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Wednesday 28 December 2016

Shopping List Shoppylist - App Review



I hate shopping (just thought I'd get that out of the way first). If you prefer to have things done in an orderly fashion, this will help.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You start off by creating and naming a list, and then tap the icon at the bottom right of the screen to add an item. The thing that differentiates this App from mere lists (and many other so-called shopping lists) is that there are categories.

Once you've got your list together, you can sort it various ways but, the one that makes all the difference is 'Sort List by Category'. This means that you can save time when making your purchases as they are grouped the same way as in the shop (hopefully anyway).

Tapping any item will move it to the Bought list so as to make things clearer.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Shoppylist can be added to the Notification Center which is a useful addition... as long as you don't overload the Notification Center.

Dependability
The App works as expected.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Speed up your shopping... more time for other things.

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


You can get Shopping List Shoppylist here and support for the App here.


Thursday 22 December 2016

V Creator - MLM - App Review



If you're into Multi-level marketing (MLM) then, this App could help you stay organised.

In fairness, it could also be helpful if you are in any sales proactive sales type environment.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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It all hinges around contacts (but you knew that already). So, you start by adding contacts. Rather helpfully these can be sourced from your iOS address book, as well as being input manually. Apart from seeing the telephone and contact details, there is the helpful function of entering notes and of a one tap action to send an e-mail.

Contacts are then assigned various attributes, such as new contact, customer, affiliate, rejector, or even dream stealer.

These act as filters which can be turned on/off with a tap.

You also add your 'dreams' which can include images as well as text. If you're not into MLM, think of this as targets (although not necessarily numerical ones).

Cost
The App Costs $10, which isn't cheap but, does provide a tidy way to keep on top of your prospects/contacts.

Indispensability
If you're into MLM (or any sales environment), you need structure to be able to carry out the follow-ups required. This is an option (the App, not the discipline, that is a must).

Dependability
The App really is very simple to use and intuitive.

Security
Apart from the (optional) need to access your contacts, the App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A great MLM follow-up tool.

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


You can get V Creator - MLM here and support for the App here.


Friday 16 December 2016

Multiple Exposure - App Review



It's strange how things which used to happen 'accidentally' are now sought-after. For those of you who had a 'wind-on' camera in the good old days of film, how often did you forget to advance the film and ended up with an irritating (albeit sometimes amusing) double exposure. This App enables you to achieve a similar effect on purpose.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The basic screen has two buttons , a small button to expose a photo, and a larger to expose a photo and save it photo to your photo library.

There are adjustments for exposure and colours that will allow you to refine your effects.

For those of you who would like some help in how to create appealing effects, there is a very good site here.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
If you're looking for a simple way to create multiple exposure images, this is easy to use.

Dependability
The App works although, don't expect a fully-featured 'Photoshop' solution... and especially, it would be unreasonable to expect it at this price.

Security
The App needs access to your camera and photos.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Recreate those accidental effects but, so much better.

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


You can get Multiple Exposure here and support for the App here.


Monday 12 December 2016

Meteor Notes - App Review



If the basic 'Notes' App that comes bundled with iOS ticks all the boxes for you then, this App is just for everybody else. On the other hand, if you are looking at organising your notes, as well as many other features then , take a look at Meteor Notes.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The first, very obvious, difference with plain vanilla Notes is that you have folders, so your notes can be organised. All you need do is create a folder and choose where you want it in your folder hierarchy.

When you create a note (just by using the +) you at the same time choose which folder it should be stored in.

You can also easily create folders for photos.

Folders and files can be moved by pressing and holding, selecting Move and then pressing and holding the destination and choosing between Insert Before/Insert After/Cancel Move.

It is also straightforward to manage bulleted lists. Just type a bullet, hyphen or asterisk to start a list and the App will use that as the template.

To find a note simply use the magnifying glass icon and enter what you are looking for.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
A note taking App is absolutely essential; if you are looking for a little bit more then, this App is well worth a second look.

Dependability
The App worked as expected.

Security
You can easily backup and import your notes from Dropbox, as well as broadcasting over HTTP.

The App needs access to your photos if you intent using these in your notes hierarchy.

ACIDS Test Rating:

More than just unstructured notes.

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


You can get Meteor Notes here and support for the App here.


Tuesday 6 December 2016

Alarmy (Sleep if U Can) Pro - App Review



Do you have difficulty getting up in the morning, despite using an alarm?

This is another App that takes a slightly different approach to just making noise.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There is a tutorial when you first use the App which could well be worthwhile investing the few moments that it will take you to complete.

You start by adding an alarm... and this is where you will notice the different approach as the alarm types include 'take a picture, shake, and math problems'.

You can, of course, choose repeating alarms, as well a number of different (and I mean different) sounds.

There are also settings for length of time the alarm runs... up to 9 hours.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
This all depends on whether or not traditional alarm clocks cut the mustard for you.

Dependability
This is an iPhone App which works in 1x and 2x modes on an iPad.

The developer advises that 'due to a bug in iOS 10.0.x, you might experience incorrect alarm notification sound. If this happens, please reboot your iPhone once after installing this app'.

In fairness, this was not noticed in testing.

Security
The App needs to be able to send notifications to your iOS device, and optionally access your location (to enable weather forecasts).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Wake up!

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


You can get Alarmy (Sleep if U Can) Pro here and support for the App here.


Wednesday 30 November 2016

Nonagon Pro - App Review



Do you sometimes feel that your brain is getting rusty?

Try this App to confirm that you're probably right (or better still, wrong) and then do something about it.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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When you start, you are faced with the choice of 4 modes: normal, timer, negation, and impossible... it's probably best to start with 'normal'.

The basic idea is to match the displayed number with the target number. The 'number pad' displays various numbers (that was fairly obvious). The top of the screen displays the number of turns left, target, and the current 'go'. The base of the screen has the four operations (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).

It starts off fairly easy and rapidly becomes a real exercise in mental arithmetic... if you start with the times version, you have my admiration.

You cannot use any tile more than once (some numbers are repeated), and the operator remains constant until changed. A used tile changes colour so, that is one less thing you need to worry about.

PS A nonagon is a polygon with 9 sides.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
I'm sure you're thinking 'I don't need this'... try it and you could well become addicted.

Dependability
Don't worry about the App not working, it's your brain you need to be concerned about.

There doesn't seem to be a way to leave the App, except to close it.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A great pastime, and better for you than solitaire.

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


You can get Nonagon Pro here and support for the App here.


Thursday 24 November 2016

dB Decibel Meter - App Review



According to the US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): 'long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.'.
'Turn it up, I can't hear it...'
'Turn it down, it's too loud...'
... so which is it?
This handy App enables you to take a rather more scientific approach to sound/noise levels.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
For those of us who aren't too au fait with noise level measurements, the App can be extremely simple to use.

Simply press the large Start button and the screen will display the current reading, as well as the Maximum and Average values.

There is further tweaking available by low/high (quiet and loud environment) and slow/fast response options.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
Unless you are in the business of measuring noise levels (and you'll probably have dedicated, calibrated equipment) then, this is probably a very useful App to be able to 'prove a point'.

Dependability
In testing, slightly different values were obtained by using different devices. This could, of course, be caused by cases used so, beware (unless you want to bias your results).

Be careful when hitting the Start not to tap it with a nail as that will provide a high reading.

The only way I found to reset the App was to close it completely.

Security
The App needs access to your iOS device's microphone.

ACIDS Test Rating:

The argument between 'Turn it up, I can't hear it...' and 'Turn it down, it's too loud...'... settled by an impartial App

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


You can get dB Decibel Meter here and support for the App here.


Friday 18 November 2016

Fotoffiti - App Review



To be honest, I think most graffiti is akin to visual pollution, and as such, a nuisance. It is however also difficult to pretend that some wall art is just that, art.

This App is really atypical of the normal reviews but, to budding Banksys out there, it is worth a look.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There are various settings that you can effect:

Wall - choose from painted or raw brick, wooden plank, or cement
Effect - select paint and background colours, as well as contrast

Having done this, you are ready to shoot (or you can do it the other way around).

The picture can now be resized and rotated, as well as having various shapes added.

It's as easy as that to create non-invasive graffiti.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you need to choose between defacing someone's property and doing it electronically, please do not hesitate; use this App.

Dependability
This App is really very easy to use and the effects created are very realistic.

Security
The App needs access to your camera and photos to be able to operate.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Truly realistic graffiti.

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


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


Monday 14 November 2016

BlackCam - Black & White Camera - App Review



Sometimes a black and white (not to mention all the shades of grey) photograph adds much more than removing colours. This App enables you to take advantage of this.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App allows you to set brightness and contrast by means of slider controls, as well as a circular filter.

The really clever part is that the black and white (and there is a choice of classic, vintage (and deep), noir, gleam, various contrasts, and plenty more) can all be set before taking a photo.

Somehow, knowing that you took a photo and did not touch it up afterwards is so much more satisfying.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
If you're into black and white photography, this App is well worth looking at.

Dependability
The App worked perfectly under testing.

Security
The App needs access to your camera, and optionally your photos.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Create real black and white photos.

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


You can get BlackCam - Black & White Camera here and support for the App here.


Tuesday 8 November 2016

Kiwake Alarm Clock - App Review



Do you have difficulty getting up in the morning, despite using an alarm?

This App takes a different approach.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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To start with you set an alarm (fairly obvious really). Apart from the time, day(s) and sound, there are additional parameters (exactly what makes this App different).

The first one is a 'cooldown' time; view this as how long you can stay in bed after the alarm has chimed.

Next you need to enter reference pictures. These are objects that you cannot see from your bed (don't cheat). The alarm will ask you to take a photo of a picture which will have to match.

Now you need to select a game (falling tiles, memory tiles, shapes and colours, shell, or timing ring). You can choose more than one and there will then be a random choice, as well as a level of difficulty and recurrence.

You can also add goals to remember why you need to get up.

Now just press Set night mode and sleep soundly.

The next think you will get is a pleasant alarm and a big button to Start the process. Yo can skip the cooldown but not the rest of your routine.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
If you have difficulty getting up in the morning (or whenwever it is you need to get up) then, give this App a try.

Dependability
There's no snooze button... and that's the good news

Security
The App needs access to your location, camera, and pictutes to be able to function correctly.

This is an iPhone App which works in 1x and 2x modes on an iPad.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Never snooze lazily again.

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


You can get Kiwake Alarm Clock here and support for the App here.


Wednesday 2 November 2016

Over There - App Review



This App allows you to share your location without needing Internet access.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The screen looks a bit like a DVD, where the map is displayed. Around this be found:

Time and time zone (can be turned on/off)
GPS accuracy in percent (and the type or co-ordinates can be chosen in settings)
Current speed (choose between mph, kph, and knots)
Altitude (choose between metres and feet)

But, most importantly, there is a button to Add the address to a contact, and even more so, a Share button. This enables you to show whoever you choose exactly where you are by e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
It's great for either saving exact locations, or sharing with others.

Dependability
In testing, the accuracy was stunning.

Security
The App needs access to your location in order to function. This is an iPhone App which works in 1x and 2x modes on an iPad.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Let others know EXACTLY where you are, easily.

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


You can get Over There here and support for the App here.


Thursday 27 October 2016

Car Camera DVR - App Review



Here's an App that offers to do only one thing; record HD definition videos while driving.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You'll need some way to get your iOS device affixed to your windscreen (there are plenty of cost-effective solutions). From then, all you need do is press the large Rec button and (optionally) set the focus lock. That's all there is to it, which makes it very easy to use.

There are a number of parameters that can be set (please make sure you do this before setting off:

Audio recording (on or off)
Resolution (640x480, 1280x720, 1920x1080)
Compression (low, medium, high)
Time (display on or off) - this is almost certainly best left on
Available memory - there is a neat page showing usage and availability on your iOS device.

Cost
The App Costs $4.

Indispensability
It's a bit like an insurance policy; you don't need it until you do and then, hope that you are covered. Clearly this would help your case if you were involved in an accident (hopefully at least).

Dependability
The App works very well, just ensure that the device is properly affixed.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front, although obviously you will need to manage recordings otherwise your memory will become saturated.

ACIDS Test Rating:

If you don't have it, you'll wish you did.

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


You can get Car Camera DVR here and support for the App here.


Friday 21 October 2016

Image to Excel - App Review



Now you might be wondering why you would want an App to add an image to Excel... the App's full moniker is actually 'Image to Excel Converter - OCR - Convert photos of tables and spreadsheets to Excel documents - Excel Scanner'. A bit much of a mouthful but, more accurately reflects what this App is all about.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The basic screen is simplicity personified; choose between Camera and Photos and (once you have taken a photo or imported one, a list of files.

Pick a file and you will see your image as a table, then go to Share at the bottom left of the screen and pick Copy to Excel..

Your photo now appears as a fully editable Excel spreadsheet, ready for you to do whatever you want with it.

It's as easy as that.

Cost
The App is absolutely Free. In order to remove the delay in conversion, you can upgrade for $10.

Indispensability
If you are an avid Excel user and frequently need to manually enter data that is already in tabular format, this App will save you many hours of time-consuming copy typing.

There are also many instances where you could obtain tabulated data and then be able to manipulate it in Excel (screen grab being a very obvious one... and not necessarily your screen).

Dependability
The App definitely works best when handling tabular information, although will also handle more haphazard layouts. The quality of the OCR is amazingly good.

Security
The App needs access to your camera, and/or photos, as well as an Internet connection to carry out the conversion.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Image to Excel without pain.

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


You can get Image to Excel here and support for the App here.


Monday 17 October 2016

Red Dot Camera - App Review



We're all getting so used to just pointing and clicking (or touching) to get a photo that the art (and science) of photography is rapidly disappearing.

This App enables you to set parameters as in the good old days (and with click wheels at that) so that the photograph you take is defined before you hit the shutter, and not touched up afterwards (although you could still do that).

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Apart from the click wheels (we'll come back to those shortly), the other obvious area on your iOS device are a couple of rectangular boxes. theses represent the equivalent of what your shot would look like using a 35/28 mm lens; you can also, optionally, hide these lines, which you probably will after a bit of use.

The click wheels allow you to set the ISO (30-1,600) so as to compensate for different levels of lighting, shutter speed (1/4 TO 1/8,000) to allow you to be especially creative where there are moving objects (or even people), and exposure compensation (-3 TO +3) to ensure colours are well defined (only available if at least one of the other wheels is set to automatic).

You also have access to a timer (2, 10, and 309 seconds), as well as flash on/off/automatic.

The chosen settings are beautifully confirmed at the bottom of the screen.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
Of course, it's your call, as your iOS device already has a camera but, it's worth a bit of effort.

Dependability
It's great to be able to see the effect that changing settings will have on the exposure; very much the best of both worlds.

Security
In order to get the full benefit of the App, it needs to have access to your photos and location.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Control photos before taking them.

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


You can get Red Dot Camera here and support for the App here.


Tuesday 11 October 2016

MetaMoji Note - App Review



Oh no, another note taking App... yes but this one is nothing like the iOS bundled 'Notes'. If you're looking for something with more oomph then, this might be just what you've been waiting for.... but if all you want is just to type in a bit of text then, this would be overkill.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The first thing to note is that the developers have kindly stored some samples in a folder titled 'Sample for iOS'. Take a look at some of the documents that have been created and you will immediately appreciate that this is much more than another simple note taking App.

If you tap the '+' and start to create your first note, the first choice is the type of paper. Once you have got that you are in possession of a 'plain' sheet on which you can enter text (or not).

Each item of text is individual and can be moved around the page, as well as defining the font, size, colour, bold, underline, and even strikethrough.... and can then be erased just as in the traditional way.

There is also a freehand drawing tool where you can choose colour and thickness, as well as a very evocative pen/brush stroke.

Your note can, of course, be shared in many ways including (most unusually),as a preview of a PDF document.

Cost
The App Costs $8, although there is also a 'lite' version.

Indispensability
A note taking App is absolutely indispensable. Only you know what it is that you need.

Dependability
The App simply works, just as you would expect.

Security
In order to get started you need to create a free account that will necessitate you giving a valid e-mail address (so that you can validate the address).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Comprehensive note taker and idea grabber.

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


You can get MetaMoji Note here and support for the App here.


Wednesday 5 October 2016

GoMark - App Review



Having fairly recently reviewed an App which allowed you to remove information embedded in your photos, here's one that does exactly the opposite (it's horses for courses after all).

This App allows you to add location, weather, date, time, and altitude, all with some style.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
When you point your iOS device as a camera you will see a number of icons at the top of the screen. These allow you to choose to include weather conditions, location, time, date, altitude, and each of these with a variety of options to make it even more personalised.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
Your camera is probably indispensable but the additional information probably isn't... at least until you have a particular point to make about your exact shot (like snow with a high temperature...).

Dependability
The edit function allows you to change the location.

Security
The App needs to access your location and camera so that it can add relevant information.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Same photo, more info.

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


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


Thursday 29 September 2016

Hypelight - App Review



Oh no, not another camera... well yes but, the developer states: "Here comes the only app that can shoot, edit, and save in one go. With its convenient interface, never-before-seen editing tools, and powerful Dropbox-supporting album, 'HYPELIGHT' is the newest arena to unleash your passion for creativity".

Ambitious claims.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The best way to test an App is to use it, so just tae a photo with the big red button on the screen. You can of course choose either front or rear facing camera. Zoom is set with a slider control, rather than pinching the screen.

Having taken a photo (also can be set before), you can apply:

Filter - more choices than you can shake a sick at, and even then create your own
Crop, Flip, and Rotate (even though this is in 90 degree increments, there is than a straighten tool for fine adjustment)
Transform - change the perception of depth, as well as a distort function
Light, Colour can be played with to your heart's content
Replace colour - this is brilliant as you can even use a wheel to check both the source and destination colours

... and plenty more.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Even if you're not a camera buff, I'm sure there was at least once you wished you could easily change a colour.

Dependability
The App seems to work perfectly on an iPhone but not so happily on an iPad.

Security
The App really needs access to your camera and photos.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Much more than another camera.

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


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


Friday 23 September 2016

Approach Guides Wine for iPhone - App Review



Wine; whether you're a connoisseur or neophyte, you could always know more. This iPhone version means that the information will always be with you.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
In order to be able to fully use the App, you need to open a (Free) account but, the App is perfectly usable without this.

You can find wines by grape type, appellation, or food pairing.

Having found what you are looking for, you have a fairly detailed description of the appellation, or of the grape as grown in a particular country, including appropriate appellations.

This is certainly a worthwhile introduction.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
This is probably more aimed at the neophyte as there are no tasting notes and very limited producers listed but, being an iPhone App means that there is a good chance that you can check a wine 'on the fly'.

Dependability
The App is very easy to navigate and works as expected.

The App only works in portrait mode.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front. If you sign up then you are obviously providing a name and e-mail address.

ACIDS Test Rating:

All useful information for a wine lover and always on hand.

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


You can get Approach Guides Wine for iPhone here and support for the App here.


Monday 19 September 2016

mycl - my current location - App Review



What this App does is tell you where you are... to be honest, when I first saw this App, I couldn't really think of a use... that's because one has preconceptions.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
It really doesn't get much cleaner than this. The home screen has 5 options:

My Current Location (this is the business end)
Apple Watch & Notification Center
Contact (E-mail the developer)
Rate this application
Information (version and copyright information).

Press on My Current Location and up pops the address where you are. Apart from seeing the information, you can add it to an existing contact, or copy it to the clipboard.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
Although the App can clearly be a time saver in copying an address, it is also very useful in situations where you cannot see a road name.

Dependability
The App proved remarkably accurate in testing, although an Internet connection is needed.

Security
You need to give the App to your location (obvious really). The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.

ACIDS Test Rating:

It's free and very useful.

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


You can get mycl - my current location here and support for the App here.


Tuesday 13 September 2016

hyperPad - App Review



The developer says "Developing Apps has never been so easy! Create mobile games or media rich interactive apps like books, prototypes, and more with no coding.

Intrigued? Read on...

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Having set up your account, hit the button at the top right of the screen to create a new project (or you can opt to start with a sample instead; probably a good idea).

The screen has various icons which are or the project menu, scene properties, global properties, run current scene, undo, redo, and help
.
You grab objects from the dock and place them on the canvas (objects come from your asset library). The layers are about the same as sprites used to be.

The whole project revolves around items (visual and audio) that you import onto the canvas.

Cost
The App Costs $5, although there is also a free (limited) version, as well as an even fuller version for $10 per month or lifetime for $150.

Indispensability
If you want to create a bespoke game, or an interactive App, this is a good starting point.

Dependability
The App only works in landscape mode.

Security
In order to get started you need to create a free account that will necessitate you giving a valid e-mail address (so that you can validate the address).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Use your iPad to be creative, differently.

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


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


Wednesday 7 September 2016

Clutter Cam - App Review



Do you keep taking photos and then wonder why you did, or just find that your camera roll is getting hopelessly full?

This little App helps keep things tidier.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App works as a standard camera (front and rear facing).

Having taken a snap, you can either retake or use photo. In the latter case the photo is only stored in the App.

You can also import photos from your camera roll and then either delete them from the photo storage and have them filed in the App, or have them in both places.

Individual photos can be selected to easily message, e-mail, and all the other usual actions, including saving the image (in which case it will be in your camera roll).

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you are, for example, just taking a photo so that you can send it to someone (and have to wish to keep a copy) then, this App saves your valuable storage space.

Dependability
The App is designed for the iPhone but works fine on an iPad in 1x and 2x modes and works exactly as expected.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front, although photos are very easily shared in the normal way.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Useful space saver.

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


You can get Clutter Cam here and support for the App here.


Thursday 1 September 2016

Matcha 3 - App Review



If you're looking for a proper word preocessor, rather than a simple note taking App, take a look at Matcha 3.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App includes a few 'here's one I prepared earlier' documents (just like a cooking programme) which gives you an idea of the quality of results that can be obtained.

To add content (text, photos, tables, or other items), simply touch the appropriate icon on the menu bar. As text you can also add tags

If you add a photo (and have used other Apps and got frustrated) then, the availability of commands such as Crop/Scale, Fit, Full Screen will be a wonderful experience.

Something completely different is the Zen writing mode where non text items fade into the background and you are left to concentrate on wordsmithing. This mode also allows for easy style changes by just swiping the relevant paragraph; left gives access to paragraph styles; swiping right gives bulleted, numbered, or check box lists.

Having created an item you can also morph it into a 'to-do' by simply swiping the file and then adding a date and time; neat.

Text can be pinched and it will then resize, without affecting the underlying font parameters.

Cost
The App Costs $10.

Indispensability
If all you need is a simple note taking App, this is overkill but, if you are looking to prepare professional looking documents then, this is right up your street.

Dependability
Everything works really well, although the crop feature takes a little getting used to.

Security
Your documents can be synchronised with iCloud, Dropbox or Evernote; or you can just keep your documents on your iOS device.

ACIDS Test Rating:

If you want well-presented documents.

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


You can get Matcha 3 here and support for the App here.


Friday 26 August 2016

SA Contacts - Export/Import contacts to/from Excel - App Review



If you run more than one iOS device, or also have contacts on a PC or MAC... how many times have you been convinced that you updated a contact, only to find that the update is missing?

This App provides you with a safeguard.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Initially you need to access Settings so as to set where you would like to place your file (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box), together with other parameters. These include whether you will use all fields, photos, assign a filename (you could therefore use more than one), set the order, and how you will deal with duplicates and erasing.

When you Export/Import, you can choose all, and/or individual groups.

You now have a backup of your contacts.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
If you rely solely on iCloud to keep your contacts synchronised, on your head be it.

Dependability
The iPad version display is either iPhone screen size or you can use the 2X button to fill the screen.

To import from iTunes, the file needs to be on the SA Contacts App list, so that it can be synchronised.

Security
The App, obviously, needs access to your contacts.

There is the option of protecting your file with a password; this is highly recommended.


ACIDS Test Rating:

Backup, backup, backup or cry, cry, cry; the choice is yours.

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


You can get SA Contacts - Export/Import contacts to/from Excel here and support for the App here.


Monday 22 August 2016

Approach Guides Wine for iPad - App Review



Wine; whether you're a connoisseur or neophyte, you could always know more.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
In order to be able to fully use the App, you need to open a (Free) account but, the App is perfectly usable without this.

You can find wines by grape type, appellation, or food pairing.

having found what you are looking for, you have a fairly detailed description of the appellation, or of the grape as grown in a particular country, including appropriate appellations.

This is certainly a worthwhile introduction.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
This is probably more aimed at the neophyte as there are no tasting notes and very limited producers listed.

Dependability
The App is very easy to navigate and works as expected.

The App only works in landscape mode.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front. If you sign up then you are obviously providing a name and e-mail address.

ACIDS Test Rating:

All useful information for a wine lover.

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


You can get Approach Guides Wine for iPad here and support for the App here.