Mac owners of the world rejoice

For you have a new member!

That's right, I bought a macbook pro spontaneously the other day - it arrived this morning and it looks absolutely stunning. 

Now, I was a bit dubious at first. I have previously not been a huge fan of mac. I mean, you can get a much better spec machine for the same price, if not cheaper. There's something that appeals about them though, whether it's the backlit keyboard or the illuminated apple sign on the lid - it just works!

Photo: http://bit.ly/18Q7mNJ

The thing with a Windows machine is that Microsoft don't make the hardware, other companies do. It's for this reason that I don't believe the operating system/hardware make 100% use of each other. With mac it's different. Apple make the hardware, Apple make the software. The two go together like peas in a pod. 

Don't get me wrong, I still love Windows. I have 3 other laptops at home all running Windows and I love them. Both Windows and Mac have their advantages.

I'm still getting used to Mac. I'm so used to using Ctrl+C/V to copy & paste for example, and there's no DEL key on the Mac keyboard. I'm learning though - these multi-gestures are a pain to keep up with but equally fantastic.

Keep an eye out for more Mac related posts. Now I have more room to play with apps I should be able to start pumping out reviews again - they were some of my best loved posts and were responsible for bringing in over 90% of my views, so it would be nice to return the blog back to that state of high audiences. Sure, I don't get the largest traffic in the world but to me over 1,000 views is insane and I certainly don't plan to stop now.

App review: Super stickman golf

Noodlecake Studios Inc presents: Super Stickman Golf. 

Super Stickman Golf is a platform game where, surprisingly, you play golf. I am not a fan of sport in any shape or form, nor do I usually like talking about it but this is a little different. You see, I like playing games with stickmen in. Stickmen produce a nice and simple, basic approach to gaming. None of this high tech gadgetry. I mean sure, it's nice to experience all the latest graphics and game engines but only in moderation. I like my games simple and straightforward.

SSG immediately struck out at me because of its appealing app icon. Not many developers think about this aspect I don't believe. In my opinion, the look of the app icon is one of the most important factors - if the icon doesn't look nice then it isn't touching my iPhone or iPad's HD.

The game has many different features, including a multiplayer function. I can't review or comment on this because I haven't played a multiplayer game however it is a nice addition.

You can start the game off on the "Classic Courses" and then, as your skill improves and you becomes more comfortably with the game, you can move on to the other various courses available within the game.

The game is fully Game Center enabled, which means you can rack up a nice high score and compare it with other players across the world.

The graphics are detailed but still manage to retain the game's overall theme of simplicity. I absolutely love the blend of cartoon-style text and layouts, mixed with the modern, industrial style buttons used to control the game.

The game also provides you with different power ups, that you can earn by playing through the various courses on offer. These power ups are well balanced which means, whilst they do help if used correctly, they can't be used as a means to skip your way through courses with relative ease.

Super Stickman Golf is a must have for everyone who enjoys a little golf themselves, especially playing it. Some people don't like stickmen but I think it's a perfect little game that deserves a place on your iPhone. With it only being a tiny 48.9MB, it's hardly going to exhaust your HD space.

You can download Super Stickman Golf, as you would expect, from the App Store. Right now there is nothing at all to pay. Yes, the app is completely FREE. I know, bonkers right?! You might want to hurry though, I think it's only free for the rest of the day. Info HERE.

App review: Pokemon TV

The latest app I have come across whilst surfing through the app store was this, Pokemon TV. It's an app that allows you to watch episodes from each series that was ever broadcast on television. 

The interface is easy to understand and navigate, with each series getting it's own little header. Episodes can be selected by scrolling across the screen underneath each header until the desired episode has been found.

One slight problem with the episodes at the moment, not all of them are included. In fact, a large portion of some series' are missing. I'm not sure if this is intentional or whether there are certain copyright laws protecting the absent episodes.

Perhaps this is something the developer is looking at fixing. I for one sure hope so, because full series' of my favourite childhood anime would be amazing. Granted, I have far too much television to catch up on as it is, but I think Pokemon would make an exception.

This app provides great nostalgia for all of you old school Pokemon lovers.

Me personally? I used to love Pokemon as a child so this deserves a place on my iPhone. Whether I actually get round to watching an episode is a different story.

You can pick up Pokemon TV from the app store. It's completely free and only just over 6MB in size which is tiny in comparison to other video apps. More information about Pokemon TV can be found HERE.

App review: Clear Vision 2

SPOILERS!

Clear Vision 2 is, as you would expect, a sequel to Clear Vision. The original Clear Vision received very impressive reviews, obtaining a solid 4 and a half stars in the app store. As you can therefore imagine, the hype and expectation surrounding the new release was high.

The game carries on from where the original left off. Your character's wife has been kidnapped and you are still on the hunt for both her, and the people responsible. After all, this is a shoot 'em up so you want your payback.

You live in an apartment that provides you many options. To carry on the storyline, you need to open your emails and take on hits for cash.

Once accepted, you are given the option to choose your rifle and then the mission begins. Be prepared though, as the storyline progresses you will need more powerful rifles in order to complete the missions handed to you.

Once you are in need of a new rifle, visit one of the two stores in the game.

The gun is aimed by sliding your finger across the screen. I feel this is much more accurate and user friendly than having to tilt your device.

When you are ready to take your shot, you simply press the fire button. Be aware though, that if you miss your shot the mission is failed. The shot will scare off your victim and you'll have to retry.

As the storyline continues, you begin to learn more about what happened to your wife in various cut scenes.  Whilst there is no voice acting, the dialogue is clear cut and provides an insight into the story. The scenes don't move too quickly either so you are given plenty of time to read all of the chat.

Perhaps if the developer decides to make another instalment to the Clear Vision series, voice acting is worth considering as it brings a whole new experience to your game.

There are many side activities in which you can partake in Clear Vision 2. As in the first of the series, you can bet in underground boxing. However, the latest additions are stock shares and running a nightclub.

These activities provide a nice little break away from the main storyline. This helps considerably if you are failing a particular mission and need some time to relax, or maybe you need some extra money to purchase the required rifle for your next mission. They provide a fun and enticing way to do this.

Of course, the game does have to come to an end. No matter how much I would like to have enjoyed endless missions it just isn't possible. If I was going to be completely honest, I would have to say the game is rather a lot shorter than I was hoping for.

However, at only 69p it is a steal. I really recommend this app if you enjoy games with a fast paced storyline and enough to keep you entertained the whole way through. Once started I did not put my phone down until I had completed the entire game. It's highly addictive and one not to be missed.

You can find more information about Clear Vision 2 on the app information page, found HERE. Before playing though, I would recommend playing the original Clear Vision. You can find this HERE on the app store.

App review: Save The Cubes

Save The Cubes is a new puzzle game that sees you in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Your goal is to entice the infected, using brains as bait, to their demise. This could be falling to their deaths, flying off the screen or landing on spikes - either will count as a kill and allow you to progress.

So far, there are 4 different areas each with 12 levels to take on. The difficulty increases as you progress, like most puzzle and strategy games. The initial levels are there to teach you the ropes and ease you in - Save The Cubes does a decent job of doing this. 

The game play is, for the most part, responsive but can at times be a little slow, bordering buggy. For example, on more than one occasion I have had to restart a level because the infected will simply not follow the smell of brains. This can be quite frustrating in the later rounds when there is a lot more thinking involved, and thus further work. Having to restart a level under these circumstances is not ideal.

The graphics are very simple, using basic back drops and cubes instead of advanced character models. I personally like this, it keeps the overall file size smaller and gives it a nice retro feel.

There seems to be a lot of criticism in the undead area of the market. A lot of apps follow the same ideologies - a group of survivors, or maybe just the one, completing missions and killing mass amounts of zombies in the process. I like the different approach of Save The Cubes. It's a simple game with low quality graphics, but it's a puzzle game that really makes you put some thought into your game play.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing this one. It got my brain into gear and kept me occupied during a slow period in the day.

Put simply it's a game that you really should give some consideration, especially if you are into the puzzle and/or zombie genre.



Save The Cubes is available right now, completely free of charge. It is compatible with both the iPhone and iPad. Find more information HERE.

App review: iMajiCam Pro

iMajiCam Pro is, as you might have guessed, a camera app. It allows you to import a photo from your album to be edited, or you can take a brand new photo right from the app. One of the coolest features of iMajiCam Pro is the "Live Mode". This allows you to add all the effects before you take a photo, thus giving you a preview of how it is going to look.

Not enough effects for you? well, get yourself over to the iMaji-Mart. Here you can purchase additional packs of effects for 69p each. There is also the option to purchase all 3 in bulk for £1.49, saving you 58p in the process.

There is also a handy little 'restore' button. In the event that you need to restore you iPhone and you lose the app, hitting this button will deliver all effects packs that you previously purchased, negating the need to pay once more.

To the right, you can see one of the photos I have recently taken with iMajiCam Pro. I am no photographer, or a professional, so it's not the greatest look but I was just experimenting with different effects to see what they looked like in print. I will include a couple more photos showcasing different effects.

Unfortunately, iMajiCam Pro does have a couple of downsides. 

For starters, although the "Live Mode" is a fantastic idea, things can get a tad fiddly. It is sometimes better to take a photo and then edit it later on, you can always delete a photo if you are not satisfied with it once taken.

Another flaw is the frequent crashing of the app. When attempting to save the above photo of my cat to my photo album it froze and did not respond. The app then crashed and saved a dozen copies of the photo to my album, rather than just the one I was hoping for. I am sure that with updates the crashing issues can be resolved.

iMajiCam Pro also comes with social integration. You can, should you wish to, share your creations with the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I like the fact that they have integrated Instagram into the sharing options, something that your standard iPhone photo album doesn't provide.

iMajiCam Pro can be downloaded from the App Store for FREE. I don't know how long they are keeping it free though, so if you want to give it a try now is the best time to get hold of a copy. Link HERE.

App review: Twang the fox

Twang the fox, as bizarre as it may look, is rather quite addicting. It is a physics based game that sees you catapulting determined Twang towards the portal at the end of each level, all whilst collecting the little trinkets along the way. Join Twang in the race to save his family from the rival ringmaster, before it's too late....

There is a maximum 3 star ranking for each level which is scored based on your performance on that particular level. If you collect all the trinkets you receive 3 stars, for example.

As expected, each level gets harder as you progress (nobody said it would be easy). You must navigate past mines, avoid the pinball bouncers, not get stuck on the islands, all whilst ensuring you do not fall into the rising water below.

What I like most about the app is you have complete freedom over Twang's movements. You can decide which direction he bounces in, how fast he bounces (length of the band) and whether you will collect all the trinkets or just go for the fastest game completion you possibly can.

According to the app store description, there are over 60 different levels to go through which makes this packed full of enjoyable game play. Also, with 6 different scenes, you are sure to not get bored - a change of scenery always helps.

The richness, and amount, of levels shows that the developer, PikPok, has really taken time and effort to bring together a masterpiece in time killing and they do it to perfection.

If there is one bug bear I have with the app, it's the fact that you can only play in portrait mode. Whilst I believe it is easier to play in this orientation due to the upward motion of the levels, I still feel it would have been nice to give the user a choice.

You can download Twang the fox from iTunes today. If I were you though, I would pick up a copy whilst it is still free because there is no telling just when PikPok will start introducing a charge for it. Link to the app HERE.

Review: Garage inc HD for iPad

Garage inc HD is and iPad time management game. I personally love time management games and came across this app whilst browsing the store for something new to fill another slot on my iPad home screen. I was delighted with the result.

Photo: www.padvance.com

Firstly, it isn't a free app. Garage inc HD will set you back £1.99 but it's worth every penny.

The storyline is fantastic and really sets the game apart from the rest. Every few missions you get a cut scene which further progresses the storyline and gives you a better connection with the game. No more of this slugging away doing the same thing all the time, like some other time management games. Each level is totally different and the cut scenes can either work in your favour, or leave you picking up the pieces in the next mission.

I found myself not being able to put my iPad down the entire time I was playing. I know it's a cliché but it is just one of those games you don't want to stop playing.

There is hours of game play here as well. I've been playing solidly for well over 2 hours and it looks like plenty of the game is still left to go. What better value for money is there on the app store, in the same category, at the moment! I would find it hard to find one that even compares to Garage inc HD!

The graphics are really well done. The HD aspect takes it that one step further. I myself have an iPad 2, so I cannot comment on whether or not it looks better on the later iPads with their retina displays. I would imagine it does.

Overall, a really well thought out, well designed and well created little app that no time management lover's iPad should be without. I'm not the only one giving this glowing reviews, see the feedback on the app store HERE.

Notice: I was not paid, rewarded or gifted for writing this review. It is my own opinion following the lengthy playthrough of the game. I have not been contacted by the developer to ask for a written review.

Apple lose £813,000 in Paris theft

I read this story late last night but didn't have chance to post my reaction. Basically a group of armed robbers broke into the Apple store in Paris, making off with goods worth £813,000 (1M euro).

Their planning was half decent, I've got to admit. The heist happened on New Years Eve, a time when the city was counting down to New Year and the attention of the Police was focused on the celebrations.

The Apple store in Paris, France

I have seen a lot of reactions to this online, stating that "it isn't a huge loss for Apple" and "they make billions a year, this isn't even pocket change for them". Whilst this is all true, theft is still theft. If you were a multi-millionaire it would still upset you to have something stolen from you.

Another point is that if Apple just shrugged this off, what's to stop more frequent and possibly dangerous heists being attempted? I count them lucky that the robbers decided to break in when the store was shut.

I feel these days, with the recent expenses scandal in the UK and the news of "tax evading" corporations, people have literally gone on a witch hunt. If you're a big corporation with lots of profit and hardly any outgoings, you deserve to be robbed. This is where the line should be drawn. No one "deserves" to have their possessions taken from them, regardless of how rich and/or powerful they are. At the end of the day, if you steal from someone then you're a low life who does not deserve to walk free.

We all need to accept that a business is there to make money, and a business only thrives on hard work and dedication, plus a lot of money, from the people who run it. Sure, some are gifted with rich parents or family who fund their ventures but a company can't simply run off borrowed money. It needs to turn into a successful and profitable business that can only be attained through dedication and a LOT of hard work.

Apple

The robbers of the Paris Apple store are still at large, with a lot of Apple products. Unless they're smart about how they shift the goods, someone is bound to get suspicious about the amount they're selling.

I, for one, seriously hope they are caught sooner rather than later and definitely before they have the chance to target anyone else.

Sonic Jump for iOS: A short review

Today's free gift on Apple's 12 day of Christmas app was the game "Sonic Jump". If you've ever heard of, or played, Doodle Jump then the prospect is very similar.

The aim of the game is to jump upwards from platform to platform, collecting coins and power ups along the way. Of course, you must avoid running into bad guys or they'll knock you off and you'll need to restart the level. Yes, unlike Doodle Jump, it is level based rather than one continuous run.

Whilst ascending each level, platforms get trickier to land on and the bad guys get more dangerous and frequent.

Whilst I love Doodle Jump, I'm not really feeling any love towards Sonic Jump. It's another nail in the coffin of the dying SEGA franchise and I can't see it impressing loyal fans of Sonic, or generating potential new followers. Still, for free I suppose you can't complain.

The gameplay is rather monotonous and each level, whilst increasing in difficulty, doesn't really bring anything else to the table. The character movement is very slow and, for some platforms, moves too slowly for you to reach the next one up.

All in all, whilst not bad for free I wouldn't be quick to download the app if and when it returns to the paid for version.

Apple strikes back

It appears that the Apple God(s) have smited me for my comments in yesterday's blog post.

This morning, when coming down the stairs to get ready for work I slipped. This sent my beloved iPad flying out of my hands, smashing against the corner of the bottom step and then landing helplessly on the bottom floor. I also did some damage to my knee but at that moment in time I was only really worried about what had become of my iPad.

After crawling down the stairs, I turned it over and saw no obvious damage. The screen looked OK, it was turning on and off OK and apps seemed to load just fine. As I was inspecting it further I noticed that it had been completely dented in along the volume side, ruining a corner and also wedging the volume button into the casing. Unfortunately for me, it's wedged in on the reduced-volume side which means I have no audio. Not at all. Everytime I try to turn the audio up via the slider on YouTube, the music app, etc, it immediately returns to silence. Also, as the button is wedged into the case, I'm unable to fiddle with the audio via those means either.

Pictures of the damage are below:

Caved in 

 Volume button wedged into casing



Damaged corner

It ran out of warranty only about 2 weeks ago. In fairness, this would be classed as accidental damage and wouldn't be covered by the warranty anyway so there's no point dwelling on this too much.

I've looked on the Apple website but I can't find anywhere how much this would even cost to repair. I have asked about and been informed that I would be charged half the cost of a new one to be given a replacement. I believe I am right in assuming that if this is the case, it would be a refurbished model.

My girlfriend's dad will take a look at it for me tonight. As it's out of warranty it won't hurt to pry it open and play around with the button from the inside - might just be able to pop it back out again and make it usuable. Sadly, the cosmetic damage will remain but it's a small price to pay if I can actually get the volume working properly again.

I'll keep you posted.

iPad 5 due in March?

First of all, I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas. I most certainly did. I'm very happy with my new Kindle as well as the usual deodorants and shower sets that I got. 

Anyway, back to the topic on hand.

Rumour has it, and I would like to note that I have only today come across this, that Apple are going to launch the iPad 5 in March 2013. In all honesty, this wouldn't at all surprise me. Their product turnover is immense. Unfortunately for the owners of the latest iPad, or iPads if you count both the Mini and the 4, this means their beloved Apple product will be obsolete within only 6 months of it being released. As you can imagine, this has outraged many people but for others it is another step forward in the Apple Revolution.

The iPad Mini - The latest redesign of the popular iPad

I can see where the unhappy people are coming from. Personally, I would feel ripped off after spending my hard earned money on a product that, only a mere 6 months later, would be outdated by an updated version of the same product. You could even go as far as stating that the "new" product is exactly the same as the previous model just re-branded as "The New ...". Of course, this isn't entirely accurate because Apple do always improve their products slightly.

The other argument relating to such small release windows is the idea that Apple must already know and have possibly created the next feature they want in the newest model of their product. Why don't they just wait a little longer and add all the cool new features into one amazing product. This makes me think that they deliberately hold back on these features, just so they can release a newer model a few months down the line and sell it at the same price, making them huge profits in the process.

I know full well what people say - Apple are a business and they're out to make money. Whilst I agree with this, I do feel that a business needs integrity. I can't see this happening anytime soon, but I really do see Apple losing what integrity it has left if they continue this practice.

The iPad 4, dubbed "The Resolutionary new iPad" - Released at the same time as the iPad Mini

I myself have an iPad 2, purchased in December 2011. Since then, Apple have released 3 more iPads including the mini. This means that in just 12 months, they have released 3 newer versions of my product into the market. If you look at the tech specs of each iPad, the latest iPad 4 (pictured above) is not that much different to my iPad 2. Sure, it has retina display, a slightly faster processor and a HD screen, but is this worth the starting figure of £399. The exact same price that I paid for mine 12 months ago. I can't see the appeal to be quite honest.

The iPad Mini is very similar. They subtitle it "Every inch an iPad". Exactly right, it only has minor reduced specs compared to the 4 and the price is just over £100 less for the smallest GB model. In fairness, I don't have many gripes with the Mini. In certain situations, my iPad 2 is just too big whereas the Mini would be perfect with it's smaller dimensions and similar processing power. Still, starting at £269 it is still a fairly hefty sum to part with.

Concept design for the iPad 5 - the most common found on rumour sites and forums

You will see above an image I keep coming across when searching for more information about the suspected iPad 5. It looks a lot thinner and more trimmed down along the edges. I also see no evident home button so if Apple are thinking of a design along these lines, they're sure to have something up their sleeves to combat the lack of a home button. In fairness, if this design is even slightly accurate I would be the first to applaud Apple for adopting a revolutionary design and being the leader in bringing 3D technology to the tablet industry (the app icons look 3D and the screen slightly blurry, as you get with 3D films).

My only concern with 3D is that 9/10 you require glasses to get the full effect. I know Nintendo released the 3DS that required no glasses but I am not sure how well this fairs, having not played about with one myself. If any of you have one, or have played with one, I would be intrigued to learn if the 3D effect is even half decent.

What are your views on the iPad 5? Will it be well received, or should Apple seriously start to review their business plan on how quickly they release these things? Comments on a postcard... or below (that might be slightly easier).

iPhone 5

First things first, this is not a review of the new iPhone. I don't think I have any right to review a product that I don't actually own myself. My girlfriend purchased the iPhone 5 today and so I thought I'd give my brief opinion of the device. I might string some kind of review together once I've had a play with it, or if I ever pick one up for myself.

Personally, I own the iPhone 4 (yeah, retro these days). In fairness, the 4 is still fairly popular and still has a little way to go before meeting it's grave. I love my phone and I'm not quite ready to part with it just yet. It does all I need it to. I don't need a fancy new A6 chip, 8MP camera or 7" screen. The apps I use operate fine with the phone I have.

Visually, the iPhone 5 is stunning. It's a lot thinner, weighs a hell of a lot less and the screen resolution is to die for. Take a look at this beauty:

(Picture from 9to5mac)

I mean, tell me you don't look at that and think, "yeah, it is a good looking piece of kit". Even the Samsung fans should be able to appreciate that the iPhone looks amazing. Likewise, I think the new line of Samsung products (Note II, SIII) are good looking in their own ways.

My contract is up for renewal in May so I'm stuck with my 4 until then. "Stuck" is a harsh word to use though, I do really love my 4 and I'm still in two minds about getting the 5. Currently, I can't justify the £529 price tag - there isn't a massive difference from the 4 (well, not that I would really notice) so, for now, the 4 stays.

Whilst in the Apple store, I did notice that there is an incredibly short supply of accessories at the moment. Bar the Apple made products like the 30-pin adapters and such, it appears that third party manufacturers haven't yet gone full steam ahead into producing the amount of accessories that the 4/4S has at it's disposal. Maybe this is because the 5 is still relatively new, but I would have thought a larger choice of cases, screen protectors, etc would be available by now.

Regardless, my girlfriend seems happy with her new purchase. Just needs to wait for the silly new nano-sim to activate and it'll be all systems go.

If you've got some time, why not leave a comment with your opinion on the iPhone 5. I don't want it getting completely out of hand though, no Samsung vs Apple rivalries please!