Magic Launcher Pro - App Review

The developer states:

"Magic Launcher is the latest and greatest App launcher for your iPhone or iPad and with our newest feature of multiple widgets, we're the best in the class!"

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App starts with a brief demo of how to instal the App.

This is the Today Widget on steroids.

In a nutshell, you add Magic Launcher Pro to the widget and then, when you open it, you have access to all the Apps that you have added to the screen. Adding an App is simplicity itself, simply press the + and choose the App Launcher. You can then choose from System Apps or Launchable Apps, and then pick them to your heart's content.

It is very simple to use and very quick.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
This is just a quicker way to launch Apps, and in particular to launch them in the state you prefer. If you have many Apps, this could save you time scrolling through screens or typing in (part) names.

Dependability
It works!

Security
The App would like to send you notifications.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A boon for those with many Apps

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

You can get Magic Launcher Pro here and support for the App here.

Geekbench 4 - App Review

The developer states:

"Geekbench provides a comprehensive set of benchmarks engineered to quickly and accurately measure processor and memory performance. Designed to make benchmarks easy to run and easy to understand, Geekbench takes the guesswork out of producing robust and reliable benchmark results".

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The interface is very uncluttered; just 4 buttons:

Benchmark
Hit this then sit back for between 2 and 20 minutes while your iOS device is analysed. You will get masses of information, not only the overview of exactly which iOS device you are using, but also speed ratings for various tests (split between single and multi-core).

History
... no explanation required.

Device
... no explanation required.

Settings
Amongst other things, you can link your data to your Dropbox.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you feel something might be amiss, this is a great way to put your mind at rest, or get the ammunition do do something about it.

Dependability
To be honest, I have no way of checking that the tests are accurate but, I can vouch for 100% accuracy in detecting many different iOS devices; there really is more data than you can shake a stick at.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

So EXACTLY what device do you have?

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

You can get Geekbench 4 here and support for the App here.

Alarm - Apple Watch Complication - App Review

Think of this as not so much of a review, more a work around to a problem.

If you've got an Apple Watch and use the 'Alarm' complication and that you travel across different time zones on a regular basis then, you'll be aware that there is a serious problem with this.

This issue does not apply to the Alarm App on other iOS devices (!).

Now for the ACIDS test:

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So, like any seasoned traveller, you set your iOS device (iPhone/iPad) to automatically set the time for the time zone in which you are actually located.... this makes it less likely that you'll miss a connecting flight, apart from anything else. Having done this, your Apple Watch will mirror that time. So far, so good, indeed excellent.

The problems start when you attempt to set an alarm on you Apple Watch. Unbelievably, there are actually four different times you need to be aware of:

1. The time as displayed on your Apple Watch face (this should be the current time in your current location). We'll call this 't' (time)

2. The time as displayed at the top right of the screen when you press the Apple Watch complication. We'll call this At (Alarm time).

3. The time as displayed on the Alarm that you set. We'll call this As (Alarm set).

4. The time displayed on the Apple Watch face once you have set the alarm complication. We'll call this Andrea (Alarm display).

In order to get an alarm to actually go off when you want it to, you need to set As to the time in your home time zone at which you want the alarm to sound.

At gives the time in your home time zone and Ad should be ignored as, it appears to be the equivalent time in your home time zone without an adjustment for summer/daylight saving.

Unbelievable.

Cost
The App Costs $0, just as well really.

Indispensability
The Apple Watch alarm complication is great; this will let you use it.

Dependability
Please let me know.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

This is not what we expect of Apple... don't think an independent developer would be allowed get this into the App store.

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

You can get Alarm - Apple Watch Complication here and support for the App here.

Terrain Radar Altimeter - App Review

With this altimeter app you can analyze the terrain around you. Discover the height of the hill in front of you or take a look at further away mountains.

Point your Smartphone into any direction and instantly obtain a detailed elevation chart.

The altitudes are calculated through online services, based on your GPS position and compass direction.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The App starts up with an horizon in the top half of the screen and an Google Maps aerial view of your location in the bottom two thirds of the screen, as well as your current altitude.

There are + and - signs which enable you to set the distance at which you are scanning from 100 metres to 5 kilometres.

Point your device in the direction you want to scan and a silhouette appears with the altitudes (read off an axis to the left) at the varying distances.

The button allows you to choose between imperial and metric measurements.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
The App is useful for determining elevation of geographical elements up to 5 kilometres (3 miles away). It works regardless of the weather (a definite advantage).

Dependability
The App seems accurate but iwould be even more useful with terrain further away being evaluated.

Security
The App needs access to your location in order to function properly.

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Determine elevations with ease.

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

You can get Terrain Radar Altimeter here and support for the App here.

Shazam - App Review

So there you are listening (or overhearing) some music but, can't figure out the title of the song, or remember the name of the artist, or even can't understand the words.

This App resolves all those issues.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The home screen invites you to Touch to Shazam. Just do this.

Let the App listen to the music and after a few moments you are presented with the album cover, song title and artist name. In addition you can choose to listen on your iOS device, (Deezer, Napster, Directly) as well as buy it, add it to a playlist (Shazam, Spotify, Apple Music).

You can also search directly for the lyrics, which is where you will also find the author(s).

For those of you who are looking for something random, you can explore top tracks from around the world (arranged by town by country).

Cost
The App Costs $0, although if you purchase songs, you will need to pay.

Indispensability
The App just makes finding the right music so easy; no need to sing the tune to someone for them to tell you they've never heard of it!

Dependability
The App works remarkably well although, if the person next to you keeps saying, especially loudly, who is it, it will take longer to detect what the music is.

Security
The App asks for access to your location so as to update your history, and also send geographically targeted ads, although you can refuse this access.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Makes buying music easy and settles arguments.

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

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

KeyWi Keyboard - App Review

Do you sometimes wish that you could use a 'proper' keyboard on your iOS device?

This App allows you to use your PC keyboard instead of the touch screen.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Before using KeyWi, you will need to go through the set-up process.

This is fairly straightforward and involves going to Settings/Keyboards/Add New Keyboard, select KeyWi as a new keyboard and then allow full access.

Now go to whatever App you want to enter text into and select the KeyWi Keyboard and then, on your PC go to http://connect.keywiapp.com

The PC and iOS device connect, with the PC redirecting to 10.219.181.134

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
This is really for when you have a lot of text to enter and would rather use a physical keyboard.

Dependability
You may need to scroll through various options if you already have a number of keyboards set-up.

There are two settings, Write as I type and Write and send; the latter is far more reliable.

Security
The data transferred is over the wi-fi network you are using and is not stored by the App. The potential issue is therefore the wi-fi network you are employing, and you will have to acknowledge, and especially Allow access, having read the government (not really, it's Apple's) health warning.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Use the physical keyboard that you already own on your iOS device.

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

You can get KeyWi Keyboard here and support for the App here.