Lockscreen Wallpaper Designer - App Review

Do you want to change the wallpaper on your iOS device?

If you want to do more than just use a picture from your camera roll, this App might fit the bill.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Once you have granted the App access to your photographs, you can pick an image, and 'pastry cutter' it with one of the supplied shapes, as well as move the image within the shape.

Once you are happy with the result, just save the image to your device.

As with any other image, this can then be used as wallpaper.

Cost
The App costs $2.

Indispensability
If you are looking for the limited functionality of this App then, it is what you are looking for!

Dependability
Apart from not being able to place the image with great precision within the cut-out.

Security
This App is wholly downloaded and self-contained.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Simple but limited.

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

You can get Lockscreen Wallpaper Designer here and support for the App here.

Phone Doctor Plus - App Review

Do you sometimes wonder why your iPhone is slow, or whether it is working properly.

This App helps you sort things out and improve matters, as well as being a check (or bargaining ploy) when buying a used iPhone.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App is basically divided into 4 separate screens, each with its dedicated purpose:

Overview
This gives you information about hardware (external/internal devices, sensors, wireless), battery (time for which you can use based on current (ouch) usage and level of charge), storage, CPU, and Network.
Although there is a lot of information, albeit very neatly presented, all you really need to concentrate on are the 'thumbs up' or 'green tick' symbols (all's well) and and numbers in a red box. The latter indicate an area for improvement; just press the warning and you will be shown the solution, and how to carry out the operation.

Check-up
This area allows you to perform basic tests on a vast number of areas, each of which just needs a tap and then follow the clear instructions. These cover: multitouch, touch screen, display, earphones/microphone, speaker/microphone, headphone jack, camera, flash, home button, volume control, sleep/wake button, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, call function, storage, memory, specification (you need to enter the iPhone model but, if you get it wrong, the App lets you know), CPU, vibrator, GPS, cellular network, wi-fi, and Bluetooth.

Usage
Here is displayed memory, CPU, and network usage, all in real time.

Battery
Apart from, again, showing the time remaining, this shows you how to reduce consumption, as well as maintenance.

Cost
The App sells for a mere $1.

Indispensability
This is one of those Apps that you should have in your armoury, not necessarily for everyday use but, as a useful tool.

Dependability
Although I cannot guarantee that the information displayed is correct, I have every faith that it is.

The think to marvel at is how much technology is actually inside your iPhone.

Security
The 'More' screen allows you to bring the App to the attention of others by Facebook, Twitter, Weibo, or E-mail; there is sharing of information as such.

ACIDS Test Rating:

An indispensable tool.

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

You can get Phone Doctor Plus here and support for the App here.

MindMash - App Review

The developer describes the App as 'a canvas for your ideas'... that just about sums it up but, you need to try it to understand.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You are presented with a blank sheet and three icons:

Text
Type text and then hit save. The text is now on your canvas and can be moved or deleted (big white X on a red background).

Image
This can be an image from your iOS device, or take a photograph. The image can be resized by pinching, or moved with one finger.

Pen/Pencil
This allows you to draw rectangles, circles, straight lines, and free drawing.

You can create plenty of individual sheets, as well as undo actions.

Cost
The App is free.

Indispensability
This really is a great way of dealing with ideas, where the structure is up to you, and the uncluttered interface makes your ideas the centre of attention.

Dependability
The only issue seems to be that once you have committed an item, it cannot be resized (it can be moved), so you might need to delete it and create another of the correct size.

Security
You can share your creations on Facebook and Twitter.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Easy to use and very powerful.

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

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

Breathe Sync - App Review

How many times have you heard that 'stress is a killer'.

This App aims to reduce stress by getting your breathing and heart in sync.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You start off by entering some basic information about yourself (age) and for how long, and at what time you want to be reminded of the exercise.

The instructions are very straightforward: 'Gently place your index finger over the camera lens and flash', and you will also need to allow the App access to your camera.

You then need to concentrate on the circles displayed on the screen, breathing in as they increase in size, and exhaling when they diminish.

The App will display your WQ (Well-being Quotient). The publisher gives guidelines as to where you should be and how to improve (over 100 is where you want to aim).

You can track this information and hope to improve.

Cost
The App costs $5.

Indispensability
By nature, I am very sceptical but, this App seems very useful.

Dependability
The App works better without a cover on the iPhone (particularly a thick one). Finger placement seems to be fairly critical with the clue being: if there's no music, it's wrong.

Security
This is a standalone App so, no issues there. Be careful not to get too relaxed when you're breathing and drop your iPhone.

ACIDS Test Rating:

I'm hooked!

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

You can get Breathe Sync here and support for the App here.

Double Browser Pro for iOS 8 - App Review

There are times when you wish you could have multiple windows open at the same time in Safari; not just tbs.

This App offers two windows to browse.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You are presented with two separate windows to browse.

The controls are limited to home, forward, backward, refresh, and cancel for each window.

It's as basic as that.

Cost
The App costs $2.

Indispensability
There are times when you want to see 2 separate windows for browsing; when you need that, this App delivers.

Dependability
The home button doesn't seem to be modifiable, so it will always take you to your local Google search.

Pressing cancel clears both screens which is irritating.

Security
As there doesn't seem to be any customisation, you are unable to choose (or not) private browsing.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Safari in 2 windows

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

You can get Double Browser Pro for iOS 8 here and support for the App here.