Jaeger-LeCoultre - App Review

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss watchmaker, established 1833 (no, that's not just after 6:30 pm, it's nearly two centuries ago)Since 1833, with a heritage of innovation.
This is their App which allows you to see their collection, and much more.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The home screen has four options:

1. Lessons
This gives you access not only to a very useful watchmaking dictionary but also 'lessons' on various aspects of watchmaking. These demonstrations are backed up with text, as well as videos.

2, Collection
This is basically divided into two parts (although it looks like ten). Nine of the options are displays of current models , sometimes with mood music videos, sometimes with options of changing bracelets.
The 'interesting' part relates to Interactive Models. Here you can play with some of the functions found on the watches and some of the models also display the correct time. It really is beautifully done.

3. Store Locator
This doesn't really need explaining...

4. Share
... and nor does this.

Cost
Unlike the watches, the App is free.

Indispensability
Apart from being able to see the time on a Master Memovox (and some other models), and get some lessons in watchmaking, it is advertising for Jaeger-LeCoultre. The App takes up 257 MB so is fairly large.

Dependability
The App worked without problems.

Security
As can be seen from the large memory footprint taken by the App, everything is downloaded. The share function allows you to connect with facebook and/or Twitter; the usual caveats apply here.

ACIDS Test Rating:

It is absolutely beautiful.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Jaeger-LeCoultre here and support for the App here.

OpenSignal - App Review

Checkout signal strengths wherever you are for your iOS device, be it wi-fi or GSM. At the same time help improve coverage for everyone by sharing your information.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The dashboard displays your current carrier, the direction of the nearest tower, as well as the quality of data coverage. In addition to this the name of the wi-fi network to which you are connected, as well as nearby networks are listed. All this information is also available in easy-to-use map form.

There is an excellent local coverage map which displays overall signal strength and can also be analysed by service provider.
There's a straightforward Speed test which calibrates latency, download, and upload speeds. In addition, you have access to your history which enables you to see whether or not things are improving.

Settings options enables you to choose whether or not to share information; it's great to see a developer set up their App with a default to 'off' (well done).

Cost
The app is absolutely free. Be careful when using the app for testing a mobile network if you don't have unlimited data usage included in your plan.

Indispensability
It certainly is interesting seeing the available signals and especially location to mobile signal towers. You might be able to use the information for negotiating with your ISP or mobile service.

Dependability
The App is reliable and there's every reason to believe that the information provided is accurate.

Security
In order to play the game (and help everyone else), you should really enable anonymous usage tracking as well as data sharing. Although no personal data is collected, it depends how trusting you are.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Amazing information.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get OpenSignal here and support for the App here.

Mr Mood - App Review

See if you need a change in your life... this what Mr Mood promises.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There is a brief introduction, complete with a nice story about Steve Jobs. Then you choose amongst five moods, which most accurately depicts your current sate of mind. You can also, optionally, add notes, so that when you review the information later you will remember why you were in a particular mod at a particular time. You can then choose, optionally again, at what time you want to be reminded every day to enter your mood.

These moods are then graphed in glorious colour.

It has to be said that the App looks great.

That's basically all there is to it... just wait for a period (your call) and check to see how things are going. This will then prompt you to do something about it, or not.

Cost
This is a very low cost App, with no advertising and no in-App purchases.

Indispensability
That probably depends on your state of mind and your receptiveness to change.

Dependability
The App is totally reliable, unlike one's moods (well, most of us anyway).

Security
The App and all data are on your iOS device; there is no sharing of information.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Simple but potentially life altering.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Mr Mood here and support for the App here.

Push-Cars HD - App Review

If you fancy a distraction that is not too taxing (although some of it can be), this could be right up your street.
The aim of the game is to get cars to either leave a city, or crash into each other, or both.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You pick a city which does not have a padlock icon and are then presented with an aerial view, complete with a few cars which are strategically placed.
By repeatedly pressing on the car roof, you alter the direction of (future) travel. The aim is to either exit the city, or cause 'rebel' cars to crash into each other. You then hit start and the cars travel in your chosen direction. If you complete the challenge you are awarded 'Dollars' and unlock the next level of the game.

Cost
The App is free and you can get additional credits by completing levels or even visiting the Push-Cars Facebook page. You can also but rips for information if you are stuck on a level, making additional levels available (without having to go through the hoops) and to remove advertising.

Indispensability
Just a bit of fun.

Dependability
The App works fine but only in landscape mode.

Security
No major issues.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Diversion for young and old.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Push-Cars HD here and support for the App here.

Calzy - App Review

Oh no, not another calculator, I hear you groan... well, this one has some great features that make it very worthwhile to take a second look.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The first thing to note has nothing to do with a calculator (!) but everything to do with attention to detail. The settings in Calzy allow you to choose whether the status bar (signal strength, time, battery remaining) is shown, or not. It should be compulsory for all developers who decide to hide the status bar to take a look (and take note) of how Calzy has implemented this option.

The basic calculator is nothing extraordinary (and therefore nothing to distract you from the task in hand) but has some useful features, which make use of the fact that you are using an iOS device (as opposed to simply mimicking a standard calculator). These include:

*Key to lock screen, instead of using the device switch
*Swipe down to reveal time and a little saying, which can then be Tweeted
*Swipe right (across the answer window) to delete the last entry (and continue to delete previous entries)
*Swipe left to undo (exactly opposite to swipe right)
*Double tap swaps from calculator to a detailed listing of your calculations. These details can then be copied or emailed
*... and my personal favourite, use the Calzy in portrait mode for all your calculations, then change to landscape and have the answer displayed in text (English or double tap to spell in iOS native language).

Cost
This is a low cost App (and worth every penny); what's more it is currently being offered at 50% off.

Indispensability
You need a calculator; if it doesn't have to be scientific then, this is the best one I have seen.

Dependability
Just like any other calculator, the only reliability issue is hitting the right key(s)... and understanding how to use a '%' key.

Security
This is a fully downloaded App, although there is the possibility to share information via Twitter.

ACIDS Test Rating:

An App you can count on! (Sorry, couldn't resist that one).

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Calzy here and support for the App here.

blippar - App Review

Some things are just plain different; Blippar is exactly that. In fact, in order to attempt to explain the purpose of the App, here's an extract from the company website:

"Blippar™ is the first image-recognition phone app aimed at bringing to life real-world newspapers, magazines, products and posters with exciting augmented reality experiences and instantaneous content.".

Think of it as a hyperlink but without having a PC.

Intrigued, as I was, read on to find out more.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Apart from optionally setting access to your Facebook and/or Twitter accounts, the interface is supremely simple.

Point your iOS device at anything that says 'Blipp me', or an appropriate image/logo and you are hyperlinked to... somewhere. The fun is that you do not (necessarily) know where you are about to be taken. It could be to more information, a game, a competition.

The uses are fairly endless (iOS limited) and really give a medium (I hate using medium in the singular) an additional layer. A newspaper could be Blipped to give you video content, or a CD sleeve a video. or a product logo to give you vouchers.

This could be the best news for printed newspapers for a very long time.

Cost
As you would expect, the App is free as it is the advertiser who pays.

Indispensability
I think this really is one to watch for the future; the possibilities really are limited only by imagination... try it.

Dependability
As long as you are Blipping something that has a link, the App works fine.

Security
Apart from the information sharing via Facebook and/or Twitter, beware of sharing information once you have been hyperlinked out of the App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A great concept.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get blippar here and support for the App here.

Glympse - App Review

This is an App that is so obvious (from the point of view of some of the technology in your iOS device) that it's amazing nobody did it earlier.

In a nutshell, let anyone (of your choice) know where you are, as well as how you are progressing in getting there.

This saves so much hassle about calling to say you will be late, and then having to call again to say it will be even later. It also enables you to meet up with others far more easily, or keep a watchful eye, where necessary.

How often have you had a call "where are you"? Well, Glympse is a pre-emptive strike against such calls.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The first thing, if you want to do things really properly, is to set up your own details, importing them from Facebook or Twitter, or choosing a picture from your photo album. An alternative is to just type your name.

You can also choose whether to connect with Twitter and/or Facebook, and then have updates on your progress posted on these social networking sites. Additional options are broadcasting your speed, choice of units (mph or kph) and whether or not access to your whereabouts expires on arrival.

You are now almost ready to send your first Glympse. Hit the 'send glympse' button (this is a little confusing as what you are about to do is set up Glympse), enter your destination (optional), pick who you want to invite to eavesdrop on your location; this is easily done by entering phone numbers or email (and recent ones are pickable directly). Enter a message (also optional), and finally decide how long you will share the information; this can be for any number of minutes up to four hours.

Now, hit the send Glympse button (another one) and you are sharing your location and progress.

If you entered an email address then, the person(s) received an email with a link, and if you entered a phone number then, a message was prepared for you to send with the same link. All the recipient needs to do is click on the link and be with you every step of the way. There is no need for that person to have the App, simply access to the Internet with any browser.

Cost
Both the App and access to the information are free. Just be aware that if you are accessing the Internet through a mobile phone, there might be usage charges from your mobile operator... unless you have an unlimited data plan, of course.

Indispensability
Glympse just makes life so much easier. Not only do people know where you are but they can also help you get to your destination. Do not confuse Glympse with Find My Phone; the two are (almost) completely different.

Dependability
The App works flawlessly and the information provided on the website seems to be accurate.

Security
The (optional) sharing of information with Twitter and/or Facebook carries some risks. You also need to be aware that anybody receiving your invitation can share that with someone else.

ACIDS Test Rating:

What a great idea.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Glympse here and support for the App here.

echo112 - App Review

Picture the scenario, you urgently need emergency services, and you don't know where you are, or what number to dial. You're probably thinking "that won't happen". Well, it's more likely than you might think. Apart from not being in your home country (is the number 999, 911, 177, 112... or something else), how about not knowing exactly where you are.

This is a great App for allowing you to inform the emergency services, without knowing the number, or your location.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App by asking you to accept the terms of service; hardly surprising, given its serious application.
Next up is allowing location services to work with the App (it would obviously be useless without this information). You then need to enter your mobile number.

That is all there is to setting up the App.

There is a Test function which shows you how it works. By scrolling the screen you will see the co-ordinates and address for your current location.

When used in earnest, the App automatically dials the correct emergency number for the country in which you are, and sends the message "Help! Go to www.echo112.com to find me". The operator will then confirm the message.

Cost
The App is free and has absolutely no advertising distraction.

Indispensability
In my view, as the App exists, you should have it; it really is that simple.

As an example of how it could have worked for me... I was travelling on the motorway late at night; it was dark (hardly surprising). I suddenly saw headlights rushing towards me, on my carriageway. Fortunately an accident was avoided and I immediately called the emergency services to warn other road users. I was so shocked by what had just happened that I was not even sure of exactly where I was on the motorway.

If echo112 had existed, it would have made everyone's life easier.

Dependability
This system has been field tested by the Swiss Emergency services for the last two years and is now being made available to everyone.

Security
Athough I would normally warn of the potential pitfalls of allowing location services, in this instance, go for it.

ACIDS Test Rating:

The only decision: which corner of your home screen.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get echo112 here and support for the App here.

New App Update Reminder Service

A new service has been launched which will allow you to subscribe to information about updates to Apps.

This is aimed mainly at people who have read a review and thought… “This sounds great but, if only…” It’s for those Apps that nearly do (or did) what you wanted but were missing a feature that you really need, or have a quirk that you really don’t like.

At the moment, if you download an App then, you will be notified through your App Store App, and iTunes, that an update is available. You will, however, not be notified that there has been an update to an App that you have not downloaded (not surprising really).

All you need do to subscribe (and of course, there is absolutely no cost) to the service is to choose one of these options:

1.         The best way is to write a comment on a review of an App that interests you, of the type “I would get this if it only…” Then, having submitted your comment, just subscribe to comments. This has the double benefit of not only keeping you informed but also letting the developer know of your requirements. Developers tend to read about their own product(s) on the blog, whereas your comments will not get to them through iTunes as you need to have downloaded the App already (and you’re not doing that because it doesn’t meet your requirements); vicious circle neatly broken.

2.         You will notice, towards the top right-hand side of the page ‘Subscribe To’ and underneath ‘All Comments’. Click on the title of the post (xxx – App review) and the text will change to ‘Comments’. Choose your favourite method of delivery and you will be kept updated.

3.         Click on ‘Links to this post’ at the end of any review that interests you. Then click on ‘Post Comments (Atom)’ and choose your preferred method of delivery.

4.         Similar to ‘2.’Towards the top right-hand side of the page you will see ‘Subscribe To’ and underneath ‘All Comments’. If you choose this (and you are on the home page of the blog), you will receive notification of all comments on all posts. I would not recommend this unless you really want to receive comments and very many update notification on all sorts of Apps; your call.

And while writing this, a quick word to developers… if you issue an update and only state ‘bug fix’ as the ‘improvement’, you are unlikely to gain new customers.

Blogsy - App Review

There are three ways to use Blogsy:

• Create great blog posts including pictures and totally customisable text
• Use html to directly create blog posts
• Send customised e-mails.... like choose font, colour, and size.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
It's worth noting that Blogsy is only available on the iPad.

There are a large number of 'how to' videos provided with/within the App; 19 to be precise, as well as a very comprehensive how-to guide, and a FAQ section. Before you start using Blogsy in earnest, I would suggest you tackle either the How-To Videos, or How-To Guide. This is not to say that Blogsy isn't intuitive, it's just that there is so much of it that you could well miss out on some great features. Just as an example (and it is one of many), you will find out how to embed Tweets in your blog; I've been doing that for a long time but wish I'd seen an easy explanation like the one provided in Blogsy; that would have saved me hours of work and frustration.

This includes providing a video when there is an update to notify and demonstrate the salient points; very neat.

At its simplest, Blogsy provides you with a blank canvas with tools at the top (bold, italic, underline, alignment, bulleting, font (colour, size and background)), augmented by links down the right hand side to pictures, Facebook, YouTube, and many more, as well as email. This last one (email) is magic as you can finally send emails with everything formatted just how you want, including links that look good and work.

If you are into html then, a simple three finger swipe brings up your work in html, complete with appropriate keyboard.

Blogsy really needs much more than a few hundred words for a proper review. The attention to detail is truly amazing… just as an example, look at the logo (you might need a magnifying glass); truly amazing.

If you are into blogging then I suggest you give Blogsy a try; you won't be disappointed.

Cost
This is a modestly priced App, and very well worth the money. There is also 'à la Apple' advertising on your posts (unless you change the option); they will include "Posted with Blogsy".

Indispensability
It's really a question of how sophisticated your blog posts are. If they include lots of fonts and styles and photographs and pictures then Blogsy is indispensable. It could also be that you are currently limited, and Blogsy will open the world up to you. Additionally, if you need to be able to format emails as you choose, and use an iPad then, Blogsy is the solution.

Dependability
Absolutely no problems reported during testing.

Security
You need to give Blogsy access to your blog(s), so ensure that your iPad is secured by password, as a bare minimum.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Worth it just for e-mails!

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get Blogsy here and support for the App here.

Beesy App - Updated to 1.61

The developers of this 5 Star ACIDS Test rated application (here for full review) have recently issued an update to version 1.61; this update included a number of significant enhancements.

I am a great fan of Dropbox and Beesy now allows you to export your data seamlessly to Dropbox and then keep everything in sync. Part of the beauty of this is that it is not simply a dump of your data but is carefully organised in directories within your Dropbox and, of course, on your PC Dropbox directory.

Most meetings start with reviewing action (or lack of it) from the previous meeting. Beesy has added a nifty little device to allow you to easily add a note from a previous note. This means that incomplete actions do not need to be entered each time. If you are the note taker (and if you are reading this, there’s a fair chance you are), you might like to keep this little timesaver to yourself… so as not to encourage the ‘we’ll look at it next time’ syndrome from your meeting colleagues.

You now have the possibility to send your notes (obviously, fully structured and complete) by another of my personal favourite formats, PDF. This is a modest cost in-App purchase but saves you paper by the (waste)bucketful.

It goes without saying that Beesy, with this latest release, keeps its top rating.

ViaMichelin Mobile - App Review

Viamichelin.com has been around for quite some time, as a source of travel information, in particular road maps. ViaMichelin Mobile is the iOS App version.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You can browse maps to your heart's content; the really good part is in establishing routes, and that could hardly be simpler or more comprehensive.

You start by choosing your mode of transport (car, motorbike, bicycle, or foot). The next step is to pick your starting point. If it is where you are then this can be set with one tap otherwise, start entering the destination and the App produces an ever decreasing list of alternatives; choose the one you want. After this, simply do exactly the same to establish the finishing point. Additional 'via' points can be added, as required.

Pressing 'Confirm' at this stage will bring you the required answer of the Michelin recommended route.

You can optionally choose various other parameters, which are all very easily set. These include types of route, such as fast, short, economy, or even scenic (discovery). Furthermore, you can favour motorways (or not), avoid tolls, sea crossings, as well as choosing distance units, currency, and fuel type.

Your chosen route is available (and readily switchable) as a scrollable and pinchable map, as well as step by step text instructions which are augmented by accurate representations of road signposts.

Cost
The App is free and supported by advertising. You could incur data transmission (especially roaming) costs when using the App when not connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Indispensability
If you travel and don't have a fully-fledged navigation system and have a co-driver then, this is extremely useful while on the road. It is also excellent for quickly establishing distances and times between places.

Dependability
The App works without hiccup, just remember it needs to be connected to the Internet to make changes.

Security
There are no obvious security issues with the App but do not use it while driving yourself.

ACIDS Test Rating:

An excellent route planner.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get ViaMichelin Mobile here and support for the App here.

Animal sounds HD : Moo box (Free) ! - App Review

A good way to keep little children amused and to learn the sounds made by various animals.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Choose form nearly 80 animals in tiled pictures and you get an enlarged photograph. Touch this representation of the animal and get the animal's noise repeated twice.

The pleasant part is that the noise is only repeated twice (although you can keep touching the image for more).

Cost
The App is free and funded partly by advertising at the foot of the screen, as well as in-App purchases for additional animals.

Indispensability
For appropriately aged children, this is a good distraction, as well as a learning tool.

Dependability
There is no problem, unless you abort an in-App purchase and then you have to cancel a publicity window a couple of times.

Security
The App is entirely downloaded so there are no concerns from that point of view. Be careful with in App purchases (especially as you might be lending your iOS device to a child. See Restrict In-App Purchases.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Great distraction and learning tool.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get Animal sounds HD here and support for the App here.

Pocket Informant Pro - App Review

Do you remember carrying around your ever more bulging Filofax? If you ever mislaid your trusted Filofax, the panic instantly set in (don't pretend otherwise)... not only did you no longer have a clue where you should be, or what you should be doing but, all your notes and ancillary information were also missing, and what was worse (unless you're a doctor), anyone finding it could read everything you had written.

Well, this is a modern equivalent, and goes further than other PIM (Personal Information Managers). You can sleep at night knowing that not only is your information backed up (try doing that with a Filofax) but it is protected with one or more passwords.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There are three ways to look at this App:

First way:

If you learn by using and if you've never used a PIM, or even a Calendar (not even the iOS native one?), or a reminder/task system then, you're about to enter Ali Baba's cave. The best way to start is to download the App and enter some information, be it an appointment, to-do, note (even a voice note). Now start playing "I wonder if I could..." and experiment to your heart's content.

Second way:

You've never used a PIM before and like to learn by having things neatly explained (aren't you the sensible one). In this instance, download the App, go to 'Settings' and towards the bottom of the listing you will see 'Download iBook Manual'. Pick this optional and you will now have 100 pages of reading. Enjoy, digest and then come back to the App.

Third way:

Your electronic gadgets (whether iPhone, iPad, PC...) contain everything that allows you to operate on a day to day basis (exactly like your Filofax did) then, you are in for a treat (although you will need to invest a little time first). If you use MS Outlook, I would suggest downloading WebIS Desktop Sync and following the straightforward instructions to port across your data from your PC to your iOS device. Although this is provided 'as is', it works perfectly well. There is also an additional product, Pocket Informant Online that synchronises all your data in the cloud.

Whichever way you have started using the App, you will have a full- featured diary, reminder system and note taker. Everything is so customisable that it is only with use (unless you really are going to trawl through the 100pp of the manual) that you appreciate the App .Think of Pocket Informant as Outlook with pictorial categories; if that whets your appetite, dive in.

Cost
There are a number of different variations of Pocket Informant; the version tested here is the 'Pro' version, which is a modest cost App (less than one year's diary sheets for a Filofax).

Indispensability
If you start using Pocket Informant, it will rapidly become part of your dock (the Apps at the bottom of your home screen).

Dependability
Everything works as expected... if one really wants to nit-pick then the synchronising with Outlook can take a little while but, so what.

Security
If you do not use Pocket Informant Online then, all your data is on your devices, and nowhere else. As usual, you should protect your valuable data using passwords and the App allows you to assign a four character lock code.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Stay organised, everywhere.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get Pocket Informant Pro here and support for the App here.

LowRx - Discount Prescription Card V2 - App Review

In deference to you, as well as the hardworking developer, this is a review of the just-released version 2 of LowRx. This is sufficiently different to the original to warrant another visit; don't worry; you are not suffering from déjà vu when you read this.

Here's an App that not only uses Passbook but saves you money. This is the little brother of MedMory that was reviewed a little while back, so also enables you to save on prescriptions but without the reminders.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App is extremely straightforward.

At first use, you are invited to allow LowRx to use your current location. It is a good idea to allow this (although you can always go to 'Settings' later to review your choice), as (especially of you are not at home), the information will help find local pharmacies. You are now prompted to enter your name and 10 digit telephone number

Following on from this you have a choice of three options:

1. Add to Passbook with location

This is the recommended option as not only are your details entered onto Passbook but, additionally, you will receive an alert when you are getting near to a pharmacy.

2. Add to Passbook no location

This is identical to the first option but you will not receive any alerts.

3. Add to Home Screen only

This merely provided a shortcut to your Rx Card via the App, so no use of Passbook, and no alerts.

From within the App you have access, at any time, to pharmacies either in your immediate vicinity, or you can search for other dispensaries at specific addresses. This information is viewable either on a map or as a list, complete with links to a detailed, step by step, route, and even the ability to directly dial the number by pressing the telephone icon (very neat).

In addition there is a prescription estimator enter the name of your prescription drug and the quantity; you are then presented with a target price for the selected drug, together with generic versions (if available), as well as alternatives within the therapeutic class. This has the additional use of your being able to discuss with your prescriber if a less expensive alternative could be substituted. It is important to pick a drug that appears on the list as you enter the name. You can save further money by taking advantage of coupons, as and where these are available.

You might also get lucky and win the $200 sweepstakes which looks like it is going to get started next month. The detailed rules are in the App.

All you need do is present the 'Event Ticket' from passbook, or from within the App to the pharmacist to benefit from low-priced medication.

Cost
The App is not only free but also devoid of advertising.

Indispensability
If you are in the USA, it would seem churlish to refuse low-priced prescriptions. If you are outside the USA, the pharmacy locator works (although you will need a USA iTunes account to download the App).

Dependability
The App is straightforward; just remember that 'available' medications are listed as you type your choice, and pick them, rather than typing more.

Security
The only interaction is if you allow location services, as well as potentially accessing Passbook.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Help push down your Rx prices.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get LowRx - Discount Prescription Card V2 here and support for the App here.

LowRx - Discount Prescription Card - App Review

Here's an App that not only uses Passbook but saves you money. This is the little brother of MedMory that was reviewed a little while back, so also enables you to save on prescriptions but without the reminders.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App is extremely straightforward. The home screen is split into four:

Information, which basically describes the three other options.

Membership Card, where you merely enter your name and telephone number, in order to create your account.

Pharmacy locator (fairly self-explanatory)... the easiest way to use this is to turn location services on for LowRx and let the App find all pharmacies near your current location.

Drug Estimator: enter the name of your prescription drug and the quantity; you are then presented with a target price for the selected drug, together with generic versions (if available), as well as alternatives within the therapeutic class. This has the additional use of your being able to discuss with your prescriber if a less expensive alternative could be substituted.

All you need do is present the 'Event Ticket' from passbook to the pharmacist to benefit from low-priced medication.

Cost
The App is Free.

Indispensability
If you are in the USA, it would seem churlish to refuse low-priced prescriptions. If you are outside the USA, the pharmacy locator works (although you will need a USA iTunes account to download the App).

Dependability
The App is straightforward and stable.

Security
The only interaction is if you allow location services.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Help push down Rx prices.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get LowRx here and support for the App here.

iTunes Surprises

Have you ever taken your eyes off your iPad/iPhone, having lent it to a child? The temporary peace and quiet is then found to have been at a price because the little darling/big monster has chosen to avail themselves of in App purchases. 

Here’s a simple way to make sure it doesn’t happen again:

Go to Settings and then choose General and Restrictions. Now enable restrictions; you will be required to enter and repeat a four digit passcode (probably a good idea to use a different passcode to that used on your device).  Towards the bottom of the screen you will see ‘In-App Purchases’ set this to ‘OFF’. This will have the desired effect at this level, although you could additionally set ‘Require Password’ to ‘Immediately’.

This should ensure fewer surprises in your iTunes account

Montreux Jazz Festival - App Review

It seems appropriate that this review is posted on the day that the programme for the 2013 Montreux Jazz Festival is released (scheduled for 12:30 CET); the first one that will take place without its founder, the late and much missed Claude Nobs. The version under review is 4.6.3, which was updated yesterday.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
This is an iPhone App and works on an iPad in 1X or 2X mode.

There are a number of buttons which allow you to choose:

Videos: a selection of videos from recent festivals.

Gallery: 54 photographs from past concerts that can be enlarged to full screen.

Fan Wall: choose between recent messages and those posted near you (if you have allowed notifications).

Shop: fairly obvious really.

Links: equally obvious.

Locations: A map showing you the various potential locations of performances.

Favorites (sic): any previous page you have chosen to make a favourite.

To call this an App is a misnomer. It is no more than a series of links and most are not even optimised for iOS.

Cost
It's free, any more and I'd be asking for my money back. If you aren't using the 'App' through wi-fi, beware of data usage costs.

Indispensability
Totally, dispensable, that is. You'd be better off having a folder called ' Montreux Jazz Festival ' in your browser and bookmark anything on the main site that interests you.

Dependability
Not much to go wrong really.

Security
If you enable location services, you might just meet someone you did/did not want to see.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Not a patch on the festival.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get Montreux Jazz Festival here and support for the App here.