Review

AL13 iPhone case adds elemental style and protection

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Aluminum is ubiquitous with Apple products, and to emphasize that association, case manufacturer "M" released a new iPhone bumper case simply named "AL13." For the less science savvy folk, Aluminum, abbreviated "AL" is atomic number 13. Now, with a brief periodic table lesson out of the way, what makes this case special in relation to other similar cases?

Most notably, the design is extremely lightweight: a mere 14 grams. A slick looking, lightweight, and stylish aluminum case is not always easy to find. The goal of M's entrepreneurs Lester Mapp and Jeremy Foster was to create the perfect aluminum case but provide the final product at a price point well below competition. Inside I take a look at their newest creation and determine if their goal is met...

Add tactile feedback to your iPad using the Fling joystick

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

A child of the console revolution, there is nothing better than tactile feedback when gaming. None of these new age children know the feeling of a Game Boy D-Pad. Instead they are stuck with slick screened iPod touches, where the most tactile feedback they will feel is the orange peel rubberized drag of a ZAGG invisibleSHIELD. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of iOS gaming, but there is just something more than nostalgic about tactile feedback.

Some day, not in the near future, Apple will finally include haptic feedback in their screens courtesy of a Senseg-like interaction between the screen and electrons on the finger. However, until then, we are stuck. In an effort to match the desires of similar tactile fans, Ten One Design provides the Fling analogue joystick for iOS devices...

Home – a Unique Horror Adventure for iOS

Lory Gil ∙ Updated July 9, 2013

Point-and-click games have been around for decades. Gamers of all walks of life have enjoyed fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery versions of the adventurous genre.

Home – a Unique Horror Adventure is a point-and-click game that will send chills down your spine and have you on the edge of your seat. For optimum experience, turn off the lights and wear headphones while playing it…

Random Heroes 2 review: grab this platformer while it’s free

Lory Gil ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

Ravenous Games has made a name for itself by launching epic side-scrolling platform games that look like they were made in 1987. With series runs of League of Evil and Random Heroes, the game development company has earned its reputation of making award winning and critically acclaimed games.

Last week, Ravenous Games launched the third installment of its League of Evil series and to celebrate, Random Heroes 2 has gone free for a limited time…

Turtle Shell, a go-anywhere Bluetooth boombox

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 2, 2017

True to its name, the Turtle Shell is weather resistant and can take a beating. Not all Bluetooth speakers can say the same. Designed by Outdoor Technology, the dust and shock proof unit is also water-resistant for those nights by the pool or occasional rainstorm.

Producing "Stuff you probably want" is the pride and driving mantra for this group of easy going devs. The pyramid triangular design and bold colors give Turtle Shell a unique design that is modern and appealing. When using it in the office, several passersby stopped just to comment on the aesthetic and one of my office mates even took it home for a party. But, according to Outdoor Tech, inside is the last place you should be using their wireless boombox...

Review: iTranslate Voice, the best and funniest voice-to-voice iPhone translator

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 19, 2018

German developer Sonico Mobile's iTranslate Voice (not to be confused with dozens of App Store apps that have 'itranslate' in their name) has been on the App Store since May 2012, scoring rave reviews and winning the attention of App Store editors who featured the software on multiple occasions.

A little over a year since its debut they totally revamped the app, adding new languages and language facts and an incredible device-to-device AirTranslate feature.

Unlike many other apps that claim to feature quick voice-to-voice translations, iVoice Translate works as advertised and gets the job done, letting you instantly "speak" another language, voice-to-voice...

Rivals for Catan review: play the empire building game solo

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

Board game players of all types fell in love with the iOS version of Settlers for Catan when it launched in the App Store. The empire building game has been a big hit since it first launched in 1995. There are even tournaments around the world on a regular basis.

Rivals for Catan is a pared down version of the Settlers board game and the iOS version is a digital recreation of the card game itself. Thanks to the universal port from USM, we have another way to play our favorite board games by ourselves…

EarSkinz add a pop of color to your white EarPods [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 8, 2013

Yes, white headphones are a style of their own. Apple made lack of color famous with white headphones, starting with the iPod. Seeing someone parade down the street with a pair of slick white headphones indicated individuality and a seriousness for refined taste and class. White headphones previously noted a way to be different. Some may still try to make that argument, but with millions of iPhones sold every quarter, seeing a white pair of headphones is hardly unique.

EarSkinz is adding a flash of color to everyone's otherwise plain EarPods. The ES2's are designed to specifically hug the new Apple EarPod with form fitting fashion. Arguing the covers provide better comfort, fit, and sound, EarSkinz successfully received KickStarter funding to produce a full production line of their new pod covers.

I enjoyed using a pre-release pair for the past couple weeks and, inside, I take a closer look at a fairly simple accessory. As an added bonus, we are giving a pair of ES2's to 5 lucky readers...

Foresee review: find the best time of the day for your outdoor activities

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

As the weather starts to warm up, thoughts shift to outdoorsy type activities. Maybe you enjoy hiking or biking, or just want to take a leisurely stroll. You know what the ideal weather situation is for your personal taste, but how do you know if now is a good time to take the dog to the park, or if the temperature will be better suited for the occasion later in the day?

Foresee is a new weather app that does just that. It predicts the best possible conditions for your favorite activities based on your own, personal criteria. You’ll never have to wonder whether you should start the grill early, or wait until it cools down outside…

Warhammer Quest for iOS review: an addictive mix of role playing and strategy

Lory Gil ∙ June 27, 2013

The Warhammer world is intimidating, even for people like me who have been regularly engaged in role-playing games for more than a decade. The game and its many, many pieces is expensive, it takes up a lot of space, and players are stereotypically known for being merciless in their gaming tactics.

In 1995, Games Workshop released the Warhammer Quest board game as a simple dungeon crawl set in the epic Warhammer world. Its popularity was so massive that the game is still considered one of the best ever to be released by Games Workshop.

Only a few weeks ago, Rodeo Games launched an iOS version of Warhammer Quest that is similar to the board game in look and feel, but makes it much easier for you to crawl through dungeon after dungeon for hours on end without having to wait for your friends to show up with the red vines and Mountain Dew…

Defense Technica review: a game where careful strategy works best

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

The tower defense genre is a tried and true gaming category in the App Store that has had some gems and flops. What makes a TD game stand out in the sea of others like it is unique design and interesting gameplay.

Defense Technica is a TD game that offers players the ability to get a glimpse at the enemy’s plans in order to use resources most effectively and offers a level of challenge that is uncommon in the genre…