NZiPhone.com Reviews

Toy Bot Diaries - Entry 2

Philip Roy — 2008-11-30 04:29:45

Toy Bot Diaries - Entry 2 certainly is a great continuation of an enjoyable game, although when I had completed the game, I was kinda disappointed...thinking “was that it?!”. I’m not sure if it is because I got obsessed with playing the first free and commercial entries, but the game didn’t seem to up the challenge for me at all...except for one level where I had a bit a brain freeze. The new version certainly brings in new features, like exploding bombs, UFOs, more moving platforms and more.....and it certainly gives the impression that there is a lot more freedom of choice...when it fact, as per usual, the game is quite linear. I don’t mind the linear nature of working through a level to complete it, but I just didn’t feel like the levels where as overwhelming. Near the end, being attached to a gigantic UFO as you soar into the air, I expected that this was possible half way through the game, only to find it fact it was the end. Don’t get me wrong...I love the game. But I don't feel that Entry 2 really brought much (if anything) that was stunningly new to the game. Perhaps I should be seeing it not as a sequel, but just another entry along a similar path? They do call it ‘Entry 2’ for a reason. I note that there is one more entry to go...and I certainly will be buying that. I just hope that it isn’t rushed and that it’s big and time consuming. TBT is a great game...I’d just like to see that greatness worked on a little.

Aurora Feint - The Beginning

Philip Roy — 2008-11-15 02:39:50

I started off really liking this game and got right into it...even if I couldn’t understand the “story”. The whole wandering around a map to do different activities (going to the store, the tower, the mine) is a bit pointless I think and gets in the way of the game. It kinda feels like it is trying to make the game far more clever than it is. The games are enjoyable though (I particularly like the ones in the tower) but it has all started taking way too long. I’ve discovered I can just sit there wiping my finger backwards and forwards repeatedly and the blocks will align themselves and disappear in the way they should....so I’m almost playing the game for no point at the moment other than trying to complete the thing...but “playing” is the wrong word as I’m no longer being engaged by it and cheating. One button is also now active “The World” and there is a teaser saying you’ll be able to play online with people soon, but by that stage, I think I’m done.

Ocarina

Philip Roy — 2008-11-08 06:27:59

WANTED: Guitarist and 4 more people to help perform "Stairway to Heaven". Oh my god...for $1.29 this app is just worth it for the novelty! Even for a non-pan-flute-loving guy that I am...this thing....umm...rocks! According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocarina), an Ocarina is "an ancient flute-like wind instrument. While several variations exist, an ocarina is typified by an oval-shaped enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouth tube projecting out from the body. It is often ceramic, but many other materials, such as plastic, wood, glass, and metal, may also be used." Except now...the tube is the microphone of the iPhone and the holes? Well, they're virtual on the screen. Blow into the iPhone once you've launched this app (and set the key you want to play in) and then treat the 4 circles on screen as holes in the woodwind instrument. Wait...should that be iPhone-wind instrument? It took all of 1 minute (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfrONZjakRY) to realise this was a must have...and another 5 minutes to belt out a fairly good rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. 4 years of playing the cornet at High School allowed me to expertly master air control, although I certainly shouldn't give up the day job! But what really amazes me with this thing is how such a simply fun activity has then been extended. When you launch the app, you get to decide if the iPhone can tell people where you are. Why an earth would you do that? Answer - Because not only can people know where you are...you can know where they are. And you can hear them playing!! The way this is delivered on screen is just beautiful. As the planet spins, you jump to a name on the planet and watch as the globe spins and you see the melody rise up from that location into the atmosphere. It's so simple...it's so lovely...it's so amazingly freaky and fun. This is an app I'm going to spend my days showing to people I think...so I really need to brush up on my repertoire! For $1.29 it is sooo worth the purchase. Even to show as a gimmick it's worth that price. But give it a few days...wait til no-one else is around...and you'll be going to the online music score are of the website (http://ocarina.smule.com/#music) and giving it a go. I'll be looking for your tunes online!

iTalk Pro

Loweded Wookie — 2008-11-02 00:07:42

I've had a long relationship with Griffin's iPod products. I've had various add-ons including their iTalk for the iPod Classic range which has suited me very well. With the iPhone it made sense to have some sort of voice recording software and personally I had figured Griffin would do something considering their vast range of iPod products. iTalk Pro is that product and interestingly they've gone above and beyond by making it free. iTalk Pro is a no nonsense app. Press the big red record button to record press the big green "Recording" button to pause the recording, give it a name, press "Done" to finish. So simple a ninety year old technophobe could do it. And that's its beauty. The tricky bit is getting it downloaded to the Mac but even this is easy. Download the iTalk Sync app to your Mac, install it, run it, then run iTalk on the iPhone/Touch and it will automatically connect. On the desktop simply select the file you want and drag it to the Desktop or in my case an alias for a folder that contains all my voice recordings. It's not as simple as some download apps but it works well and I would hazard to mention it is less hassle than Ecco Note Pro which is also a great product but sadly has some very big UI issues. The quality of the audio is pretty good but can be somewhat on the quiet side but this is more to do with the iPhone's mic more than the software itself so some leeway is given there. It records as standard AIFF although one app I used recorded using CoreAudio which is a much better format although only supported with QuickTime so support on Windows is limited. You can record using the iPod Touch but it MUST be the second generation one and you must be using the Apple Stereo Headset. This limits its usability as the microphone on the headset is unable to record surrounding sounds. Would be good for doctors though. iTalk is a big boon for the iPhone. It's a voice recording application that has a big name behind it. It doesn't do much more than existing ones and its free status is for a limited time only so get in quick but it is a great app and one I recommend fully. While it is free now it will cost sooner or later. Get it now and you won't be disappointed.

Toy Bot Diaries - Entry 1

Philip Roy — 2008-11-01 08:28:43

This is the paid version of a game also released in a free version that gives you a taste of the game. This version is well worth the cost and and enjoyable game to play. I was quite obsessed with it and frustrated I got through it so quickly in the end...although I won’t say how many hours I spent on it! Once you’ve learnt all that the bot can do, the main work you have to do is puzzle solving in this game. Puzzles such as how to release a trap door to get to the next stage, or how to slot a coin into a section to open a door, but then get that coin out again when needed. Even near the end, when you lunch yourself towards a baddie in a pop-gun, you might wonder whether it is going to have any success. Some may find this a bit frustrating. Sometimes you’ll sit back and watch as you move quickly from one scene to the next, only to find that you were needed to have acted just near the end. That said, the fact that the game saves at various points, means that you can easily repeat the part you just failed on. An example of this is one section where you end up sitting in a car driving from scene to scene, jumping all over the place. “This is cool”, I thought...”what can possibly go wrong?”...these being the last words I though as suddenly the car disappeared from under me and I fell into the abyss with it. OK, next time...remember to jump out at the last minute! It really is a game that requires some figuring out and needs you to remember what worked and didn’t work last time...and this may be what frustrates some. That said, I loved it! The Developers website say that Diary Entry 2 will be released as an entirely new game, so I can’t wait.

Toy Bot Diaries Free

Philip Roy — 2008-11-01 08:25:38

This free version is a taster of the Toy Bot Diary game and I applaud the developers in releasing a free version for you to sample the game...I’d like to see others do the same. That said, I think they also knew they were on to a winer, as it took me all of 3 minutes to decide that I wanted the game in full, so went off to purchase. This is one of those games that seem designed from the ground up for the iPhone and iPod Touch. You play the role of a small, cute, round bot, who wanders around corridors and pipes, able to walk, push, swing and grapple on to various items to completes tasks. The grappling activity for example, lets you shoot a lightening bolt that sticks you on to many items...then holding your finger on that item lets you pull yourself up or shorten the length of the distance between the two. It all sounds bit confusing, but the opening of the gam teaches you what you need to know. I liked the fact that the game took advantage of the accelerometer in the iPhone, such as having to tilt the phone to walk along the corridor, or tilt the phone left and right to build up a really good swing when dangling from an object, before shooting off into the darkness, hoping there would be something to cling to next. Please see my review of the paid version for more.

iPhone 3G Screen Protector

Philip Roy — 2008-10-22 08:43:32

For starters, I think it is important to not get confused by the image in the marketing material for this that might make you assume that the cover for your iPhone face is hard plastic area. It is in fact a soft cover. That’s no criticism of the product (thanks to Toshcomputers.com for it) as it’s impossible to show how the product is in a photo. To me, these film protectors are the sort of thing you might want a regular supply of and at the price, you can probably afford to have a couple on hand. I can’t comment on the longevity of the protector, as I’ve just received it...nor its ability to deal with scratching...as I’m not gonna try that on my precious new iPhone :-) One of the reason I was interested in this protector was because of a mistake I made with a case I bought that had no front protection...so using the case with the film would seem a perfect combo and really seems to be working well. The protector comes in simple packaging that you then open to find a small cleaning cloth (nice touch) and the one sheet of film in a plastic bag. Instructions are on the back of the package. Basically you wipe down the front of your iPhone, and then carefully peel off one side of the film you are going to put on your phone. This adhesive side is then placed on to the face of the iPhone. For someone like me, who has permanent shaky hands (too much or lack of coffee...I’ve never figured out) this was a bit of a challenge, but the film is sufficiently rigid enough to help with the lining up. I didn’t do too badly and then used the cloth to rub all over the surface of the phone to make sure the film was in place. Then, you peel off the second side of the film to expose the area that you’ll use with your fingers. This all went really well with two exceptions. One, there’s a small spot on the film that appears to have no adhesive or may be a speck of dust (I think the latter) that I can’t get rid off, but have gradually stopped noticing. The second is that I ran into a problem with one side of the phone where the film wouldn’t stick. It’s not an issue for me as the case I then added covered this edge issue also. One thing I did find off is that the opening at the top of the screen for the speaker you use when making a phone call is a very odd cut, covering a space across the top that goes around the speaker and to one side. Again, it’s a little odd, but something that can be lived with. Keep in mind that unlike some other films for screens, this one isn’t reusable as far as I can tell (the description claims it is, but I'm not convinced). However for the price, I’m more than pleased and find that the protection has no impact whatsoever on the iPhones performance or my ability to use my fingers with it. I may come back to this review in a few months to tell you how I got on with the film in an ongoing basis, but at the moment, it’s working a treat.

Universal dock with FM Transmitter

Philip Roy — 2008-10-22 00:07:18

Thanks to Toshcomputers.com for letting me try this dock out. I was impressed by the packaging at first which was very “Apple like”. However on opening the box, I discovered a remote that was less Apple like and had the world’s most difficult latch to open to check if a battery was included. It was, but was difficult to then put back in. Attaching the USB charger cord and audio out was not a problem, however I don’t feel that the iPhone perhaps sits as comfortably in the dock as I would like. One of the first things I noticed (with iTunes open) was that iTunes kept interrupting my attempts at using the dock, always trying to sync....so I quickly closed that application down, making sure it was just me and the dock in charge. The dock works like other docks in that it charges your iPhone whilst also having an audio out option. My JBL speakers really didn’t like this option and hummed loudly with the connection....but I have to point out that my speakers are a little precious and even get upset with the standard iMac connection, although they seemed to cope with the Apple branded dock fine. Plugging a headphone in to make sure the connection worked produced far better results. But what is really neat with this dock is that it will also transmit the audio via an FM frequency that you determine (with 6 FM channel options on the remote) to any radio nearby. In testing, all FM frequencies produced more or less the same results for me...which, with a radio 2 rooms away, wasn’t that great. You could certainly hear it and there wasn’t that much interference...it just wasn’t that loud. Moving the dock into the room with the radio produced better results, but still, it was on the quiet side. If you jumped up to change the stereo to another channel quickly, you might suddenly be shocked with how loud you had the thing turned up to hear your iPhone. The other issue is with the remote. You can’t control as much as you would hope with it. Play, back, forward and volume up and down are as much as you can do (or at least that is what I figured out with no instructions provided) so you have no way to navigate iTunes on your iPhone 3G. In other words, you’re likely to be going back to your iPhone now and then to make an appropriate selection. With the performance of the FM transmitter I’m not sure this would be the way I would use it. I’m more likely to connect the audio jack straight to my stereo. Then again, I guess as a side effect, you also stream simultaneously to an FM frequency, so you could have the same music playing nearby. For $49 the dock is a reasonable price however I found the iPhone fit a little uncomfortable. The dock also wouldn’t accept the iPhone in either case I put on it, meaning I would be forever taking it out of its case, so keep that in mind if you use a case. That said, this would be a handy way of using your iPhone in a room without ever having to go back to it to adjust...once you selected all the song you wanted. At the same time, it is almost 50% cheaper than a similar dock from Apple that doesn’t include the FM transmitter option but does have a remote. It was quite cool to sit down and see my iPhone working for me from the other side of the room and starts me wondering if I really am about to start doing away with CDs forever. Hmm...who knows?

Apple iPhone 3G Dock

Philip Roy — 2008-10-21 23:58:58

You can always tell an Apple packaged product and this was no exception. The packaging is minimalist but well done. I was pleased to see an instruction book included also. Compared to the other dock I’ll review shortly (Universal dock with FM transmitter), this one has less of a front ‘lip’ (if I can call it that) meaning the iPhone not only felt it had a bit more room, but it also slipped into the dock with little or no effort. Basically the front of the dock is open more than the Universal dock, so you also see more of the iPhone (not that much gets hidden with the other one). The audio jack didn’t have an issue with my speakers, however I seemed to find no way of controlling the audio output from the iPhone. This meant in my case, with a large subwoofer that is also the amplifier hidden at the back of my iMac, I was having to jump up and reach back for the well hidden volume on the speaker system, which was a complete pain. Attach the dock to a stereo and this wouldn’t be an issue. I found the form of this dock, the nice soft underlay of it, nicer than the other model I looked at. In testing with the cases that I have, the dock did not allow the phone to be used with the Crystal case, nor the Agent18 case. And this is where I realised that I hadn’t done enough reading....again. I’m keen to use the Agent18 case, but the dock adaptor that the Agent18 case comes with isn’t for all Apple docks (yes, I know, I’m naive) but only the universal dock from Apple...which I’ve now had to order. So in short, great dock for those using the iPhone 3G only. It fits well and feels ‘made for’ the iPhone (blindingly obvious statement there) but you will have issues if your iPhone uses any sort of case that doesn’t allow access to this dock...for which, I strongly suggest, you read very very carefully.

Touch Hockey

Philip Roy — 2008-10-20 03:23:06

Have to agree that this is a simple but entertaining game and one that will stay on my iPhone. I wasn't aware of the networking features that the site talks about...almost makes me wanting to find people around work for a network game or two. Of course, the best feature for me is that I have no fear that the puck is going to hit my hands hard, which always seems to work when I play the real thing.