School Blackboard - App Review

How about a blackboard... in fact a dark green board?

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You are simply presented with a dark green screen (apart from the adverts). The tools are limited to a chalk (white or black) and a thickness chooser, as well as a rubber which works exactly as it would on a blackboard (no need to wet it though!). In addition you can save any of your works as favourites and edit/recall them later. It's neat and simple.

Cost
This is the free version which includes adverts. The full version also allows you to choose chalk colours as well as sending your artwork by SMS or Email, assigning pictures to contacts and (of course) no ads.

Indispensability
This is not really the first word that springs to mind! I'm sure I saw a taxi driver using this as a name board to collect a passenger... remember that this is only finger writing so, it does not necessarily look very professional. There are plenty of Apps that allow you to enter anything (including typewritten text) onto a screen.

Dependability
The App works perfectly.

Security
As all data is saved on your iOS device, there are no security issues... except for anything you wouldn't want anyone to see.

ACIDS Test Rating:

If you can think of a use for the App, try it for free.

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

You can get School Blackboard here and support for the App here.

Scanner Pro - App Review

Using a scanner can be a time-consuming business and photographing documents can lead to large files and difficulty in annotating the same documents. Scanner Pro allows you to use your iOS device to take a photograph of any document and then save it (amongst others) as a PDF file. This allows you to keep your expenses neatly (or whatever else), as well as enabling you to save them in the best portable format.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
First up, you have the choice of either taking a photo, or using one that is already on your iOS device. The image (whether you already had it or just took it) is then on your screen, together with a transparent white box, complete with handles, which enables you to select the exact area for your scan. There is also a 'Find Borders' function which works fairly well. This ensures that the image is only of the part of the document you want (say the wine label, rather than the bottle and part of the table behind it). The next step enables you to adjust brightness and contrast (both by easy to use sliders), as well as rotate the selected image in 90 degree increments. The next step is to save your treated image. This can then be very easily emailed, printed, faxed (do people really still use them), or most importantly upload. This upload function is the real beauty as the document can be sent to Dropbox, as well as Evernote, WebDAV, or Google Drive.

Cost
There is a free mini version which allows you to make sure this App is for you. This mini version however does not allow documents to be directly uploaded to Dropbox et al... and that is essential. The App is low cost and well worth the very small investment.

Indispensability
Let's be honest, you can do without this App but, a very positive by-product is that your saved document does not fade... unlike printed receipts. I was recently looking for old receipts that I had dutifully carefully filed... only to find that they were all identical... blank.

Dependability
It works well but, you need a steady hand to get the best out of the App and making sure you have enough light on the subject ensures best results. If the App hangs, make sure it is the only App running and all works well. For the best quality and usability,  I would recommend scanning as a photo and then uploading as PDF, that way you get the best of both worlds.

Security
There are no issues with the App itself as all information is held on your device. The potential for 'eavesdropping' comes when you save your document in the 'cloud'... and this is where the App is really useful.

ACIDS Test Rating:

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So useful, you'll wonder how you did without it.

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

You can get Scanner Pro here and support for the App here.

Misting goggles?

As the skiing season continues its wonderful start… here’s an unApp review. If you’ve ever suffered from goggles misting up (and if you haven’t, that’s a miracle), here’s a product that will transform your visibility.

Not only do your goggles not fog up in snow but the usual problem of misting when you stop is also eradicated.

My grateful thanks to Anthony for bringing this excellent product to my attention.

Click on the bottle to get yours.

Genève Aéroport (GVA) - App Review

This is THE App for anyone flying into or out of Geneva airport, or anyone accompanying them. This is an example to airport Websites that give inaccurate and usually incomplete information, or who seem to delight in still using Flash. How many times have YOU encountered the 'flash not installed' problem that seems to almost give some airports an additional layer of protection... if their customers cannot see what is happening on their iPhones then they won't complain; who do they think they are kidding.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The welcome tab gives you updated general information about the airport status.

The flights tab lists all incoming and outgoing flights for today and tomorrow. You can pick whichever flights are appropriate, and if you know the incoming flight on which your outgoing flight relies, tracking this gives additional valuable information. An additional 'My Flights' tab enables you to check which flights you are tracking. Once you have set this up, you will receive push notifications for estimated arrival time (as soon as the incoming plane departs from its previous destination, with updates if there are any changes, together with baggage reclaim number. For outgoing flights there are also the time updates, as well as gate number.

In addition to this there is information on space availability at all the car parks, as well as a price calculator so that you can establish the relative costs.

To finish off there is 'More' tab which includes detailed maps of the airport as well as a list of contacts so that you can directly contact any required service... and as an added bonus you just need to press on any of these to be put straight through; no copying and pasting of numbers.

Cost
It's free.

Indispensability
If you are flying into or out of Geneva, or are meeting someone, it is the best. You can view it as indispensable, or put up with the same frustration you have endured for many years.

Dependability
The App occasionally crashes for no good reason... mainly when scrolling rapidly through flights.

Security
No issues.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Using Geneva Airport? A must!

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

You can get Genève Aéroport (GVA) here and support for the App here.

Ski Tracks - App Review

The skiing season is upon us again (at last) so, it seems appropriate to review this old favourite of mine. You simply start the App and it then tracks your every move...

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Just hit the 'Start' button and you are tracked. The information includes how far (ascent/descent and distance), as well as information on speed and altitude, number of runs, duration and slope inclines. You can also take photographs to link to your experiences and then see exactly where you went once you save the information.

Cost
There is a free version so that you can check it out and then a very inexpensive 'full' version that allows the saving of far more information.

Indispensability
It's a bit difficult to justify the App as anything other than a bit of fun... and that it is.

Dependability
It basically works, although the accuracy does leave something to be desired, even to the extent that you might be logged in to the wrong resort (and that is very easy to fix).

Security
There are only two (very minor) issues, and both are user related. Firstly, there's not much point pretending you we're somewhere you weren't and then share the information; that's like shooting yourself in the foot. The other issue is that you actually look at the screen while you are skiing, you are an idiot!

ACIDS Test Rating:

Fun App for Skiers and Boarders

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

You can get Ski Tracks here and support for the App here.

12 Days... The App

This is not a normal App review... it is a reminder to ensure you download the free '12 Days' App from iTunes. You then need to make sure that you check the App or your email to find out what freebies Apple is offering us for the 12 days from Boxing Day.
It's not often you get something for nothing so go ahead and enjoy, without moderation.

mydlink + - App Review

 

This App is to be used in conjunction with D-Link cameras. It enables you to see (and depending on the model) hear what is going on wherever you have placed the camera. Obvious applications are home security and baby monitoring. You can set up your camera(s) to send you either periodic emails of photos, or whenever movement is detected.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You choose which camera to monitor down the left hand side of the screen and then view it on the right hand side. It really is as simple, and basic, as that. You can double tap the screen to zoom to full size, as well as magnifying two, three, or four times. The magnification is of relatively limited use as it merely magnifies the centre of the image; there is no pan function. In addition you can choose whether or not to mute the sound and also take a snapshot at any moment. This picture is saved directly to your photo album. If you are using multiple cameras, there is also a multiple camera view screen showing up to four camera sources at a time. Setting up the email notification is somewhat cumbersome but well worth the effort.

Cost
The App is free and the essential (it is a prerequisite for the App to work) subscription to mydlink is also without cost. It goes without saying that the cameras are not without cost but, they are inexpensive and available here.

Indispensability
If you're using a d-link camera already then, it would be foolish not to have the App. If you are looking for a highly sophisticated security system then, this does not quite cut it but is at least a start.

Dependability
I haven't encountered any problems; long may it continue. The quality of the image is excellent, considering the cost of the cameras.

Security
When opening your mydlink account, make sure (as I'm sure you always do) to use a strong and unique password. If anyone hacks into your account then, not only will they have access to the live streaming from your camera(s) but they could also stop the service.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A good start to home security.

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

 

You can get mylink + here and support for the App here.

 

Let's get it to Christmas No.1

The aim is simple - to get the song to Christmas No.1 in tribute to the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough and the fight for justice which has never ceased since that fateful day in 1989.

 

 

 

Get it now on iTunes.

FlightTrack - App Review

 

This is a sister App for FlightBoard which we have previously reviewed. With this App you can track the progress of a flight. Not only do you have actual departure and arrival times but the actual current position. It enables you to annotate your flight details and also (but only with certain carriers), see the seating plan for the aircraft, so that you can select the most 'comfortable' seat... regardless of the information the airline might provide.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
It's a cinch to add a flight, even with only partial information; you can easily search for the actual exact flight you are looking for. The direct route path is then displayed on a map of the world which can be zoomed however you want. If you have a lot of flights (and some are in the past), it is useful to delete some, as the display could become a bit like an intricate knitting pattern. Any flight entered will display the time it actually left the gate, as well as the actual arrival time.

Cost
This is a low cost App.

Indispensability
If you already have FlightBoard then you need to consider how the modest cost compares to the additional features. It also very much depends on how much scheduled air travel you are involved with.

Dependability
The App works perfectly but obviously the data is subject to the information provided by airports.

Security
No issues.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A neat App for travellers.

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

 

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

 

MyStrom - App Review

If you live in a house or apartment where everything can be remotely controlled and timed, this App will not interest you. If you're still reading, you are very much in the majority. myStrom is a true game changer; I've been waiting for something like this for years. The App itself is designed to control three types of switch. The 'Red' switch connects directly to your Internet router and is the control centre for your installation; it should always be 'on', otherwise you lose the ability to remotely control. The ‘White’ switch, of which you can have up to 25, is the foot soldier; these are used to control any electrical appliance that is plugged into the mains and also to monitor electricity usage. The ‘Blue’ adaptor extends your network with an Ethernet socket, as well as acting as a switch.

The solution is marketed as a way of monitoring electrical consumption and switching off any device remotely. Obviously, it will reduce your electricity consumption (hence costs) by switching off unnecessary appliances. Moreover, there are massive savings to be made in addition to the electrical ones. I am using one switch to control an oil-fired boiler and the savings are substantial in reduced heating oil consumption. There are however applications where it will increase (!) consumption, and you will be only too pleased. I am, partially, using the system to control many different light switches which act as a burglar deterrent. Not only is each device individually programmed but it can also be overridden at any time with the App.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The main screen allows you to choose to display your individual switches in either matrix or line view. It cannot be ordered which is a bit of a shame but, there are plenty of positives. In matrix view you can easily switch any appliance on/off, and the background changes from grey (off) to green (on). Additionally, in list view, you are also clearly informed of the state of any timer(s). Any switching you do overrides the timer, until the preprogramed timer takes the switch to the opposite state (in exactly the same way as a mechanical timer).

It’s worth noting that you can only adjust a timer using the web interface.

You can easily also have access to overall usage and individual switch consumption, analysed by day, week, month, or year, and all this either in electrical units (Watt or KWh) or hard cash (you choose your electrical tariff by provider).

If you manually change the state of a switch, this is immediately reflected in the App; neat.

Cost
The App is free... the switches that are controlled are obviously not! In order to have access to your switches via the App you need to open an account with myStrom. There are two levels: the Basic account is absolutely free but limited to turning appliances on and off; the Premium account also allows the use of unlimited timers on each individual switch, as well as detailed consumption monitoring, and the ability to receive e-mail or SMS alerts if there is ‘excessive’0 consumption (you decide what this is per node). You might want to try the Basic one to convince yourself but, I’d be very surprised if you don’t upgrade to Premium; it’s well worth the small cost.

Indispensability
If you try it, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

Dependability
Once everything is properly set up, it has worked flawlessly. A word of caution though if you are installing many switches. You have the option of either following the manual and pairing every switch individually, running from sender to receiver and back again to your PC (which will almost certainly be at the sender end) for every switch; you could view this as an additional saving and cancel your gym membership. The alternative is to ignore the manual and use an extension lead to pair each additional receiver from the comfort of your desk, and then simply take your time to plug each one into whatever socket you wish to use. If you do encounter a problem, the customer support is extremely responsive.

Security
As far as the App is concerned, I think one can be fairly relaxed… in the sense that all you are doing is checking the information on myStrom’s servers and possibly altering the state of switches.

ACIDS Test Rating:

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Shangri-La... maybe not quite but certainly well on the way there.

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

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