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.