iPad screen to slide your raft from side to side. This interface simplicity is what really makes the game fantastic because it gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the colorful graphics and truly amazing sense of movement you get from the animation (the water actually feels rough and you get a true sense of your raft dropping down and flying from side to side as you travel forward trying to catch up to Noah’s ark).

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that as you put your creature friends in danger, they are screaming for their lives and looking back at you in terror!

As if you needed more reasons to keep from putting this game down, as you fly across the water (dodging obstacles like hungry crocodiles, snapping fish, explosive barrels, great big rocks and even dinosaurs looking for a snack from the shores) there are coins to collect that will let you purchase power-ups and new boats (like a rubber ducky or hovercraft) in-app.

What I liked: Like many Chillingo apps before this one, Catch the Ark is marvelously whimsical, colorful and energetic.

What I didn’t like: This would be a fantastic game for children if there were different modes to choose from (like an easier and slower paced option). Also, given the way your raft bounces and glides over the rapids, anybody prone to motion sickness type feelings may have difficulty playing this game.

To buy or not to buy: Any app that gives you a smile on your face and gets your toes tapping before you have even started playing it is a must-have for your iPad.

App Name: Catch the Ark Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Games Developer: Chillingo Ltd Price: $0.99 Score:

Chillingo Invites You to Fling the Swing King – iPad App Review

mzm.mpuwzzwgWhat would you say if I told you that Chillingo was going to let you throw unicorn-riding puffballs around a colorful iPad universe? In Swing King, this is exactly what you will be doing. With another entry into the ever-popular physics-based game genre, Swing King invites you to solve the trajectory puzzles while avoiding a series of obstacles and a variety of traps.

“Fling the King, save the kingdom.” As with most games in this category, the first few levels are deceptively easy –but be careful and pay close attention because the skills you learn early on will help a great deal once you get a little deeper (like discovering all-too-late that certain things you perceived as dangerous are actually available to bounce and rebound against to get you where you need to go).

To add an element of whimsy to the game your king needs to collect as many of the floating stars as possible in an effort to unlock new hats (and as the game says, “everyone loves hats”). You can certainly finish the levels without doing this bit, but it isn’t nearly as fun or challenging!

What I liked: Very few developers offer the fit and finish that Chillingo does and Swing King is no exception. From the moment you load this game there is a strong sense that everything about it is ‘high-end’.

What I didn’t like: There are a few on-screen cues that guide you through playing this app but because there is no tutorial mode you are left to trial and error to figure out how to use them. This isn’t a problem for adult players but it might be nice for younger players of this kid-friendly title to have a little more assistance.

To buy or not to buy: If you are a sucker for the physics-based games, Swing King will be a more-than-welcome addition to your iPad game library.

App Name: Swing King Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Games Developer: Chillingo Ltd Price: $0.99 Score:

DISH Explorer Second-Screen App Enhances TV Viewing Experience on iPad

DISH

DISH has proudly announced their new DISH Explorer app for iPad, behaving as a second-screen extension of the “Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR platform that combines program-discovery tools, social media engagement and remote-control capabilities.”

The DISH Explorer app offers the ability to discover popular and trending television shows (including sporting events, across hundreds of live-TV channels, DVR recordings and on-demand programs), full control of the Hopper from your tablet, replacement of the boring old remote control plus access to social networking on Facebook and Twitter (giving the chance to interact with other fans of the shows you are watching in real-time).

Vivek Khemka, vice president of Product Management at DISH, describes their latest app endeavor:

“Customers are already using tablets while watching TV but, until Explorer, it had been two separate experiences. What we’ve done is develop an integrated, seamless experience between the tablet and the television; only the Hopper creates an entirely new viewing dynamic.”

For viewers especially interested in sports, DISH Explorer incorporates Thuuz ratings that offer enthusiasts the chance to “quickly see the potential no-hitters, the shut-outs and the upsets forming live before the sports recap on the evening news.”

While you may not care much about eliminating your remote control right now, DISH imagines you will enjoy the convenience of searching live TV, DVR and on-demand programs using iPad’s keyboard and not needing to pull anything up on your television screen that interrupts what you are already viewing (not to mention that you already have your iPad beside you on the couch anyway –or maybe you are in another room and want to be able to easily check when your favorite show comes on next).

Available at no charge in the app store beginning today, DISH Explorer promises to be a welcome addition to the company’s 14.042 million satellite TV customers.

» Related posts: AT&T U-Verse App Links your iPad to your TV for a Whole New Viewing Experience GetGlu’s iPad App Helps You Find New TV Shows and Movies to Watch Tablets Are Leading Alternative For Full-Length TV Show Viewing

Tired of Hunting for iPad Chargers? This Multi-Device Charger is Ready to Help!

PowerDockGriffin Technology, known as the “world’s foremost creators of innovations for everyday life” is at it again with new charging accessories being announced at CES 2013. Designed to promote convenience as much as ease of use, Griffin is becoming one of the first accessory manufacturers to address the reality that individuals and families have more than one accessory that requires power.

The Powerdock 5 is a marvelous looking product that charges up to 5 devices and “takes up only about as much room on your countertop as a single iPad.” Now multiple iPad households (or mixed households with a variety of iPhones, iPod Touch devices and iPhones) can get plugged in all at once and in a single location. Using the Powerdock 5, each device has its own charging port and its own clear backrest and gives enough space to place your device in place even while in their respective cases. The Powerdock 5 is priced at USD $99.99 and is expected to be available in the spring of this year.

Anybody with an iPhone and an iPad will understand the frustration of going to charge your iPad with an iPhone charger –only to realize that the power output vs. the iPad’s power requirements just don’t cut it. Using Griffin’s new PowerBlock Universal Wall Charger with ChargeSensor, you truly get the one-size-fits-all solution. With the Griffin ChargeSensor technology, this accessory “senses the charging requirements of any device plugged into it, and adapts itself to that device.”

The PowerBlock Universal Wall Charger with ChargeSensor is especially handy because it features a small profile that will slide easy into any powerbar or wall socket without competing for precious space. Debuting at USD $29.99 it is especially valuable because it also sports the self-resetting SmartFuse which will protect your devices from power fluctuations.

Want the same flexible power in your vehicle? Griffin has you covered with the PowerJolt Universal Car Charger with ChargeSensor with a price-tag of only USD $24.99.

» Related posts: Get Ready for School with Griffin’s 3-Ring Binder iPad Case Insert Charge your iPad on The Go – Top Car Chargers New Energizer Chargers Keep Your iPad and iPhone Going and Going

Kanex 4-port USB 3.0 Hub first look

We recently got a chance to take a peek at a new Kanex USB 3.0 hub, which promises to be a feature-filled accessory.

Retailing for $59, this 4-port powered hub offers adapters to switch from US power to most standard international types, which in this case appear to be Type C, Type G and what we think is Type I -- essentially support for the UK, EU and AU.

The unit itself is extremely lightweight. In comparison, its power adapter is pretty massive -- not unusual for many of the USB hubs we test. You connect the hub to your Mac through a port in the back using a standard USB 3.0 cable with its large crimped-looking connector.

The first of the four ports on the hub is, according to marketing text on their website, a 10W recharging port:

"Did you know? Port 1 provides 10W of power to recharge tablets or other devices when host computer is powered down or disconnected from hub."

I initially tested the hub with an iPad 2 but was unable to charge properly from any of the four ports. So I gave their the Kanex marketing contact a call and she explained that the PC had to be powered off or disconnected in order to allow this feature to work for the first port. Sure enough, I disconnected the hub from my Mac and my iPad successfully started charging.

I'm not entirely sure how useful this "feature" is for most users. I know that the Newer Technology hub I reviewed a few months ago doesn't require you to disconnect for charging. If you want to sync and charge at the same time, the Kanex hub is probably not the device for you.

The unit is backwards compatible, so if you connect a 2.0 device, it will connect to an internal 2.0 hub.

Kanex 4-port USB 3.0 Hub first look originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source

Dear Aunt TUAW: Buy an iPad mini now or wait?

Dear Aunt TUAW,

Would you suggest this generation of the iPad mini is worth getting, or waiting for the next-generation, which may have Retina display is a better option?

Your loving niece,

Stephanie S

Dear Stephanie,

The best time to buy hardware is when you need it. If you can use the mini now, and feel it's a good value, then go ahead and pick it up. The secret is to make a buy/don't buy decision on the current offerings, not necessarily the iPad minis that may or may not be announced in the future.

In the past few years, Apple has refreshed its iPad line around March/April. Auntie has no indication that they'll do so again this year -- especially after adding new hardware this Autumn -- or that they will not. It's likely that Retina displays will continue to appear across Apple's line, but the current budget-priced iPad mini has not received one.

That the iPad 2 continues as a strong seller in the tablet arena shows that people want an iPad more than they want a Retina display. Several of Auntie's friends here at the Weblog own minis, and love the portable form factor combined with the iPad experience.

Auntie is waiting for the first set of refurbished iPad minis, which she expects to see somewhere around April. Far from purchasing at the peak, Auntie often waits for better deals on slightly outdated hardware for the best buying value.

If you want Retina, you can always consider purchasing a refurb third-generation full-sized iPad, starting at about $380. You will, however, sacrifice the mini's portability.

Got advice for Stephanie? Add your thoughts to the comments.

Hugs,

Auntie T.

Dear Aunt TUAW: Buy an iPad mini now or wait? originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source

Put Your Memory to the Test with Cognitile – iPad App Review

cognitileThere are a lot of puzzle and maze games for the iPad, but generally they work to test how well you understand the laws of physics. With Cognitile, the objective is to exercise your memory. When you begin the level you are presented with a map that contains treasure. The map has a number of hazards that are visible for a brief period of time during which you need to memorize their locations and plan a safe route. Be very careful, one false move and you could “fall down a crumbling tile, find yourself poisoned or engulfed in flames, get crushed by a boulder or attacked by snakes.”

Some of the levels will seem very easy to conquer (and they are), avoiding obvious obstacles. Others require some careful planning because you need to be careful of hidden dangers such as triggers that drop bounders.

If you get really stuck on a particular level, use one or your hints –if you need more, they are available for sale in-app.

Enjoy a particular level? Mark it as a favorite so you can play it again later.

cognitileSS

What I liked: The game comes with 60 levels but the game doesn’t end once you have solved them all. Using the Workshop, new levels can be constructed as well as gaining access to those levels developed by other players of the game.

What I didn’t like: This game is very friendly for younger children, but it would be nice if there was some kind of walk-thru for all of the hazards so that you could learn about all of the dangers that you can expect to see.

To buy or not to buy: If you like to challenge your mind and memory, this is a challenging and fun game that you should definitely download.

App Name: Cognitile Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Games Developer: Express Media Price: $0.99 Score:

Relive Video Game Nostalgia with Karateka – iPad App Review

kThe creator of the arcade classic Prince of Persia, Jordan Mechner, is back with Karateka! If you remember the original side-scrolling karate classic (created in Mchener’s Yale dorm room over 28-years ago and making video game history with rotoscoped animation and cinematic cutscenes), this updated version will be just enough to trigger your memory with the added benefit of touch-screen controls.

Accurately described by the developer as “easy to grasp yet challenging to master,” Karateka is based on rhythm-based karate combat which lends itself very well to the touch-screen interface found on the iPad.

While the graphics are among those seen in higher-end iOS games (featuring art by Jeff Matsuda, interpreting the original 8-bit images), the strength is in the defend and attack maneuvers. While there are perceived delays at times between your screen taps and the on-screen movements, overall the actions and responses are very enjoyable. The graphics are well served by the soundtrack, put together by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin.

The story is lovely and honorable, giving you the opportunity to play a hero and “save the lovely Mariko from the evil warlord Akuma and reunite her with her True Love.” Game-play is simple in nature: fight all enemies whose paths you cross.

What I liked: I love games that remind me of my gaming youth, and Karateka is updated nostalgia does not disappoint.

What I didn’t like: A common complaint that I agree with completely is that this game is really very short. This is unfortunate because it seems like the game is ending just as you get the hang of it.

To buy or not to buy: If you ever played the original, you will not want to hesitate before downloading this game.

App Name: Karateka Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Games Developer: Karateka LLC Price: $2.99 Score:

Join This Day In The Rolling Stones – iPad App Review

rsUnless you have been living under a rock since the early 1960′s, chances are good that you have not only heard of the Rolling Stones but that you’ve listened to a few of their songs. Heralded by many as one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time, The Rolling Stones have certainly earned their considerable fan-base.

Whether you wish to have ‘moves like Jagger’ or you just want to study and become their most knowledgeable super-fan, This Day In The Rolling Stones is a must-have app for your iPad!

Even though I was very much alive at the time, I had no idea that on my birthday in 1986 the Rolling Stones released their 18th British / 20th American studio album ‘Dirty Work’. I also wasn’t aware that Dirty Work featured guest appearances by other legendary musicians like Tom Waits and Jimmy Page. Every day in the calendar has something to teach you about the Rolling Stones, a feat that is impressive in itself and should give you some indication of the impact and contribution they have made during their 5-decades-long tenure.

Other features of this app deliver Stones trivia (Paint It Black was the first number one single to feature a sitar on the recording), a Stones Quiz (that I failed miserably each and every time I tried it), Stones Song Notes (the band had nearly shelved Start Me Up) as well as links to the anything and everything Stones related (the iTunes store, sheet music, their Facebook page, ringtones, wallpaper and a lot more).

rsSS

What I liked: For a true fan, there are enough details with enough depth that you will definitely learn a thing or two that you didn’t know before.

What I didn’t like: The app isn’t much to look at. Almost all of the features are displayed in a series of greys and reds, though you do get to see the album covers in full color. More graphic interest would go a long way toward further engaging users of this app.

To buy or not to buy: If you enjoy the Rolling Stones, this is a fun app that you will find very entertaining.

App Name: This Day In The Rolling Stones Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Music Developer: This Day In Music Apps Price: $2.99 Score:

Can Your iPad Tell You if the End of the World is Coming?

mayanPerhaps the rock band REM said it best when they sang that “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” Or maybe it’s one of the (many) jokes going around that suggests the Myans knocked off early to go for a beer while working on their calendar, stating that if it didn’t get done it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Some people are panicking, some are ignoring it and some are choosing to have some fun with the whole idea (Kraft Canada has even offered free samples of Kraft Dinner – Macaroni and Cheese for those Canadians who wish to make it their last meal).

But the real question on all of our minds: how can we involve our iPads in this impending doom? Fortunately, we have a few suggestions for you.

Want to try your hand at saving the planet? Try playing 2012 Defend Earth, a game that gives you a chance to exercise a little vigilante justice against the threat of asteroid, earthquake, flood or solar storm. What will the end of the world sound like? Let End of the World Sounds give you a heads up for what you can expect to hear when an alien is eating or we overhear the sounds of alien radio coming from their spaceship cockpits. It’s not quite the same kind of celebration as the ball dropping in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but the Doomsday Countdown promises to help you “maximize the remaining time.” Or maybe you would just like your fortune read? With The Amazing Fortune Teller 3D. If nothing else, it should serve as good entertainment while you wait. Like the idea of passing the time with a game? Supernova 2012 lets you fight against the Mayan prophecy while trying to keep the Earth save from any and all predators.

My parting words of wisdom come from the National Post, making the editorial assumption that the end is near:

“Not all life on this planet will be exterminated. Yes, the oceans will boil, and the ground under our feet will turn to churning lava. But the eventual planetary explosion also will send countless trillions of terrestrial spores out into the galaxy. In the fullness of time, one or more will alight upon an oxygen-suffused planet not unlike our own.

A little piece of earth will take root and grow. So that’s a win.”

» Related posts: Answer the Tough Questions for Your Child in Jeffy’s World HD – iPad App Review Chillingo Phones Home With New E.T. iPad Game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Coming to iOS Devices This Fall

Watch Full Length HISTORY, A&E and Lifetime Shows on Your iPad

tv

There is good news today for those of you who like to watch television programs on the A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime networks: a new series of apps are now available that “enable users to watch full episodes, full movies and exclusive clips of their favorite A+E Networks programming, including current and previous seasons of Storage Wars and Duck Dynasty on A&E; Pawn Stars and Swamp People on HISTORY; and Dance Moms and Project Runway on Lifetime.”

If you also happen to be a subscriber to Xfinity TV from Comcast, additional content like complete previous seasons is also available.

Describing their launch today, Dan Suratt, Executive Vice President of Digital Media and Business Development, A+E Networks stated:

“By offering the A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime watch apps, we are giving fans of our networks an opportunity to consume our leading libraries of original quality content wherever and whenever they want it.”

The apps are full-featured and give the ability to create watch-lists with a queue as well as letting you continue watching a program you began earlier, offering continuity even when you have been interrupted.

David Zagin, President of Distribution, A+E Networks promises that this is just a start:

“With our new apps, A+E Networks will be on the forefront of supporting the industry’s efforts toward TV Everywhere. We are looking forward to partnering with our distributors in the future to bring their customers more of our great programming.”

Each of the new apps can be downloaded now directly from the App Store:

A&E HISTORY Lifetime

Apps like these help to keep television networks relevant at a time when consumers are drastically changing their viewing habits. Days of sitting down in the family living room to watch a favorite program are a thing of the past and being handily replaced by mobile devices and spare time that is seemingly always on-the-go!

[via 9to5Mac]

» Related posts: GetGlu’s iPad App Helps You Find New TV Shows and Movies to Watch Tablets Are Leading Alternative For Full-Length TV Show Viewing New Yorkers, with Aereo, You Can Watch Live, Broadcast TV on Your iDevices

Zynga Brings Free 3D Person Action Adventure to Your iPad in Horn Free – iPad App Review

hornZynga is a name that is fast becoming synonymous with mobile gaming, handily delivering smash-hit after smash-hit for iOS-based devices. For those gamers who love adventure-based 3D titles, Horn has become one of the most beloved and impressive high-definition games available. If you are apprehensive to spent USD $6.99 on a game before you have had a good chance to evaluate it, consider grabbing Horn Free!

Blurring the lines further between iOS gaming and console gaming, Horn Free is every bit as beautiful and engaging as the developers promise.

The storyline has you playing the part of a young blacksmith’s apprentice named Horn who soon discovers his “village and lands over run by large fantastic, and sometimes humorous, monsters.” These monsters turn out to be Horn’s fellow citizens and friends that have fallen victim to a terrible curse, making it imperative that they be freed and not just conquered… of course there are more than a few enemies along the way that you need to take care of!

Navigate Horn through a series of puzzles and quests in an effort to achieve this goal, equipped with a sword, crossbow, trusty musical horn, and his wits.

This free version of Horn gives you access to the Prologue of the full title but also a new “pick up and play” Endless QUEST Mode that gives you a chance to work out your aggressions on groups of annoying Titans.

HornSS

What I liked: Console gaming has generally still had an advantage over iOS gaming with their joystick controls but games like Horn Free are bridging that gap with a truly intuitive touchscreen interface for the actions you require like walking, jumping, crawling, and grapple hook.

What I didn’t like: The worst thing I can say about this game is that after spending several hours enjoying the free version I was compelled to spend the money on the full game.

To buy or not to buy: You shouldn’t hesitate to grab this title if you share my love for adventure-based gaming, though be prepared to become addicted enough that you will want the full version.

App Name: Horn™ Free Version Reviewed: 1.3 Category: Games Developer: Zynga Price: Free Score:

Travel to China to Solve an Exotic Mystery in Judge Dee – iPad App Review

The entire population of the small town of Wu Ling is hit by the curse of the God of the City, punctuated by the death of mayor’s son, Chen, on his birthday. Your job is to take on the role of Judge Dee who is commissioned to try and solve the mystery and put an end to the city’s current fate.

Written by the scriptwriter responsible for the Nancy Drew™ series, Judge Dee is rich with story-telling content.

Judge Dee boasts 40 different locations to explore while solving over 25 puzzles and playing 30 hidden object scenes (trying to find lost object well placed inside locations like the local beggar’s cart).

If you like games that you can really sink your teeth into, Judge Dee is a title that will give you hours of entertainment. Talk to the townspeople (or even engage them in a game of ‘Go’ or the ancient Chinese ‘Tangram’), use items in your inventory that you have collected to help as you work your way through all of the quests you acquire.

What I liked: The graphics for this app are really quite fantastic (looking more like artwork than the average iPad game) and the interface, while complex, is quite easy to work with once you have the hang of it.

What I didn’t like: The game is necessarily complex and a built-in tutorial (which you can end at any time) will guide you through how to play, but it seems to take a considerable amount of time to get past the introductory period and get into the meat of the app.

To buy or not to buy: If you like a good challenge and enjoy solving a tricky mystery, Judge Dee is a quality title and well worth the purchase price.

App Name: Judge Dee Version Reviewed: 1.0.0.0 Category: Games Developer: Bigben Interactive Price: $3.99 Score:

Final Fantasy IV Joining iOS on December 20

The latest title in the Final Fantasy game series, Final Fantasy IV, is set to become an early Christmas gift for lovers of the franchise. Available on iOS beginning December 20, Final Fantasy IV is arriving just in time to celebrate the series’ 25th anniversary.

Final Fantasy has long-since been a beloved series of RPG-style games with a strong focus on a character-driven plot featuring dramatic and complex storytelling.

The good news is that the iOS version of Final Fantasy IV promises to pay tribute to the fan-favorite installment that is “particularly fondly remembered as a landmark of the series that introduced a number of concepts and characters, along with an involved plot and high-quality music score that resonated with players.”

The bad news is that the price for Final Fantasy IV is expected to run at the same premium rate of around USD $20 that previous titles from the series have carried (as an example, Final Fantasy III is on sale now for USD $9.99, quite a discount from the regular USD $16.99).

If you are ready to reminisce and get prepared for the launch, consider also grabbing Final Fantasy I and Final Fantasy II, which are on sale until December 14 at USD $4 instead of the regular USD $9.

[via MacNN]

» Related posts: Amazon Game Studios Releases “Air Patriots” for iPad, iPhone, Kindle and Android Devices PadGadget Weekly App Series — Apps for Fantasy Football Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Coming to iOS Devices This Fall