Happy 2009 New Year!

2009 is just around the corner. Wonder what will Apple App Store and other developers out there installed for us.

Anyways I'm posting some useful links for those App hunger people out there:

AppShopper - Find out the latest app, price change and updates here. Updated live. You can even choose to list down the app according to the category. Pretty useful app tracker that you will ever need to check for any app every morning you wake up. RSS feed is included too.

iPodTouchFans Forum - Discuss anything about iPod here. Got any question? Just post up here and others will reply to you at the same day.

AppVee - Features both written and video (YouTube) reviews from various user and the site developer team. Pretty useful site to get to know which app you ought to purchase. Updated frequently.

App Store Apps - Yet another app review site. This site contains more app reviews than AppVee. Video reviews are available for some apps.

WhatsOniPhone - Latest news about iPhone/iPod Touch app. There are even contest to win various PAID app. Be sure to check it out if you're good in graphic design or have a lot of creative ideas.

TouchArcade - A Must visited site for everyone that owns iPhone/iPod Touch. There are forums and a home page that features any reviews about various apps. The forum is joined by various people from whole over the world, even the developers for some app! Definitely check this site out!! Discussion is very hot in here!

My favorite BEST and WORST app of 2008!

2009 is just around the corner. So I will just post my favorite and recommended app of the year. You might heard some of them, or you might not.

"Not an app hunter? Been wondering what's the latest and hot app? Well I'll do the hard work and find them for you, you just need to see and try it."

* I purchase only the genuine app from iTunes Store (US). No jailbreaking app here.
* The following list are based on my personal likes and dislike. Might varies depends on individual.
* All app I have listed down have been tried and purchased by me.
* Pricing are as stated at the time I purchased.
* App are sorted in no particular order. I just list them down according to my date of purchase.
* App marked with (*) before their title indicates there is a free lite version (in Paid section) or full version (in Free section) that you can try before purchasing the full version.
* SAMPLE indicates an alternative choice to an app instead of the current one.

============================

Favorite and Recommended App

============================

Free
# Book

1. eReader
2. *ShortBook LE
3. myLite

# Education

1. iMorse
2. iSpell.it
   

# Entertainment

1. Backgrounds (Great to find some new background wallpaper to spice up your i-Touch.
2. MotionX Dice
3. EyeTricks
4. *NervSounds
5. *iDayDream Lite
6. *Banner Free
7. AppVee
8. Remote
   

# Finance

1. *iXpenseIt Lite (I would consider buying the full version if it support multiple account in the future. I already issue my suggestion to the developer and they said they might implement it in the future update)
2. UOMe (free at the time of purchase) [$0.99]
   

# Games

1. TapDefense
2. *Labyrinth Lite
   
3. JellyCar
4. Trace
5. Tangram Pro (free at the time I purchased)
   
6. Tangram Puzzle: Holiday Pro (free at the time I purchased)
7. TapTap Revenge
8. *KamiCrazy Lite
9. *Dactyl
10. Hangman
11. Aurora Feint: The Beginning
12. Topple
13. *Tic-Tac-Touch
14. *Cube Runner
15. Nuzzle
16. *Virtual Pool Lite
17. *Matches
18. *DigiDrummer Lite
19. *Mad Shells Lite
20. *Smart Sokoban Lite
21. *Loops of Zen Lite
22. *Brain Toot
    

# Healthcare & Fitness

1. BMI Calculator
2. *White Noise Lite
3. *Easy Relax Lite

# Music

1. midomi

# Productivity

1. *HiCalc Lite
2. *gFlash+
3. *iVault
4. *Todo Lite
5. Fliq Notes
6. iTranslate
7. Zipcodes
8. CountryCodes
9. *SaiSuke (FREE)
   

# Reference

1. Net Acronyms (free at the time I purchased) [$2.99]
2. World Wiki
3. Bible
4. Wikipanion
5. KTdict C-E (Chinese to English dictionary)
6. Kotoba (Japanese dictionary)
   

# Social Networking

1. Palringo Instant Messenger
   

# Utilities

1. iSpell.it
2. iGroup
3. Cambio (Free and simple to use unit converter)
   

Paid
# Book

1. Classics [$0.99]

# Business

1. Fast Contacts [$1.99]

# Education

1. Computer Terms [$0.99]
   

# Entertainment

1. *Banner [$0.99]
2. Spawn Illuminati [$0.99]
3. *iDayDream [$0.99]
4. *NervSounds GOLD [$1.99]
5. Squiggles [$4.99]

# Games

1. *Labyrinth [$6.99]
2. Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D [$5.99]
3. Touch Physics [$0.99]
4. XiangQi [$0.99]
5. *Brain Toot [$0.99]
6. Scoops [$1.99]
7. FieldRunners [$4.99]
8. *Loops of Zen [$1.99]
9. Flick Fishing [$0.99]
10. Flick Bowling [$0.99]
11. Monopoly: Here and Now World Edition [$7.99]
12. *Smart Sokoban [$0.99]
13. Scrabble [$4.99]
14. *Know How [$0.99]
    
15. *Matches Plus [$1.99]
16. Enigmo [$1.99]
17. Crazy Tank [$0.99]
18. Chopper [$0.99]
19. Frenzie [$1.99]
20. Sneezies [$0.99]
21. *Mad Shells [$1.99]
22. Touch Grind [$4.99]
23. Amateur Surgeon [$4.99]
24. Bike Or Die 2 [$6.99]
25. Fastlane Street Racing [$3.99]
26. *Tic-Tac-Touch [$0.99] (hi5)
27. Buggled [$0.99]
    

# Health & Fitness

1. *White Noise [$0.99]
2. *Easy Relax Ultimate [$2.99]
3. Vision [$0.99]
4. Hearing Test [$0.99]
   

# Lifestyle

1. Holiday [$1.99]
   

# Music

1. *DigiDrummer [$0.99]
2. Christmas Carols by iChristmas [$0.99]
   

# Productivity

1. *HiCalc [$0.99]
2. iDiary [$6.99]
3. *gFlash Pro [$4.99]
4. *iVault Pro [$9.99]
5. *Todo [$9.99]
6. SplashID [$9.99]
7. Notebook [$2.99]
8. Gratitude Journal [$0.99]
9. Typing Genius [$1.99]
10. AppSniper [$0.99]
    

# References

1. World Wiki Plus [$0.99]
2. Formulae [$1.99]
3. WordBook English Dictionary and Thesaurus [$1.99]

# Utilities

1. Seismometer [$0.99]
2. Asleep [$1.99]
3. Name Picker [$0.99]
4. Pedometer [$1.99]
5. Army Knife [$0.99]
6. GPA+ [$1.99]
7. QwasiPad [$2.99]
8. Quick Checklists [$0.99]

============================

Bad/Worse App

============================

Paid

# Games

1. Hangman2 [$0.99] Hangman (Free)
   
2. Cube Runner 2 [$2.99] (suffer graphic lag which does not have in Cube Runner I) Cube Runner
   
3. Brothers in Arms: Hour of Heroes [$9.99]
4. Asphalt 4: Elite Racing [$5.99]
   
5. 3D Sokoban [$0.99] Smart Sokoban
   
6. Midnight Pool [$4.99] Virtual Pool
   
7. Moto Chaser [$0.99]
   

# Finance

1. Accountr [$1.99] iXpense
   

# Health and Fitness

1. 1st Response Be Prepared [$0.99]
   

Please do give any feedbacks.

==============================================
Pending (haven't purchased) and just might be my favourite App
*Actually I'm waiting for the price drop before/on Christmas or an updates
==============================================

# Education

1. Homeworkr [$2.99]
2. Class schedule [$0.99]
   

# Games

1. UNO [$7.99]
2. Rolando [$9.99]
3. KamiCrazy [$1.99]
4. Radio Flare [$4.99]
5. SPiN - Super Shape Puzzle [$2.99]
6. HydroTilt [$2.99]
7. Guitar Rock Tour [$7.99]
8. Air Hockey Pro [$0.99]
9. Line Rider iRide [$2.99]
10. Virtual Pool [$0.99]
11. Aurora Feint II: The Arena [$7.99]
    

# Productivity

1. Assignments [$2.99]

# Utilities

1. Contact Tool [$1.99]

Until then, please leave a comment or so that can help to improve this blog.

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!!

[Games] Frenzic

App Name: Frenzic
Price: $1.99
Category: Games
Type: Puzzle
Lite availability: No
Multiplayer support: No
Online leaderboard: Yes
Graphics: 2D (Colorful)
Exit and Resume support: Yes
Controls:

• Touch Screen (Tap)
  

Player statistic records: Yes

• Personal Best Scores
• All-Time Best Players
• Best Players Today
• Best Local Scores
• Friends' Best Scores
  

Unlockables: No
Time limit: Yes
Selectable difficulty: No

Objectives: Complete a circle by tapping a piece to attach.

Features:

• Lives system support.
• Unlock bonus by completing a same color circle.
• Help file support.
  

Pros:

• Sound effect that will immerse you to the game. Kind of like a radar sound that can be heard in a submarine.
• Beautiful animation and glowing effect. The growing mixture of color is really impressive.

[Games] Matches Plus

App Name: Matches Plus
Price: $1.99
Category: Games
Type: Puzzle
Lite availability: Yes (Matches) [FREE]
Lite limitation:

• No lives system support. You lose when the time runs out.
  

Multiplayer support: No
Online leaderboard: No
Graphics: 2D
Exit and Resume support: Yes
Controls: Touch Screen (Tap)
Player statistic records: Yes
Unlockables: No
Time limit: Yes (Can be disabled in Option)
Selectable difficulty: No
Lagging: No

Objectives: Find a pair.

Pros:

• Elegant symbols, letters and numbers.
  
• Clean user interface that gives you professional game experience.
  

Cons:

• Cannot compete with other players globally.

[Games] Crazy Tank

App Name: Crazy Tank
Price: $0.99
Category: Games
Type: Tank War
Lite availability: No
Multiplayer support: No
Online leaderboard: No
Graphics: Cell-shading 2/3D
Exit and Resume support: Yes
Controls:

• Accelerometer (to move the tank)
• Touch Screen (Tap) - Tap anywhere to fire
  

Player statistic records: No
Unlockables: No
Time limit: No
Selectable difficulty: Yes
Lagging: No

Objectives: Clear a level by firing all enemy tanks.

Features:

• Upgradable weapons.
• Radar support to easily locate enemy position.
  

Pros: Cell-shading graphic had never look so good.

Cons:

• No records to keep track your progress.
  
• Cannot customize own level and tank.
  

*I already post my suggestion to them, hopefully they will consider them.

[Games] Fieldrunners

App Name: Fieldrunners
Price: $4.99
Category: Games
Type: Tower Defense
Lite availability: No
Multiplayer support: No
Online leaderboard: No
Graphics: 2D Cartoon
Saved upon exit: Yes
Controls: Touch Screen (Tap)
Player statistic records: No
Unlockables: Yes. (Maps and levels)
Time limit: No
Selectable difficulty: Yes
Selectable round to begin with: No (Always start with round 1 when starting a new game)

Objectives: Build up your defenses and make sure no enemy pass through another gate.

Pros: Nicely rendered weapon and enemy sprites.

Cons:

• Limited weapon/tower choices.
  
• Cannot choose which features to upgrade for a tower (eg: weapon attack range, power...)
• Only 2 maps are available to play
  

[Games] Labyrinth

App Name: Labyrinth
Price: $6.99
Category: Games
Type: Puzzle
Lite availability: Yes (Labyrinth Lite)
Lite limitation:

• Only 1 level pack with 10 levels are available.
  
• Cannot download other level packs uploaded by other users.
  

Saved upon exit: No
Controls: Accelerometer
Player statistic records: Yes. A red marked box will appear for every level you cleared.
Time limit: No (Can be enabled in Option setting)

Objectives: Turn the board to guide the pinball to a specified location.

Features:

• Nice looking wooden block color.
• Realistic sound.
  

[Games] Loops Of Zen

App Name: Loops Of Zen
Price: $1.99
Category: Games
Lite availability: Yes (Loops of Zen Lite)
Lite limitation:

• You can only try out 1 puzzle each time you execute the game. To play other puzzle you will need to exit that app, then re-enter.
• No level indicator.

Saved upon exit: Yes
Accelerometer support: No
Player statistic records: No (You can browse through your completed level by using the <<>> button)

Objectives: Make sure all loops are closed.

Features:

• 24 different levels.
• Only uses black and white color so it will not strain your eyes too much.
• Required simple logic skill.
  

[Healthcare & Fitness] Hearingtest

App Name: Hearing Test
Price: $0.99
Category: Heathcare and Fitness
Lite availability: None
Similar title: Ear Test (FREE)

Features:

• 8 different frequency range to test your hearing ability. Supposed age that is able to hear the sound in a certain frequency range is provided.
  

Typical Usage:

• Great to determine whether you suffer from hearing loss or not.
• Speakers may or may not required to conduct the test. Just place your iPhone/iPod Touch 2nd Gen close enough to your ears if you cannot hear it. If you still can't hear it after several tries even though the distance is close enough to your ears, you might suffer from hearing loss IF you cannot hear the frequency that falls under your group of age.
  

[Books] Classics

App Name: Classics
Price: $0.99
Category: Book
Lite availability: None

Features:

• Elegant bookshelves with each book (with cover) placed on the shelves. It feels like you actually own the book.
  
• Animated page flip and sound.
• Automatic bookmark your reading page when exiting or choosing another book.
• Nicely rendered red bookmark.
• Illustration included for some chapters.
  

Pros:

• Elegant user interface.
• It feels like you actually read a real book.
  

Cons:

• Can't customize font size, style and color.
• Limited book title. (The developer will add some more titles in the future, so don't pay so much concern about this. You are likely to read all those titles anyway by the time the developer add more book titles.)
• Can't download and add more book titles online. The only way to add those book title is by the developer themselves.

[Healthcare & Fitness] Vision

App Name: Vision
Price: $0.99
Category: Healthcare & Fitness
Lite availability: None

Features:

• Eye exercise
• Various tests include: Ishihara Color Vision Test (similar to the color blind test that you take for driving license), Astigmatism Test, Retinal function test and Visual Field Test.
• Fun activity like Optical Illusions, Stereograms, Animated Stereograms and Stereo Pairs.
• Provides various information and terms related to the eye.

Cons:

• Optical illusions are limited to only a few. You are likely to see those illusion beforehand.
  

[Utilities] Seismometer

App Name: Seismometer
Category: Utilities
Price: $0.99
Category: Utilities
Lite availability: No

Features:

• 2 mode for filtering - None and High-pass.
• 4 Sampling Frequency - 20, 40, 60 and 100 Hz.
• 2 Scales - Logarithmic and Linear.
• Measuring Axis - Z, Y&Z and Both
  

Pros:

• Simple and clean interface.

Typical Usage:

• Can be used to detect vibration.
• Fun to use when sitting in a moving car.
  

[Business] iVault Pro

App Name: iVault Pro
Price: $9.99
Category: Business
Lite availability: Yes (iVault)
Lite limitation:

• Fully functional just like the pro version but user are limited to create a maximum of 10 cards.
  

Pros:

• User can create as many fields as possible.
• Smaller fonts that allows more one liner text to appear.
• Support online backup - www.ivault.mobi (14 days free trial).
  

Cons:

• Does not allow user to attach custom icons to a category or item.
• The icons available are somehow limited to a certain group of items.
  

Typical Usage:

• Great for cataloging every item you just purchased, eg: Date of purchase, UPC code, bar code, receipt number, model number, serial number...