Welcome
to Gadget Review's new weekly app review column. We are starting out with iOS
apps only, but in the future we will extend to other OSS ecosystems. If you
have an app to recommend, please do so in the comments or via our social media
channels.
1. Mynd
Calendar apps have come and gone,
and nothing has yet replaced the tried and true calendars from Google, Apple
and Microsoft. Enter Mynd, an "intelligent mobile calendar" from
Alminder Inc. This, loyal readers, is the game changer.
This
native app syncs to any existing calendars you have (so you can still manage
them from your desktop email client), but transforms the boring box format into
an intuitive demographic and mutl-tab display that allows for easy information
integration. Just from the launch screen, you can tell what your next schedule
item is, how long until it occurs, who is scheduled to attend (plus their
LinkedIn profile data), and even a recommended departure time based on traffic
conditions.
2. FTL: Faster Than Light
Though
more and more people are playing games on their iOS devices, most of those
games are pretty basic and, for self-identifying gamers, extremely boring. If
you've been looking for a real-deal game to sink your thumbs into, buckle up
for Faster Than Light.
A
beloved PC game for years, FTL is finally available on second generation or
later pagodas. The premise is simple: you’re the captain of an intergalactic
space ship, voyaging through an unknown (and awesome randomized) universe. From
there, things get more interesting, as you control every aspect of your ship
and crew, navigating both enemy and friendly encounters and making snap
decisions that can spell doom or glory.
3. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
In
my humble opinion, the worst part of the day is setting an alarm for the next
morning. But it doesn't have to be that way anymore, thanks to Sleep Cycle, an
intelligent alarm clock from Northcube AB.
When
I first heard about "intelligent" alarm clocks, all I heard was
"alarm clock." But there really is a difference. Sleep Cycle measures
your, well, sleep cycles, using the iphone built in accelerometer (see, it
isn't in there for nothing!) and wakes you up at just the right moment, as you
enter your lightest sleep cycle. This way, you aren't snapping out of a deep sleep,
and rather gradually slipping into wakefulness, which leads to a far more
refreshed and ready feeling.
4. Data Count
In
an era of data caps, we could all use a tool to help us avoid the additional
charges that accompany all those streaming overages. Data Count, from Creo, is
just the ticket.
Nothing
complex here, just a simple tool that monitors your cellular (LTE/4G/eg) and
wi-fi data and notifies you when youre approaching your limit. It's optimized
for iOS 7 and perfectly matched to the Apple aesthetic. Clean, beautiful, and
easy.
5. Monument Valley
Sometimes,
apps transcend ones and zeros. They usher in a new way of life, perhaps, or
offer a major social improvement. And, in rare cases, they become true art.
Monument
Valley, a stunning new game from ustwo, is Art with a capital A.
Users
guide a ghostly princess figure through mind-bending puzzle worlds using finger
swipes, and none of the puzzles are particularly difficult. Turn back now if
your looking for days and days of challenging gameplay.
6. Pinnacle Studio for iPhone
Heres
one for the pros. Or anyone who takes a lot of photos. Which is just about
everyone with an iPhone.
Corel
Inc. 's Pinnacle Studio is the perfect solution for people who need quick, easy
video, audio and photo editing capabilities on the go. Its suite includes
montage templates, transitions, title templates, slow/fast motion, clip
splitting, and much more. And with easy import, export and sharing controls,
on-the-go creative work can be finalized on the big machine at home. Oh, and
the video outputs at full HD (1080p)
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