(Credit:
CBS Interactive)
I scout several Web sites every week for new iPhone applications to try to find what I think are the most useful (or the most fun) for everyone who reads this column. A couple of weeks ago, I featured a budgeting application that I thought had some nice features, but a user quickly pointed me in the direction of something much better.
Get a full overview of your financial status on one screen (no, that's not mine).
(Credit: CBS Interactive)Mint.com (Free) is an excellent money management tool that automatically syncs up with your accounts to help you follow a budget on your iPhone. The interface is well designed, letting you quickly navigate several accounts, track spending, and check your current status with only a few touches. You also can visit the Mint.com Web site to manage accounts and help you setup specific budgeting goals. Then you can simply check your iPhone application to stay on top of your finances. Thanks again to "drbnx" for the great tip!
As always, please continue to let me know when you have an application that's better than one I'm featuring so I can let everyone else know!
Now let's get down to this week's picks. This week's applications are both paid applications and include a fun photo-editing program and an arcade-like game that's extremely addictive.
Once your editing is finished you can choose from several different graphics to add to your images
(Credit: CBS Interactive)Photogene ($2.99) is an image editor for your iPhone that lets you make simple edits and add graphics to your images. Choose between photos you have downloaded or ones you've snapped using your iPhone and then use Photogene to add some flavor. On the editing side, you can crop, color correct, sharpen, rotate, and add effects to your images. But you also can have some fun by adding frames to your images or thought and speech balloons. There are several variations of graphics to choose from and smart tools such as the ability to move the tail of thought balloons, means making fun images is extremely easy. When you're done, simply save the image file to your iPhone.
Figure out the best strategy and formations to assault your enemies (not pictured)
(Credit: CBS Interactive)Blue Attack is easily one of the best shooters for iPhone with excellent graphics, multiple levels, and several ship upgrades. Choose between tilting your iPhone or using the touch screen as you guide your ship and wingmen to destroy enemies. Protect your mother ship as the onslaught of red enemies brings larger and larger foes for you to break down and destroy. Use credits won during your battles to buy more wingmen (more bullets) and upgrade your ship speed, maneuverability, number of guns per ship, and much more.
What makes Blue Attack! especially good, is the capability to switch between several formations with up to eight wingmen in tow. You'll quickly develop strategies for different types of foes by arranging your ships to maximize your bullet streams. The controls are difficult to get used to early, but after a few games you'll be a pro. Two game types include an arcade version with finite levels and an infinite game type, to battle wave after wave of red ships. If you can't already tell, I highly recommend this game.
What's your favorite iPhone app? What do you think of Mint.com? Do you have a better iPhone photo editor to tell me about? How far have you gotten in Blue Attack? Let me know in the comments!
(Credit:
CBS Interactive)
I hope everyone had a great holiday! Coming back after the break has been a whirlwind for all of us at CNET. With the one-two punch of Macworld here in San Francisco and the simultaneous Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we've been working around the clock to bring you the latest news and announcements from both trade shows.
I was lucky enough to walk the show floor at Macworld and although it wasn't as exciting as previous years, there was still plenty of excitement. Some highlights include software launches, third-party hardware, and--of course--Mac, iPod, and iPhone accessories. Overall, Macworld was as crowded as ever with many vendors excited for the future of Apple, but some were wondering what the future will hold for the show now that the company will no longer be participating. I guess we'll have to wait until next year (the dates are already reserved for 2010), but it's a shame that the main reason for the show will no longer be in attendance.
I've added many apps to my iPhone over the past few weeks to pass the time during holiday travel, and--judging from many companies at Macworld--the new apps and games are going to keep on coming.
This week's apps include a budgeting application and a game so we can start the New Year off right by continuing to be responsible while we have fun in 2009!
Enter your transactions as you go to stay on budget.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)Squirrel helps you stick to your New Year's resolution of managing your money by helping you keep track of all your transactions on your iPhone. Simply enter your current balance and stay on top of transactions by entering new data as it happens. Squirrel gives you complete flexibility for naming your transactions and categories. What's more, you can download Squirrel for your Mac so you can keep your finances in sync on your iPhone and at home.
Navigate your Rolandos through large colorful levels with lots of moving parts
(Credit: CBS Interactive)Rolando ($9.99) was released during the holidays and may be one of the best games yet for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Featuring smooth cartoon graphics, jazzy music, and cute sound effects, this platformer challenges you to get your Rolandos safely to the exit of each level. Tilt your iPhone to get them rolling and utilize several touch-screen motions to guide your Rolandos past obstacles while you avoid baddies called Shadow Blocks. As you progress, you'll need to manage more Rolondos and use creative methods to get past sticky situations. Overall, Rolando is one of the most polished games I've seen on the iPhone and I recommend it highly for those looking for a great platform-type game.
What are your favorite apps? Does Squirrel have enough features for your budgeting needs? Got any good games for me to check out? Let me know in the comments!
- prev
- 1
- next
