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Reviews, Recommendations and News
Monday, October 3, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Discogs: Catalog your CD and Vinyl collections from your Device
Do you want to organize your CD and Vinyl music collections? Are you interested in finding new places to purchase that album you have always wanted. If that is the case, Discogs is the app for you. Discogs mission is "to build the biggest and most comprehensive music database and marketplace"
In this app you can keep an inventory of your music collection. You can either search by title or by the UPC barcode. If your album isn't there, you can add a title to their ever growing database.
If there are albums on your wish list, Discogs lets you keep track of those titles as well. They will also send you notices when they find a place where that item is being sold.
There is also a Marketplace on the app for people to buy and sell their collections.
So if you have a sizable music collection, you might want to give Discogs a try
In this app you can keep an inventory of your music collection. You can either search by title or by the UPC barcode. If your album isn't there, you can add a title to their ever growing database.
If there are albums on your wish list, Discogs lets you keep track of those titles as well. They will also send you notices when they find a place where that item is being sold.
There is also a Marketplace on the app for people to buy and sell their collections.
So if you have a sizable music collection, you might want to give Discogs a try
- Name of App: Discogs
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: IOS and Android
- What the App does and why we recommend it: The app allows you organize titles in your music collection, keep track of titles you wish to purchase and allows users to buy and sell cds and vinyl.
- What Platform we used to recommend the app: Android
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Tunity: Listen to a Muted TV from Your Smart Phone
Have you ever been in a restaurant with a TV playing and something you really want to hear comes on, but you either can't hear the TV from where you are sitting, or it is muted? Well, we've got just the app for you! Tunity will allow you to hear any live TV playing around you through the speakers on your phone or through headphones. Now you don't have to miss whatever the local news station is covering--just tune in on your phone. The app will request access to your camera on your phone to locate the channel, and this only works on live TV not recordings. Still now you don't have to miss out on the news you want to hear.
- Name of App: Tunity
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app will allow you to listen to a muted TV near you.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Marco Polo Video Walkie Talkie
If you’re always playing phone tag or being Face Timed at
the worst time, the Marco Polo app is just for you! Marco Polo is a video
walkie talkie that works on your time. You can start chatting with your friends
now and they can respond right away or later when it’s more convenient. All the
video chats are saved so there is never a rush to view.
The app is so easy to use even your children can
participate. You simply tap a button and start recording. You can set up groups
or chat with individuals. This app is a great way for families and friends to
stay in touch no matter where they live. You can talk as long as you want and
customize your video chats with a wide assortment of filters such as “movie
star” or “nighttime”. Marco Polo helps staying in touch fun and personal.
Name of App: Marco Polo Video Walkie Talkie
Audience: Everyone
What the app does and why we recommend it: Allows you to stay in touch with family and friends in a fun and personal way
What platform we used to recommend it: iOS
Cost (at time of review): Free
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Rio 2016 Mobile App -- Keep up with the Olympics
The Olympics is in full swing. If you are like me, you don't have time to keep up with all the different events going on. Well the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just the app to help. The Rio 2016 app lets the user keep track of how their favorite country or athlete is doing. The user can search by sport, athletes or country. They also have a nice section of photos and videos. So if you have the desire to find out the badminton results, give the Rio 2016 app a try
Name of App: Rio 2016 Olympics App
Audience: Everyone
Platform: iOS and Android
What the app does and why we recommend it: The app gives the user results of the Rio 2016 Summer games
What platform we used to recommend it: Android
Cost (at time of review): Free
Monday, August 1, 2016
Searching for a Way to Block Unwanted Spam and Robo Calls: TrueCaller
If you have a phone, you are no stranger to robo and spam calls. Towards the end of June things were getting so bad that I was having up to three calls a day. It was frustrating because I couldn't always tell the difference between valid, important calls, and the spam because some of them came from my own area code. Day by day it was getting worse. Finally, after three long weeks of this, I began to research my options.
First and foremost, if you are receiving a large number of spam and robo calls I recommend making sure that you are on the Do Not Call registry. There are actually two of these, state and national, I recommend covering your bases and registering for both. To register, or check your registration simply go online to these websites:
Keep in mind that these will not stop all calls. Many of the calls we get these days are from scammers, and since they are already breaking the law, the Do Not Call registries will not stop them. In the past I have tried blocking the scammers using the blocking options on my phone, but since they use so many different numbers it was impossible to block them all. So that's when I started looking for a technical solution--an app. I researched a number of websites and the one the experts seemed to like best was TrueCaller, so I thought I would give it a try.
TrueCaller is supposed to identify spam when you get an incoming call and uses your contact list to filter out your friends and contacts. In a perfect world this would have been a perfect solution, but unfortunately it wasn't. My first call TrueCaller identified as spam was actually from my doctor's office, and trying to get TrueCaller to accept it as a legitimate contact after someone else has said it was spam was next to impossible. I actually had a couple of Spam calls come through that weren't identified, so I marked them as spam with TrueCaller. Overall, it has faults, and I wish it were easier to switch calls from Spam to legit, especially in the case of my doctor. I am no expert on how the program works, but it seems to take input from all the users--if one user identifies a call as spam, it is that for all users. Still, with very little options out there for stopping those calls, this is definitely worth a try. Just remember, you may want to accept some of those Spam calls--especially if they have a local area code because they might be a call you are waiting for.
First and foremost, if you are receiving a large number of spam and robo calls I recommend making sure that you are on the Do Not Call registry. There are actually two of these, state and national, I recommend covering your bases and registering for both. To register, or check your registration simply go online to these websites:
- National Do Not Call Registry: This website will give you more details about the Do Not Call Registry, what is included, what the exceptions are, and what to do if you receive unwanted calls.
- Indiana Do Not Call Registry: This website will allow you to register for Indiana's Do Not Call Registry.
Keep in mind that these will not stop all calls. Many of the calls we get these days are from scammers, and since they are already breaking the law, the Do Not Call registries will not stop them. In the past I have tried blocking the scammers using the blocking options on my phone, but since they use so many different numbers it was impossible to block them all. So that's when I started looking for a technical solution--an app. I researched a number of websites and the one the experts seemed to like best was TrueCaller, so I thought I would give it a try.
TrueCaller is supposed to identify spam when you get an incoming call and uses your contact list to filter out your friends and contacts. In a perfect world this would have been a perfect solution, but unfortunately it wasn't. My first call TrueCaller identified as spam was actually from my doctor's office, and trying to get TrueCaller to accept it as a legitimate contact after someone else has said it was spam was next to impossible. I actually had a couple of Spam calls come through that weren't identified, so I marked them as spam with TrueCaller. Overall, it has faults, and I wish it were easier to switch calls from Spam to legit, especially in the case of my doctor. I am no expert on how the program works, but it seems to take input from all the users--if one user identifies a call as spam, it is that for all users. Still, with very little options out there for stopping those calls, this is definitely worth a try. Just remember, you may want to accept some of those Spam calls--especially if they have a local area code because they might be a call you are waiting for.
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| TrueCaller |
- Name of App: TrueCaller
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app will allow you attempt to identify spam calls, but keep in mind it is not perfect.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
BRAINSCAPE
While out
shopping for school supplies this year, don’t forget to look into getting the
best apps to make this school year the best one yet. Brainscape is a must have
app for every student. With Brainscape you can find, create and share thousands
of smart flashcards covering almost any topic.
Brainscape uses three sources for creating its flashcards—Educational experts,
students and you! Top experts in the field lend their expertise to ready-made
flash cards in fields such as Foreign Languages, SAT prep, and AP exams. You
can also browse for flashcards from over a million subjects created by other
students and teachers. Finally you can create and customize your own set of
flashcards for any subject you want. You can also share your creations with other
students!
Brainscape works by personalizing the timing between different cards. You rate how well you know a subject and the app creates a unique pace that is ideal for each individual user. Brainscape boasts that they offer "flashcards on steroids." With data from over 800 academic studies backing them up, Brainscape is a must have for all students. Click hereto read for yourself.
Brainscape works by personalizing the timing between different cards. You rate how well you know a subject and the app creates a unique pace that is ideal for each individual user. Brainscape boasts that they offer "flashcards on steroids." With data from over 800 academic studies backing them up, Brainscape is a must have for all students. Click hereto read for yourself.
- Name of App: BRAINSCAPE
- Audience: All ages
- Platform: iOS
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: This app gives students access to over a million ready-made flash cards and the ability to create their own in order to learn quicker and more efficiently.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Charity Miles: Give Back While You Get Fit
Getting fit is becoming a national phenomenon. Everywhere you turn newspapers, magazines, TV and the internet are telling us all the benefits of getting fit. Even though we know it is good for us, many lack the motivation to start their fitness journey. Charity Miles is an app that can help you with that. For every mile you bike or walk/run Charity Miles makes a donation (10 cents per mile you outdoor bike and 25 cents per mile you walk/run) to the charity of your choice. There are several charities to choose from including Stand Up to Cancer, The Alzheimer's Association and Autism Speaks.
Name of App: Charity Miles
Audience: Adult and Teen
Platform: iOS and Android
What the App does and why we recommend it: The app tracks your activity and gives a donation to a charity of your choice giving you extra motivation to work out.
Cost (at time of the review) : Free
The app is very easy to use. You set up a profile, select your charity, start the app and off you go. The app keeps record of how far you go and will also let you set up "reminders" to let you know when it is time to work out. This app also allows you to Tweet or put a post on Facebook regarding your progress. So give your workout a purpose and download Charity Miles.
Name of App: Charity Miles
Audience: Adult and Teen
Platform: iOS and Android
What the App does and why we recommend it: The app tracks your activity and gives a donation to a charity of your choice giving you extra motivation to work out.
Cost (at time of the review) : Free
Friday, July 1, 2016
Goodreads App: An App for Readers on the Go
Sometimes keeping track of your reading can be challenging, especially if you are an avid reader. I see many people come into the library with notebooks where they keep their lists of books that they want to read or have read. There is another option for those of you who would rather keep that information with you wherever you go--after all you never know when you will be popping into the library or a bookstore.
Goodreads.com is a website I use to track all the books I have read. With Goodreads, I can track my reading, keep a list of the books I want to read, and even add shelves to organize books based on genre. I can even rate and review books on the website so I can remember what I thought about the book when I first read it. Goodreads.com is also a social site, so you can make friends, follow other reader's reviews, follow authors, and just keep adding to your lists of books.
Goodreads.com also has a free app. While the app isn't my favorite place to write reviews (I personally prefer typing reviews on a full keyboard rather than a touch screen), it is a great place to keep track of the books you have read, look up books, and scan books to add to your shelves. For instance, let's say you are visiting a bookstore while on vacation and see a book you would like to borrow from the library, but are afraid you will forget it when you get back. You can open the Goodreads.com app and scan the book using the scan feature in the app, or just look it up using the search function. You can then just add it to your "To Be Read" shelf and look it up again when you get back to your library. The app can also help you remember if you have read a book or not. If you add all your read books to Goodreads.com you can search for the book, or search your "Read" bookshelf for the book to see if you rated or reviewed it.
I use Goodreads.com to keep track of all of my books. The app is a great resource you can take with you on the go.
Goodreads.com is a website I use to track all the books I have read. With Goodreads, I can track my reading, keep a list of the books I want to read, and even add shelves to organize books based on genre. I can even rate and review books on the website so I can remember what I thought about the book when I first read it. Goodreads.com is also a social site, so you can make friends, follow other reader's reviews, follow authors, and just keep adding to your lists of books.
Goodreads.com also has a free app. While the app isn't my favorite place to write reviews (I personally prefer typing reviews on a full keyboard rather than a touch screen), it is a great place to keep track of the books you have read, look up books, and scan books to add to your shelves. For instance, let's say you are visiting a bookstore while on vacation and see a book you would like to borrow from the library, but are afraid you will forget it when you get back. You can open the Goodreads.com app and scan the book using the scan feature in the app, or just look it up using the search function. You can then just add it to your "To Be Read" shelf and look it up again when you get back to your library. The app can also help you remember if you have read a book or not. If you add all your read books to Goodreads.com you can search for the book, or search your "Read" bookshelf for the book to see if you rated or reviewed it.
I use Goodreads.com to keep track of all of my books. The app is a great resource you can take with you on the go.
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Goodreads App
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Monday, June 20, 2016
Vroom
It's no secret
that the first five years of a child's life are the most meaningful when if
comes to brain development. Daily Vroom activities help parents and caregivers
nurture their children’s growing minds during these earliest years. Daily Vroomturns everyday moments into brain building moments! Vroom activities differ
from other app based learning activities because it takes the focus off the
device and places it on the world around them.
Daily Vroom is available in
English and Spanish.
Vroom allows you to create a daily, personalized
activity for you and your child. Each tip is paired with a science-based Brainy
Background explaining how the activity supports your child’s brain development.
Whether it’s counting cars at the bus stop, learning about textures at the
grocery store, or talking about shapes during snacktime, Daily Vroom offers
imaginative ways to make the most of your family’s everyday routines.
Vroom offers activities from more than 16 categories
to encourage brain building interactions no matter where you are or what you’re
doing, and you can receive age appropriate tips for multiple children. It is also available in English and Spanish
- Name of App: Vroom
- Audience: Children and their caregivers
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: Encourages brain development in everyday, routine activities
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Friday, June 10, 2016
Stitcher - Your place for podcasts
Podcasts, audio files available on the internet that can be downloaded to your computer or mobile device, are becoming extremely popular. According to the website Statista, in 2015 17% of the population had listened to a podcast and from January to March 2016, that figure had jumped to 21%. http://www.statista.com/statistics/270365/audio-podcast-consumption-in-the-us/
If you are an avid podcast listener or would like to try one out, why not try the Stitcher app. Stitcher allows the user access 40,000+ podcasts and radio shows via their mobile devices. Topics range from News and Politics, Education, Games and Hobbies, Science and Medicine, Entertainment, Technology and others. You mark your favorite podcasts for easy access. Stitcher will also give you suggestions on podcasts you might like to try.
If you are an avid podcast listener or would like to try one out, why not try the Stitcher app. Stitcher allows the user access 40,000+ podcasts and radio shows via their mobile devices. Topics range from News and Politics, Education, Games and Hobbies, Science and Medicine, Entertainment, Technology and others. You mark your favorite podcasts for easy access. Stitcher will also give you suggestions on podcasts you might like to try.
- Name of App: Stitcher
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: This app allows user to listen to podcasts that might be of interest to them
- What platform we used to recommend the app: Android
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
My Library Rewards: Sign Up, Earn Points, and Get Rewarded
Get rewarded for using the library! The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library has recently added a new program that will reward you for checking out materials. How does it work?
- Visit any KHCPL location.
- Check out some items and earn points for the items you check out.
- Sign up for My Library Rewards at MyLibraryRewards.com.
Once you fill out the registration it will add your points from your recent visit and you are ready to start earning some rewards. Scroll through the many different offers available to you on the website, or download the app to take My Library Rewards with you on the go. With the app you can review your points, scroll through offers, and even redeem your points.
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| My Library Rewards |
- Name of App: My Library Rewards
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app will allow you to track the points you earn by checking out items from the library and will help you redeem those points for discounts at local businesses.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free
Friday, May 20, 2016
Brain Quest
Keep your child’s brain active this summer with this
fun app from the makers of the popular Brain
Quest card game. Brain Quest is a relatively challenging curriculum disguised as a
quiz-show-like trivia game. It never feels like homework! Questions are given
in a variety of formats such as multiple choice, true or false, fill in the
blank, and more. This forces kids to think in different ways and work different
parts of their brains. There is a unique app available for each elementary
grade.
- Name of App: Brain Quest
- Audience: Children
- Platform: iOS
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: Allows children to learn in a fun and exciting way that feels like a game not homework
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): $2.99
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Verizon IndyCar Series App
The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 will be held Sunday, May 29, 2016. You can keep track of the race and other IndyCar races by downloading the Verizon IndyCar Series app. Among the things this app lets you keep track of are: real-time leader board with running order, optional on-device alerts when IndyCar races starts and for breaking news, and current track conditions. You can also select your favorite driver to keep track of them. Verizon Wireless customers can get some exclusive content which includes live in-car video streaming for select drivers during Indy Car races and live INDYCAR radio broadcast audio streaming during all track activities.
May can be a very busy month. Let the Verizon IndyCar Series app help you keep track of what's going on at the track.
May can be a very busy month. Let the Verizon IndyCar Series app help you keep track of what's going on at the track.
- Name of App: Verizon IndyCar Series App
- Audience: Teen and Adult
- Platform: iOS and Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: App allows user to keep track of IndyCar races during the IndyCar racing season.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: Android
- Cost (at time of review): Free with enhanced features for Verizon Wireless customers.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Diptic: Turn Your Pictures Into a Collage
Ever wonder how your friends and family make those great collages they share on Facebook and Instagram? One way may be by using Diptic, a photo collage app that you can purchase on your device. Diptic is easy to use even for the beginner, and offers many different styles of collages. You can even add text. Below are two of their "Fancy" layouts, but you can choose from many different options.
Diptic is easy and fun to use, so start adding your own collages today and share them on your favorite social media platforms!
Diptic is easy and fun to use, so start adding your own collages today and share them on your favorite social media platforms!
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| Diptic |
- Name of App: Diptic
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app will allow you to create collages for pictures taken on your electronic device.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
SpinArt Free
With an overwhelming number of apps out there, I was having a hard time deciding what to review this week. So I went to my favorite source-my 8 year old daughter. I asked her what her favorite app on her school Ipad was. Without hesitation she says SpinArt. So we sat down and played!
SpinArt Free takes our favorite messy craft and transforms it into a fun, on-the-go artistic challenge. To use you set your spin speed, select your paint colors, and watch as your masterpiece is created right in front of your eyes.
SpinArt Free is an ad-supported version of SpinArt so many features are reduced and you have ads to deal with, BUT it's FREE!! If you are not satisfies with what the free version offers, the full version is available for $1.99. the full version offers more color choices and backgrounds.
- Name of App: SpinArt Free
- Audience: Everyone
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: Takes the fun of painting any where you go with out the mess.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free; full version $1.99
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Goodbudget: Budget with a Why
Money Smart Week is April 23 - 30 this year. This is a public awareness campaign started by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to help people better manage their finances.
A lot of financial experts recommend what is called the envelope system of budgeting. This is essentially placing a certain amount of money in an envelope for a certain item and throughout the month you only use the money in that envelope.
If you would like to try this, but don't want to mess with actual envelopes you can try the Goodbudget app. This lets you set up envelopes for your budget on your mobile device. You get 10 envelopes for free and can set up more for additional purchases. After you set up your envelopes, you can then track your purchases out of that envelope. You can sync and share your budget with other members of your household. Goodbudget also has a report feature that shows how your spending is going. Goodbudget is also accessible on their website https://goodbudget.com/
So if you are inspired to better control your finances, you might give Goodbudget a try.
If you are interested in participating in any of KHCPL's Money Smart Week events, visit the library's website at www.kchpl.org.
A lot of financial experts recommend what is called the envelope system of budgeting. This is essentially placing a certain amount of money in an envelope for a certain item and throughout the month you only use the money in that envelope.
If you would like to try this, but don't want to mess with actual envelopes you can try the Goodbudget app. This lets you set up envelopes for your budget on your mobile device. You get 10 envelopes for free and can set up more for additional purchases. After you set up your envelopes, you can then track your purchases out of that envelope. You can sync and share your budget with other members of your household. Goodbudget also has a report feature that shows how your spending is going. Goodbudget is also accessible on their website https://goodbudget.com/
So if you are inspired to better control your finances, you might give Goodbudget a try.
- Name of App: Goodbudget
- Audience: Adult
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: This app allows the patron to do the envelop budgeting system on their mobile device.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: Android
- Cost (at time of review): Free, with additional envelopes available for additional cost.
If you are interested in participating in any of KHCPL's Money Smart Week events, visit the library's website at www.kchpl.org.
Friday, April 1, 2016
SoundHound: Identify Songs and Lyrics with Your Device
Have you ever heard a song that sounds familiar, but you can't remember the name of the song or who sings it? SoundHound will help you track down those elusive tunes. SoundHound can identify and locate the music being played around you. It will even provide you with the lyrics to the song and take you to the song in either the Google Play store or iTunes. Title, artist, lyrics, and a chance to purchase your favorite music--all by letting SoundHound listen in.
When you hear a tune you would like to identify or see the lyrics to, simply open SoundHound, tap the SoundHound icon so that is says it is "Listening" and then let it come up with the list of possible songs. It will need access to your microphone to work, so don't forget to give it access the first time you use the app.
When you hear a tune you would like to identify or see the lyrics to, simply open SoundHound, tap the SoundHound icon so that is says it is "Listening" and then let it come up with the list of possible songs. It will need access to your microphone to work, so don't forget to give it access the first time you use the app.
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| SoundHound |
- Name of App: SoundHound
- Audience: Adult and Teen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app helps you identify and locate the music playing nearby.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free, if you choose to purchase a song from Google Play or iTunes, you do have to pay for those songs, but this app is currently free.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Monument Valley
I’m not one to typically play games on my devices, but
a few weeks ago this game was brought to my attention by my 7 year old who
needed help. Within minutes I was hooked.
Monument Valley (Apple Game of the Year 2014) is a beautiful puzzle game full of optical illusions, palaces, and temples from around the world. Every level is a unique, hand-crafted world that you must explore to help Princess Ida outsmart the Crow People. You manipulate the architecture by twisting, dragging and reshaping the layout to help Ida find her way through.
I love this game
because you have to use critical thinking skills. You have to plan your moves
ahead. Every action you take effects another part of the architecture,
sometimes in a good way, sometimes not!
After the game is
completed, two more games are opened up for you for more adventures with
Princess Ida—Forgottten Shores and Ida’s Dream. We played on a KindleFire and
everything was free with AmazonUnderground including the additional games. However, Apple does not offer a
free version.
Name of App:
Monument Valley
Audience:
Everyone
What the App does
and why we recommend it: A fun, beautiful game that requires critical thinking
What platform we
used to recommend the app: Android
Cost (at time of
review): iOS-$3.99; Android-free with AmazonUnderground or $3.99
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Guides by Lonely Planet
Many people like to travel. But it can be cumbersome carrying around travel guides to the city of your choice. Lonely Planet, one of the leading publishers of travel guides, has an app for you.
Guides by Lonely Planet gives you access to guides for major U.S. cities and cities around the world.
You can find information regarding hotels, restaurants, sites to see, and places to shop. It has a nice bookmark feature so you can save the places that interest you. They also make suggestions of other things you might like to see.
One of the best features of this app is you can access the maps offline. Once you have downloaded the guide you want, no Wi-Fi is required.
So on your next trip, save some time and space in your suit case and try Guides by Lonely Planet
Guides by Lonely Planet gives you access to guides for major U.S. cities and cities around the world.
You can find information regarding hotels, restaurants, sites to see, and places to shop. It has a nice bookmark feature so you can save the places that interest you. They also make suggestions of other things you might like to see.
One of the best features of this app is you can access the maps offline. Once you have downloaded the guide you want, no Wi-Fi is required.
So on your next trip, save some time and space in your suit case and try Guides by Lonely Planet
Name of App: Guides by Lonely Planet
Audience: Everyone
Platform: IOS, Android
What the App does and why we recommend it: It gives the user mobile access to travel guides from cities around the world.
What platform we used to recommend the app: Android
Cost (at time of review): Free
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Get the Most Out of Your Photos with PS Express
These days you have many choices when it comes to selecting a photo app. In our last post we highlighted the Relight app. We thought you might want to look at another photo correcting app option.
With Spring Break and summer approaching it's time to make sure you are ready to take some photos. Many people have cameras on their phones, which makes it so much easier to take pictures wherever you go. But do you ever have trouble getting them to turn out right? Sometimes poor lighting and distance can really turn those picture perfect moments into picture disasters.
PS Express (Photoshop Express) can help you with that. With tons of features this app can take your photos from blah to wow in just a few seconds. Photos too dark? Lighten them. Photos too blurry? Sharpen them. A person popping up in your picture where they shouldn't be? Remove them! (Note: Removing people from photos really only works at a distance. If it is a close up--it would look really odd.)
Notice the difference PS Express can make in the photos below, the photos on the left are the originals and the ones on the right were doctored with PS Express.
With Spring Break and summer approaching it's time to make sure you are ready to take some photos. Many people have cameras on their phones, which makes it so much easier to take pictures wherever you go. But do you ever have trouble getting them to turn out right? Sometimes poor lighting and distance can really turn those picture perfect moments into picture disasters.
PS Express (Photoshop Express) can help you with that. With tons of features this app can take your photos from blah to wow in just a few seconds. Photos too dark? Lighten them. Photos too blurry? Sharpen them. A person popping up in your picture where they shouldn't be? Remove them! (Note: Removing people from photos really only works at a distance. If it is a close up--it would look really odd.)
Notice the difference PS Express can make in the photos below, the photos on the left are the originals and the ones on the right were doctored with PS Express.
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| PS Express for iOS |
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| PS Express for Android |
- Name of App: PS Express
- Audience: All
- Platform: iOS, Android
- What the App Does and why we recommend it: The app helps modify and fix your pictures after they are on your camera roll.
- What platform we used to recommend the app: iOS
- Cost (at time of review): Free, there are some in app purchases if you want premium features, but I have done just fine with the basics.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Relight-Better Photos
No matter
how good your phone’s camera is, it never quit captures the photo you want. The
picture is too dark or it is just a little blurry. With the Relight app you can actually get pictures closer to what you actually see.
• Enhance -
Improve lighting, contrast, and color to give your photos a more natural to the eye look
• Low Light - Improve dim lighting and correct exposure problems
• Artistic - Add creative HDR effects to your photos
• Clarity - Bring out details and enhance local contrast to make your photos stand out
• Sky - Enhance contrast in the sky to create a distinct look
• Dramatic - Heighten the emotion of your photos with bold lighting
• Overexposure - Improve washed out and overexposed photos
• Fog - Reduce fog and haze to bring life to otherwise dull photos
• Low Light - Improve dim lighting and correct exposure problems
• Artistic - Add creative HDR effects to your photos
• Clarity - Bring out details and enhance local contrast to make your photos stand out
• Sky - Enhance contrast in the sky to create a distinct look
• Dramatic - Heighten the emotion of your photos with bold lighting
• Overexposure - Improve washed out and overexposed photos
• Fog - Reduce fog and haze to bring life to otherwise dull photos
With all the photo enhancing apps
out there, what sets this one apart? I like this app best for two reasons. One
is its simplicity. After you download the app, you are given a quick,
step-by-step tutorial that explains everything. You don’t have to be a photographer
or artist to understand or operate the app. Secondly, it actually enhances your
pictures without making them appear cartoonish.
Name of App: Relight
Audience: Adult
Platform: iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
running iOS 8.1 or higher
What the app does and
why we recommend it: Enhances photos so they appear more like what the eye sees
Platform used to
recommend: iPhone
Cost: $1.99
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