ESPN ScoreCenter

Of all the sports apps out there, to me this one is the most important to have.  If you consider yourself a sports fan and don’t have this one, think again.  ESPN ScoreCenter is the app to have for all sports info.  You need to know what the score of the Knicks game is?  You want to see where the Yankees are in the standings? Well that’s a bad example because the Yankees are always in first.  But you get the point.  You can see scores, standings, stats, news, videos, and what ESPN likes to call a Gamecast.  Gamecast is pretty much the closest you can get to watching the game without actually seeing the players.  You can see live information on who is at bat, who just caught a touchdown pass, or who just fouled Carmelo Anthony. 

IF..AHEM! I mean WHEN you get the app, make sure you set up your favorite sports and teams.  This will bring all of the information for the teams you like to your front page, accurately called “myTeams”.  From here you view the latest headlines and scores.  The iPad version of this app is fantastic as well as it allows you to easily look back to previous games to see results.  Doing this is not as easy on the iPhone version.

ESPN ScorCenter's icon (left) and the NFL scoreboard (right)

As far as sports apps go, this one falls on the top of my list.  I also realize how lacking this blog is in the sports category.  This will be rectified right away.  As a matter of fact, next week will be Sports Week!

Get the app by clicking here!

Welcome Back!

I would like to start of by welcoming everyone back to the iOS App Center.  I did miss you all.  I have not posted since September for a myriad of reason, most importantly because I got a job.  But don't fret, I didn't forget about this blog and now we are back in business.  One of the benefits of having a job is that I now have the money to buy an iPad.  Well, I already bought it, but now I can pay the credit card bill!

Since I now own an iPad, I will be branching out a bit by posting both iPad and iPhone apps.  I will be putting a new tag onto each post that has either iPad or iPhone on it so you will know!

I look forward to introducing you all to some more apps that I know you'll love.  Glad to be back!

Bejeweled Blitz

Apparently I am wicked late getting into this game.  I downloaded this and was really pumped about it and showed my brother-in-law who informed me that it had been out since 2010 or even earlier.  So while I am still going to review this game/app, I understand that many of you may already have it and are way better at it than I am. If you are in that group, bear with me on this one.

Everyone knows the simple Bejeweled game that PopCap introduced a while back.  This is it. Simple as that.  Since its new to me, I’m going to tell you about the game as though you have no clue what I’m talking about.  You have to match up colored jewels in groups of three or more to get them to disappear.  Each group of jewels that you make gives you points that tally up as the game goes on.  To further complicate things, there are some pretty sweet power-ups that are available.  There are multiplier power-ups and specialty options where the games goes bonkers and you get a whole crap-ton of points at the end of your minute long round.  It may sound plain and boring to you right now, but have faith in me that I wouldn’t lead you astray.  What makes me play this game day in and day out is that you are competing against your Facebook friends for the highest score.  I’m not trying to look like an idiot who can’t figure out a puzzle game, right?! 

Bejeweled Blitz's icon (left) & the in-game screenshot (right)

As always, the fact that it’s free and you can try it out without any downside makes it worth your while.  Let me know what you think!

Get the app by clicking here!

To Whom It May Concern

So we have one person who +1's every post right after they get published.  Whoever it is, I wanted to say thank you for helping spread the good word about this blog.  I also want to encourage others to do the same!  So whoever you are, thanks again!  Get in touch with me via the Contact Me page so I can maybe get you involved in some way!

PS.  iOS 6 is right around the corner.  More info to come!

VidRhythm

Holy $#!& this app is hilarious. I gotta give props to my friend/editor for pointing this one out to me. Before I tell you about this, I need to warn you that this app is pretty useless and idiotic, but made me, my family, and a bunch of my friends laugh till our stomachs hurt. Brace yourself for some sheer stupidity.

VidRhythm is a simple, yet enjoyable app that takes just a few minutes to set up. Though it may seem odd as you’re doing it, going through the steps of making the weird sounds as you look into your camera is necessary for this app to work. Once you finish the set-up, gather your friends and family ‘round and watch you magical creation. If you haven’t noticed by now, I am being extremely vague in this description. That’s on purpose. I want you to have the same experience I did of not having any clue what the &#%$ I was getting into. That’s half the fun. 

VidRhythm's icon (left) and the vaguest screenshot I could find (right)

Check this out and post comments below so I know your thoughts!

Get the app by clicking here!

Gems With Friends

Zynga has done it again! Well sorta. I’m not really sure yet. They are still riding the wave of two player turn based games with their newest additions to the “With Friends” lineup. Gems with Friends is unlike the others of its kind. Almost all of the other “With Friends” games are based on a popular board game. As far as I know, Gems is not. 

I am having a hard time explaining how you play the game. Here is my one sentence explanation. You get five numbers on different colored gems at a time, you place them on the board, match at least three of the same number together and they become one number higher and oh by the way it’s timed. I know that was terrible and you know less about the game now than before you read that. I’ll ask the App Store for some assistance…

“Gems With Friends is an all-new, fast-paced social puzzle game that is easy to learn and difficult to master. A mix of clever planning and lightning reflexes will have you combining colorful gems together in head-to-head competition with your friends. It's a different game every time!” – App Store

 

Gems With Friends' icon (left) and game board (right)

To be honest that’s a pretty awful description too. All I can tell you is that it’s pretty fun to start playing and the games grows on you the more you play it. Hey, its free. What do ya got to lose!

Get the app by clicking here!

Photo Week Recap

We have made it through the week of photo apps.  I know it's quite sad and you may feel nostalgic.  Lets reminisce for a second...

The week got off to a strong start with a photo editing app called SnapSeed.  This app lets you add customizable filters or tweak individual settings like brightness and white balance to manipulate you images.  Next, we head over to Sweden and check out their app Foap, the iPhone photo selling app where just about anyone has the chance to make a quick buck.  Third on the list is the panorama camera, Photosynth, followed up by the collage creator, Pic Jointer.  Later in the week comes our most colorful, or actually least colorful, app of TouchofColor Free.  This app brings the color accent features of some of today's digital cameras to the iDevice.  Continuing we find the photo posting center, Instagram, where you follow your friends and make picture sharing a truly social network.  Last on our list is Private Photo Vault, our home for personal and/or private (aka inappropriate) photos.

These apps are great apps when used individually for you photo/photography needs.  The real power lies in using them in tandem with each other and taking a single photo through a bunch of them.  For example, Take a great photo in Photosynth, change the brightness and contrast in SnapSeed, use the color accent in TouchofColor, combine it with other photos in Pic Jointer, and post it to Instagram!

I hope you try these apps out and as always, please let me know your thought and comments, as well as any apps that you may have found that you like more!

Day 7 of 7 - Private Photo Vault

It's here!  The last day the week of photo apps.  All of the apps this week up until now can truly be considered photography apps.  This one is not technically in that category, but I think it fits in just fine.

Private Photo Vault give you a place to "hide" or store your private photos that you don't necessarily want just anyone to see.  While I don't know, or care to know, what photos you choose to import into the vault, it remains incredibly useful.  Sometimes you just have a personal picture that needs to be kept to yourself, like an embarrassing yet hilarious picture from that party you went to.  Whatever your needs, use vault to keep your most hush hush photos under lock and key.

Private Photo Vault's icon (left) & the album page (left)

And don't forget, you can never be too careful.  Try it out!

Get the app by clicking here!

Day 6 of 7 - Instagram

If you haven't heard of Instagram, it's probably time to get out from the rock that you're living under.  Since the release just about two years ago, this app has become THE photo editing and posting app.  I have already given you ways to take new photos (Photosynth), edit previous taken photos (SnapSeed, Pic Jointer, & TouchofColor), and sell your photos (Foap).  I have not, until now, given you a way to share them. App store, take it away!

"Pick from one of several gorgeous filtered effects or tilt-shift blur to breathe a new life into your mobile photos. Transform everyday moments into works of art you'll want to share with friends and family. Share your photos in a simple photo stream with friends to see - and follow your friends' photos with the click of a single button. Every day you open up Instagram, you'll see new photos from your closest friends, and creative people from around the world." -App Store

Instagram's icon (left) & an edited and posted photo (right)

'Nuff said.  Just get it and tell your friends to get it.  Thanks. Bye.

Get the app by clicking here!

Day 5 of 7 - TouchofColor Free

TouchofColor free sounds pretty much like what it does.  I thought you would be able to add colors to your pictures, but instead you take colors away.  All but one color that is.  That's right, TouchofColor free is a color accent application.

For those of you who do not know what color accent is, you can remove all but one color so that the whole photo is black and white with, say, an accent of red.  Look at the image below to see what i am talking about.  There are applications out there that will let you take pictures with the camera with a color accent filter.  For instance, ColorManager Cam filters your cameras feed with what ever colors you select.  Only problem is that the quality of these pictures is garbage.  Stick with TouchofColor.

So the way this works is that you select a picture from you Photo app. You then get to select which color in the picture to be the accent.  From there you can play around with the color, intensity, and brightness controls until you get the result you want.  You can save the doctored image back into your Photos and upload to Foap or Instagram!

TouchofColors icon (left) and a color accent photo being finished (right)

As a photo junkie, I appreciate the artist affect that color accent has on an image.  For those who also appreciate this enhancement, your welcome!

Get the app by clicking here!

Day 4 of 7 - Pic Jointer

So far this week I have given you ways to edit your photos, sell them, and even take panoramic pictures.  Today's app falls in the photo editing category, but not in the way you might think.

Pic Jointer is a photo collage creation app.  You can add up to four photos at a time to create beautiful collages to enhance your pictures.  Customizable features include:

• the color and thickness of the border
• the amount of rounding of the corners
• the placement of divider bars
• the amount of zoom on each photo
• the layout of the collage

Once you have finished playing around with your pictures and editing the collage, you have the chance to upload to Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr right from within the app.  The finished jointed picture is also saved to your Photos on your iDevice.  There are other collage apps out there that I have tried that can provide the same functionality as Pic Jointer.(kinda a dumb name right?)  I find that most of those features/apps come with a price that is more than Pic Jointer's - FREE!

Pic Jointer's icon (left) and the collage editing screen (right)

Aside from the stupid name, this app is superb for creating collages.  While I don't have use for it every day, having it on my phone lends itself to me finding ways to use it more and more.  Give it a shot!

Get the app by clicking here!

Day 3 of 7 - Photosynth

The built in camera on iDevices is an incredible tool for taking your standard photos.  If you are looking for more than your "standard photos", look not further.

"Photosynth for iOS is the panorama creation app that makes it easy and fun to capture and share interactive panoramas of the places, people, and events that are important to you. Using the latest in computer vision techniques, you can not only make a panorama from left to right, but also up and down..." -App Store

I find that whenever I have a great view in front of me, I jump to Panorama right away.  It captures the full scene all around me, preserving the moment forever.  Photosynth also boasts a fantastic user interface.  You simply open the app and touch the screen to begin capturing your surroundings.  Then all you have to do is spin around and tap the screen again to finish.  The final picture gets saved in your devices Photo app.  Easy peasy!

Photosynth's icon (left) & the capture screen (right)

While I absolutely love the app, I do have one small complaint.  As you will all see when you download the app (as you know you should), the final image that the app stitches together has an annoying scalloped edge. It's easy to fix by cropping the picture in Photos.  Still, it bothers me.  In reality, its a small negative for an otherwise stellar app!

Get the app by clicking here!

Day 2 of 7 - Foap

"Foap is a photo application which turns your iPhone photos into dollars. Snap a photo, upload it to Foap Market and it will be available for companies that may buy it. We love filters and frames but our buyer's don't, so be sure to upload photos without." -App Store

You may be thinking, as I once did, why would someone want to purchase a photo that I took on my iPhone.  Or, if you're are a cocky piece of work, you might think "who wouldn't want my photos!"  And that could be true.  Using Foap to upload and tag your photos onto their marker, you have the potential to make a bit of easy cash.  I uploaded only 7 photos when I first got the app and after about a weeks time I had made my first sale.  Granted it's only $5 per photo, but when you sell a couple like I did, it adds up!  You use PayPal to cash out your earnings which couldn't be easier.

Foap's icon (left) & the 20 Latest Sold list (right)

Anyone who takes a decent, not blurry, iPhone picture has the potential to make bit of easy money.  Adding photos to the market is quick and easy so even if you don't make anything, no harm done!

Get the app by clicking here!

Regrettable News Update

Just a quick update! I am sad to say that SnapSeed, while still an incredible app, is no longer free, making it the first app I have reviewed that you must pay to get.  Keep an eye out for another sale and I will do the same.  If you see a sale, comment on this post and I will help spread the word!

Day 1 of 7 - SnapSeed

To kick off our photo week, I present to you SnapSeed!  This is a premier photo editing app that features the most detailed editing functionality around.  You can spot-edit your photos to make smaller corrections. Mess around with your picture by adjusting a multitude of settings like brightness, white balance, or contrast.  Why not try out a variety of filters that also have adjustable settings.  Make the ehh picture alright, the alright picture great, and the great picture incredible.

Most of these apps that let you really change your iDevice photos are expensive as all heck.  SnapSeed comes to your for just a bit less than expected.  It used to be $4.99, then became free. Then went back to $4.99, but now it's FREE!  You have nothing to lose by trying out this easy-to-use app.

SnapSeed's icon (left) & the photo editing screen (right)

If you use Instagram, Foap, or other photo posting apps, SnapSeed is a must have.

Get the app by clicking here!

Heads Up! It's Photo Time

Stay tuned to the iOS App Center next week for a full week of photography apps that will help you with taking, editing, and sharing your iDevice pictures!

LogMeIn - Remote Desktop

"Remotely control your PCs and Macs over WiFi/3G with the free LogMeIn app on your iPad or iPhone. It works with LogMeIn’s free award-winning software installed on as many computers as you like. You can remotely access your files, run your applications and control your desktops from anywhere. With everything at your fingertips, you’re finally free to go." -App Store

LogMeIn is more of a service that just an app.  Yes, there is an app, but that is only part of it.  Once set up, it gives you the ability to access your computers from your mobile device or another computer.  By logging in to the web interface and selecting the computer you want to access, you can bring up your computer's desktop as if you were sitting in front of it.  For help setting up LogMeIn, consult the Getting Started Guide.

Ever had to send someone a document that was on your computer and couldn't? Not anymore. LogMeIn's web interface and mobile app have very user friendly interfaces that lets you move control your computer while on the go.  I can't even begin to tell you how often I used it once I had the option to.  Way more than I initially thought.  I even set it up on my family's machines so that when their computers are on the fritz , I can help them remotely.

LogMeIn's icon (left) and the remote desktop screen (right)

So whether you are the savvy tech geek who needs to be connected at all times or the casual computer user who uses them when you need to, you can find many a use for LogMein

Get the app by clicking here!

KeyRing Reward Cards

Many people, myself included until recently, walk around with either a wallet stuffed or a key ring full of loyalty cards and other fobs (love that word).  I had one for groceries, one for the gym, a few for stores, and   one for the movies.  I got so sick of having these things in my wallet and on my key chain that I took them off and left them in my drawer at home.  Whats the point of even having a rewards card if you don't have it when you need it?  The answer is simple.  There is no point!

My wallet and key chain were saved, along with part of my sanity, when I learned about and downloaded KeyRing Reward Cards.  To get started you scan in your cards by either taking a picture of the card in the app or by entering the card number.  Once all of your cards are scanned, you are good to start using it.  Now when you are out and about shopping, you can open the app at checkout, pull up the corresponding loyalty card, and have the cashier scan your phone's screen.  It's that simple!

The other nice feature of KeyRing is its coupon functionality.  You can view coupons that are available at each store and get even more savings all from within the app.

Keyring's icon (left) and the loyalty card list (right)

I know it sounds too good to be true, but trust me when I tell you it's real.  Oh, and it's free.  What do you got to lose....nothing.

Get the app by clicking here!

Voxer - Walkie Talkie

As far as messaging apps go, I am usually not much of a fan.  I always felt like sending a text was easier then going into some app to send a message.  Why did I need to have more than one way of messaging people? All of those thoughts were before I downloaded and started using Voxer.  Now I use it for pretty much anything besides a normal text.

"Voxer is a Walkie Talkie app for smartphones. Send instant Audio, Text, Photo and Location messages to one friend or a group of your friends. Your friends can listen to your message while you talk or check it out later." - App Store

You know when you have to tell someone something that is too long for text but doesn't really warrant a phone call?  Here is your solution to that predicament. Voxer is a real time messaging app that allows you to send rapid voice messages to a single contact or to groups.  Using a simple press and hold button, you talk to you friends who get the message as you say it.  In the same conversation, you can send a text, a voice message, or a picture to whomever you're conversing with.  I find it great to use when you have to ask someone a quick question or let them know you are running late.  There are other rapid voice messaging apps out there (HeyTell is another), but none give you the full experience that you get with Voxer.

Voxer's icon (left) and a screenshot of the conversation screen (right)

Perfect for people trying to make plans, families trying to stay in touch, or a group of friends catching up.

Get the app by clicking here!

Trivial Free

So I just got a text from a friend telling me to download a new app called Trivial Free.  He said its a decent trivia app that is in the same game style as the "With Friends" and "With Buddies" games.  Now I didn't think much of it since the last 3 or 4 apps recommended by my buddy were just awful.  But, as he assured me this one was legit, I downloaded it and started a game.  I gotta say, he got this one right!

Trivial Free asks you a series of questions that the more you answer in a row, the more points you score.  Just as in games like Scramble With Friends or Jewels With Buddies, you can select and use power ups that can slow down time or give you a free pass.  Your score is compared to your opponents score and after three rounds of questions a winner is determined!

Trivial's icon (left) and in-game screenshot (right)

As a trivia fiend myself, this app is amazing.  Embarrassing as it is to say, I just started developing an app just like this (I'm not anymore) and it wouldn't have been even close to as good.  Not only should you download it but you need to invite people to join too so you have someone to play with.

Get the app by clicking here!

"Trivial Pursuit Master Edition Game"

Pocket Full Of Notes

"When you find something on the web that you want to view later, put it in Pocket. It automatically syncs to your phone, tablet, or computer so you can view it any time, even without an internet connection." - App Store

Pocket may be confused by some of you with Read It Later.  That is because they are the same thing.  Read It Later was renamed Pocket in April 2012 when the app was revamped.  The updated added thumbnails of the saved content and the ability to favorite your best stuff.  But enough history.

Pocket is meant to help you store the webpage, article, video, or picture that you don't have time to read now.  Hence the old name, Read It Later.  Some apps, like Zite or Twitter, have built in Pocket saving functionality (for full list click here).  Transversely, Pocket boasts the ability to share with other services including but not limited to Evernote, Facebook, Reddit, and Tumblr.  You can tag your saved content to be filtered by tag later.  One of the best features of this app is that it makes all of your saved stuff available offline.  For those with WiFi only devices, this will come in handy.  Don't like reading long articles on your iDevice?  Save things that you find on your mobile device using Pocket and head over to getpocket.com on your computer and view what you just saved.  It's that easy.

Pocket's icon (left) and the in-app home screen (right)

This app is a must have for pretty much anyone and everyone.  If you ever use the web browser or any of the apps that work with Pocket, this app only enhances them.  Don't be stupid and click the link below.

Get the app by clicking here!

Whether The Weather Be Fine

Most users find that Apple's built in "Weather" app is satisfactory and gives them enough information. These people are the ones who have not tried a third party weather app. Two apps in particular are much more thorough and provide significantly more information. I will compare the likes of The Weather Channel and AccuWeather for iPhone.

Both apps offer current conditions, an hourly forecast that shows the next 24 hours, and a weather map with precipitation and heat overlays. They both display an assortment of relevant data including wind speeds and humidity, as well as a "feels like" temperature.  Weather advisories are depicted in both apps with an exclamation point to make you aware of the warning.

The Weather Channel forecast screen (left) & icon (bottom middle) with AccuWeather's icon (top middle) & home screen (right)

The Weather Channel (TWC) features both a 36 hour and a ten day forecast for advanced weather predictions.  I find the user interface (UI) for this app is more instinctual than AccuWeather's UI.  All of the forecast options  are clearly listed on the bottom of the screen (see picture below).  I also much prefer TWC for its ease of use in checking the weather for multiple locations.  You simple slide the screen to the left or right to traverse between all locations.

Get the app by clicking here!

AccuWeather boast a 15 day forecast as its long term weather information tab.  The additional current weather information (humidity, visibility, etc.) is always displayed on the main screen.  Part of what I don't like about this app is that to see the hourly forecasts you scroll to the right and see chucks of forecasts in four hours blocks.  Not a fan.  Most of the time that I am checking the weather I am doing so on the fly and cant be bothered to scroll over 4 or 5 times to see what the next day will look like.

Get the app by clicking here!

Both apps are very good and are much better than the stock weather app that comes on your iDevice.  Either one is a good choice!

The Weather Channel Professional Weather Center

Pandora's Box Of Music

"Pandora Radio is free personalized radio that only plays music you’ll love. Just start with the name of one of your favorite artists, songs or classical composers and Pandora will create a custom "station" that plays similar music." - App Store

Pandora brings the radio to your iDevice, but not in the same way you might be used to. For those who have used Pandora via the standard web interface and have an account can just log in and play. For the Pandora virgins, prepare yourself for a radio experience that is above and beyond your expectations.

Start off by entering your favorite band, song, or genre. This will create a station with similar music to your entry. As you listen you can either "like" or "dislike" the songs to further tailor your station to your liking. That means that the longer you listen, the better Pandora gets to know your taste in music and plays the stuff you want. Much better than your car radio isn't it.

My only concern with this app is for people who want to use it on the go. Be careful with how much data this app uses as it can be a bit of a 3G hog. That being said, if you don't have a data limit (or don't pay the phone bill), use Pandora all day long!

Pandora's icon (left) and the in-app song info screenshot (right)

Great app for anyone who listens to music and is looking to broaden their musical horizons.

Get the app by clicking here!

P.S. This review is a suggested review by the blogs first follower!

Zynga - Games With Friends

Zynga is the creator of the well known apps Hanging with Friends, Scramble with Friends, and most popular game Words with Friends. They have recently added Matching with Friends to their lineup as well. All of these games can be played against friends, as you can connect your Facebook account to the game, or random opponents. Please note that all of these games both have free and paid versions. The only difference is that the free version has ads that pop up in between turns. No need to pay for these folks. If you insist on throwing away $2.99, throw it into my bank account instead please!

Scramble (top left), Words (bottom left), Hanging (top right), & Matching (bottom right) with Friends icons & game boards

Scramble with Friends is a game very similar to Hasbro's Boggle. The objective is to make as many words as possible by dragging your fingers over the letters in sequence. Each letter is worth a certain number of points just as they are in Scrabble (also made by Hasbro). There are three rounds of play in total in which one player creates as many words as he/she can before allowing their opponent the same opportunity on the same board. The opponent's scores are then revealed to both players. Whomever has the higher total wins. The game is one that most definitely requires both skill and intellect to master, but requires neither to enjoy.

Get the app by clicking here!

Words with Friends is essentially Scrabble. You and your opponent go back and forth player tiles drawn at random on a board with both word and letter multipliers until there are no tiles remaining. I enjoy this game very much because there is a good deal of strategy that can make up for an inferior vocabulary. By playing tiles in smarter locations one can score more points with a shorter word than someone playing long words with no mind for multipliers. This can help to level the playing field and make this game another that can be enjoyed by all.

Get the app by clicking here!

Hanging with Friends is also derivative of another common game; Hangman. One player is given twelve (12) tiles to arrange in eight (8) spots with which them must spell any word. The longer the word the better as every unused letter equates to a wrong guess by the other player. For example, a six (6) letter word would leave six (6) unused tiles resulting in six (6) incorrect guesses by the opponent. If you can not guess the word in its entirety then you one of you five (5) balloons pops. If you pop all of your balloons before your opponent does, you lose!

Get the app by clicking here!

Matching with Friends is the newest addition to the "With Friends" games. I am currently playing/testing and will update this post accordingly!

Get the app by clicking here!

Shazam - Musical Genie

While listening to the radio, how many times have you asked who sings this song? Which album is this from? What's the name of this song? Shazam has the answers to all of your questions and give you a bit more.

Shazam is a music recongition app that listens to the music playing via the built in microphone and matches it to an enormous database. It pulls up the song name, artist, album, and cover art for the current song. Every song that you "Shazam" gets added to the apps tag list, so that you may download the song at a later time or look back to find songs you enjoyed. The app also provides access to a top 20 chart with the current most popular songs. Lastly, one of my favorite features of Shazam is the real time lyric streaming that scrolls through the lyrics as the music plays. Great addition to the app!

Shazam's icon (left) and the in-app home screen (right)

Shazam is not just an app for music enthusiasts, but an app for anyone who listens to music at all. There is a paid app as well, but it simply provides the same functionality without ads. The free edition is just fine.

Get the app by clicking here!

YAHTZEE!

Everybody and their mother grew up playing Yahtzee. You roll the dice a few times and count up what you got and mark it down for points in a few scoring categories. Everyone has played it and everyone loves it.

Well the guys over at Stofle Designs got it right when they made Dice With Buddies. It brings the fun and simplicity of Hasbro's Yahtzee to the iDevice so that you can play against your friends and family, or even a random opponent. The app has blown up since its release in May of 2011 and has caught on, riding the wave of multi-player turn based games.

Dice With Buddies icon (left) and in game snapshot (right)

For anyone who enjoys apps like Draw Something or Words With Friends, which may be reviewed at a later date, this app is for you! Look out for reviews of the aforementioned apps and other by Zynga.

Get the app by clicking here!

"Yahtzee"

ZITE - The Personalized Magazine

"Zite is a free personalized magazine for your iPad that automatically learns what you like and gets smarter every time you use it. Zite delivers all the great news, articles, blogs, and videos you want – and helps you discover new stuff that you'll love. " -App Store

Here's how it works. Zite prompts you with a list of suggested sections varying from World News to Gadgets to Sports. You may also create customized sections by entering for keywords in a search box. After carefully selecting the topics you wish to follow, Zite pulls up a wealth of content that pertains to what youve selected. As you can see in the image below, it arranges the topics on the top bar while filling in the content below in a very user friendly manner.

Zite icon (left) and snapshot of the home screen (right)

Zite is a great app for those looking to stay up to date with their favorite topics. Perfect for those who commute on trains! Hope you get as much use out of it as I do!

Get the app by clicking here!

Attention Gmail Users!

The following message is for people who actually use Gmail for its labeling and sorting features. Please do not use the "Mail" app that is built in on your iDevice. It provides literally no labeling functionality whatsoever and doesn't even show something that gets labeled automatically.

The app simple called Gmail is a free mail app designed by Google that brings most of Gmail's functionality to you mobile device. You can append labels to emails, view all emails of certain label, and even set a vacation response all from within the app. The Gmail app also allows you to compose and send mail to you Google contacts as well as the contacts on your iDevice. The only flaw of this app is that you cannot create/edit your filters to automatically label and or manipulate your emails. This is a minor oversight as most people would not be editing or creating filters on their mobile device anyways.

Gmail icon (left) and the inbox screenshot (right)

This is a must have app for Gmail users as it really allows you to still use Gmail for all its worth. Hope you enjoy it!

Get the app by clicking here!