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PDF Expert iPhone Business App Review

Posted on 06. Sep, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

PDF Expert: The ultimate PDF reader on the iPhone.

Our Rating: 8.1/10

Version Reviewed: 1.2.1
Developer: Readdle [iTunes Link]
Price as of Review: $4.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3.5/5
Size: 3.8MB

PDF Expert is a very professional PDF document reader though it mutli-functions as a small wireless harddrive, and other document readers. Unlike other PDF reading or eBook applications such as Stanza [iTunes Link], PDF Experts allows for nearly full support on PDF’s. This means that you can read a PDF and it will look almost exactly like it would on your computer, I mean, on a 3.5″ screen of course. Although you can pan, pinch to zoom in and double tap to focus using the iPhone’s multi-touch capabilities.

The interface is extraordinarly simple, but very effective. PDF Expert acts as a thumbdrive, you can place your PDF’s or other files on your iPhone via wi-fi or your free 512MB of storage on Readdle. When reading you can create bookmarks, search the document, read the entire table of contents, send the document to a friend and even rotate your device to landscape mode and read in a different orientation. If you get interrupted and leave the app it will save your reading progress and open the next time.

There’s a few glitches in the app that can make for an annoying experience, a few noteworthy ones as follows:

When double tapping to focus, it generally zooms too far and cuts off text.
No menu in landscape mode.
Crashing unexpectedly.

All in all PDF Expert is still an exceptional reading application, with the next update hopefully this business app will become a gem. This one will be staying on my device.

Final Ratings:

Usefulness: 7.9/10 – Being able to read PDF’s and other documents without Internet access is a great concept.

User Interface: 8.3/10 – Pretty awesome, some glitches that knock this down some points.

Price: 7.1/10 – $4.99 is suitable.

Technology: 8.5/10 – Great job on online syncing and of course the Wi-Fi access.

Execution of Concept: 8.7/10 – Pretty good job on Readdle’s part.

Overall Rating: 8.1/10

Further Improvements:

Fix noted glitches.
Quick access to Table of Contents when scrolling through documents
Ability to search titles and contents when scrolling through documents.
Access to popular online office web apps such as Google Docs and Zoho

Screenshots of PDF Expert on the iPhone App Reviewer Flickr Page.

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Calc Zero iPhone Utility Review

Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Calc Zero: A unit converting app with a fun, quick interface.

Our Rating: 6.2/10

iPhone App Reviewer Official Thumbs Down

[Screenshots]

Version Reviewed: 1.5.4
Developer: Uplake Media LLC [iTunes Link]
Price as of Review: $4.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3.5/5
Size: 1.0MB

Calc Zero is a unit conversion calculator with a highly customizable user interface. Calc Zero has a lot of competition with apps such as Units [iTunes Link] and Convert [iTunes Link] and unfortunately it’s price and interface just can’t compete. However it does convert quite a few more units then other apps, like programming modes with hex, decimal and binary (as a programmer I loved these). For reliability, I, or the users I’ve shown the app to haven’t found any errors in the calculations/conversions this app produces.

There’s a few things I’m not so keen about in Calc Zero, first of all how much they’ve tried to integrate a regular calculator with a conversion tool, the mix just doesn’t work well. Next is how they convert, rather than a Category:From->To system, you must figure out how to navigate through the interface. Rather then having an easily accessible clear button, you have to backspace your work and then clear all units and metrics added. One benefit of the system however is you can easily make cross-unit calculations, i.e. 12mS multiplied by 13 seconds. I think they need to separate the app into a couple different kinds of interface modes.

As for just the user interface – what it is right now, it has some cool effects, each category of metrics are displayed with a tab. It uses the iPhone SDK’s default tab interface element which means you’re limited to four different tabs at the same time and then the “More…” tab which allows you to view the rest. You can press edit and drag around categories nonetheless. This allows you to put your most used metrics into the front tabs, easy access for whenever you want to make a quick conversion (there should be a button for “Most Used”.

Some little effects are added such as the buttons vibrating when you press them, with the iPhone and it’s tiny keys, this is nice to know that you actually pressed the right button (considering how many are on a calculator). Calc Zero has a huge manual which is sort of tucked away in the More category right at the bottom. There’s some delay in navigating between pages, accessing the settings seems to delay quite a bit. Removing some of these effects would most likely improve response time. The settings allow you to change readability and all sorts of those “little,” making Calc Zero ideal for the tinkerers out there.

Overall Calc Zero is an interesting unit converter which at $4.99 doesn’t quite make the cut compared to the competitors who offer a lot of bang for a single buck.

Final Ratings:

Usefulness: 7/10 – Not something I’d use on a daily basis but definitely a concept I like having on hand.

User Interface: 7/10 – Awesome but really unresponsive.

Price: 4/10 – Competitors such as Units and Convert are offering an app just as good, if not better for a fifth of the price.

Technology: 5/10 – Not many glitches but very poor stability. High customization but no landscape mode.

Execution of Concept: 7.9/10 – Lots of different units and metrics – gets the job done.

Overall Rating: 6.2/10

More screenshots of Calc Zero on iPhone App Reviewer’s Flickr Page.

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Platypus iPhone Game App Review

Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Platypus: Enjoyable 2D arcade shooting.

Our Rating: 7.9/10

[Screenshots]

Version Reviewed: 1.20
Developer: Handmark, Inc [iTunes Link]
Price as of Review: $4.99
Current iTunes Rating: 4/5
Size: 4.8MB
Lite Version: [iTunes Link]

Platypus is a uniquely themed arcade shooter which will bring back a lot of nostalgia for folks who played the hundreds of similar games in the time of the Nintendo 64. The goal of Platypus is to gain as many points by shooting up enemies with one of several weapons (power-ups are available throughout each stage). There’s a huge amount of stages and levels to go through, beating all of them would take several hours being a skilled player. Although you only get four lives, you’re able to continue where you left off, just with your points reset.

Like all classic arcade shooters the high score board is your main motivation to playing – although Platypus is very enjoyable, it’s not really the addictive paradigm and therefore you’ll probably put it away once beat. Unfortunately there’s no global high scores and the only competition is yourself, friends who you let use your device and the pre-ranked entries. However the four total stages should be more than enough to keep you entertained for that five dollars worth of time.

The graphics are very unique, the theme is well, it’s clay. Everything was basically drawn from clay. Although it doesn’t look modern or extremely detailed it gives a nice effect and really sets the theme. The graphics in all are satisfactory, keeping them at a low level leaves room for game stability, and with the huge amount of objects (bullets, enemies, particles, etc) on the screen at the same time, stability is key. Handmark Inc has done a great job on the control interface, you can control via touch or accelerometer and both allow you to set sensitivity and calibration. Nifty eh?

All in all if you’re into arcade shooters, Platypus is for you, it definitely does not disappoint. It’s quite entertaining while it lasts, and it’s an excellent game to show to friends as you can show them so many aspects of your awesome new iPhone.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 8.9/10 – Lots of stages, enough to last quite a while. Tons of different enemies and powerups.

Enjoyment: 7/10 – It’s a pretty nifty game and will keep you entertained no doubt – how long is the question.

Graphics: 7.5/10 – The theme isn’t the best but they executed it well.

Sound: 8/10 – For those who love nostalgia, you’ll love the sound effects, for those who don’t you can turn it off.

Technology: 8.2/10 – Ability to control via accelerometer and touch, both can be customized to your personal standards.

Replay Value: 7.8/10 – Lots of levels available but the only real motivation is the local-only high score board.

Overall Rating: 7.9/10

Further Improvements:

Global high score board
Different themes – a lot of people will be pulled away from buying this due to the current clay style graphics.
Different ships and more guns!

More screenshots on iPhone App Reviewer’s Flickr Page!

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Phaze iPhone Game App Review

Posted on 24. Aug, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Phaze: Ultra fast reflex racing.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

[Screenshots]

Version Reviewed: 1.00.00
Developer: Handmark Inc
Price as of Review: $4.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3.5/5
Lite Version: [iTunes Link]

Phaze is [*sigh* yes, another one] racing game, yet probably one of the most addicting ones I’ve ever played on the iPhone. The setting is different than most, we take a step into the future, racing with jet powered hover cars going at high speeds. The game requires great reflex skills as all the tracks have bends and turns – failure to dodge these will result in loss of health. Once you run out of health your vehicle will explode and you’ll definitely fall behind.

Phaze has several different maps and tons of vehicles – each with their own statistics, unfortunately you aren’t able to customize or buy additional parts for any of them. Either way though there’s so many new things to unlock, you can play this game for days (trust me, it’s pretty darn addicting). You can play in quick play mode to practice and beat your lap times or you can test your skills (and unlock new vehicles/maps) by playing Championship mode. On four different difficulty levels the competition can get fierce, always dropping bombs and launching missiles.

The user interface is a simple menu, absolutely nothing fancy, just allows you to get into the game. Although something like a cover flow mode to browse through available vehicles would be cool. The controls are all based on the accelerometer, no touch controls are available. Luckily you can calibrate and set the sensitivity of the accelerometer to your personal needs. There are some unfortunate glitches and annoyances, in earlier versions even some stability issues. Most have been fixed and you just need to figure out a comfortable spot to play. The graphics set the perfect theme and don’t wear down the app’s performance; the sound is just as good.

All in all Phaze is a phenomenal racing game, probably the most addicting racing game I’ve played on the iPhone. After getting past a few annoyances, $4.99 is a great price and all racing lovers should pick this one up. Bravo, Handmark Inc.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 8.9/10 – Great racing Artificial Intelligence, power-ups during racing, and to top it off – unlockable vehicles and maps

Enjoyment: 9.5/10 – Absolutely – could hardly put it down.

Graphics: 8/10 – Double S – Suitable and Satisfactory

Sound: 8.1/10 – Bursting sound effects that enhance the racing experience.

Technology: 6.5/10 – A lot of annoyances, able to set accelerometers sensitivity but the relative angle has some serious problems.

Replay Value: 9.8/10 – Seriously addicting and for bonuses you can go through all the championships on four difficulty levels.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

More screenshots here.

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Readdledocs iPhone Business App Review

Posted on 08. Aug, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Readdledocs: A mobile file organizing revolution.

Our Rating: 8.2/10 Thumbs Up! [Screenshots]

Version Reviewed: 1.5.2
Developer: Readdle
Price as of Review: $4.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3.5/5
Size: 2.9MB

If you want to take your files to go with you on the iPhone, Readdledocs pretty much eliminates all other competition. With a large assorted variety of ways to sync files Readdledocs can manipulate and organize files on any platform, and anywhere. You’ll need an Internet connection to sync and even download files, but after that, your files will be on your iPhone’s harddrive wherever. Need to back them up? You can copy them to your computer just like you would with a normal folder (using the iPhone’s wi-fi disk feature) and even sync them to the 512MB storage space Readdle provides for free.

With Readdledoc’s abundance of settings, it’s sure to get the job done right. The files can be stored with a complete file hierarchy and any format can be saved (though not every format can be read). It can be used as a PDF reader and then email them to co-workers and friends. Readdledocs uses the standard way to read things, panning and pinching to scroll around the file. Unlike most apps, even when viewing a large file Readdledocs does not slow down, and even if it does crash, it’s saved for later!

Unfortunately this isn’t an all-in-one office app; it lacks the ability to edit and write to files. Basically the concept of Readdledocs is to retrieve files from anywhere, anyway, and to read them wherever. The execution of the concept was simply brilliant, the programmers over at Readdle are doing a fantastic job, really showing off the iPhone’s capabilities as a replacement to your Palm Handheld or Crackberry. The user interface is smooth and stable. Now we just have to wait for an update and hopefully they’ll add some new features – perhaps something with the 3.0 features? Only time will tell.

Final Ratings:

Usefulness: 8/10 – Until the concept is expanded to a complete documents app, it’s only good for reading files. Readdle will definitely do a great job on anything they expand the app to.

User Interface: 9/10 – I come across the odd glitch but the user interface is nearly as good as BeejiveIM

Price: 6/10 – Office apps are usually expensive, this one doesn’t break that paradigm, but it could…

Technology: 8.2/10 – Great so far but I can think of more features

Execution of Concept: 9.6/10 – Readdle’s developers are some of the best I’ve seen. Bravo.

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Further Improvements: (Note to the developer!)

Background Running – How about an alert popup when a new file is ready to sync?
File editing!!
Basic image editing.
Fix some glitches – mainly performance with network drives.
Display settings for those reading an eBook or long documents.
Monospaced formatting for shared code.

More screenshots here!

Other reviews on Readdledocs for the iPhone and iPod Touch:

Why does iPhone App Reviewer link to other reviewing sites? Because if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our review, then we encourage you to go elsewhere. The point of iPhone App Reviewer is to give you an honest, open opinion of the application.

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Bobby Carrot Forever iPhone Game Review

Posted on 21. Apr, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Bobby Carrot Forever: A puzzling bunny styled challenge

Version Reviewed: 1.1
Developer: FDG Entertainment
Price as of Review: $4.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3/5

Bobby Carrot Forever is a birds eye view strategy puzzle game where you control a rabbit across six worlds. Each level contains many, many, aspects and lots of features to a single map. Although you really have to push yourself at first to get into this game, once you do it’s a rewarding aspect whether you cheat at it or not. To really give this game an honest opinion, I’ve played it out until the end, and I must say, I enjoyed the trip. A single map can get immensely complex so prepare to be frustrated. For those interested in a strong storyline to a game, you have it here, as you uncover the six worlds to find the six golden carrots you’ll encounter characters and watch cutscenes telling the story of our rabbit Bobby.

Once you get into the game and its simple control scheme (props to the developer for adding two different control options) a large puzzle awaits you, filled with many tricks to learn. You’ll go about collecting carrots and coins, the anticipation building to bonus rounds where you’ll fill your characters pockets with lawns full of coins. The 60 levels can literally have you playing for days, your addiction might falter however at any time in the game when things just start getting repetitive.

The graphics are decent but in terms of media the sound is the real winner in this game. The iTunes page of the app boasts “17 CD Quality Audio Tracks,” and “Tons of sound effects,” although they don’t give an adjective for how awesome they are, you’ll just need to play the game to see for yourself. The control scheme is quite good and the app is completely stable.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 8.7/10 – So, so much to this game, the puzzle levels have so many features and aspects

Enjoyment: 7.8/10 – Once you get into it you’ll be well on your way for an enjoying ride. Like a roller coaster though the ride can teeter downwards.

Graphics: 8.2/10 – Although simple and 2D they’re quite stunning and run amazingly well on your mobile device.

Sound: 9/10 – The sound of Bobby Carrot Forever really livens up this game, lots of sound effects and good background music that optionally doesn’t disturb your iPod tunes.

Technology: 7/10 – A simple tapping game which masters the hardware capability of the iPhone except for the unfortunate lack of accelerometer use (except the innovative pause screen)

Replay Value: 7.8/10 – Same rating as enjoyment for the same reason.

Overall Rating: 8.1/10

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