Tweetie 2.0 app review

Tweetie 2.0 is out! With all new features it is probably one of the most longly awaited apps of the year. Well one of mine of anyways. And unlike my uncomfortable wait of TomTom's navigation software; this time my excitment was met with that warm fulfillment like the first time you turned on your iPhone. Oh yes. It was that great.

Lets get into some of the new features shal we?

I think the auto landscape feature throughout the entire app has to be the best part. Because I don't know about you but sometimes I feel like some landscape; sometimes I don't. Although the UI seams strangely familiar to the first version of Tweetie. Do not be fooled. The new version is an entirely new app that runs smoother with a more managable, user friendly, UI and is just as fast if not faster with a load of more features.

The old bubble look is gone and has been replaced with a more solid stream of posts. Also there are tiny blue, stunningly, glowing orbs at the bottom to let you know if new tweets, mentions, or direct messages.

And getting updates are just too smooth too. When at the top of the timeline when you drag the screen down it will automaticly refresh and make a cute little pop noise when you release. Very catchy I must say. Don't forget to notice the search bar at the top too so you can search though all your tweets, replies, and messages.

Tweetie 2.0 now also has offline mode. So you can still browsed though tweets offline, manage favorites, and draft new message that can me synced and sent the next time your are online.

There is autocomplete so your not having to remember all your crazy ass friends crazy ass usernames. I am in love with that part. And while your are drafting a message if you have multible accounts and want to send with a different account you can click the top and select a different account while your message stays the same. The settings are even easier to work through.

Now for a few little downers which always come with every app out there. The push notification isn't really much of what it should be. Like getting @replies for example. It doesn't sync with the desktop app. But if you don't have a mac and just a PC you won't care about that cause you can't get the desktop app. And now for the major downer... You are going to have to pay $2.99 USD for this app even if you paid for the first version of Tweetie. But hey you've got one of the best smart phones out there that you payed at least $200 bucks for. So what is another few more to you right?

All in all if your looking for what looks like the best tweeting app for the iPhone/iPod Touch; look no further. You are not going to find anything better. At least not for now.

There are a few more features that I didn't really mention like video upload for you 3GS owners and of course all the old features from Tweetie 1.0 are available in this app of which most have been improved.

Now go and inform the world of your presence in 140 characters or less.

-Bastian Gatten

Download Now!

See below for some screenshots.

iPhone app review for Sound Pedometer GPS Lite

Today I downloaded and test drove the Sound Pedometer GPS Lite App for the iPhone and iPod touch. This actually works pretty well. But I couldn't get it to work right away. You kinda have to give it a bit. You also kinda have to play around with the sensetivity to get it just right for you. I tried it indoors so it wouldn't be using the GPS as much to really see how accurate it was. I was actually impressed. Everyone at work got a laugh out of me walking around with this thing making a noise every time I took a step too. I was using the cartoon tone.

The lite version doesn't store history or do any other kind of measurement except for steps. But it was pretty cool. A pretty basic app. The sounds do get a bit annoying after a while but you can turn that off.

You can get the full app for $2.99 USD and get the options to save your walk, maps, distance, history and more.

But if your just wanted to know how many steps you have taken the lite is all you really need. So check it out and if you like go for the full version. I am going to run this for a test tomorrow at work inside a metal building that gets no GPS signal. Wish me luck.

For more info on this app see below

Download free app here

Get the full version here

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Lite App Description

We add the sounds of footsteps to pedometer.
These are crystal effect, boots, high heels, robot walk, cartoon step, kick drum and so on.
(This is not a joke application!)

Pedometer with the step sound has three advantages.
1. You can know the correct step count .
2. Easy to adjust your setting of pedometer.
3. Very fun!

Lite version specifications :
- Display latitude and longitude of current location only about GPS.
- No history, map and setting screen.(but you can set the sensitivity on main screen)
- No functions of sending mail, saving history and configurations.
- Add information screen

more information, please visit to our website!
http://iphone.iiv.jp/

Full App Description

Ver1.1
- Add the distance unit of feet, mile and km.(switch them mutually)
- bug fix

We add the sounds of footsteps to pedometer.
These are crystal effect, boots, high heels, robot walk, cartoon step, kick drum and so on.
(This is not a joke application!)

Pedometer with the step sound has three advantages.

1. You can know the correct step count .
2. Easy to adjust your setting of pedometer.
3. Very fun!

Also our pedometer has the alert of each distance and/or each step count.

Other feature:
- Easy to see GPS status.
- Recording path you moved and viewing that by Google Map.
- Save the data of start/stop date, step, distance ,path and send them by email.(csv format and map url)
- Two GPS path recording mode of full time and part time(between start and stop).(GPS - iPhone only)

Operation example:
1. Press 'Unlock'+'Start' button at the same time.
2. Wear your iPhone. (*1)
3. Walk, jog or run.
4. Press 'Unlock'+'Stop' button at the same time.
5. Check step count and so on.
6. Press 'Save' button.
7. Press 'history' tab.
8. Press a history row.
9. See your moving path on the map.
10. Press 'Mail' button and send your location data.

(*1) : select upper/lower switch on the setting screen
upper : recommend the pocket of shirt
lower : recommend the pocket of pants
Set a iphone on its edge or doesn't work.
If a loose pocket, wrap a handkerchief etc. around iphone to fix a loose pocket.

Please Note :
The main function of this application is pedometer.
It works without GPS device or GPS reception.
When iPhone receives GPS signal, a red dot on
'step' screen movies on a circlre. If a red dot
doesn't move at all, this means GPS signal doesn't
reach iPhone. In other words this application
can't show correct speed, distance and location.


more information, please visit to our website!

http://iphone.iiv.jp

What's new

ver 1.1
- add distance unit of feet, miles and km. switch them mutually.
- add Google API key.
- bug fix.

Screen Shots

Vonage available for iPhone... Well kind of

Well today Vonage released their mobile application for the blackberry and iphone/ipod touch. I was so excited when I first heard that Vonage was releasing a app for the iPhone. Since I have their home service and all. But now I am very disappointed. Why you ask? Because it does not link with your current home account. The app is strictly pay-as-you-go for the moment and will not give free global calling to those who subscribe to Vonage's $25 per month Vonage World plan -- Vonage says that will come before the end of the year. So if I want to use it on my mobile phone I have to pay for extra credit on a totally different account.

It is basically like Skype in a way. Except for the fact that you can use it over the cellular network. You are not only restricted to wifi. But good news for you blackberry owners. If you decide to make an international call it will automatically revert to the Vonage Mobile App instead of your regular phone service. iPhone owners must open the app manually to make calls. Sorry iPhone owners.

Other than that boys and girls its a pretty solid app. I hope they allow me to link it to my home account soon. blah.

Check below for more information.

For iPhone

For iPod Touch


___________________________________________

Get the Vonage Mobile app and save more than 50% on international calls to dozens of countries.

Introducing Vonage Mobile, a free app for your iPhone that uses cellular or WiFi networks to make international calls at incredibly low rates. Sound good? We think so.

Vonage Mobile works with your existing mobile calling plan, so you keep your number and existing contacts. Simply download the app, set up your account, and you’re ready to start making low-cost international calls.

Call your friends, family or business contacts around the world without paying high rates from your mobile phone company. With Vonage Mobile, you’ll always get:

* Great voice and sound quality
* No calling cards, access codes or PIN codes
* Simple dialing from your iPhone contacts

There’s no cost to get started. Vonage has some of the best international rates, and there are no minimum call times or hidden connection fees.

-Bastian Gatten

Ping! my new favorite iPhone App

Yesterday I downloaded Ping! for the iPhone. Yes it's supposed to have the '!' behind it. It is part of the title. This app can basicly replace your official sms app on your iPhone. And even better your friends with an ipod touch can use it as well. It uses the push notification to let you know you got a new message. Also it is great that you don't have to give out your phone number.

There are only a few downfalls I can find to this app.

-The first one being if you want to message someone without this app you can't you still have to use sms.

-This one ties into the last downfall. Only iPhone and iPod Touch owners can use this app.

-I don't really like the ping sound. I wish there was an option to change it.

-A lot of times it won't let me scroll to the bottom of the message. (bug im sure they will fix in an update)

-You can't block someone you don't want to talk to or receive pings from.

-And for the last one; there is no media messaging available in this app. This one I hope they are coming out with one in the near future.

Oh and apparently this app will only be free for a limited time. So act now!

See below for more infomation and a direct download link into the iTunes App Store.

___________________________________

FREE for a limited time ONLY!! Tell your friends to Ping! you. Also works with iPod Touch.

From the guy who brought you Smart Dial, Apple's once featured app, Memory Sweep(Free!), PushGmail, and 7 more, comes the iPHONE MESSENGER app we've been waiting for --- Ping!
*************************************

*************************************
#2 Free App in the Unites States
#1 Free App in the United Kingdom
#1 Free App in the Canada
#1 Free App in the Australia
#1 Free App in the Sweden
#1 Free App in the Singapore
#1 Free App in the Norway

Thank you to all our fans!
*************************************

Want to message your friends for FREE like Blackberry Messenger? This is not another IM or SMS app. It's straight forward iPhone-to-iPhone messaging with push notifications. Stop dealing with IM systems that log you in and out. Forget about paying your carrier for text messaging.

Ping! is the simplest way to message your friends with an iPhone/iPod Touch. It uses a unique Ping! ID and sends messages for FREE! But wait, what about your friends who have an iPhone but live in another country? No problem, Ping! messages will reach ALL iPhones and iPod Touches AROUND THE WORLD (ANY country!), for FREE!

**************************************
WHY PING! BEATS SMS:
**************************************
• NO MONTHLY COST. Why pay for data AND SMS bundles from your carrier?

• NO ROAMING CHARGES. Some apps offer free SMS, but are exclusive to the U.S, or support few other carriers. Ping! is always free, even when messaging overseas and works in ANY COUNTRY in the world.

• FASTER DELIVERY. Messages are not limited by your carrier's traffic. Notifications are delivered in an instant.

• WORKS WITH IPOD TOUCH. SMS only works with phones. Ping! works with iPhones, the iPod Touch, and other devices that Apple may offer in the future.

*************************************
WHY PING! BEATS IM:
*************************************
• NO NEED TO LOG IN/OUT. Why deal with the confusion of getting bumped off when you log in on another device? Your messages arrive in one place. Ping! keeps you connected at all times.

• NO NEED TO ADD FRIENDS and deal with the tedious process of accepting invitations. All you need is your friend's Ping! ID to start messaging IMMEDIATELY.

• OFFLINE MESSAGES GUARANTEED. Some IM apps do not support offline messages or only support it with specific software (e.g. MSN). All Ping! messages are stored offline until received.

*************************************
Using Ping!
*************************************
1) INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO GET PING! - you can both save money and the
hassle of messaging each other with IM or SMS.

2) Create a Ping! ID. This is your unique identifier and is required for sending messages. Make sure you choose an ID that you are willing to keep using and identifies you - it cannot be changed once created. SHARE THIS ID WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS WHO HAVE AN IPHONE/IPOD TOUCH.

3) Ping! your friends - it's that simple!

THIS WILL BECOME YOUR MOST USED MESSAGING APP.

Tell your friends to Ping! you on your iPhone or iPod Touch.


----------Contact Info---------
Your question will NOT BE answered if you do not read the FAQ before contacting us.

PingID: gary.fung
Email: support@pingmessaging.com
Twitter: @garywkfung

www.PingMessaging.com

-Bastian Gatten

Stickam iPhone App Review

This past week Stickam, Inc. from the parent company Advanced Video Communications, Inc. (AVC) released their official Stickam iPhone App that allows you to watch live feeds and chat with your friends on that are online. However of course they can't see you. Kinda a neet app if your on the go but it has a lot of bugs.

-I am running iPhone 3G and so far ive only been able to get it to work once.

-Every time since when I click on a friends live feed I get this message 'The file could not be found.'

-There is no way to switch to other people's cams that are in the room. Let alone see who all else is in the room

These are the big problems I have found so far.

-However it is simple to use and does work over the 3G network. Which comes as a big surprise to me.

Below you will find the description and the link to the itunes app store to download the application.

______________________________

Watch live shows and chat with thousands of live users on Stickam from your iPhone or iPod touch.

The Stickam iPhone app allows you to watch any live Stickam stream and join the interactive chat rooms. Find a show or your friends and chat live from your iPhone. Now you can enjoy all of the great entertainment on Stickam when you’re on the go. You will never miss an opportunity to interact with a live stream from your favorite celebrities, bands, live podcasts, top radio stations, or TV shows ever again!

Features:
View featured shows
View popular live shows and social users of Stickam
View your live friends
Search for live users
Chat with live users
Landscape and portrait viewing mode supported
This app is a free download and can be downloaded for the itunes iphone app store.

Click to download

-Bastian Gatten

Starbucks Apps flow into the Apple App Store

Well Here it is all You iPhone toting Starbucks lovers. Two apps just for you to help fill your Starbucks cup of desires.

Two Starbucks apps made an entrance into the App Store yesterday morning, one - myStarbucks - offering store location capabilities and menu browsing while the other, the Starbucks Mobile Card app, provides a variety of features to manage and reload Starbucks cards as well as a unique payment system that's being piloted in a handful of stores. The myStarbucks app takes advantage of the peer-to-peer connectivity over Bluetooth that debuted with the iPhone 3.0 firmware.

The myStarbucks app can use the iPhone's location to find the nearest Starbucks stores. But this im sure would only be needed if your not in your native town. Because come on; you know where the closest Starbucks is right? The Starbucks food menu, along with nutritional information, can also be viewed. Favorite drinks can be customized, saved for future reference, and shared via email or directly with another iPhone or iPod touch user who has the myStarbucks app open and Bluetooth turned on. Well isn't that exciting. You can share your Starbucks with another Starbucks customer that is glued to their iPhone.

The Starbucks Card Mobile app allows holders of Starbucks Cards to view card balance, reload a card, view transaction history information, and more. It also features a new payment system that's being piloted in 16 stores in the San Francisco Bay and Seattle areas that will allow users to make payments directly through an iPhone. To head off inevitable questions about the expansion of this program, a button labeled "When is it coming to my Starbucks?" reveals the following answer:

We are testing mobile payment in select stores in Seattle and Silicon Valley. In the coming months we will be evaluating additional locations and would love your input. To follow our process and share ideas on Starbucks Card Mobile, visit www.mystarbucks.com. Thanks for your interest in Starbucks Card Mobile.

Starbucks is currently offering a $5 bonus on Starbucks Cards Mobile accounts the first time a card is reloaded with a Visa card through the Starbucks Card Mobile app. Yes I can now get me a free Grande Mocha Vanilla Late!

Starbucks has partnered with Apple in other areas, including offering a music partnership that offers customers the ability to purchase currently playing songs in Starbucks locations directly on an iPhone, iPod touch, or computer with iTunes. iPhone and iPod touch users can also benefit from free Wi-Fi Connectivity at Starbucks locations with AT&T hotspots.

The myStarbucks App [App Store Link] and the Starbucks Card Mobile app [App Store Link] is available now and for one of the best parts it is free! So Get out your iTunes and iPhones and get it while its Hot.

Story found on Macrumors.com

-Bastian Gatten

Grand Theft Auto on the iPhone?!

TouchArcade.com reports that Rockstar games will be bringing Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars to the iPhone and iPod Touch later this fall.

"Chinatown Wars is a perfect match for the iPhone and iPod touch," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "We are very excited to bring this incredibly ambitious version of Liberty City, with this level of detail and immersive gameplay on Apple's new gaming platforms."

This game is already available to the Nintendo DS and has been anounced that it will be coming to the Sony PSP and of course now the iPhone and iPod touch platform. It already has been a well recieved game on the Nintendo DS platform.

I am definately excited about this game. I have played countless hours stealing people's cars and picking up hookers. In the game of course. No word yet on how much it will cost.

Watch the youtube video below to see the trailer for the DS version to get an idea on what it will look like.

-Bastian Gatten

Wikipedia Mobile released for iPhone

Wikipedia Mobile is now available though the iTunes store. This is the official app from wikimedia. The app offers an alternative to browsing Wikipedia's mobile version via the Safari app. Its App Store description states that the app's code is "100% open source and community built" and programmers are welcome to help with the app. So far it just offers simple search and history.

I would love to see an auto landscape and zoom mode. Maybe some bookmarks. Or maybe the ability to save an wiki for offline use. The use of copy and paste however does work with this app. Thanks for that. I look forward to future updates of this product.

Wikipedia Mobile is available for free though itunes app store using this link that takes you directly to the app store in iTunes on your computer or iPhone.

Screen shots are from my little test run.

So go download and wiki from the comfort of your iPhone or iPod Touch

Not sure how the open source of this project works. But by all means play with it and improve upon it.

-Bastian Gatten