After Temple Run, here are more endless games
Temple Run is addictive, mindless, endless and free, as noted in Get App-y today on NewsOK.com. But it’s not the only one that fits this description available on the iTunes app store. (Some have Android versions, too.)
In a recent talk with sixth-graders, all agreed that they loved the running, jumping, swiping and coin-collecting from Temple Run, but they’ve moved on to Jetpack Joyride (free, Halfbrick), starring “Barry Steakfries,” who is riding a jetpack through some sort of scientific lab facility. He flies, collects coins and crashes into obstacles, an act that ends the game.
I also have laughed at “Sky Burger” recently, which involves creating a hamburger to order from the lettuce, tomatoes, patties, pickles, onions and bread that fall from the sky. The level is over when you add the top of the bun, but if you add it too soon, you lose. It, too, is free.
I’ll post more later, but here are two to get you started if you’ve already achieved all the objectives in Temple Run.
Then again, these are endless, too.
Email me your favorites or comment below.
~ Lillie-Beth (lbrinkman@opubco.com)
Make your loved one’s day special for Valentine’s Day and beyond
Today’s Get App-y column on NewsOK.com and in The Oklahoman featured dating apps for singles, but U.S. Cellular offered some free app ideas and websites to help couples. Since I’m late to post these, they’re probably too late for use on Valentine’s Day, but they can help in future planning for romance.
The National Retail Federation has found that the average person celebrating Valentine’s Day will spend $126.03, the highest amount in 10 years. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion.
Here are some suggestions from the Oklahoma City U.S. Cellular office for the phones that they offer — Android-powered, BlackBerry or Windows Mobile. Some of these apps are also available for iPhones. These are some of the mobile service company’s ideas to make your loved ones’ day special:
The gift. Smart phone users can access the Internet service Thoughtful.co through their Web browser and enter information about their Valentine. Thoughtful.co offers unique gift ideas and experiences based on their likes and interests, as well as reminders about upcoming milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries.
The dinner. Yelp.com and corresponding apps provide listings of local restaurants and consumer reviews and ratings. The service recently added the ability to make dinner reservations at select local restaurants. Enter the time, date and party size, and your table is booked.
Flowers. Send real or virtual flowers to your loved ones through 1800Flowers, which also links you to exclusive offers.
Choolate. The Godiva mobile app conveniently gives you access to the premier chocolate company’s products, ready to order.
~ Lillie-Beth Brinkman (lbrinkman@opubco.com)
http://newsok.com/get-app-y-find-your-appily-ever-on-valentines-day/article/3648619
Get App-y: Connect to home from anywhere with Splashtop
I have found apps from Splashtop handy at different times, such as when needing to retrieve a document on my home computer or when I want to watch something on my iPad that requires Flash. Here is more about them, as well as links to the various apps:
Originally Published in The Oklahoman’s Life section, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012
Get App-y: Connect to home from anywhere
App offerings from Splashtop for iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices let you connect to your home computer from wherever you are.
BY LILLIE-BETH BRINKMAN (lbrinkman@opubco.com)
As I cooked dinner one night downstairs in my split-level house, I needed a recipe from my computer, located in a bedroom all the way upstairs.
Whether you call it laziness or convenience, I used an application on my iPad to retrieve it without having to walk up the two flights of stairs. The app, Splashtop Remote Desktop, connected to my desktop computer via my wireless Internet, and once I opened the app and typed in a password, I could view my home computer screen on my iPad and use the tablet to navigate to the recipe file that I needed.
The same app is available as Android or BlackBerry apps as well, so it works as a gateway link between any computer and almost any mobile device, whether an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android smartphone, Android tablet, Sony Tablet or BlackBerry.
The app’s cost ranges from $1.99 to $6.99, depending on what device you’re using. Install it on your device, and then use your computer to go online to www.splashtop.com to download the desktop companion app, the free Splashtop Streamer, to the computer you want to use on the app.
Using the app, I have accessed my home computer while at work to retrieve documents and looked at files on my hard drive in Oklahoma while on a trip to Asia.
Connecting by remote to another computer is familiar to those who have ever called a customer support help line and had technicians request permission over the phone to access their computers to try to diagnose the problem.
It’s neat to be able to do this on a mobile device. To use Remote Desktop, make sure the Splashtop Streamer opens when you turn on your computer so the two machines can “talk” when you need them. Lately, I have had a few problems with error messages that tell me my device can’t communicate with my computer, so success isn’t always guaranteed. However, much of the time the app works as planned. The first screen I see each time explains which fingers and motions I need to use to control my computer, which is handy.
The app recently won Laptop Magazine’s app of the year at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev.
When you go to the website to download the companion streamer, take a look at the other apps that Splashtop.com offers for your iPad, including:
Splashtop Whiteboard ($19.99), which turns your iPad into an interactive whiteboard; Splashtop Remote Browser, which makes it possible to view Adobe Flash files streamed from the computer to your device; and Splashtop XDisplay, which lets you use your device to extend your computer monitor.
~ Lillie-Beth Brinkman
Send app column ideas or suggestions to lbrinkman@opubco.com.
The Big Game: Commercials, recipes and Super Bowl apps for every interest
Super Bowl commercials, recipes, trivia, etc. -- Android and iOS apps are available for any interest in today's Big Game.
For fans tuned into the Super Bowl today, the Oklahoma City office of AT&T offers a list of apps for your mobile devices that might interest you, whatever part of the game that interests you. From football trivia to game day snacks, there are iOS apps for iPads, iPhones, iPod Touches and apps for your Android devices to help plan every party, and I thought I’d share this list directly from AT&T.
Here are some:
BIG GAME TRIVIA
Super Bowl Winners. (free version and $1.99 version)
, iOS) Astound your family and friends with your knowledge of football history by brushing up on some facts using the Super Bowl Winners app. The app includes information about the first Super Bowl in 1967 and lists all the winners. (Free)
Super Bowl Trivia app (Android)
Test your knowledge of prior seasons with The Super Bowl Trivia app. By playing this game you can brush up on your trivia that may come in handy when getting together with friends this season. The timed question and answer format includes questions on coaches, MVPS, game scores, winners and losers. (Free)
ESPN ScoreCenter app (Android and iOS)
Show off or boost your knowledge of this football season by checking out ESPN’s free ScoreCenter app. Get recaps, stats, and summaries; and the latest news on teams still in the hunt, plus more.
Android version available here:
iPhone/iPad version available here:
BIG GAME COMMERCIALS
Super Ads: Super Bowl Commercials ($1.99, iOS)
The Big Game is also about the bigger than life advertisements. Get geared up for this year and stoke your memory about seasons past by checking out the Super Ads: Super Bowl Commercials app. There are dozens of ads for each of the past three years.
Madden NFL 12 by EA Sports (99 cents for the iPhone, $2.99 for the iPad and 99 cents for the Android)
If you just can’t wait for game day and want to see how your favorite team will measure up against the opponent check out this app. You can do it over your noon hour or coffee break right from your tablet or phone.
Visit Indy App (free for Android, but not tablet)
If you are traveling to the Big Game check out the Visit Indy App. It’s the Indianapolis Visitors and Convention Bureau official handheld travel guide to the Circle City.
Get hyped for an awesome NFL season you can play for FREE!
You’ve never played football like this before, with NFL Pro 2012 you can choose to play and manage any of the 32 NFL teams with over 2,000 real players. (*Might not be compatible with all smartphone devices)
IN THE KITCHEN
Food Network ($1.99 for iOS and $1.99 for Android)
The Big Game always means super-sized everything and an unlimited supply of food. If you’re throwing a party, don’t know what to serve and how many people it will cover, check out the Food Network’s app. The application features recipes great for game day. Why not try something new like Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Sausage Skewers, or Baked Mini Corn Dogs.
All Recipes.com app (called All Recipes-Your Dinner Inspiration on iPad, All Recipes Dinner Spinner on iPhone, and All Recipes Dinner Spinner on Android)
If you’re serving a meal and not just appetizers surrounding the Big Game try the All Recipes.com app, which has ideas that can be ready in 20 minutes or less.
Party Planner (free, Android)
Tend to forget things when you plan a party or don’t know where to start? This provides a checklist that may be helpful.
DRINKS
Mixology™ Drink Recipes (free on iOS devices andfree on Android)
Mixology is the ultimate drink recipe and bartending guide. Whether you are a novice bartender or an expert mixologist, this app help you add diversity to your big game drink specials.
