Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop - App Review

Our connected lives are great... until we get disconnected. This App (together with PC versions) allows you to be wherever, and still have access to your desktop.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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In order to get the App running, your PC needs Splashtop Streamer installed on your PC. having downloaded Splashtop Personal you will now need to run it on your PC and create a Splashtop account (free of charge); this can be done either on your PC or within the App.

Launching the App will invite you to log in to your Splashtop account (or create one). You will now be invited to set the screen resolution From a choice of 800x600, 1024x768, native, and best fit.

Now, as if by magic, you will see your computer screen on your iOS device. You can now do whatever it is you wanted to do, just as if you were in front of your PC screen.

Cost
The App Costs $5.

Indispensability
This is probably not something you will use every day but, provided your PC is switched on, you can remotely access it.

Dependability
Although the App works fine, within the obvious constraints of screen size (more on iPhone that iPad), when connected other streaming services stop working.

Security
The potential for mischief is enormous; be careful.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Remotely access your PC.

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

You can get Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop here and support for the App here.

CamCard - App Review

Although we are clearly living in a digital age, some people still proffer business cards. It then takes tome and effort to enter the information into your contacts. CamCard reduces the drudgery.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Start by taking a photo of a business card; the App will detect the edges and then show you the information found, entered into the appropriate fields.

This information can now be edited before hitting Save. You are at this stage able to create groups, as well as choosing to which account to save the information.

You will now find your new contact ion your address book.

You can also sign up for a free account which will also allow you to exchange cards.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Clearly you can continue to enter information in time-honoured fashion but, this saves time, especially if you have a large number of business cards to add to your address book.

Dependability
You do need to check the information before saving it as errors do occur.

Security
The App needs access to your contacts.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Save time after a trade show...

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

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

Legend - App Review

As 'legend' could mean an unverified/historical story, it's fortunate that the full title of the App (Legend - Animate Text in Video & GIF) makes it clear that it deals more with an explanatory caption. End of lesson.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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After the welcome screen you can enter text, as well as take a picture, choose one from your albums, or search Flickr.

Having done that hit Next and wait for the App to make some suggested animations.

You can now choose the background and text colour from the suggested palette.

All you need do now is send your message as a message or e-mail.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
The App is an easy way to tart up your messages, and created animated GIFs.

Dependability
On occasions the App can be somewhat slow; be patient.

Sometimes a publicity link for the App is appended to your creation, but is easily removed.

Security
As ever, be careful what you share.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Animated text.

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

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

Pomodoro Pro - App Review

Anything that helps achieve tasks in a timely manner is worth taking a look at (have you set aside time for 'improvement?).

If you're not familiar with the Pomodoro Technique then take a look at the link; it's another methodology for getting things done, based around 25 minute steps (this is the default but easily changed).

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You are welcomed by a screen that gives you clues of how to best use the App. Gestures including swiping left to delete a task, or left to delete the current task, swiping up to mark a task as completed and tapping to start the 25 minute timer.

Once you are into the meat of the App, you enter a task name and start the timer.

The settings allow you to set a sound for the timer (having a ticking sound in the background is an acquired taste... although Charles Dickens possibly had to put up with it).

In order to synchronise across devices, you will need to register for an account.

Cost
The App costs $2.

Indispensability
Getting things dome is not an option but a necessity. Pomodoro seems to add a sense of urgency which may be what you need.

Dependability
There are no surprises with this App, just as it should be.

Security
Apart from the optional account registration, this is a standalone App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Get things done with Pomodoro rather than delaying them until pomeriggio (little Italian joke).

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

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

SaferVPN - App Review

You might think that VPN (Virtual Private Network) is something for large organisations; absolutely not, it's for you.

Sometimes you need to be somewhere else than you are physically. Have you ever wanted to watch your favourite TV show but couldn't because of access restrictions, or wanted to hide your IP address? Safer VPN takes care of this and many things besides.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You can start a free trial by simply entering your e-mail and setting up a password.

You can now choose your location (that is the location that you wish to appear to be in) from:

Australia
Austria
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Israel
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Russia
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States (East or West)

Now press the Connect button and wait a second or two... the button changes to Connecting and then Disconnect.

At the same time you will notice your iOS device has a VPN icon towards the top left of the screen.

That's all there is to it until you hit Disconnect.

Cost
You can try the App for free and then upgrade to unlimited data and the full list of countries by an in App purchase for $6 per month (if purchased annually), with options for multiple devices at the same time for an additional fee.

It is important to note that the App can be used on multiple devices (but not at the same time), as well as on a PC.

Indispensability
If you never leave your 'home' country, and it has unrestricted Internet access, and you don't care who knows where you are then, you have no need for a VPN App; for the rest of us, this is, on occasions, a necessity. Most VPN Apps require the installation of VPN configurations; SaferVPN does not so it is very easy to set up.

Dependability
It works as described; you can easily check your IP address and see how it changes as you alter the VPN location.

Security
This App enhances your security although, anyone determined would also be able to work out that you are using a VPN. Unless there is IP level blocking, this shouldn't be an issue. The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Easily change location for iOS and PC (Mac and Android as well but not tested).

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

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