Today's Best Apps: Golf Mobile, Weather Line, Boxie And Mr Ludo
Weather Line - Accurate Forecast, Temperature Trend, and Monthly Average by Off Coast LLC ($2.99, 1.4 MB): By utilizing a longstanding number comparison tool, the line graph, this wonderfully crafted weather app is able to provide an efficient view of upcoming as well as current outdoor conditions. Depicted through color-coded, dotted plus numeral and icon noted lines, the temperature graph, being detail numero uno, rightfully encompasses nearly half of the screen for easiest viewing. Selectable via tabs, the three choices show the remaining day's hourly forecast, the week ahead outlook, and monthly averages. Below every graph is an additional details section, updated to compliment the data above, along with a hideaway panel displaying precipitation predictions over the next hour. For example, the hourly report consists of current condition details, such as humidity and wind speed, whereas the monthly averages area includes the typical number of dry, foggy, and snowy days. The app supports up to seven bookmarked in addition to the current location, switchable by swiping left or right across the title bar. Otherwise, tap the "i" icon at the top-right, and pick a city from the location management table.
Boxie - Prettify your Dropbox by Tapwings ($1.99, 7.7 MB): This Dropbox client makes handling your cloud storage a synch. As likely expected nowadays, the user interface does have an effectively minimalistic appearance, however, the app's real benefits stems from applying that same approach to functionality. One of the sleekest ways for providing options in a list-based design, the cell slide gesture offers quick deletion by swiping left on an item and access to common actions, such as renaming and bookmarking, by swiping rightward. To move files, just perform and drag-and-drop, which allows moving up and down the file system hierarchy through support of utilizing, i.e., hovering over, the back/previous folder arrow. Regrettably, both methods lack the ability to apply a single action across multiple files simultaneously. Although, the opportunity to manage content offline, undo file deletions, and even reinstate earlier revisions may counter the limitation. Indeed, the non-destructive caching only works when uploading and deleting files using Boxie. Further features include two image gallery views plus slideshow, in-app and push notifications, action confirmations, file location link sharing, sorting preferences, storage use details, and UI sound effects.
NOTE: I experienced control problems with some video and audio files due to a lower toolbar blocking the iOS integrated media player controls. Universal:
Mr Ludo by YoAmbulante (Free, 44.6 MB): Many classics have been digitized over the years, however, this version of the popular cross and circle board game provides a fresh feel to the experience. Before competing in a local human vs. human match, you must succeed at a story-themed campaign. Your role, playing an office worker, who's also in command of a small group, striving to get home after a long workday. Unfortunately, the competition involves facing other employees, all who are willing to fight their way out. The race guidelines follow most of the standard Ludo rulebook, requiring all four of your cubicle clan must reach the center home position first, which is stifled through restrictive turn-based dice rolls and being sent back to your desk if clobbered by a competing team member. Just as important, failure comes at a price, some of the in-game currency, beans. Although, winning and certain play moves provide an award, thus account replenishing. The game features realistic player perspective 3-D graphics, character animations and sound effects, upbeat soundtrack, four stage solo campaign, as well as local and online real-time multiplayer with up to three opponents.
iPad:
Golf Mobile by WGT (Free, 41.9 MB): Authenticity swings hard in this visually pleasing golf simulation game. Commit to a tournament, play a regular stroke-based game, or face the slightly different challenge of attempting to strike closest to the hole on Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, and other real courses. Not enough lifelike? Well, how about actual club brands? That's right, you get to use and upgrade equipment from well-known manufactures, such as Callaway and Ping. The game requires a second generation iPad or later and registration of a free account or Facebook connection as well as features high-definition 3-D graphics, six courses, variety of upgradeable equipment, three play modes with some course length choices, HUD with mini-map, auto and manual club selection, plus a three step shooting system. NOTE: Content is downloaded and cached only as needed to reduce base app size, therefore, a high-speed Internet connection is recommended.
