Blog Updates

Ok, so it has been a while since I have last posted or written any reviews, life gets pretty busy! I hope to start back doing some app reviews on a more frequent schedule (one to two per week). If you have an app (iPhone, iPad, Android) that you would like me to review on my site, please contact me and I will be happy to do so.

Thanks

App Review – BillMinder

This application was released on September 23, 2009 into the App Store.  I have been using BillMinder for about a month now.  The initial setup was a breeze entering categories that I wanted, the account information, and the bills that we have (TOO MANY!).  I did go ahead and sign up for the push notifications through iTunes as well for the small fee of $0.99.  This application allows you to setup the bills you have automatically drafted from your account and will also notify via push that it was been auto payed just as a reminder to take it out of your checkbook, if you haven’t already.  The badge updates with any bills you have due within a number of days that you set in the settings and it also sends the push notifications based on this number of days as well.  One of the other cool features is that it allows you to integrate with the PocketMoney application to allow you to have your checkbook/accounts setup.  This has been a real life saver for me as I’m not one to carry around a checkbook all the time.  Will post a full review of PocketMoney next.  BillMinder has been a great addition to my apps that I use on a daily basis and the development company is great about listening to feedback and getting the application updated.  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download BillMinder today!

BillMinder Description:

NEED HELP?  Email us at support@return7.com!  We CANNOT respond if you post your question or issue as a review.

*Push is a very cheap, premium, optional feature that is billed annually through iTunes and does not automatically renew.  Charging a very small amount for push helps us cover server costs.  Thanks for understanding that we aim to provide a quality service.*

– Push Price for your Region Listed under “Top In App Purchases” (on iPhone and below description in iTunes)

– Push FAQ: http://bit.ly/pushfaq

Featured by Apple in “What’s Hot” on the App Store!!
Fox News Tapped-In Video Review: http://bit.ly/NMI6D

VERSION 2.1 COMING SOON BRINGS THEMES!  5 TOTAL COLORS, FIXES EXPORT, ALLOWS YOU TO TURN OFF 1-TAP-PAY AND MORE!

BillMinder is the most feature-filled bill reminding application on iPhone!  It simplifies your life by tracking your bills.  It is YOUR personal bill assistant.  BillMinder helps YOU manage your finances by:

– BEAUTIFUL Calendar View!
– BEAUTIFUL AND EASIER TO USE NEW INTERFACE!
– BEAUTIFUL New Icon!
– PUSH Notifications alert you when your bill nearing its due date (VERY small annual charge applies for this feature, does not auto-renew, billed through iTunes)
– Status icons
– Account icons
– 1-tap to mark bills paid
– Improved calendar
– Email a backup (restore via website and computer)
– Password protection
– Alerts! BillMinder alerts you when bills are due (open BillMinder to update the icon on your iPhone)
– Unique Custom recurring bills (e.g. 17 months)
– Manage Account and Bill info
– Easily see bill amount totals (all, paid, and unpaid)
– Categorize your Accounts and filter which ones you see on the bills screen and calendar
– Export to Excel and Numbers compatible format (CSV)
– Autopay can now optionally mark your bills paid on their due date for you (if you purchase PUSH Notifications, it will tell you if bills were autopaid as well)
– View bill history
– Integration with PocketMoney for iPhone (lets you send bill data to Pocket Money!)
– Currency symbol automatically based on locale (“Region Format” in international settings on iPhone)

Check out our other apps – PlaceTagger, ClockIn, and CastCatcher!

App Review – American Quiz

This application was released on September 17, 2009 into the App Store.  This app has some really great patriotic wallpapers that you can use on your iPhone/iPod.  The national anthem displays the words and also allows you to play the music.  I have played a few of the quizzes and it works perfect, however I need to read back up on some of it!  It has many types of quizzes from Flag, President, American History, and Random.  You can also submit your high scores and then review them.  Has a vast amount of information on all of the Presidents!  You can also read the Declaration of Independence.  This is a great patriotic app and I really don’t know of anything else like it out there.  Would be a great history lesson for a good long while for the kids and adults alike.  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download American Quiz today!

American Quiz Description:

Its time to remember the great American history and leaders.  American Quiz contains 4 types of quizzes on America and alot of information about the USA presidents, The Declaration of Independence, National Anthem, and wallpapers to download.  All the quiz will have 10 questions and you must answer the question within the time.  Once question is displayed you start with 1000 points and it keeps decreasing with time til you answer.  If your answer is correct, you get the left points.

So what are you waiting for, its time to show the world that you know everything about America.  Be the top player.

App Review – iSqueek

This application was released on June 29, 2009 into the App Store.  Since our family just this week has gotten our pride and joy English Bulldog, this has been a very fun app!  She will look around trying to find out where it’s coming from and just bark…great!  I think she likes the sound of this better than her actual squeaky toy.  The app is beautifully designed with a very sleek and simple interface.  Has many designs for the “squeakies” that you can choose from which are all animated when you touch it.  Please support this great app by downloading now.  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download iSqueek today!

iSqueek Description:

iSqueek is the first virtual squeak-toy that reacts realistically to your touch.  Each toy compresses and expands utilizing the iPhone’s unique touch screen and speaker capabilities.  iSqueek includes 18 individual toys, each with its own unique action and sound.  Press on a toy longer, or shorter, to create longer, or shorter, sound bursts and gain the attention of your dog.  Choose from the many colorful squeak-toys to find the one your dog loves best.  iSqueek will remember which toy you last selected, so that a favorite squeak will always be ready with one touch.

App Review – Farm Friends

This application was released on September 14, 2009 into the App Store.  My youngest two kids absolutely love this!  My 2 year old is always grabbing my phone and making farm sounds now so that I will put the game on for him to play.  He usually ends up just touching everything and laughing which always brightens up my day!  It’s nice to have developers keep the kids in mind when doing games.  The graphics and sounds are great!  Couldn’t ask for a better app for the childhood game that so many adults have once played with!  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download Farm Friends today!

Farm Friends Description:

Stuck on a long car ride?  Kids getting stir crazy at the doctors office?  Carpool getting…boring?

Fun and educational, Farm Friends is a neat throwback to one of our favorite childhood toys, the See and Say.  Just tap on the arrow and the fun begins.

Teaches kids:
– Animals
– Animal Names
– Animal Sounds

How it works:
– Tap on the arrow and the wheel spins.
– Tap on the animal and the name is sounded out!

If you have questions or are unhappy with some aspect of the app, please email us at:
support@aclevertwist.com

Unfortunately  there isn’t a way to reply to you via iTunes.

Thanks! Jen & the Clever Twist team

App Review – SlickShopper

This application was released on September 3, 2009 into the App Store.  I have been using this application for a while now and really love the feature of selecting items for the shopping list by room.  This has saved us from the repeat trips to the grocery store by having everything listed within the app by room.  Once you get your list created, it displays how many items you have to get and can even see an approximation of how much it’s going to set you back on the trip money wise as well.  I have now become the grocery dad since this app…thanks Brian…lol.  This is way more than the usual grocery list type app with many features and the developer is open to suggestions.  If you are a frequent shopper, who’s not, you need to get this app!  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download SlickShopper today!

SlickShopper Description:

Are you looking for a basic grocery list app?  Or perhaps you seek a program with a little more power?  Either way, wouldn’t you like an application that helps you both in planning the list, and during a shopping trip?  Great news!  SlickShopper is all of that and more!

Combining powerful sorting and searching capabilities, along with numerous customizable options, SlickShopper can support a wide range of typical use cases.  Ever return home from a shopping trip only to realize you forgot to buy something?  SlickShopper can help by providing a room-by-room listing of items you have previously purchased.  Want to get an idea of how much your next shopping trip will cost?  SlickShopper will estimate your total as you build your list.  Don’t care about prices?  Turn them off!

Want to try before you buy?  Check out SlickShopper Lite.  It’s free!  Then come back and buy the full version to unleash the power of SlickShopper.

KEY FEATURES:
– Organize your list by the rooms in your house/apartment.  This is a great way to see things you’ve purchased before, so you don’t forget to add them to your list for your next shopping trip.
– Sort your list three different ways: 1) Alphabetically, 2) Custom, and 3) ‘Smart’ store order or house order.
– Create multiple store layouts.  Easily find what you need in the grocery store, hardware store, drug store, retail store, etc.
– Categories take the pain out of locating an item.  Define a location one time, then similar items will automatically know where to go!
– In-app settings mean you don’t have to leave the program to change your preferences.  Customize the way the program works to best suit your needs!

Need some help getting started?  Tutorial videos are available on our web site:  http://www.briterideas.com

We are eager to receive your feedback!  Questions, comments, feature requests, bug reports, etc.  Contact links are in the app (Manage tab -> About SlickShopper), and on our web site.

App Review – Sleep Cycle

This application was released on August 15, 2009 into the App Store.  Ok, so I was a skeptic of if this app would actually work.  The first night that I tried it out.  I was asleep in the same bed as my wife (she wakes up before me) and this was a complete failure because it was sensing her waking up and not my actual movement…so make sure that you are sleeping by yourself.  I tried this the second night and did feel refreshed and woke up without any real issues.  By the way, I’m not a morning person and usually don’t hear alarm clocks.  The same results happened the next morning as well, woke up without any issues.  I have to admit that this app is working for me and think that it would help many of us that like to sleep in on work days 🙂  Just make sure that you are sleeping by yourself and that you do not lock or close out the application before going to bed.  Also please note that I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU BEING LATE BASED ON MY REVIEW OF THIS APPLICATION…lol.  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download Sleep Cycle today!

Sleep Cycle Description:

Sleep Cycle analyzes your sleep patterns and wakes you in the lightest sleep phase – a natural way to wake up where you feel rested and relaxed.

5/5 Stars on 148apps.com:
“Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock is $0.99 and you would be insane to not go and buy this app right now.  It just works.  Period.  It does exactly what it advertises which is absolutely amazing.”

What our users are saying:
“I was baffled at how well it worked.  Almost every day I used it, I felt refreshed when the alarm started.” – Christina Karlsson

“Waking up at the right time is an amazing thing.  I couldn’t believe the difference it made!” – Michael Palka

“It felt like I was already awake and the iPhone just let me know it.” – Anders Hejdenberg

———————————————————————–

Sleep Cycle monitors your movement during sleep using the extremely sensitive accelerometer in your iPhone.  Sleep Cycle then finds the optimal time to wake you up during a 30 minute window that ends at your set alarm time.

Look at the screenshots for recommended iPhone placement.

———————————————————————–

Sleep Cycle was developed using proven sleep science and five months of exhaustive testing.

As you sleep you go through different phases that range from deep sleep to light sleep.  The phase you are in when your alarm clock goes off is a critical factor regarding how tired you will feel when you wake up.

Since you move differently in bed during the different phases, Sleep Cycle uses the accelerometer in your iPhone to monitor your movement to determine which sleep phase you are in.

Sleep Cycle then wakes you in your lightest sleep phase.

Remember!  Do NOT lock your phone when going to bed.  Sleep Cycle automatically shuts down your screen and puts the phone into a power saving mode.  If you lock your phone, Sleep Cycle will not sense your movement and will then only be able to wake you at the end of the alarm time.

REQUIREMENTS
– Ability to charge your phone by your bed.
– Ability to place your iPhone according to the instructions (see screenshots – iTunes).
– Sleep Cycle does not work with Tempur mattresses.

Please note that we no longer support iPod Touch.  Please do not buy Sleep Cycle if you have an iPod Touch.

App Review – A Doodle Flight

This application was released on September 1, 2009 into the App Store.  I have read a lot of reviews on this app stating that it crashes a lot.  I have not had any issues with this game crashing at all.  I’m not sure if other users are using the Facebook connect or not, which I have not used so that may be the culprit.  At any rate, this game is nice to kill some time during those 5-10 minute intervals between whatever you are waiting on.  The kids love it since they can draw and then play with their plane.  It does sort of have this kids feeling to the app which reflects them always wanting to play this game rather than any of the others I have on my iPhone.  If I remember correctly, it seems as if their may be an issue with the calibration for the accelerometer as I had some major issues while trying to play it when laying in bed…calibrating it didn’t seem to help matters either.  Great game for kids and adults alike!  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download A Doodle Flight today!

A Doodle Flight Description:

For those who start crash after ‘connected’ to facebook, please try to re-install the game.

**************************************************************************************

CAUTION:
This game is insanely FUN, FANTASTIC, HILARIOUS and makes you LAUGH!

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A Doodle Flight — brings you a totally different style of aircraft game you’ve never played before.  It is a flight war on paper.  The monsters and your plane are high quality hand-drawings and you are going to beat those funny enemies and cute bosses by controlling your plane.  This game is gonna bring you a unique and refreshing flight experience.

FEATURES:
– DRAW your own plane
– 9 unique stages of fun
– 9 cute bosses to defeat
– a group of funny monsters
– online scoreboard
– facebook connection
– simple touch or tilt controls

Coming Version 3.0 features:
– you can import your real drawings plane photo
– solve some bugs according to your reviews

App Review – Secret Word

This application was released on August 31, 2009 into the App Store.  I am often having to reset some of the employees passwords since they are always forgetting them or what not.  This tool has helped me come up with some very nice random passwords to use for them instead of thinking up something that will satisfy the password requirements.  I like the ability to be able to include symbols and also to turn that off.  I have noticed that if I set a maximum password length that sometimes it will be longer than what I specify.  Other than that, great little utility to have on your iPhone, especially for the IT Admins.  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download Secret Word today!

Secret Word Description:

Secret Word is a clean and easy to use password generator.  It can make passwords between 4 and 12 characters in length, using letters, numbers, and optionally symbols.

Making a new, secure password is as easy as tapping the reload symbol, or shaking your device.

Tap the password to save it to the clipboard, or email it anywhere with the built-in email interface.

App Review – iPoisonX

This application was released on July 31, 2009 into the App Store.  This app has a beautiful interface from the menu to the text scrolling above the graphic background.  It looks like a very informative application to help you out with the poison ivy family.  I would love to see this application evolve into more than this, snakes, spiders, insects, etc.  The only other thing that could make this application be any better would be to have multiple pictures and/or the ability to add your own pictures to this.  I have shown our kids this out in the woods before but went back over all of this with them again, great little science lesson.  Below is the applications description.  Head on over to the App Store and download iPoisonX today!

iPoisonX Description:

Do you know what Poison Ivy looks like?  Better yet, do you know what Poison Oak or Poison Sumac look like?  No, you say?  Well, if you plan on spending any time outside this season then you need to learn how to spot them now and what to do if you get Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac on your skin.

This is a must have pocket resource for hikers and campers alike.