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:

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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.

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:

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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.

deGeo Camera - App Review

If you thing that sharing a photo with someone means that you are sharing just an image, think again.

The Exif which your iOS device uses includes a multitude of information (check out just how much and start worrying); just one aspect of this data refers to the GPS location... so share your photo and (potentially unwittingly) share the location.

Although this may well be benign most of the time, there are occasions where this could lead to unwelcome snooping.

This App does not store the GPS location, so you can't accidentally divulge it either.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Before starting actually using the App, take a look at the settings wheel. This allows you to choose whether to save basin metadata (time stamp) and also set gestures (swiping left/right/up/down) . These can be assigned to e-mailing the last photo, open photo browser, switching camera, or taking a photo (there is also the ubiquitous button to do this).

You now have a 'normal' camera to use as you would any other.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Although it may well be indispensable, you should consider your security when sharing images.

You could also turn off location sharing in your settings on your iOS device.

Dependability
Having run checks, there is no location information on photos taken with the App, unlike those taken with your iOS camera

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front. This App is about increasing your security, although it needs access to your photos file.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Gesture driven is a bonus.

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

You can get deGeo Camera here and support for the App here.

TripRider - App Review

The developer says "Plan your trip with absolute freedom. Organise your travel plans, document your journey, share your trip and keep all trip details in one place. Easy to use. Works off-line. Your travel companion on the go".

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The first thing to do is create a new trip. This is easily done by choosing the scooter icon and then entering information: start and end dates, destination countries, base currency and budget, as well as other currencies (and the App automatically gets a current exchange rate).

You can now add information to your trip such as travellers (either manually or from your contacts), trip plan for each day (accommodation, including adding PDF like your confirmation booking), and estimated cost, add maps, packing list, wallet (this is to store your credit card, documents, tickets, and any other items).

Cost
The App Costs $5.

Indispensability
It's great either for travellers who need to get organised, or those who want to ensure that they have all the information they need.

Dependability
The exchange rate is the official rate; you won't get the same for notes.

Security
You can add an optional password for your wallet. Your information can be backed up to Dropbox.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Complete travel planning (and you can then edit to remember what really happened).

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

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

Super Sharp - App Review

And now, for something completely different... a game... and different to anything I've ever seen before.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The cop out would be to say that it is so unlike anything else that it's too difficult to explain! The truth is that you use a finger movement to cut pieces from a form (think of it as a pair of very sharp scissors)... and the piece that drops off needs to hit a small cube (or more). As you hit the cubes you progress.

It might sound silly but it is very clever and highly addictive (you have been warned).

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
Games are not indispensable but sometimes (just sometimes mind) you need to concentrate on something 'else'.

Dependability
At first you might think that the App does not work; it does, it just takes a little getting used to.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Government health warning: this is an addictive game... but more importantly you need to concentrate so it is great to relax.

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

You can get Super Sharp here and support for the App here.