Author: Oscar Dominguez

Oscar is your average 20-something year old. He has a passion for all things tech. The Android love began on October 28th 2008 when he purchased the T-Mobile G1, there have been countless hours of rooting, changing ROM's and even bricked phones since then. Oscar would one day like to become a Computer Engineer. He is also a high ranking member in the Jedi Order...right.

Categories
Games Reviews

All Aboard! Rails [Android App Review]

App Name: Rails

Developer: Belight Software

Price: Free

Market: Google Play Store

Device used for review: Google Nexus 5

Review:

Calling all train conductors! Rails is the official remake of an old but great title called Shortline Railroad and that’s a good thing. In Rails, your job is to successfully get a train or trains from point A to B or C or D etc. It sounds easy enough but Rails is a game that requires more strategy then most games of its style.

Before we get into the game play, lets talking about the graphics and sound. The graphics in rails are similar to what you’d fine in older Sim City games with an elevated view of the game area. This is a good thing as the graphics are smooth with zero lag in my tests. The sound is average but does add to the overall immersion of the game. There is just something about train horns that get the game going.

The gameplay is fun and exciting. Players use their fingers to add rails to what’s existing or on blank spaces. The goal is to allow the trains to traveler to their destination in a safe and efficient manner. In Rails is not always easy. There are many different obstacles in the way of an easy train run. This adds to the games replay value. There are 12 types of trains to guide some with longer cargo lines and others with time bombs. If just getting the train home isn’t enough for you, you’ll also gain achievements for your successes (30 achievements in total). The levels also range from dry desserts to lush green locations and even ice cold snow levels. I found my favorite to be the dessert settings as it reminds me of the old west.

Overall Rails is a fund and very entertaining game. Rails kept me busy for hours and at no point did I get ‘bored’ of playing it. I recommend Rails for those who like to game and use their brains to complete puzzles. The occasional gamer will also find it fun. Rails is available in the Google Play Store.

[Editor’s Note: I played this game on the iPad and it was terrific, glad to see this hit the Android market. ]

Categories
Reviews Tools

Antivirus Privacy Firewall (SnoopWall) [Android app Review]

App Name: Antivirus Privacy Firewall

Developer: SnoopWall

Price: Free (Subscription Available)

Market: Google Play Store

Device used for review: Google Nexus 5

Review: Antivirus Privacy Firewall is not your average antivirus. There is so much more included in this app. When you first fire up this app your greeted with an activate screen similar to the Android Device Manager, you should not skip this step as it will allow the app to work better for you. After that you’ll need to sign up for a SnoopWall account. This is a very easy process to complete.

SnoopWall allows you to set the controls that are best for you. The functionality of this app is amazing. There are various modes which are each unique and helpful. Autopilot mode essentially sets up the basic security and privacy settings for your device as your application and hardware port authority. There are various other modes, my favorite being Banking Mode which allows you to access mobile banking while keeping other apps from running the might spy on banking transactions. This feature is very handy and something I have not seen in other antivirus apps.

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Speaking of other antivirus apps, SnoopWall allows you to run other antivirus software alongside it. If there is an app which is trying to accesses NFC as a example, SnoopWall will give you the heads up if its suspicious. The features found within can do much more than an average antivirus app you’ll find within the Google Play Store.

The main screen is very busy but in a good way.  This screens shows you how much storage your phone I using, the amount of memory in use, the CPU usage and battery remaining. The main screen also allows you to control ports, apps start an audit and check privacy risks.

SnoopWall is by far the most comprehensive antivirus I’ve ever used.  A paid version (Only $9.95 a year) extends even the features even further. It includes features such as phone call support and automatic app blocking or a neat family mode which includes a kid safe browser. These are just some of the features included.

Overall SnoopWall is a very good antivirus which ups the standards of what an antivirus should include. I highly recommend this app for all Android devices.

A few other features:

  • Real-time Privacy Meter
  • Instant Mobile Security Alerts
  • Customized App & Port Permissions
  • Preset Device Activity Modes
  • Privacy Portal
  • Lifetime App Updates

Categories
Education Games

First Grade Free Learning App ( Splash Math) [Android App Review]

App Name:  First Grade Free Learning App

Developer: Splash Math

Market: Google Play, Amazon, iTunes

Price: Free, Paid Version Available

Device used for Review: Google Nexus 5

Review:  As soon as I started up Grade 1 Math Lite I knew this was not going to be your average kids app. Splash Math takes arguably kid’s most hated subject and makes it fun and engaging.  This app is set in an underwater world full of mathematical goodness.

The game play revolves around the player being asked a series of math related questions which range from counting to identifying which expression displays subtraction. Aside from having a nice theme to entice the children to learn math, there are also rewards upon finishing each set of questions. I found the questions asked to be good for developing a Childs mind and getting them familiar which math. Once a player has succefully answered sets of questions, they are awarded a certain sea animal which they can add to their collection. The better you do the more animals you’ll have for your own personal aquarium. This concept is great and will help encourage the player to try and answer the questions correctly.

The sound and visuals of Splash Math are simply great. I felt good hearing the sound of winning and the water effects as you navigate throughout the app.  The visuals made me forget for a while that I was playing a math game. This is due to the very themed menus which make this app a very well put together experience.

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An added benefit is the parent’s mode which allows you to edit things such as the amount of questions, answer type, range of numbers and whether or not there will be a timer. There is even a summary of results which allow you to see how many questions the player missed and if you get the full version it even allows you to check out your Childs weak skills. This is very rewarding and goes a long way in helping your child increase their math skills. There are a total of 15 chapters in which your child can test their math skills.

Splash Math is a well put together app which should accurately test your Childs math skills as well as help them fix areas of need. The trail version allows 20 questions a day. I highly recommended the paid version which is only $9.99 USD. I consider this extremely inexpensive considering all that this wonderful app can do. Splash Math is available in the Google Play Store, Amazon, and for iOS.

Categories
Education Reviews

Tootooni! for Toddlers & Kids [Android App Review]

App name: Tootooni! for Toddlers & Kids

Developer: Planarsoft

Market: Google Play Store

Price: $4.00 USD

Review:

As I started to review Tootooni, the kid friendly melody attracted my 2 year old to my Nexus 5.  She smiled and seemed eager to engage the app. When we pressed start, we were greeted with 15 different squares each with its own fun activity. My daughter selected the water pain square and began to play. She was able to color in the train figure by swiping her finger across the screen. It was a simple yet fun activity for her. The other modes are as follows:

  • Tracks:  In this game mode the player must lay down tracks for different vehicles such as trains, airplanes and police cars. The sounds of the vehicles are really engaging and I found my daughter laying down tracks faster as more vehicles approached.
  • Blocks: In this game mode the young player has the ability to build up whatever they please with multiple types of blocks. It’s similar to Tetris without the blocks being color coded etc. This mode is pretty open-ended and allows the child to use his/her imagination.
  • Match Pairs: This mode lets players match various different items including police cars and airplanes.
  • Dots: Dots mode lets the player connect dots to make some nice designs including a helicopter.
  • Music: In this mode the player clicks on various vehicles which produce the sound of each.
  • Puzzle: This game allows the player to solve a puzzle by connecting squares.
  • Scratch: This mode is similar to the water paint mode in which a player uses their finger to swipe across the screen; the difference is that by doing this in scratch a photo is revealed.
  • Finger Paint: The player selects from various colors and paints a drawing using their finger; this game mode is very entertaining.
  • Blackboard:  This mode allows the child to draw on a virtual chalkboard.
  • Maze: The player is able to drive a vehicle around on a maze until the y reach the end.
  • Math: This allows the child to perform various mathematical operations such as counting the amount of figures on screen.

The last 3 mode are My Scratch, My Puzzle, and My Water Paint. These are copies of the original squares however these special modes allow you to use a custom photo which is very rewarding and exciting for the child.

Toontoni is a very fun and educational app for children of all ages. It is well worth the $4.00 USD as you are getting multiple activities which should give your child hours of fun and learning. If my daughter enjoyed the game, then I bet your kids will love it too. Finding good apps for our kids is important and Tootooni! for Toddlers & Kids  fits is one to consider.

Categories
Reviews

Tao Mix – Relaxing Sound Mixer [Android Review]

App Name:  Tao Mix – Relaxing Sound Mixer

Developer:  deMute

Market: Google Playstore

Price: Free

Device used for Review: Google Nexus 5

Review:

When reviewing Tao Mix- Relaxing Sound Mixer I almost fell asleep; and that’s a good thing! Tao Mix is an app which allows you to create your own custom relaxing sounds. The design of the app is very basic yet so fun to use.  It consists of circles color coded by sound on a plain black background. There is also a white ring which the closer you place a circle the louder that sound will be. You can also long press the circle to make it bigger thus having a greater impact on sound. You also set each sound on a timer for variety. tao1 I was able to create some truly relaxing sounds while using this app. The best part about it is there are many possible combinations which adds to the uniqueness of this app. I love that fact that every combination can be saved and play over and over again. There was just something magical about creating strong wind sounds and accompanying it with rain and thunder. It almost makes you feel like a God controlling the weather. You can also add more sounds and greater combinations by purchasing an in app add-on; I highly recommended it.

There are so many things to love about Tao Mix, I specially loved the fact that this app runs in the background. I used it to help me fall asleep. It does not appear to use much battery either which is another added bonus.  I recommend this app for those who have trouble sleeping, those who practice yoga, and those who love nature sounds or anyone who just wants to have fun. I can honestly say I had about the same amount of fun while using this app as playing a video game.  I’ve never seen such a unique app while browsing the Google Play store and this will be my go to app for relaxation all the time. Tao Mix- Relaxing Sound Mixer is available for Android devices 2.3 and up.

Categories
Entertainment Reviews

1Mobile-A Fast Android App Market [ App Review]

App Name: 1Mobile Market

Developer: 1Mobile

Market: Google Play

Price: Free

Device used for review: Google Nexus 5

Review: 1Mobile Market is similar to the app store in many ways and in others it’s different.  1Mobile markets their app as one of the fastest to get your apps and games. I would agree with them as this app flies and shows almost no sign of lag. The market is broken down into various tabs like Categories, which breaks down into sub categories, features, local top, and local new, global top and global new. These tabs add features not present in the Google Play store. There is also a nice search function which was able to pull up everything I threw at it without any issues.

For more information you can check them out in Google Play or follow them on Faccebook at http://www.facebook.com/1mobile.

The app feels similar to Google Play as it uses similar color schemes but is set up different enough for the user to recognize that it’s a different market. The apps download in a very similar way to the play store and this app also sends you notifications when an app needs to update. Overall this is a nice substitute for the official play store and it works at a faster speed.

So if you need an alternative to Google Play, maybe on devices that do not support Google Play, give this new market a shot.

mobile1a

Categories
Reviews

Alien Assault Tower Defense TD [Android Review]

App Name: Alien AssaultTower Defense TD

Developer: smrtTech

Market: Google Play

Price: Free

Device used for review: Google Nexus 7 (2013)

Review:  In Alien Assault Tower Defense TD, you play the role of humans with a mission to defend our beautiful planet from an unknown race of aliens who want nothing more than our destruction. If you’re in my generation then you’ll find the 16 bit style graphics both fun and reminiscent of the golden years of console gaming.

When you start the game you have enough money to get on tower. Towers are rated based on Damage, fire speed and range. The deeper you get into the game you’ll more and better towers to fight of those pesky aliens. The good thing is that you can move the towers around to give them better firing range on the aliens. Speaking of aliens there are multiple versions of their attack ship and each is different; this adds up for good replay value and diversity within the game.  Your goal is to prevent the Aliens from making it to Earth. You can have more than 4 towers at a time to make for a pretty solid defense system, add in the mines and spikes and you have a world class system for defense. You’ll able to start the Alien wave by simply pressing the Start Wave button. You’ll be able to collect Google+ Achievements as you progress in the game and if you’re a true defense champion you’ll get a spot at the top of the global leader boards. There are over 25 levels so you’ll have lots of defending to do.

The sound in Alien Assault Tower Defense TD is solid and like the graphics reminds me of games of the past. Once you’ve mastered the main game I suggest taking a dive into Survival Mode. In this mode you’ll have to survive endless waves of alien attacks.  Although the game is free to play, I recommended taking advantage of the remove ads banner for only $2.99 USD, it will free up the ad space for a richer gaming environment.

Overall, Alien Assault Tower Defense TD is a very entertaining and addicting game, I found myself sometimes so pulled into the game that I lost track of what I was doing before. I recommend this game for those who enjoy 18 bit games of the past and enjoy the sci fi genres. The folks over at smrtTech have done a great job and I look forward to their future works.