Hydro Tilt for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

I was always a big fan of Marble Madness in the arcade, and at first I thought Hydro Tilt was sort of a Marble Madness clone. I was wrong. It is far more focused on the puzzle aspect of getting your water drop (that can also turn to steam and ice, as needed) from point a to point b.

Essentially, you need to change form at the right time to cross certain bridges/shoots, etc, turn into the frozen cube, and get that cube back to a specific place on the game board. At first I was annoyed by the on-screen directions, but those are there in the first rounds to let you know what's going on. ( A great reason for directions, I suppose...)

Crazy Tanks for the iPhone and iPod Touch Review

If you remember the classic "Combat" game that shipped with millions of Atari 2600's, then you'll already know the basic idea behind Crazy Tanks. You pilot a tank, and have to shoot enemy tanks and gun positions. Tapping anywhere on the screen allows you to fire, while the radar in the bottom right corner shows the relative positions of enemies, as well as health bonuses, multi-shot upgrades, etc.

Unfortunately, you never see much of that battleground at any given time, and the lack of visibility makes the game more frustrating than it would be otherwise. There are worse ways to spend 99 cents in the app store, and with just a few tweaks, this could be a top game in my book. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself.

Fake Calls for iPhone (and iPod Touch, Actually)

I suppose in an ideal world, we wouldn't need an app like Fake Calls. After all, what good can come from lying to others about getting a phone call. And if you're like me, you'll be so anxious to show your friends how it works, they'll never believe you really have a phone call in the future.

The premise is simple. You select a contact from your contacts list, or a phone number. Then select a time up to one hour in the future, and the ringtone you'd like to use for your "call." The ringtones include the iPhone standard rings (except for the alarm, which is one I actually use) which adds authenticity to the experience.

I've had the most fun having people call me while they're sitting in front of me. I sell it as a mind-over-matter exercise. Of course with this blog post, the jig will be up.

For $0.99, you could do worse as iPhone apps go, and it might just get you out of tight spot someday. Oh and a bonus for iPod Touch owners: I haven't tested it, but reports are it will work with the iPod Touch as well. Voila! an instant fake iPhone in your hand!

Platypus for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

So what does it take to bring new life to a side scrolling game on the iPhone? Well, a fun twist on a space shoot-em-up, and a retro soundtrack are a great start. Platypus for the iPhone and iPod gives you a modern-day Defender, but with a twist: All of the ships (and landscapes) are made of clay. It's amazing how much such a seemingly small change makes the game play more fun. Combined with a retro 8bit-ish soundtrack Platypus proves to be one of the most addictive iPhone games we've tried yet. Take a look, then give it a download.

You got an iPhone or iPod For Christmas, Now What?

Santa brought his bag of goodies to your house and look what he left: A brand new iPhone, or iPod! For those of you who are new to the Apple family, welcome! For those who received a long awaited upgrade, well welcome to you as well!

Here are some tips and tricks to get you started.

iPod Clickwheel Owners: Congratulations on getting the tried and true clickwheel version of the iPod. The good news: You probably have far longer battery life, and far more storage than those iPhone and iPod Touch friends of yours. Who needs a touchscreen anyhow. The bad news: The clickwheel iPods do not play the games and apps found in the iTunes app store, but that doesn't mean you can't find games for your iPod. There's a section called iPod Games that's just for you. Nearly all the games are $4.99. Are they worth it? Well, we've compiled video reviews of all the games, so you can find out before you buy. Just click here. And another quick tip: it can be tricky to find a case for your iPod (especially the classic) since there have been so many slightly different variations on it. Either head to your local Apple Store / Best Buy, or we suggest one of these cases: If you want to run with your iPod clickwheel, check out the Belkin Neoprene Armbands. If you'd prefer a soft gel-type skin for your iPod Nano, then check these out.

iPhone Owners: Depending on your activation method, you may have had to know this one was going to be under the tree. Welcome to the iPhone club. You now own the device that changed the cell phone industry forever. If this is your first device to use the iTunes App Store, a word of warning. The reviews of apps on the site are notoriously unreliable. Pay more attention to the overall rating of the app, rather than individual comments. Most of the prominent comments just complain about price. Or better yet, check out our independent iPhone and iPod Touch App Reviews. If you need a case (my personal preference is to go case-less. I'm a rebel, what can I say...) I'd suggest a hard case like the Inspiretech Full Protect Case.

iPod Touch Owners: Look at you! You own the Cadillac of iPods! You tell the world, I don't need copious amounts of storage. I simply want the most functionality, and what Steve Jobs referred to as the "funnest iPod yet." First, promise you won't be upset if the storage increases, or the price decreases by late January. Promise? Ok, on we go. Again, the app store is a big part of what makes this baby purr, so be sure to check out our iPhone and iPod App Reviews. Just remember, not all of the apps work with the Touch, so be careful when buying. Again, a hard case is probably the best choice to protect your investment. Here's a great and tough option from Otterbox.

Apps worth checking out (check for compatibility with your device: some are iPhone only)

Pano - Turns your iPhone into a panoramic picture taking machine.

The Price is Right Game - If you enjoy the TV game, you'll love this version. It's a little pricey, but worth it for the fans.

Pandora Radio - It's free, and gives you a great way to discover new music.

Chopper - When we first reviewed this game, I wasn't thrilled. But since then, it's really grown on me. And it's a lot cheaper than it used to be.

AIM AOL Instant Messenger - It's not perfect, but if you want to bring AOL instant messenger on the road, this is your best option.


These are just a few starting points. There are thousands and thousands of apps out there, so subscribe to our video reviews (that you can then watch on your iPhone or iPod).

Enjoy your new toys!

Dr. Awesome for the iPhone and iPod Touch Review

Who doesn't want to be awesome? And who doesn't want to be a doctor? (well, minus the gory parts, and the tough med school exams) Here's your chance to be both with Dr. Awesome for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The gameplay, which is fun (briefly) involves slicing away cells so that viruses cannot survive. Along with fun cut scenes, Dr. Awesome cleverly populates the patient's names using your iPhone contacts list. While a nice feature, it would also be one that would be nice to disable. Here's a full look:

iSports for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

It's a busy time in the sports world, as the NFL heads into the playoffs, the college bowl games are just off in the distance, and the NHL and NBA are in full swing. How's a sports fan supposed to stay connected to everything that's happening? And, can you do it for free? iSports for the iPhone and iPod Touch provides the latest scores for several sports (NHL coming soon) along with news, and "superfan" services.

The interface is straightforward, and provides at-a-glance look at scores. It can be a little sluggish to load, but the info is well worth it. Take a look:

The Dark Knight: Batmobile Game for iPhone and iPod Touch

Great news. The Digital Lifestyle just saved you 99 cents. Oh sure, it seems tempting enough... a licensed Batman app for less than a dollar! How could this possibly go wrong? Well, it does, and in fine fashion. Rather than tell you about the game, below is the video review. And not only is it a review, but it's a look at the full, yes full gameplay of the Batmobile Game for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Raging Thunder for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

At launch of the App Store, the choice of racing games was slim. Now there's more to choose from, but that doesn't mean they've necessarily gotten any better. Today we're looking at Raging Thunder. A racing game that would probably be acceptable if no other racing games existed, and if we didn't know the capabilities of the phone. Raging Thunder feels like a cell phone port with some accelerometer control of steering. The most jarring cell phone gaming-like experience has to be the annoying sound when two cars collide. I had to check to make sure I didn't pick up my old SonyEricsson T68i. Here's a full look at Raging Thunder:

My Amazon App Review - Buy Now

Just made my first purchase using the Amazon app from the app store and it was flawless. Amazon got this app right and is now bridging the mobil device to e-commerce bridge. This app is revolutionary for both e-commerce as well as the iPhone / iPod Touch.

The Amazon app is free on the app store. The interface is simple. The home screen shows suggestions, allows you to start a new search or you can log in to your account. The next option is to start a search, followed by a cart button to view and modify items to be purchased.

Now, the next button called Remembers is really cool. The idea goes something like this . . .

1. snap a picture of an item
2. send it to Amazon
3. Amazon matches the item and presents you with results
4. you buy the item

Easily at hand was my BlackBerry Curve generously supplied by my day job. I have no interest in buying one or having one to begin with, but it was easily accessible. My first attempt to use this feature resulted in my 2G iPhone locking up. After a restart and a 2nd attempt, the photo was successfully uploaded and within seconds I received an email from Amazon stating I had results. Amazon thought my BlackBerry Curve was a BlackBerry Bold . . . not exactly correct but impressive none the less. This technology is similar to like.com where you can upload a photo and it will deliver search results based on the photo [like has an app on the store as well . . . review to follow].

The next option is called More. This screen contains Wish List, Account access (this is where you can find recent transactions, track packages, etc.), provide feedback, and see different terms of use (you know . . . the legal stuff).

I ordered a Griffin Technology TuneFlex Aux (review to follow once received). The app walked me through the entire process prompting me to enter different account information along the way. That's the beauty of the App. It's blatantly clear what you're supposed to do and it works.

Lemonade Stand for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

A classic that many lifelong Apple users will probably remember: Lemonade Stand has made its way to the iPhone and iPod Touch. It's simple, straightforward game, teaching the basics of running a business: advertising, inventory, and pricing. Here's a look:

Turkey Hunt for the iPhone and iPod Touch Review

Gobble, Gobble... Thanksgiving might be long gone, but it looks like some turkeys may have made it through. It's time for you to change that in Turkey Hunt. The gameplay is simplistic to say the least (just keep tapping), but there's something oddly addicitve about Turkey Hunt:

Disney's Fairies Fly for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

Disney has made its foray into the world of iPhone and iPod Touch gaming with Fairies Fly. We'll give them kudos for bringing a girl-centric game to the App Store. The graphics are great, and the gameplay is fine, but simplistic. Here's a full look:

Topple for the iPhone and iPod Touch Review

Take one part Jenga, add a reverse Tetris, in which you want to stack the blocks high, and you've got Topple for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Each block has its own personality, adding an extra level of whimsy to the game. Here's a look:

The Price is Right iPhone Game Review

The Price is Right is one of those shows I feel like I watched a ton of episodes as a kid, but when I think back, I didn't miss that much school, so I don't know how it go so ingrained in my mind. From the Showcase Showdown, to the Shell Game, to Cliffhangers, it's all taking up a lot of brain cells, but I digress...

So if you're a fan of the show, either the Barker years or Drew Carey's take, you'll want to check out The Price is Right for iPhone and iPod Touch. It's a solid re-creation of the home viewing experience, and for those of us who will never make it to the studio, this may be as close to the real thing as we will get.

Everest: Hidden Expedition for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

I was always a big fan of the Mini Page as a kid. Yes, in a time before iPhones and iPods, Saturday morning entertainment consisted of cartoons and the Mini Page in the local paper. By far my favorite feature was Seek n Find, in which you would try to find hidden objects in a picture. Everest: Hidden Expedition takes this concept to the next level with highly detailed scenes in which you're challenged to find specific items.

The catch? Unlike the old Seek N Find, there's a huge number of items hidden in each picture, and you're tasked with finding a list of specific items before the other three "teams" catch you.

The game play is fun, but it's relatively easy to stay ahead of the other teams. It's worth noting that this is a huge game in terms of filesize. The app weighs in at 117MB, or more than ten times the size of most iPhone apps:

Spore for the iPod Clickwheel Review

There was a lot of buzz over Spore. Heck it took years to finally ship to consoles, and when it headed to the iphone, the buzz started once again. Off the radar of many though, was a quieter release: Spore: Origins for the clickwheel iPod. Despite being the cheapest version of Spore (not counting the free trial for iPhone) the clickwheel version gives the same gameplay as it's more expensive iPhone counterpart. The clickwheel works relatively well to control your creation, athough customization is a little tricky:

Puzzloop for the iPhone and iPod Review

I've always been a fan of Zuma on the iPod clickwheel, and I had no idea that game is actually derivative of Puzzloop, which was originally available on the Playstation, and has now made its way to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Here's a look at the marble shooting puzzler Puzzloop for iPhone and iPod Touch:

Decibel for iPhone App Review

Sure games are great, but it's the other apps for the iPhone that show the range of the device. Decibel makes clever use of the iPhone microphone to transform it into a portable sound meter, with a cool retro look to boot. The major limitation isn't in the software, but rather the peak level (about 100dB) of the microphone. That cap limits the usefulness of Decibel, but for casually monitoring sounds in everyday situations, it works great:

WooHoo for the iPhone and iPod Touch

It's Friday, so let's wrap up the week with a quick review of Woohoo. Love hearing something that kinda sorta sounds like the Pillbury Doughboy, along with a graphic that's clearly the Pillsbury Doughboy with the trademarks covered up? Well then, Woohoo is for you: