What... no more reviews ?

Today, you 'should' be receiving an App review but, all good things come to an end... in this case, it might be more of a change in periodicity.

The first App review was published on this blog on 18th August, 2012 and over 5 years have elapsed since. During this time 442 Apps have received the STARS treatment.

At the beginning, Apps were innovative, in that they were the first to offer 'whatever'; over time, things have evolved into a 'me too' attitude.

The interest for you (and indeed I) in reading/writing these reviews has therefore, inevitably, declined.

So, from now, only Apps that are 'different', or where the developer/publisher has convinced me that their offering is worthy of a review will receive the treatment.

How does this affect you, the reader? Well, you will receive only occasional reviews... and the occasional rant.

All the best for the New Year.

Mr. Cocktail - App Review

The developer says:

"Every drink and ingredient has an actual picture to highlight its' qualities.

Recipes are historically accurate and have a description about their origins and evolution.

Ingredients are non-specific. Regardless of what brand of Bourbon you own, you can make any Bourbon cocktail. Mr. Cocktail is also smart enough to know what ingredients can be substituted for others".

I like the attitude.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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If you know what you're looking for, use the Search function, otherwise either use the 'all items' (where drinks are based around an alcohol e.g. Gin, Rum, Brandy, Vodka...), or 'all cocktails' (where the emphasis is on Sours, old fashioned, highball, dairy (yuk!), and Tikis).

Each cocktail has some interesting information and tips as well as the list of ingredients.

You can opt for metric or 'standard' measures.

Cost
The App Costs $0... you just need to add the ingredients and work.

Indispensability
I guess that cocktails are great whenever it is but, the 'festive season' might make them even more desirable.

Dependability
If you want to be picky... and start an argument without even having had a drink, the instructions are a bit sparse.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

It's the season of goodwill...

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

You can get Mr. Cocktail here and support for the App here.

PlantSnap Plant Identification - App Review

The developer says:

"PlantSnap is a mobile app that helps you identify plants, flowers and trees. Simply snap a photo of the plant, and PlantSnap tells you what it is!

PlantSnap can currently recognize 125,000 species of plants and trees, which covers most of the species you will encounter in North America and Europe. If you live outside of those areas, PlantSnap will still recognize many plants or trees that you encounter, and ALL of them very soon".

As someone who is horticulturally challenged to recognise anything beyond a rose or tulip, this App had me intrigued.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The first time you start the App you will receive a few pointers. I suggest you go through them as they will increase your chances of 'success'.

The first of those tips is to make sure you take a photo of just one plant (fairly obvious but, worth nothing anyway).

As with all photography, it is best to have well framed, lit, and focused shots (who knows, using this App might even improve your general photography skills).

You now need to either register with Plantsnap (e-mail and password to log in, and first/last name as well to set up account), or use your Facebook account.

Now point your iOS device at the plant you want to 'recognise' and take a snap. You can additionally pinch to zoom in order to get a better rendition. Then, press Done.

The App now does its thing and presents you with options that may fir the bill, as well as the likelihood (in percentage). Place a Tick next to the best match and Accept. The item is then stored in My Collection. Click on it and enter a whole new world; not only have you got a name for your plant but information about the description, as well as many botanical descriptors (Kingdom, Subkingdom, Super division, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species...); very comprehensive.

Cost
The App Costs $4.

Indispensability
This App should appeal to the neophyte (that's me) looking to recognise a flower, all the way to the experienced who are looking for further clarification.

Dependability
The App recognised the plants that we used as tests.

Security
The App needs access to your camera in order to take photographs of the plants/flowers you want to recognise. The App also, optionally, requests access to Notifications.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Grapple me grapenuts, as David Bellamy would have said.

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

You can get PlantSnap Plant Identification here and support for the App here.

8mm for iPad - App Review

The developer says:

"8mm Vintage Camera captures the beauty and magic of old school vintage movies right through your viewfinder. Dust and scratches, retro colors, flickering, light leaks, even frame shakes, all can be instantly added with a single tap of the finger".

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Take yourself back to the Keystone Kops era.

At its simplest, just press the big red Record button and press again to stop. Simply doing so will give you a 'vintage' movie.

The App is however capable of far more than that.

Turn the wheel and choose from various effects: Sakura, XPro, Noir, 60s, Pela, Indigo, Tuscan, Two-Color (sic), 2 Strip, Sienna , 1920, or 70s; that should give you enough choice.

Press the Reels/Clips button and access your movies, which you can optionally with opening and ending titles, and even this gives you a choice of 5 themes (minimalism, elegant, silent film, and light leak.

You can also set the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9), resolution (480, 720, 1080), and frame rate (normal or 18 fps)

Cost
The App Costs $2, and there is the opportunity to spend a bit more by purchasing additional themes.

Indispensability
For the casual user, one could hardly say that the App is an absolute must have but, it will give you hours of fun, especially when you share your creations.

Dependability
The App works... all the effects are meant to be there.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Amazing that computing power allows us to show things the way they were before

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

You can get 8mm for iPad here and support for the App here.

Blink - Quick Memo - App Review

The developer says:

"Small memo, Huge change, Blink.

Blink has remarkably fast accessibility and intuitive usability. It also has Minimal & Clean UI design. You can check everything at a glance with a unique and non-listing method. You can set priority markers and repeating notifications.

Do you have something to buy on your way home? Things must done today? Plan for dinner with good friends? Or something just comes to your mind?

Type down what you have to buy, to-do list, your dinner appointment with your friends and sparkling ideas on Blink and never forget! You can leave memo with a simple tap! No more complicated steps!"

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The easiest way how the App works is to try it out with an example:

Tap on a blank area of the iOS device screen and this brings up a window into which you can type text. This will appear in 'pole position' on your list.

Tap on your text and it changes colour, cycling through black, blue, and red.

Do this for a few items and the top of the page will display your notes.

Now tap and hold any of the items you entered and you have five icons that appear:

Order - the item you tapped will move to 'pole position'
Edit - self explanatory
Share - send the item through a myriad of services
Delete
Archive

In addition you can choose how often you receive a reminder (based on colour), as well as font and other options.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you're looking for a simple and efficient way to manage reminders, this is just that.

Dependability
The App works as expected.

Security
The App needs access to send you notifications.

The availability for sharing information is the usual double-edged sword.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Reminders, differently and easily.

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

You can get Blink - Quick Memo here and support for the App here.

Display Go - App Review

The developer states:

"Display Go shows large text messages with fantastic visual effects on your iPhone & iPad.

Display Go is the ideal tool to send important notes [or memos], express feelings of love, send messages when you're in the library, order drinks at loud clubs, give silent reminders during meetings, share sports results, great ideas, etc.

Captivate your friends, colleagues and relatives with incredible texts and emoticons. Not only does Display Go have the highest quality resolution but it also has a stylish, logical format to facilitate easy use".

So, how does it rate?

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The basic premise is extremely simple; type some text and it scrolls. What this App gives you lots of control over many aspects.

The circular button allows you to choose a colour from a complete colour wheel, and then the shape of the 'pixels' used in the LED.

The text button allows you to change the font from a choice larger than you can shake a stick at, as well as whether or not the message repeats, as well as the flicker speed (or off).

Another button allows you to set visual effects, which are effectively the same shapes as in the choice for pixels, and again set the colour, size (called height effects), and again flicker speed; all this independently of the other settings.

Then tap the button to run.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
If you want to brighten up your shop display and have a spare iPad why not use it? You might also have a message scrolling across to keep you focused/motivated.

There are only two things that will limit you: your creativity, and whether or not you have a spare iOS device.

Dependability
Simply works, just how we like it.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

You have a choice; either think of a use and get this App or, get this App and then find a use for it.

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

You can get Display Go here and support for the App here.

Pocket Files Pro - App Review

The developer says:

"Pocket Files+ is the ultimate tool to manage and keep your photos, videos and documents safe and private: File Manager, Media Player (play all popular formats like AVI, DIVX, FLV, MP4 and more), Photos Vault and a Private Web Browser with file downloader all in one app".

Although we can't disagree with that, there is another way of seeing the App, which is a great way to manage content for those of us who like a structured approach. Whereas, especially in the past, there was a tendency to create folders and populate them with items one felt relevant, there is now a tendency for each App to create its own filing structure and guard it jealously.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Settings allows you to do masses of things, including setting a passcode (length set separately), a recovery e-mail for forgotten passcode, notification of attempting break-in (pick the number attempts before notification), decoy mode (where the screen contains different files and folders), and panic mode (swipe down with three fingers to change to decoy mode).

Adding files and folders is super easy, by merely hitting the + button (very intuitive).

Cost
The App Costs $0... in other words, free (unbelievable).

Indispensability
Do you need an file manager for your iOS device? Apple seem to be catching on to the idea that it's not such a bad idea but this App is brilliant, as it does so much more.

Dependability
The simple bits simply work (the file manager part).

Security
The App needs optional access to your location to notify you of break-ins, as well as your camera. On the plus side you get a photo of the person attempting to get into your account, and they won't even know (at least not until you confront them).

ACIDS Test Rating:

If you even dream of a file manager, you have to wake up to this App.

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

You can get Pocket Files Pro here and support for the App here.

Good Woofy - App Review

Good Woofy - Train your dog when you're not there.

Apart from not annoying neighbours, this App should also give your pet a calmer existence when you leave.

This works by the dog hearing your commands to both desist and praise.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App starts with an invitation to record a command that will (should/could) get your dog to be quiet. In order to do this you need to choose Settings. Here you can record both a command, as well as praise.

Additional settings allow for picking sensitivity (low/normal/high). In addition you can record audio only, so can later listen to 'what happened', or data, in which case you will only have the number of times that the App was set off.

You can also set the delay between the command and praise.

Now when you leave, tap on Good Woofy and set the start delay between immediate and 5 minutes, and leave the iOS device (not in silent mode, obviously) somewhere your pet will hear but cannot touch.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
Although the App is aimed at dogs, it could also be used in other situations.

Dependability
You'll have to ask your pet for that... seriously, it works.

Security
The App needs to access your microphone (so that you can record the command/praise).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Something different, even if you do need a dog to make it work!

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

You can get Good Woofy here and support for the App here.

Pocket - App Review

The developer says: "The next time you find an article, video or link you want to read or watch later, just save it to Pocket. It’ll sync across your phone, tablet, and computer so you can come back to it whenever and wherever you’d like, even when you’re off-line".

Read on...

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You know how it is, you come across an interesting article but haven't got the time to read it so... you usually forget about it.

Pocket allows you to store the article, and the best bit is that you can store it from pretty well anywhere, including a browser on your device (or PC) such as Safari, Firefox etc., as well as via e-mail, and other apps like Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard, and Feedly.

Then, when you use the App, all those articles are ready for you to read in My List. Additionally, you can, optionally, have access to recommended articles (which is based on you choosing from various feeds).

There are various settings for choosing how pages are viewed.

Cost
The App is absolutely free, although there is also a premium version for those of you who want more bells and whistles; such as a Library to keep a backup, Full-Text searching, and Suggested Tags (the free version allows tags but you enter them).

Indispensability
Absolutely brilliant for catching up on your reading.

Dependability
Works flawlessly, except when a web page includes protection.

Security
To get recommendations you can, optionally, connect your address book, Facebook, and/or Twitter. You can also turn on notifications to be informed when a 'friend' shares an item.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Why read a newspaper when you can read just the best bits of many.

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

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

Noteworthy Notes - App Review

Oh no... not another note taking App... but, it needs a closer look.

The point of this one is that, especially for people who enjoy colours and personalisation, it beats the iOS Notes App hands down.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Hit the + (top left of screen) and start entering your first note.

You will be prompted for a title and then a large coloured area to enter your text. Towards the bottom of the screen are icons to set Priority (Very High, High, Medium, Low, Very Low), Alarm (on or off selected with a slider), and a paintbrush. This is the one that really makes this App stand out as you can select from 21 solid colours for each note.

In addition to this the Settings Cog allows for the setting of various parameters:

Notes Size - choice of 5
Alignment - Left, Centre, Right
Organise - by priority, or alphabetically, and both in either direction
Text size - anything from 9 to 40 point
Text font - choice of 12 different ones
Text colour - black or white
Red Badge Icon - this allows you to pick up to 20 colour to be shown as options
iCloud Sync - toggle on/off
Password - you can, optionally, set an password; if the character is on the keyboard then, it can be used.

Cost
The App Costs $0; it's absolutely free.

Indispensability
If you want something different to the iOS bundled 'Notes' then, take a look at this App.

Dependability
Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Security
The App requests permission to send Notifications.

The Password is much more secure than a 4/6 character numerical code.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Great notes at a great price.

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

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

Pluskey - Mini Calculator Keyboard - App Review

If you don't want to be swapping from an App to your calculator App then, this could be for you; an alternative keyboard, and it includes some icons.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Before doing anything, go to Settings/General/Keyboard/Keyboards/Add New Keyboard, and choose Pluskey.

Now, whatever App you are in that uses a keyboard, tap the Globe (normally just to the left of the space bar) until you see Pluskey. You immediately have access to a simple calculator, as well as some icons (8 in portrait mode and 12 in landscape).

If you want to add the result of your calculation to the text, simply tap on the black line, and for any of the icons, just tap on them, as you would any keyboard charter.

Changing back to a 'normal' keyboard just needs a swipe right.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
It's useful to have access to a calculator within another App, as well as a few icons.

Dependability
The App works, as expected.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front, although you will notice the warning when adding the keyboard that the keyboard can access all the data you type.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Neat in-App keyboard and calculator.

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

You can get Pluskey - Mini Calculator Keyboard here and support for the App here.

NiteFan - App Review

The developer states: "Do you FANcy falling asleep to the sound of a fan? Well that’s FAN-tastic! The sound of a fan is calming and blocks out other sounds in the room to help you fall asleep. You probably FANtasize about being about to take your fan with you when you travel, don’t you? Sometimes that’s just not possible. But never fear! If you’re a fan FANatic, this app is for you!"

FANciful or true?

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The screen has four fans with slightly different sounds. These can be turned on either individual, or in any combination you choose.

There are also buttons for clicks, rainfall (possibly quite soothing), and an 'electric wobble'.

In addition there is a sort of 'all off' button which is very useful.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you are used to the sound of a fan at home and find it difficult to fall into the arms of Morpheus when away, this could be the answer to your prayers.

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

You can lock your iOS device and the sound will continue, without further distractions.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

FANciful, maybe but definitely different!

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

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

Wifi Widget - See, Test, and Share Wi-Fi - App Review

The developer says: "Save time and frustration with the fastest way to see, test, and share your wi-fi, without even unlocking your iPhone".

So, how does that pan out?

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App opens up initially with detailed instructions on how to install the widget (in notification centre Today view, scroll to bottom and tap edit, then scroll to Wi-Fi (the App) and tap the +, and then tap Done.

Using the App or widget is also very simple.
You can use the App (by pressing the icon) or the Widget to see the currently connected network and then detect the speed (or latency, chosen through the Menu).

If you save the password in the Widget then, this can also then be shared via Message or other Apps.

Cost
The App is Free.

Indispensability
Apart from speed testing, this is a very easy way to share passwords for Networks.

Dependability
The App requires iOS 10.1 or later.

Security
The passwords you enter in the App are stored in your own iCloud Keychain account. Passwords are not transmitted to the developer.

ACIDS Test Rating:

The easiest way to share wi-fi passwords and check speed.

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

You can get Wifi Widget - See, Test, and Share Wi-Fi here and support for the App here.

LeechTunes - App Review

The developer says:

"Love Apple Music? Enhance the experience with LeechTunes! Add all your favourite music via Apple Music then enjoy them with LeechTunes.

LeechTunes is the fresh new way to enjoy your music. Now you can listen to your music with great ease and style. LeechTunes features customised gesture controls in a skinned interface that shouts out your personality.

LeechTunes is perfect for in-car use for safer music control. No need to look away from the road while changing track & playlist. Also great while doing other tasks like jogging, working-out or just general listening."

Now for the ACIDS test:

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At first use you are invited to see the gesture controls; I suggest you accept the invitation. Although, here's a handy list for you:

Fast forward - 2-finger right
Next playlist - 2-finger down
Next track - swipe left
Pay/Pause - tap
Play all media - 2-finger tap
Play current artist - tap and hold (very neat)
Previous playlist - 2-finger up
Previous track - swipe right
Repeat mode - triple tap
Rewind - 2-finger left
Shuffle - double tap (very handy)
Shuffle - shake
Tweet - tap and hold
Volume - swipe up/down

In addition to this there are a lot of links such as rating, lyrics, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, the artist's site (nice touch).

There are also a number of skins that can be chosen to be set as a background.

So now you have a very enjoyable, as well as rather different, way to listen to your music.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
You're bound to want to play music with your iOS device, even if it's not your main use (or maybe it is).

Dependability
The App works, just like we want them to.

Security
The App needs access to Apple Music.

There are a lot of direct links, including Facebook and Twitter.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Dare to listen to music differently.

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

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

OrasisHD - App Review

The developer states:

"OrasisHD is a 1-shot HDR app. It takes a SINGLE image and automatically transforms it to a well-exposed, natural-looking photo, simulating the way your eyes perceived the scenery at the moment the photo was taken.

Based on a decade of academic research, OrasisHD uses a proprietary image processing algorithm: dark and bright image regions are enhanced, revealing information that was not visible previously. More importantly though, well-exposed areas are not affected! To the best of our knowledge this is a unique feature not offered by any other app in the industry."

Now for the ACIDS test:

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once you have taken a photo with the App, or imported one from your photos, nearly the whole screen is taken up by that picture, leaving controls at the edges; visible but unobtrusive.

You can view it, as taken (original), Auto (the App adds excellent correction), or Manual (where you can edit various values).

You can have access to bright areas, dark areas, and tonal width, all of which are 'corrected' via a slider control.

In addition you can add effect (including cartoon, sepia, gloomy, grey, and a multitude of others), as well as changing the colour saturation, brightness and contrast.

Cost
The App Costs $2.

Indispensability
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you decide whether or not you are satisfied with photos as taken by your iOS device.

Dependability
The App woks as described.

Security
The App needs access to your camera and/or library, and optionally your location, in order to attach GPS data to your photos.

You can share your photos via e-mail,Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Get more vibrant photos with one click, or let those creative juices flow...

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

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

Classicalc Music - piano sound playing calculator - App Review

For those of you who remember Monty Python, "...and now for something completely different"...

The developer says: "Classicalc is a unique, the most classy calculator app on the App Store. It's designed to be beautiful and simple, but also… to sound amazing! Each colour theme has its own, actual Grand Piano major scale! It's Chopin-awesome! Underneath it beautiful simplicity, there's some serious technology powering Classicalc".

So let's see how it stacks up.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App opens as a calculator, with a numeric keypad (kind of essential), the four basic operators, and brackets, a percentage key (which divides the figure in the display by 100), and a delete key which deletes the rightmost figure.

So, it's a pretty basic calculator but, there is a lozenge at the top left, move that and you change the background colour (quite pleasing) but also change the scale.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
A calculator is indispensable... here you can add 'music' to your calculations. As each key is a different note, this could also avoid you making mistakes.

Dependability
The App works, although the lozenge always returns to its starting position (otherwise it would interfere with the result display).

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Be different: 'hear' your calculations and detect mistakes!

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

You can get Classicalc Music - piano sound playing calculator here and support for the App here.

Earthlapse - App Review

The developer says:

"Turn your iPad or iPhone into a window aboard the International Space Station. Experience stunning views of Earth captured by NASA astronauts. Touch the views and control the planet with your finger. A truly amazing one-of-a-kind experience.".

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Tap the screen to bring up the options, and most importantly settings (the ubiquitous cogwheel). Here you can make a number of choices:

Display
There are on/off toggles for motion effect, show weather (pick your desired location), show clock, show title, keep display on (if plugged in or battery level above 15%), and zoom live view. In addition you can set the transparency and info transparency through slider controls.

Sound
Again, there are on/off toggles for sound effects and ambient sounds (pick from 9 different ones), and a slider for volume

Display
At the bottom of the screen choose from 8 different view types, including a live view from the International Space Station.

Cost
The App is Free.

Indispensability
Unless you use the App on a spare device as an interesting diversion, it is more likely to come in for occasional use.

Dependability
The App is best viewed in landscape mode.

The live view from the International Space Station can be black; this is not an error, as there's not much to see on the dark side of the earth!

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Free views from ISS, and more.

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

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

Wax for iPhone - Own Your Record Collection - App Review

The developer says: "your record collection is yours - not a bunch of check marks in a database.
search for records, add them to your collection, and let them tell a story. customise every detail about each album"... so if you're into music, read on...

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Not surprisingly, you start with an empty collection where you can either use the + button to get started of use the View Grab List (which is where you have records that you don't actually own but want to get.

Using the barcode scanner will bring up a list (if there is more than one) of the records, which will typically be the various versions based on where they were purchased. This then brings you to a screen with the artwork, genre, style, country, and release date. The more ellipsis will allow you to view on Discogs, as well as search Ebay or Amazon (links to amazon.com).

Pressing the + now will allow you to either add the album to your collection or grab lists.

The Settings cog allows you to pick between sorting by artist , shaking for a random selection, as well as e-mailing details.

Cost
The App Costs $0 (as in free) but there is an in-App purchase of $3 to include all media types.

Indispensability
This is a neat way of cataloguing a record collection, without using the almost ubiquitous iTunes (and obviously also not needing to import anything).

Dependability
The App works very well, although for your old items, there won't be and barcodes, so you will need to enter the information manually.

Security
The App needs access to your camera if you want to be able to add records by scanning their barcodes.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Always good to have another way of cataloguing things (painlessly).

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

You can get Wax for iPhone - Own Your Record Collection here and support for the App here.

PhotoTangler - App Review

The developer states:

"PhotoTangler Collage Maker is a powerful image app that instantly turns your favourite photos into beautiful collages. It allows you to blend them together in unique and creative ways. It's easy, fun, and the results look like magic! Just drop photos on the canvas, and watch PhotoTangler seamlessly blend them together with any other photos nearby. Anyone can get gorgeous, professional looking results, even with no graphics experience!"

Let's put it to the test.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
This is one of those Apps with an uncluttered interface, just how we like them.

The whole screen real estate is initially perfectly clear, and is limited to a few icons across the bottom of the screen. To the left you will find:

Add Images
These can be from existing Photos, from the iOS device camera, as well for adding captions. The choice of fonts is absolutely amazing, and the sizes vary from a modest 12 point to a whopping 256. You can also enable text outline, and edit drop shadow settings, including colour (if required).
Settings Cog
Alter the background colour from the default pale grey to any one of a myriad, chosen with the aid of a colour wheel and slider.

Trash
No explanation required.

There are then (also at the base of the screen but on the right) three editing modes:

Image Editing
Drag and pinch items to rotate and resize. The image is within a set of defined points.

Canvas Editing
Here you are actually selecting the whole of your work (as opposed to individual parts).

Blending Editing
Double click on an element and edit the blending shape, outer radius, or inner radius. This enables you to edit with great precision.

Once you're finished, your masterpiece is easily saved, and you can even specify the aspect ratio, as well as image quality.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
Not necessarily for everyday use but, if you want to make a collage, an easy way to proceed.

Dependability
The App works fine, although the response time will depend on the newness of your iOS device.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.
The App needs access to your photos and/or camera.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Even the artistically challenged can make a collage.

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

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

URGENT – Read BEFORE updating to iTunes 12.7

So, there I was happily (well not unhappily at least) running iTunes 12.6. When the invitation to update to 12.7, which should just have been an evolution, arrived. 

I was stunned by what happened!

Where are the Apps (not to mention ringtones) … GONE!

Here’s an article that you might like to read BEFORE updating.

… and what did I do… well, roll back to 12.6, of course (and that’s not exactly a painless exercise).

You have been warned.