Star Wars Collecting Database - Android App Review

Star Wars Collecting Database - Android App Review

Well, we're not going to describe Star Wars again. If you've just woken up from a forty years come, you can take a look here. Anyway, this review is dedicated to a very special app called Star Wars Collecting Database which is dedicated to all those people out there collecting Star Wars memorabilia and items.

The app itself is an Android version of the same Star Wars collection database that has existed since 1998. Yes, you've read it correctly. The app and the windows version database track and contain items for more than seventeen years. Yes people, that is called dedication. 

The app and the database behind it have a single purpose, to catalog every Star Wars collectors items, starting from special edition comics, to a limited series of B-Wing bomber model to cast metal figurines of sand people made over twenty years ago. Of course, games, posters, pictures and many more types of items are cataloged. 

You see the books the app is based on in part here.

The app has two main functions. One is searching for items, categorized by types and groups and even time based. The app provides the user with quite a sophisticated searching functionality together with browsing and and item viewing. 

The second main function is cataloging items. The user can modify an item, change details such as place of purchase, price, condition and of course, he or she can also create a new item and enter all the information available on the item at the time of input.

So, we gave the app to our reviewers and waited for their remarks.

Actually, we divided our reviewers to three groups. The first was composed of hardcore Star Wars fan who already had collection of Star Wars items for years but did not use the app. The second group was made of people who were fans of Star Wars but were not serious collectors of items. The third and last group was of people who were not fans and did not possess any items.

Well, the hardcore fans went berserk. We actually had a hard time contacting them because they became so engrossed with the app. One said he could finally catalog all his Star Wars vintage comics. Another was busy completing his battle droid collection and the third told us the app was great, she was tracking down a model of Darth Vader's advanced TIE and to not call her again for two weeks.

The second group of slightly saner Star Wars fans were quite enthusiastic. For them, using the app was delving deeper into the universe they knew but never visited for themselves. We heard praises about the search mechanism and the ability to save lists and collection for your self.

Actually, the third group was the most interesting, because they were the people who weren't fans of Star Wars at all. Their collective opinion was that the app was sophisticated and easy to use at the same time, its user interface has been clearly seen a lot of work to make it simple and actually at least half of the reviewer group found themselves searching for things they remembered they loved from the movies, AT-ST models being the most popular for some reason.

Our reveiwers also sent it a few tips and tricks. One of the important things to know (we had this piece of information confirmed by the makers of the app) was that the app already contained memorabilia from the three next films, even they they haven't come out yet! The app and the database are the only place information about them can be gleaned. 

Reviewers also recommended using the CSV and backup features of the app, to create backups of collections and wish lists you create because it is always a good idea to have a local backup of your collections.

Another important thing to remember is that the mind behind the app and the database has also create collectible resources here, which might be of great assistance. 

The last but all important tip is to use the community. There are a lot of people using the app and the windows based database, all eager to help and extremely friendly (unless you start the stupid argument of who is going to win, a star destroyer or the Star Trek's Enterprise). Use them to help you find and collect the item you need.

• Score: 4.8. An almost perfect Star Wars Collecting Database App.
• Description: An app that allows browsing, searching and updating Star Wars collecting database.
• Good Points: EXTREMELY comprehensive database. Extensive searching facilities. Easy updating. Full information support for every collector's item.
• Bad Points: A few reviewers felt that a simplified interface for beginners would have helped using the app in the first hour or so.
• Experience: For experienced collectors, starting to work with the app is a breeze. In a moment they know already know what, how and where to look for the items interesting them. Beginners need half an hour to get themselves sorted out.
• Longevity: All serious Star Wars fans swore this app will stay on their smartphones forever. Even casual fans found the app interesting enough to keep it installed for a long time.
• Link to Google Play

Star Wars Collecting Database - Android App Featured

Star Wars Collecting Database - Android App Featured   

We actually thought about it but we finally decided to start with a REAL short introduction of Star Wars, for all those who had lived in a small village on the Amazon river without proper Internet. The other 99.99999 percent of humanity can skip the following paragraph.

Star Wars is a fictional universe created by George Lucas. In short, it is about a galaxy, far in the future, whose fate hangs in the balance as various power groups vie for control, some using technology while others using mysterious powers originating from the Force.

Without delving into the specifics of the Star Wars universe, we can only say that its HUGE popularity can be understood when considering the fact that six movies have already been done on Star Wars, without another three in the works, with two animated movies and two cartoon series already out. Star Wars is a huge thing.

And one of the most important hobbies centered on Star Wars is collection Star Wars memorabilia. This can range from thirty years old board games, X-Wing fighter models twenty years old or even old copies of the TIE-Fighter immortal computer game (that is STILL number one on the list of many simulator lovers, some of which have nothing to do with Star Wars).

For the serious collectors and the casual ones, for the people who live for Star Wars and for those who just want a nice Imperial Stardestroyer to loom over their desk, the Star Wars Collecting Database has been lovingly created by people who seem to live in the Star Wars universe for decades.

The app contains, maintains and displays a huge database of everything a Star Wars collector will need, from searches of specific models to item input to offering your own Star Wars collectors item for sale.

A Star Wars collector does not need anything more than the Star Wars Collecting Database. Just register, enter the community and use the app to enhance your collection. 

You can read a full review of this app here.

Google Play Link

PhoneID - Android App Featured

PhoneID by Lanyards Tomorrow - Android App Featured   

What we love about our Android smartphones and mobile device is the many many many things they come in handy, and in fact revolutionize the way we do things, from navigating to shopping to staying in touch and much more.

Another thing we love is originality, and when it comes together with our previous passage about how android smartphones make our lives better, it becomes clear why so many people will give up watches and game consoles and laptops but will never part with their phone.

Enter PhoneID, a simple and FREE app which aims to solve one thing people on conferences, airports and on many other occasions need. An ID card. Whenever you to go a conference or on any other gathering of many people, it becomes a bother wearing your ID card, especially if it is one MORE thing to carry and fasten and remember to put on the second day as well ...

Well, PhoneID is here to solve this. But turning the smartphones (or other mobile device) into a large ID card, we can (again!) forgo our card and just use our smartphone to ID us, just making sure we tied it or otherwise attach it to the front of our shirts.

PhoneID is very simple to use and allows the creation of an ID card in a manner of minutes by someone who has never seen the app before. Horizontal or vertical, with an image or not, data fields to be represented an a scanning code appearance are the main options available with this app.

Of course, the uses go beyond just conferences. We can create a large greeting card for a loved one or someone from work we're supposed to pickup from the airport. We can use them on trips with the kids' classes so everyone will recognize us. We can even use them on kids' phones so if they get lost, people can help them be found again!

In short, PhoneID is a much needed app, original but simple to use that will finally retire those pesky only ID cards some of us had to wear on occasions. Well done!

Google Play Link

NUSCH.ME - Android App Featured

NUSCH.ME - Android App Featured   

There are quite a LOT of uses for android smartphones and mobile devices (okay, and the other type too ...). This is exactly what makes these devices so useful. From mobile office to entertainment center, security center and communications center, these are just for starters.

But when we get really down to business, what we like most is apps that save us money,

What can we do? We're humans (mostly) and saving money is what being human is all about. The technology existing today on our android smartphones has come to the point where there exist apps (if you know where to look) that can save us money. A lot of money.

The problem is making calls when abroad, a well known problem. Since changing the SIM on the smartphone is a problem (because everything is so SMALL inside AND you have to keep your old SIM safe or you wouldn't be able to make calls when you return home) you have to use roaming charges, the really high charges when using another random cellular service operator aboard. 

Which is exactly what nusch.me is here to solve.

This simple app helps take care of all of that. It allows you to rent a local number in almost any country you are in, and then make any call you want using local rates. Nusch.me shows you the number you use and you can choose between using your own number or the one offered by the app.

In addition, the app has another VERY useful feature which displays the call charges and the remaining credit at all times. Of course, this makes keeping expenses under control easier and simpler. Of course, the app displays your contact list and call history.

Everything with nusch.me works in real time, so you can decide whether to rent a local number when you're already abroad and use your remaining credit, payable by paypal or credit card.

So, for a neat and easy to operate solution to the expensive roaming charges problem, you really cannot do much better than nusch.me.

Google Play Link

Giraffe Adventure! - Android App Featured

Giraffe Adventure! by Mike's Fun Free Games! - Android App Featured   

Arcade and adventure games are one of the types of games most people love to play and the reasons are quite obvious. They are great for smartphones with average sized or smaller screens, they don't require long setup to reach the action and they can be played on every short break the player has.

Among the arcade games, side scroller are among the most popular games, simply because they are very simple to play, don't require many rules and yet are quite challenging, requiring quick eyes and fingers and even quicker minds that can multitask and plan ahead.

All of the above bring us to Giraffe Adventure!, the arcade game where the player gets to play an innocent young giraffe that is hunted by a malevolent hunter who wants the giraffe for his own zoo, disregarding the well being and rights of the wild animal. The player must help the giraffe escape the hunter and the other dangers in Africa, starting from poisonous frogs and working upwards. 

The player controlling the giraffe can run, walk, retreat, jump and even use its long neck to strike animals that threaten it. The game at first is quite easy but the difficulty and the challenge rise rapidly as the player moves up the levels.

What sets Giraffe Adventure! on different plane compared to other arcade games the sheer richness of the game, from the variety of animals and dangers encountered long the way, to the varied landscapes to the many abilities possessed by the giraffe itself.

But the crown jewel is the level designer incorporated in the game. Do you want to design a special level for your kids? Want to experience sheer mayhem with a particular type of predator? Want to arrange a challenging competition among players of Giraffe Adventure! The level designer allows you to do all of that. 

In conclusion, Giraffe Adventure! is a rich arcade games, with beautiful design and animations, lots of animals and of course, a level designer which is a rare feature indeed.

Google Play Link

Terry Brival - Android App Featured

Terry Brival - Android App Featured   

Every one has heard of Terry Brival, haven't you? The French born singer with the magical and wild voice, whose debut album Désirs Brûlants has been followed by other great works such as "Chéri" Cocktail Dézil, Glimmer of Hope, "You and Me" and "I love You" and more ...

Terry is also an author and a songwriter and his music is partly soul and partly R&B, contributing some wild sounds to the world music. His voice has been said to be very similar to the late Micheal Jackson, Steve Wonder and Bob Marley. In other words, if you are one of the few people who haven't heard him singing, put him HIGH on your need-to-hear list.

For those fan of Terry Brival who already know him and for those that should know him and want to learn about him, the Terry Brival app presents the perfect solution. What it does is quite simple, concentrate and display and play all the relevant information about Terry Brival in ONE place.

The app can take the user immediately to see every thing about Terry Brival on Amazon, iTunes and Rdio, to see what albums, songs and other products by the singer are there, available for purchase without the need for lengthy searches. Everything is made immediately available. 

But what fan experience is complete without social networking? The app supports every kind of social networking that you've heard of, and some that you haven't. Are you connected to Facebook or Google Plus? The app will take you directly to Terry Brival's page to see the latest news and updates.

Last but not least, the app will connect you to Terry Brival's music directly, allowing you to select and play any song from any album of this very talented creator. Just select the song, or music video source and you're good to go.

This app is perfect in delivering Terry Brival's music, news and lyrics right to your smartphone, even allowing you to go over his clothing line, with a slick and easy to operate professional designed UI.

Google Play Link

Looks Good On Me - Android App Review

Looks Good On Me - Android App Review

Android smartphones and mobile devices have so many uses (we generally refer to them as being mobile offices, mobile communication devices, mobile entertainment centers and security centers) that we tend to forget how new all of this communications and computing revolution is and we sometimes stumble on an app that makes our smartphones even MORE useful.

In fact, android smartphones and mobile devices are so useful because they have instant Internet communications and a LOT of computing power but if you really think of it, we haven't even started scratching the surface of just how useful these devices can be.

Just think of it. Our smartphones give us the ability to instantly communicate with ALL of our friends at once. We can enjoy their opinions, their intelligence and their knowledge and put them to use on our behalf, if only we the right app for the job.

Well, we found the RIGHT app for the job.

Enter Looks Good On Me, an app that helps you leverage all of that friend brain power on your behalf. What this app does is quite simple and it comes to solve a problem that is quite irritating, though not life threatening. 

The app creates a social network of friends and people whose opinions the user appreciates. Then, the app sends a selfi of the user to his or her friends to help him or her decide whether what he or she just tried on is a good fit, and does it look good. The app gathers the votes and comments of the friends and displays them to the user, to help in the buying process.

We gave the app to our reviewers and waited for their remarks.

Our reviewers loved the concept. The idea is quite innovative and the app is very useful as it gathers and distills the opinions of the friends into a clear and simple vote, and the comments. The app also has very useful notifications, that can be sent when entering a clothes store to let the friends know their opinion will be required.

The reviewers loved the interface and the design. The app is very well designed and is not only simple and easy to operate, but also nice to look out which is an important but commonly neglected feature. .

The premium version was also well worth it, as it makes comparing two outfits very easy, and we must not forget that comparing two outfits is really what we need while shopping.

Our reviewers also sent in several tips about using the app.   

First of all, notification. The app allows the user to send a notification to friends when entering a shop, to make them all ready to give their opinions. Our reviewers suggest to wait with the notification till we find two items of apparel to compare, because if we enter a store and find nothing, and our friends sat and waited with their smartphones to give opinions - this will NOT make them happy.

Another tip is to make the time to give opinions to others. If you want others to take the time and effort to give your honest opinions, you must make the time and effort to give as well as you take.

Another tip is to select people that will give you honest opinions, and be able to take in that opinion. If friends say that something is not for you, make the effort to understand why. People want to help, but you must be able to take that help in.

Last but not least tip is to follow the reviews of others to keep abreast of what is trendy NOW. Fashions change like the wind, and the app not only gives you the chance to review clothes on others, it also gives you the chance to see what is trendy today, which is even more important.

• Score: 4.7. A social network for apparel selection.
• Description: An app that allows friends to vote and review a specific apparel selection by the user, telling him or her if it looks good on her or him.
• Good Points: Great idea! Simple to operate and very functional. Great UI design. 
• Bad Points: None that really came to mind. We liked this app.
• Experience: The app is really easy to use. The only snag is that you have to build your friends list for the reviews, but this usually takes mere hours to set up
• Longevity: Everyone who tried it that wants to look good kept this installed. No questions about it.
• Link to Google Play

Movie TV Tech Geeks News by Curt Johnson - Android App Review

Movie TV Tech Geeks News by Curt Johnson - Android App Review

It has been said that with Android smartphones and mobile devices (yeah, with the other kind too ...) the Internet itself, the greatest repository of human knowledge ever, lies right there in your pockets. It is usually added that despite the fact the Internet is right there in your pockets, all people use it for is to watch and share pictures of cats.

In fact, this is not so surprising as one would think, and it is not because cats are cute. In fact, the whole problem lies in the fact that the Internet is largest repository of human knowledge ever. This makes finding the information you would need AND would find interesting so hard as to make it impossible.

Which is why people have resolved to solve that problem and create channels of information for the things we need, which actually mostly condense into several topics. Tech news. Movie and TV news. Sport news and celebrity gossip. Like it or not, this is what we and most people are interested in, with varying degrees of importance. 

The huge site movietvtechgeeks.com is a great solution to our information and interest needs, with dozens of writers and reporters keeping those information channels open to satisfy our info needs. And, to put all of this in a convenient and accessible way right into our pockets, we will review the Movie TV Tech Geeks News app by Curt Johnson.

The app is a magazine displaying news items from the site, categorized into section and prominently displaying news items. The user can select to see the category that interested him or her at the moment and then can see the news items in side, the articles and videos all easily accessible.

We gave the app to our reviewers and waited for their remarks.

First of all comes information management, and our reviewers really liked the way the app categorizes information and makes it easy to go and retrieve it, unlike certain other magazines. Our reviewers also liked the main editor picked news articles as they were almost always fascinating. 

Our reviewers were also VERY impressed with the quality of the articles and news pieces themselves. Our reviewers stated that even on their own fields of specialty (mostly tech but some in sports), the articles were very professional and very accurate, something which is becoming a rare thing these days.

The app's interface is simple and straight forward, allowing reaching the category and articles sought after very easily, even for those who are less tech and smartphone oriented than others. The app arranges the articles and the videos themselves in a way that makes it easy to consume, even on smartphones with smaller screens.

Our reviewers also sent in several tips and tricks.   

First of all, remember the app also works perfectly well on tablets, which means that you can read your science and tech reports on the subway on the way to work, but wait with the sports videos till you reach your tablet.

Another tip is to remember to hit the refresh button, to see if new articles and news items have appeared. 

Yet another thing to remember is to watch the podcasts, which are put online every Mondy, Wednesday and Friday, which are are a must for those wanting to hear the latest news and commentaries from the best sports gurus and celebrity gossip reporters. 

The last tip is to keep digging. The app, though having a simple and very accessible interface still holds a staggering amount of information so the advice is to keep digging to find the hidden gems scattered all over the place. 

Another tiny tip is to get to know the article writers, find the ones you love the most and keep searching for their articles, whether it's sports analyses or new smartphone reviews.

• Score: 4.8. An almost perfect magazine app.
• Description: A magazine app showing movie, tech, TV, sports and celebrities news and articles.
• Good Points: Great material and articles. Simple design that makes reaching info easy. A huge repository of articles, analysis and news.
• Bad Points: Perhaps adding notifications and the ability to follow topics, news and authors.
• Experience: The app was real easy to setup and start using. Everyone found in a very short time the things and topics he or she loved the most.
• Longevity: Since everyone has something that interests him or her that falls under the topics covered by the app, almost no one uninstalled this app.
• Link to Google Play

Don't Don't Don't - Android App Featured

Don't Don't Don't by Dennis Cessan - Android App Featured   

We keep saying on Android Review Center that games for Android Smartphones and mobile devices can be very broadly divided into two kinds. the ultra complicated ones with resource mining, management and strategy and the other kind, the simple arcade and mind games.

We are not saying that one kind is better than the other. Far from it. The simple, straightforward games are just as much fun as the complicated ones and require just as much thought and practice. Of course, a simple arcade game must be good in order to be enjoyable. No surprises there ... 

So, let's take a look at a good simple game, shall we? In fact, a game that its iOS version was declared the best new game in the US app store in March. The game is called Don't Don't Don't and despite its name we think its a good one.

The premise of the game is deceptively simple. We are given a bird and a rotating circle with two openings and our task is simple, just fly the bird up into the rotating circle and then fly it out the circle, again using the moving openings in the circle.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? But it's harder than it looks and it keeps getting harder. Controlling the bird is not that simple and requires good hand to eye coordination. Flying it through the gaps in the circle is also a challenge, and the player must think ahead and plan the bird's trajectory carefully or he or she will end up with one dead turkey on their hands.

We believe that Don't Don't Don't has everything a good arcade game needs. A challenge, an ever evolving playing characters (as more types of birds become available as you reach more levels), a leaderboard and simple gameplay that becomes real difficult in a short time.

In other words, this game is ideal for those idle moments we have, or just to lay back, put our fingers and mind in gear and plunge right into those circles, hopefully to come out whole on the other side.

Google Play Link