Amazon's Free App of the Day - Shift

written by: Nick Kosmides

Shift, a puzzle platformer, is available for free today from the Amazon Appstore.  And you can be sure to expect a solid game when you load it up.  One of my current favorite Minis on the PlayStation Minis platform for PS3/PSP, this little Android gem has slick black and white visuals and an addictive level flipping mechanic that may throw you for a loop.

Upon first boot, you will find a shallow menu that makes getting into the game nice and fast.  The first few levels are there to help you understand the mechanics of the game, the usual tutorial fare.  But what really sucks you in is how the game uses all the elements, seemingly so few, but when sandwiched into one level and placed under a time limit things begin to turn upside down.

The visuals, though black and white, are striking with smooth lines.  Platforming trademarks like the run and the jump are all present.  But wait until you meet the spikes.  It'll bring true color to your life, I mean the end of your life.  If you are one of those literal types, I'm talking about your character.

Head over to the Amazon Appstore for Android to grab this most amazing game.  One of my top ten favorite games.

Shift - $1.99 FREE

Amazon's Free App of the Day - Let's Bowl Deluxe

written by: Nick Kosmides

Let's Bowl Deluxe can be downloaded free today from the Amazon Appstore for Android.

This app is a great example of why the Amazon Appstore is such a long shot when it comes to actually helping developers with their bottom line.  With reviews on the Android Market for the same Deluxe version averaging a score of 4.4 with most reviewers saying its great or only complaining about the dev not responding for a minute.  Amazon offers only the Deluxe version and no free with ads version as of this writing, its new to the Appstore, and people are ripping into the game expecting it to play like the real thing.

On one hand, you can't blame them since the very first sentence in the description says "Not enough time (or cash) to hit the lanes? No problem... This alley never closes." If that doesn't make you feel like you're downloading an authentic bowling experience then maybe this will. "Just like in real bowling, with this game it's all in the wrist."

The reality is there is no weight to the balls and no spinning the ball.  Line up your shot, then flick up.  You may throw it hard or "granny" style, with harder throws potentially leading to wild shots.  That's about as real as it gets.  But this hasn't stopped peeps on the Android Market from enjoying the game.  Which brings back up another difference between the Android Market and the Amazon Appstore for Android.  The reviewers are much much harsher on Amazon.  Its hard to tell who is being honest though, with Amazon requiring reviews consist of a minimum of 20 characters sort of forcing people to write something meaningful.

More interesting still is the sheer number of other bowling app options in both markets.  Amazon produces at whopping 21 apps when searching for "bowling".  Can you guess what the Android Market shows?  Try 529!  I'm not about to go through all of them to discover the true number of actually bowling games, minus any card games or other miscellaneous stuff.  One of my favorites though is Doodle Bowling for Android 2.2 and above.  Its fun, mind numbing, time killing fun with skinnable lanes!

Let's Bowl Deluxe - $2.99 FREE

Amazon's Free App of the Day - Gem Spinner II

written by: Nick Kosmides

Gem Spinner II is the shiny new free app of the day today.  Hailing from Tiny Bite Games who's first Gem Spinner game had also graced the FAAD position on the Amazon Appstore for Android's front page only a day over two months ago.

While the first game was a solid spin off of many other familiar match-3 gem type games, Gem Spinner II is a more difficult affair.  New gameplay elements were included to make it apparently harder for players to simply play through the puzzler.  Gem matching games should be fast paced and chaotic, but Gem Spinner II spinner loses a bit of steam when you get stuck because you didn't think several moves ahead.

Many modes exist allowing gameplay without a timer, and even modes to make it more of a challenge when a more challenge game is what you're looking for.  Reviewers are reporting more force closes and random hangs/crashes/freezes in this installment.  Though it is a more beautiful game than its predecesor, it may be too much to handle, too cold to hold.  See what I did there?  Because it freezes... never mind.

Hit the link below to nab this gem jamboree before the timer expires.

Gem Spinner II - $2.00 FREE

Amazon's Free App of the Day - Townsmen 6

written by: Nick Kosmides

Townsmen 6 is today's free app from Amazon's Appstore for Android. And might I add that it is a confusing ordeal to get familiar with this little gem.

Handy Games is no stranger to Android, having released some of the most loved (and hated) games on Android. Some of my favorites happen to be Super Dynamite Fishing, Aporkalypse and Guns'n'Glory wasn't too bad either. Yet from their loins is born a software gem that one reviewer describes as "as close to those old [turn-based RPG games on PC] as I've gotten on my phone." While these reviewers are elated to play games of this caliber on a mobile phone, I have higher gaming standards than most no matter the platform its played on. RPGs will always be foreign to me, so its important that they get off on the right foot to keep me playing.

Does this one cut the mustard, or was this deli meat sliced a bit too thinly?

My first impressions were on par with most of the non-5-star reviews on Amazon. The initial walk through of the UI and gameplay was a rough introduction to say the least. Its a period piece set in France. The landscape is rough and yours to manage. Build wells and employ townies. While characters like your pig Poopsy and your Woman (that's her name) will help guide you with cut and dry instructions, there is little to no room for exploration early on.  One easy mistake is not reading the tutorials entirely because it isn't clear the text box actually scrolls down.

While the gameplay curve is standard RPG fare, it shouldn't take very long for even the youngest gamer to figure out. Although, if you think you are a seasoned gamer and decide to skip the tutorials, then you will most likely find yourself posting a negative review on Amazon for this game saying something like "Absolutely terrible interface" or "What am I supposed to do?" You people need to get an iPhone.

Get your town building RPG gameplay fix on free before midnight (or so) tonight by following the link below to the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Townsmen 6 - $0.99 FREE

Amazon's Free App of the Day - Kids Paint

written by: Nick Kosmides

Kids Paint is today's free app of the day found within the Amazon Appstore.  With a whopping number of reviews (two) on Amazon, Kids Paint needs all the help it can get.  Amazon shows the app has been available since April 23, 2011 and that the app was originally released on December 31, 2009.  With all the time in between you'd think this app would have evolved a bit further than its current state.

Don't get me wrong, the painting and coloring tools herein are effective and the randomization of the colors and brushes is unique.  But multitouch functionality is ridiculously useless and shallow offering only the creation of line art.  I would have loved to see the ability to just draw and paint with the use of multitouch.  And the irony in the title is that there is nothing in this thing other than psychedelic color randomization that would be targeted towards kids.  No stamps or goofy tools, or controls of any kind.

One thing I was shocked to see and really did appreciate was the fact that there is no main menu.  Shortly after you choose to boot the app, you can draw.  That's really it.  The Menu button soft key has all the bells and whistles tucked away.  You'll find in-app camera access, Gallery import tool, an option to change the color of the background, a Share Picture option supporting all the major players, and Save to Album.  And if you're wondering why the Back button isn't working to exit the app, the dev has included an Exit button.  The Back button is used to clear your last drawing stroke, probably the only way to draw what you want if you don't mind trial and error.

What's bad about this app is nearly everything this app is downloaded to perform.  While the drawing is seamless and responsive, there is absolutely no option to manually control the color or brush being used. Its all random.  And the Set Color option within the menu only randomly changes the background color. The default black background is the best and easiest to work with.  What's worse is the fact that to cycle through all the background variants you must repeatedly press the Menu soft key and tap Set Color.  The background color change takes effect at the same time as the menu retracts.

The verdict: download the app today and save a buck, but don't expect to rely on this app whenever you are feeling creative.  I would classify this under the Utility Time Waster app category.  Click the link to git your random scribble on.

Kids Paint - $0.99 FREE

iPhone 5: S is for Speculation

written by: Nick Kosmides

This will be easy as there is nearly no fact on the iPhone 5 at this moment.  But it is always fun talking about all the speculation flittering and smothering the interwebs.

Reports now available show a possible placeholder for the iPhone 5 in an online retailer.  Specs show some promising details of which come off my list of demands.  If ever I were to switch back to an iOS device my list of demands would first be met in completion, and no exception could be made.  In fact, an exception would be to concede to Android for creating a market for phone manufacturers to push the envelope by providing everything on this list and then some.

Listing...now:
- 4" or larger screen.  As my Fascinate has a 4" screen I will never go back to a smaller screen.
- Cutting edge processing power.  This is here to make sure the brains of the operation are not compromised to allow the other items of my list to become a reality. Heaven forbid a next gen iPhone with a current gen processor (looking at you iPhone 4).
- Expandable memory.  Okay, this is where Apple will fail.  iOS will not allow expandable memory as it must contain all its eggs in one basket.  Android devices need this expandable memory to expand the memory.  Not all Android phones have 16GB, or even 8GB, of internal memory.  My phone barely has 512MB.  The 16GB MicroSD is a requirement and that is why it came with my phone.  This is not exactly the case with iPhone, 16GB and 32GB options are standard.  But to expand on this is my wish, nay, demand.
- 4G. If the next iPhone comes out without this, it will fail to impress anyone.  4G is the future of wireless data and may even pose to replace 3G in my opinion.
- Removable battery.  To deny its owner the ability to gain access to the battery simply says Apple wants you to know you don't have any power in the matter.  And power is the matter.  A business man on the road constantly must rely on his phone to communicate and sell.  If while commuting without the options to "plug in" and the battery is low, guess what...they pull out the Blackberry.  You will not gain the respect of the corporate IT department if upper execs complain that sales are lost due to iPhone usage for business needs instead of Blackberry's where batteries can be simply changed out.
- Slide Out QWERTY keyboard.  This would simply be awesome if added.  Much like the removable battery and expandable memory, I don't believe this will ever come to iPhone.  Please prove me wrong.

While we wait for October 4th to roll around for the official word from Apple's new CEO Tim Cook, this speculation will come to a boil.  Floating to the top will surface so much anticipation for a device that may or may not pose any real threat to the future of wireless device growth, but instead spark a whole new slew of lawsuits aimed at keeping Apple in the spotlight while they sort out their emotions for a more open Apple hardware and software environment.  Not Android Market open.  Why not somewhere in between.

So as of this writing we can use this speculation to scratch of 4" screen and 4G from the above list.  Outside of thinner device, fixed antennae issue, and ripped off Android features in iOS5, I don't think anymore items will get scratched off.

Amazon's Free App of the Day - MLB.com At Bat 11**

written by: Nick Kosmides

MLB.com At Bat 11 is free today on the Amazon Appstore for Android.  No this is not an EA sports game.  Its not a game at all even though it is dated like a game.  Well, its about a game.

Lets just assume you are a true baseball fan and never miss a game from the comfort of your couch.  If this is you, don't bother with this app.  You already know too much.  Though if you are one with a bad memory of stats, then maybe it is right for you.  If you are the type that works too much or is away from a tv more often than all the Major League games ever played, then you should definitely download this app today.

Not only will you save $7, you will have the power of the internet and MLB.com in a tight and convenient app on your Android.  Sure you could get all this info from the site, but not with live updates of every pitch and play.  Flip through and find the stats of games being played in parallel without losing your place in your home game.  When it comes to multitasking, browsers are only as good as the number of tabs they possess.  Your stock browser can probably only do 4 tabs.  This app gives you instant access to MLB news, standings, videos, your favorite teams, ballparks, and some MLB.tv subscriber-only stuff too.

Video clips moments after the clip occurred can be viewed in app.  Though, if you are an MLB.tv subscriber you can watch entire games.  Not live, but after they have been played.  At the Ballpark brings you detailed maps of the park if you are watching a game live.  How about menus of the concession stands that day?  Check in to the game through the app two hours before showtime to unlock expanded video highlights.

**All this and much more, BUT with a huge caveat. This app is NOT compatible with all Android devices.  Don't let this stop you from adding it to your list of owned apps, but if you don't have one of the devices listed below, you'll have to wait for an update:

• AT&T Motorola Atrix
• AT&T HTC Inspire HD
• Sprint HTC Evo
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift
• Sprint HTC Evo 3D
• Sprint Samsung Galaxy S
• T-Mobile/AT&T HTC Nexus One
• T-Mobile HTC Glacier (myTouch 4G)
• T-Mobile HTC G2
• T-Mobile Samsung Nexus S
• Verizon HTC Droid Incredible
• Verizon HTC Droid Incredible 2
• Verizon HTC Thunderbolt
• Verizon Motorola Droid
• Verizon Motorola Droid 2
• Verizon Motorola Droid 2 Global
• Verizon Motorola Droid X
• Verizon Motorola Droid X2
• Verizon Motorola Droid Pro
• Verizon Sony Xperia Play

MLB.com At Bat 11 - $6.99 FREE

Amazon's Free App of the Day - I Must Run!

written by: Nick Kosmides

I Must Run!, a game that falls in the genre of Running games, is free today on the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Having been free recently for PlayStation Plus members on the PS3, the PS Minis version of the game is what I've had the most hands on time with.  Something about consoles that equates to quality and a certain guarantee that the game will work (in most cases).  Android and iOS mobile platforms are both fragmented meaning not all software works with all hardware iterations.

The object of the game is to run, run, run.  Well, and to jump, slide, and occasionally punch your way to the end of six classically detailed backdrops.  They remind me a lot of the old Batman games and scenery.  Various rooftops and other industrial scenes set the stage for mad hops for the escaping pops.

While I had no problem at all installing the 11MB game and running it on my Samsung Fascinate, its often hit or miss.  Fortunately, I Must Run! is a simple and clean romp through the life of a running man on a mission to punch, slide and jump his way into his wife's arms again.

Jump on over to the Amazon Appstore and slide the cash back into your pocket today.  Now hop to it!

I Must Run! - $1.19 FREE

Amazon's Free App of the Day - PrinterShare Mobile Print

written by: Nick Kosmides

Setting the bar a whole slew of notches higher than ever before, PrinterShare Mobile Print is now the most expensive app Amazon has ever given away free as part of their Free Paid App A Day promotion.

With this app, you will be able to find nearby WiFi or Bluetooth connected printers and print to them from your phone, no PC or Mac needed!  And as this is the premium and fully unlocked version of the app you will also be able to use this app to print to any local area printer without signing into anything or using an app on a PC.  With the most common printer models supported, this opens up a whole new world for business or student users.  Premium allows remote printing over the internet.  All that is required is the PrinterShare software installed on the connected PC or Mac, just sign in on your phone and away you print.

I had to spread the word on this one for its pricey significance.  I will be using this and I know a lot of others who could benefit.  With this app, it puts HP ePrint solutions to shame.

PrinterShare Mobile Print - $12.95 FREE

Organization in Application: A One Step Process

written by: Nick Kosmides

The Android operating system allows us to do some really amazing things that just aren't currently possible on other smart phone devices.  One of which is organize our apps outside of the normally folder system allowed by the "front end".  In an iOS device, that means dragging and dropping apps onto one another to create a folder, naming it, and adding other apps to that.  On Android, you can do the same thing to your home screen by adding a folder, naming it, and dragging and dropping apps into that folder. But apps can this better.

An app called Application Folder Pro allows you to create folders within itself.  Making these folders within the app, at first, may seem meaningless and can be meaningless if you choose to do nothing with them.  Creating these folders does nothing to your home screen until you add a widget or shortcut.

All the apps within a folder can be accessed from a single icon on your home screen much like a folder, but maintenance is done through the app.  If you ever decide to remove this folder widget or shortcut, you can always just bring it right back.  On iOS or with Android folders, you'd have to drag and drop all those apps into a folder again and again to recreate the folder if it were ever removed.  But folders through Application Folder Pro are just a long press away from being recreated.

On top of that, you can edit the apps order, add apps or remove apps while the widget/shortcut exists.  Everything is changed from the backend to the front end seamlessly.  Furthermore, the appearance of these folders can be customized.  You cannot customize anything about folders on iOS.  Some home replacement apps on Android will change the look and feel of folders but there still is only one kind.  With Application Folder Pro, there are several different looks to how to the folders open.  And they are all really cool and useful.

My favorite feature of Application Folder Pro is the fact that you can use is as a shortcut on your home screen and not just a widget.  If you have Go Launcher EX installed, you can actually add a shortcut (or other cool things) to any icon in your dock by way of a gesture.  A simple swipe of the finger from the icon, up, will open a shortcut.  In this case, if the shortcut is a custom folder created within Application Folder Pro, then you have just eliminated the need for multiple home screens.

Another app with a similar feature set is called Folder Organizer.  The biggest difference between the two is only in the way they look when used on your desktop.  Folder Organizer allows you to create different sized widgets and even allows for scrolling within the widget if you are using a home replacement app like Go Launcher EX.  Where as Application Folder Pro creates simulated folders.

I highly recommend taking a look at these two apps.  It definitely wouldn't hurt to use them both as I have.  Though I've come to like Application Folder Pro much more for its aesthetics and usability, you may see it differently.  They both can be found in the Android Market and Amazon Appstore.

Application Folder Pro:
Android Market     Amazon Appstore

Folder Organizer:
Android Market     Amazon Appstore