Momento - App Review

The keeping of a diary, or journal, has been practised for centuries, without changing to any great extent. People kept records of what they did, interactions, and thoughts. Initially it was using pen/pencil and paper, and stayed that way for a very long time. Although no doubt a few people turned to typewriters when they became available, it was the advent of computers for everyone and smart phones (not to mention other devices) that made keeping a journal more of an electronic pastime.

The fact is that the XXIst century, for better or worse, has brought with it a dramatic change in the way we interact. What this App does is recognise that change and give you a tool for today.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The best way to start using the App is to go to Settings/Feeds and add the social media to which you post. You can then sit back and relax as masses (well, that kind of depends on you) of information is added to your diary.

You can now set reminders to act as prompts where you ask yourself a question on a daily basis, at a prearranged time.

You can now also create moments (journal entries) for today (or whenever). These are freely editable and work like a traditional diary.

Cost
This App costs a measly $1.

Indispensability
If you're already keeping a diary (or intend to start one) and you regularly post to social media then, this App will give you a fuller picture without any extra effort on your part.

Dependability
Memento is an App designed for the iPhone (seems odd but, there you have it) which works fine on an iPad in 1x or 2x modes.

Security
Memento allows you to create backups of your data and then also export as plain text.

The information on your social media are pulled into the App; this is not a two way process.

The App allows for the creation of a 4 digit pass code.

ACIDS Test Rating:

XXIst century journal

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

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

Trimaginator - App Review

The late Boris Delaunay was a mathematician and mountain climber who gave his name to the Delaunay Triangulation (in mathematics and computational geometry, a Delaunay triangulation for a set P of points in a plane is a triangulation DT(P) such that no point in P is inside the circumcircle of any triangle in DT(P). Delaunay triangulations maximise the minimum angle of all the angles of the triangles in the triangulation; they tend to avoid skinny triangles - with thanks to Wikipedia).

This App makes use of this to manipulate images so that are turned into a mesh made up of triangles. If you go to the developer's Facebook support page, you'll get a good idea of the great things that can be done.

It's different to anything else.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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There are icons at the top left, top right, and bottom right corners of your screen.

It's possibly easiest to start with the icons at the top left and either import an image from your iOS device, or take a photograph with your camera.

Having done that, go to the top right and choose one of the point generators and then use the +/- at the bottom right, together with your fingers for a more personalised result.

You can then save the result of share it via Facebook or Twitter.

Cost
The App costs $2.

Indispensability
In fairness, as good as the effect is, it is difficult to think of too many uses for the App, unless you are going to make it your signature style (and why not).

Dependability
The App works as indicated but it is a little fiddly... then again, it is art.

Security
You'll need to give the App access to your photos, and can post directly to Facebook or Twitter.

ACIDS Test Rating:

This is something 'completely different'... perhaps of special appeal to Monty Python fans.

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

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

Say Play - App Review

Do you remember the original iPods with their clickwheel? They were great at the time but when we got touch screens, they seemed to have come from the ark.

In a way, Say Play takes you to the next step.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The interface couldn't be much simpler, there is a box with 'What should I play?', and an unmissable red button at the bottom of the screen. Press the red button and speak the song that you wish to hear, and (the bonus) see it being performed, sometimes with the lyrics, an even tutorials on how to play.

The settings allow you to set a language, as well as provide advertising on the App for Facebook, Twitter, E-mail. or SMS.

Cost
In fairness, this is a significant downside as it is an unusually high $10.

Indispensability
Like most things, you can live without it but, it certainly is very entertaining.

Dependability
Not surprisingly, although the App is excellent at recognising your voice, there are times when the music returns is unexpected... although it has to be said that this can actually add to the enjoyment.

An Internet connection is required to be able to stream the content.

Security
This is a standalone App, although you need to give access to your microphone.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Great fun.

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

You can get Say Play here and support for the App here.

Password Manager by Passible - App Review

Those of you who have reading this blog for a while will know that security is very important.

Any App that gives you a chance to improve matters is worth a look.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You are greeted by a screen that invites you to enter a Master Passcode.

This is made up of four characters which are basically numbers but, as there are alphabetical keys on the keyboard, you could 'pretend' that it is a four letter word.

There are a couple of examples already input for you to give a feel for how the App works. It is important to differentiate between Logins (website, user name, password, notes) and Cards (type, number, expiry, version, PIN code, first name, last name, address (complete), telephone).

Having input your information, go back to the screen that will analyse the security of your password, and make suggestions as to how to improve the security.

Once you are set, you can easily use Passible in Safari by opening the extensions menu and use the App.

It really is very easy to use.

Cost
The App costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you have your passwords written (arghhh) here and there, get this App.

Dependability
The App is simple to use and just works. There are various help screens which make life even easier, should you need them.

Security
Your data is encrypted using AES-256 which is widely accepted as a benchmark.

The default for requiring your pass code to enter the App is 30 seconds; this can be altered to nil within settings.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Added security is welcome, especially when it is so easy to use.

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

You can get Password Manager by Passible here and support for the App here.

Waykup - App Review

Are you the sort of (train/bus) traveller are you? Do you use the time to work, or rest? If you do then, there is also a certain anxiety that can build up about arriving at your destination and missing the stop because you are asleep, or too engrossed in your work.

This App applies very much in those circumstances.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The screen consists of a map and a search box.

Enter your destination in the search box.

The settings let you choose vibrate, sound, distance units, and the all important destination radius (from 0.5 to 3.0 in increments of 0.5, regardless of units chosen); this is the distance from your arrival point that you want to receive a warning.

Cost
The App is absolutely free.

Indispensability
If you worry about missing your destination, just relax and let the App do the worrying for you, although it is probably not that useful in a car or on foot (it will function though), as the proximity of your destination is too great.

Dependability
The App needs an internet connection to be able to download a map, so that you can enter the address.

Waykup is an iPhone App which works in 1x and 2x modes on an iPad.

Security
There are no apparent issues as this is a standalone App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Good for train and bus travellers.

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

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

SkyWidgets - App Review

Wouldn't it be great to add some useful widgets to your iOS Notification Centre?

This App promises exactly that.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Having installed the App, you need to access the Notification Centre (from any screen, scroll your finger from the very top of the screen downwards). Pick Today and at the bottom of the page you will see the ability toEdit. Pick this option and you will see 5 new items that you can now include (or not) in the Notification Centre. You will recognise these by the icon for the App.

Address
This detects your current location and gives you the detailed address, with a very neat 'Copy to Clipboard' function which enables you to paste it somewhere useful.

Barometer
You'll need an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or iPad Air 2 to see the pressure and relative altitude.

GPS Status
Gives you an indication of the quality of the signal.

Movement Information
This gives you your altitude, speed, heading, latitude, and longitude. Again there is the facility to copy this information directly to the clipboard.

Stopwatch
This is displayed to one tenth of a second. Simply Hit Start to beginning timing and Stop when you are finished.

Go to the App itself to set units to imperial or metric.

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

Indispensability
This is a useful addition to the notification centre.

Dependability
The Address widget pastes the location as one continuous line of text in what could be described as reverse order (country first, street address last).

Security
This is a standalone App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Useful and inexpensive.

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

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

Geekbench 3 - App Review

The name gives a strong hint of what you are letting yourself in for.

If you want to know more about your iOS device, here's an App for you... you'll probably even get answers to questions you wouldn't think to ask.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The interface is very uncluttered; just 3 buttons:

Run Processor Benchmark
Hit this then sit back for a few 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 rests (split between single and multi-core).

Run Battery Benchmark
Again, hit this and wait, but this time, until your battery is 100% charged. You will then get a rating of your battery's health status.

Previous Benchmarks
... no explanation required.

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.

Security
You can share your results by e-mail, as well as share the information on the primatelabs.com website.

ACIDS Test Rating:

More results than you could shake a stick at.

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

You can get Geekbench 3 here and support for the App here.

DayEntry - App Review

Do you keep a diary, or even just notes?

Do you attempt to be organised?

If you answered no to both those questions, there's no point reading on.

Still here? Then, if you don't have Evernote get it now and then try DayEntry.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The first thing you need to do is allow DayEntry access to Evernote.

In my opinion, there are only 2 types of user interfaces that work; those that are totally uncluttered, and those that have everything to hand (usually for those who know what they want and where they expect to find it); DayEntry falls into the former category.

The screen has the 7 days of the week, starting with Monday, and their respective dates. The bottom of the screen has only three icons: DayEntry, Alarm Clock, and an Evernote green arrow.

Tap the screen and start typing; it's as easy as that. At its simplest, that's all you need to do and then hit the Evernote green arrow at the bottom right of the screen.

You can however get much more sophisticated by tapping DayEntry, this brings up a number of icons that allow you to personalise the process:

Keyboard (the same as if you had just tapped the screen)
Notebook (choose the notebook in Evernote to which you would like your note(s) added, rather than the default 'DayEntry'.
Tags - this is Evernote, after all
Camera - take a photo to add to your entry
Recent (recent photos) or Library (all photos on your iOS device)
Check Box - these are so useful in lists and, most importantly, Evernote correctly displays those boxes that are ticked, or not. Those of you who have experience of other systems will know that this is more the exception than the rule
Bullets - only as bullets, not numbered
Copy All - fairly obvious but also very useful if you are sending information to Evernote and also want to duplicate it somewhere else
Undo and Undo - no explanation needed but so useful
Settings - Although the default settings are pretty good, this enables you to further customise the use of the App. Just an example of the thought that's been put into building the App... there's even the time when yesterday is still today (default is 3 am); brilliant.

Cost
The App costs $3. Whether you are using Evernote for free, or have a premium account, the sum of the parts is definitely worth the modest investment.

Indispensability
If you use Evernote for anything other than web clipping, this is an absolute 'must have'.

Dependability
The diary page doesn't have the month name at the top so, you need to be a bit careful that you are on 'today'. In practice, this is easily ensured as dates before today are highlighted in grey, dates after in green, and today is in purple.

Security
The fact that you can enter a note, tap the green Evernote icon at the bottom of the screen and whoosh, your note is sent, stored in Evernote and, you are back to a blank screen; this is brilliant for keeping your notes from prying eyes.

Sure, you need to share your information via Evernote but, this is a calculated risk that you are taking anyway.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Evernote without DayEntry is like writing notes while handcuffed!

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

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

Bulk Delete - App Review

Deleting multiple photos used to be a chore. If you are still running an older iOS version then, this is an ideal App to get rid of all those photos that you no longer need (or don't even remember taking).

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Before you do anything (having downloaded that App), go to Settings and scroll down to 'Bulk Delete' and then allow Bulk Delete access to Photos. If you do not do this, the App will not work.

There are very few controls, making the App easy to use. At the bottom left of the screen you can choose one of two thumbnail sizes.

You can now either select photos by time (last 1, 24 hours, 7, 30 days), everything, or individually select them from the thumbnails.

Having done that, press the trash icon and , job done.

Cost
The App costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you have an old version of iOS and cannot choose items for deletion from the Photo App then, this is a great time saver.

Dependability
The App works, as described.

Security
This is a standalone App so there are no concerns in that respect.

You obviously need to be careful of which images you delete.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Ideal for older iOS.

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

You can get Bulk Delete here and support for the App here.

Shortcuts Keyboard - App Review

How many times do you type the same phrase?

This is an App that should reduce the tedium.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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In order for the App to work you need to let it have access. In order to do this, just go to Settings/General/Keyboard/Keyboards/Add New Keyboard/Shortcuts Keyboard. You are now set to make use of the App.

You can now go back to the App and choose the + to enter your first phrase, to which you can also assign a colour.

It is now simplicity itself to access the keyboard through the 'globe' to the left of the space key. Your phrase will be entered into your document, be it a message, or whatever.

Cost
The App costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Sure, the App isn't indispensable but, if you frequently use phrases, it will save you a lot of time, not to mention the frustration sometimes caused by predictive text.

Dependability
The App works as described.

Security
This is a standalone App so there are no qualms in that respect.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Great and very easy to use time saver.

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

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