From the creators of the award-winning conversion app, Convert, comes the second of TapTapTap’s iPhone titles. This time, voice morphing. But does it really live up to the studios previous titles?

The Settlers for iPhone is a reincarnation of the classic PC-based title of the same name. With stunning visuals and audio to match, I found the game to be both immersive and addicting.

Can’t seem to get up on time? You probably need this. With it’s great UI and a wide range of settings, it is a great solution for your waking needs. I really like Alarm Clock Pro… even if it DOES have a flashlight attached.

Shazam Entertainment launch the paid version of their music recognition service. Ad-ridden and boasting a scarce UI it’s a complete disappointment.

In association with Fox Mobile Entertainment, Two Tribes and Chillingo debut Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, a move tie-in to the million dollar Ice Age franchise. With stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and rich animations, the game is faultless in my eyes.

Undercover 1.5 Tracks Stolen iPhones Using Push Notifications

If there’s one persistent problem with the iPhone, it’s its desirability as a device. That shiny black and glass fascia, and user intuitive software really does appeal to us. Unfortunately, most of the time it also appeals to a different group of people. A group of people with the sole intention to steal. With the introduction of Mobile Me, we saw Apple try to combat this age-old situation, introducing for every one of it’s users the ability to track their devices, directly from their online account from anywhere on the globe.

Before Apple showed it’s hand though, there was one prolific company who were set on making tracking stolen devices – specifically iPhone’s and Macintosh computers – their sole business. That company was of course Belgium-based software developers, Obicule. When their security software, Undercover, came to the iPhone, it hit the mainstream. But there were also the usual critics. See, the problem was that the software would only work as intended if the actual application was open on the stolen device. Today, Obicule are announcing what they deem to be a major update to Undercover for iPhone, version 1.5, and sees this exact launch-to-function issue, resolved. In a stark move, this update now adds adding the ability to remotely open the app on the stolen device.

So, How does it work? Well, Obicule have revealed that harnessing a clever use of push notifications, the user can remotely send the stolen device a push notification alert, (rather similar to ‘Find My iPhone’ on Mobile Me), therefore been able to ensure that the owner of the device can remotely open the application, allowing the tracking of the device. Upon registration at the Undercover Center, you’ll be able to access your ‘Undercover’ account online, from anywhere, and once the app is activated, this account will store the devices location and IP information, allowing you to track it under the radar.

To me, this update from the company really proves the true potential of and how powerful Apple’s Push Notification Service can be; and that if more developers put their mind to it, the service could in fact be used for more than just status updates and alerts. It seems the update is already live on the App Store, so if you are an Undercover user, I say go and grab it!

Universal Studios Announces Next Gen Blu-ray Interactivity. iPhone (and iPod touch) To Play BIG Part.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment have today announced their plans to offer next generation user interactivity on a selection of their upcoming Blu-ray titles. Arriving this coming holiday season, the studio will be focusing on bringing a variety of special features targeted for (and which will integrate exclusively with) both the Apple iPhone, and iPod touch. So, I bet you’re wondering what titles can be expect this functionality on? There are five new and upcoming titles, all on Blu-ray, which we’ll see include these special interactive experiences. These include: Bruno, Funny People, 9, American Pie Presents: The Book of Love, Public Enemies, and Inglourious Basterds.

Split up into two main sectors, this new announcement sees Universal as an entertainment studio shift focus into the iPhone space, and equally importantly at the same time, jump on the ever-changing, ever-evolving social networking band-wagon.

The first of Universal’s announcements is pocket BLU. Described as ‘Groundbreaking,’ this free application will connect through Wi-Fi to any network capable Blu-ray player, and will extend the Blu-ray experience in an variety of new and exciting ways.

Feature extensions to your Blu-ray experience will include the following:

An Advanced Remote Control. Not only is Universal Studios set on extending your visual Blu-ray experience, it seems they also want to enhance the the way you interact with it. Pocket BLU™ will see the introduction of a sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. You’ll be able to navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease, straight from your iPhone or iPod touch.

Continue reading Universal Studios Announces Next Gen Blu-ray Interactivity. iPhone (and iPod touch) To Play BIG Part. »

Exclusive First Look: ‘Little World Gifts’. An Interview with Jonathan Deamer.

A little while ago I got the heads up on a small startup iPhone development studio based just up the road from me, in Liverpool (UK). Consisting of a team of both iPhone developers and 3D designers, Kisky Media have come up with a unique and interesting concept. Debuting this December, Little World Gifts will become a virtual ‘Gifting’ system for iPhone (and iPod touch) which will allow you to pick out, buy and send exclusive rich 3D interactive gifts to a special someone. The app will work off in-app purchasing, and each gift received or sent will be downloaded straight into the app itself.

Sending an gift to someone else’s iPhone is as easy as tapping the item, setting a delivery time, and hitting ‘Done’. Received a gift from someone else? You can store and organise your gifts too, on your own virtual shelve. Talking to the startup, the idea behind Little World Gifts is basically to let people experience ‘gifts’ in a more interactive and visually pleasing way, beating the static 2D object approach.

Over the weekend I got the chance to speak to Jonathan Deamer, community and communications manager at Kisky Media exclusively about the new service, to ask just what was Little World Gifts, how he and the team at Kisky Media thinks this concept might affect the App Store and its users in the future, and a little more about Kisky Media in general. Enjoy!

Continue reading Exclusive First Look: ‘Little World Gifts’. An Interview with Jonathan Deamer. »

Sulake Inc the guys behind the original online hit sensation Habbo Hotel brings Bobba Bar to iPhone and iPod touch. A watered-down, but graphically stunning version of the franchise.

I was really hoping Reel Director would become a mobile version of iMovie for video editing. Sadly it wasn’t to be, but it does have it’s good points.

Origin8 Announces ‘Sentinel: Mars Defense’ FREE for a Week

Camden, London based iPhone development studio Origin8 has announced that to celebrate this years Bomfire night here in the UK, they’re launching a special offer in which the first edition to their tower defense series, Sentinel: Mars Defense, will be discounted. Starting today, November 5th at 6PM GMT and originally priced at $0.99, Sentinel: Mars Defense will be FREE for a whole week!

“It’s Bonfire Night in the UK, and the thoughts of the nation turn toward really big explosions. Thanks to London-based development studio Origin8, iPhone/iPod Touch gamers worldwide can share in the joy of blowing things up today, as their breakout sci fi strategy game “Sentinel: Mars Defense” will be FREE for a week from 6PM GMT.”

Originally released in February of this year, and in case you’re not familiar with the game, Sentinel: Mars Defense is a 2D tower defense game which brings with it fully immersive 2D (but with sort of a 3D-effect) graphics. The game is centered around stopping ‘waves’ of creeps from reaching an end point. Along the way to aid you in this battle you’ll have to use different powered space-like weapons, each with their own specialties and strong points. The aim is to destroy all alien lifeforms, before they have to reach a series of ‘gates’. If your end defenses are destroyed, it’s game over.

Sentinel: Mars Defense has been described as: Incredible, with stellar graphics, and a great amount of ‘content’ in-game. Having played the game myself, I can add to the fact that that it was definitely worth it at the low price of $0.99, but now you don’t have any excuse. Sentinel: Mars Defense is now FREE, and I highly recommend you go and snap it up!

Update: While the offer doesn’t seem to have started yet, it’s well and truly past 6PM here in the UK, so I’m sure we can expect the change to propagate to the App Store soon!

Sentinel: Mars Defense

Our Rating: :: STELLAR

Category: Games / Action
Released: 2009-02-27
Price: $0.99

Update to ‘Recorder’ Adds Ability to Record Audio In-Call!

There have been many recorders on the App Store since it’s debut. From nFinity’s Quick Voice to BIAS’ Pro Recorder and Polar Bear Farm’s sleek looking Record. But although they all do the job in recording background noise, spoken memos and notes, not one has introduced the one feature you’d expect, phone call recording.

Today, in what could be seen as a controversial move by some, the guys at Retronyms (also the people behind the iPhone music mixing studio Dopplerpad) have done just that. They have successfully integrated the ability to record audio from a phone call, straight from within their app ‘Recorder’.

The new feature comes in the form of a separate in-app purchase, and each full hour of recording will cost you $1.99. If you feel you need more than that though, there is also an option to purchase a staggering 8 hours of call audio recording time, although this will cost you $12.99. Of course with any app containing one-tap purchase abilities, the cost through in-app purchasing are sure to rack up – fast – especially for the odd power user. But, in the case of the general user just looking to record short amounts of in-call audio, this is a great addition to the usual bog-standard App Store recorder.

The update is already on the store, so what are you waiting for!

Recorder

Category: Business
Released: 2008-07-11
Price: $0.99

id Software finally brings the Doom experience we’ve all been waiting for to your favorite iDevice. True and full, this port will replicate the experience that sucked up most of your childhood! But, just how are those controls?

Four Of The Best Photo Editing Apps For Your iPhone!

When taking photos on the move, sometimes it pays to have photo editing apps. After all, you’re not going to tweet that picture without a bit of increased contrast, or brightness – right? It’s a well-known fact nowadays that the majority of photos we see on the web have being edited in some way in a graphics package such as Adobe Photoshop. But what if you can’t get to your computer and need reliable and feature filled editing applications on the move?

Being a keen photographer and designer, I thought it’d be fun to give you my low-down on the photo editing apps I personally think you should have on your phone. I’ll explain why I think you should have them, and what features and benefits I like most about each application. Here we go!

PhotoForge

Definitely one of the more fully-featured photo editing App Store offerings, PhotoForge (in my opinion) should have you pretty much covered for your mobile editing needs. Just like all the editors I’m about to feature, the app will allow you to open, edit and save a photo to your iPhone’s camera roll. What makes PhotoForge a great pick for this over it’s competition is it’s feature set. As well as allowing you to rotate and crop your photo, the app also offers a wide range of both adjustment and visual effects which are comparable to Adobe Photoshop on a mobile level.
Continue reading Four Of The Best Photo Editing Apps For Your iPhone! »

Preview: Jules Verne’s Secrets of The Mysterious Island

Following on from the immersive RPG that was Return to Mysterious Island, iPhone publisher Chillingo have announced they’re bringing a sequel to the store, announcing Jules Verne’s Secrets of The Mysterious Island is coming to both iPhone (and iPod touch), shortly. The first of the series hit App Store shelves in May of this year, and like most adventure based titles seemed to go down in a storm with the iPhone crowd. Recently I seem to be saying that a little too often about various titles, but having actually owned (and played) this title myself, I can say quite honestly say the adventure was thoroughly enjoyable to play through.

Based on a graphic novel by Jules Verne’s, and carrying on from titles such as 1112 and Cassandra’s Journey, the game sees you take the role of Mina, a sailor who becomes stranded on an island, somewhere in the Pacific ocean. As you trail and tap your way around the island, trying your up-most to survive, and finding objects and (more importantly) food along the way, you try to unlock the mysteries hidden within.

Described by Chillingo as an experience which will mirror that of Robinson Crusoe, this new release will carry on from where you left off. The game will start off with a helicopter crash, and continuing the theme of being stranded, you will have to guide Mina to safety. This time will also see you visit new locations including: Captain Nemo’s base and scouring the ruins of an unknown civilization. Eventually, you will realize the cause of the threat to the island, and will aim to prevent it.

For approximately 700 Mb, the player will find out the end of the adventure of Mina. Jules Verne’s “Secrets of The Mysterious Island” contains stunning 3D graphics, many ambient sounds, music designed to enhance the mysterious atmosphere and feel.

Continue reading Preview: Jules Verne’s Secrets of The Mysterious Island »

Ustwo™ Announce ..™ (DOTDOT™) The Sequel!

Remember .™? If you don’t, the title was the debut of London-based iPhone development studio ustwo™. The game was 2D and involved the user guiding a white dot around a playing field, trying to avoid red matter (triangular), and collecting blue matter (circular). It hit the mainstream for a number of reasons, firstly for its design ethics, but secondly and most importantly being that it was the first ever application to have hit the App Store, whilst having been designed from concept to final within a 48 hour period.

This had never been done before. The thought of developing a polished title such as .™ within such a short period of time, to most other developers I imagine may have started their worst nightmare. There are going to be 6 titles within this ‘exclusive’ set of apps – sorta a “collect em’ all” diddy. The first was .™ which we profiled a few weeks back, and the next is supposedly Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™ (although as we mentioned in our previous first look, the studio themselves isn’t sure if that’ll ever see the light of day, yet.)

In the meantime the studio isn’t standing still, today announcing the sequel to their debut hit title. Calling it ..™. Having not seen the game yet myself, or had chance to play with it, I can only go off this visually stunning teaser trailer which the company has just released above, which to me seems to convey we might just be in store for some 3D goodness – (well .. I hope so)! While it’s not clear if this sequel will follow the 48 hour development method ustwo™ are now famous for, you have to admit that ..™ trailer is pretty damn trippy.

Having played .™, it’s addictive nature tends to bring with it high replay value, and as with any title, high replay usually means value for money. With no word on price yet, it’s hard to judge if ..™ will live up to it’s original – but according to ustwo™ we won’t have to wait long to find out. The title is expected to hit very, very soon.

Update: In a stark move, the studio has created a fully interactive online version of the upcoming game. Part of their new ‘48App’ section, you can now play both .™ and ..™ flash versions – here. Looks like ..™ will be 3D after all! Although, it’s still unclear whether the game will use touch and drag gesture controls, or take advantage of the accelerometer. We’ll see!

.™

Category: Games / Action
Released: 2009-09-17
Price: $0.99

Orange UK to Start Selling 3GS – November 10th!

Following the announcement from O2 UK that the two-year exclusive contract agreement between both them and Apple over the iPhone handset is indeed about to end, Orange is believed to be gearing to start selling the iPhone 3GS (and iPhone 3G) just one day after Apple and O2’s exclusivity agreement ends – November 10th, adding to the 27 countries and territories the company already sells the devices in.

While O2 had originally believed it had the rights to sell the handset until 2012, the agreement originally signed in 2007 actually only secured O2 exclusivity of the handset for a two year period.

I know what you’re thinking; Everyone has an iPhone now, so what’s the big news here? Right? .. Wrong. According to SlashGear, Orange has already had over 200,000 people register their interest for the new handsets. The really big news here however, is that Orange is about to get feisty with their offerings. With the end of this exclusivity agreement between Apple and O2 UK, this opens the floor to other companies selling the handset. Yes – companies. More than one – and for the first time ever, this means one thing; competition.

As previously reported, Vodaphone UK also recently showed their hand, stating they too will be offering the handset. With the holiday season fast approaching, this launch will see both Orange and Vodaphone fighting to secure iPhone customers. Orange however, has a plan. Still speculation, Orange are said to be re-thinking the way they are going to offer the handset, with one UK columnist saying the telecoms company could offer customers bundled accessories or even pre-installed applications.

With no handset pricing or tariffs announced, we’re yet to see if the jump from O2 to Orange for existing customers is a viable or more importantly – affordable – option. What is certain though is it’s going to be a fight for customers, and a tough one. At this point, I can’t help but think that Orange has the upper hand.

In fact, according to one source, Orange has teamed up with T-Mobile over the summer, and are both allegedly already selling the device in other areas of the world – and, although Vodaphone UK has managed signed a deal with Apple to sell the devices, it now comes to light the company won’t get it’s hands on the handset(s) until early next year (2010).

It’ll certainly be interesting to see how all this plays out, and what the benefits will be for both new (and existing customers) – if any.

With drop-dead gorgeous visuals and solid gameplay, Dark Nebula: Episode 1 by 1337 Game Design is a fast paced, futuristic frenzy of tilting mania!

The highly anticipated networked online multiplayer action title arrives on the App Store. With immersive gameplay and a single mission option, the game holds it’s own.

IUGO Announces ”Implode!”

Game developer IUGO aren’t exactly new to the store. Creators of both the Toy Bot Diaries series, and the hugely popular A.D.D Lite (which was unfortunately pulled from the store due to the full version being delayed in it’s release), the studio has today announced the upcoming release of Implode!, a physics-based title they’ve been working on for quite some time.

Implode! is a physics based title with your aim being to create the biggest explosion for a building demolition, possible. Operating via touch and drag controls, you’ll placing sticks of dynamite throughout a ‘chalk-like’ sketch of a building, aiming to impress. Using two different types of bombs (traditional bombs and blast bombs), you’ll face all shapes and size of buildings and structures. The game will play out in 3 difficulties settings. Including: Casual, Veteran, and Expert, with each one adding varying structure shapes, for greater challenge.

The game is also said to have a online submission system in which you can submit any score online. IUGO says that online scores will be totaled from the sum of all your high scores you achieve within each level played. Each time you gain a score, you’ll also ‘graded’ on how ‘good’ the demolition was, adding more re-playability for each of the levels.

While no official release date has been set for the game, IUGO says it’s coming down the pipe as we speak and should be available “very soon” ..

Chromodyne puts a refreshing twist on match-3. With vibrant visuals, and a great soundtrack, it’s a pretty polished title. It could just do with a few more little things ..

First Look: I Am Rich Returns to the App Store As: You Are Rich!

Cast your mind back to August 5th 2008. The sun was shining, and the birds where singing. That was until the (now iconic) ‘I Am Rich’ app rocked the App Store sideways. Officially becoming the most expensive application to of hit the App Store ever, and priced at $999.99, the app hit the mainstream for being controversial to the highest level. Offering nothing more than a ’souvenir’ of personal wealth, the app was designed to show how ‘rich’ you were. The premise being, if you owned it, you were rich.

On August 6th 2008, following it’s release, and in response to the huge amount of media coverage and bad press the title had garnered, Apple pulled the application completely, from all 72 countries iTunes operated in. Now fast forward.

Just when we thought it couldn’t happen again, it has. October 16th 2009. Developed by 15 year-old Mark Gurman, You Are Rich hit the App Store. Designed to be a complete copy of the original, You Are Rich is the absolutely bare bones of iPhone development. After you get past the shock of spending $99.99 on a picture of a glowing red gem-like fire-ball thingamajig, maybe the ‘Secret Mantra’ will make you feel a tad better? Then again, maybe not ..

I was lucky enough to grab a review copy from Mark, making me – not really that rich. However, if this is your type of app, you’ll be glad to know this version will cost you ten times less than the previous, at just $99.99, and has a slightly different ’secret’ mantra than the original. For those of you who can’t afford this app, or simply can’t afford to throw your credibility out the window with this app, the new mantra is below for your viewing pleasure:

“If you see this: You are Brave, You are a Success, You are Bold, You are Flashy, You are Amazing, You are Rich.”

On the mantra screen you’ll find a button which states ‘Play Mantras’. Doing so throws up three options, including: Mantra, You Are Rich and I Am Rich. Tapping each one seeing the app play a different sound, with the first reading out the already written ‘mantra’ aloud, in this kinda eery hypnotic voice.

The fact is, I’d get this app while you still can! No really – Since being exposed to the app’s mantra, my personal wealth has grown hugely. In fact, I’m typing this here now from a small yacht on the Caribbean, while sipping a Margareta. While I’m here I might actually start a new business – “You Are Rich” branded handkerchiefs. Think it’ll take off?

The Idiot Test 3 Hits Half A Million Downloads!

The original was first released on the Internet in 2006, and during that time it is said to have been played over a million times. Introduced to the App Store on September 20th 2009, and a collaboration between Nexx Studio and Ryan Curtis, the creator of the popular online flash hit The Idiot Test which inspired the creation of the App Store top selling app The Moron Test, The Idiot Test 3 is a flash-like port which in a sense merges these two hit titles together, and in a few words – tests your idiocy.

The game plays out by giving you a series of seemingly ridiculously simple tasks to complete. Tasks range from tapping the right colored buttons on-screen, or identifying the right object, within a series of objects, to continue. Failing to complete the tasks results in you undoubtedly being called – an idiot, and the game restarts, allowing you to give completing it, another shot.

While the game is said to be fun – albeit painfully easy – many people have looked down upon the title as a throw-away one. Something which the App Store doesn’t need. Essentially, another fart app. But the numbers say otherwise.

The studio explained that it first introduced the title onto the store for a mere $0.99 in September, but a few weeks go they made the decision to make the title free. Since doing so, in just a few weeks, The Idiot Test 3 has seemed to have gained huge popularity. In fact, over the short period of time the application was free, The Idiot Test 3 was said to have peaked to the top of the App Store download chart in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, as well as ranking as the Top 100 App in over 18 countries.

According to the studio, in the past 2 weeks alone, the app was downloaded at the rate of 20 users/per minute worldwide. This means that the Idiot Test has now surpassed 500,000 downloads. Considering what this game actually is, you have to admit that’s pretty impressive, eh?

Due to the title’s recent success, Nexx are now announcing that they’ve submitted a new update, which should be live soon. Submitted this past Monday, The Idiot Test 3 (v1.1.0) will now include over 20 new brain teasing tasks plus some minor improvements around the game’s overall gameplay. Nexx studio have said though that they will be increasing the price of The Idiot Test 3 to $0.99 again, when v1.1.0 is finally approved by Apple – So if this is your thing, to get in quick!

The Idiot Test 3

Category: Entertainment
Released: 2009-06-10
Price: $0.99

Imangi Studios: Harbor Master to Get Multiplayer

By now I’m sure you’re all aware of Imangi’s Habour Master. Ever since it launched back in June of this year, it’s been a well loved, and treasured App Store classic.

Similar to Flight Control, Habor Master centers around line-drawing, an App Store genre of game which first hit the App Store in January, with pretty big fanfare. In the game you’re in control of a busy harbor, controlling shipments of goods and packages, and docking the boats in a frantic bid to deliver these shipments to the right ports. It’s a fun title, taking into consideration the true mechanics and value of the iPhone platform, and taking advantage of touch, to create an overall addictive experience.

A few days ago, we got the heads up from Imangi Studios‘ very own Natalia Luckyanova, on a new upcoming update to Harbor Master which should hit the App Store any day now, and is bound to make you fall in love with the title again. The update we’re talking about is version 2.0, and it’s set to bring with it wireless multiplayer matches via Bluetooth. With the update, you’ll be able to select from the 6 included maps, battling to clear the harbor of ships, all the while playing against a friend.

But how are you going to keep track of all these boats? And just how exactly is this 2-player gameplay going to work? The studio explained:

“When a player sends an unloaded ship off the screen, it appears on the other player’s screen, at the same spot, fully loaded. That way, a player can use different strategies to try to overwhelm their opponent, such as timing waves of ships to send over all at once. The player who crashes first loses.”

We are told that the ‘Multiplayer’ aspect of this update will only work on OS 3.0 or higher, and you’ll have to have either an iPod touch (2nd Gen), iPhone 3G or a later model. That said, Natalia ensures the rest of the game will still work on all devices and OS versions.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Oh no, the update will also include a highly anticipated feature, which is been present in other titles for a while. A fast-forward button. Plus, we’re also told you’ll also be able to adjust the speed of this ‘fast-forward’ motion.

I for one love Harbor Master, I think it’s great – and this update looks like it’ll have me playing it even more! Look out for this mutliplayer update hitting the store very shortly!

iPhone Homescreen Exposé Concept Surfaces

It’s been a want by many that Apple would introduce a system in which its users could organise their homescreens. The introduction of iPhone OS 3.0 saw the first step, with the addition of a system wide search engine – Spotlight. Next came the recent release of iTunes 9.0, and this saw the second step, introducing better syncing functionality with more control over where our apps are positioned and placed, even before we sync.

But with the iPhone running a watered down version of Mac OSX, with an operating system this powerful people are starting to wonder if this form of organisation could (and should) be taken to the next level. The only question is: Is Apple prepared to take it there? We’re talking Exposé people, and yesterday, Sweedish design house Ocean Observations showed off their interpretation of what this functionality could look like, to MobileCrunch – and I have to say, I was impressed. Not by the invention of the concept, but by how easy it could be to navigate homescreens, with it.

The system they’re proposing is simple. In the video above you can see exactly how Ocean Observations see it happening. Tapping the home button and you’ll watch all your homescreens turn into a grid-like layout. From here, instead of swiping from left to right (which was supposedly why Spotlight was introduced in OS 3.0), you’d just tap the homescreen you want to shift to.

The amount of bubble notifications you had on each homescreen would then be displayed above the corresponding ‘homescreen tile’. A neat concept, one I personally think Apple should implement. But you do have to ask the question: Would you use it? As it is now, I don’t even use Spotlight. That said, something like this could be quite useful, don’t you think?

Hit the comments and let us know what you think!

Adobe releases its flagship photography editing software Adobe Photoshop for iPhone (and iPod touch). The question is: Is it really all that it’s cracking up to be? Don’t be too sure.

The second coming of arguably the most popular Twitter client on the iPhone has arrived. Loren Brichter’s Tweetie 2. But what features does this version bring, and can it really compete with the original in as far as style and ease of use? The answer? Yes. Yes it can. In every way.

Exclusive First Look: Inkstrumental™ and Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™ ~ Preparation for Mentalism™

Following on from .™, the world’s first App Store app to be built from concept to final within a 48 hour period, iPhone development studio ustwo™ are about to release the next in the series. Due to the full version of Inkstrumental™ not being quite ready, they quickly created a super lite special. It’s called Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™ and it’s a taster/lite version for the studio’s next major non-48hr release. Inkstrumental™

So, before they hold their Inkstrumental™ pre-launch press event in London tonight, and before the apparazzi™ comes out in force, the studio have allowed me to give you an exclusive look at Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™, which I’m told is so exclusive, Ustwo™ themselves are still undecided over whether they’re even going to release this publicly yet.

If that wasn’t enough, I’ll also be showing you Inkstrumental™ (the full version) in action! It’s important to note that what you are about to see are pre-release products from ustwo™, and features and or UI layout may be subject to change.

Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™ (LITE)

Dubbed Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™ the app is the a super lite special edition of Inkstrumental™ set to hit soon. The app consists of a trippily-designed soundboard, which uses the cartoon-like characters you’re about to be introduced to, in the full version of Inkstrumental™.

Checkout the moisture below:

In this ‘lite’ version, the characters seem to be movable although due to it being a lite version, there won’t be any record or playback functionality. This is simply going to be an app to have a right good ol’ mess around with.

Inkstrumental™ (FULL)

A collaboration between both ustwo and Jon Burgerman, described as sound graffiti and costing the studio in the region of £30.000 to develop, ustwo™ are stressing Inkstrumental™ – is the BIG one.

Having gone back and forth throughout the production stages, changing ideas and even a few week ago starting over completely, ustwo™ are confident Inkstrumental™ is going to be an instant hit with the App Store crowd.

Sneak Peak

A fun app, Inkstrumental™ is set in a crazily cool designed environment. The app sees you playing with wonderfully strange and sometimes plain weird creatures. Each time you tap, the creatures will make different sounds, allowing you to create and record an awesome and colorful musical score. Your creation of musical genius is shown up top on the timeline, and if you feel you want to start over, just shake and the score is reset.

In their words:

“Inkstrumental™ lets you create music by touching the characters, who each play a sound from a selection of weird and wonderful samples and noises. You can make different tunes by putting the characters in various sequences and touching them like a synthesizer keyboard. You will also be able share your Inkstrumental™ creations with other users, and hear what inkstrumentalists™ around the globe have come up with.”

I have to say I’m quite impressed at the level of design work that are coming out in these apps. Look out for both Inkstrumental™ and Inkstrumental™ CRAZO™ hitting the App Store, soon. Can’t wait to see more? We’ll have more from ustwo™ later tonight, where we’ll hopefully be bringing you some shots from their LIVE pre-launch UK press event. Stay Tuned!

RavenSword: The Fallen King. Coming Soon to iPhone (and iPod touch).

Like RPGs? In association with Human Powered Games and Cresent Moon Games, iPhone publisher Chillingo are announcing they will soon be bringing RavenSword: The Fallen King to iPhone (and iPod touch).

Similar to previous titles including: Assassin’s Creed, Hero of Sparta and Dungeon Hunter (to name just a few), RavenSword: The Fallen King is another fully-immersive 3D role playing-like adventure, set in the sunny times of damsels-in-distress and knights-in-shining-armor.

In Chillingo’s words:

“Controls are similar to most of the other 3D games, Hero of Sparta and Assassin’s Creed. The big difference with RavenSword – The Fallen King is that is has tilt look up and down, and it has First Person Mode. There’s also a recalibrate button right at the top right just in case you change positions while playing (standing or sitting) ..”

The game also has some pretty trippy concept art. Check that out below!

According to Josh Presseisen of Crescent Moon Games, we can expect “a cross between an adventure game and an RPG”, comparing the game to the likes of Oblivion and Zelda.

Gameplay Footage

More hi-res concept artwork and screenshots can be found over at the official game site. It is worth noting that the site states the game will work best on the new iPhone 3GS, but presumably the title will still be available for all iPhone models.

Look out for RavenSword: The Fallen King dropping for iPhone (and iPod touch). Fall 2009.

Exclusive: MouthOff™ for iPhone, Goes Hell-oween!

You know Ustwo™ right? You can’t miss them. They’re the guys who seem™ to™ love putting ‘™’ after everything™. But, more than that, they’re also the iPhone development studio behind thinking up and creating the 48-hour apps concept. The concept being, they create a set of 6 exclusive applications, and each application is developed within 48 hours, from concept to final product. The first of which you’ve probably had the pleasure of being introduced to, .™. You may have seen this viral?

Well today, the studio are announcing that they’re about to release a spooky update to their popular real-time mouth simulator MouthOff™, just in time for Halloween.

They’re calling it, MouthOff™ Hell-oween™.

If you’re not familiar with MouthOff™ yet, it’s a real-time mouth simulator. The app basically allows you to control various well-designed cartoon mouths, by using just your voice. The app picks up on background noise via the iPhone’s microphone .. and the results are – undoubtedly – laugh out loud hilarious.

This update will include four new mouths for you to get chatty with, including: a vampire, a zombie, a pumpkin and that frankenstein-looking dude (as seen above). You won’t have to wait long either. Ustwo™ tells us that this update has already been submitted to the App Store as of Today (October 6th), and should hit shortly. So, stay tuned!