Create 3D models of your dreams with PLapp

Did you build your own spaceship or fighter plane when you were a kid having it to either guard your fantasy kingdom or just go gun blazing on your sibling? If you answered yes, you’ll love the iPad app I am reviewing today. PLapp is an amazing app which can be used to build all kinds of plastic models in a digital 3D environment assembling and customizing parts as you wish. Frankly speaking, I straight away was overjoyed by the fun and challenges this game offered.

PLapp is a model kit building app that lets you create 3D models and customize them as per your choice without compromising on the experience of building them in reality and lets you to even share the models you’ve created, with your friends on Facebook.

PLapp iPad app Screenshot

Assembling the parts of your 3D models couldn’t have been more enjoyable, with enough and more options for customization like a range of decals, materials, textures and colors all on your iPad, you can have all the fun you want without worrying about getting your hands dirty. Adding to this, PLapp comes with sound effects that are exactly like those you hear when you assemble and demolish model kits! The app has a simple interface and great functionality to assemble and color your models.

The 3D models you design move around really smoothly, making it hard to believe that they have been digitally created. This app gives you the thrill of having constructed your own models and provides you with plenty of options for customization.

As I said earlier, this app is sure to bring out the child in every adult as it will take you back to those days when you spent hours in your room with your siblings or playmates, patiently assembling various parts to build the machine of your dreams. Download PLapp and lose yourself for a few hours in the enchanting world of building 3D models!

I also found a demo video in Youtube for the app and in case you want to check it out, here is the link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aIlVJ02Yv8

Understanding iCloud

The latest release in the cloud computing world, and the replacement for Apple’s old MobileMe service is Apple iCloud. The new software is designed to work seamlessly between various apple hardware such as iPods, Apple laptops and desktops, and the iPad. There are several applications available with the iCloud software, ranging from ‘Find my Device’, which allows an internet connected device such as the iPhone to be remotely tracked, to Photo Stream, which makes ‘streamed’ photos available on any connected device.

The first, Find My Device, was initially a MobileMe application, which has been migrated to the iCloud software package. Using the service, a user can view the rough location of their device over-layed on a scalable map of the area, as well as a circle indicating the margin of error on the tracking. Along with remote tracking, the program also allows the user to change the password, display a message on the device, or play a sound (even if it is set to silent). A final feature of the program makes use of the cloud storage technology and allows the user to temporarily delete the contents of the device, storing them to the cloud server until told to return to their original location.

Computing from the cloud

Not quite cloud computing!

Photo Stream directly utilizes the cloud storage technology to share pictures between devices. When a picture is taken from an iphone with Photo Stream enabled, the picture will automatically be uploaded to the cloud server, where it will be available to any of the user’s other Photo Stream enabled machines. According to Apple, the service will soon be integrated with their Apple TV box, which would allow users to view any pictures in icloud on TVs connected to Apple TV.

While only currently available in the US, iTunes Match is one of the most popular uses for the virtual computing abilities of the iCloud software. iTunes Match allows users to ‘scan’ their music in any compatible device (even if the music is not purchased from iTunes), and upload it to the iCloud virtual servers, ready to be downloaded to any of the user’s other Apple products in a DRM free format.

‘Back To My Mac’ and iOS Backup are two more erstwhile MobileMe program migrated to the iCloud package. The first is essentially a remote access program, allowing the user to remotely log into any device with the same Apple ID and the program active. The second is a backup program, which allows the user to back up the data and settings on their device to the virtual servers, and restore the device or access the data remotely as needed.

While the iCloud software is very slim as far as system resources, it requires a fairly current OS to run properly. Creating an account requires iOS 5 or later, or for desktops, OSX Lion. For PCs, Windows Vista or later is required to properly sync. iCloud can also sync to Outlook 7 or later for calendars and contact info.

The cost of the iCloud software varies with the amount of services the user chooses to sign up for. Data storage starts at 5 gigabytes free, and added storage can be purchased in increments of ten gigabytes, for $20 per ten gigabytes per year. At the moment, the maximum storage amount available is 50 gigabytes, however Apple has said it is possible for that to go up in the future. Apart from storage costs, the iTunes Match service is a yearly fee of $25.

With the iCloud software, Apple has taken full advantage of the evolving cloud storage technology to bring a wide variety of programs to Apple users, and an increased connectivity between Apple hardware.

Situation SHUFFLE – iPhone App Review

Today, I am going to introduce you all to a gaming app thats both fun to play and needs brains! Yup, I recently came across this app, Situation SHUFFLE, in the iTunes store while strolling around as usual and to be honest the puzzles in this game will make you scratch your heads but won’t bore you.

Situation SHUFFLE iPhone app

The Situation SHUFFLE app comes with a big collection of mind-challenging puzzles that focus on reasoning and strategy representing real life situations. To pass these puzzles, you need a keen sense of problem solving skills and a little bit of attention to detail which makes sure your brain gets a complete workout. To start with, the puzzles seem like child’s play, but they need your complete attention and concentration to crack them.

The app has 30 IQ puzzles, 30 extra quizzes and 6 hidden SHUFFLE quizzes. As and when you complete an IQ puzzle you can take up the corresponding extra quiz. Each IQ puzzle consists of 6 slides representing common events and occurrences like a trip to an amusement park, a busy day at work, a birthday celebration, a scene in an elevator etc. The slides have to be arranged in the right sequence and have striking graphics and you get 4 hints for each puzzle. You can zoom into the slides to compare them and make a mental note of minute details. The details may be really subtle at times, but that could make all the difference.
Situation SHUFFLE iPhone app
Once you have arranged the slides in order, you can submit your puzzle by pressing on the Check option. Your scores are calculated based on factors such as the number of hints you’ve used, the number of times you check whether your answer is right etc.
The extra bonus puzzles that come with the app are also of the same type but are a tidbit easier to solve.

The 30 SHUFFLE puzzles get unlocked based on conditions like, the number of IQ & extra puzzles you’ve cleared and your score. These puzzles are quite challenging and your IQ points are determined by the number of combos you score.

The UI of the app is pretty cool and the graphics are pleasant. Moreover, the app is simple to use and you can get started immediately playing the puzzles. But it would have been good if the tutorial had a better video like demonstration for users to easily grasp how the app works. Though there is one present, its just too slow and lacks details.

Also, there is no information as to if additional puzzles will be added. I was hooked on to this game for about a full day and managed to complete almost 75 percent of the puzzles. I think its just wait and see. But if new puzzles are added for additional cots or even if the developers could offer in-app purchases, I will be buying them for sure.

Go try this app and share your feedback in the comments below. The Situation SHUFFLE app is available in the iTunes store for 99 cents.