0
comments
After over two years of whining and pining, it seems that iPad owners are finally getting their way, in the form of a dedicated Facebook iPad app. It really comes as no surprise that the application was coming, given that earlier this summer there was a bit of a snafu, allowing jailbroken iPads access to a prototype Facebook app. Granted, this was only through the existing iPhone application, when installed on the tablet. The hole was quickly closed by the powers that be at Zuckerberg and Co., but it somewhat let the cat out of the bag that the software was on the way.
Previously we had reported that decision makers within the Facebook organization, Zuckerberg included, had stated that there was no way that there would ever be a dedicated iPad app due to it not being a truly “mobile” device. This was met with a massive outcry that was seemingly falling upon deaf ears. Thankfully numerous other developers stepped up to the plate and delivered fairly solid Facebook experiences on the platform such as MyPad+ and Friendly Plus, but it was hard to shake the feeling that something was missing.
Just when all hope seemed lost, today Facebook launched a new site, dedicated to promoting a new iPad dedicated application. The new tool, piggybacking on the initial iPhone app, transforms it into a universal application that installs a whole new set of software for iPad users.
Some of the highlighted features include:
- Enjoy bigger, better photos -Your photos take on new life on the iPad. They’re big, high-res and easy to flip through—like a real photo album.
- Focus on what matters – With less on the screen, it’s easier to zoom in on your friends’ photos, updates and stories.
- Navigate anywhere, fast – Just tap, slide or pinch to get from one screen to another and back again in no time.
- Never lose your place - Use simplified navigation to send a message, see your notifications or browse your bookmarks without switching screens.
- Play games on the go – Play your favorite Facebook games wherever you are, and on a bigger screen.
- Tap to send messages – A simple dropdown menu makes it easy to scan and send messages without visiting your inbox.
Probably the biggest step forward that the application makes is adding the ability to continue playing your existing Facebook games on the iPad. Thanks to the site’s new implementation that utilizes HTML5, developers will be able to port their existing games to the service and make them available on mobile. Our owner Jeff Scott is going to be heading to tomorrow’s Zynga Unleashed event, where he expects to hear several announcements on this front. A perfect example of what you can come to expect in the future would be titles such as Magic Land: Island, which is already up and running in the new HTML5 Facebook platform.
Stay tuned to 148Apps for more details on this exciting new development, as it breaks. In the meantime try not to lose the rest of your day cyber-stalking your friends from the comfort of your iPad.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
:: HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDRead Our Full Review >>
About: Facebook App FINALLY Comes to iPad is a post from 148Apps
--
Source: http://www.148apps.com/news/facebook-app-finally-ipad/
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
:: WELL ROUNDED
There have been many different types of puzzle games that have taken puzzle elements and blended them with other genres leading to an explosion of new puzzle game types. Role playing puzzle games, action puzzle games, fighting puzzle games, and the like. A bit less common, and usually much less successful, is the combination of two different types of puzzle games. MixZle, however is an exception to the rule. This game combines mechanics of both physics puzzle games and block sliding puzzle games. Usually such a mixture might seem like a stretch but the developers of MixZle have found a way to not only make it relevant in today’s crowded iOS game market, but to make it a entertaining experience as well.
The game is a blast to play and it deals well with an issue common to many physics games that ask players to place objects around a level in order to guide some element to a specific point in the level. Generally, in these types of games, the ability to place items anywhere in the level means that there is literally an infinite number of placements that players can use to complete the puzzles. While this freedom might seem like a benefit, players usually end up with a less designed and less enjoyable experience. Since the elements in MixZle are attached to a slide puzzle and thus limited to the movement of the puzzle, the game’s solutions are more logical than lucky.
If there is one thing that has forever been an issue with cell phones, it is messaging. Let’s face it, the blasted text messages take forever and a day to type a small collection of words, that could be just as quickly and efficiently said in a ten second voice message. Plus, in order to use either text or voice messages it is required that users actually have a cell plan associated with their iOS device.
I’m generally not one for sports games, and I’ve yet to be taken in by the Casual Swiping genre. I am, however, a big fan of fun. And Slam Dunk King is very, very fun.
There are a couple of downsides to the experience, however. For one thing, the mascots feel somewhat useless. I mean, they aren’t a total waste, but it takes time to build up that special meter and by the time it’s full the game is usually almost over. My other issue is more mechanical. Oftentimes I’d accidentally dunk a bomb or flick away a ball I’d been comboing because the game registered my tap on the wrong object when they’re in close proximity. At first I thought I was just screwing up a lot, but it happens way too often for that. Of course, it might also have something to do with the way the game always seems to toss a bomb exactly where I don’t need it. Like it knows or something.
It is that magical time of the year where the leaves are changing colors, children have returned to school, and football season has kicked into full swing. The magical reappearance of the pigskin also brings about massive amounts of time spent in front of the television screen, most likely being paired with yelling and an adult beverage or two.
I feel as though there aren’t nearly enough 3D mech action games on the App Store. I know there are some, certainly, but I want more. So Battle 3D: Robots Sky definitely caught my eye. Unfortunately, it’s just not quite up to par.
The problem is, everything starts to fall apart during the actual gameplay. I wasn’t lying when I said it’s a pretty good-looking game… in the stills. In motion, there’s an awful lot of slowdown. Another problem is that neither of the two camera angles are all that helpful. The “first-person” camera isn’t actually first-person, and it spins around more than a drunk riding a tilt-a-whirl. I wish I were kidding, but playing from that perspective is honestly nauseating. The zoomed-out third-person camera is better since it doesn’t rotate, but it’s zoomed in too close to be useful. Even then, the pop-in and draw-distance issues are blatant. To put it another way; I’ve had trouble completing some missions because I couldn’t actually find the enemies I was supposed to destroy.