Sure 148Apps is known far and wide for its diverse array of app reviews, but we also love to spotlight some lesser-known developers, review the occasional piece of useful hardware, and challenge developers to duke it out in their own games. Here's a look at some of the highlights from the past year:
Jennifer Allen:What’s your favorite thing about iOS development?
11 Bit Studios: We are producers of PC and console games too, and iOS development is pretty different. The entire design process begins (after typical dev brainstorm for game’s main theme is over, hehe) with thinking about how to make touchscreen gameplay enjoyable in the project. At least that’s our way. We believe this particular gaming platform is based on the controls in the first place. PC games may be pad-controlled, keyboard-controlled, mouse-controlled or even be turn-based in a model where controls are totally less important comparing to story. That, of course, does not mean we are not putting attention to story, visuals et cetera, but there’s something in the statement, that iOS development is very controls-oriented. And those controls are all about tapping and finger-swiping.
Jennifer Allen:What was the inspiration behind Zombies & Trains?
Tor Martin Kristiansen: We actually weren’t that interested in making a game about zombies, since it seemed like every other day, someone made a game about them. We were focusing on coming up with an idea that sounded cool when you shared it with other people. At some point, almost as a joke, we started discussing ways of disposing of zombies that hadn’t been used in games or movies, and the idea of a train blasting through a zombie-horde came up. It immediately struck us as an idea that we just had to try, and we made a simple demo that was so much fun to play. And it was incredibly challenging, something we liked!
This is it - the end of our strange and wonderful shopping journey for the year. We know it can be tough to know what to get for someone for the holidays - anyone, really, regardless of how well you know them. We'd like to think that these shopping guides have been of some help. Even if you didn't go after anything on these lists there's the chance that something sparked an idea, which resulted in a successful gift. At least that's what we'd like to think.
Other 148Apps Holiday Gift Guides: for the [Heath Nuts] [Socializers] [Creative Types] [Gamers]
Today’s guide is for the intense “power users” you may know. Business folks, diehard Apple fans - anyone who tends to push their device’s battery to the limits every day, mostly. If you’re looking for something to make their trips easier, help out at the office, or even just keep their iPad running for a few more hours, check out our list below for some ideas.
The NuCharge case is a great all-around piece of hardware to have, but it pairs particularly well with essential work-related apps like Triage ($0.99 - iPhone), Appoint ($3.99 - iPhone), and Reeder 2 ($4.99 - Universal). You won't have to worry about running out of juice while answering important emails, last-minute changes to an itinerary, and keeping up on feeds.
With a fancy iPad Mini keyboard like this, why not consider a writing app or two? Write for iPad ($1.99 - iPad) is a good coice for someone looking to write just about anything on the go, while Infinite PDF ($9.99 - iPad) offers up an extensive suite of PDF managing tools. It's a combination that's handy for presentations, setting up book layouts, and so on.
With those two factors in mind (presentations and writing), why not think about OmniPlan 2 for iPad ($59.99 - iPad) or Air Display 2 ($9.99 - iPad) as a digital pack-in with your gift? OmniPlan is ideal for organizing large projects and managing teams down to their smallest details. Air Display, on the other hand, would go incredibly well with the Ultrathin's functionality as a stand and allow the user to turn their iPad into a second computer monitor.
You might want to consider including It's Playing Pro ($4.99 - Universal) with one of those drives, as according to our own Jeff Scott it's actually a much better app to use for streaming video playback than the suggested official SanDisk app. Say&Go ($0.99 - iPhone) is another good fit, since users would be able to record all the voice memos and notes they could stand without worrying about using up their device's storage. Photo apps such as FancyCam ($1.99 - iPhone) are also a great fit due to the photo/storage combo.
So why not include something like Polaris Office ($0.99 - Universal) with it? This mini office-on-the-go app even supports Dropbox file transfers, so it'd be a snap to upload documents with the NeatConnect and then download them straight to Polaris Office. PDF Expert 5 ($9.99 - iPad) is another great fit, what with it being newly redesigned for iOS 7 and receiving a sizable amount of new features - namely the Review mode that allows users to edit and make notes on PDF files.
Feel free to peruse our Editor’s Choice selections for more top-rated office/travel/business-friendly app ideas.
Logitech has announced a new iOS controller called the Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery, which works with the iPhone 5, 5s, and iPod Touch 5th gen and is now available for $99.99. It features a D-pad, two shoulder buttons, and 4 action buttons. Yes, that means that there are no dual analog sticks with this one.
The controller does feature powering capabilities that increases the length of time users can enjoy their game playing, though. It also lets users power the controller and phone while both are still connected. Current games that support the controller include Bastion, Galaxy on Fire 2 HD, Limbo, Lego Lord of the Rings, Asphalt 8, and more.
“We designed this controller to deliver a true console-gaming experience on an iOS 7 mobile device,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, general manager of the Logitech gaming business, in a press release. “With gaming so pervasive on the mobile platform – our research shows that 87% of iPhone and iPod touch users play games on their device – it’s time to revolutionize the experience.”
:: Logitech has created a wired keyboard for the iPad which is the first one made specially for use in the classroom. The Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad is designed for easy connectivity by simply plugging it in, making it easier on students and teachers, and has a key lifespan of more than five million strokes. With the wired keyboard, no longer will users need to put up with limited space on screen due to the touch screen keyboard, making it easy to type and read. I do like that!
“While tablets are enabling new ways of teaching and testing, there’s a challenge when a teacher needs to simultaneously pair multiple iPads with multiple wireless Bluetooth keyboards. We developed the Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad to specifically solve this problem, so students can now simply plug it in and start typing.” said Mike Culver, VP and GM of mobility at Logitech, in a press release.
The keyboard is set to release in August for a retail price of $59.99.
The solar cells appear to be on the outer side of the folio holding the keyboard, so it appears as if charging while typing is not possible. The case is designed to hold the iPad in two ways: one for typing, and the other for media watching, where only the front row of keys which contains media keys is available. The case is expected to retail for $129.99, and can be preordered now from Logitech's website.
The hardware itself is smooth, sleek and rounded. The dip in the middle, where an old school boombox would have held a tape deck, is just right for a hand to grasp it, obviating the need for an extruded handle. The unit feels solid, like it would hold up to some roughness in handling. The plug and line-in jacks are thoughtfully covered with a rubber flap, protecting from dust or mist. In the back of the unit sits a flip out stand, one that folds flat against the boombox for easy travel."
Read the full review on 148Apps.com.
GiggleApps.com celebrated what's left of winter with Amy Solomon's review of Into the Snow: A Stella and Sam Adventure. Solomon states, "Not only are these puzzles fun and interactive, but I appreciate how Stella creates a motif around each puzzle once created, also showing as a faint gray drawing in the snow, demonstrating what one can do with one’s imagination, as the stick man turns into a soccer player or as the additional details are added to the sailboat which are also made from sticks. They then include an ocean full of waves and a “show shark” that moves with the tap of a finger as well as birds seen in the distance. I really enjoy the basic style of art used in these snow drawings, childlike and reminiscent of the illustrations found in Harold and the Purple Crayon."
Read more on this developing story at 148Apps.biz.
That's a wrap on another week that was. Join us next week for another week that has passed....or something like that. In the meantime, keep up to date on the latest app reviews, news and contests by following us on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook. Bye now!
:: SIMPLE
