MyAppSource

Let the games begin!

2010-02-06T13:38:00.000+11:00

Carnival Games Live (US$0.99) from Digital Chocolate is a bright and cheery collection of some good ol' past times, carnival past times that is! Take part in Duck Shoot, Mole Whack, Arcade Basketball and Arcade Bowling (my personal favourite).

The colourful lights and cartoon-esque appearance of the games are reminiscent of the fun times that were and still had by little kids (and some of us big kids) at the local carnival! Duck shoot has the player shooting and reloading a revolver in an effort to hit all of the ducks mechanically swimming across the water. Of course, it is as simple as tapping and swiping to build up a score, although as time progresses (and yes, like all good games, there is a time limit) the game becomes harder to play, requiring more skill to shoot some faster ducks, and avoid shooting ducks that will lower your score.

Mole Whack requires the player to tap the moles as they pop out of one of the eight holes in quick succession. Sometimes they require only a single tap, others need two, and sometimes tapping wont help you at all. Arcade Basketball is a basketball shooting game similar to that of well, arcades. Simply flick the basketballs into the goals. Arcade bowling is much the same (although the most addictive game of the lot), you must flick the bowling balls up the ramp, and into various holes.

Carnival Games Live uses its own scoreboard and trophy system to track you best (or in some cases, worst) efforts within each of the four games. The games can also be played in multiplayer mode, a pass-n-play style to share the fun around. Overall, the game is a thorough and well-polished reproduction of some of the fun of a real carnival. Of course, it could still benefit from a few more games.

MyAppSource Rating: 4 Stars!

Now you can be the champ!

2010-02-06T12:43:00.001+11:00

Hook Champ (US$2.99) is a fast paced, somewhat challenging, and utterly addictive blast of nostalgia-inducing gameplay. Complete with a rather humorous OpenFeint achievements system ("Hot Pants Deployed! - Fashion saved your life!"), Hook Champ follows Jake, a brave explorer who swings and flings about the various cave-like levels in search for valuable idols.

Different maps can be purchased with coins collected within the game, to unlock thematic worlds with their own unique hazards. One map, for example, is home to lava-based levels - fall into the lava and you're dead meat! To help combat Jake's complications in the field, you also have the ability to purchase (again, with the in-game coins system) character upgrades, including better ropes, grapples, or the highly-esteemed 'Hot Pants'. Hot pants provide various levels of protection from the lava of the levels already mentioned.

However it isn't all fun exploration for Jake. While trying to navigate the worlds and attain all of the coins and gems, dodging lakes of lava, and swimming slowly through bodies of water, you must stay on the run, as (and it has happened to this reviewer many-a-time), if the ghost who is chasing you throughout each level manages to catch you, the game is lost, and you must start from the beginning of the level once again.

At times this has left me in utter frustration, especially when the final score screen states that 98% of the level had been completed before being eaten alive by the dreaded apparition. However, the game has me hooked (pun intended), and as soon as I publish this review I'm off to try and finish the next level.

Thanks to Rocketcat Games, you too can get hooked! We have two redeem codes (US Store only) for Hook Champ, to whoever finds them first (hint: check our Twitter, you'll find them in our most recent tweet! While you're there, you should probably check out Rocketcat Games's own twitter page and maybe thank them if you are lucky enough to win.)

MyAppSource Rating: 5 Stars!

Become a Fan, on Facebook!

2009-11-14T11:33:00.010+11:00

For the first time, MyAppSource is on Facebook! Help us out, and let the world know you read our stuff by hitting "Become a Fan!". The team would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our developers and readers (that is, you!), for all of their support since MyAppSource was created.

Also, apart from having our own page, you can now click the "Share on Facebook" button at the top of any page of our blog, to share the particular page you are reading with the world! (We recommend you do this, it will make you a little more awesome.)

We will continue to do our best in bringing you reviews of available apps (and possibly previews of apps that you can't buy yet, how exciting), that you have come to love over the last few months, as well as app giveaways every so often! So keep reading, you wont be disappointed.

Take Her For A Spin!

2009-11-14T08:56:00.001+11:00

Sygic Mobile Maps Australia and New Zealand (AU$79.99) is the ultimate driving companion, especially if you are prone to getting lost, or just love to go out for a Sunday drive, and need a means of getting home. This review has been based on the Australia and New Zealand version, althought everything exept the maps themselves, is the same no matter what country's version you are using. In this review I will not be comparing a GPS app to a classic street directory, nor will I be comparing it to it's various competitors, but I will be providing you, yes you, our valid readers with a comprehensive list of features, and all the little things that I found, which earn Sygic Mobile Maps a place on my home screen.

First of all, set the price aside. The GPS app market is expensive. However, Sygic's prices have been very competitive. You cannot expect to find a good quality GPS app, with all the bells and whistles for under $10. If you only need to overlay directions on a 2D map, there's already an app for that, and it came with your phone! However the hefty data charges it incurs whilst being used are more than a put off. This is where Sygic Mobile Maps begins to shine. The large file size of the app isn't without it's benefits. You are actually downloading the complete map, full of points of interest, straight to your device. I'll say this now and make it clear, Sygic Mobile Maps has absolutely no data fee's.

After thorough testing, and miles on the road, I have found a few things about Sygic Mobile Maps, that really sell it to me.

We all know that GPS signals can be slightly unreliable at times, depending on your location. This is because, to work successfully, your phone needs many satellites in it's line of sight. Simply, the more GPS satellites in sight, the stronger the signal and vice versa. Thankfullly Sygic has gifted us with numerous ways to begin tracking a route. You can elect to start from any location, or point of interest (POI), or choose to wait or a valid signal. This means that you can get going without a wait, unlike some more unreliable GPS solutions.

But the real zinger of Sygic Mobile Maps is the turn-by-turn voice navigation it provides. You can select from a multitude of voices, in many different languages, to let you know where to go without the distraction off picking up your device. My favourite voice, which I personally recommended is called "English UK (Simon)". Try getting a street directory to talk to you in the same way (not now, keep reading!). You won't be able to.

The interface also rotates depending on the orientation of your iPhone. So if it us docked (which I highly recommend for extensive use, all GPS apps drain battery like there is no tomorrow) on it's side, the view will switch to landscape mode, providing you with a much wider view of your surrounding area.

The highly configurable "dashboard" allows you to display all the information you need, and remove what you don't. Possibilities include GPS signal strength, time you began, estimated time of arrival, your current speed or direction, how many minutes you've been on the route for, and how many minutes are left before you reach your destination. You can also change the map between a 3D and flat mode to suit yourself, as well as change the colour scheme to (or automatically) change between day and night variants. The interface also tells you the current speed limit, and warns you if you have exceeded this.

Now onto the fun stuff. Planning a route is simple an quick. You can select a destination from an extensive list of POI's, 'favourited' locations, your phones contacts, or enter one manually. You can then select a starting point. Whether this is your driveway, or your current location is up to you. You can also elect detours, or add in another destination on the go, althought neither I, Sygic nor your local authority recommend operating this while driving. You can also choose to avoid toll roads, and set automatic route planning methods to the fastest, shortest or most economical route depending on your needs.

But what happens if you don't follow the exact route Sygic Mobile Maps gives you? Maybe you missed a turn, or maybe you (wrongly) think that another route is shorter. Either way, Sygic has you covered! Your route will be recalculated to get to your destination according to the settings in use.

In short, Sygic Mobile Maps is all about you. Not only is it the top grossing app, (in the Australian App Store anyway), but its highly configurable interface and route options allow you to get to your destination with ease, and hey, when you're told when you're speeding, and shown where all the speeding and red light cameras are located in the current area, as well as being provided with audible turn by turn navigation, and quick re-routing options in the case of a wrong turn, Sygic Mobile Maps is the back seat driver you've always wanted.

MyAppSource Rating: 5 Stars!

Spaced Out

2009-10-07T14:35:00.002+11:00

Space Rush (US$0.99) is one of my (and the rest of the MyAppSource crew's) favourite applications. The other members of the team loved this app from their first turn. However, it took me several attempts to fully embrace the greatness of this simple, yet incredible, application. The first several times I used Space Rush I though it was a solid, if not spectacular game. This was mainly because I wasn't very good at it. After some practice and other members of the MyAppSource team throwing down the Space Rush Challenge gauntlet, I was addicted. This application, much like Volley, proves that applications with a simple theme and entertaining gameplay are often much better than their more theme-rich, yet poorly designed counterparts. This app was developed by Nicholas Patrick. There is also a Lite version of Space Rush, for all you cheapskates who want to try before you buy.

I often wonder what makes an application (or anything, for that matter) addictive. Is it personal preference? Is it the ability to separate a person from reality and immerse them in the much less harsh world of gaming? Is it the way an app makes you feel? Or is it simply because it is fun? I believe that the level of enjoyment and addiction (for lack of a better word) is caused by all of these factors meshing and making one big meshy ball of entertainment. Space Rush targets the last three questions. Space Rush can be a great stress release because it is you versus space and no one else can interfere. I find that Space Rush often has me at the edge of my proverbial seat due to the thrilling nature of its gameplay. It is definitely fun and hugely enjoyable, this certainly adds to its allure. All of these factors certainly help an application become popular and addictive, but it is the non-quantifiable factors which help to really set the great applications apart from the rest. Space Rush has this X-factor by the truckload. The prospect of besting your high score is enough to keep me playing for hours, now add the fact that OpenFeint can be enabled and I'm hooked.

The only thing that I could find which may need to be altered is the inability of the app to save the high scores without OpenFeint being enabled. This will particularly effect poor souls like myself who rarely have access to wi-fi, this means that OpenFeint is useless to us. I would love to be able to see the global high scores because on the screenshot I was sent the Global High Score was just over 1.8 million. My highest score is a touch over 3.4 million and I really would like to see how I rank globally. Not to boast too much about my almost superhuman ability to succeed at Space Rush, but I came out victorious in the MyAppSource Space Rush Challenge by approximately 3 million points. (Man, the rest of the team is bad). If the ability to save personal high scores without OpenFeint was added I would jump for joy (don't hold me to that). Enough about me, back to the review.

I am telling you from the goodness of my heart that you NEED to purchase Space Rush. You can be a pansy and trial it before you buy the full version, but believe me you won't regret it. Space Rush ticks all the boxes. It is cheap, great fun, addictive and you can compare high scores with anyone from anywhere (with wi-fi). Space Rush is one of the best apps out there and you simply must buy it. You can swing around to our Flickr and YouTube accounts to find some more screenshots and a helpful gameplay video (Be careful, the video involves lots of quick turning and movement. It may leave you a bit queasy.)

MyAppSource Rating: 5 Stars!

Simple Idea, Wonderful App

2009-10-07T10:52:00.002+11:00

Volley (US$2.99) was an application, which initially, I did not expect too much from. What I quickly realised when I first began to use the app was even though there wasn't too much ground being broken in Volley (in terms of themes and gameplay goals) the app still managed to draw you in and make you play longer. Volley, which was designed by the great people at Tapelicious (the developer's blog can be found here), executes the idea of making a seemingly simple application deceptively thorough and addictive, perfectly. If only more apps would cut out some of their filler and replace it with useful and helpful features.

There are many applications out there in the app store (both free and paid) which attempt to use a relatively simple goal as the central purpose and then build on this goal to make the the application enjoyable and less theme-shallow. Few applications have done this as well as Volley. Volley is a simple volleyball game in which two dome-shaped characters square off in a battle, where the first player to six points wins. Volley is almost identical to the classic SlimeVolley. That does not mean that Volley is any less enjoyable or effective, it just signals that Tapelicious did not take too many risks during the production process and stuck to a tested and popular app design idea. Volley does have a few differentiating factors which help it stand apart from SlimeVolley, these include: much cleaner, crisper and overall much more immersive graphics, which include both the environment and the characters themselves. Another point of difference is the control mechanism. Volley uses a slider to control the character, rather than the 'out-dated' arrows of its competition.

Perhaps the best feature available in Volley is the almost perfectly set difficulty level as the user progresses through each stage. As the user clears stages they become progressively harder. During gameplay it is easy to see this rise in difficulty level as the old tricks that enable the user to complete previous stages are no longer sufficient and new tactics and skills must be learnt in order to continue progression through the stages. I have noticed that as each stage becomes more challenging your skills increase and this increase is easily visible. When I first began using Volley I wasn't very good at all. I had a lot of trouble completing the fifth level (why is it always number five?) because I wasn't changing the way in which I went about playing the game, while the AI player drastically changed their playing style. This forces the user to develop new ways of playing in order to become victorious. This forced changed may sound a little violent, but it is this that makes Volley so much fun. The fact that the user must change their methods means that by the end of the game the user will have mastered all aspects of the game.

Volley is an application I would definitely recommend to anyone (and everyone). Volley is one of the rare apps that makes the absolute most out of its potential and this is great to see. At just under $3 (US) I save seen (and heard) people complain about the price being a little too steep for what the app offers. Many of the people that wish for a drop in the price have not yet tried Volley and, therefore, are unable to understand many of the subtle and intangible features that are present during gameplay. The MyAppSource team would also like to thank Reinhard from tapelicious.com for supplying us with many videos and screenshots to use in this review. We are unable to post them all here, but, they will all be available through our respective Flickr and YouTube accounts.

MyAppSource Rating: 4 Stars!

Burn Baby, Burn!

2009-10-04T13:32:00.002+11:00

Against the Fire! (US$0.99), ia rather ominously named adventure application developed by the team at Meridian. Meridian are also responsible for the excellent RPG app Alive 4-ever, of which Against the Fire! bares more than a slight resemblance to. Meridian have stuck to their winning design and gameplay formula in Against the Fire! The basic gameplay premise in Against the Fire! is almost exactly the same as Alive 4-ever and this is not necessarily a bad thing. Both apps offer similar thrills and spills, but come is vastly different visual packages.

Against the Fire! is an adventure application which bases itself around the fact that your character (Andrew, an amateur fireman), must rescue helpless civilians from a hotel which is being invaded by "Fire ball monsters". The idea is great and I was excited to have the responsibility of reviewing this app. Meridian has managed to differentiate this application from the many RPG shooter games out there, both on iPhone and non-iPhone platforms. Against the Fire! is cleverly disguised as a fun and innocent heroism-based app, but if you swap the harmless fire-hose with a loaded a gun and the Fire ball monsters with a living enemy (Zombies, anyone?), this app is RPG shooter to the core. In my mind, this kind of differentiation should be applauded, as it adds depth to a very theme-shallow genre and invites new fans into the RPG world.

Aside from the fantastic premise and inviting aesthetics, Against the Fire! still has some catching up to do before it is on par with its big brother (or sister, depending on what you're into) application, Alive 4-ever. The area which lags behind the most is the actual enjoyment that is received via the gameplay. I don't like saying this, but, I did not find Against the Fire! particularly enjoyable, which is a shame, as it is loaded with potential. The two main issues which caused this unfortunate letdown are; that I found the character's movements difficult to control and that after the first five levels the game becomes ridiculously difficult. Other members of the MyAppSource team agree with me on the sudden jump in difficulty but not necessarily on my lack of manoeuverability during gameplay.

Luckily, the team at MyAppSource is full of ideas men (or women, depending on what you're into) and we have come up with some simple ways in which Against the Fire! can be altered to make this review redundant. The first idea we had was, if the difficulty of the levels (at least for the first seven or so) be toned down a little so that users can get a better feel for the game and not consider themselves hopeless when they are unable to complete the fifth level. The next, and perhaps most mind-blowingly revolutionary idea we've had, is to change the means of controlling the character. The directional pad is a bit small for my grown-man fingers and I believe that Against the Fire!'s gameplay would only stand to improve if the character was moved by 'tilt' control. Tilt control in this app would, in my opinion, make the gameplay incredibly entertaining and provide another point of differentiation for Against the Fire! as I have not yet played, or witnessed, any accelerometer controlled RPG apps.

All in all, Against the Fire! is not a lost cause by any stretch of the imagination. With a few minor adjustments this app would drastically improve. At less than a dollar and with many positive iTunes Store reviews this app is worth the purchase, if only to prove me wrong in my assertion that the gameplay is a little too tough. Don't hesitate to send us an email or drop us a comment about how hopeless we are at Against the Fire!, and to tell us that the level's aren't that hard, we'll probably ignore you, but it's worth a shot.

MyAppSource Rating: Three Stars!

Free Stuff (As Promised)

2009-09-26T08:58:00.003+10:00

Told you that we were feeling frisky. Here are some random codes. We're not going to tell you what they are, but if you get to them first, you will find out.

6N6XPXX9TE69 HX4R7YW664Y6

PAT6AHPFTHMW KXNXTJPH6HEJ

We don't want one person to redeem all of the codes, so a give away this simple won't happen too often.
Make sure you follow our twitter account as many of the give aways will be undertaken via twitter.

Missing in Action

2009-09-25T18:49:00.000+10:00

The team at MyAppSource have not posted too many reviews as of late, as much as we regret it, it is necessary. We aplogize to both the developers of the applications we are required to review and the fans of MyAppSource (we know you're out there. . . somewhere). Unfortunately, MyAppSource may not be posting many (if any) reviews for no less than a week from today.

We are taking this short break, to review the management of the site and our twitter account and are looking for ways to improve. You can say that this break is a time for the MyAppSource team to reflect on what we've accomplished and see where improvements in both efficiency and quality can be made.

Here is a taste of the apps we will be reviewing for your scrutinous pleasure when we return:

* 23 Ways to Destroy Your Defender: Basketball Instruction

* StockPlay

* Against The Fire!

* Galaxy On Fire 3D (lite version here)

* Zyrx

* Space Rush (lite version here)

* Volley

If we're feeling frisky (and that's higly likely), we will be giving away promotional codes for apps we have reviewed and even some apps in the previous list (see previous list).

If you have any ideas regarding how MyAppSource can improve, don't hesitate to tell us via the comments section, our email or our twitter account.

Chronicles of Inotia: Legend of Feanor

2009-09-19T19:10:00.002+10:00

Chronicles of Inotia: Legend of Feanor (US$0.99), is a superbly designed application, with an almost limitless amount of game play capabilities. I will be calling this app 'Inotia' from here on out, because, the full name is quite a mouthful and typing it several times will be rather annoying. This app is similar, in many ways to Zenonia. Zenonia is a great app, and Inotia is as well.

Inotia is a fairytale based story in which your character, Feanor, must bludgeon his way through thousands of enemies and many difficult missions, known as 'Quests'. For each enemy you eliminate you gain EXP points, these points accumulate, and when you have a certain amount Feanor moves up another level. The quests range from collecting a certain object (eg: Magic Dust) to saving Elven Queens. The quests are often quite challenging and time consuming. These quests, on completion, make you feel quite proud of your achievements due to their difficulty.

Aesthetically, Inotia is very good. The design and map layout is simple to navigate and is similar to popular games of the past, therefore, users already have a base level of similarity which eliminates some game play confusion. Feanor, your character is well crafted and detailed. The other characters regardless of their overall importance in the completion of the game are similarly well designed. Almost every aspect of Feanor is customisable, though this does not often show on the character's game play image. All weapons, armour and clothing can be modified to the heart's content, this adds a personal connection between you and your custom version of Feanor.

The only drawback of the app is that it is quite difficult to pick up the jist of the game. The maps may be easily navigatable, but there is very little instruction on what you must do and how you must do this. This lack of a tutorial makes the intial part of the app an incoherant mix of quests and enemies. Once, you have learnt the ropes (by yourself) confusion is no longer an issue. Another member of the MyAppSource team had absolutely no idea as to how to correctly use the app, so a tutorial or instruction use as necessary in the beginning stages, would be very useful.

Inotia is very intricate and filled with testing challengies and an increasingly difficult standard of enemy. These intricacies are evident in the entertaining quests, which can keep you glued to the app for hours on end. The increasing difficulties of enemies help keep you on your toes because you never know if your next battle will be your last. Add a tutorial and the app would be excellent. But for now, Inotia will have to wait on the very good level. For less than a dollar this app is great value, so buy it! . . . Don't worry, I'll wait.

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

Surprise Mania

2009-09-18T20:27:00.001+10:00

Car Mania (US$0.99), is an application that has really grown on me since I first picked it up. Car Mania is another superb application from the developers at Origin8. Car Mania takes a simple premise and shakes it up into a challenging and exciting multi-leveled traffic dodging experience. Ironically, it seems as though applications with simple objectives (rather than complex storylines) are often much more addictive and enjoyable than their convoluted counterparts, and Car Mania is no exception.

When I first used this application, I thought it was a nice time-killer, but nothing special. However, another member of the MyAppSource team was adamant thats Car Mania is a classic, so, I gave it another chance. Car Mania made the absolute most out of this opportunity. In fact, I had to (reluctantly) put Car Mania down and begrudgingly dedicate myself to writing this review.

The features which altered my initial view of the game are the Time Trial and Road Rage modes. On the first play I did not pay any attention to these modes (BIG mistake! No. 1). These modes help to diversify the application from a one-mode wonder (I'm claiming that term), into a surprisingly challenging (and sometimes frustratingly so) traffic maze. Time Trial mode is as you would expect, complete certain goals within a certain time period. The goals are to direct each vehicle into it colour matched garage. Road Rage mode, takes the initial premise of the app and flips it upside down (literally!). I wont tell you anymore about the Road Rage mode, you'll have to buy it the app to find out, but, it is definitely worth the investment.

Another feature which I did not look into during my initial use of Car Mania (BIG mistake! No. 2) was the extra (and extra difficult) maps. These maps are completely different from the intial map, both in aesthetics and the obstacles that are present. Two of the obstacles that these extra levels include are a volcano and a train, which passes directly through the centre of the level (and blows up your vehicles). The maps also help diversify the game play and create yet another challenging aspect in the game.

When I first played Car Mania, I though that it would be a three star app, at best (BIG mistake! No. 3). Now, I'm tossing up whether it should be rated four or five stars (Dammit! No half stars). Let's weigh up the pros and cons.

Pros:

Entertaining
Challenging
Action packed
Several different and enjoyable modes
Crazy maps

Cons:

Basic Premise

I thought it would be a four star app, but the Pros have defeated the Cons (by a considerable margin). The Pros won by so much that it can only mean one thing, and that one thing is:

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars!

Just Tweet It!

2009-09-18T19:39:00.001+10:00

SimplyTweet (US$4.99) is a beautiful creation straight from the ingenious developers that are MotionObj. This app not just another iPhone Twitter client. This app is a well thought out masterpiece of Twitter perfection. SimplyTweet is not a simple iPhone app. It is simple to use, but, 'under the hood' this app is an intricate piece of coding.

The main screen is presented in tab form, with five tabs at the bottom of the screen for friends, mentions, direct messages and more! These can be customised to suit your needs. For example, being the Twitterer that I am, I absolutely love being able to see what is currently trending. This is a feature that is not possible in many of the other Twitter clients available for iPhone. Twitter timeline updates are presented in a column under the "friends" tab, and you are automatically placed at the last tweet you have viewed, to catch up on anything you may have missed. New tweets are also marked with a blue dot (like that found next to unwatched movies in iTunes). Tapping a tweet shows it in a larger form, with options like retweeting, replying, posting a link to the tweet, emailing a link, and tracking the conversation that the tweet is part of (if available).

SimplyTweet has five various themes that can be applied to suit your style. (Personally, I don't like the pink template - black is more my style.) SimplyTweet also incorporates a much-needed feature that is lacking in many other Twitter clients, Push Notifications. Of course, push notifications are only sent for mentions and direct messages. A smart move by MotionObj, I must say. (Seriously, imagine getting notified for each individual tweet in your timeline. Not a pretty sight.)

SimplyTweet garners a handy 'new tweet' button at the top right of the screen, to make it easy to blast out a new update. A character count, and a handy hash symbol shortcut are also present. You can also insert your current location, based on your iPhone's GPS signal, or typing in landscape mode if you wish. There is also support for URL shorteners, text shortening, and photo and video uploading. And just in case you want to don't want to tweet just yet, you can save it for later as a draft.

While viewing a user's profile, you can see their picture (full screen!), check their following/followers count, as well as their update totals and favourite tweets. Perhaps most useful of all, SimplyTweet allows you to follow people straight from the app. Speaking about doing things straight from the app, any links you find in your timeline can be opened directly within the app, so you can come back without hassle.

For people with multiple Twitter accounts (myself included), you can easily switch accounts by hitting the username at the top of the screen, provided they have been set up correctly, which is a breeze. If you have a HootSuite Account, you can import your Twitter profiles directly from that, although I don't have one, so this feature remained untested.

All in all, SimplyTweet is your dream Twitter client for iPhone, and with a new update being rolled out the day of this review, my favourite Twitter client just keeps getting better. Without further ado, I proudly present SimplyTweet with the holy grail of ratings. Well done, MotionObj.

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars!

For All Your Office Needs, You have...

2009-09-18T18:03:00.001+10:00

Quickoffice Mobile Suite (US$9.99) is perhaps one of the most useful apps around. As suggested by it's name, Quickoffice Mobile Suite is a mobile version of what we have all come to know as Word and Excel. Essentially, this app combines both a word processor and a spreadsheet program. Of course you can purchase both of these apps seperately, but it is much greater value for your hard earned to have a single, easy to use suite. An added bonus of Quickoffice Mobile Suite is that you can easily transfer your desktop files to your iPhone (or iPod Touch), quite similarly to Air Sharing.

The word processor works simply by selecting a word document (among other formats), which opens in an iPhone-esque fashion. You can then edit the text of the document as desired, and place additional formatting including text colour and decoration, as well as alignment and list styling. You can also search through the open document for whatever you need. Quickword, as it is known, also allows for landscape typing, while makes the keyboard more accessible for optimal typing speed. In fact, once you are used to the iPhone keypad, typing is a breeze.

However, Quickword is only one piece of the pack. Quicksheet, the spreadsheet component of the suite allows *quick* and carefree viewing, editing, and creating of Excel files. From our tests, we have realised that graphs and charts are not currently supported. Despite this, Quicksheet is a dependable spreadsheet app on-the-go, complete with the many different functions that you experienced Excel users see daily.

Quickoffice Files lets you transfer your documents between your computer and your iPhone, and also allows you to email them (straight from your iPhone) as you see fit.

Quickword, Quicksheet and Quickoffice files can be purchased standalone US$8.99 each, but the good folks at Quickoffice have conveniently bundled these three apps (and more) into a fairly priced bundle, which is certainly cheaper to buy than any two of the apps on their own. There is really only one downfall in Quickoffice, and that is the inability to print your documents. Despite this, Quickoffice Mobile Suite is as good as it gets in the mobile document creation industry (it's a fairly small industry), and as long as Quickoffice keeps releasing updates, it will stay ahead of the pack.

Note: you might like to know that I began drafting this review on the bus, using none other than Quickoffice.

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

Clear, Consice and Useful

2009-09-17T20:22:00.002+10:00

SixPack App (US$0.99), is the perfect exercise buddy. From the labs of Pocket Cocktails Inc., this application is excellent for anyone who is participating in a weight training program. The developers claim that "SixPack App is your ultimate portable fitness guide." That is true. Pocket Cocktails also state that SixPack App contains "over 50,000 words of descriptive exercise text and 400+ Pictures". I don't know the exact numbers, but according to my estimations, that is also true.

SixPack App contains a plethora of exercises for each of the following categories: chest, shoulders, back, legs, arms, abs, yoga poses and stretches. Each exercise contains several clear and easily understandable images of how the exercise must be undertaken. The app also gives a clear-cut step-by-step guide on the exercise in question. The pictures and steps give the user a full understanding of what the exercise entails and exactly how to perform it.

For each individual exercise, SixPack App, also provides tips on the intricacies that are involved in the exercise and the exact muscles which the exercise will work. The tips give helpful hints on small issues that may arise during the process of completing the exercise. For example, the tips section tells the user what to do if the left and right muscles are not equally strong and how to correctly align and protect the users spine. The app highlights the exact muscles needed and shows the user this on easy-to-distinguish pictures.

SixPack App also gives instructions on workouts that can be undertaken. The workout categories are; circuit, beginner and push/pull, to name a few. Although the workout section does not provide the user with examples of exercises that could be used, it does provide the kowledge of how often to complete a workout and what muscles to target to increase workout efficiency.

SixPack App delivers on all levels. All the things you could ever want or need are included, and this means that you are never left scratching your head about any exercises. The thorough instructions and clear pictures make sure that every exercise is fully broken down into its basic components and then explained. so as to increase the ease of understanding. It's cheap, it's very effective and when someone takes your iPhone or iPod Touch and sees it they'll automatically think you work out (even if you don't). SixPack App is definitely worth the purchase for anyone who is currently participating in a weight training program.

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars!

Entertainment 4-ever

2009-09-17T19:42:00.001+10:00

Alive 4-ever (US$0.99), is a Meridian Digital Entertainment Limited application. This app is another combatant in the very popular RPG genre, and it more than holds its own. I am no expert in RPG games (even though, I should be), but, I do know what the differences in between a high level and lower level RPG application are. In saying that I'm not an expert does mean I don't know what I am talking about, just that I am not fully immersed in the RPG world. So, if you bought that, the reviewing will now commence:

Alive 4-ever is based on a central character who must "dispose of" an almost infinite onslaught of enemies. In this instance, your enemies are zombies (and sometimes wolves [which I don't understand]). Every one of the 30 available single and multiplayer (via bluetooth) missions has a different objective which must be achieved in order to progress to the next mission. The missions range from eradicating a certain number of a certain type of zombie (there's more than one!), to rescuing a pre-determined number of civilians, to finding vaccines for the disease which created the zombies.

This app has much more to it than shooting a bunch of back-from-the-dead mutants. For instance, you receive financial compensation for risking your life against the ruthless zombie batallion (aka, you get money for completing missions). You can use these financial benefits to purchase more desirable weapons to use against the zombie nemesis. When you complete missions you also are gifted with Ability Points (abbreviated to AB in parts of the app). These wonderful little points can be used to increase your character's abilities. The upgradable abilities include; health points (HP), ammunition levels and curing efficiency. Equipment can also be obtained, these items can also increase the character's abilities. For example, a helmet will increase your character's HP by 100 points. These features aren't even the best part.

The best part arrives when a mulitplayer game is set up. Another member of the MyAppSource team (who shall forever remain nameless) and I set up one hell of multiplayer game. Multiplayer games can be set up through the bluetooth connection between compatible devices. This mode has missions and challenges that must be completed in order to advance on to the next mission, much like the single player mode.

When Alive 4-ever is played with a group of friends (or enemies) it becomes an even more enjoyable experience. This option alone would make this app worth the miniscule price-tag. When the mulitplayer mode is combined with all the other features (missions, challenges, range of characters to choose from and financial compensation), this app approaches legendary territory. The only thing that holds this app back from the coveted MyAppSource Five Star Rating, is that the map is the same for every mission (at least to where I am up to). This app is action packed, challenging and most importantly entertaining. You cannot afford not to buy it!

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

Sharing is Caring

2009-09-13T14:34:00.004+10:00

Air Sharing (US$4.99) is just what all you file management enthusiasts have been waiting for. Avatron have devised the perfect solution to (what presumably is) everyone's worries. Air Sharing is essentially a document viewer. PDF, txt, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, pages, rtf... You name it, Air Sharing can read it. Of course, the benefit of Air Sharing is exactly how easy it makes it to transfer documents to and from your iPhone. To demonstrate just how easy this is, we have kindly prepared a few easy steps for you to read.

Connect your iPhone (or iPod Touch) to a wireless network.
With Air Sharing running, open the URL given to you by Air Sharing in your browser.
Truthfully there doesn't need to be a third step, as by this time, you can already see all the files on your device, and upload more as desired.

The Air Sharing web interface presents you with a simple file directory, with an upload bar below it. Of course, if security of your documents has you worried, you can assign optional password protection to the web interface, just to make sure that no average Joe on your local network can get a copy of last months business report, or the wedding invitations you've been working on. Furthermore, you can password lock the app itself, so that if average Joe manages to a hold of your beloved iPhone, there will be no reason to worry (at least about your documents).

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars! (Air Sharing)

Maybe this just isn't enough for you. Luckily, the good folks at Avatron have what you need. Air Sharing Pro (US$9.99) provides the same zippy speeds and ease of use that Air Sharing packs, as well as a plethora of premium features (and I must add, a way better looking icon). Pro features include viewing encrypted PDF files, file operations (copy, paste, rename, move), access to WebDAV Disks (and iDisk), emailing documents, direct transfer between two iPhones, zip/unzip and printing via print sharing (Mac and Linux only). I must add that the print feature alone makes the Pro version of Air Sharing a worthwhile investment.

Overall, Air Sharing provides a superb file storage, viewing, and sharing experience, and while Air Sharing Pro takes it one step further, both apps add invaluable features to your already feature packed iPhone. If your the type who is continually looking for more ways to use your device, or perhaps you need a function like that which Air Sharing provides, we recommend that you buy this app right now! You wont regret it.

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars! (Air Sharing Pro)

Thanks to Avatron, we have a few copies of Air Sharing to give away. You can redeem the following codes in the right sidebar of the iTunes Store for US accounts (or at the bottom of the main window if you're browsing on your iPhone).

WWM34WX76HHH
46R97YH6TNWF
YL779PXHFFMW
7A47YJ4NHEFL
3HJFRY77ATML

Enjoy, and follow us on Twitter, as we will still have more codes to give away!

The Legend of Zenonia

2009-09-13T14:34:00.002+10:00

Zenonia (US$2.99 [at the moment it is on sale at half price!]), is a surprisingly good adventure and quest-based application. Though the name may not give it away, this game is a very detailed, polished and action-packed member of the adventure game genre. GAMEVIL has created another superstar of an application with Zenonia. Zenonia brings back memories of the old Nintendo and GameBoy that everyone loved growing up. Zenonia is a much more advanced mix of the Legend of Zelda and Pokemon games.

The game play in the world of Zenonia is tremendous. You have the ability to create your own storyline, which depends on the characters you choose and which quests you accept or decline. This is an excellent feature as it allows for the game to be played numerous times, without it becoming bland or repetitive. Each character has a gigantic arsenal of weapons, items, upgrades, skills and options. All of these features add to a polished sense during gameplay, as each seperate item, upgrade and skill leads to a different level of ability in your character. This game plays like it has been made for a much bigger console. With that I mean that GAMEVIL have not left anything out simply because it is designed for an iPhone or iPod Touch. All the features you would expect on a big budget, big hype PS3 or Xbox game are included.

The graphics are exceptional and each character, enemy and environment is presented in great detail. The options menu may become cluttered and difficult to decipher during your initiation into Zenonia, but as you play on you will fully learn how utilize all of the options and features you are presented with. The detail that is present in every aspect of the app really highlights the effort that must have been made to make this as seemless transition as possible, from traditional console game to iPhone application. The effort has definitely paid dividends.

Zenonia boasts and impressive and useful variety of ways to play. These features give the user total control over their story and in this senario the total control allows the game play to be manipulated in an infinite number of new and exciting ways. Fantasy and adventure games have not always been my favourite and I tend to become disinterested rather quickly (the crazy characters, strange powers and absurd creatures will do that to you). I wish MyAppSource could rate using half stars, but alas, we cannot, so Zenonia will have to settle for a very respectable four stars. This app is a must-buy for adventure game fans. At the moment it is half price, so purchase it before the price goes back up to $5.99, you will enjoy it immensely.

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

If You Are What You Say You Are, A Superstar

2009-09-07T20:09:00.005+10:00

Baseball Superstars (US$2.99) is one of my absolute favourite applications on the entire iTunes Store (so this review may be a bit biased). I had the free version for quite a while and even that version was excellent. GAMEVIL has went above and beyond all other applications (in my opinion) in its creation of Baseball Superstars. We all know that too many features can spoil an app (see here), but, Baseball Superstars dispells that theory with five different game modes. Each mode is different and has its own unique challenges and objectives.

The app contains all the modes you would expect; a single game (known as "Normal Game") and a season mode. The normal game is your garden variety nine inning baseball slugfest. This mode is great for learning the quirks of the game and is excellent if you want to be able to pick it up and play without configuring settings (or impacting on your season stats). It is in season mode where the excellent development of the game really grabs you. The season runs through 36 games and contains some very realistic themes. These themes include; having to do promotional events (such as autograph signings), being able to trade players and having the opportunity to track every stat imaginable (for every player in the League!).

The app goes a step further with the Mission, Homerun and My League modes. Mission mode involves playing with a created player to clear various missions. There are 20 missions available& for both pitcher and batter. Homerun mode is an action packed feature which gives you ten attempts to hit the farthest homerun you possibly can. My League mode is amazing, you must create and build your own character from scratch. Your character's abilities can be increased by winning games and having good performances as well as the evaluations you recieve at the end of each game and your season salary and overall popularity will be affected by this.

Baseball Superstars has been made for enjoyment, with its cartoon graphics to its amazingly in depth modes. This application ticks all the boxes as far as sports based applications are concerned. I am a sports fan so I knew I would enjoy this app. For those of you who aren't fond of sports I would suggest using the trial version, to see if you will enjoy it as much as I have. Everyone else (those who enjoy sports) consider it a necessity that you buy this app, you will never, ever regret it.

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars!

Just Awesome!

2009-09-06T20:26:00.003+10:00

Awesome Note (US$4.99) is another organisation and time management based application, with a similar premise to Put Things Off. Awesome Note has been created (by BRID) to help you poor souls with time management issues be able to run your lives a little smoother. The idea is good, the purpose is solid and the menus and options are very useful. So what is it that makes me feel that this app isn't as good as is iTunes reviews may state?

I have been thinking about that question for a while and I think I may come to a conclusion. I believe that this application has tried too hard to do everything an organisation application could possibly need to do and this has led to the app having too many features. You're probably thinking to yourself "Man, I love tacos." But, if you were actually pating attention you would be wondering how can too many features possibly be a problem, well, let me show you through the magical powers of words.

First of all, this app is supposed be a time saver and make note taking quick and easy. With all the options, like the ability to colour coordinate absolutely everything, modify any (and every) image, change fonts at will, modify note backgrounds and alter the note category order, by the time you have tested these you will have spent 15 minutes playing around with features instead of writing any notes! What's worse is that these features have minimal effect on the usefullness and effectiveness of taking a simple note.

Second of all, people who are time poor will be attracted to this app because they need all the organisation help they can get. These people have a tendancy to waste time on trivial tasks and often procrastinate to the nth degree. Awesome Note enables them to do this, while giving them the impression that they are solving their time management issues, which they clearly are not!

In all honesty, Awesome Note is a solid and useful note taking application, that is, until all the features steal half an hour of your precious time. The layout is great and aesthetically it is gorgeous. If this app was a little simpler (aka had a little less features) and did not focus so much on changing settings it would be excellent. This wouldn't be the first note taking app I would recommend, but all those high iTunes ratings can't be wrong. If too many features are never enough for you, then I strongly suggest you purchase this app.

MyAppSource Rating: 3 Stars!

Superb Sentinel

2009-09-06T14:22:00.004+10:00

Sentinel 2 (US$2.99), is another stunning application in the Tower Defence genre. Origin8 has successfuly differentiated this Tower Defence app from the many others out there on the application market. This game has the same goal as all the other games in its genre, to stop a certain enemy from reaching a certain point. Sentinel 2, however, provides a stroyline and reason for the defense of your tower (which in this case is a spacecraft named The Sentinel).

Unlike other Tower Defence applications, Sentinel 2 has a story which is consistent throughout. The enemies are all of a particular type and are attacking for a specific reason. In many other Tower Defence games, there is no reason whatsoever why you are being attacked, you just are. Sentinel 2's storyline makes you feel as if you are really the commander in charge of defending your craft. This adds a personal aspect to the game, which is missing by most of the other applications in the genre.

Sentinel 2 also has some extra features, which help seperate it from the competition. These features include a "mission" mode, with 10 different missions, each being more difficult than the previous. These missions have different objectives and enemies than the regular campaign levels. You also have the option to listen to your own music during game play and this feature isn't hidden behind four options menus, which means it is very simple to find.

The visuals are amazing and really help create an overall polished effect throughout the entire game, this includes game play, menus and everything in between. Sentinel 2 is very well designed, very well organised and extremely enjoyable to use. If you want to add to your collection of excellent and enjoyable applications, you must purchase this application.

MyAppSource Rating: 5 Stars!

Illuminated

2009-09-06T13:40:00.002+10:00

Illuminance (US$0.99) is another simple application that centers around speed and reaction time. The app has two simple yet challenging goals, they are; tap every green bubble that appears and do not tap any red bubbles that may appear. illuminance was created by Roberto Fera. There are four difficulty modes; easy, medium, hard and extreme. As you would expect each mode is more difficult than the previous.

Whilst you are tapping the green bubbles and avoiding the red ones, you must ensure that you do not miss a green bubble. If a green bubble does not get tapped, the square in which it occupied goes black (the same happens when a red bubble is tapped) and is rendered useless. If all the bubbles on the screen become black (and therefore unusable) the game is ended and your score is recorded. In extreme mode, "nuke" bubbles are introduced. If these new bubbles are not tapped within the alotted time period they explode and end your game immediately.

Hours can be spent trying to best high scores and avoid the fatal nuke bubble, and this is what seperates this application from the many other speed and reaction time orientated apps on the app store. It's design may not be mind-blowing and its gameplay may not be revolutionary, but it has the ability to entertain ad nauseum and that factor alone makes this application worth purchasing. At such a cheap price and with such an entertaining premise this app needs to be part of your iPhone or iPod Touch application library.

When I began using this application, I felt that it was underwhelming and repetitive, but, after a few more attempts at raising the high scoring bar I was hooked. The app grew on me very quickly and I now really enjoy using it. Guaranteed entertaining time-killer. Go buy it!

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

Don't Worry, Just Put It Off

2009-09-05T20:40:00.003+10:00

Put Things Off (US$2.99), is an application which can help with time management and prioritisation. This app can be found under the Productivity umbrella on the iTunes Store and is designed by Spiffing Apps. Put Things Off is an excellent example of when keeping things simple, can pay dividends, not only financially but in effectiveness as well. Spiffing Apps put it best when they said that Put Things Off is for "busy people who don't have time to categorise, geotag, sync or generally micromanage their lives."

Put Things Off is ingenius due to its simplicity and lack of clutter. When the app is opened all you need to do is write a note or reminder about something, hit save and then choose to either file in the "Today" folder or the "Put Off" folder. The today folder is for tasks which need to be completed today, whilst the put off folder is for tasks that must be completed over a larger time frame. The default setting for the put off folder is 3 days (that is 3 days until it moves to the today folder), but it can be set from anywhere between 1 and 31 days.

The due date of a note can be altered, which means it will wait in the put off folder until it is in need of completion. When you have checked off an item or note as completed, it moves into the "Done" folder. From this folder it either can be deleted or kept as a momento of an accomplishment. This application is very quick and responsive. The application opens and is functional almost immediately and never has to load any items, which is a major time saver.

Put Things Off is straight to the point and wastes no time on, useless bells and whistles which may sound good, but are really impractical. There is not a whole lot to write about this application and in this instance that is a good thing. This app's purpose is to make a relaxed and efficient to do list and it does that perfectly. The application is definately worth a purchase, especially if you are in need of an organisational overhaul.

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

(Bill) Mind Over Matter

2009-09-05T17:18:00.005+10:00

BillMinder (US$0.99), is an application designed by return7. BillMinder has been created to help anyone and everyone who wants be able to organise their bills and repayments a little (or a lot) better. BillMinder is packed full of useful features, which make it extremely effective. BillMinder allows you, the app user, to create your own accounts and categories, which specific bills will be placed in.

BillMinder allows you make your own bills and name them whatever you would like, as well as giving you the option of categorizing them in any way you choose as well. For example, if you wanted to make a reminder for a particular bill, all you need to do is go to the main page, tap the "plus" icon on the top right hand corner of the screen and put in some basic information about the bill in question (the name of the bill and how much needs to be paid).

(this image is from a previous version of BillMinder, the latest version has a slightly different design scheme)

BillMinder provides a feature which allows the user to set the time period of the bill (if it is a recurring bill). This means that if you have a weekly or monthly bill, you do not need to re-enter the bill information every week or month, it will come up automatically to whatever time period is set on each bill. The user has the opportunity to set recurring time peroids from one day to an infinite amount of years (and everything in between). This feature is a great time saver and really makes this app easy to use.

During the first few uses of the app, the layout seems cluttered and it is difficult to fully comprehend the application. This problem quickly fades into oblivion as all the functions that previously seemed to clutter the screen are in full use. These many functions (and customizable options) each have their own specific purpose and serve that purpose perfectly.

From the customizable icons, to the automatic display of the total cost of all bills in each month and the Push Notification feature (it automatically notifies the user when bills are due, even when the app is not in use), BillMinder has made keeping track of those pesky bills a cinch (too bad they can't pay them for you as well). This application has perfected bill organization and I think it is great!

MyAppSource Rating: 5 Stars!

BillMinder Give Away!

2009-09-05T13:13:00.001+10:00

The MyAppSource team is ecstatic to have the opportunity to give away seven (that right, seven!) promotional codes for the financial application BillMinder. There are two ways to win, and both couldn't be simpler.

1. Email us (myappsource@gmail.com) with the statement: "I NEED BillMinder to help me keep track of all my bills!" If you are one of the first four people to do so, we'll email you back with the code you've just won.

or if emailing isn't your style (or you missed out on the first four codes)

2. You can follow us on twitter (www.twitter.com/MyAppSource) and once we've reached 150 followers we will randomly give away three BillMinder codes.

That's it! That's all you have to do to have a chance at winning this great app. Make sure you keep an eye out for the official MyAppSource review of BillMinder, which will be posted soon.

Count Em! Five! (Stars)

2009-09-03T22:03:00.002+10:00

Graphing Calculator (US$0.99), may not be the most interesting application to hit the iTunes App Store, but it certainly achieves its purpose. Its purpose, by the way, is to make your boring old iPhone "into an intuitive high-resolution function plotter and scientific calculator." This app contains the functions of a regular calculator, scientific calculator and graphics (or graphing) calculator and rolls them into one convenient application.

When I first used this app I was expecting to find a handy tool for graphing equations (unfortunately this is something I must do often), but I was pleasantly surprised to find a complete scientific calculator with all the bells and whistles that would be expected from its more common counterpart. Graphing Calculator contains all the basic (and even advanced) trigonometry functions, not to mention all the other logarithm and advanced mathematical functions.

The iPhone's built in calculator does share some of its functions with the Graphing Calculator and vice versa. The standard calculator does contain some functions which aren't included in the graphing app and the graphing app has advanced functions that don't come with the standard issue (and I'm not even talking about it's graphing abilities).

The graphing capabilities are what really makes this app spectacular (well, as spectacular as a calculator can get). This app contains all the functions of a regular graphics calculator (which can cost over $100). It allows the user to set up to four values (or equations) and will graph each on one well-designed easy-to-read graphical layout. I must admit, I haven't fully come to terms with the entire range of functions of the calculator (particularly the graphing sections), but the parts in which I do have the knowledge to be able to use are simple and effective. The app also comes with a hefty (and helpful) "help" section, which I am constantly referencing.

Graphing Calculator may not have mass appeal, but it does have effectiveness and time and money saving appeal as a substitute. I was (and still am) very impressed with this app, and in the context of it's purpose (calculations, equations and graphing these), it's rating will reflect its usefulness. (I also just found out that the graph will rotate with the turning of the screen.) For less than a dollar, this app is a steal and should be purchased by anyone needing a scientific calculator, ASAP.

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars!

How you like them Apples?

2009-09-03T21:03:00.004+10:00

Frootrees (US$0.99), is deceptively tricky little application, developed by Tin Man Games. The developers claim that Frootrees is a "simple fruit picking game" and it is, and much more. Frootrees is based on a very simple idea (picking fruit). Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the premise, the finer points of the application allow for the idea to be simple and for the app to remain entertaining and not become stale or (God forbid) boring.

The name of the app may seem a little nondescript and unusual, that is, until you scratch under the surface of the app and find out that "Froot" is actually the fruit that you will be expected to pick (and drop and fling). During game play the user must tap (and drag to fling froot across the screen) on any apple, pear, plum or orange. Once the froot has been tapped it will drop, the idea is to drop each froot in its corresponding area (don't worry, the areas are colour coded [worry if you're colour blind]). Points will be awarded and deducted for the accuracy or inaccuracy of the falling froot.

Dropping the froot into the correct area is only half the battle. The other half is timing (because timing, as they say, is everything). Each individual froot starts small and rapidly grows into a larger, riper specimen. Extra points are awarded for dropping fully ripened froot correctly. Points are deducted for froot that was left too long on the Frootree, and has subsequently withered and died. Points "combos" and multipliers are achieved when ripe froot consecutively lands in the correct area.

These facets of game play allow Frootrees to be enjoyable after numerous uses. Frootrees is one of those apps that keeps you playing turn after turn, simply because of its challenging (and addicting) nature. The simplistic nature of the app limits it potential to be a "superstar" application, which is why I can only rate it as three stars, but, it is a high three stars. Frootrees lacks that "wow" factor, but for 99 cents it is certainly worth the purchase, and it definitely will not disappoint.

MyAppSource Rating: Three Stars!

Apps are a Gamer's Best Friend, Win one here!

2009-09-03T20:24:00.003+10:00

myCoD5 [left] and myKILLZONE [right] (US$0.99 ea.), are the names of 2 ingeniously designed iPhone apps, by none other than Daniel Leivers (the developer of myPSN). Both of the apps have been created with the user in mind (as all good apps are). myKILLZONE utilises your PSN ID, like myPSN, but instead of checking your friend and trophy details, you can check your Killzone statistics. These are usually checked out of game in The Killzone Command Center, however this website is quite cumbersome on the iPhone.

Cue myKILLZONE. Now you can have your iPhone (or iPod Touch) in one hand, and your PS3 controller in the other, so you can keep updated on your total games played, won and whatnot in-game (assuming you can play one handed). myKILLZONE also allows you to check not only your own stats, but those of your friends. The rivalry awaits!

Or perhaps Killzone isn't your style (I don't know why it wouldn't be, however). myCoD5 allows you to do the same thing, for Call Of Duty 5. One difference however, is that the app pulls data from the COD website, instead of straight from your PSN profile, so you must have your account linked to the aforementioned site. We must note that myCoD5 works for both the PS3 and X-Box 360 versions of the game.

Thanks again to Daniel Leivers, we have an abundance of redeem codes for both of these great apps to give away, so keep your eyes peeled...

...and here's your first chance!

myCoD5:	myKILLZONE:
HHYE4YX3P9KN PTA673JRR6YL RP64NWARNWYF	TPWHYE4P7XH7 XRNTRTNEAT36 M7JN7KWKLEAL

Good luck, and if you missed out, check our twitter for more chances to win.

MyAppSource Rating: 4 stars a piece!

Say Cheese

2009-08-30T21:11:00.008+10:00

Camera Genius, (US$0.99) is a nifty little application, which takes the built in iPhone camera and turbocharges it (to put it mechanically). Camera Genius is developed by CodeGoo and they claim that with Camera Genius you can "Replace your default iPhone camera!" and that claim is supported by the features that are packed in to this one little app.

Firstly, there is the typical camera requirements, zoom and a photograph timer (and unfortunately there is no flash, but that is a hardware issue) that have been slipped in. The zoom function is effective, as it lets the user zoom in and out to the required level. When a potential photo is fully and even three-quarters zoomed it loses much of its quality and the image becomes fuzzy and distorted. The timer functions the way you would expect and can be set at two, five, ten, fifteen and thrity second intervals.

The application also contains the very useful anti-shake feature and a bizarre sound activated image capturing option. Whenever I use Camera Genius I always have the anti-shake feature activated. This feature will only take a photo when the camera is not shaking and, therefore, ensures a blur-free photo. Another feature is "Sound Capture" this feature will only take a photo after it recognises a sound which is louder than the preset sound limit. It is essentially a sound activated camera button, which sounds good in theory but really is impractical and awkward (unless you like coughing or yelling whenever you take a photo and do not mind having photos turn out with everyone yelling at apparent nothingness).

The app includes a "Big Button" feature which makes the whole screen turn into a button, so when you're trying to take that skanky Facebook display image you don't have to fiddle around trying to find the minute button that is provided. Some photography guides are also provided which split the screen into thirds and enable the user to be able to see which parts of the subject matter will be in which parts of the final image.

One of the most helpful features is the "Camera Manual" which essentially provides a crash course in photogrphy, which I found very helpful. The manual guides you through the best way to take certain photographs and even tells you which lines and angles to use when taking a photo.

Camera Genuis falters in one area, and this is; once an image has been taken by Camera Genius it cannot be deleted, zoomed in or out and the photo library cannot be scrolled through. This means that if you want to delete a crappy picture you just took, you must leave Camera Genius and go to the photo library icon on the iPhone's home page (horrific, I know). Even though this is a small fault, it can become quite frustrating and tedious.

As an addition to the iPhone's standard camera this application is certainly worth purhcasing, it is full of (mostly) useful features and with the 1.5 version soon to be released, it can only get better.

MyAppSource Rating: 4 Stars!

Camera Genius: An Overview

2009-08-29T22:33:00.008+10:00

Technical difficulites have marred the MyAppSource review of the CodeGoo developed application, Camera Genius. A complete review was meant to have been posted, but, since no one on the MyAppSource team has been able to use Camera Genius and we did promise to have posted an article on the photography application an overview must be posted instead.

This overview is not endorsed, or in anyway promoted by MyAppSource as we haven't had the opportunity to test the app ourselves, so the content in this post is entirely claims from the developer (not that we discredit the developer's claims, it is just that we do not have any proof whatsoever of which claims actually hold true.)

As I type this the computer geniuses (not to be confused with Camera Geniuses) which are part of the MyAppSource team have rectified the problem permanently! So I will now end this post rather abrubtly as I run to test out Camera Genius and write an actual review.

myPSN, Win it now!

2009-08-28T17:54:00.012+10:00

This promotion has now ended.

Thanks to Daniel Leivers, the wonderful developer of myPSN (US$1.99), MyAppSource has 3 copies to give away! All you have to do is follow us on Twitter, and send us an @reply about this promotion! You will receive a code that looks similar to this:

7JN64XWXNLEJ

Yes, if someone hasn't used it already, the code above can be redeemed via iTunes! (US Store only) Your code will be sent in a direct message, so make sure to follow us AND send the @reply. Good luck, and stay tuned for more promotions like this, and a review of myPSN.

OffMaps, Maps without the cost!

2009-08-26T19:08:00.029+10:00

OffMaps (US$2.99), is your new travel companion. OffMaps is another GPS map application, which is dominated by the big guns of the navigation industry. This clever little app was created by Felix Lamouroux (CurlyBrackets). With OffMaps, you do not need to pay top dollar for hundreds of megabytes worth of maps, but rather the very minor price of the app, and download (for free) the maps which you actually want!

You may or may not be wondering how all this actually works. I know I was. OffMaps sources its maps from OpenStreetMap (openstreetmap.org) - which dubs itself as "a free editable map of the whole world." Essentially, OpenStreetMap is the Wikipedia of maps, allowing users to freely edit it as needed. However, because of this, OpenStreetMap may not have detailed coverage of all areas, so it is important to check that the particular sections of the map which you require are covered. (Even if they aren't, the benefit of OpenStreetMap is that you can edit it yourself!)

OffMaps works in two modes, online and offline. Kind of simple, I know, but it is the offline mode that really makes this app worthwhile. In online mode, OffMaps bears strong resemblance to the built in Google Maps app. It is in offline mode however, where OffMaps (hence the name), really shines. With a bit of prior planning, maps can be downloaded for the areas which are necessary for you to reach your destination, and then some - over a wi-fi connection of course. Offline mode then allows you to re-load these maps, straight from the iPhone, without incurring a mobile data cost. This also means that the maps load quicker, due to the fact that they are coming straight from the iPhone, and not over a data network.

Overall, OffMaps is the money saving navigation buddy that you've always wanted. It provides the same basic functionality of all the big guys, minus the hefty cost, and saves you those high data download fees incurred from your mobile provider.

I would like to thank OffMaps developer, Felix Lamouroux, for his early support of MyAppSource. Without caring developers such as himself, we wouldn't be hear today.

MyAppSource Rating: Four Stars!

Field General

2009-08-26T14:51:00.044+10:00

Fieldrunners (AU$3.99), is an application that has won many awards and garnered much critical acclaim and it is easy to see why. Fieldrunners does not break new ground in terms of genre or concepts, as there are many Tower Defense applications which share the same, if not, identical premise. Fieldrunners, however, takes the genre (Tower Defense) and the concept of this genre (trying to stop an enemy from reaching a certain point) and creates an almost perfect gameplay and strategic experience. Fieldrunners achieves this by employing stunning graphics, challenging levels and by providing a vast and aesthically brilliant set of upgradeable artillery.

Fieldrunners certainly lives up to its heightened claims of being able to provide "Hours of entertainment and replayable challenges!" as completing a single level can take a substantial amount of time. It takes me about 90 minutes to complete a level, but, some levels can take closer to two hours to fully complete. (This may not be the case for everyone, as I have a tendancy to play strategic games, like Fieldrunners, in a very slow and analytical manner.) Don't be scared off by the long period of gameplay that is required, Subatomic Studios have combated this by making the game easily pausable and resumable. This helps break-up the time that is spent immersed in this immensely detailed and incredibly entertaining world.

Fieldrunners' premise is a simple one, but the increasingly challenging levels continue to keep you on your toes throughout the entire game. With replayable levels and even an endless game mode Fieldrunners is sure to keep you busy and more importantly entertained for hours on end.

(Now on to the important part.) Fieldrunners is the cream of an already competitive gaming market's crop and, therefore, it deserves the highest rating possible. Now, to answer the question that burns deep inside every app enthusiasts soul: Yes, this application is really going to be worth the mere $3.99 it costs to purchase.

MyAppSource Rating: Five Stars!

Our Rating System, Explained

2009-08-25T21:11:00.006+10:00

Here at MyAppSource, we try to make it easy for our readers to decide exactly which apps are worth their hard earned cash and time. So, over years of development, we have devised the perfect solution.

A five star rating system!

Simple, I know. In fact, it's quite like the one they have on the good old iTunes Store. It's actually so similar to that of the iTunes Store, that our ratings here will match those coming from our account in iTunes. (Look out for "MyAppSource" as the reviewer, it's us!) A series of stars, strikingly similar to these, will appear at the end of every review, to let you easily determine exactly what apps are worth your time. The table of stars above show a five star rating at the top, and a zero star rating at the bottom. (Watch our for those!)

Mission Statement

2009-08-25T20:00:00.013+10:00

What happens when you, the (intelligent and dare I say dashingly handsome) iPhone or iPod Touch user, are interested in purchasing an application from the iTunes App Store. I am talking about actually purchasing an app here, not getting the free trial and making do with that. Well, I for one, know that when I am considering buying an App I want useful feedback or helpful reviews about the App in question. The lack of these basic application purchasing research requirements in the App Store is sickening! (Well, maybe not that bad, but you get my point.) This is where MyAppSource steps in. MyAppSource intends to provide useful, helpful and most importantly relevant reviews and advice when it comes to purhcasing an application. MyAppSource will provide reviews on applications ranging from games to travel and even (*gulp!*) lifestyle.

The MyAppSource team will risk life and limb to answer one of humanities oldest and most disputed questions "Is this app really going to be worth [insert price] dollars?"

MyAppSource - Your source for iPhone Apps!

2009-08-25T19:03:00.001+10:00

Welcome to MyAppSource, your source for iPhone Apps! Here you will find reviews of all kinds of weird and wonderful apps, written personally by the MyAppSource team. You can also head over to our Twitter page, and follow us for notifications of new reviews, and chances to win iPhone apps!

A special thanks goes to our early supporters, Daniel Leivers (myPSN) and Felix Lamouroux (OffMaps).