WiFi Mouse HD - App Review

This App promises to transform your phone into a wireless keyboard, remote desktop, track pad and more.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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In order to get started, obviously having already downloaded the App, you then need to download the Mouse server from here.

All you then need to do is run the App, as well as the software on your PC (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux).

Provided that your PC and iPhone are on the same network, the App will immediately connect your iPhone as an input device for our PC. You can now simply enter text from a keyboard, as well as use the screen as a mouse.

Just for fun, and to prove to myself that this works, most of this review was written using the App.

The fact is that, especially for a remote App, the set-up is an absolute breeze.

Cost
The basic App is absolutely free and there are in-App purchases to add additional features.

Indispensability
Obviously, this is down to user preference. I would however suggest that if you have a surface and no keyboard then, the App allows you to keep the whole Surface screen real estate and still have a keyboard. Being able to use a screen positioned to the left/right is also much easier than a track pad.

Dependability
This App and the software work and didn't fail, not even once, during testing.

Security
It depends how paranoid you are but, of course, your keystrokes are transmitted via your wi-fi network.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Free input device; you can't buy one of those in a shop.

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

You can get WiFi Mouse HD here and support for the App here.

GoPro App - App Review

If you are the lucky owner (or even user) of a GoPro Camera then the chances are that you are very happy with your product (I certainly am).

The one thing that you might crave is a way to remotely start/stop the camera... and perhaps more. This is App is for you; it does much, much more than that. (how about editing for a start).

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The first thing to do is connect your iOS device with the GoPro Camera. The important thing to remember is to have cycled to ensure that wi-fi is turned on and then connect your iOS device to that network.

You now have the choice between

Control
Here, not only to you have a live feed from your GoPro Camera but you can also start and stop recording by touching a large red button; that's the most basic function. You are also able to set the resolution, frames per second, field of view, low light setting, and spot meter. Additional settings are available for multi-shot and photo, as well as set-up (orientation, default mode, LED blinking, beeps, video format, and setting the date and time). There is also direct access to the battery state and SD card capacity (both used and available).

and

Media
this displays the content of your SD card. In order to delete an item it just needs selecting and putting in the bin. You can also take clips of 5, 109, or 30 seconds from an existing recording, or grab a photo from any individual frame.

Cost
The App Costs $0... obviously it only works with a GoPro Camera but, that's considerably less than a dedicated remote control.

Indispensability
If you need to remotely control your GoPro Camera, which is essential in cases such as on a helmet (you look pretty silly looking for a mirror to check the 'on' light is flashing) then, you need this App, let alone that you can ensure that the field of vision is what you were hoping for.

Dependability
The App really is brilliant although a very minor criticism is that although you can turn the GoPro Camera off through the App, it cannot be turned back on (or at least I didn't mange it).

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Perfect companion for the GoPro Camera and at a price you cannot refuse.

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

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

Uber Success Plan - App Review

When I first saw this App, I thought it was a recipe for becoming a taxi driver. In fact it's a bit like a to do list with attitude (and that's a good thing).

To-do lists certainly help you get things done but, perhaps one also looses the focus of why one is doing them in the first place.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The easiest way to get started is to hit the 'Goals' button and set up your first item; this will clarify how the App works.

You can choose from various headings: career, finances, fun and recreation, health, relationships, and spiritual. Having done that, hit the '+' and now go through the various settings:

Goal
Deadline
Priority (neat coloured slider from low to maximum)
Motivation
Drive
Action Plan - these items are like a to-do list with the usual start, end, repeat, and remind fields.

It is very important to hit the 'tick' at the top right of the screen, otherwise your entry will not be saved.

Once that is complete, hit 'Back' 4 times and you are back on the summary page.

Here you have the number of actions/tasks for each day for a week, as well as direct access to your goals, motivation, and drive items.

Cost
The App is absolutely free.

Indispensability
For those of you who need a bit of motivation to go with your to-do list, this could well be the answer.

Dependability
The App is designed for the smaller screen of the iPhone but works fine in 1x and 2x modes on an iPad.

Remember to hit the 'tick' at the top right of the screen, in order to save your work.

Security
This is a standalone App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

To-do list on steroids.

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

You can get Uber Success Plan here and support for the App here.

Simply North - App Review

Where am I?

This App enables you to very get your co-ordinates and altitude.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Here, unashamedly, are the initial instructions given by the developer; these cover the basic operation:

Tap on the North Icon to switch between true (red) and magnetic (blue) North.

Tap on the co-ordinates to copy location and course to clipboard.

Swipe left to convert the location co-ordinate between the three basic forms (DMS, MinDec, and DegDec) - the App is worth having for this alone (how many times have you been given co-ordinates in one format and had to enter them into a GPS in a different format).

Swipe right to display your actual altitude and speed.

Swipe down or tap on BusyBytes Icon to open the About Box.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
This App is useful as a compass and for determining your location and altitude.

Dependability
It is important to ensure that you have enabled Location in Settings.

The App is as good as the geolocation of your iOS device.

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

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

ACIDS Test Rating:

Beautiful, usable compass

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

You can get Simply North here and support for the App here.

Magic Jigsaw Puzzles - App Review

Sometimes you just want to concentrate on something else... jigsaw puzzles are an excellent way to do just that.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The free version of the App contains a number of puzzles in various topics: animals, nature, famous paintings, and architecture. Simply pic a puzzle in one of the collection and then choose the level of difficulty.

There are 2 ways of making things easier, or more challenging, one is by picking the number of pieces in the puzzle (as an example 42, 72, 143, 288, 550), and whether or not pieces are rotated in the 'stack'.

The screen then divides (only in landscape view) with the pieces to be used in a scrollable frame on the right and the whole rest of the real estate to complete the puzzle.

You simply, and elegantly, float pieces into the puzzle.

Cost
The basic App is free and you can then make in-App purchases to obtain further collections, including being able to use your own photographs.

Indispensability
This is just something to relax... that may well be essential.

Dependability
The App works as described.

Security
There is no interactivity as long as you are on the free version.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Easier to use in awkward places than a traditional puzzle.

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

You can get Magic Jigsaw Puzzles here and support for the App here.

Keep An Eye - App Review

You know the scenario; you pop out of the office and someone decides to snoop at your computer screen. This App will notify you of various actions that might be made.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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After downloading the App ensure that notifications are turned on.

You then need to go to www.keepaneye.mobi on your computer and scan the QR code from within the App. To get there you need to click the icon at the top left of the screen and also make sure your mouse cursor is within the circle on the screen (a green tick will appear... don't follow the instructions and 'rest your mouse inside the circle').

Your iOS device will now receive messages such as 'Browser Window Switched' or 'Mouse Moved'.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
This perhaps more of a 'threat' than a serious security option. If you need to protect your information then, that is what you need to do, not just be made aware that someone has touched your computer.

Dependability
The App relies on activity; someone just looking at your screen will, of course, not be detected.

Security
The App needs to have push notifications turned on to function.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Possibly more of a toy than a tool but, still interesting.

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

You can get Keep An Eye here and support for the App here.

MailTime Pro - App Review

The ubiquitous e-mail is perhaps a little bland (I'm not talking about the content); MailTime brings a different way to view e-mail.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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First up you need to add an e-mail account which are pre configured for Google, iCloud, Outlook.com, Office 365, Yahoo and some others.

When typing your first e-mail you will be impressed that your most recent contacts are already at the top of the list. There are buttons for 'To,' 'CC' and 'BCC'; no messing about there either.

At the bottom of the message panel you can easily add images, Dropbox or other cloud items, as well the very useful '@' feature which enables you to create a task from within a message (called mentions).

You need to think of MailTime as more messaging than e-mail but, much better to use than messaging.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
You already have e-mail but, if nothing else, the iOS version doesn't even have password protection.

Dependability
The App relies on bubbles for messages which is fine, so long as messages are fairly short.

Security
You need to connect your e-mail address(es) with MailTime and acknowledge their Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Apart from access to your e-mail account(s), you also need to enable the App to have access to your contacts.

You are invited to set up a Passcode; it would be foolish to refuse.

ACIDS Test Rating:

E-Mailinging?

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

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

ipash - App Review

If you hanker for the 'good old days' of command line prompts then, this will be right up your street.

For those of you too young to remember those days... delve and learn.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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As a bit of a sop to the way we have become so lazy (relying on the aptitude of developers to do the work for us), you can type 'help' to get a list of commands.

Now experiment as you will but, be careful.

You can choose from layouts from ipash, Apple, Linux, classic /green text on a black screen), or Commodore (white text on a blue screen... remember that?).

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
The chances that, the 'utilisateur lambda' will soon tire...

Dependability
Hey come on, command line systems just work.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front, just don't make changes you might regret.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Brings back memories...

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

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

TextCenter - App Review

Sometimes, less is more, and having accurate control is a boon.

TextCenter is uncluttered and allows you to edit text, completely.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Press the + to start your first text.

Press on Untitled to give a name to the file.

You are now in the text part and type as you normally would.

Now you can either use the App just as a plain text editor with the few icon driven features (undo, redo, left, back, up, down, forward delete). Additional icon driven features are available with a flick to scroll the items.

If you really want total control then, I suggest downloading the User Guide.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
It really depends on whether you like GUI or accurate control; your call.

If you, for example, want to have text that links to a URL, this is for you.

Dependability
The App works but, it's up to you to make the effort if you want bells and whistles (not a criticism, just an ascertainment.

Security
The App can be given (optional) access to your Twitter account and iCloud.

ACIDS Test Rating:

For those who need more than text.

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

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

Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop - App Review

Our connected lives are great... until we get disconnected. This App (together with PC versions) allows you to be wherever, and still have access to your desktop.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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In order to get the App running, your PC needs Splashtop Streamer installed on your PC. having downloaded Splashtop Personal you will now need to run it on your PC and create a Splashtop account (free of charge); this can be done either on your PC or within the App.

Launching the App will invite you to log in to your Splashtop account (or create one). You will now be invited to set the screen resolution From a choice of 800x600, 1024x768, native, and best fit.

Now, as if by magic, you will see your computer screen on your iOS device. You can now do whatever it is you wanted to do, just as if you were in front of your PC screen.

Cost
The App Costs $5.

Indispensability
This is probably not something you will use every day but, provided your PC is switched on, you can remotely access it.

Dependability
Although the App works fine, within the obvious constraints of screen size (more on iPhone that iPad), when connected other streaming services stop working.

Security
The potential for mischief is enormous; be careful.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Remotely access your PC.

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

You can get Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop here and support for the App here.