PDF Connoisseur for iPad - App Review

The guys at Kdan Mobile Software seem to have another PDF file viewer... not so! They do seem to specialise in taking a run of the mill App like a PDF viewer and then making something special and very unexpected.

If you're impatient and really can't wait, I'll spill the beans right now: the App speaks... but there's also another trick up its sleeve!

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
PDF Connoisseur for iPad is perhaps best described as PDF reader - iPad Premium, on steroids. It picks up on the great tools there and adds to them... just like this review.

The App includes a comprehensive manual which you can download one section at a time. Although the App is intuitive, you might find a glance at the manual helpful as well.

The File Viewer allows you to do exactly that... but as for the rest of the App, it also includes other tools. This includes text reflowing, the ability to directly interrogate Wiki and Google about a word (not just the standard iOS dictionary).

The File Manager, unsurprisingly, allows you to move and rename files, as well as putting them into password protected folders. It also gives the ability to directly add tags.

Like other of the more powerful PDF editors, the App allows you to annotate documents with sticky notes, as well as text, shapes (arrow, line, circle, box), and a signature and stamps. You have the choice to save your document so that it can be re-edited, or in flattened style, so that all your alterations become part of the document and are not modifiable by third parties.

There are many options for moving files between systems. This can be done through Wi-Fi, USB linking (through iTunes), as well as a vast array of established cloud/off-line services (box, Dropbox, FTP, Google Docs, Google Drive, MyDisk, SugarSync, WebDAV) and, of course, email. As a genuine iOS 7 compliant App, AirDrop is also supported.

What already differentiates Kdan's PDF Reader (remember that Connoisseur is the big brother/sister) is that you can use your iPad camera to photograph anything, including documents. The resulting image can then be edited. The adjustments include brightness, contrast, automatic (re)focussing and the, so often missing, ability to crop the image (this is a simple but very effective way to get rid of extraneous information). The resulting image is then saved as a PDF document and you can use all the creative and editing capabilities of the App listed above.

And now (drum roll please) for two absolute knockout additions:

1. OCR
Perform Optical Character Recognition on your imported photographs. How many times have you seen a document and thought 'I'll take a picture of that and read it later'? The advent of smart phones made that part easy but, this goes one stage further. The document can be converted into text which can subsequently be edited and, of course, saved as text or PDF.

2. Speech
Close your eyes and imagine that, rather than read the document in front of you, someone could read it to you. Well, you can stop imagining because this App does exactly that, in a number of languages (American English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Korean), in either male or female voices. All you need do is highlight the text you want spoken and then touch 'TTS Speak'.

There are clearly many practical uses to this, as evidenced by the fact that University of Michigan lists PDF Connoisseur for iPad on its Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities website.

My favourite is listening to the text with another voice. Those of you old enough to remember a television advertisement for Grand Marnier will know just what I mean... or maybe I just need to grow up.

Cost
The App sells for $10 on the App store. If you consider that this includes a PDF editor, that is considerably less than you would pay for that facility on a PC, never mind the OCR and Text to Speech.

Indispensability
There is no question that a PDF reader is indispensable if you make serious (as opposed to frivolous) use of your iPad. The additional tools to edit are just about essential as well.

Dependability
The App performed without errors. The speech recognition seems to hesitate at the end of a line... maybe it's just catching its breath!

Security
The big plus is that the App allows you to set a 'serious' password, not just the typical 4 digits. With all the information that you will no doubt allow the App to access, this is very important. There are a lot of sharing options so, you need to act responsibly, as ever.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Much, much, much, much more than a plain vanilla PDF Reader.

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

You can get PDF Connoisseur for iPad here and support for the App here.

StockMarketEye - App Review

Do you invest in stocks and shares, or other instruments?

If you do then, you need a method to keep on top of your transactions and, just as importantly, your potential transactions. It's all well and good (well, actually it isn't) to leave it to your 'advisor' but, your interests may not be identical.

StockMarketEye is just what you've been waiting for.

Before you think (just as I did) that entering information on an iPhone/iPad is not your idea of fun... read on (to the end, it'll be worth it).

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There are only four main buttons and these cover the basic offering:

Settings
This where you choose your reference currency from a very exhaustive list, define the number of decimal places, and choose whether or not to show the exchange prefix. You can set a password (limited to the standard iOS 4 digit code).
It also gives you access to the developers' website and allows you to contact them for support (or even for a vote of thanks).

Portfolios
Now we're getting into the nitty gritty. Press the '+' to buy/sell stock or add/remove cash. Obviously you can give each portfolio a name, alter from the default currency, choose whether or not it is synchronisable (got you thinking now?), and pick the sorting order.
Once you've done that (and there is an easier way... promise), you have your stocks neatly listed. Just pull down the screen to refresh all the values and have the up-to-date individual prices, values, and gains. There is also a portfolio summary showing the value (stocks and cash), day and overall gain, both in values and expressed as a percentage.

Watchlists
This is similar to the Portfolios but, as the name implies, you enter and product you want to keep tabs on. Choose either Yahoo or Google; I have found historical data on Google to be more reliable (or at least complete) than Yahoo; test it and see which you prefer.

Synchronise
Create an account at StockMarketEye and synchronise your data, thereby enabling you to either replace your iOS information with the server, of vice versa.

So, you're still reading, and you are concerned about entering lots of information on a device that is really better suited to displaying it... well, what makes StockMarketEye an absolute killer App is that there is a PC/Mac version which enables you to import/export CSV files (and others). So you can update portfolios and Watchlists in bulk and then view on your PC or iOS device.

Cost
The App is a piffling $2, which is fabulous value. The PC version has a one-off fee, which includes an enlightened licence allowing you to run the Software on multiple computers, provided these are not run concurrently. The developers are so convinced that you'll love it that they offer a 30 day trial for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux here.

Indispensability
If you care about your investments, this is an absolute no-brainer. There is even the possibility of receiving push notifications directly to your iOS device (via Growl).

Dependability
The App works perfectly but, check that you are happy with the provided historical information (it will be very obvious if it is wrong). It is optimised for the iPhone and works on the iPad in 1x and 2x modes.

Security
The data remains on your device unless (as I suggest), you use the synchronisation service, in which case your data is protected by a password (this one is NOT limited to 4 digits).

ACIDS Test Rating:

Simply brilliant!

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

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

Barcode - App Review

This is a simple (from a user point of view, I am in no way denigrating the development work) App to check on Barcodes (you guessed that from the name) and QR (Quick Response) codes (those squares of black/white mumbo jumbo).

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The basic screen is about as simple as it could possibly be. At the top there is a torch icon. Press it and you get the light from the camera flash. The only other evidence that this is an App is a red square.

All you need to is line up the square, through the camera lens, with either a barcode or QR code and press the screen. Once you are done, the red turns to green.

In the case of a barcode, having scanned it, you are given choices to:

Search Amazon
This will attempt to find the product you are viewing on the Amazon site and enable you to order it directly, or at least compare prices.

Search Google
I guess you don't really need to be informed of what this does; it is self evident. The point is that it works.

Copy to Clipboard
This enables you to copy the text value of the barcode to your clipboard, and then do with it as you will.

Should you choose a QR code then you can choose to share this by Facebook, Twitter, Email, SMS, or, use the code (which can also be copied). If the QR Code is a company internal code, you can just be nosey. On the other hand, if it is from a slightly more forward-thinking organisation, you will also have the option to 'Open URL'. This will take you directly to their website, or some other appropriate place.

Cost
The App is free and has no advertisements.

Indispensability
This is more useful than indispensable.

Dependability
Absolutely no problems encountered during testing.

Security
Information can be shared directly via Facebook or Twitter, provided you are logged in to your account.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Can be very useful.

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

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

PDF reader - iPad Premium

PDF file viewers are ten a penny. Do not confuse this App with one of those. 

The name "PDF Reader iPad" does not do it justice. It also includes the ability to annotate and/or scan documents, as well as a sophisticated file manager.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The App includes a comprehensive manual which you can download one section at a time. Although the App is intuitive, you might find a glance at the manual helpful as well.

The File Viewer allows you to do exactly that (for PDF files)... but as for the rest of the App, it also includes other tools. This includes text reflowing, the ability to directly interrogate Wiki and Google about a word (not just the standard iOS dictionary).

The File Manager, unsurprisingly, allows you to move and rename files, as well as putting them into password protected folders. It also gives the ability to directly add tags.

Like other of the more powerful PDF editors, the App allows you to annotate documents with sticky notes , as well as text, shapes (arrow, line, circle, box), and a signature and stamps. You have the choice to save your document so that it can be re-edited, or in flattened style, so that all your alterations become part of the document and are not modifiable by third parties.

There are many options for moving files between systems. This can be done through Wi-Fi, USB linking (through iTunes), as well as a vast array of established cloud/off-line services (box, Dropbox, FTP, Google Docs, Google Drive, MyDisk, SugarSync, WebDAV) and, of course, email. As a genuine iOS 7 compliant App, AirDrop is also supported.

In my opinion, the real differentiator is that you can use your iPad camera to photograph anything, including documents. The resulting image can then be edited. The adjustments include brightness, contrast, automatic (re)focussing and the, so often missing, ability to crop the image (this is a simple but very effective way to get rid of extraneous information). The resulting image is the saved as a PDF document and you can use all the creative and editing capabilities of the App listed above. The App does have a quirk in that, in order to complete this operation you need to tap an icon which looks like 'add a page'... obviously, this is what you are doing but, there is no evident way that you are creating a PDF document (remember the advice to look at the manual...).

Cost
The App is excellent value at $3.

Indispensability
There is no question that a PDF reader is indispensable if you make serious (as opposed to frivolous) use of your iPad.

Dependability
The App performed without errors.

Security
The big plus is that the App allows you to set a 'serious' password, not just the typical 4 digits. With all the information that you will no doubt allow the App to access, this is very important. There are a lot of sharing options so, you need to act responsibly, as ever

ACIDS Test Rating:

Much, much more than a plain vanilla PDF Reader.

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

You can get PDF reader - iPad Premium here and support for the App here.

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.