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It Came From GDC - the Sensus iPhone Case Protects and Provides Additional Touch Inputs

Posted by Rob Rich on April 1st, 2014

Touch controls can be a tricky thing to master, especially for designers. Too many inputs can clutter the screen, fingers can get in the way, and sometimes virtual controllers just don’t cut it. That’s why I found Caonpy’s Sensus iPhone case to be so intriguing.

The Sensus attaches to your iPhone 5 or 5s (with future support for more devices planned) and protects it from bumps and scrapes like most other cases can and do. What’s different about it is the inclusion of touch sensors along the back and side that can work as extra control inputs - that use variable pressure, no less. This means that it measures the strength of your taps to create something akin to virtual analog button sensitivity. It also means that, potentially, you’ll be able to use the back and side (or top if you’re playing with a landscape orientation) of the case to control what’s happening on-screen.

A lot of what happens with the Sensus is dependent on whether developers embrace the technology and what they decide to do with it, but there’s so much potential there. No more obscuring the screen with a finger when playing a game. Entirely new control methods that measure how hard you press down on the sensors. Honest-to-goodness virtual shoulder buttons in a place that feels natural!

Canopy is planning to release the Sensus in mid-2014, and the case will retail for $79.99.

Radia Review

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By Jason Wadsworth on June 18th, 2012
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: ETHEREAL
A new, bright, simple yet challenging game with nearly flawless tilt controls.
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Airline Tycoon Deluxe Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Rob Rich on June 15th, 2012
Our rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar :: CIRCLING THE RUNWAY
This iOS port of a PC classic could've used a lot more time in the shop. I mean a LOT more.
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Put an End to Obnoxious Junk Mail the Eco-Friendly Way with PaperKarma

Posted by Rob Rich on February 20th, 2012
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: GO GREEN :: Read Review »

Junk mail. Yuck. Not only is it annoying, it's also a terrible waste. All those circulars about sales no one cares about involving products nobody wants... At least those unsolicited emails from Nigerian princes don't waste any paper. Well now there's this neat little app that will theoretically put a stop to most of these unwanted advertisements.

PaperKarma is so simple in its execution it almost sounds like magic. All a user has to do is snap a photo with their iOS device's camera and the app will (read: should) find the company responsible and take care of the rest. The rest referring to getting users off of the mailing list. It's a mind-bogglingly simple concept, really.

Anyone with an iOS device and a thinning patience for junk mail should definitely check out PaperKarma. It's on the App Store right now, and it's on sale for free for a "limited time." What's the harm in giving it a try, right?


Swann Debuts New RC Helicopter with iOS Controls

Posted by Jason Wadsworth on January 6th, 2012
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad

Swann, a global leader in security monitoring systems, and also a producer of many remote controlled (RC) helicopter models, has just announced the addition of a new RC helicopter to its fleet that can be controlled via an iOS device. The i-Fly Micro Lightning is an RC helicopter that can be controlled by iOS devices through Swann's free iFly app and an adapter that fits into the device's audio jack. The user can control the i-Fly Micro Lighting with on-screen touch controls or by tilting their device in tilt mode. There is also a 3-way infrared control included to control without an iOS device. The little helicopter charges via USB and will fly for up to 8 minutes on a full charge.

The i-Fly Micro Lightning will retail for $69.99, and will be available from Fry’s Electronics, BrandSmart, and other major retailers. The free iFly app is available for download form the Apple App Store and is compatible with iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices running iOS 3.0 or later.


Quarrel Deluxe Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Jason Wadsworth on September 2nd, 2011
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: WEAPONIZED WORDPLAY
Quarrel takes the humble word game and applies it to a whole new type of strategic gameplay.
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Control Craft Review

By Jason Wadsworth on July 14th, 2011
Control Craft is a simple game where players conquer enemy armies through strategic troop movements.
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Car Mania

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By Christine Morris on July 24th, 2009
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: AWESOME FUN
This is a pick up and play that you won't be able to put down. I liked it, then I liked it even more! The game starts fantastic and gets better the more you play it! Thanks Origin8!
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Gridlocked: Rush Hour

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By Christine Morris on July 1st, 2009
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: GREAT POTENTIAL
Gridlocked is a good one for picking up and messing with for short periods of time. There's no learning curve, no real brain aches, and a fantastic pause button for when things get crazy. But, I still wanted more.
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Monster Trucks Nitro

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By Christine Morris on May 7th, 2009
Our rating: starstarstarstarstar :: NITRO-LISCIOUS
Ok - This review took far longer than I had wanted. I couldn't get my son off it long enough to have a go myself! Action packed, easy to use and a whole lot of excitement! Monster Trucks Nitro, is exactly that!
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Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By Christine Morris on May 5th, 2009
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: INTERESTING
You will need to build catapults, vehicles and other interesting devices in order to succeed in this game. If you are after a mental workout, in an interesting and creative way (like contraption fantastic) then this is your game.
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Air Mouse Pro

iPhone & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone and Apple Watch, compatible with iPad
By Edd Mills on April 14th, 2009
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: Recommended
Air Mouse Pro allows you to use your iPhone as your computer’s mouse over your wireless network. If you like to hook your computer up to your television or like surfing the web from your sofa, Air Mouse Pro may just remove any need for you to ever move
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