Apps Review July 2012

I recently discovered an unused iTunes gift card for $10 that I received from a coworker at Christmas. Since then, I have gotten a few new things, and I am finally getting down to posting about these apps and how they have worked/not worked for me.

Sleep Pillow Sounds: $1.99

1. My schedule and workload have recently resulted in my sleep schedule being completely out of wack, and so when I saw this early one morning, I thought why not? I tried the free version, which has 9 different sounds and all their ads, and quickly upgraded to this version. About 50 different sounds, a sound timer, volume control, and favorite shortcut. Easy, nice variety, and pleasant sounds. And yes, the crackling fire is my favorite right now. I also like all five of their rain sounds (rain into water, rain on leaf, rain on tent, rain on car windshield, rain and thunderstorm, etc.... although after these current events, I don't know how restful the thunderstorm one is to anyone else).

Virtuoso3 FREE

2. Next app: this one I discovered today at church during choir practice. We were doing some sectionals, but we're restricted to one piano. I was waiting for our turn to get the notes for the alto section, when one of my altos gave me her phone and I presently plucked that E flat and we went on without a pause. Since then, yes, I have tried playing with multiple fingers at once on the keys. Pretty entertaining. For those with iPads, I can see this being even more effective. 

Book Retriever $0.99

3. Book Retriever was a referral off of Pinterest. It looked promising; scan the bar code of a book and create your digital library. Make student accounts so when they borrow your book, you scan it and log it, knowing who had what and when they should return it. It seemed like a great idea, especially because I am working on my classroom library and leveling my books, and this has an automatic book leveler. My issue? It's' still a new app. I saw that on the comments before buying it, a few people saying they wished the digital inventory were more extensive. But I thought I would try it. 

I have mixed feelings. When I scan Amelia Bedelia, it works like a charm (see below). But The Witch of Blackbird Pond? Busy Tree? Enchantress from the Stars? My Corner of the Universe? The Big Snow? Some of my alphabet books? Not on their database yet. You can enter it in manually, but I don't have too much time for that. This will be good once they hire an intern or two to go through a few library catalogues and Scholastic publishing lists. 

Path FREE

4. Path. Love it. Don't use it as much as some in the family, but it's a nice interface for sharing videos, pictures, and quick checkins with family that can be kept completely private and thus more open to family variety. Nieces and nephews at the beach? Dan videoing our water catastrophe at Disney World? Dad's new iPhone accessory? Check. It's also fun to see where Adam and Dan go on their jogs. Makes me want to cheer them on! 

Sound Hound FREE

5. My best friend Carrie and I were on our way to NYC. We stopped for lunch, and in our fast food restaurant, we heard possibly the best dance song ever. Lyrics were about as profound as, "I am the coolest dancer, I am the best dancer, I am your favorite dancer" followed by some base bouncing. Within seconds, Carrie had captured the title, artist, and even where she could acquire said song... all by tapping a button. I've been waiting for this app since I was taping songs from the radio back pre-high school. Nice.

LDS Media OnDemand $1.99

6. Don't get me wrong; I love my Gospel Library App, especially because it's free, but I have enjoyed this  addition because it provides an audio database for CES Firesides, LDS Gems, the Ensign, Church News, etc. It allows me to listen while driving, getting ready, brushing teeth, etc. I've enjoyed this one, and think it to be worth the 2 dollars. 

Temple Quiz FREE

7. This one is just fun. Great collection of pictures, and it is neat to see the architecture and the locations of these temples. There are some where I find myself asking, "Wait, do they have a temple in that country yet?" Yes, they do.