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Posts Tagged ‘Gems’

Flickr faster with Flickit Pro

Filed under: Multimedia, iPhone, App Review

I love Flickr (and alliteration, apparently). That is, I love Flickr on my desktop, and often on my Apple TV. I’ve never really been in love with the mobile experience, mostly due to long wait times and cumbersome navigation. When Mike Bernardo from Green Volcano Software contacted me about Flickit Pro, his Flickr app for the iPhone, I was definitely game to try it. I bought a copy the same day in the hopes that it would bring a little joy to my mobile Flickring.

We’ve played with Photon before, so we know that Green Volcano knows how to make photo handling fluid and fast. That interface dexterity carries over to the iPhone app. I was impressed by the overall aesthetics, and as I played with it I quickly confirmed that it wasn’t just eye candy. There are little details that made me smile, and then ask, “Why all apps don’t do things like this?” My favorite of these interface gems has to be the ability to zoom a photo in quite far, drag it to the edge and hold it a sec, and watch it suck back down and load the next image. Whether or not you dislike the usual double-tap-before-you-slide on most iPhone photo browsers as much as I do, it’s still a great feature and demonstrates some serious attention to detail.

The speed is impressive, the background loading isn’t cumbersome or even noticeable, and the overall experience left a great impression. It was $3.99US well spent. There’s a free version, Flickit (without the Pro), but I haven’t tried it. I assume it’s a cool app, but if you’re a Flickr fanatic (or really like well-designed apps), check out Flickit Pro.

I put together a little gallery below, so in case you don’t buy that whole “nice interface” spiel, you can dive in and see for yourself.

TUAWFlickr faster with Flickit Pro originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Psystar’s new business: selling T-shirts

Filed under: Odds and ends

Dear Psystar: just give it up already.

After updating their website this weekend announcing that they are voluntarily suspending the sale of their Rebel EFI software, Psystar has decided to take another business route – selling T-shirts.

Yes, for the bargain price of only $14.99 you can get your very own “I sued Psystar… and all I got was a lousy injunction” T-shirt. Oh yeah, you can also donate money to them in $20, $50, or $100 increments – you know, just because they deserve it and you have nothing better to do with your hard-earned cash.

Want a T-shirt? Considering Psystar has to cease business by year’s end, you better get behind the other two guys in line who are waiting to snap these gems up.

TUAWPsystar’s new business: selling T-shirts originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Best iPhone Apps Of 2009 (Appvee Edition)

This guest post was written by Erik Fikkert, Lead Reviewer, AppVee. Also check out AppVee’s previous picks of the best apps in the App store

The iPhone and iPod touch have become immediately recognizable names around the world. Apple recently announced that the iPhone is the most popular mobile phone in the US. In addition, the iPod touch is generally regarded as the media player of choice, offering much more than just music. Perhaps the key to their success is the ever-growing app store which currently boasts over 100,000 apps. For those of you not crazy about math, that’s a huge number—you would have to purchase and download over 11 apps an hour, every single day for a year to test them all. While it is safe to say the majority of apps available are less than appealing, there are a few gems that stand out from the rest. We took a look and compiled a list of the best apps 2009 had to offer.

2009 brought some of the best apps to the iPhone and iPod touch to date. Gaming has now advanced to a point that rivals the Sony PSP or Nintendo DS. As the mobile market grows and hardware continues to improve, we are going to see some amazing things come our way. If 2008 was about experimentation, 2009 was about innovation. In 2010, developers will push this innovation to enhance our mobile experience—whether through augmented reality, cloud-based computing, or something completely new.

Below you will find our top 10 overall apps, our top 15 games, and top 5 innovations. Tell us which apps are on your top 10 list in comments.

TOP 10 APPS

Facebook 3.0
Access your friends, notes, pictures, and events using almost every feature the actual site offers. This app, based on the enormous social networking site, has seen many changes and just keeps getting better with time.
LINK: AppVee’s Facebook 3.0 Review

Fandango
View trailers, see showtimes, purchase tickets and read reviews using this free movie app. This is a must have for any moviegoer, giving you all you need to know about movies in your area at your fingertips.
LINK: AppVee’s Fandango Review

Beejive 3.0
One of the first applications to take advantage of push notifications, this multi-client instant messaging app is in a class of it’s own. Using its push features, iPhone and iPod touch users can easily hold IM conversations with their friends anywhere.
LINK: AppVee’s Beejive 3.0 Review

LogMeIn
Brings your desktop to your iPhone or iPod touch. Link up with your computer and access your computer screen from afar. The interface is easy and feature-filled, delivering the best VNC experience to your device.
LINK: AppVee’s LogMeIn Review

Mobile Navigator
Filling the void left by the default maps application, this app offers turn-by-turn directions from your device just like any dedicated GPS would. It provides a landscape GPS with plenty of features and a user interface that makes sense.
LINK: AppVee’s Mobile Navigator Review

Dropbox
Sync up with your Dropbox account and have access to all of your files right from your device. You can download files, upload photos, and maintain control of your folders.
LINK: AppVee’s Dropbox Review

Textfree Unlimited
No one likes paying to text. This app offers free texting via push notifications. The interface is similar to the default SMS app and is a great alternative to paying your phone company.
LINK: AppVee’s Textfree Unlimited Review

Google Mobile App
This app has revolutionized search on the iPhone with its voice search and in-app browsing. Speak a search query and the app will accurately recognize it and do a Google search. Not a Google fan? Check out the Bing app.
LINK: AppVee’s Google Mobile App Review

TweetDeck
All the wonderful features that can be found in the TweetDeck desktop app are packed into this iPhone version. With a sleek interface and great features, this app is one of the best of the many Twitter apps out there.
LINK: AppVee’s TweetDeck Review

Craigsphone
Offers the entire Craigslist experience in one easy package. Buy, sell, and save more by searching through posts and bookmarking ones for later use.
LINK: AppVee’s Craigsphone Review

Ustream
One of the first apps to bring live television to the iPhone, Ustream gives you the ability to see many live streams of all types of content on your mobile device.
LINK: AppVee’s Ustream Review

TOP 15 GAMES

Flight Control
The line drawing game that started it all, this app is very simple but insanely addicting. Each level gets harder as you play and keeps you coming back for more.
LINK: AppVee’s Flight Control Review

Peggle
Combining awesome graphics, addictive gameplay and a little bit of randomness, Peggle is an exciting mix. This game brings a casual experience to the iPhone that has yet to be rivaled.
LINK: AppVee’s Peggle Review

Rolando 2
The sequel to the hit game, this app takes the Rolando tilt formula and cranks it up. This game is an improvement in almost every way to the original and really shows what iPhone-specific gaming can provide.
LINK: AppVee’s Rolando 2 Review

Pocket God
The king of all time-wasting games, this app puts you in charge of some prehistoric pygmies who are completely at your mercy. Regular updates and features make it a pleasure to continue feeding them to the fishes.
LINK: AppVee’s Pocket God Review

Enigmo 2
Taking the puzzle genre to new heights, this app gives players everything they loved in the first game and puts it all in three dimensions. And you thought the first one was hard…
LINK: AppVee’s Enigmo 2 Review

N.O.V.A.
One of the best first person shooters that can be found in the app store, N.O.V.A. puts the Halo formula into your pocket with a complete single-player and four-player multiplayer experience.
LINK: AppVee’s N.O.V.A. Review

Labyrinth 2
Building on the app that started it all, this version gives you more than just holes to worry about as you will have to solve puzzles and dodge all sorts of objects. The game also offers the option to create your own boards and share them with the world.
LINK: AppVee’s Labyrinth 2 Review

Skeeball
Everyone loves skeeball. Now it has been brought to the iPhone in a fun way. One of the most recognizable arcade games, this app is simple and addictive.
LINK: AppVee’s Skeeball Review

Zenonia
As a full-fledged action RPG, this app brings the complete role-playing experience to the iPhone. Zenonia features attractive graphics and rewarding gameplay.
LINK: AppVee’s Zenonia Review

Real Racing
Arguably one of the best racing games for the iPhone, this app has great graphics, tight controls and immersive sound, making it one of the coolest racing experiences ever on a handheld.
LINK: AppVee’s Real Racing Review

Sims 3
Start a family and watch them interact in this full-featured Sims experience tailored specifically for the iPhone.
LINK: AppVee’s Sims 3 Review

Rock Band
EA’s answer to the popular Guitar Hero franchise, this app employs some big names in the music industry and lets you tap your way to fame.
LINK: AppVee’s Rock Band Review

Super Monkey Ball 2
This exciting balance game gets a small overhaul and some great new maps making it the king of its kind.
LINK: AppVee’s Super Monkey Ball 2 Review

Doodle Jump
Another highly addictive game that sells for cheap but never grows old. The game is casual and simple, a perfect addition to any iPhone.
LINK: AppVee’s Doodle Jump Review

Words With Friends
A Scrabble clone with a great interface, this app allows you to play multiple games against players all over the world by alerting you via push.
LINK: AppVee’s Words With Friends Review

TOP 5 INNOVATIONS

Red Laser 2.2
A step forward in innovation, this app scans barcodes using the iPhone camera and then returns pricing from various online sites. While still in its infancy, this app could revolutionize the way we shop.
LINK: AppVee’s Red Laser 2.2 Review

Hitchcock
Storyboarding in your pocket. Hitchcock allows aspiring cinematographers to create movie layouts while on the go.
LINK: AppVee’s Hitchcock Review

I Am T-Pain
Impress your friends by altering your voice with autotune. This app was an instant hit and gives you the ability to be a star the next time you are ‘on a boat.’
LINK: AppVee’s I Am T-Pain Review

Mailtones
Ringtones for email. Mailtones allows you to identify who just emailed you by their individual sound tone. Offers a new level of customization for your inbox.
LINK: AppVee’s Mailtones Review

Leaf Trombone
Leaf Trombone is a fun app that lets you play a slide instrument on your iPhone. Create your own songs and share them with the world.
LINK: AppVee’s Leaf Trombone Review

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Nintendo bringing pink and blue Wiimotes to America on Valentine’s Day

Hey, kids. We got your attention? Good. Remember those pink and blue Wii controllers that were quietly launched in the Land of the Rising Sun back in October? Yeah, well it seems that both of those gems are coming to the United States, but it’ll be well after Christmas before you can get your hands on either (without a good importer, anyway). Starting on February 14, 2010, the blue and pink Wiimote will be on sale on US soil, and both devices will come bundled with Wii MotionPlus dongles. There’s no word yet on pricing, but we’re guessing a small premium is in order for those badly in need of some hue variation.

Nintendo bringing pink and blue Wiimotes to America on Valentine’s Day originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pictory: Get Your Photo Gems Discovered

When the former editor-in-chief of JPG Magazine launches a photography startup, budding photojournalists should take note. Laura Brunow Miner just launched Pictory, a site where netizens are offered a chance to contribute their best work to a weekly photo essay. The difference between being featured in Flickr’s curated galleries or filling your Tumblr blog with panoramas is that Pictory tells a larger group story. There’s only one catch – you only get one shot (literally) to make the cut.

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The company invites snap happy users to submit captioned social documentary pics for review in a weekly group photo essay. After receiving the submissions, the designer/editor plans on choosing between 20-40 entries to create the final product.

Says Brunow Miner, “Pictory will focus more on documentary and our lives and cultures, because ultimately I think that’s more interesting. On JPG I ran a theme on urban typography that was really fun for the design geek in all of us. [But] on Pictory I’d be more likely to feature a theme on urban transportation. It would still have design appeal, but would also show how different transportation across the world effects communities.”

The site’s latest project entitled “Overseas and Overwhelmed” offers a rich array of images. From a market in Marrakesh, to a youth rally in Cuba, to a spirited football match in Buenos Aires – submissions feature farflung scenes of travel and exploration. And while the pieces of the story come from a variety of voices and viewpoints, the theme of culture shock comes shining through.

When we asked the Pictory founder what she’ll retain from her days at JPG, she exclaims, “I’ve included the community aspect I’m familiar with from JPG because I really enjoy being surprised by submissions. I love people and the charming and unexpected things they do, say and think.”

To showcase your brilliance and take a crack at Pictory’s next theme, submit your shots at pictorymag.com.

Photo Credit: Youth Group – Henry Dombey, Bright Lights, Ancient City – Matt Nuzzaco

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Samurai Puzzle Battle getting GotY edition

Filed under: Gaming, Software, Odds and ends, Developer, iPhone, App Store

I hadn’t even thought about it, but sure enough, we’re coming up on the end of the year, and there’ll be quite a few iPhone titles in the running for best mobile game of the year. This certainly isn’t the first year we’ve seen a nice crop of App Store picks coming out, but it’s the best so far. One of my favorites, Samurai Puzzle Battle, isn’t even waiting for the choices — they’ve announced that they’ll be releasing a Game of the Year edition very soon, with improved graphics and better online features.

The game itself is a Puzzle Quest-style mix of RPG and gem matching gameplay, with extra modes that allow you to play a full campaign, or just jump in and match some gems. It’s a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to see what the new version looks like. The update will be a free upgrade for current owners, and we haven’t yet seen a price to buy outright (though it probably will be less than the original $4.99 price, probably closer to $1.99). I don’t know that I’d choose the game for Game of the Year quite yet, but it’s great to hear that a good game is getting better.

TUAWSamurai Puzzle Battle getting GotY edition originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parse.ly Adapts to Interests: The Pro Blogger’s Feed Reader

Bloggers, muckrakers and news fanatics, lend me your ears. It’s entirely possible that we’ve discovered one of the best approaches to media monitoring since RSS itself. My mother always said, “You’ll never get what you want unless you ask.” But with adaptive feed application Parse.ly, that simply isn’t true. Rather than forcing us to abandon our overflowing feed readers, Parse.ly records our preferences and learns to work with us.

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The problem with most feed readers is that they’re controlled by humans – namely, us. As curators of the web, we collect disparate links in Jekyll and Hyde-like bouts and then forget to maintain our feeds. It’s totally understandable. Over time and depending on our moods, our interests change. Years ago the term “social media” may have seemed as futuristic as robotic exoskeletons and citizen space travel. Today, if you’re naive enough to add “social media” as one of your feed-related interests, you’re likely to drown in a river of presentation posts. Parse.ly hopes to change that.

To begin, Parse.ly asks users to enter the topics they’d like to read about. From here you use a drag and drop interface to determine your scale of interest around each topic. Your favorite topics go into a “Most” interested box while your fleeting fancies are labeled as “Somewhat” interesting. From here the system scores and compiles your reading list based on relevancy. As you star, unstar and delete items, Parse.ly learns your preferences and acts accordingly. For those of us suffering from information overload, this is a great way to get back on track. Rather than having to go through each and every subscription, users can either ignore articles or take an active role in removing or demoting an interest. What’s more, the fact that this system is adaptive means that based on keyword matching, it may just serve you up some unknown gems.

Parse.ly is currently in closed beta and is expected to launch in 2010. If you’d like to try the service, register for an invite at parse.ly.

Parsely Tour from Sachin Kamdar on Vimeo.

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Happy Labor Day From Ze Frank, You Socialist

It’s Labor Day, and you’re sitting at your computer reading TechCrunch. That’s cool, we appreciate it. Here’s a fun video from Ze Frank with some of his thoughts on Labor Day to help you pass the time.

Frank rose to popularity in the first half of the 2000s, first for his website, and later for his daily video blog, The Show With Ze Frank. After that ended in 2007, he signed with the Hollywood talent agency UTA, and sort of fell off the map, but apparently he’s now making videos for Time. That’s great as they’re apparently allowing him to compare Labor Day to Socialism — which is hilarious.

Now, if only Time would let you embed videos larger than a postage stamp. Lame.

Among the gems:

“Socialism felt more like the wishy-washy version of Communism. Like they were agnostics, they weren’t quite sure. They wanted they worker revolution, but they didn’t want to wear little tight-fitting collar-less uniforms.”

“Communists love hats. Except for Kim Jong-il, but his hair is sorta like a hat.”

“I don’t want the socialism, it’ll be like the Post Office. Do you want a Post Office?”

“We hate lines so much we are willing to sacrifice our children, and our lifespan. Take that socialism and your bread lines.”

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