Tag: Mathematics »

This week at 148Apps.com things got a little bizarre, as Jennifer Allen spotlighted the various iOS projects that have risen since Bizarre Creations was disbanded: "In January 2011, British games developer Bizarre Creations was closed by Activision. Looking through the games that Bizarre were responsible for, it’s no surprise that many fans were hugely disappointed to see its closure. Racing titles such as the Project Gotham Racing series were seen by many as the pinnacle of racing games, with similar successes coming from the retro shooter Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved and the cartoony Fur Fighters. Unfortunately, despite the release of arcade racer Blur and James Bond 007: Blood Stone in 2010, it wasn’t enough and Bizarre Creations was dissolved.

What happened next, though? And why am I talking about console games on 148Apps? Because a number of new gaming studios rose from Bizarre’s flames, many of them iOS focused. Recently, I got the chance to see how things are progressing for a few of them.

Want to know more? Read the full article at 148Apps.

GiggleApps.com got all mathematical on us this week with a review of Squeebles Fractions. Writer Amy Solomon says, "Squeebles Fractions is an interesting app to help children to understand fractions, creating a bright, colorful world in which to practice their math skills. I admire the cake theme found throughout this app, as players are able to, within the first section of this app, serve pieces of a cake to waiting monster-like Squeebles characters which correspond to a fraction seen on the screen, really helping children visualize the fractions they are working with."

Read the full review at GiggleApps.

And on AndroidRundown.com, Joseph Bertolini focused his KickStarter spotlight on iMpulse Game Controller. He writes, "Welcome, iMpulse, a tiny rectangular controller that is small enough to comfortably fit on any keychain. iMpulse was specifically designed to go onto keychains because they are with the player constantly. Anytime they leave the house their keys must go with them along with the phone; meaning that at anytime, gaming with a controller is possible. At about the width of an average palm iMpulse is small but it does not seem too small where it would be frustrating or unusable. Oh, and did I mention that it will help locate lost keys? For me, as forgetful as they come, this is almost more than worth the price of the whole device, gaming notwithstanding."

Read more about this new device on AndroidRundown.

With that, we're done with this week's wrap-up. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news, reviews and contests, and check out this post every week for a recap of the stuff you need to know. Ciao!

Reminding us that the iPad can be a great educational tool comes the rather impressively titled The Fun Way to Learn Algebra - FREE - Hands-On Equations 1 Lite.

The app, part of a series of educational tools from Hands On Equations, introduces the concept of algebraic concepts to children from the age of 8 upwards.

We've all experienced the difficulty of figuring out algebraic formulas at one time or another, while growing up. The Fun Way to Learn Algebra - FREE - Hands-On Equations 1 Lite hopes to make it fun!

An introductory video explains that users can move game pieces around a scale to represent the two sides of an equation, eventually simplifying and deciphering what's going on. It's a simple visual aid that should help those students who are struggling to understand it all.

The Fun Way to Learn Algebra - FREE - Hands-On Equations 1 Lite is free to download and use, while other products by the developer build upon the taster session. All are out now and priced between $3.99-$4.99. A small price to pay for unravelling the conundrum of algebra!

As a female technology buff I feel especially bad that I didn't realise it was Ada Lovelace Day on 7th October, a day that aims to raise the profile of women in science, technology, engineering and maths. Ada Lovelace is widely regarded as the first computer programmer. Way back in 1842 she translated Italian Mathematician Luigi Menabrea's description of Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. Her fascination in Babbage's work led to her developing an early form of computer programming thanks to her powerful mathematical mind. She tragically died at the young age of 36 due to cancer.

The reason for this history lesson other than to educate? There's a light hearted app out called Lovelace & Babbage that aims to provide part entertaining comic book, part informative and educational tellings of their lives and experiences. After all, the best way to learn is to not realise it's happening!

The comic book is consistently funny and intelligent in its portrayal and certainly makes for a great change from more conventional graphic novels. It's a free app so an ideal excuse to give it a read. Users then have the option of paying $2.99 for further storytelling in the form of The Client. For those who enjoy it, there's a new adventure coming out in early 2012 entitled User Experience.