PhotoString - App Review

Imagine having a bunch of photographs, or cards, and putting them on a string, then hanging it up. That is what this App does.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Unusually, it's probably best to start with the settings. Here you can set various parameters:

Quality
From a low at 480px width to a high of 1, 440p, with two other options in between-

Font
Pick from a vast array of fonts; there should be something for everybody with all this choice.

Share
You can share directly by entering any of your favourite social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Sina Weibo, or Tencent Weibo).

Having set up these parameters, you are ready to add photos. It really is very straightforward. Pitch a layout and then hit the + to add photos, and the text in a variety of colours.

Once that is done, you can save your string and publish it to the social networks you have set up.

Cost
The App is a low cost $1.00.

Indispensability
With Christmas coming up, this could be quite a useful addition to your App arsenal.

Dependability
Like most intuitive Apps, it works.

Security
The usual caveats apply for connecting your social media accounts to your App, and the subsequent publishing of the information.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Easy photo roll (or string).

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

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

Vampify - App Review

Are you a member of the nobility? Perhaps you are related to Count Dracula... or at least you could convince others that you are.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You start by taking a photograph of yourself (using the front- facing camera).

The framing of the shot is clearly defined. Hit the button and then place the eyes and mouth. You can later then even further edit the shape of the mouth.

The App now processes the picture and transforms you into a vampire.

You can add explosion, smoke, tears and sunburn... for a fee.

Other effects (such as the intriguing Ageing) can be provided by Apps from the same stable; some free, some not.

Your portrait can be emailed as well as shared by Facebook and Twitter.

Cost
The basic App is free; you can easily add to the effect by additional purchases.

Indispensability
Unless you want to prove that you are a Transilvanian native, this is just a bit of fun.

Dependability
The results can take a while to get to be as you want them... is that's the right way to put it.

Security
No issues with the App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A bit of Transilvanian fun.

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

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

How to Cook Everything - App Review

Cookbooks have a tendency to give you a list of ingredients and approximate instructions... the intention being for the uninitiated to recreate the professionally photographed dish (good luck).

This App is surprising in its completeness, as well as some excellent detail, and a no-nonsense approach provided by Mark Bittman.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The contents page allows you various choices:

Browse Recipes
Pick this option and Pandora's box opens. You can now choose from:

Sauces, Condiments and Seasonings
Appetisers
Soups
Sandwiches and Pizza
Salads
Vegetables and Fruits
Beans
Grains
Pasta, Noodles and Dumplings
Fish and Shellfish
Poultry
Meat
Eggs, Breakfast and Dairy
Bread
Desserts

In turn, picking any of the above bring up a number of subsections, which in turn give you access to individual recipes.

These individual recipes contain not only the expected details but also pictorial explanations of certain techniques. In addition you have access to variations on the chosen dish, access to related content and a sheet on which to add your notes.

A couple of clever items are the ability to set a timer by simply touching the related instruction, and immediate access to stopping your screen dimming.

Kitchen Basics
The structure is identical to the Recipe section but here, the topics covered are equipment, techniques, ingredients and some basic concepts.

Bittman's Picks
I think these are really the users' picks, ordered by broad type, and then indexed by the number of votes.

Most Popular
Similar to Bittman's picks but only ordered by votes.

Featured Recipe
Half a dozen recipes for various uses, complete with all the information. Could be very useful if the choice of recipes leaves you confused.

Quick Dinners
I guess you can work this one out on your own.

How-To
Here you will find detailed explanations, complete with pictures, from basic pasta-making techniques to zesting citrus fruit.

Search
The free text box allows you access to everything connected with your search request; just remember that the spelling is US English (no courgette but plenty of zucchini).

Help
It's incredible that an App that is as easy to use as this one also includes one of the most comprehensive 'help' functions that I have ever seen.

Cost
Unbelievably, this App is free and if it contains any advertising, it's so subtle that I haven't found it.

Indispensability
Eating is indispensable and there are 2,000 recipes here.

Dependability

Security
This App is wholly downloaded and self-contained.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Cooking made simple and inspiration for free.

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

You can get How to Cook Everything here and support for the App here.

Free Music Download - App Review

Downloading music for free, especially legally, seems an excellent idea for an App.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There are a number of buttons on the home screen which give you access to various functions:


Browser
This is similar to the naive Safari iOS browser. You either pick a bookmark which has already been stored for you, or enter a url that contains downloadable music files.

Most websites have not been optimised for use on an iOS device, which means that it can be a little difficult navigating around (especially on an iPhone or iPod).

Once you have found what you are looking for download the track(s) you want.

Downloads
Having followed the instructions above, you will now have a red badge indicating the number of tracks waiting to be downloaded.

Player
This automatically creates three playlists for you: all songs, recently played, and recently added.

In order to sync new tracks with iTunes, you will need to access your iOS device through your PC and copy the files.

Settings
This is where you can opt for the browser to prevent redirects that open external Apps, as well as synchronising music files

More Apps
No prizes for guessing what this does!

Cost
The App is free and supported by advertisements, which appear at the top of the screen. You obviously need to be careful about data download if you are not on Wi-Fi, or an all-inclusive plan.

Indispensability
If you're in the lookout for something unusual then, this is a great way to find it.

Dependability
Songs can take a while to play, or more than one attempt. This is not necessarily a reflection on the App itself but will detract from your overall experience. The App supports mp3, mp4, m4a, wav, and aif files.

Security
Just remain aware that you are downloading files; it is always possible that some ill-intentioned person will attempt to share a virus. I would stress that there was no evidence of this during testing, merely being very cautious.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Would earn a higher score with more music availability.

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

You can get Free Music Download here and support for the App here.

Vittle - App Review

When I first saw this App, the name intrigued me. It reminded me of school... those of you who have read Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' will remember (or not, of course) that Magwitch coerced Pip to get him some 'vittles' (victuals/food).

This App has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with that but, is equally compelling. It allows you to create videos that can include your photographs, as well as sound and your pen strokes.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
At its simplest, the App contains Tools to

Draw
Use your finger or a stylus to draw whatever it is that takes your fancy.

Erase
This is either a 'normal' eraser or you can choose to erase all the 'ink', or the whole page.

Select
Lasso whatever it is that you want to move and/or resize and do it; very effective.

Point
This is a red laser that follows your thumb. Although it might, at first sight, appear to be a bit pointless... it is actually brilliant; read on.

Add
This allows you to add a photograph from your iPad, and remember that you can then also use the Select option to move and resize. An added bonus (and a rare one, at that) is that, by double tapping an image, it can be sent backwards or forwards.

Pens
There are four coloured pens. This is rather neat, as you can set them up to be different colours (pretty well any hue and intensity you want), and you then have them ready to use.

Undo
Nor surprisingly, this undoes the last action.

Redo
... I'll let you guess this one.

Rec
I really hope you are still reading, because this is where it gets even more interesting. This records your actions and sounds, as you make them; the possibilities really are endless. You could put some information on the board and then draw additional bits that you record and voiceover.

Stop
Does exactly the same as on any recorder.

View
Here you can see the results of your efforts.

Once you have created your document, it is actually a video. You can send it by email, or save it to your camera roll and subsequently share it like any other video.

Cost
There is a free version of Vittle to get yourself convinced... and the full-blown version is a very reasonable $9.

Indispensability
If it would be beneficial for you, and your colleagues/family/friends/whoever, to share information that contains movement and/or sound, this is the one for you.

The fact is that it is only your imagination that will set limits to the usefulness of this App.

If you fancy a challenge... create a collage of photographs, then use the pointer whilst you voiceover who it is, or why they were there or...

Dependability
The App requires iOS 6.0 or later and is only available on the iPad, where it works wonderfully but only in landscape mode.

Security
All the data is on your iPad... at least until you decide to share it.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Absolutely brilliant!

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

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

Knots 3D - App Review

If your idea of knots is limited to tying your shoelaces and a tie (and not necessarily a bow tie, at that) then, this will be a real eye-opener.

There are many types of knots and this App will show you no less than 87 of them.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Having chosen your language, you are presented with a list of categories which include:

Boating
Camping
Climbing
Decorative
Fire & rescue
First aid
Fishing
Pioneering
Scouting
... as well as by type.

Simply choose your category and then pick the particular knot that interests you.

The App clearly shows how to tie the knot, added to which you can rotate the display horizontally and vertically, as well as pause and have a full screen display.

There are also detailed explanations about the knots, when and where they should be used, as well as variations.

Cost
The App costs $2.00.

Indispensability
If you are into boating, climbing, or fishing (for example) then, you no doubt already know your specialised tying techniques (especially if you are experienced). This App could act as a refresher, or get you out of trouble in certain circumstances.

Dependability
I can't honestly say that I have tested all the knots but those I did work as expected.

Security
There are no issues with the App; just make sure you always use the appropriate knot for your security (I guess that's the same issue really).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Specialised but great.

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

You can get Knots 3D here and support for the App here.

NoteLedge - App Review

The App name of 'NoteLedge' makes one think of another note taking App; there really are plenty of those out there, each (of the good ones, anyway), with their special features.

NoteLedge is really much more than a simple note taker, and in many ways not a note taker at all.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
This is very much an iOS 7 style App, where pulling down images makes things happen.

The home screen has a number of options:

Setting
This where you set your, mandatory, password, so as to protect your information.

Cloud
There are multitudinous ways to keep your information synchronised. Not only the ubiquitous Dropbox and Evernote (and those of you who have followed this blog for a while know how important these are) but also box, MyDisk.se, Google Docs, Google Drive, SugarSync, as well as other FTP and WebDAV Servers. You should find something to make you happy amongst that lot.

Be careful if you enter this option without actually adding an account; there isn't an obvious way to get back, except quitting the App.

There are further tabs for PDF, Map, Calendar, and Archive.

+
This is the button for the real business end of the App. Tap it to add a new note, and then choose the cover for the book, and give it a name.

Your basic tools consist of a set of coloured pencils (those of you familiar with the Caran d'Ache tins will immediately feel at home. Pick your colour and then swipe the two tabs on the other side of the screen marked Size and Opacity. Swiping up will increase size/opacity and downwards will, unsurprisingly, achieve the opposite.

There are very useful undo and redo icons for those times when you change your mind.

You can also add images from the supplied templates.

Your efforts can be saved, and shared (including directly by Facebook and Twitter).

Cost
This is a $5 App.

Indispensability
If you are looking for a sophisticated way to create, store, and share freehand information, this could be right up your street. The odd thing is that there is no keyboard access.

Dependability
The App works very well (Cloud issue excepted), on an iPhone. However, it really lends itself even better to the larger screen real estate of the iPad.

Security
You must protect your precious notes with a password; it's good to see a developer force the user to be careful.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Almost too clever.

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

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

Air Sketch - App Review

Wouldn't it be useful to be able to display the content of your iPad screen on your PC?

This App allows you to do that with two provisos:

Your iPad and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi
The display will be of the App screen (which can include a PDF file).

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
To get started, just tap the "●" button and then enter the displayed URL into the browser on your PC. That's setting up completed; it really is that straightforward.

You now see the App which is basically a blank sheet with some icons at the bottom of the screen. Pick one of the colours and pen/brush/marker icon, scribble something on your iPad and it also appears on your PC screen.

There are additional icons at the bottom left of the screen to open and close documents, as well as the very useful undo and redo.

In addition, you can open a PDF document from your iPad and have it mirrored on your PC, by merely using 'Open In' (Air Sketch) within the App where you store your PDF documents.

Cost
The App costs $10 which is considerably less than a cable.

Indispensability
For those times when you need to share your iPad screen with a number of people, and you don't want to knock your heads together, this is absolutely great.

Dependability
It is very rare to find an App which interfaces with a PC where the set-up is so painless. It really does work straight out of the (metaphorical) box.

Security
This App uses your Wi-Fi network, so the inherent risk is if that is not secured.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Very useful.

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

You can get Air Sketch here and support for the App here.

Week Agenda Ultimate - App Review

Oh no, not another calendar App... do I hear you say? In all honesty, that was a bit my reaction as well. The difference here is that less is more.

If you are already frustrated with the iOS 7 calendar, especially with the lack of a week view, and don't need loads of bells and whistles then, this is just the vanilla flavour you are looking for.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The welcome page for the App contains useful information on shortcuts that will make your use easier; it is well worth taking note of them.

What you see is a week view, which can easily go to the preceding, or next, week by simply sliding across the page. There is no attempt at making it appear that you are flicking a page, not the attendant noise; simplicity works.

Having read the introduction with the shortcuts, you will learn that swiping with 2 fingers gives a month view, and three an annual one.

To add an event, simply press and hold on the day, and tap on it to edit an entry.

Cost
There is a nominal $1 charge for the App.

Indispensability
It really is so much better than the App that comes with your iOS device. If you are not already using a sophisticated calendar and task manager, this is the one for you.

Dependability
Absolutely no problems.

Security
In order for the App to function, you need to let it have access to your iOS calendar.

ACIDS Test Rating:

What should be included with iOS.

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

You can get Week Agenda Ultimate here and support for the App here.

Road Inc. - Legendary Cars - App Review

Are you into classic cars; real classics, like the Bentley 4 1/2 litre blower, Bugatti 35B, Ferrari GTO, and others?

Then Road Inc is a feast just waiting for you; non petrol heads, please abstain.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
This really is all about the cars, and allows you to concentrate on exactly that.
The home screen shows a time-line where you can pick the car that interests you, right from a 1930 Bugatti 41 Royale to a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Having done that, the wraps are, literally, taken off.

Profile
See your newly acquired vehicle from the front/rear/side/overhead, as well as a valuation and maximum speed indication.

Showcase
This displays your car on a rotating turntable that you can spin and stop, at will, in order to admire the beauty of the beast from different angles.

Essay
Learn (or be reminded of) some interesting historical information about the vehicle in a few hundred words

Archives
This contains facsimile technical specifications, period photographs and videos (obviously some in black and white), as well as audio (absolutely brilliant).

Cost
The App costs $10.00, which might seem a lot, until you compare it to the cost of buying a decent (comparable) magazine... and there won't be any video, audio, or interactivity.

Indispensability
This really depends how much you are interested in some truly amazing cars.

Dependability
The App only works on an iPad, in landscape mode. In order to save space on your iPad, you can hide your purchase and then re-download them later... and have the pleasure of seeing the wraps coming off again.

Security
No issues.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Much better than any magazine.

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

You can get Road Inc. - Legendary Cars here and support for the App here.