Feb 22, 2012

These days, SMS apps on smartphones are must-have for people who communicate more through text messaging than making phone calls. For Android, there are tons of free SMS apps in the Market and it can get pretty confusing. So we’ll help out by reviewing ChompSMS, a sleek, powerful messaging app. ChompSMS is a robust replacement for the phone’s native messaging app. It offers more options for maximum performance and functionality for text messaging.

The first thing to notice when beginning to use ChompSMS is its smooth performance. Scrolling through conversation lists and messages is a pleasant experience with the speed and fluidity this app delivers. It’s also a breeze to open and reply to messages and the app never had a lag as I was using it for this review. Even long messages that took a while to open with other SMS apps, ChompSMS had no problem pulling up in a fraction of a second.

The app has a simple and straightforward interface. There are free themes that can be downloaded from the Market, and even those are also quite toned down and minimalist in design. Like its competitors, ChompSMS also offers some ability to customize the overall look of the app such as manually changing the look and feel of the conversation lists.

Although ChompSMS offers similar customization functions as other apps, these are rather basic and lack the variety offered by other apps such as GoSMS or Handcent. However, these extras may be necessary for the app to function as fast as it does.

To compensate for the lack of customization options, ChompSMS has options not found in other apps, such as configuring the phone’s physical buttons to send or reply to messages. With Quick Compose, it is possible to choose between the phone’s camera or search button to compose and send a text message without going into the app itself. Another feature that’s unique to this app is ChompSMS credits. It allows you to buy these credits for lower rates when sending SMS worldwide. This may not be applicable to everyone, but it’s a handy option to have in any case.

When it comes down to it, ChompSMS is a notable contender for a fully functional and powerful SMS app albeit sparse in extra tricks. For users that prefer speed over design and stability over fluff, then ChompSMS is the app to try – and stick with.

Feb 22, 2012

What CloudMagic aspires to do is to help bring together the various cloud services that we use. The app, which recently just released, allows users to link a Google account (with support for Google Apps accounts) and a Twitter account, in order to index emails, contacts, calendars, and more, to make them universally searchable from one interface. So, typing in a certain search term will show relevant emails, calendar events, contacts, and recent tweets matching that search entry.

For example, I linked together multiple Google accounts and my Twitter account, then I did a search for “GDC” and the results were as expected. It showed all the results for GDC in my email inboxes. It searched my calendars for my GDC events. Most impressively, it did a search through only my Twitter contacts that I follow for tweets about GDC. I cannot stress how important and useful that last sentence is. Twitter search is such a mess, and having something that turns up relevant results from the people that I follow is worth keeping this tool around alone, never mind the Google integration.

In fact, the key drawback to CloudMagic at this time is the fact that it only integrates in Google and Twitter. For someone who uses both, this is fantastic, but for other email/contacts/calendar service users, it’s somewhat lacking. Facebook and Google+ would be useful services to integrate, as the commentary from people on those services could be useful in finding relevant social data. Twitter searching can only go back so far, likely due to Twitter limits, although it can easily find self-posted tweets and direct messages containing the search term. As well, having Google-esque searcheengine operators would help make the app far more useful. I’d love to search through Dropbox files to find relevant information as well.

While CloudMagic has a long way to go to be something all-encompassing, its current implementation is very useful for users of Google and Twitter. It even manages to out-Google Google in its universal search of Google services, something that Android surprisingly lacks. This is a very useful tool for Android owners.

Feb 21, 2012

I like overachievers.

I like Alexander the Great, Mia Hamm and Susan Boyle. I like things that help me do more, especially when they help me do more with less. That’s a major reason that I carry a smartphone.

Droid Scan Pro PDF is an application that allows Android owners use their device cameras to scan items on the go. It also allows one to convert the scans to PDF or JPEG. Portability of business functionality is ever so valuable in a ever-increasing mobile world.

It weighs in at 1.13 MB, and less if the user opts to move it to SD card. The application has a fairly direct UI, giving the app user the option of importing, scanning or even sharing from within the app. Now, the UI may not attract effusive circus clowns, but it does work well to add an aura of seriousness to the software. The scans came out better than envisaged; creation of a PDF document was fairly smooth. I especially liked the trimming tool, which allows the user to shape the document with the use of an adjustable edger. I suspect the overall quality of the scans would be a function of your device hardware to a degree; as noted, they looked good snapped with my aging EVO’s camera. Droid Scan Pro completely cedes the image capture process to the device camera, which means you will be using a familiar menu to take the initial shots.

One can also import files to work on. This is useful when having to convert a JPEG to a PDF for example. I found that I could also import files from my preferred word processor, file manager and gallery. The Turbo import feature automates the process of importation into Droid Scan Pro.

The Share function allows one to distribute with a host of built-in apps, including Dropbox and email. The scan jpeg or pdf is also available in the device’s gallery app in the newly created Droid Scan file, so it is not necessary to even open the app to get to the scans in the future. The app’s built-in functionality also extends to compatibility with Google Goggles, which allows one to add business cards to Google Contacts.

I thought the menu could be a bit more intuitive; it is not rocket science, but my admittedly strong urge to tap and hold or use the menu button to navigate did not always work as I would have guessed it would. Using the back button sufficed. Also, the bulk action functionality did seem wonky at first, but was flawless on subsequent tries.

All in all, Droid Scan Pro PDF was functional, sturdy and did not crash on me once. I also note the fact that the developer took the time to include a feedback button as a major part of the user interface. That’s good.

Droid Scan Pro PDF is available for 4.99 on the Amazon Appstore and Android Market.

Feb 20, 2012

What may be iOS developer Retro Dreamer’s most poopular game, Sneezies, is now available on Android. This is a game of chain reactions: the cute Sneezies float around the screen, and players tap anywhere on the screen to pop them. When popped, they sneeze, and the debris then pops other Sneezies in range, who then pop others with their sneeze, and so on until no more Sneezies can be popped. The goal is generally to pop a set number of Sneezies in each level. Simple as that.

This is a perfect game for kids. The simple controls, bright colors, and cute characters, are perfect for the young ones to play around with when they pick up the phone or tablet. The game has multiple modes outside the main one, including a ten-level Score EX mode, a Challenge mode with multiple pops, and a free popping mode that just lets players pop Sneezies with no time limit or restrictions.

At later difficulties, it feels more like luck is involved in succeeding, at least in the main mode. Finding a good starting point for the chain reactions is key, but at some point, it just becomes about sitting back and hoping that everything works out well. The Challenge mode’s multiple pops make it more skill-based, but there are still bonuses for events that are out of the player’s control. The game really just does not feel as much like a skill game, as much as it is just one for kids (or anyone else looking for a simple game) to sit back and enjoy, marveling at the cute colors.

Sneezies is not the deepest game out there, but it is a fun distraction, and popping the little fuzzballs is quite entertaining. The game is available for free from the Android Market, and in a paid version with art for high-resolution screens from the Amazon Appstore.

Feb 16, 2012

AndroXplorer is back with a new version. The 4th version of the file manager is now available on the Android Market. Like many Android file managers, it offers access ot the user’s files on the device, along with access to external SD cards. It can browse through applications on the device, enabling them to be backed up. It can also extract a variety of compressed files, making it a useful tool for those who frequently work with archives.

The latest version has two key benefits. First, there’s root access, for rooted users. When it comes to tinkering, having access to root files from an app the user likes is always an advantage – and having an app the user is familiar with reduces the possibility of making crucial errors! Second, the app supports tablets, which lack a very good file manager so far. The app’s three-window interface with left tabs makes it extremely useful for moving and navigating between multiple directories.

The app can hypothetically detect network servers sharing files via SMB but the automatic search either does not work, as it keeps crashing on my Motorola Xoom running Ice Cream Sandwich, and manually adding servers does not detect any folders. In fact, even the automatic search does not tend to detecct any folders, which is strange. This is a shame because it would serve as a great way to ditch the USB cable when trying to transfer files to and from a computer. There doesn’t appear to be any way to back up an app’s data; apparently we’re all just beholden to Titanium Backup for that. The documentation is very confusing, and makes it hard to see just what can be done with the app.

While the app’s upgrades and interface changes will be good for previous users of AndroXplorer, there’s not much here in this latest version to convince users to ditch their preferred file manager for this, although tablet users don’t really have much choice otherwise.

Feb 14, 2012

Anomaly: Warzone Earth is tower offense. Originally released on PC and Mac, adapted for touchscreens on iOS, Android gamers can now enjoy tower offense on their tablets. Players control the invading armies traveling along paths with fixed defenses. The basic goal is to take out defenses, collecting money along paths, and deploying counter-measures to divert fire and to heal the units. Players create paths for the units to travel on, though these can be adjusted mid-game to create looping paths, or to change strategy. Levels generally involve reaching the end unscathed, though some involve destroying a certain number of units, or ensuring the safety of escorted units.

Visually, the game is impressive. It’s chock-full of detail, and the game lost no visual fidelity in the transition. For a game that takes place in the Middle East, it is surprisingly colorful – it would have been easy for the game to just use many shades of brown, but there are plenty of splashes of color sprinkled throughout. The game is still refreshing to play, because there are just so many tower defense games out there; having this reversal of it is great to have.

The game is still rather busy visually; it can be very easy to lose track of units’ health, and letting them not die can be a challenge. Path creation is still rather tricky; it can be difficult to figure out where an inadvertent loop begins; perhaps a red arrow where loops begin and end would help?

The impressive thing is, this port feels just like the iPad version did – the game is incredibly smooth and has no gameplay differences with its iOS original. The original port was done in 2 weeks; it would be hard to tell just by playing this. This is a definite must-have for tablets, though phones are also supported. Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a must-have strategy game.

Feb 13, 2012

Somewhere along the line I missed the “Learn Photoshop” train. Although it’s on my list of things to do and learn, I rely on easy to use, point and click, nothing fancy photo editing programs. Usually I only need to fix some color or remove redeye. HUE Camera FX fits the bill in mobile form. From start to finishing HUE Camera FX is technically all anyone will possibly need. Take photos, retouch blemishes, adjust colors and add layered effects all with a touch of the finger. When it’s done, easily share the finished product on Facebook, Google+ and more.

HUE Camera FX allows users to have control over the look of their photos from beginning to end. With HUE Camera FX users begin by choosing a preset lighting scheme. From there users can pick from an array of color options ranging from black and white, to negative, Polaroid, and even individual hue/saturation color effects. What puts HUE Camera FX above other on the go photo editing apps is its automatic layering effect. Want to enhance the reds and place them over a sepia-colored photo? No problem. Add a sepia layer then a layer of the red hue/saturation effect. A drag of the finger over the photo and voila, red appears on sepia anywhere the screen is touched.

Sadly, what makes HUE Camera FX so great is also the app’s biggest downfall. Rather, the inability to zoom in and do precision work is. It is practically impossible to enhance and touch up blemishes to small areas like eyes, hair or even small background objects using a finger. HUE Camera FX attempts to correct this issue by allowing users to adjust the erase and color tool’s size but my finger is still too large for many of the jobs I know this app could otherwise accomplish. I felt teased by all the potential I could see in this app; all I wanted was a zoom tool.

Overall HUE Camera FX has amazing potential. The color effects are simple and easy to use. The app intuitively creates layers for even more “advanced” editing. If only there were a way to complete precision work this app would be perfect.

Feb 9, 2012

Toot Toot ABC is a cute game by Australian based company Game Labs that introduces preschoolers (ages 1-4) to their ABCs and 123s. Children play one of three darling trains who live in an colorful, interactive World. Kids encounter various animals while learning their alphabet and numbers. With three adventures to choose from there is always something for the little ones to explore.

Kids can pick from the ABC adventure, 123 adventure or take a break and race against other trains. During the ABC adventure, kids match animals with their corresponding letter. In the 123 adventure, kids count animals by dragging them in the train cars. What makes Toot Toot ABC extra unique is the use of exotic – or at least Australian – animals; I have officially learned of the numbat’s existence.

One of my favorite aspects of Toot Toot ABC (besides its Australian animal theme) is the brightly colored, interactive World the trains live in. See the red apples on the tree? Click one to have a little snack. Want to show your train some love? Tap his bell and he makes noise. Need a break? Take some time to pop balloons floating around the screen. Children like to explore their surroundings as a way of learning and Toot Toot ABC takes that into considerations when designing their educational World.

Toot Toot ABC also helps children develop fine motor skills. For example, in the 123 adventure, the child needs to be able to click an animal, hold the screen, and drag the animal to the train car for it to be counted. The controls for Toot Toot ABC are responsive and accurate enough for young children to control but not so responsive there is no challenge.

As a new mother I am looking for fun, new age, technological tools to help my daughter learn as she grows and reaches new cognitive and physical developmental milestones. She may not be ready for Toot Toot ABC yet, but it is definitely a game I will keep in mind when the time comes. This cute, colorful, educational game is too darling to pass up for $2.07. I really hope Game Labs continues to develop other educational games for various developmental levels.

Feb 8, 2012

I must begin this review with a warning: do not download Dungeon Raid. It is a time-devouring, soul-sucking, mad addiction of a game that will cause the hours to just quickly disappear. This is essentially a roguelike RPG in puzzle form. There are multiple types of items on the board: potions which heal the player; coins that give more money for buying upgraded items; shields that increase the player’s armor, which reduces damage from enemies; and finally, there’s the enemies and swords. To damage enemies, making a match with them and the swords is required, and each sword that is involved in the match will increase damage. Boss enemies occasionally appear that have special properties and attacks that can hinder the player or make them difficult to defeat.

While puzzle-meets-RPG is a genre that has risen up over the last few years, few games integrate it as well as Dungeon Raid does. Every single action in this game has a direct effect. Go for the gold that will help get upgrades? Well, that may come at the cost of raising shields, or healing, or damaging those enemies. Sure, there may be enough health to take a few light blows, but what if a boss enemy comes around? As well, any move could always bring new pieces on the board that are helpful…or very harmful.

It’s the direct reaction to each action that makes the game so much more interesting to play than Puzzle Quest – everything is part of the game, rather than an overlay for the comat. The entire game is the puzzle mechanic, and what comes from it. The abilities all directly affect the board, and how the game is played. This is a puzzle-RPG. And boy is it ever addictive. With the simplicity of the match-3 mechanic, combined with the deeper RPG elements it offers, it makes the game feel deeply involved, and difficult to put down. While each play session is a self-contained adventure, there are character classes to unlock that can eventually be customized, to help change the play experience. As well, there are two additional modes: Dungeon Sprint, where players have 100 moves to try and score as high as possible, with enemy and ability levels accelerating much faster, and Pretzel Hero, where trying to make overlapping matches is the only way to score points.

Few games have caused me to lose as much time as this one has – either with its previous iOS release, and now with its Android release. This is a must-have for all Android gamers.

Feb 7, 2012

I’ll admit that the last time I did any sort of video editing it involved a television, two VHS players, a DVD player and a CD player. I have no idea how I got it to work, but it was fun and the results were amazing. Since then I have not done anything fancy with my videos or pictures, not due to lack of want, but lack of time, resources, and ability. When I heard of HighlightCam Social, I was excited to see what it could do.

HighlightCam Social allows users to select videos, pictures, music and visual effects to create movies on their phones. HighlightCam selects the best scenes from the video based on what’s desired be it people, action, voice or a balance of all three. The user can select music, colorize the video, rearrange the visual selections and set its length and quality. HighlighCam then composes a video based on user preferences.

HighlightCam really does seem to create videos based on the best scenes available. To test this I selected about five minutes of video which contained sections of silence, me making a fool of myself with random noises and my four-month old daughter laughing at me. I wanted a video montage of my daughter’s laughs with none of my crazy antics or any ear piercing silence. To my amazement, HighlightCam did it. The video contains only clips of my daughter. What’s more it only took me about five minutes to select all the video, pick visual effects, and set my options.

I have one minor and two major complaints about HighlightCam. One, it takes a very long time for the video to be created. A one minute video composition took 26 minutes to create. Not only did it take 26 minutes but the video had to be uploaded then downloaded to view which brings me to my minor complaint. Creating videos eats away at data plans. To save data I was on a wireless network, which could explain the 26 minutes.

Major complaint number two, credits. Credits cost on average $0.20 (new accounts come with 10 credits). The movies I made cost three credit each and the still picture montage cost one credit. In all a movie cost 30 minutes and $0.60 to create. Thankfully credits are refundable if the the results were undesirable (assuming the movie has not been saved to the gallery).

I am torn about HighlightCam. I am impressed with the results; I love the videos that were made. The app is easy to use, creates decent quality video and accurately selects the great clips but I am not sure it’s worth the time it takes to create the movie or the continued use of the credit system. A free download and 10 free credits makes it worth trying, that’s for sure. I recommend users try it out to see if it fits their needs.

Feb 6, 2012

I love my phone; it’s with me everywhere I go. To be honest though, I am the world’s slowest phone keyboard typist. This is fine until I make a mistake and delete an entire email, long text, or awkwardly long URL; ten minutes wasted. Since installing Clip Ninja the amount of time I have saved retyping is immeasurable. Even if my typing speed never increases, I can still save precious time.

Clip Ninja keeps a record of everything typed on a phone in any application. The user can then copy the data to the clipboard and easily paste it elsewhere. Sounds pretty basic, right? There is more. Clip Ninja allows users to save snippets as “favorites,” filter messages by application, editing and create entries, and has unique sharing option. To top it all off, Clip Ninja gives the user complete control over security. No need to worry about passwords or personal information being stored on the phone or elsewhere.

Clip Ninja has an intuitive user interface and is quick and responsive but what really makes it a truly amazing app is it’s security features. The user has complete control over which applications Clip Ninja records from. The blacklist feature allows the Clip Ninja to ignore specified apps, like banking apps. Additionally the user has the ability to manually delete specific entries or set the program to clear its history automatically. Security is enhanced by only storing history natively; Clip Ninja does not even request Internet permissions upon installation.

When I think “what would improve Clip Ninja?” I do not come up with much in terms of functionality. The program runs smoothly and I have not encountered a single glitch.

Overall this app is amazing. The amount of time and frustration saved in the first day of use was well worth the purchase. How much is your time worth?

Feb 3, 2012

I love being surprised by games. It’s great when a game I was waiting for lives up to my expectations, but when I stumble on something great it feels like an early birthday present. Edge Extended is one of those gifts, something I might have missed if it wasn’t writing this review. Let me say, early and often, that it is great and everyone should play it.

It is a puzzle game, very similar to Puzzle 2, however it has a sort of space-age feel to it right off the bat. The user controls a cube and navigates it around on the gameboard with gestures. The cube can flip end over end to move from place to place, but can also topple off the edges if flipped too aggressively. The goal of every level is to flip the cube on to a home pad, while collecting particles of energy along the way. The cube starts off capable of moving at a fixed speed, but every energy particle collected increases its potential speed. Continuous motion can be achieved by holding your finger on the screen.

This game is gorgeous, just lovely. The cube is illuminated by a constantly-shifting flicker of colour, using the entire rainbow spectrum, contrasting with the grey gameboard. The tiny particles that the cube collects flicker with the same light, and so does the home pad that the cube needs to reach. There are stars out there in the beyond, and when the cube is finally rotated to land on the home pad, it explodes in a tower of light and everything recedes into the distance as though sucked into a black hole. Each level has a theme (hinted at by its name) and some special challenge. My favourite is Mini Cube, when the cube shrinks down and flips around the board making a hilarious duck sound.

This game has it all going for it: fantastic graphics and sound, and it’s challenging without being frustrating. The score after completion of a level is calculated based on how quickly it could have been completed. If a user wants to challenge themselves to do it faster they have the option of racing against their shadow from the previous attempt. I love the sense of competition it creates – with myself.

The only thing I could say against it is that the controls sometimes react too strongly to what I thought was a smaller gesture. But then again I’ve seen that lessen the longer I’ve played, so perhaps I’m calibrating myself to the game.