Stache Review
:: VISUAL BOOKMARKINGPrice: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 5
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Tapping into a market that's already been richly served by other apps is always a risky move. In the case of Stache, while it makes an interesting alternative to the likes of Pocket, it's not quite as effective.
Stache is an app to make it easier to collect and search through various pages online. We've all had moments where we've found interesting stories when there just isn't the spare time to read them, which is why such apps are great for storage purposes. Stache is certainly more effective than simply bookmarking a site, but it lacks the panache that something like Pocket offers.
For those with a Mac and the urge to spend $6.99 on the Mac App, it's pretty simple to co-ordinate links between iOS device and Mac, mostly thanks to iCloud. For those who don't want to pay extra though, things get more complicated. One can use Stache solely on an iOS device by creating a special bookmark of sorts to make it easy to add something but it's not as straightforward as one would expect, requiring some manual trickery. It's explained fairly clearly through the app but it's a minor nuisance nonetheless. It's possible to add links directly through Stache by typing in the URL, but it's a bit basic looking.
That's the key issue with Stache. Its foundations are there but it lacks the simplicity of other similar tools. The iOS version also lacks useful search facilities such as the ability to tag items and browse things according to their type - something that would have been really helpful but is limited to the Mac version. Those who don't want to pay for or use the extra app will feel as if they're missing out somewhat.
Stache might look quite nice but it's got some way to go to beat its peers.
iPhone Screenshots
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iPad Screenshots
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