Author Archive for Clay Branch

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit in Review – The High End Performance of Law Enforcement

I enjoy a good arcade style racing game. Daytona U.S.A., the Burnout series, Split/Second and NFS: Most Wanted to name just a few. So when EA announced Need for Speed Hot Pursuit I got excited. Then the trailers arrived to show off the game in action and I became ecstatic. And now that Hot Pursuit is released, is it going to join the ranks of some of my favorite arcade racers? Only one way to be sure, read on to find out.

Splatterhouse in Review – A 2×4 Head Busting Arcade Classic

Arcade Classic brought to iDevice

I remember walking into my local arcade and laying eyes on SPLATTERHOUSE for the first time. The visual joy of a hockey mask wearing protagonist who strolls through a monster house full of nasty creatures was a sight to behold; and when he proceeds to bash them in with a 2×4 that gives off this amazing “pop” sound as it connects, well, that just had me hooked. After sinking my entire $5 allowance into the machine, I ran over and told my friends I had just played the greatest Friday the 13th game ever!

Keep your iPad and Apple Wireless Keyboard Snuggly with iPad Wallet

Are you an iPad owner who can’t be without their trusty Apple Wireless Keyboard, but you don’t have a compact traveling bag to properly protect them when on the road? Feast your eyes on the iPad Wallet from WaterField, makers of quality bags and sleeves for your gizmos.

The iPad Wallet features two scratch free, lightly padded internal pockets for both your iPad and keyboard, keeping them separate and safe. An additional pocket allows room to carry your connection wires and even your iPhone. The Wallet also comes with impact-resistant inserts and a self-locking zipper for added layers of protection.

Meet the Neo-i, the first all-in-one iDevice sound dock with built-in Pico projector

Going on sale in mid-December (just in time for Christmas) for a recommended retail price of $449, the Neo-i by Optoma delivers onto the consumer the first plug ‘n’ play sound dock with built-in Pico projector for your iPhone and iPod Touch, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your audio and video content in one transportable, tabletop device. The Neo-i comes complete with a 16-watt built-in stereo speaker system and additional inputs to accommodate just about any source component.

Griffin introduces the PowerDock Duel and AirCurve Play for your iDevices

PowerDock Dual

Started in 1992, Griffin Technology has grown to become one of the largest providers of accessories for your digital media. With their latest releases of the PowerDock Duel and AirCurve Play they continue to improve upon and accessorize your favorite electronic gadgets.

Is your cell phone provider LYING TO YOU? Find out with Cell Phone Coverage Map

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Developer Root Metrics believes your cell phone provider may not be entirely honest with the coverage areas they claim to provide their customers. With the help of their recently released app, Cell Phone Coverage Map, they’re hoping to put the tool in the palm of your hands to give you and your fellow uninformed cellphone carrying friends the ability to see which provider gives the best coverage in the areas your phone is most used.

Learn a skill on your iDevice that could put you behind bars with Card Counter

TMSOFT, the makers of Blackjack Basic Strategy Card steps up their game by giving you the chance to learn a skill only the most daring (or shady) of individuals would be willing to perform.

Card Counter is a “game” that has you counting cards to beat the dealer and casino out of their money. Features include a redesign of graphics and game play, support for iPad, iPhone and Retina Display. A new challenge mode has been created with unlimited rounds to see just how much money you can make. Submit scores via Facebook, Twitter or E-mail. Game Center leaderboards with iOS 4 .x devices are integrated into the game (so Las Vegas Casinos know who to keep an eye out for on your next trip) and Achievements are expected soon.

Hasbro races Nintendo’s 3DS to market with the release of my3D Glasses for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch

As reported by the Associated Press, Hasbro Inc. will bring direct competition to Nintendo and their handheld 3DS gaming market with the release of my3D Glasses for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch.

Expected to release in the spring of 2011 for the low price of $30 (Nintendo’s 3DS releases in March of the same year for an expected retail price of $299), my3D has the added advantages of not only playing games in 3D, but giving you full 360 degree travel and entertainment experiences.

NBA Elite 11 in Review – Nothing but Net or Air ball?

When EA announced they were changing the name of their long running basketball franchise from NBA Live to NBA Elite, as well as improving the games’ quality, fans of the series were excited for the possibilities. After the recent announcement that the first game to bare the new title was being cancelled only days before its expected console release, the same fans were left with the option of waiting another year for its arrival or take the opportunity to get small and pick it up on their iDevice. Is the compact version enough to hold fans over for another year, or should it have been ejected from this year’s lineup as well?

Smule gives you the tools necessary to battle Satan with the release of Magic Fiddle

Ever said to yourself, “I’d like to be like Johnny and battle the devil for a fiddle of gold”, but never quite had enough cash to purchase the fiddle and for the 1-on-1 lessons to make your dream come true? Well stop day dreaming because it’s now a reality for only $2.99 (and of course the hundreds of dollars you’ve already spent on your iPad).

Smule, the creators of Ocarina – one of Apple’s “All-time top 20 Apps” — along with other popular ones including Glee Karaoke and Magic Piano bring you Magic Fiddle for the iPad. Learn basic and advanced fiddle techniques in Story Book mode, perform from a list of 20 songs, earn medals for your performance, and compete with other fiddle players from around the world in online leaderboards (Satan may or may not be a competitor). So if you’ve ever had aspirations of learning how to play yet another instrument on your iDevice, Magic Fiddle is another unique musical app from Smule that shouldn’t be missed. Check out the video demo after the gap.

Smule, Magic Fiddle, 16.04MB – $2.99