Weekly App Store Picks: June 6, 2009
The week may be drawing to a close, but here at TheAppleBlog we’ve got an array of apps to get your through the weekend.
As ever, I’ve got four notable new iPhone releases from the App Store to tell you about. Before we jump into the apps, though, let’s take a look at the week that was with a quick news roundup.
The week kicked off with a bit of a downer as news broke that Apple will be charging for re-downloading premium apps that you’ve already purchased for iPhone. It’s not a big deal — it seems downloading via iTunes will still be free — but it’ll be an inconvenience to users who are prone to deleting and re-downloading apps while on the go.
Next up, Microsoft is well and truly on the warpath with its forthcoming Zune HD, and what’s more, it’s gunning for the iPod touch. The new device will have a touchscreen, web browser, Wi-Fi, HD radio and, I think, looks rather scrummy. Delicious-looking it may be, but I still don’t know if that makes it a true contender.
Our own Henry Balanon stepped up to the plate with a seriously impressive iPhone development resources article. He managed to squeeze in 43 different links to various resources around the ‘net. Coders should head on over to the article and bookmark it immediately; it’ll prove useful as a reference tool.
Another new feature coming to the iPhone has been doing the rumor-rounds: Apple is integrating geo-location within Mobile Safari. Are location-aware web sites the next big thing? Setting aside Google Latitude, I’m not entirely convinced. Hit up the article for Darrel Etherington’s take on the matter.
Pipping Apple’s new devices to the post, Palm’s Pre should be hitting the shelves today. Owners of the Pre will be pleased to hear that Palm’s new devices will sync seamlessly with iTunes.
To celebrate the recent release of Dave Matthews Band Revenge for iPhone and iPod touch, I’ve got three promo codes to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, leave me a comment explaining why you’d like to play this new game.
Moving on to the picks, this week I’ve been looking at Put Things Off, Jaman Free Movie Fridays, Pocket Alan, and Terminator Salvation Lite.
Put Things Off ($2.99)
My essential iPhone tool for staying organized is Evernote, however, sometimes I seriously consider switching; especially in the case of Put Things Off — an app that packs in the functionality I need, with great visual design, too. The app allows you to focus on the tasks you need to get done on a given day, filtering everything else out of your immediate to-do list. The aesthetic strikes the right balance between satisfyingly tangible, with office-esque paper trays, and functional. My favorite feature is the auto-nag mode: putting off a task for too long moves it to your “Today tray,” forcing you to complete a given item rather than endlessly procrastinating.
Jaman Free Movie Fridays (FREE)
Never turn down a free dinner, and never turn down a free movie, either. Free food almost always tastes scrumptious, and free movies can make for unexpected fun. In the case of this app, Jaman bring you a new movie to watch every Friday. There are a few big names in there, like the complete collection of classic Superman cartoons and black-and-white spook-fest Nosferatu, however, you won’t find the latest Transformers, Terminator, or Star Trek films on the list. Most notably, though, there’s a great selection of independent full-length features, alongside new short films.
Pocket Alan (99 cents)
It’s interesting that Apple seems to have no sort of process in place for protecting the intellectual property of copyright holders. Interesting but, in this case, lucky for us, as Alan Partridge has unofficially arrived on the iPhone in the shape of a handy soundboard. Essential classics such as, “Ahaa,” and, “Jurassic Park,” are there, alongside oft-forgotten, but no less amusing sound-bites, including my favorite, “Jackanackanory.” Plus, fans of Partridge with friends named Daniel will be be able to make good, repetitive use of the, “Dan,” button. Cheap and fun, nothing more than a novelty item, but a perfect toy for fans of the show.
Terminator Salvation Lite (Free)
Gameloft seems to have surpassed itself with its latest movie-based game. Terminator Salvation packs in convincing 3D environments, reminiscent of console games, alongside a well-designed control-system and game mechanic. Of course, the real joy is trudging through the distopyian, post-apocalyptic devastation, offing shiny silver terminators with a variety of weapons. TheAppleBlog’s David Appleyard checked out the iPhone version of Terminator Salvation a few weeks back. If you’re looking to try out the game without spending five bucks on the full version, download the Lite edition today.
That’s all the picks for this week. I’ll be back in seven days with more news from the week and picks from the App Store.
In the meantime, what apps have you been using this week?
Tweet This (14)
Steve on June 6th, 2009 at 11:40 am
They are coming here in August, I’d like to get to know their songs via game.
Tim H on June 6th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Hi,
I am the developer of ‘Pocket Alan’
I appreciate your kind review.
I too am suspicious about the lack of legal action towards my app. I expected it to get rejected. Still I stand by the fact that the payment is for my code and time.
There is a possibility that it will be removed as iBorat was but I have no word yet.
iBorat’s mistake was use of the word ‘Borat’ which is copyright protected whereas if you note I never use the words ‘Alan’ and “Partridge’ together.
Yes the sound files are legally disputable but they were obtained from many internet websites which no doubt make just as much as I will on internet advertising over time.
Anyway. Version 1.1 will be up soon with some new sound effects.
– Tim H
Florian Stravock on June 7th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I deserve to win Dave Mathews TTR because I love both the band and the game! xD
Alex Dixon on June 7th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I want to win a copy of Dave Matthews TTR because I’m from the UK and have never heard his music before – Being able to tap to a selection of his best tunes for the first time would be a great way to introduce me to the band!
jessica on June 7th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I’d play Dave Matthews Band Revenge because I have all the other Tap Tap games && I love the DMB (:
lfesvr on June 7th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I would love to be able to hear Dave Matthews Band’s new music and play a great game at the same time :)
Chaim Gartenberg on June 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Huge tap tap fan. Simple as that, and DMB has some great tracks that id love to play.
Sean Richards on June 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I love Dave Mathews Band !
Antonio on June 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I would really love to have that DMB Revenge because I’m like a really big fan of theirs and the ironic situation is that they were performing at Jazz Fest and I bought tickets (which were really expensive), but my mom’s birthday was the next day and I just decided to sell that ticket to the festival AT WHICH THEY WERE PERFORMING so that I could afford to get her an iPod. So I mean hey, I missed my chance to go see them, so I guess having the app would be I don’t know, like having them everyday.
James B on June 7th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I’d like to play the new revenge cause I only have the free version and don’t have a way to get any new ones so please enter me in the drawing or whatever it is please and thanks
Matt on June 7th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I want to win DMB TTR because I am a fan of their band for many years now. Dave is making a comeback now and I’d like to hear and play his newest additions!
manuel on June 7th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I want ttrdmb because I just love tap tap and I would like to enjoy the dave mathhews band also because they are a good band I I’m a great fan of them thanks
Riley Testut on June 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I would love to play Dave Matthew’s band because:
a) They rock
b) I love Tap Tap
c) I’ve bought Tap Tap Dance and Tap Tap Coldplay, and the latter used up what I could use out of my $6.03 (I got it on sale for $3.99)
Andrew E. on June 7th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I bought TTR Coldplay, and loved it.
Knowing how great the Tapulous developers are, I know DMB will be just as great.
Al on June 7th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I want TTR dave mathews band because they are my all time favorite band. They have unique classic songs that are not like other tap tap songs and aren’t available. This would be very nice to have because I can’t afford to waste money in these hard times. Thanks for the oppertunity!
A Name on June 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I would love to play this game because I am a huge fan of Tap Tap Revenge, and I absolutely love the Dave Matthews band!
Dave on June 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I’d like a copy of Dave Matthew’s Band because I am a huge classic rock fan, and that genre of music is underrepresented on Tap Tap Revenge (there are a few songs, like Depeche Mode’s Wrong, but not very much compared to the other genres they have). Dave Matthews Band isn’t exactly classic rock, but I like them and their music gets a lot closer than most of the collection on Tap Tap. DMB is also a lot more pleasant to listen to than most of the bands on TTR. Thanks.
Derek on June 7th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I want a free TTR DMB code because I love this band, I would probably play it more than TTR2 itself. :D
Nicholas on June 7th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I should win the Dave Matthews version of Tap Tap Revenge because I’ve purchased their entire new album. This made me become a fan and I would like to play Tap Tap with some of their other songs (available on TTR Dave Matthews). Thanks a lot for considering me!
Michael on June 7th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I’m a music lover who is unwilfully ignorant of the Dave Matthews Band. If you guys give me the code, I’ll be able to make up my own mind about their music, and you wouldn’t want me to form my opinions based on peer pressure, would you? That’s the kind of thing that made me think Borat was funny.
Richard on June 7th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I like the tunes.
Miguel Sanchez on June 7th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I would love to get my hands on Tap tap Revenge Dave MAtthews Band because I am a huge fan of the band. Ihave tons of live music from them all their studio albums and have been to many concerts. I was recently in Buffalo Ny for their concert at Darien Lake and I was playing the track Funny the Way it is on the Tap tap revenge 2 version of the franchise by Tapulous. They had released the trak free to all with ttr2 and it was just awesome to show it off to my friends. What better way to show off ttr DMB to my frineds than by having a copy. So please pick me it would be awesome as I continue on my Dave summer tour with Pittsburgh PA and Bristow Va. Thanks for your time.
eric on June 7th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
im not gonna give some bs answer about why i should win the DMB Tap Tap game. honestly i just love DMB and TTR2. nothing more to say
John W on June 7th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Well, let’s see. I would like Dave Matthews Band Revenge because
1. Tapulous makes freakin’ awesome games.
2. It’s only been a couple of weeks since I first heard of these guys and I already know that they are someone to look into.
3. Tap Tap Revenge is awesome.
4. 10 songs to tap to for $3.99 is a GREAT value.
5. I found this site on Tapulous’s Twitter, so I must be really obsessed with finding deals, right?
That’s all I could think of without anything being suckupish.
Albi on June 7th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I would love to get TTR DMB Because I love the TTR Series and I love band also!
Raoupp on June 7th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
From all the Tap Tap premium apps only this one and the NIN edition caught my attention. I enjoyed Tap Tap Revenge quite a lot so this would be nice addition mainly because of involment of artist of that quality. Hope that more will come soon.
Michael Woods on June 7th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Hello Olly,
My name is Michael and I deserve to win one of the promo codes for TTR: Dave Matthews Band.
I think I deserve this promo code because I have almost all the Dave Matthews Band music and albums, and to me, this app for the iPhone/iPod touch would add that little touch to my collection of DMB not as an album, but an actual game for a handheld portable gaming console.
I currently own Tap Tap Revenge 2 and would want to try a premium version with some of my favorite songs in it. It would really make a difference to tap to the songs that you “actually” know the lyrics to and have heard many times.
Again, I hope you guys at The Apple Blog consider my thoughts and decide to give me a promo code.
Thank you for your generosity and support,
Michael Woods
John G. on June 7th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I deserve the DMB app because I am a DMB Fanatic, I absoluteely love their music. It rox my sox!!!
Peace out guys at theappleblog.com.
Jake on June 7th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I would like the game because being a teenager and a HUGE lover of music, I have no money and love Dave Matthews Band. I would play this game more than any other game I have purchased. Music is my life and Tapulous really helps expand my music knowledge.
Adam K on June 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I deserve to win Tap Tap DMB because I am an App Store fanatic and I love playing around with tons of apps. It would mean a lot to me because i recently started to become a DMB fan and would love to be able to have an app that involves them.
Damon on June 7th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Hey TAB,
I would like to win a copy of DMB Revenge because I have, to be honest, never heard any of their music and would love to try it out while having a fun time tapping to it as well
Cheers, Damon
Vince on June 7th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I deserve Tap Tap DMB because I have been playing Tap Tap since day one and I am a huge fan of DMB.
Beyoncé on June 7th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Hey TAB,
I would love to get a copy of Dave Matthews Band Revenge because I have no idea what good music sounds like.
Dangerously in Love,
-Beyoncé
Seth on June 7th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I want to get Tap Tap Dave Matthews Band because I’m a Tap Tap Revenge addict and just recently bought TT Coldplay and drained all my money. I’d work for more but being too young that will not happen. I’ve never heard of DMB before and their song “Funny the Way It Is” on TTR2 is one of my favs. So it would really be nice to get the app free. It was on sale, but.. still to expensive for what I’ve got. :( Anyway… Anxious to see who will get em!
-Xpertappr
NovaTornado on June 7th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I would like to win a copy of DMB because I enjoyed playing it on my friend’s iPod so much. I love the music. :D
qloes on June 7th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Hey,
I deserve Tap Tap Dave Mathews Band Revenge because I’m a huge fan of DMB, and love TTR, and can’t buy it by myself because my parents won’t let me.
Craig on June 7th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
DMV = Cool
TTR = Cool
Both = Too cool
So I’ll take one off your hands.
Dena on June 7th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I am interested in the promo code for the DMB version of TTR because they just both freaking rock, and I’m running on a limited use of apps since my mom doesnt have the money to spend on entertainment. This ipod touch was donated thru a Secret Santa and the wifi connection thanks to a neighbor in my apartment. Thank you so much for your generosity and good luck to everyone & congrats to the winners!
Esteban on June 7th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Hola, I want to get a DMB TTR apps because TTR2 is wonderful, DMB is great, I don’t have credit card and want to have an iTouch comercial app installed in my iTouch.
thanks
Thomas Roughton on June 7th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I would love to play Tap Tap DMB because I like the band’s music and am a huge Tap Tap fan. I cannot spend any money for about 10 weeks, and by then they will have probably released a new band’s one.
I am also running low on apps which I haven’t clocked, and would enjoy the opportunity to hone my Tap Tap skills.
Oboewan on June 8th, 2009 at 12:56 am
I would like to play TTRDMB because (a) I like DMB (I own several of their CDs, so I better like them or else I just wasted a ton of money) and (2) I like TTR (I have downloaded every free track and have been known to stay up until 2am playing it).
Z s on June 8th, 2009 at 1:55 am
I wuold like the promo code because I already bought it. Midway through the download my iPod crashed and I go charged for the app but was never able to get it. Please cosider letting me have one of the codes to TTR DMB. Thanks in advance!