Tag Archives: iPad 3

Spigen Leather Case Folio Series for iPad – Gear Review

the_new_ipad-folio.s_plus-dark_brown02-550x550 Like many, you may be in the market for a case for your iPad – and our friends at Spigen have got a folio case that just might suit what you’re looking for. The most popular of accessories for the iPad, the “folio” case, looks like a folder that you can slide your iPad into, and typically has features which not only protect your tablet, but also allow it to stand in a variety of positions for working or viewing.

the_new_ipad-folio.s-dark_brown_thumbnail_1_1

the_new_ipad-folio.s-brown_thumbnail_3_1

Spigen makes a wide variety of quality accessories and tools for your mobile devices, and has been kind enough to send us their new iPad Leather Case Folio Series. Out of the box, I am instantly impressed with the quality look and feel of this product. While this case is made of faux leather, the craftsmanship and quality of the material make it difficult to distinquish this from the real thing. It feels quite sturdy and stable, and both the back and front are stiffened. On the other hand, the interior of the case is crafted with a very soft suede-like material which will protect every side of your iPad from scratches from the case. the_new_ipad-folio.s_plus-dark_brown01

The iPad is securely locked into place with a velcro sleeve that attaches underneath your device, and there is a 2-tier standing structure built into the cover. All of the ports [headphone jack and dock connection], as well as the control buttons [volume, sleep/awake, and vibrate] have generous cut outs in the leather, and we can’t foresee any accessory incompatibility problems when using the case. Other features included the magnetic sleep or awake function, and precision cut camera hole. The only flaw I find in the design here, is the lack of protection at the corners of your iPad. The leather is cut out and leaves your device subject to dings and dents if accidentally dropped. When closed, the inner corners are protected by the cover flap, but the outer corners are always exposed. The rest of the case though is rigid and sturdy, and feels like it will hold up to everyday wear and tear. What I liked: This cover is really sleek and well designed. Even though its not made of genuine leather, the material feels durable and sturdy, and you may even have a hard time telling this from genuine leather. What I didn’t like: The only real disadvantage I could find about this cover would be the price tag. At $67.99, it is pricey for a case not made of genuine leather, but for $91.99 Spigen does offer the same option in genuine leather. To buy or not to buy: If you’re in the market for a quality cover for your iPad, this is a good investment. Its beautiful, durable, well-made, and you’ll surely enjoy using it. Accessory Name: The New iPad Leather Case Folio Series

Category: iPad Cover Company: Spigen
Colors: Black and Dark Green in Faux Leather, Brown and Dark Brown in Genuine Leather Price: $67.99 / $91.99 Score:

» Related posts: Spigen iPad Leather Case – Argos Series – Gear Review A Hands-On Look at the Inspiria Metallic Flip Case from XHiBT – iPad Gear Review Keep Your iPad Safe with the ReAuthored Book Style Case – iPad Gear Review

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

How 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

puzzle Whatever 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:

Gazelle: Third-gen iPad trade-ins spiked after iPad 4, mini announcement

On October 23, 2012 when Apple announced the fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini, the TUAW newsroom was abuzz with questions, one of which was "How many owners of third-generation iPads are going to get rid of their 'old' devices to get a new iPad?" Thanks to Gazelle, a company that accepts trade-ins of Apple gear in return for cold, hard cash, we how have an answer of sorts.

On that day, Gazelle recorded a 700 percent increase in the volume of iPad trade-ins, with 450 percent of that increase happening immediately after the end of the Apple announcement. So, how many of those trade-ins were third-gen iPads? Gazelle's numbers show that a whopping 70 percent of the trade-in offers made were for iPad 3s, with the 32 GB WiFi model being the most popular trade-in.

Not every iPad 3 owner jumped on the opportunity to get one of the new devices. But Gazelle alone presented about 140,000 offers on October 23 to iPad owners anxious to go faster or smaller. That's a lot of people clamoring to trade in a device that was only seven months old.

Gazelle Chief Gadget Officer Anthony Scarsella also noted that a whopping 17 million connected devices were activated on Christmas Day 2012 -- that's up from 6.8 million the year before. It looks like there will be a lot of trade-ins coming up after Apple's next announcements.

Gazelle: Third-gen iPad trade-ins spiked after iPad 4, mini announcement originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source

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

In 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

What 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!

PowerDock Griffin 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

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

There 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

The 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

Unless 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?

Perhaps 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

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

horn Zynga 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

Solve a Kingdom of Puzzles in Kings Can Fly – iPad App Review

Solving puzzles is an addictive iPad activity that you will never grow tired of. In Kings Can Fly there are over 60 levels set in his kingdom up in the sky in which you must guide the King’s airships through mazes and out of harm’s way (like keeping them free from dangerous spikes) using… wind; strategically place fans to guide those airships safely to their destination.

Filled with absolutely cute, whimsical graphics and punctuated by a fun soundtrack, Kings Can Fly is the perfect puzzle game for kids (and groups) of all ages.

As you try to figure out where and how to place the fans within each maze, you can use familiar pinch and twist finger gestures to twist, turn and zoom into the map so you can best see how to solve the level. Each scene renders effortlessly on the screen without any lag or pixelation.

The built-in tutorial mode guides you through the first few challenges so that you learn all of the skills needed to keep going. Tips and tricks given as you progress help learn why early design efforts failed, making this game a lot less frustrating than other similar titles.

What I liked: Puzzle games are good mind exercises and great ways to spend time together as a family, trying to solve progressively more difficult levels.

What I didn’t like: While I did enjoy the soundtrack that plays in the background while you are solving the puzzles, I wish there was a way to pause or mute the sound effects when you need to take a break (instead of having to turn off the iPad sound entirely).

To buy or not to buy: Consider grabbing Kings Can Fly and evolving family game night with your kids to include titles like this.

App Name: Kings Can Fly

Version Reviewed: 1.0 Category: Games Developer: Firedroid Price: $1.99 Score:

Embrace Your Inner Farmer in Hay Day – iPad App Review

A great many of us can barely keep a houseplant alive and we certainly haven’t harvested a crop or milked a cow (or painted a barn), but Hay Day lets us pretend that we are farming experts! One of the first activities in the game involves buying some chickens which brings eggs to the party while getting you closer to owning pigs, sheep, horses or goats.

Of course, it’s all very good to own the animals but they also require feeding and care; meaning it doesn’t take long before you realize just how much work the job entails.

Hay Day has a whimsical interface that is very enjoyable to work with. The animals are animated and silly and keep your farm chores interesting. As you level up within the game, you get new crops to plant, animals to adopt and structures to build.

Adults will enjoy the addictive simulation nature of the game, but children will also enjoy learning what it takes to care for animals, plant crops and even evolving their harvest into products like bakery fresh bread (while also appreciating the need for organization, planning and patience).

It didn’t take me long to become a level 5 farmer, but by that point the level of complexity in the game had increased exponentially (as did my enjoyment while playing it).

What I liked: The tutorial that kicks off the game is the perfect amount of helpful without going overboard.

What I didn’t like: I really enjoyed the sound effects so was thankful that I could turn the background music off independently of the other noises –it was so irritating I wouldn’t have been able to play the game.

To buy or not to buy: If you can’t get enough of role-playing style Sim games, Hay Day will be a welcome addition to your app library.

App Name: Hay Day

Version Reviewed: 1.4.43 Category: Games Developer: Supercell Price: Free Score:

Does the World Really Need Single-Purpose Tablets?

Everybody wants a ‘tablet’. Everybody wants to do this, that or the other thing on their tablet. What is the number one item on your holiday wish list? A tablet. They are popular, they are convenient and there are options. Whether you play for team iPad, prefer team Android, have your fingers crossed that Microsoft finally has things figured out, refuse to bail on team BlackBerry, or have your sights set on some other flavor entirely… there is a tablet out there for every body.

We are taught as children that having focus is a good thing. Does the same theory apply to our electronics? So in a sea of possibilities, are some choices better than others?

If you love to cook and spend all sorts of time in the kitchen, perhaps a single-use tablet like the QOOQ would serve you well. It is beautiful and would look lovely on your counter; but despite being a wealth of recipes with related culinary tips, tricks and techniques, the QOOQ is a very expensive cookbook with a price-tag of USD $399. Now it’s true that they throw in at the end of the product description that you can also check your email and do a few other social networking type tasks, but don’t be fooled –this is a proprietary device. While they invite you to add your own recipes to the QOOQ, they are also equally interested in selling you their content… along with a line that makes you feel like every other tablet is just too delicate to be considered ready for prime-time kitchen use.

What they don’t mention is that there are countless protective cover, case and stand options available for those renegades willing to risk taking their other multi-purpose tablets into the kitchen.

Are there instances when single-purpose tablets make sense? Certainly. If you consider the highly-successful line of eReaders out there it is enough to prove that theory. If you are wanting a replacement for carrying around bulky and heavy hard-cover novels in your purse, a basic Kindle, Kobo or Nook device will be your work-horse; the batteries last for what seems like forever and being honest I’m much less worried about taking a USD $79 eReader with me to the beach or pool-side.

Other single-purpose tablets are out there, with more hitting the scene every day. Each manufacturer will try to explain why you can’t continue to successfully live your life or run your business without their product. In many cases, their claims prey on the inexperienced user who isn’t aware that you can put a waterproof case with a handle on an iPad or just how easy it would be to add a keyboard or use a mounting bracket.

So why should you choose an iPad (appreciating that this argument is also applicable to the BlackBerry Playbook, Microsoft Surface and many of the full-featured Android tablets as well)? The answer is easily summarized with a single word: potential. Between the considerable number of apps available (in every genre covering virtually any topic you can imagine) and the equally considerable selection of accessories, you can transform your device into something well protected in the kitchen yet sleek and portable for the boardroom with very little effort. Plus, when you upgrade you can bring your apps along with you to the new tablet (not to mention it seems reasonable to trust Apple will still be around at this time next year).

The moral of the story? Buyer beware. Despite the fact that your mother, friend, uncle, brother’s neighbor may be the best chef out there, they may be able to take advantage of the considerable library of apps and accessories available to multi-purpose tablets without the other limitations.

» Related posts: AT&T and Other Carriers See a Future for Tablets with only 3G/4G Built-in Nomad Flex Single Debuts – Partners with Best Buy iPad 2 vs. Kindle Fire: Which One for Christmas?

iPad News

all iPad in one place