Apps: Entertainment
What I played this week includes a mix of apps for both work and play, and warn you this will be a lengthy column, as also have a bit of game news to share at the end. So, let's jump in--play before work, as the saying goes: Bounty Racer (beta) is an exquisite crash cart-esque 3D racing menagerie (should be released next week). Second, Kingdom Rush for iPhone is engaging, if tiny, Tower Defense fun with rousing vocals and clashing swords to keep you alert through endless enemy waves. Pearltrees is a "web curation" app (web-content mind mapping/sharing) with an interesting way to find/share online content. Stitcher is to news radio and podcasts what Slacker or Pandora are to music. Lot's to look at, so let the WIPTW madness commence forthwith!
For fear of dating myself, I remember not leaving home without a folding, windup, analog travel alarm clock. Now, there's probably not a hotel room in the world without a radio alarm clock. Now most people probably use their phone for waking up in the morning. But there's a better way. I've discovered a speaker system to die for that does it all. The Geneva Sound System Model XS is highly portable. It folds into a study case measuring 6 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 1 1/2" making a compact unit in your suitcase. It weighs about one pound. The XS comes in red, white or black.
Yesterday Apple released its new Podcasts app, and so far the reviews are quite positive. It allows you to find, subscribe to, and play podcasts with one app. This is a much better option, in my mind, than using the Podcasts feature of the built-in Music app. The app lets you access the Podcasts catalog in iTunes, using the same interface as iTunes so that you can view New & Noteworthy, the Podcast Starter Pack, Staff Favorites, and the Top Charts. The app switches between the Catalog view and Library view in just the same way as Apple's iBooks app.
Astral 3D Worlds is a far out app. With a display of galactic energy and space matter, the application takes the user into a world of the unknown! With the expression of so many colors and patterns, the application stimulates thought and relaxation in a cool way.
Multi Audiobook Player has been rated as an unexpected great app in 2010. Because there are a variety of apps geared towards the concept of media, this particular one has surprised many critics. There are numerous features that are offered that can't be found with its competitors. And for those that enjoy listening to audiobooks, you'll appreciate the innovative idea behind it.
Welcome to my somewhat weekly app review column (aka WIPTW), where I mostly review games and "play-oriented" apps and news. This week, have 3 apps to review (and another to preview), so won't waste any time with my usual blabbering. Draw the Line is a cute puzzler with physics aspects. Ichi is still under embargo, but can say it's another interesting puzzle game soon to be released. InstaJam is a basic drum machine app, and iTunes Movie Trailers though not a game, is an iTunes award-winning freebie vid player handy for finding all the latest movie previews. Last but certainly not least, I offer up a quick QA with some of the Aoineka folks about their coming Kitaru game, and you don't want to miss this iPhonelife exclusive about what could shape up to be one of the best iOS 3D gaming experiences ever!
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