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Monday, August 15, 2011

Aluminum Keyboard Buddy iPad 2 Keyboard Case Review

This case popped up recently and looked like it had a chance to be something unique. While it borrows heavily from the Zagg mate, it makes a few improvements and is a heck of a lot cheaper. Let’s take a look at the Aluminum Keyboard Buddy case for it iPad 2.

This keyboard for the iPad 2 is sold as a case, but it’s not truly a case. Rather, it is more of a smart-cover-enabled clam shell with a keyboard included. The iPad sets, face down, into the tray of the keyboard with the edges coming up to enclose the sides of the iPad. And here we see the first issue with this keyboard.

To place the iPad 2 into the case for storage, users need to wedge one wide side of the iPad under two tabs on the edge of the keyboard. Then, users close the iPad by easing it down over the keyboard. To get the iPad wedged under both of these tabs is not a super easy thing. And once the iPad is closed into the keyboard, it is not as secure as the iPad was in the Zagg keyboard. The friction seems a bit lacking – it easily works itself out when stored in a bag or carried in your hand. Perhaps a little forceful adjusting of the aluminum edge of the keyboard would help, but I’m not willing to risk breaking it to do so.

Using the actual keyboard is much better than expected. It’s a similar Bluetooth design to most other non-folio type keyboards. The iPad 2 wedges into a groove on the front of the keyboard and leans back either in portrait or landscape orientation. The keyboard base then becomes the platform to hold the iPad 2 and use as a keyboard. This works quite well and is in my opinion the best method for typing. The solid base allows you to use this on a table or even in your lap, though using it in your lap with the iPad in portrait mode can feel a bit unbalanced. The one issue with this keyboard in particular is that the iPad bounces considerably when touching on the screen. The tabs holding the iPad in place are perhaps a bit soft for this or the overall design is a bit less rigid than it needs to be.

What about the keyboard? Well this is where this device really shines. While it has very small keys, they have great separation from the other keys. This really has given me unparalleled accuracy in typing on an iPad keyboard device. Add to that my preferred double-width backspace, inverted T arrow keys, and the usual compliment of iPad quick access keys, and this could be my favorite small iPad keyboard.

When closed up, the keyboard adds very little bulk in comparison to other keyboard cases. The whole package is just under double the thickness of the iPad alone. This keyboard also includes the special iPad 2 magnet in just the right place to automatically wake up your iPad when you pull it out of the case. Perhaps this could be an issue for battery drain if the iPad is popping out of the case in your bag, however.

Overall, the Buddy iPad 2 case is a good specialized keyboard. While half the price and not nearly as good as the Zagg mate, it is half the price. While for pure typing pleasure you can’t beat the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, in a pinch this one will work and is considerably more portable. Add to that the rather cheap price at under $50, and it might be the perfect keyboard for some.

This iPad 2 keyboard shell is available for $49.90 from MIC Gadget in either white or black. Full specs from the manufacturer are below, or after the jump.


Aluminum Keyboard Buddy iPad 2 Keyboard Case

::Features::

* Aircraft-grade aluminum with a bead-blasted, anodized finish that matches the iPad 2
* Innovative low profile stand has no moving parts and holds iPad 2 securely in either profile or landscape orientation
* Military grade high-density padding for superior drop protection
* Stylish, thin and lightweight. Half as thin as most folios for the iPad 2
* Island-style keys engineered to provide maximum typing room
* Large, flat base allows for use on a soft or uneven surface such as a lap or on a bed
* Embedded wireless Bluetooth physical keyboard (U.S. keyboard layout)
* Special function keys for music control, volume control, slideshow, home, search, etc.
* Remove the iPad 2 from the Keyboard Case and your iPad 2 automatically wakes up. Place it back and your iPad 2 goes to sleep.

::Specifications::

* Main function: iPad aluminum case Bluetooth keyboard (U.S. keyboard layout)
* Color: silver
* Bluetooth version: 2.0
* Operating distance: 10 meters
* Battery
– Type: built-in rechargeable Li-on
– Capacity: 510mAh
– Stand by time: about 10-15 days
– Working time on full charge: about 90 hours (depending on usage)
* Power supply: through USB
* Compatibility: any device that supports Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard
* Buttons/switches
– ON/OFF
– Bluetooth sync
* How to turn on: switch ON/OFF button to ON
* Port: micro USB 5pin

::Size and Weight::

* Height: 9.7 inches (246 mm)
* Width: 7.5 inches (191 mm)
* Depth: 0.43 inches (11 mm)
* Weight: 12.2 ounces (.345 kg)

::What’s in the box::

* Case with embedded Bluetooth wireless keyboard (U.S. keyboard layout)
* USB to micro-USB charging cable
* User Instruction Manual



About: Aluminum Keyboard Buddy iPad 2 Keyboard Case Review is a post from 148Apps

Jeff Scott 16 Aug, 2011


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Source: http://www.148apps.com/news/aluminum-keyboard-buddy-ipad-2-keyboard-case-review/
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Kickin Momma HD Review

Kickin Momma HD Review

By
Lisa Caplan on August 15th, 2011
Our Rating: ★★★★½ :: MONSTROUSLY ADDICTIVE
Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Kickin Momma HD brings universal Peggle-like action to iOS dressed up in a monstrous theme.

 

Developer: Hothead Games
Price: $.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2

Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Peggle on the iPad?  Well, not quite, but while fans wait for a native iPad version, Kickin Momma is definitely worth checking out now since it’s universal, only $.99 and it’s essentially the same game.

Peggle is a runaway hit by gaming giant PopCap, ported to iPhone a while ago. The object is to guide the trajectory of a pinball in an attempt to touch all ten orange colored pegs. Based on Pachinko, it’s not a deep game, but there is something utterly addictive about it.

Kickin Momma has the same basic gameplay but, frankly, a more appealing package for the over-12 crowd. Momma is an ugly monster with penchant for dressing in drag and bling. She's hooked on pretty shiny trinkets, but she can’t afford them. So, Momma has developed a nasty habit of kicking her offspring off a cliff so they can fall down and release gems for her to steal.

Players control the trajectory of a specified number of offspring per level, and try to earn extra babies, in an attempt not just to hit the gems, but free them from whatever trap the surrounding pegs, rocks and mini icebergs form. There are 36 levels distributed across three environments.

The control are solid and players can aim precisely. In the upper left corner of the screen there is a circle that usually shows the number of baby monsters left, but switches to an up-close view of the flight path while setting up the kick. Set the path and the force by dragging and then tap the kick button – Momma punts.

Using pinball-like dynamics and a few actual pinball bumpers, babies bounce around the board and free gems by landing on them. Each touched peg vanishes, allowing the gems to fall more freely to the floor. Some obstacles require power-ups, like fire to melt icy blockers and time-delayed bombs to explode boulders.

Each level specifies the number of gems – there are total of 10 – that are required for successful completion. A combination of score, speed and simple luck determines the outcome. Kicking Momma is integrated with Game Center, as well. The sounds effects are fitting and the art is fresh and funny.

What the babies lack is a certain juiciness – a fatter, bouncier quality that would allow for the crazy random shots that are so easy to achieve in Peggle. Instead they seem to fall a bit flat. Also, the gems trapped in the grid thing – it’s just annoying, particularly on hard levels.

That said, I prefer the look and the offbeat storyline here to the sugary-sweet alternative and it kept me playing (and more importantly replaying) for days. Whether you know the games that inspired Kickin Momma or not, it stands on its own ugly workbooks as a wonderful addictive monster-kickin’ good time.


Kickin Momma HD


Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now:
$3.99
Our Rating: ★★★★½ :: MONSTROUSLY ADDICTIVE
Read Our Full Review >>
Released: 2011-08-04 :: Category: Games

Apps mentioned in this post: Kickin Momma


About: Kickin Momma HD Review is a post from 148Apps

Lisa Caplan 16 Aug, 2011


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Source: http://www.148apps.com/reviews/kickin-momma-review/
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Emberwind Review

Emberwind Review

By
Jason Wadsworth on August 15th, 2011
Our Rating: ★★★½☆ :: GORGEOUS
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

An amazing looking game in every way, but not without it’s flaws.

 

Developer: Chillingo Ltd

Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 3GS

Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 3.38 out of 5 stars

Even if the graphics are of a much higher quality, Emberwinds harkens back to 16-bit platforming classics the likes of Super Mario World. And while the game’s mechanics aren’t nearly as spot-on as those of its spiritual predecessor, it feels familiar in a way that many modern platformers don’t. That said, this game is not Super Mario World for the iPhone. It has its own take on the genre and is packed full of whimsical heart.

Emberwind follows the journey of a gnome watchman, named Kindle, and his trusty owl friend as they battle to save the city of Grendale from armies of gremlin invaders. Much as one would expect from a platformer that emulates the late, great 16-bit titles, Emberwind is divided into levels that are each accessed via a world map with nodes for each level. The world map is the first piece of the game players will see and it sets the visual bar for the rest of the game. One glance at this map and players will know what kind of gorgeous environments await them in each level.

Once a level is selected, Kindle flies to that point on his owl and the level begins loading. Once loaded, Kindle touches down and dismounts his owl in one of a variety of gorgeous environments including forests, villages, and snow-packed tundras. The variety of environments is quite impressive considering the amount of work that must have gone into creating each one. The level design in Emberwind is very organic. Platforms are part of the environment and players will need to train themselves a bit in order to recognize the paths they can use to traverse a level. This can be quite frustrating at times. There are sections of the game where it is almost impossible to guess what Kindle is supposed to go and do, and how he can get there to do it. There are screen prompts (such as green arrows) that help a bit, but these prompts are vague and only imply a general direction.

Kindle is controlled with a virtual touch joystick and buttons for attacking and jumping. The controls work well enough to make navigating the levels possible, but the platforming is very tricky and it isn’t rare to repeat sections of the game several times before successfully making the correct jumps and landings. This problem is helped a bit with checkpoints, but the player must specifically activate these checkpoints and it can be easy to miss them in the frenzy.

Emberwind is possibly one of the most gorgeous iOS platformers currently in the market. Players looking for a lush, detailed visual experience won’t be disappointed. Progressing through the game will take some time and frustration, but unlocking new environments to enjoy almost makes it worth it.



Apps mentioned in this post: Emberwind™


About: Emberwind Review is a post from 148Apps

Jason Wadsworth 16 Aug, 2011


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Source: http://www.148apps.com/reviews/emberwind-review/
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Waterslide 2 Review

Waterslide 2 Review

By
Danyel Rios on August 15th, 2011
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ :: SPLASHY
Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Have some slick summer fun will while watersliding in urban landscapes, picking up pearls and avoiding obstacles.

 

Developer: Flashlabs
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPod touch

Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.19 out of 5 stars

Let's face it, waterslides are pretty darn awesome. Even the massive and unavoidable wedgie that comes with watersides are awesome. It’s the ultimate trophy brought to you by gravity, friction, and bravery. Apply that funness to a iPod & iPad universal app and you get Waterslide 2!

In Waterlside 2 tilt, touch, and shake to control as you zip and splash through 30 different levels as a handsome young man, lovely lady or death-defying bow tie-clad penguin. That's right, a bow tie-wearing penguin.  Who, I may note, is the epitome of cool because, as we all know, bow ties are cool. Avoid angry crabs, ink-soaking octopi, paralyzing jellyfish and other icky things hanging out on the slides. Also, make sure you don't wipe out and take a flying leap off the slide.  It totally harshes the mellow. Use inner-tubes, vortexes and forcefields to help blow past the enemies and gather the pearls that line the slide for points.

Waterslide 2 has a super easy learning curve and includes options that allow the player control over the tilt sensitivity. Adjust the sound effects and music as well as the angle of view. Those sorts of options are always my favorite for a more personalized gaming experience. 

While I would personally love to have an option for a button function, swiping your finger across a screen on a crowded commute would allow for more control and less accidental bumps, it would be even more tubular to have some control over levels of difficulty, thus extending the re-playability.

Not to say there isn't enough to do already in Waterslide 2. OpenFeint and Game Center integration allow you to duke it out with highscore tables and over 10 achievements.
Waterslide 2 has a straightforward learning curve with excellent gameplay. The challenges have a steady build and the graphics, music and sound effects are excellent. Slap on your SPF, straighten your bow tie, pull out that wedgie and ride Waterslide 2.



Apps mentioned in this post: Waterslide 2


About: Waterslide 2 Review is a post from 148Apps

Danyel Rios 16 Aug, 2011


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Source: http://www.148apps.com/reviews/waterslide-2-review/
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VUDU Launches Browser-Based Web App For Watching Rented and Purchased Movies

Some notable players with prominent content are starting to get in to the business of making web apps in HTML5, bypassing the App Store entirely. Amazon has launched HTML5-capable versions of both their Cloud Player for music, and Cloud Reader for reading – and (more importantly for Amazon) buying – Kindle books. However, it’s entirely another thing for content from large multimedia multinational conglomerates to show up in a web app form, especially considering the DRM hurdles that Netflix has had to jump through with supporting devices on Android. However, it appears as if thanks to the power of one of the biggest multinational conglomerates of all, Walmart, movies and TV shows are showing up through the browser for iPad owners.

Walmart owns the video-on-demand service VUDU, and that service has just launched the ability to view their content through the iPad’s Safari browser. By visiting http://vudu.com/movies, users can immediately browse through VUDU’s entire library of content. There are various trailers and previews available to sample the content available from VUDU; sadly, all content is standard definition only on iOS, and some movies are specifically unavailable on the platform. Movies and TV shows can be either rented or bought from the service, and should be available for watching across the multiple platforms that VUDU is available on. Video watching is available in full-screen, but it does not appear to support AirPlay as of this time.

It does seem as if the web app revolution will be launched by big companies who don’t want to be pushed around by Apple and their restrictions, especially when they have their own financial interests at heart. If Apple won’t let them make money through the App Store, then they’ll just find another way to leverage the millions of iOS devices out there, and if in doing so, they push into new frontiers of technology. That could ultimately be beneficial for consumers who don’t have to be limited by Apple’s restrictions to get the content they want. It could also benefit Apple in a way – they have been pushing HTML5 as a replacement for Flash, and with these new web apps not requiring Flash, they’re only pushing their own agenda further along.

Source: MacStories



About: VUDU Launches Browser-Based Web App For Watching Rented and Purchased Movies is a post from 148Apps

Carter Dotson 15 Aug, 2011


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Source: http://www.148apps.com/news/vudu-launches-browserbased-web-app-watching-rented-purchased-movies/
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