Freefall puts the wonders of satellite exploration at your fingertips, simulating the flight path of more than 650 actual satellites, Global Positioning Systems, GOES, NOAA and other unclassified orbiters used by amateur radio stations, weather services, search and rescue teams and more. Rich with simulated space views of earth and its orbiters, Freefall is a stand-alone satellite discovery and exploration application that utilizes the power of Mac OS X to seamlessly transition from one perspective to another, soaring over the continents and oceans of the world, using political and coastline data from the United Nations and earth imagery from NASA. The 3-D viewer interacts directly with the simulator, letting you control dozens of preferences and perspectives. Create and save your own unique simulation experiences or choose from one of 8 built-in simulations, then save your journey as a screensaver. Turn any geographic location into a ground link, watch satellites fly by each location. Choose from a database of over 28,000 cities or define your own using latitude and longitude. See detailed information about each satellite including altitude, speed, coordinates, launch data, and mission background. All satellite data can be automatically updated daily via the Internet.
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I have the free .Mac version of freefall. I was going to go buy the full version for $20 when I realized it was $29! $29 for a screen saver that does one thing.
OK, So I'll look and see what I get for the upgrade. Hmmm, there is no place that tells me what I get over and above my current version for $29.
Personally, I can think of a lot of things that are more deserving of my $29. Not that I don't like the software, it works great.
I can see a boxed version for $29, but the download version should be $20 and IMHO if you already have the .Mac version they should be giving the download version for even less.
I am going to rate the features as Neutral as I don't really know what I can do on the full version.
wow!
titanium9
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This program is an eye opener. I love this program's 1000x speed simulation because it really explains how things are moving in a way that you couldn't get in real time. The rapid transitions to different perspectives is smooth and adds to the situational awareness. I feel somehow expanded to have experienced this application - not unlike how people probably felt to see photographs from space and the moon for the first time. Perspective is what this application provides... and how!
Would be better if it were accurate
eggzakt
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The first reviewer mentioned the same thing that was bothering me. Heavens Above's website IS accurate. Freefall is NOT. I've used Heavens Above for years to observe Iridium satellite flares - something which requires your exact coordinates and an accurate watch. It would be nice to see the satellite coming in "real time". Too bad I can't use Freefall for this. I guess most people just want a cool screen saver. It is cool, but I was hoping for more than that.
Fantastic and fun
hihagen
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This application gives one of the greatest experiences on the mac platform. Brows the surface of the earth and see the positions of a hole bunch of satellites. What I like the most is how you are getting a feeling of control over what is happening near to our dearest planet. It gives you an understanding of what is going on. And for a prize like this. 100% fantastic ...
great app, best screen saver
glennarbor
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I was wondering why this hadn't shown up on version tracker as it was released about a month ago. This is a great program and the best screen saver I've ever had. Several people who have walked in and seen it running in screen saver mode were just astounded at how cool it looks. You can make your own "voyages" and save them. Numerous options to tweek and toy with.
