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7 alternatives to Microsoft Word on iPhone and iPad

Posted by Campbell Bird on October 24th, 2015

When most people think "word processor," Microsoft Word comes to mind, and usually not because people are particularly fond of that piece of software. Most accept it as the defacto word processor of choice because of its ubiquity in offices all over the world, but would prefer something a little less bloated or perhaps more specialized.

Luckily, there's lots of folks out there looking for a better word processor and the App Store has a ton of them.

Here are seven different takes on the word processor, each of which is equally viable and offers something unique.

148Apps 2013 wrAPP-Up - How I Used Apps to Help Me Launch and Run My Small Business

Posted by Angela LaFollette on December 30th, 2013

Writing has always been a passion of mine because it allows me to express myself. Although while writing is something that I'm passionate about, I also enjoy expressing myself through various other forms like drawing, scrapbooking, and graphic designing. Recently, one area of interest in particular has caught my eye: embroidery. Not just the process of actually embroidering items, but creating digital embroidery designs for others to stitch out with their machines.

Since I own virtually everything Apple, iOS apps have become a major part of my life. There are many apps that I use for my own personal amusement, but most of the apps that reside on the home screen on my iPhone and iPad are there to help me run my small business online. Not only have these apps helped me to get started in doing what I love, they continue to help my business to grow larger.

My main go-to app is Etsy. I set up an Etsy shop a little over a year ago, and it has helped me to achieve more than I could imagine. Most use the Etsy app to browse for unique and handmade items to buy, but there’s another side to Etsy that few know about. With Etsy, I am able to view the essentials about my shop such as orders, revenue, and views, and I can also communicate with buyers through conversations directly on my iPhone. I receive notifications instantly, which ensures that my customers are always getting quick responses. Etsy even allows me to add new items to my shop, change its appearance, and do virtually everything the website offers. My favorite feature is that the app makes a “cha-ching” sound with each sale that I make, which always brightens my day.

Pages, Numbers, and Keynote Now Let Users Share and Collaborate Across All Their Apple Devices

Posted by Rob Rich on October 22nd, 2013
+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: GETS THINGS DONE :: Read Review »

Apple has just announced an update to their iWork suite of apps; including Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Now all of these apps allow users to share files across all their Apple devices over iCloud. Whether it's on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you can instantly toss your projects into the cloud and immediately start working on another platform. In addition, collaboration with other users is also a possibility, as was demoed with Pages earlier today. So now two users across different platforms (even PC) can work on the same document at the same time.

But of course that's not all. The entire suite of apps is also going free later today [Editor's Note: the iWork suite is actually going to be offered for free with the purchase of new Apple hardware. We apologize for the confusion], so what are you waiting for?

Our Favorite: Mobile Writing App

Posted by Jennifer Allen on August 19th, 2013

The App Store is growing at an incredible rate. For every single possible type of app, there's a near overwhelming amount of choice out there. That's particularly noticeable for the writing app world. There's enough variety out there to ensure that users can use a different writing app every day of the week for the next five years, probably. We've taken the time to pick out some of our favorites from the category, as we round them up and figure out just what our overall pick of the bunch is.

Immediately tough to narrow things down to only half a dozen, we've singled out Byword, Wisdom Writer, iA Writer, Pages, Daedalus Touch and Textilus for a further look.


Byword


Byword
is a great all-rounder writing app. Using Markdown formatting, it's simple to use and ideal for a variety of uses. It's possible to search within documents, track word and character counts, check spelling and grammar, as well as export to PDF or HTML. For a premium price of $4.99 it's possible to publish directly to WordPress, Tumblr, and Blogger, amongst others. However, that does make Byword a quite expensive solution, weighing in at $9.99 for the full complement of options, plus the exporting file facility is still quite limited.


Wisdom Writer



Wisdom Writer aims to be an intuitive writing app. While it doesn't always hit the spot, with a few interface niggles, it's a great way of writing in an uncluttered environment. It's possible to add lists, images, and tables to one's writing, as well as text. A selection of predefined templates further ensure that the app is great for more professional writing as well as quickly scribbling down some notes. It's a pity then that the app can't open or import RTF, Docx, or Pages files despite extensive exporting features.


iA Writer



A minimalist delight, iA Writer dispenses with all the fanciness of many other writing apps, focusing on the writing experience alone. There are no formatting options to be seen, no file extensions to deal with, nothing more than just pure writing. While some users might find this limiting, it's tough not to be bewitched by its simple and effective syncing options covering Dropbox, iCloud, and the ability to switch between Apple devices running the app. A Focus mode and keyboard extensions further simplify the core writing process.


Pages



Notably different from the previous entry, Apple's very own Pages is a great app for creating professional documents while on the move and is nearly as simple to use as the Mac version. 16 templates and styles are available for those wanting to create letters, flyers, cards, posters, and more while on the move. iCloud support and the ability to drag documents from one's PC or Mac straight into the app are very useful. Lack of Dropbox support is a significant omission, though, for those who like to keep their documents safe in one place.


Daedalus Touch



Capturing the minimalist feeling once more, Daedalus Touch does things a little differently. The focus is on the content, but there's no sign of a folder or file list. Instead, the app uses gestures to flick through paper stacks of files and notes. It's a technique that's unlike anything else here. Daedalus Touch isn't just about the looks though, including plenty of syncing support via Dropbox, iCloud, and others, as well as numerous ways to send a document to another app. Something that's going to be essential for those who want to do anything more than just type.


Textilus



Unlike the other apps featured, Textilus offers support for a very significant form of writing. It caters for those who use Scrivener to form novels and particularly significant documents. Besides that, it's possible to export to numerous different document types such as PDF, RTF, TXT, PNG, Markdown, and HTML. Images, charts, and even one's own signature can be easily added through the app, and syncing support is quite varied. It does suffer from some buggy moments though, which are never welcome. Plus its interface could be clearer, especially where Dropbox support is concerned.


So what's our favorite writing app?

Much like anything on the App Store, this selection is suitably varied. Much of it comes down to individual needs. For instance, Daedalus Touch is undoubtedly the finest app for those seeking an absolutely minimalist experience, however it lacks some very useful features. iA Writer maintains the minimalist quality while still offering features such as Focus mode to keep one's interest. A file list system proves much simpler to navigate than Daedalus Touch's gesture driven methods.

Textilus might offer a huge wealth of options, particularly the ability to add one's own signature, but it suffers from some instability issues, plus it's only available for the iPad. In comparison, Pages enjoys the reassurance that comes from being so similar to a desktop app that will have been used by many before, but it is more expensive than most other apps here. Wisdom Writer offers a fine mix of a simple writing environment alongside great features, but its slightly limited in what it can open and its interface can be problematic.

Each of the contenders here are brilliant at certain roles, depending on how the user writes. Which is why our favorite might not be the best at everything, or the highest rated, but is a great all-rounder. That app is Byword.



Byword
manages to straddle that thin line between not being so minimal that it lacks features, and not being so complex that it distracts users. It ticks all the major boxes; proving simple to sync between other Apple devices, offering offline access, a handy search tool, and comprehensive word and character counters. While it might be expensive to purchase publishing support, it gives users the flexibility to buy the tools that they want and not be cluttered by anything else. Even better, there's no need to spend ages consulting tutorials as it's immensely simple to get to grips with.

Favorite Four: Writing Apps

Posted by Jennifer Allen on April 15th, 2013

Feeling creative and want to write an epic on your iPhone or iPad? We've got you covered with our favorite four writing apps. I've rounded up some of the best of the bunch, each helping users write all kinds of different texts, from the next bestseller to a formal letter. There's even a great app for film scripting.

iA Writer
My personal favorite (I'm using the Mac version to write this article), ia Writer is ideal for the minimalist writer. Focused entirely on offering a simple and clear screen to enter text, it's easy to get wrapped up into the words rather than distracted by status bars. That's not to say it's a basic app, though, with iCloud support and Dropbox integration ensuring users can get back to writing, no matter where they are.

Pages
A great all-rounder, Pages is a fine word processing tool. It's a little expensive but it offers plenty of functionality with a choice of 16 different and relevant templates, for projects such as simple letters to posters or reports. iCloud support is here, along with the ability to edit different document types including all the popular formats. There's even basic functionality for creating pie charts and other diagrams. It's suitably varied and full of features.

Daedalus Touch
Returning to the minimalist trend, Daedalus Touch is ideal for those who want even more freedom for their words. No folders or file lists are needed here. Instead, users are presented with a virtual paper stack of sheets to navigate through with some very intuitive controls. For those looking to do more free writing and simply throw themselves into the words, Daedalus Touch is quite the delight. Plus, there's syncing functionality with Mac app, Ulysses III.

Contour
It's quite a specific tool but Contour will prove to be ideal for those who always reckoned they had a great movie idea but didn't know where to start. It's a story development system that makes it easy to start small and grow big, with a fill-in-the-blanks style approach. It doesn't matter if you've never had script writing experience, Contour will fix all that. Created by an Emmy Award-nominated writer, it's got the pedigree to be worth taking note of, too.

Apple Updates iWork Apps to 1.7 - Inching Closer to Parity with Desktop

Posted by Jeff Scott on December 4th, 2012

Apple today released updates to version 1.7 for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for iOS. These updates bring the iOS versions even closer to feature parity with their desktop versions. The consistent updates to the iOS version make the lack of updates for the desktop version in years even more curious.


Pages for iOS New Features in Version 1.7

In this release Pages for iOS is updated for improved compatibility with Microsoft Word and Pages for Mac.

• Use Change Tracking to track changes to body text in a document
• Accept and reject individual changes as you review a document
• Import Pages and Microsoft Word documents with change tracking and continue to track changes to body text
• Preserve tracked changes in documents exported in Microsoft Word or Pages format
• Preserve calculations in tables when importing from and exporting to Pages for Mac
• Add reflections to shapes
• Lock and unlock objects

Numbers for iOS New Features in Version 1.7

In this release Numbers for iOS is updated for improved compatibility with Microsoft Excel and Numbers for Mac.

• Hide and unhide rows and columns
• Import and export Numbers for Mac spreadsheets with filters, and turn filters on and off
• Preserve rich text in tables when importing and exporting
• Add reflections to shapes
• Lock and unlock objects

Keynote for iOS New Features in Version 1.7

In this release Keynote for iOS is updated for improved compatibility with Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote for Mac.

• Import and export all Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote for Mac slide sizes
• Import and export presentation themes, complete with master slides and preset styles
• Play back all Keynote action builds including Move, Rotate, Scale, and Opacity
• Add new slide transitions including Shimmer and Sparkle
• Preserve calculations in tables when importing from and exporting to Keynote for Mac
• Add reflections to shapes
• New print layouts include options to print with presenter notes, with builds, and without backgrounds
• Lock and unlock objects

Note Anytime Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Angela LaFollette on September 28th, 2012
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: PERSONALIZED NOTES
A free note taking and sketching app for the iPad that’s packed with many features to give users creative flexibility.
Read The Full Review »

iCloud Support Added To iWork Apps

Posted by Jennifer Allen on October 13th, 2011

It's kind of like Christmas for iOS device owners this week. With the huge wealth of new functionality that iOS5 brings, so the numerous app updates flow. In this case, it's Apple's flagship iWork applications that have profited from updates that incorporate iCloud functionality.

Numbers, Pages and Keynote have all been updated to version 1.5 adding the ability to automatically store content in iCloud and thus keep documents up to date across all the user's iOS devices. As well as that, documents can be downloaded to a PC or Mac at https://www.icloud.com/ as a number of different useful filetypes such as Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Pages '09, Numbers '09, Keynote '09 and PDF format.

In the case of Pages, voice dictation functionality has also been added to enable users to create and edit documents in iOS5 on their iPhone 4S. Keynote users can benefit from AirPlay support to enable them to show their presentations wirelessly via Apple TV.

Numerous other minor updates have also been added to the three iWork Apps. Each update is available now.

Pages, Numbers, Keynote Apps Updated to Universal; New Document Manager Included

Posted by Jeff Scott on May 31st, 2011

Apple today released updates to their three iWork applications, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote making them Universal.

This is a surprise move, one that we would have expected to be announced a week later durung the WWDC keynote. But these welcome updates bring some key productivity applications to the iPhone and iPod touch.

Also included in the update is a document manager in each of the applications. The document manager, possibly a pre-cursor to something we'll see in iOS 5, allows you to move documents to and from applications via iTunes, WebDAV, or iDisk.

The price of each application remains the same at $9.99.



Inspiration Set for iPad

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Kevin Stout on May 4th, 2011
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL
Inspiration Set is a companion app to Pages that adds more templates to the few that come with Pages.
Read The Full Review »

Writings for iPad Review

iPad App - Designed for iPad
By Chris Kirby on January 15th, 2011
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: WRITING: PLAIN AND STYLISH
Writings is the prettiest text editor you may have ever seen. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is a matter for debate.
Read The Full Review »

Apple Lists 2010 Top Apps

Posted by Brad Hilderbrand on December 9th, 2010

As the year winds down and we look ahead to the next decade it's time for all those wonderful end-of-year lists we all get so excited about. Today we have some exciting news, as Apple has detailed all the top paid and free apps for the iPhone and iPad, as well as the top grossing apps on each platform. Here's the full rundown, for your edification.

Top 10 Paid iPhone Apps

1. Angry Birds
2. Doodle Jump
3. Skee-Ball
4. Bejeweled 2 + Blitz
5. Fruit Ninja
6. Cut the Rope
7. ALL-IN-1 GAMEBOX
8. The Moron Test
9. Plants vs. Zombies
10. Pocket God

Top 10 Free iPhone Apps

1. Facebook
2. Angry Birds Lite
3. Words With Friends Free
4. Skype
5. Tap Tap Revenge 3
6. The Weather Channel®
7. Paper Toss
8. Bing
9. ROCK BAND FREE
10. Talking Tom Cat

Top 10 Grossing iPhone Apps

1. MLB.com At Bat 2010
2. Angry Birds
3. Call of Duty: Zombies
4. Bejeweled 2 + Blitz
5. FriendCaller 3 Pro
6. Zombie Farm
7. TomTom U.S.A.
8. TETRIS®
9. Plants vs. Zombies
10. Doodle Jump

REad even MORE lists after the jump.

iPhotographer: iOS Changes Photo Scouting For The Better

Posted by Chris Nitz on September 30th, 2010

Scouting out your next photo is already more work than performing a root canal on a hyperactive child. Looking for vantage points, judging the sun, or moon, taking test shots, and so much more go into a good planning session. All this work often leads to lugging backbreaking equipment around just for a simple test shot. iOS has changed the face of test shooting and planning by margins that my back is very thankful for.

Notebooks be gone!
I have an over abundance of Moleskines full of notes, drawings, doodles, and ideas. These have traveled with me every place I run off to, including the local tea house. The introduction of the iPad has drastically changed my dependence on the tried and true Moleskine and pen. Now, apps like Penultimate allow me to draw out my ideas on my iPad. I can quickly sketch out ideas in a myriad of colors without the need of a big box of colored pencils. I can use Pages, iA Writer, or even Documents To Go to jot down all my notes, thoughts, and contemplations. My camera bag no longer rattles due to pens, pencils, or notebooks jostling around. iOS has taken several tools, digitized them, put them into an easy to use device, and made my life so much easier.

Let the camera stay in the car.
Now, every photographer knows you never travel without a camera. Heck, I lug my D90 just about everywhere I go. Yet, there are times it just does not work to my advantage to haul a camera, tripod, lens, notebooks, pens, and camera bag on a scouting trip. Sometimes I just want to hike in, snag a few quick shots, get to the coffee house, and collect my thoughts on the potential shoot ahead of me. The iPhone camera allows me to leave all the bulky equipment in the car while I take a few light test shots and start contemplating how I want to compose my photographic session.

I can then take these shots and upload them to my Flickr page via FlickStackr, or push them to my Facebook page for everyone to see. I can even do some editing on these photos thanks to Filterstorm. All these tools add up to leaving the heavy gear at home and using my iPhone and iPad for all my scouting missions. How do you use your iDevice for you planning missions?






Keynote Review

+ Universal & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
By Kyle Flanigan on September 1st, 2010
Our rating: starstarstarstarstar :: SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE
Keynote is Apple's presentation software, part of the iWork suite.
Read The Full Review »

Documents to Go Premium Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Chris Kirby on June 9th, 2010
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: BRING ON THE DOCS!
Dataviz makes the jump to the iPad with this now-updated universal app.
Read The Full Review »