Bored of Words with Friends? Maybe it’s time to try something a little different such as MindFeud.

MindFeud is a game in which players must lay a number of tiles down in the correct formation so that there are no duplicates and they each match with the nearest tile in some way, such as all blue tiles together or all circles in the same row. It’s easy to learn but as with many board games, it’s challenging to master.

MindFeud offers a single player mode through the robot opponent AI called ADAMA, as well as the ability to play against friends or strangers through the social features available. Real time chat has been included to make this side of play more compelling.

It’s simple yet addictive fun regardless of who you play against. Even better, it’s free to play and an universal app for added convenience.

MindFeud is out now.

FREE!

MindFeud

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-04-02 :: Category: Games

Macadamia Apps has just released StillShot, a photo app that takes specific frames from videos.

Like the video trailer describes, we’ve all had those moments where we go to take a picture with our iOS device’s camera and ended up accidently taking a video instead. That moment might escape us forever and we’re stuck with a video instead of a picture. StillShot allows users to go back into that video and flip through the frames until the perfect picture within the video is found.

Obviously, this app could be used on purpose instead of remedying that accidental video over photo situation. I’m especially exited to try this app out with sports photography. Since the players are moving so fast, it’s often tough to get a great picture with the iPhone camera because of the limited shutter speed. StillShot should provide some great options for those action shots.

Macadamia Apps are also the creators of GroupShot, a photoediting app for group pictures, which received a 4.5/5 stars here at 148Apps from writer Michael Halloran. Michael described GroupShot as “smart and intuitive” and, overall, was “impressed” with the app. We’re expecting no less from StillShot.

$0.99

StillShot

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-05-01 :: Category: Photography

In what seems like a never-ending stream of iPad keyboard cases, I have yet to find the perfect one. Instead, I’ve stuck with the Apple Wireless Keyboard wrapped in an Incase Origami case. But that’s not ideal as it’s two pieces.

The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover isn’t a traditional case. It’s more of a super-Smart Cover replacement. Not only does it have a pretty decent keyboard, it also has the magnetic hinge we are used to from the Smart Cover to connect it to the iPad 2 or 3.

So let’s just get right to the meat of this review — how’s the keyboard? In a word, excellent. It’s probably the best small size keyboard (less than 100% size keys) I’ve used. It’s checks off all of the key features I look at for an iPad keyboard like inverted-T navigation keys, two large shift keys, and properly placed backspace and return keys. It also includes a full list of function keys to automate features like iPad home, media keys, etc.

They keyboard device itself resembles an upside-down iPad 2. It connects, as mentioned, via a magnetic hinge to the iPad 2 / new iPad. While the connection is good, it doesn’t feel quite as strong as the Smart Cover, though good enough to stay connected. When closed, it stays closed easily, also due to magnets. Those same magnets are used to wake the device when the case is opened.

And this case uses magnets like crazy. In addition to the above, similar features to the Smart Cover, this case uses magnets in a way we haven’t seen before. The iPad, when placed into a resting slot in landscape orientation, snaps in and is held secure with magnets. There’s a very good connection here and the keyboard can safely be used on the lap without concern of the iPad slipping out. Unfortunately, this only works in landscape mode.

The one issue is what to do with the keyboard half when not using the keyboard, if you just want to use the iPad itself, and not the keyboard. You can’t fold it behind the iPad itself — the hinge doesn’t work that way. Your only choices are to either use the iPad like an open book, or disconnect it and use the iPad alone. The issue with that is now you have two pieces to deal with. It would have been great it there were at least a way to snap the keyboard onto the back of the iPad (maybe with magnets?) to keep it secure. If you try to hold them together, they slip and it feels risky.

The issues with the Logitech Ultrathin keyboard are very minor, even the above problem of how to hold it when not using the keyboard. Overall, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is the best integrated keyboard iPad case we’ve tested. Looks amazing, and works really well.

The Logitech Ultrathin Keybaord Cover is available for $99.99 directly from Logitech and many other retailer and online (like Amazon).

Chillingo and Ars Thanea Games have announced their new upcoming genre-bending puzzle game Puzzle Craft, coming soon to iOS. This multifaceted game will have players trying to build a farm through resource collection. Yes, that sounds like many games that already exist, but Puzzlecraft is going to try and blend actual gameplay in with the formula. Players can havest and mine for materials in a puzzle board akin to a game like Dungeon Raid, where pieces adjacent in any direction can be collected. Harvested materials from the field can be converted in to materials to help stay in the mines longer. The collected resources can be used to buy new buildings, hire new workers, and get better tools.

The current plan is for the game to launch at a low entry price point supported by in-app purchases: coins can be purchased, along with additional moves to mine for a longer time. A tie-in Facebook game involving the mining game is in the works as well. Puzzle Craft is scheduled to hit the App Store at some point in the coming months.

148Apps Network story from - http://theportablegamer.com

When it comes to news these days, at least here in America, the upcoming presidential election is the big story. Today though, politics can be so crazy that keeping up with it all is next to impossible. That’s why NBC is delivering its powerful political reporting on-the-go with the new NBC Politics app.

With NBC Politics, users can get all sorts of information in all sorts of different ways. Users can read text stories, flip through photo slideshows and view clips from NBC shows like “Meet The Press with David Gregory”, “Andrea Mitchell Reports” and “Morning Joe.” On the more interactive end, users can share stories through Facebook and Twitter using the app and watch election results unfold in real-time. On the iPad, users can even make their own predictions and test them against the experts on the Battleground Map.

Indecision 2012 is just around the corner. Wait, wrong network. NBC Politics is available now for free on the App Store.

FREE!

NBC Politics

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-05-02 :: Category: News

5by5, the digital network that purports itself to be for “geeks, designers, broadcasters, and entrepreneurs” has launched a new iOS app that lets listeners check out their various shows while on the go. Shows such as Mac Power Users, which is exactly what it says on the tin, and The Cocktail Napkin, a show about inspiration and the ideas that come from them are now streamable through the app. For those that want to listen to the shows as they record live, the app offers push notifications to find out when they start broadcasting. The app supports background audio, and supports AirPlay for playing shows on remote speakers. The episode also features a schedule of upcoming broadcasts, integration with the 5by5 newsletter, and the ability to see how many other people are listening live to the app. Note that it is not a universal app – at least not at the moment.

$2.99

5by5 Radio

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-05-11 :: Category: Entertainment

This week, Apple released iOS 5.1.1, which brings some minor bug fixes, particularly to some camera functionality and to AirPlay. Software updates have been made a lot easier since iOS 5 was released, as now small updates like these don’t require a full download of the entire iOS software. However, for users not yet on iOS 5, there’s still reasons to use iTunes to update. In this latest how-to guide, we’ll show you how to update that iOS device.

iOS 5 Software Updates

For owners of devices already on iOS 5, updating to the latest version is as simple as going to Settings, selecting General, then Software Update. iOS will send a push notification once an update is ready, and add a badge to Settings if an update is ready to be downloaded and installed. However, the news of an update usually circulates before notifications are sent out, so this process can be manually done before the notification is sent.

It’s best to charge the device while the update process is going on, so that the device doesn’t accidentally lose power during the update. If all goes right, the device will reboot, and a few minutes later, iOS will be up to date. Both my iPod touch 4th generation and iPad 2 had two separate bars pop up while installing the update, so this may be a normal part of the process. Don’t freak out.

Updating via iTunes

For those devices still not on iOS 5, or for people that find it more convenient to do this process on the computer, it is still possible to upgrade through the computer. Plug the device into iTunes. Select it from the left sidebar. Then, on the main screen, select Check for Updates. iTunes will find the latest update, and start downloading it.

There are two potential downfalls. One, what if the iTunes used for updating doesn’t have internet access? Or, if iTunes has issues downloading the software update quickly? Well, it is possible to download the software update manually and then load it into iTunes. Download the update from some source, such as this site (make sure to download the correct update for the correct device). Then, in iTunes, hold down Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click on the button. A dialog box to open up a file should appear. Open up the previously-downloaded file from this point.

Once on iOS 5 (for devices that support it), this process should not be necessary. However, in cases where it may be, this is good to know how it works as well.

The Iconfactory, designers and creators of Twitteriffic and Ramp Champ, have revived their 2010 game Astronut for the iPad. The game has players traveling through the galaxy by launching toward spinning objects in space, and proper timing must be used to launch at the proper angle to the next object, avoiding barriers and hazards.

Astronut for iPad has two advantages over the original version. First, it supports the iPad’s Retina Display. Second, the game can be controlled remotely with the original version of the game, which is a freemium download. This makes it easier to sit back and play the game while it’s running on iPad, possibly even when outputting to a TV. This is not freemium like the original, being $1.99 up front to unlock the whole game, though it appears as if all content is the same between the two versions. Both Astronut for iPad and the remote control update for the original Astronut are now available.

$1.99

Astronut for iPad

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2012-05-10 :: Category: Games

FREE!

Astronut

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

Our Rating: :: ASTRONOMICAL
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-11-16 :: Category: Games

148Apps Network story from - http://theportablegamer.com

Once upon a Friday evening, as I sat here, email reading,
Over a many quaint and curious letter of reviews implored,
While I perused, nearly napping, all the while my fingers clacking,
Pausing not their steady tapping, tapping on my old keyboard.
“ ‘Tis a slow night,” I muttered, “little use for my keyboard;
Only spam, and nothing more.”

Deep into my malaise drifting, long I sat there, fading, staring
Doubting, seeking apps few mortals ever dared download before;
Then my boredom was disbanded, by the news of an app branded,
A collection handed to a more than willing App Store.
I noticed when I checked the store. And I found, it offered more.

Not content with mere wording, these three stories feature moving,
Not just moving but reacting, with a touch we’ve seen before.
“The Tell-Tale Heart,” said I, “has piqued my interest.
“As has The Oval Portrait and The Masque of the Red Death.
Let’s see if interaction makes them better, better than they were before.”

iPoe, with interactive stories, still is sitting, still is sitting
Lurking in the category for books found on the App Store;
And we all can start the reading of this dark and twisted dreaming.
And the price is of a number that in dollars orbits four ($3.99);
And my goal for this here story has been met with much fervor
Download it from—The App Store!

$3.99

iPoe - The Interactive and Illustrated Edgar Allan Poe Collection

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-03-26 :: Category: Books

m-spacemedia, makers of the unexpectedly fun Asteroid 2012 3D, have unleashed another game onto an unsuspecting App Store. This time it’s a pattern-based reactionary puzzle game. Think Simon, but with cubes. It’s a lot like that. Players will have to match the sequence of flashing cubes in order to keep going, but the patterns get faster and more complex the longer they last. Anyone familiar with the concept knows just how crazy it can get.

Floozled is available on the App Store right now for free. But more importantly, 50% of the ad revenue earned from this game as well as Asteroid 2012 Free-D and Honeyrun HD Free will be donated to the James Whale Fund. The proceeds will be donated at the end of July, with the money being used to fund kidney cancer treatment and research, so there’s still plenty of time to download and contribute by tapping on an ad or two. After that, a new charity will be chosen for August through October.

“This is an ongoing push to help raise money and awareness to smaller charities helping those when they need it most.” – Mark Muller

m-spacemedia has already raised close to $50 with close to three months left. Those interested can follow the fundraiser’s progress or donate directly here, and details about the charity can be found here. Anyone want to see if we see if we can add a digit or two (or more) to that number?

FREE!

Floozled

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-04-23 :: Category: Games

FREE!

Asteroid 2012 Free-D

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-12-22 :: Category: Games

FREE!

Honeyrun HD Free

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-05-12 :: Category: Games

ALK Technologies, known for its great mobile navigation software, has made a pretty impressive move with their latest app: the navigation app in question is free!

CoPilot GPS uses a freemium style model to ensure it’s free. Users can plan their routes without an internet connection and figure out the best turn by turn route, whether they’re in a car or walking. Points of interests are installed, as well as the option to find a destination manually.

It’s all quite professional and as anyone would expect from a paid for navigational app.

The difference here is that it’s completely free. An in-app purchase of $24.99 unlocks voice-guided navigation with the option to also download a real-time traffic service for $9.99 for a 12 month subscription.

It’s a wise move as CoPilot GPS is immediately appealing for anyone in need of a navigation app but at a low price. Plus, there’s always the option to unlock further features.

It’s out now for both iPhone and iPad.

FREE!

CoPilot GPS – Plan & explore with on-board maps & directions

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-05-09 :: Category: Navigation

This week at 148Apps.com, writer Lisa Caplan helped all of us out by providing her Favorite Four apps for Mother’s Day. Caplan says, “Mother’s Day means so many different things to so many different people that it’s hard to create a list of just four apps for the occasion. There are great gifts to purchase right from iTunes and the App Store, and tons of apps to help you find the right present. But we decided to keep the focus on free or inexpensive apps that will make moms feel special this Sunday and leave them with more than a memory to treasure all year long.”

See the full list of suggestions at 148Apps.

$0.99

Slow Message

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-01-20 :: Category: Utilities

And what’s Mother’s Day without children? GiggleApps appeals to the younger crowd with a review of Color Dots. Reviewer Amy Solomon writes, “Color Dots is a bright and fun universal application that the youngest of app users will enjoy. Color Dots is very simple and is geared towards babies and toddlers as colored dots are popped with a tap of a finger as they move around the screen.”

Read Amy’s full review on GiggleApps.com.

$0.99

Color Dots

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-03-14 :: Category: Games

148Apps.biz reporter Kevin Stout writes about the latest research into American app spending habits: “International market research firm Newzoo has just released a report concerning mobile gaming in the U.S. The report claims that the amount of American mobile gamers has risen by over 25 million gamers in the last year and the number of paying players has gone up to 36% of all mobile gamers.”

Read more about this research on 148Apps.biz.

And that’s the week that was! Join us here next week for another quick recap, but until then make sure you check out our Twitter and Facebook feeds for the latest news, reviews and contests. Now go see Dark Shadows and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Oh yeah, we’re all over the place this week. But I consider that a good thing. It means more of a variety, in addition to all the money people won’t be spending. It’s a win/win as far as I’m concerned.

Directional – We all know about block-clearing puzzles. Match 3, tapping on groups and so on. This one’s a bit different in that players have to swipe the screen in a given direction to clear blocks with arrows (up, down, left, right) on them. It’s an interesting take on the genre, and with two modes (classic and expert) it’s bound to be something of a time-occupier.

FREE!

Directional

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-05-09 :: Category: Games

Dora – It might be simple, but how could I not want to try a game about a malfunctioning engine of destruction that’s fallen in love with an inanimate household object and just wants to be left alone? I know, right?

FREE!

Dora

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-05-07 :: Category: Games

Balloon Getaway – Here we have an iOS rail-shooter (think Panzer Dragoon) set in a world full of dirigibles. It’s a genre that I feel is sorely lacking on the App Store, so it’s nice to see a new one from time to time. And if the three available levels don’t feel like enough, there are always more to be had through in-app purchases.

FREE!

Balloon Getaway

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-05-09 :: Category: Games

Punch Hero – I can’t help but think of this as a more interactive version of Fighter City. Gamevil has really been pushing the hand-to-hand combat lately, huh? Still, a free game involving customizable (visually and statistically) boxers and plenty of other expected social freemium stuff is certainly worth a look.

FREE!

Punch Hero

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Our Rating: :: A REAL HEAVYWEIGHT
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2012-05-10 :: Category: Games

Juggernaut: Revenge of Sovering – Okay, first off it’s important to note that this game will only work on the iPhone 4 and higher, as well as the iPad 2. That being said, it’s a good-looking action RPG. Five different mercenaries to choose from, lots of magic spells, plenty of equipment, and so on. It’s just a shame that slightly older devices aren’t supported.

FREE!

Juggernaut: Revenge of Sovering.

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-05-10 :: Category: Games

Matching Set – Clear out tiles by connecting matching pairs, all under an Egyptian theme. That by itself sounds fine, but each game is restricted by a time limit. A time limit that can be increased by quickly clearing out more tiles. If that doesn’t scream “Massive Time-Eater,” I don’t know what does.

FREE!

Matching Set

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-05-11 :: Category: Games

Animator Free – Maybe this kind of thing has faded into obscurity since my generation (god saying stuff like that makes me feel old), but do kids still play around with making flip-books anymore? Remember those? Drawing little cartoons one page at a time, in sequence, then flipping through the pages quickly and getting no small amount of joy from watching the rudimentary animation? Anyone? It better not just be me who thinks being able to do stuff like this on my iPhone is cool.

FREE!

Animator Free

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-05-09 :: Category: Games

crowdplayce, location-based iOS game developer, has announced the release of its upcoming game Mafia Planet. The game immerses players in a location-based mafia game where they work their way up the ladder to become a mafia Don.

Mafia Planet boasts that it’s going to be the first location-based crime game for iOS. There are other (very) similar games (like Parallel Mafia), but this one might be unique in it’s own way. No matter where players are, there will always be something to do. Players can rob nearby banks, other mobsters, and do quests that can be completed anywhere in the world.

Players have districts that can be attacked by other mobsters or attacked directly. Players gain experience and money as they work their way through the game in their goal to become the next mafia Don. This is one of those games that will be progressively more fun depending on the amount of people locally that decide to use it.

The game is going to be free and ready to play later this month on May 23th.

We’ve all seen plenty of cute interactive books on the App Store. However, Collin’s Journey Through Cancer is an especially touching one to see.

As the name suggests, it’s all about a young boy called Collin who is currently battling that evil disease, cancer. Fortunately, he has great and supportive parents looking out for him.

The story is all done from the child’s perspective with childlike drawings illustrating the way and a child’s voice narrating the action.

It won’t be the longest read, even for young readers, but it’s a touching tale. Crucially, it has the potential to be an ideal app to use with the family for those unfortunate enough to be hit with this cruel disease. Books like these are a great way to provoke discussion with younger members of the family.

Collin’s Journey Through Cancer is free to download so why not give it a read today? It’s out now for the iPad only.

FREE!

Collin's Journey Though Cancer FlipFlopGames

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2012-05-07 :: Category: Books