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.

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:

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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.

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:

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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.

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:

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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.

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.

Over There - App Review

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

Now for the ACIDS test:

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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.