Expert Blogs
Spider: Bryce Manor HD for the iPad Review
By Mike Riley, July 22, 2010
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Have you ever imagined what it might be like to explore an abandoned mansion? How about combining that exploration from the dimensional aspects of a spider, with the ability to personify that spider in search of its prey? Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor HD is just such a game.
On the surface, the objective of the game is as simple as the life of a spider. Maneuver around the flora, walls and objects while feeding on insects that can be trapped in webs generated by intersecting spider silk lines. Once enough insects have been eaten, a portal appears. Jumping into the portal progresses players to the next scene until the last of the 38 levels is completed.
GuitarConnect Cable with iShred LIVE Product Review
By Mike Riley, July 11, 2010
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The dream of thrashing out a hot guitar lick as a rock star is as pervasive today as it ever has been before. For the Baby Boomers and Gen X'ers whose teenage years didn't have the imaginary benefit of plastic guitar controllers connected to videogame consoles, they had to learn the dream the old fashioned way - acquiring an electric guitar, an amp and the skills necessary to play the fundamental power chords. Today's younger generation are being introduced to this dream first by basic basic rhythm and colors on a Guitar Hero or Rock Band controller, but next generation games in this genre are already taking the concept to the next level by connecting an actual guitar with actual strings and frets with the ultimate goal of teaching gamers how to play a guitar. Hence a
Electronic Toolbox HD - iPad Edition Review
By Mike Riley, July 9, 2010
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Electronic engineers and enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive collection of electronics calculators and fundamental electronics reference materials will want to take a closer look at a new iPad application called Electronic Toolbox HD. Based on a previous release of the utility for the iPhone, Electronic Toolbox HD contains over 20 different categories from a resistor color code calculator to a comprehensive (though not exhaustive) list of integrated circuits (ICs) and their corresponding chip diagrams. The application covers a spectrum of electronics features:
The Early Edition for iPad Product Review
By Mike Riley, June 30, 2010
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The Early Edition is an RSS reader for the iPad with an important distinguishing twist. While other newsreaders render new story items as unread emails, Early Edition approaches such tidbits as articles in a virtual newspaper. The application's magic is in the way it compiles news from numerous sources, formats and media types into a cohesive and very traditional newspaper look-a-like experience.
Sketchbook Pro for the iPad Product Review
By Mike Riley, June 28, 2010
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Thanks to the size and resolution of the iPad, graphic artists finally have a device that is both easy to use and extremely versatile when it comes to creative visual expression. Since the iPad's launch, several drawing applications have been released but few of them have the ease of use and intuitive, non-obtrusive user interface that Autodesk's Sketchbook Pro has to offer.
Ozone HD for the iPad Review
By Mike Riley, June 22, 2010
Geardome's Ozone HD asks in its description, "Can a game be a piece of art?" In the case of Ozone HD, the answer is yes. While the art may be abstract and inspired from previous arcade puzzle classics such as Marble Madness, there are enough unique attributes and approaches to the play field that make Ozone HD a memorable gaming experience.
Broken Sword The Director's Cut HD Product Review
By Mike Riley, June 1, 2010
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Previously released on the iPhone, the iPad edition takes full advantage of the larger screen, bringing it full circle from the original Broken Sword PC game released nearly 15 years ago. I played both the original PC version (released in the US under the title Circle of Blood) and Astraware's Pocket PC port (winning the number two spot in my Top 10 Games for 2007). I expected the iPad version to be yet another port of this classic title, but was pleasantly surprised when the opening credits and a notable amount of the story were different. Most of all, I was thoroughly captivated by the polished graphic and sound quality this engrossing interactive title had to offer.
WeePhone Product Review
By Mike Riley, May 25, 2010
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With the advent of the next iPhone OS featuring the ability, according to Apple's website to "make a Voice over IP call while playing a game," iPhone-targeted VoIP-enabled SIP (Session Initiated Protocol) clients will receive renewed focus once this new OS ships. In preparation for this event, I have taken a look at one of the more well-received commercially available SIP clients for the current iPhone OS. WeePhone, developed by iPhone programmer Justin Brady. Justin has progressively improved this client application over time - the version reviewed in this article is 1.5.4.
iThoughtsHD Product Review
By Mike Riley, May 17, 2010
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I have been a big fan of mind mapping software since my good friend and former co-worker Glenn Ferrel introduced the concept to me nearly 10 years ago. He showed me how a complex project or process with multiple relationships could be easily described and managed using the mind map approach. This allows relationships to be clumped together to help show relationships between concepts and activities. These ideas branch out from a centralized theme or objective and fluidly show the connections between the thoughts, ideas and objectives identified. Unlike more strict and discrete project management tools like Gantt charts, mind maps allow free association/disassociation as ideas formulate, shift and re-synthesize into a more crystalized state. The best us
Puzzlicious Game Review
By Mike Riley, February 27, 2009
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Puzzlicious from GiantCrayon Games is a new puzzle game for the iPhone and iPod Touch available for $0.99 from the Apple iTunes Apps Store. The game is a straightforward rectangular piece re-assembly objective to reconstitute a random photo pulled from your iPhone's photo library or from the developer's Picasa web album account.
