Context Camera - App Review

The developer states; 'Context Camera helps you to collect critical information by stamping your photos with direction, location, time and address information, as well as user comments. Never question where/when/why a photo was taken again'.

It's interesting that there are so many Apps to delete, and edit photo data; here's one with a difference, it enables you to add information.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The screen shows the image detected by your camera with additional information.

At the top of the screen are the direction, position (latitude and longitude), as well as an estimate of accuracy.

At the bottom of the screen are icons to search existing photos (stored within the App), an edit so that you can enter up to 2 comments, as well as changing the overlay (location, comment size, all info).

In the middle, and unmissable, is the button to capture the image.

There is a button for setting flash on/off/automatic.

The settings have a myriad of options from formats for location, direction, distance, altitude, date/time, text background, as well as an easy e-mail set-up for sharing annotated photos.

Cost
The App Costs $8.

Indispensability
There are lots of uses for this App, including when you take similar photos in order to explain variations... without the comments it might not be too obvious.

Depending on your intended use, it's not an App you will use every day but very useful when you need to explain images.

Dependability
Just think of this as a camera with extra bits; it works.

Security
You are invited, optionally, to send analytics back to the developer with an aim of improving the App. The App requests access to your location and your camera (obviously).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Never forget why you took a photo... let alone where or when.

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

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

GoMark 2.0.1 - App Review

This is an updated review for an App that has been improved in a new edition and, especially as this effects the rating, has been reassessed. Please note that some of the content of this review is repeated and updated.

Having 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:

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When you point your iOS device as a camera and take a photograph with the App, you will see a number of icons at the bottom 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. What's new is a Custom item which is a photograph (it could be of text) which is another item which can be included, and edited.

The location of individual items can be further edited by a simple press and hold to move mark, pinch to scale mark, and double tap to edit location.

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, much more detailed info.

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

You can get GoMark 2.0.1 here and support for the App here.

Commander Compass - App Review

THE Maps App which comes bundled with your iOS device and Google Maps are very good for helping you find places, especially where there are road names involved but, for the free spirit, a compass is 'de rigueur'.

This App provides a stunning compass.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The top left corner of the screen shows the date and time, together with a heading.

The top right shows your current location, as well as altitude.

The settings allow a multitude of variations to the display, including a 'car mode' which, instead of displaying the heading shows you your course (and speed) instead of azimuth; very useful.

To change the colour of the On Screen Display just slide a finger across the screen to scroll through a variety of colours. If you slide a finger diagonally across the screen the outer ring of the compass is highlighted. Sliding upwards will alter the screen background.

The centre displays an analogue-looking compass as well as inclination.

Cost
The App Costs $4.

Indispensability
If you need a compass and you have an iOS device then, this is much less expensive that a 'genuine' compass.

Dependability
In testing, the information provided seemed accurate.

Security
The App needs access to your location... you could have guessed that.

Access to your photos is optional.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A truly beautiful and accurate rendition of the ubiquitous compass.

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

You can get Commander Compass here and support for the App here.

Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks - App Review

Lists, lists, lists everywhere... well, take a look at Wunderlist as it fixed all the issues.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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I suggest heading over to www.wunderlist.com and creating an account. Although this is not essential, you will get the best out of the App by doing it this way.

Having done this, your Wunderlist(s) can be created and modified either on an iOS device, or a PC (and there are advantages to having a real keyboard, promise).

Simply tap the + Create list to do exactly what it says. You can decide who is a member of the list (and can edit) and also in which folder the list is stored.

Having done that you are ready to add a to-do; this can be starred to give it additional prominence within a list.

The list can be sorted alphabetically, due date, creation date, assignee, or priority (Stars).

Your list can be shared with any of your contacts, e-mailed, or printed.

You can be notified of activity on 'your' lists (where you are described as the owner), as well as starting a conversation to discuss a list.

The real beauty is that your list can be amended by whoever you agree to share it with.

Cost
The App Costs $4, for the Pro version, although there is also a free version to tray and which could even be sufficient for a single user.

Indispensability
Are you kidding; how can you live without lists?

Just think that if you forgot your hand-written list; you're stuffed. And even forget your iPhone but someone else has an iOS device... you still have access to your list.

Dependability
The only real risk is that people you have trusted then abuse that trust with your lists; that's life.

Security
The web version is https.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Never lose a list, and get input from others; brilliant.

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

You can get Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks here and support for the App here.

EleVte - App Review

Do you want to know where you are (Latitude and Longitude), as well as your elevation?

This is what this App offers, with the unique (as far as I am aware) possibility of putting altitude on the Apple Watch face as a complication.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App is simplicity itself. The home, indeed only, screen offers the choice of choosing to have altitude displayed in Feet or Metres, as well as the update speed (Fast and Faster).

The display then informs you of the altitude in the chosen measurement, together with an estimate of accuracy, as well as Latitude and Longitude to 9 (!) decimal places (even Maps only shows 4).

The App on the Apple Watch fairly mirrors this information; it is obviously preferable to have it in the Dock so that it is quicker to access (when needed).

The real beauty is that the Altitude can be displayed as a complication directly on the Apple Watch face.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Especially if you have an Apple Watch, and are interested in your altitude, this is your only choice to not have to mess about with at least a button.

Dependability
There is a good article on the accuracy of GPS here.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Altitude as an Apple Watch complication - unique.

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

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