Two active children keep 35-year-old Melissa Lesch from Tarrant County, Texas more than busy.
But sometimes their treats become her weakness.
“If I get stressed with the kids… or husband… the easy way is turn to food,” Lesch said.
But she actually weighs less now than she did before she got married, thanks to the personal trainer and nutritionist she keeps at her fingertips — her smartphone.
With names like Lose It and MyFitnessPal, mobile diet and fitness apps are the high-tech trend in weight loss, with some pretty cool features.
They can track exercise, count calories, scan food, and provide detailed information about restaurant entrees. Click here to read more.
Mobile device users already have plenty of photo editing and filter apps to choose from: Instagram, Hipstamatic, Camera+, and Snapseed are just a few. But apparently the world needs one more — or at least that’s what Twitter photo upload service Twitpic is hoping, as it finally released its own iOS app.
Twitpic has made it easy for Twitter users to post photos to the social platform since it was founded in 2008, but the service never really expanded beyond its supporting cast member role. So, when Twitter adopted a built-in photo uploading service for tweets, third-party photo providers like Twitpic likely (and rightly) decided to move on to greener pastures.
A lot of people have been waiting on turntable.fm to land on Android for some time. Well, it’s finally here!
The music sharing service has been available for a little over a year on desktop machines. The concept is simple: DJs join a room and share songs with an audience that can then vote on whether a song is Awesome or Lame. It’s a great concept for sharing music.
The only thing that could make it better is if you could listen to (or DJ!) a room while away from your computer. iOS users have been able to do this for a couple months, and now Android users can join the fray. The app, from a bird’s-eye-view looks very much like its iOS counterpart (more on that in a bit), but more importantly, almost identical to its desktop version, which makes the entire experience rather seamless.
The Interface
Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: yes, it looks a bit like the iOS version. In that, in the DJ room, you can see one button that is the same style as an iOS share button. Little things like that will pop up throughout the app, mostly on the room selection screen (above center). However, for the most part, the app doesn’t rip off its iOS version so much as it does, well…itself.
Part of turntable.fm’s appeal is its gorgeous UI. All the main elements of the interface we know and love from the desktop are here. The rock meter, the Awesome/Lame buttons, bopping heads, dance floor, DJ spotlights, everything. This wasn’t cut-and-pasted from an iOS app. This design was lovingly recreated in a beautiful high-resolution app from its desktop counterpart. Compare to some other obviously iOS-inspired apps, and the difference is pretty staggering.
In general, I will be the first to say that using an iOS scheme is confusing, lazy design. It mixes Android and iOS navigation elements and generally doesn’t look good. However, in this instance, not only did the folks behind turntable.fm at least take the effort to use high-resolution assets in the iOS elements they did use, but they very rarely used those elements to begin with. Most of the interface is still built specifically by turntable, based on turntable, for turntable. Not only that, but those lovely head-bopping animations, as well as many other trademark turntable accents, are beautifully fluid.
I would like to reiterate this clearly for those of you who insist that a single iOS button means an app is ugly: This app is the single most gorgeous app I’ve used on Android ever. If you think this app is ugly, you either think turntable.fm itself is ugly or you’re getting hung up on 10% of the app design. Most of the time you use the app, you’ll barely even notice it.
Music On The Go
Of course, nice things to look at don’t mean much if you can’t actually listen to music. The biggest hang up with this app will be largely determined by how good your network is – and Verizon is clearly the best network.
In short, if you don’t have a decent network, you’ll have trouble with this app. You may be able to get a good experience even on 3G, but only if you have a consistent connection. If you’re switching constantly between 3G and 4G, or if you have scattered reception, you’ll face some serious problems. As soon as your connection drops, the app will likely boot you from the room, as well as your DJ spot if you have one. In some cases you may be booted from the room, but not realize it until a song is done playing.
Conclusion
This app has a little ways to go in the stability department. On the day of release, two updates were already released, so the company is probably working on it, but a large part of the problems turntable has and will continue to have are largely dependent on network infrastructure.
Technically, the brain isn’t a muscle, but if you don’t use it, your brain gradually turns to mush. It starts with your swearing that you know a word or a name and that it’s at the tip of your tongue. Over the years, you start forgetting things and the rest is pretty depressing. Though retaining a sharp mind and a keen brain is partly because of our diet, engaging our brains in regular mental exercise helps, as well. We may not quite be in our old age, but there’s no harm in starting as early as now. So here’s a list of 10 brain exercisers and memory games to keep you on your toes and to make sure that your brain won’t get rusty.
Memory Trainer
Memory Trainer works out your spatial and working memory, focus, chunking, and concentration skills. It even improves your concentration. Track your progress with the help of a graph and aim to perform better than the last time. Memory Trainer lets you choose a workout session. Each session is short but fun, which makes improving your memory feel like less of a chore. Some games ask you to find certain objects but be careful of what it’s asking for exactly. You might just be overlooking tiny details. If you need to do something else while you’re in the middle of a game, Memory Trainer lets you pick up where you left off. Memory Trainer looks simple but it’s actually fun and challenging. If your brain was a muscle, Memory Trainer sufficiently helps you exercise it. Click here to download Memory Trainer.
Fruits Memory Game
The classic childhood game can now be played on your Android device. Good for any age, train your memory by trying to find all the pairs of fruits. Each fruit is rendered in gorgeous 3D, ranging from the traditional apple to orange, cherries, blueberries and more. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the game, you’ll have to match the pairs of fruits but all the fruits are obscured by large question marks. To top it off, the order of the fruits have been jumbled. Your goal is to “turn over” each question mark and guess where the orange’s twin is located. The game is won once you’ve found all the fruits pairs. Fruits Memory Game looks and sounds deceptively simple but you’ll find your time consumed just by playing it. To confirm that you’re touching the screen, Fruits Memory Game provides you with haptic feedback. If that isn’t your cup of tea, you can turn vibration off. Fruits Memory Game also comes with sounds to go with their vivid fruit icons. Click here to download.
Brain Workout
Brain Workout is an app that promises to sharpen your brain with 4 games. These games are geared to train your brain, analyze your memory, concentration, reaction and accuracy abilities. You can track your performance and see your improvement each time you play through a handy graph. If you’re feeling competitive, you can compare scores with your friends. If that doesn’t satisfy your competitive streak, you can even post your scores on the global scoreboard and compare your results with other players. The developer promises to add even more areas of your brain for Brain Workout to sharpen in future releases so keep your eyes open for that! When you launch Brain Workout, simply tap on the area of your brain you’d like to workout. Who said that improving your memory had to be boring? Brain Workout’s games are fun and challenging. Click here to download this free app today.
Memory
Here’s another memory game that’s slightly harder than the Fruits Memory Game. Where Fruits Memory Game made you match fruit pairs, Memory Smiles has you pairing off matching smiles. It’s more difficult because instead of different shaped fruits, Memory Smiles’ icons are different colored smileys. They all have the same basic shape, a circle, so you’ll have to exercise your attention to detail to tell them apart and remember where all the smileys are. Some users have complained that the faces are too much alike which makes it boring and difficult to play. Pick all the different smileys out in a 6 x 6 grid. With six levels of complexity, Memory Smiles will have you smiling all day. Share this game with your family and you’ll have a lot of fun helping each other out. Download Memory Smiles is available for free – click here to start flexing your memory muscles with this app today.
Word Breaker Full
Growing up, we’re constantly bombarded. A number of those we’ll retain because we use them frequently use them in daily interactions but more complicated words get shoved to the very backs of our minds. We’ll probably never use them in our assignments, much less in regular conversation, so over time we tend to forget them. Unless you’re a writer, those words will just gather dust. With this app, you’ll be breaking out all those unused words! Word Breaker isn’t just one game; it’s all your favorite games rolled into one! Play Scrabble, Words with Friends, Jamble, Upwords, Wordsmith, Wordstone,Words by Post, Crossword Puzzles and more! If you remember a word but you don’t remember exactly what it means, Word Breaker also comes with in-app word definitions and if you’re trying to beat the clock, your word searches will be conducted at lightning speed. Next to each word you search, you’ll see just how much that word is worth so you can plot for your ultimate attack. If you use words regularly, not only will you be able to remember them better but you’ll also be adding new words to your vocabulary. Click here to download.
Visual Memory
Packed with 25 levels, is your visual memory up to the challenge? Like it says on the tin, Visual Memory is geared to do just that. It starts off slow and easy but as you progress, the game’s difficulty increases. Level 1 starts harmlessly enough. You have three seconds to touch the new ball. Against a black background, a stark white circle stands out and all on its lonesome. The moment you touch the ball, you are presented with level 2. A second white circle appears and that should be what you’re touching. On level 3, a third ball appears, on level 4, a fourth one until you find yourself both racing through the levels and struggling to remember which ball is the new one. If you make a mistake, the white circle you tap turns red and you lose the game. Visual Memory is simple, straight forward and loads of fun. Better keep those eyes open and be as attentive as possible. Click here to download.
Improve Your Memory
Compared to the apps we’ve featured already, Improve Your Memory isn’t a game. Instead, it’s an e-book. Improve Your Memory gives you tips and pointers to make the most out of your memory. You’ll be taught how to use memory functions and 3 little known but simple ways to boost your brain with diet. Improve Your Memory also gives you steps to prevent memory loss and the three things you should not do when you attempt to sharpen your mind. With 6 bullet-proof strategies to improve your memory through mnemonics and other techniques as well as how-to’s on acing an exam, how often to practice memorization and how to beat absentmindedness, Improve Your Memory makes sure that you won’t be dull or slow. This app is helpful not just for older people who want to stay sharp, not just professionals who feel like stress is eating at their memory capacity, but also for young adults who want to build a strong and healthy mind as early as now. Click here to download the app.
Training Memory – Game
With the techniques you learned from Improve Your Memory, it’s time to jump back into games. With Training Memory – Game you and your children can increase your brain power and improve your memory. This memory game has three difficulty levels. Instead of matching paired shapes, Training Memory – Game challenges you to do more complicated things such as clicking on numbers in ascending order. The catch is that after a few seconds, the numbers disappear. Try to remember those numbers in order as try to complete each level. As you progress through each level, more numbers appear. You won’t just be memorizing, you’ll also be exercising your mathematical and organizational skills. Training Memory – Game is suitable for players of all ages, from your children with a grasp of numbers and math to your grandparents who want new and more challenging ways to pass the time. Take Training Memory – Game with you and you won’t only keep your retention skills sharp but also your math skills. Click here to download.
Four Powerful Memory Techniques
If you’re still looking for ways to improve your memory, here’s another app geared for that. Promising to boost your memory in only 15 minutes, these 4 Powerful Memory Techniques also includes the world’s first online Memory Gymnasium to test just how improved your memory has gotten. Developed by Australian Memory Champion Tansen Ali, memorizer of the Yellow Pages Phone Directory, you’ll learn how to retain large bodies of information. You won’t just be remembering things in the order you learned them but randomly. You’ll be able to improve your concentration and increase creativity. Swipe from right to left to turn the ebook’s pages. Kick memory loss to the curb using this app. Using 4 Powerful Memory Techniques, you can also watch videos for a better understanding of the techniques you’re learning. When you feel ready, the online memory gymnasium is a good place to test what you’ve learned. Start improving your memory with these techniques. 4 Powerful Memory Techniques is available for free – click here to download.
Crystal Memory
Yet another memory game, you ask? Why yes, but you could also say this game is the hardest in the bunch. In Fruits Memory Game, you had distinctively shaped fruits. In Memory Smiles, you had differently colored smileys with their unique ways of smiling. The objects in Crystal Memory are literally crystals with only their colors to tell them apart. That means that your mind will have to work harder to find differences between the crystals. Each crystal is rendered in a color that’s easy on the eyes so you’ll have to use them as markers to complete the game. If you want to spice things up, Crystal Memory lets you choose a theme that you like. Pick icons for the Weather, Christmas, Harry Potter, Jazz instruments, Food, Heart flags, bugs and, of course, the ever classic fruits. You and your kids will have fun playing with Crystal Memory. Click here to download this app for your Android device today!
People once took photographs so they could capture a moment for themselves and keep it forever. Then digital cameras and cellphones turned photos into something more ephemeral and more easily shared. But as Anthony Weiner learned, photos that are shared but are not meant to last, sometimes stick around.
Mr. Weiner’s downfall does not seem to have discouraged people from sharing risqué photos. According to a study by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project that is due out later this year, 6 percent of adult Americans admit to having sent a “sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude photo or video” using a cellphone. Another 15 percent have received such material. Three percent of teenagers admit to sending sexually explicit content.
All of this sexting, as the practice is known, creates an opening for technology that might make the photos less likely to end up in wide circulation.
This is where a free and increasingly popular iPhone app called Snapchat comes in. Snapchat allows a person to take and send a picture and control how long it is visible by the person who receives it, up to 10 seconds. After that, the picture disappears and can’t be seen again. If the person viewing the picture tries to use an iPhone feature that captures an image of whatever is on the screen, the sender is notified.
AirPort Utility lets you manage your Wi-Fi network and AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule — right from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. See a graphical overview of your Wi-Fi network and devices. Change base station and network settings, or manage advanced features such as security modes, wireless channels, and more.
AirPort Utility works with all Apple 802.11n Wi-Fi base stations, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule.
• See a graphical overview of your Wi-Fi network
• Get information about your connected Wi-Fi devices
• View and change network and Wi-Fi settings
• Restart or restore a base station, or update the firmware on a base station when available
• View or update passwords for your network, base stations, or disks
• Easily access network information such as IP address, DNS servers, and router addresses
• Manage DHCP reservations and port mappings
• View status or error messages for your base stations
Every month there’s a host of new apps for smartphones on every platform. Today we take a look at three apps perfect for parents.
Moby
This is a free app available for your iPhone, iPad, Android, or BlackBerry. It says it lets family members share their locations on a private map, so only other family members can see it. Parents wanting to know where their kids are can find them, and those in need of help can raise a red flag – whether it’s because of a medical problem or a flat tire. Did I mention it’s free? It is. Click here to check out their website and download the app for your device.
Evoz
Evoz is another free one, for now. It’s new to the App Store — available for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It turns your mobile device into a baby monitor that you can listen to using another Apple device. It’ll even listen for crying and send you an e-mail or text alert. The company says it works best over a Wi-Fi network. While this may not seem practical, it is free during the testing period. You might find some limited use for it. Click here to visit their website and check it out.
Capture
This is a good one for anyone but especially parents who are tired of missing those precious little moments with your kids on camera. This is called “Capture.” Instead of wasting time opening the camera app on your iPhone and then switching to video mode and hitting record, this app instantly starts recording as soon as you open it up – saving you precious seconds. This one is not free, but it’ll only set you back 99 cents. Click here to download.
These days, you’re not anybody if you don’t have an app. Now, Lowe’s is somebody. The home improvement warehouse has launched a mobile app that allows you to search for store locations, items, read reviews on products, manage your Lowe’s card, and even have some products shipped to you.
The app is packed with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a retail app, including a barcode scanner and the ability to check inventory at the stores nearest you. It even has photo galleries to help you get ideas for decorating your home, and some how-to videos to help you out once you’re home. All-in-all, it’s a very handy app.
Any of us with iOS devices love to use them as travel companions. In a sea of iPhone and iPad apps designed for travelers, we’re pointing out those that many users have found particularly useful when traveling.
1. Flight Track
FlightTrack is a fantastic app for air travelers hoping to keep up with the latest flight information including departure, arrival, and connection time. The app is particularly useful for those who want up to the minute gate information, as well as weather and delay information for departure, connection, and arrival airports. Prior to a trip, the user can program all of the flight segments into FlightTrack, and the app will automatically send push notifications of any changes in real time. The app is available from the App Store in two flavors: standard for $4.99 (click here to download), and pro for $9.99 (click here to download).
2. WindowSeat
Many travelers enjoy the ability to track their flight’s progress during flight. While more and more airlines are adding in-flight WiFi, the majority of airliners remain without connectivity while in the air. An app called WindowSeat will allow you to do just that and more, all without internet or GPS usage on the plane. The traveler programs in their flight while on the ground, and WindowSeat downloads flight data from the internet. Then when the flight takes off, WindowSeat provides real-time data as to where the plane is based on time and the pilot’s pre-planned flight path. The app features mapping of the plane’s course, as well as detailed information about landmarks and sights the plane flies over. Click here to download from the App Store.
3. SayHi Translate
Have you ever been to a country where you don’t speak the native language and wished you could communicate with the locals? Now there is a solution: SayHi Translate for iOS. While there are many speech and text translators out there on the internet, we have not seen any others as simple to use and as accurate as SayHi Translate. With 24 languages presently supported, SayHi will not only listen in for the languages, but then translate them to English (or whichever language you specify). Other apps will allow you to speak English into it and then translate to voice in other languages, this app is unique because it can allow for a fluid conversation since it listens for other languages as well as translates to other languages. The one caveat we feel important to disclose is that it requires an active internet connection, so make sure when traveling there is an active internet connection via cellular or WiFi data. Additionally the app allows for manual keyed text entry if you want to translate a sign or text. The app is currently on sale in the App Store for 99 cents, regularly $2.99 – click here to download.
Xe Currency
If you’ve ever been on a trip spanning multiple countries, you know the challenge of going between currencies. It’s hard enough remembering the formula to convert US Dollars to any other currency, let alone keep up with the constantly changing rate. Xe.com has developed a free, easy to use mobile app to solve this problem. The simple, intuitive interface allows you to add numerous currencies, and select a base currency for easy conversion. Going to Thailand and want to know how much that jade elephant marked 550 Thai baht will cost you in US Dollars? Or sitting at Narita Airport in Tokyo curious how much you’re really paying for that Starbucks latte? Simply input the currencies and it will download the latest exchange rates and display the value in US Dollars, or whichever currency you chose. Xe Currency is available for free in the App Store – click here to download.
5. Kayak Mobile
Most travel booking sites have mobile sites, or mobile apps, but we’ve found that Kayak Mobile is the best app for booking hotels as well as air fare. Kayak became popular among travelers as it searches not only bargain travel websites, but actual sites of many popular airlines and hotel companies, typically producing the lowest cost rates among travel sites. Users give the app a stellar rating, and comment that it helps easily locate hotels last minute in unfamiliar areas. The app is available for free in the App Store – click here to download.
One of the great positive outcomes of technological advancement is the range of apps available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry that can truly make a difference to the quality of life of people with Learning Disabilities. Here are some fine examples.
APPLE
1. Proloquo2Go
An excellent alternative communication solution for children and adults who have difficulty speaking, Proloquo2Go utilises text-to-speech voices and symbols to enable people with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, ALS, apraxia or stroke or brain injury to communicate with teachers, carers, parents and friends. Click here to download.
2. Behavior Assessment Pro
Specially developed to be used by parents, therapists, teachers and carers by a Board Certified Analyst, this innovative app features a three part assessment questionnaire that helps assess target behaviors of individuals with behavioral problems and develop effective support for them. A useful first step toward understanding the specific support needs of a variety of conditions. Click here to download.
3. ArtikPix – Full
Devised for children with speech sound delays, this articulation app engages children through flashcards and matching activities created to help them work through forming words and sentences. The app is especially effective when used in groups with a parent, teacher or speech language pathologist. Click here to download.
4. iComm
Using both spoken and written words, this free custom built app is remarkably easy to use and yields real results by enabling children with a broad range of learning disabilities to develop their communication skills toward expressing their needs using well formed articulate speech. The app also enables your own photos to be used for a unique personalized experience. Click here to download.
5. iWriteWords
This is a wonderfully colorful simple app that helps very young children and children with slow learning disabilities learn handwriting in a fun filled fashion by tracing the letters in uppercase and lowercase on the screen. When drawn correctly the child is rewarded with cute cartoon pictures, making the app a playful and engaging learning tool. Click here to download.
6. iConverse – Assisted Communication
Designed for children and people with autism or other communicative disabilities, iConverse is an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) app that is both affordable and effective. Individuals who find it difficult to communicate verbally can use communication tiles to express their needs and wants through either visual or auditory means. Click here to download.
ANDROID
1. Voice4u
Designed to bridge the communication gap between children and adults with communication impediments and difficulties and their parents, friends, teacher and carers, Voice4u enables the wants and needs of the user to be expressed via auditory communication skills, which can be developed over time by creating new icons to express a range of expressions, thoughts and feelings. Click here to download.
2. TapToTalk
Enabling children and adults with verbal communication difficulties to develop a voice and express themselves, TapToTalk uses pictures assigned speech sounds to enable users to express themselves. Tapping the picture makes the app speak and a whole gallery of pictures with different speech sounds can be personalized to match the each user’s specific communication needs. Click here to download.
BLACKBERRY
1. Behavior Tracker Pro
Specially developed to create and support behavioral treatment plans for autistic children, Behavior Tracker Pro enables parents, teachers, therapists and carers to easily store and share behavioral data. Each autistic child’s behavioral data can be used to track and graph changes in behavior so that effective treatment can be formulated to the specific needs of the child. Click here to download.
2. Simon Says Ultra
The classic recognition and memory game is a fantastic way to engage and stimulate children and adults with a broad range of and Types of Learning Disabilities into color and sound recognition and memory development. Featuring endless levels and increasing difficulty, Simon Says Ultra is a rewarding game experience with genuine learning qualities. Click here to download.
