Image to Excel - App Review

Now you might be wondering why you would want an App to add an image to Excel... the App's full moniker is actually 'Image to Excel Converter - OCR - Convert photos of tables and spreadsheets to Excel documents - Excel Scanner'. A bit much of a mouthful but, more accurately reflects what this App is all about.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The basic screen is simplicity personified; choose between Camera and Photos and (once you have taken a photo or imported one, a list of files.

Pick a file and you will see your image as a table, then go to Share at the bottom left of the screen and pick Copy to Excel..

Your photo now appears as a fully editable Excel spreadsheet, ready for you to do whatever you want with it.

It's as easy as that.

Cost
The App is absolutely Free. In order to remove the delay in conversion, you can upgrade for $10.

Indispensability
If you are an avid Excel user and frequently need to manually enter data that is already in tabular format, this App will save you many hours of time-consuming copy typing.

There are also many instances where you could obtain tabulated data and then be able to manipulate it in Excel (screen grab being a very obvious one... and not necessarily your screen).

Dependability
The App definitely works best when handling tabular information, although will also handle more haphazard layouts. The quality of the OCR is amazingly good.

Security
The App needs access to your camera, and/or photos, as well as an Internet connection to carry out the conversion.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Image to Excel without pain.

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

You can get Image to Excel here and support for the App here.

Red Dot Camera - App Review

We're all getting so used to just pointing and clicking (or touching) to get a photo that the art (and science) of photography is rapidly disappearing.

This App enables you to set parameters as in the good old days (and with click wheels at that) so that the photograph you take is defined before you hit the shutter, and not touched up afterwards (although you could still do that).

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Apart from the click wheels (we'll come back to those shortly), the other obvious area on your iOS device are a couple of rectangular boxes. theses represent the equivalent of what your shot would look like using a 35/28 mm lens; you can also, optionally, hide these lines, which you probably will after a bit of use.

The click wheels allow you to set the ISO (30-1,600) so as to compensate for different levels of lighting, shutter speed (1/4 TO 1/8,000) to allow you to be especially creative where there are moving objects (or even people), and exposure compensation (-3 TO +3) to ensure colours are well defined (only available if at least one of the other wheels is set to automatic).

You also have access to a timer (2, 10, and 309 seconds), as well as flash on/off/automatic.

The chosen settings are beautifully confirmed at the bottom of the screen.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
Of course, it's your call, as your iOS device already has a camera but, it's worth a bit of effort.

Dependability
It's great to be able to see the effect that changing settings will have on the exposure; very much the best of both worlds.

Security
In order to get the full benefit of the App, it needs to have access to your photos and location.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Control photos before taking them.

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

You can get Red Dot Camera here and support for the App here.

MetaMoji Note - App Review

Oh no, another note taking App... yes but this one is nothing like the iOS bundled 'Notes'. If you're looking for something with more oomph then, this might be just what you've been waiting for.... but if all you want is just to type in a bit of text then, this would be overkill.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The first thing to note is that the developers have kindly stored some samples in a folder titled 'Sample for iOS'. Take a look at some of the documents that have been created and you will immediately appreciate that this is much more than another simple note taking App.

If you tap the '+' and start to create your first note, the first choice is the type of paper. Once you have got that you are in possession of a 'plain' sheet on which you can enter text (or not).

Each item of text is individual and can be moved around the page, as well as defining the font, size, colour, bold, underline, and even strikethrough.... and can then be erased just as in the traditional way.

There is also a freehand drawing tool where you can choose colour and thickness, as well as a very evocative pen/brush stroke.

Your note can, of course, be shared in many ways including (most unusually),as a preview of a PDF document.

Cost
The App Costs $8, although there is also a 'lite' version.

Indispensability
A note taking App is absolutely indispensable. Only you know what it is that you need.

Dependability
The App simply works, just as you would expect.

Security
In order to get started you need to create a free account that will necessitate you giving a valid e-mail address (so that you can validate the address).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Comprehensive note taker and idea grabber.

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

You can get MetaMoji Note here and support for the App here.

GoMark - App Review

Having fairly recently reviewed an App which allowed you to remove information embedded in your photos, here's one that does exactly the opposite (it's horses for courses after all).

This App allows you to add location, weather, date, time, and altitude, all with some style.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
When you point your iOS device as a camera you will see a number of icons at the top of the screen. These allow you to choose to include weather conditions, location, time, date, altitude, and each of these with a variety of options to make it even more personalised.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
Your camera is probably indispensable but the additional information probably isn't... at least until you have a particular point to make about your exact shot (like snow with a high temperature...).

Dependability
The edit function allows you to change the location.

Security
The App needs to access your location and camera so that it can add relevant information.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Same photo, more info.

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

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

Hypelight - App Review

Oh no, not another camera... well yes but, the developer states: "Here comes the only app that can shoot, edit, and save in one go. With its convenient interface, never-before-seen editing tools, and powerful Dropbox-supporting album, 'HYPELIGHT' is the newest arena to unleash your passion for creativity".

Ambitious claims.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The best way to test an App is to use it, so just tae a photo with the big red button on the screen. You can of course choose either front or rear facing camera. Zoom is set with a slider control, rather than pinching the screen.

Having taken a photo (also can be set before), you can apply:

Filter - more choices than you can shake a sick at, and even then create your own
Crop, Flip, and Rotate (even though this is in 90 degree increments, there is than a straighten tool for fine adjustment)
Transform - change the perception of depth, as well as a distort function
Light, Colour can be played with to your heart's content
Replace colour - this is brilliant as you can even use a wheel to check both the source and destination colours

... and plenty more.

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
Even if you're not a camera buff, I'm sure there was at least once you wished you could easily change a colour.

Dependability
The App seems to work perfectly on an iPhone but not so happily on an iPad.

Security
The App really needs access to your camera and photos.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Much more than another camera.

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

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

Approach Guides Wine for iPhone - App Review

Wine; whether you're a connoisseur or neophyte, you could always know more. This iPhone version means that the information will always be with you.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
In order to be able to fully use the App, you need to open a (Free) account but, the App is perfectly usable without this.

You can find wines by grape type, appellation, or food pairing.

Having found what you are looking for, you have a fairly detailed description of the appellation, or of the grape as grown in a particular country, including appropriate appellations.

This is certainly a worthwhile introduction.

Cost
The App Costs $3.

Indispensability
This is probably more aimed at the neophyte as there are no tasting notes and very limited producers listed but, being an iPhone App means that there is a good chance that you can check a wine 'on the fly'.

Dependability
The App is very easy to navigate and works as expected.

The App only works in portrait mode.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front. If you sign up then you are obviously providing a name and e-mail address.

ACIDS Test Rating:

All useful information for a wine lover and always on hand.

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

You can get Approach Guides Wine for iPhone here and support for the App here.

mycl - my current location - App Review

What this App does is tell you where you are... to be honest, when I first saw this App, I couldn't really think of a use... that's because one has preconceptions.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
It really doesn't get much cleaner than this. The home screen has 5 options:

My Current Location (this is the business end)
Apple Watch & Notification Center
Contact (E-mail the developer)
Rate this application
Information (version and copyright information).

Press on My Current Location and up pops the address where you are. Apart from seeing the information, you can add it to an existing contact, or copy it to the clipboard.

Cost
The App Costs $0.

Indispensability
Although the App can clearly be a time saver in copying an address, it is also very useful in situations where you cannot see a road name.

Dependability
The App proved remarkably accurate in testing, although an Internet connection is needed.

Security
You need to give the App to your location (obvious really). The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front.

ACIDS Test Rating:

It's free and very useful.

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

You can get mycl - my current location here and support for the App here.

hyperPad - App Review

The developer says "Developing Apps has never been so easy! Create mobile games or media rich interactive apps like books, prototypes, and more with no coding.

Intrigued? Read on...

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Having set up your account, hit the button at the top right of the screen to create a new project (or you can opt to start with a sample instead; probably a good idea).

The screen has various icons which are or the project menu, scene properties, global properties, run current scene, undo, redo, and help
.
You grab objects from the dock and place them on the canvas (objects come from your asset library). The layers are about the same as sprites used to be.

The whole project revolves around items (visual and audio) that you import onto the canvas.

Cost
The App Costs $5, although there is also a free (limited) version, as well as an even fuller version for $10 per month or lifetime for $150.

Indispensability
If you want to create a bespoke game, or an interactive App, this is a good starting point.

Dependability
The App only works in landscape mode.

Security
In order to get started you need to create a free account that will necessitate you giving a valid e-mail address (so that you can validate the address).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Use your iPad to be creative, differently.

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

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

Clutter Cam - App Review

Do you keep taking photos and then wonder why you did, or just find that your camera roll is getting hopelessly full?

This little App helps keep things tidier.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App works as a standard camera (front and rear facing).

Having taken a snap, you can either retake or use photo. In the latter case the photo is only stored in the App.

You can also import photos from your camera roll and then either delete them from the photo storage and have them filed in the App, or have them in both places.

Individual photos can be selected to easily message, e-mail, and all the other usual actions, including saving the image (in which case it will be in your camera roll).

Cost
The App Costs a nominal $1.

Indispensability
If you are, for example, just taking a photo so that you can send it to someone (and have to wish to keep a copy) then, this App saves your valuable storage space.

Dependability
The App is designed for the iPhone but works fine on an iPad in 1x and 2x modes and works exactly as expected.

Security
The App is self-contained, so no concerns on this front, although photos are very easily shared in the normal way.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Useful space saver.

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

You can get Clutter Cam here and support for the App here.

Matcha 3 - App Review

If you're looking for a proper word preocessor, rather than a simple note taking App, take a look at Matcha 3.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App includes a few 'here's one I prepared earlier' documents (just like a cooking programme) which gives you an idea of the quality of results that can be obtained.

To add content (text, photos, tables, or other items), simply touch the appropriate icon on the menu bar. As text you can also add tags

If you add a photo (and have used other Apps and got frustrated) then, the availability of commands such as Crop/Scale, Fit, Full Screen will be a wonderful experience.

Something completely different is the Zen writing mode where non text items fade into the background and you are left to concentrate on wordsmithing. This mode also allows for easy style changes by just swiping the relevant paragraph; left gives access to paragraph styles; swiping right gives bulleted, numbered, or check box lists.

Having created an item you can also morph it into a 'to-do' by simply swiping the file and then adding a date and time; neat.

Text can be pinched and it will then resize, without affecting the underlying font parameters.

Cost
The App Costs $10.

Indispensability
If all you need is a simple note taking App, this is overkill but, if you are looking to prepare professional looking documents then, this is right up your street.

Dependability
Everything works really well, although the crop feature takes a little getting used to.

Security
Your documents can be synchronised with iCloud, Dropbox or Evernote; or you can just keep your documents on your iOS device.

ACIDS Test Rating:

If you want well-presented documents.

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

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