Apple: App Downloads Top 3 Billion

It seems like only yesterday when we were reporting that 2 billion apps had been downloaded and now we’re already at 3. Apple announced that worldwide app downloads for their popular iPhone and iPod Touch has surpassed 3 billion. “Three billion applications downloaded in less than 18 months—this is like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. See the full release below, or here.

Apple’s App Store Downloads Top Three Billion

CUPERTINO, California—January 5, 2010—Apple® today announced that more than three billion apps have been downloaded from its revolutionary App Store by iPhone® and iPod touch® users worldwide.

“Three billion applications downloaded in less than 18 months—this is like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The revolutionary App Store offers iPhone and iPod touch users an experience unlike anything else available on other mobile devices, and we see no signs of the competition catching up anytime soon.”

iPhone and iPod touch customers in 77 countries worldwide can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

AppChatter Podcast is Here!

It’s been a while in the making but it’s now here, the AppChatter.com official podcast! Our inaugural episode discusses current events in the iTunes app store, such as in app purchases and offers up some excellent suggestions for halloween apps.

AppChatter.com Podcast Episode 1

For suggestions or inquiries, email us at podcast@appchatter.com

App Review: Ping! by Gary Fung

Touted as the Blackberry Messenger for iPhone, Ping! promises to deliver instant messages to all of your friends using the app on either iPhone or iPod Touch. We’ve been using Ping! now for a little while and found it to be similar to textfree unlimited, which we use extensively here at AppChatter.com. However, these apps are not the same and do serve slightly different niches.

Unlike Ping!, Textfree Unlimited allows you to actually send a text message (SMS) to any phone number. Ping! requires that anyone you send a message to also has the Ping! app installed - there’s no sending messages to phone numbers here. However, similarly to Textfree, you do setup a Ping! “ID” that you then share with all of your other Ping! using friends. They use the ID that you registered to send you messages, as many as they like.

Ping! supports push notifications and runs on both iPhone and iPod Touch. In our time of using it the app was mostly reliable in sending and receiving messages. What I mean by that is, not all messages that we sent were subsequently received by the other device. Sending to an iPhone seemed to be more reliable than sending to an iPod.

The interface of Ping! is superb! In fact, I prefer the interface to that of Textfree or some of the other texting apps that we’ve used here. It’s simple, and unlike Textfree I don’t confuse it with the actual iPhone texting app (yes, I’ve done that a few times actually).

I’m rather luke-warm on Ping! I’m not sure if the app is worthy of a full AppChatter recommendation or if we shout shun it altogether! As a simple messaging app I believe it could work really well, providing it gets more reliable. The price is right at $0.99 and the interface works well. So for now I’ll leave it in your hands, if you’re looking for a texting app for friends then it’s probably worth a try. If you’re looking to send real SMS then this app is not for you (doesn’t support it).

App Review: Iron Fist Boxing 3rd Strike by Realtech VR

Iron Fist Boxing 3rd Strike by Realtech VR showed up in our inbox a few days ago. Having seen some of the previews already I was excited to start playing it and get a review out on it. So, after a few days of playing, I can tell you that WOW, what amazing graphics! (more on that later).

Iron Fist Boxing was recently updated to version 3.0 on the 13th. This new version brings several enhancements and changes however, this review will focus on the game as a whole. First though, some of these new enhancements and changes deliver a new high when it comes to graphics on the iPhone. Leveraging the new Open GL ES 2.0 of the iPhone 3GS and 3rd Generation Touch, Iron Fist Boxing now brings shadows, lighting and greater detail in the already excellent 3D graphics. Gizmodo recently did a comparison of these enhancements by running the game on a 3GS iPhone and an iPhone. The results are remarkable and demonstrate just how good the new graphics chips are in the newer devices. However, you’ll need one of the new devices (3GS or 3rd gen Touch) in order to view the differences.

When you launch the game you are given several game mode types. One of them is training, which I highly recommend you start here. Getting to know all of the moves and how and when to block is critical, because without some practice you will surely get KO’d and probably not even know why or how to stop it. So, spend the few minutes, learn the moves, then move onto the other fight games.

I’ve only really done the training mode and the “career” game. However, there is also sparring, speedbag, punchbag and “punchometer” for you to play. I also did not get a chance to try out bluetooth head to head playing as I simply ran out of time before this writeup.

Selecting “career” allows you to choose one of 9 players, each with differing strengths and weaknesses. After playing a couple of the players (and getting whooped), I chose player number 9 and finally started to get some KO’s of my own. So, if you’re having some trouble, chose a different fighter or go back to the training to practice up again.

There’s a lot of unlocking to do with Iron Fist Boxing, you unlock special moves, levels and more. You also earn artwork and achievements as you go along. There’s enough to unlock and earn to keep anyone boxing for hours.

I found gameplay to be excellent. There’s something to be said about “virtually” throttling someone while sitting in class or at your desk! However, as I mentioned, you must learn the moves in order to get to KO-ing anyone. Many moves are easy and straight forward, but there are others that are tricky, require tilting your device as you swipe the screen and so forth. It’s these trickier moves that will get you to the winners corner!

I had one complaint really of playing Iron Fist Boxing - if you get knocked down it’s pretty much impossible to get back up. The problem is that you are presented with a “minigame” of sorts that you must master in order to get up off the ground. If you can’t do it in the 9 seconds, then you’re done. This was getting annoying and I never did figure it out, I just changed fighters then I started to win. Also, if you KO your opponent, so far he does appear to get up the first time - every time. So be sure to finish him!

I recommend Iron Fist Boxing 3rd Strike to anyone that enjoys sports games, especially fighting games. Graphics are superb and game play is fun and exciting when you’re kicking ah…

What we liked: Graphics. Need a game to show off the graphics of your shiny new iPhone or iTouch? This is it. WOW!, Kicking butt - where can you go wrong?
What we didn’t like: Difficulty in recovering from getting knocked down, looong intro screens (can we cut the video? thanks!).

App Review: Sky Smash 1918 by Richard Wilson

Sky Smash 1918 by Richard Wilson is a vertical scrolling shooter game. I started playing Sky Smash a couple of days ago and found the game to be fun and entertaining, taking on the enemy in 1918 during WWI. Shooting planes, tanks, and other enemies that are all out to get you.

Sky Smash 1918 is a airplane, flying shooter game set in 1918 during WWI. You fly along, shoot down the enemy airplanes, take out enemy tanks and gun turrets and pretty much destroy everything in your wake - if you can. However, you are usually under heavy attack, dodging enemy fire and flying around enemy craft so that you don’t crash and burn.

As you fly along and shoot down the enemy, some of them leave power ups in the air and other goodies that you can pickup (simply fly over them). Some give you strength, while others give you a bigger gun on your airplane or a bounce bomb (it bounces, then boom!). If you want to survive in this hostile world, you will need to get the power ups, otherwise you will face certain death.

Controlling your in-air coffin (ahem, your airplane) is simple: just drag your finger on the screen. Don’t worry about firing, that is done for you. If you have a bomb or bounce bomb you can let it go at any time, however I strongly recommend you hang on to it until the “big boss” at the end of the level. You must kill the boss at the end of each level in order to move onto the next level. Otherwise, you will have to start the current level over again, from the start.

There are nine levels to advance through. Each offers about 5 minutes of game play (providing you don’t die and have to start over). Once you pass a level, you can just select it next time you enter the game, no need to start from the very beginning. Speaking on levels, this is our major complaint with this game (actually, it’s our only complaint with the game). There’s only nine levels, that’s it. So finishing the game does not take very long and you’re done. There should be many more levels and hopefully Richard Wilson and his friends will add more. So for now, just know that you will likely finish the game in one sitting.

We found Sky Smash 1918 to be a fun and enjoyable game. Graphics were great, game play was fun and exciting and once you start you will not want to put it down. We recommend Sky Smash 1918 to anyone that enjoys the classic arcade style vertical scrolling shooter games, or to anyone who just like shooter games!! The one drawback is that the game will leave you wanting more… (but is that really a drawback?).

What we liked: Great graphics and excellent game play. A great take on the vertical scrolling shooter.
What we didn’t like: Game is short with only nine (9) levels.

Developers Website: http://www.skysmash1918.com

App Review: Galcon Labs by Galcon.com

Galcon Labs, the sequel to the original Galgon reviewed back in March, is out!  If you, like many of us here at AppChatter.com, found yourself addicted to planet invasions and takeovers, then you’ll enjoy the updated version.

Galcon Labs brings updated graphics (albeit minor) and some new game play. Available game types now include: Classic, Crash, Billiards, Stealth and Assassin.  When you launch the game you select one player or multi-player:

• Single Player.  Single player gives you the traditional style game along with some new types.
• Multi-Player.  This is the same as single player but now you play against a real person and not the computer. You must create an account on the network to play multi-player.

If you select single player, you are presented with the list of game types to choose from. They are:

• Classic.  This is your classic Galcon that everyone is familiar with.
• Crash.  Crash is a new twist on invasion.  If your ships cross paths with the enemy ships they “crash” into each other and cancel each other out.
• Billiards.  Billiards has the planets sorta floading around and bumping into each other. Otherwise it’s the same as classic.
• Stealth. Stealth is where you and your enemies ships are invisible.  However, you do see when they leave (visible for just a moment) and what planet they attack.  So it’s still pretty easy to track.
• Assassin.  This game style is different and we’re not sure it adds much playability.  However, the idea here is to target the planets that have been preselected for you to conquer. There may be other planets (or even players) going, but you don’t need to worry about them, only the ones that have been selected.

When you select Single Player, similar to the original Galcon, you select your difficultly.  Playing the default difficulty (cabin boy) is not much of a challenge at all, but good to learn on. As I mentioned earlier, graphics in galcon have also been updated.  However, the update is pretty minor.

Galcon Labs is a great sequel to the original Galcon.  We like Galcon and even Galcon Labs because it can be mindless game play of planetary takeover with various twists.  So if you’re looking for a new twist on this classic iPhone game then have a look at Galcon Labs.

Confirmed: AT&T to Allow VoIP Over 3G Network, iPhone Owners Rejoice

Today, AT&T announced a shocking reversal of a policy that many considered to be the Achilles heal of the iPhone on the AT&T network. That’s right, AT&T announced today that they would permit VoIP apps to run on their 3G network and informed the FCC and Apple Inc. of their change of heart.

Yes, you read that right. However, we have no clue on what impact, if any, the decision will have on Google Voice apps for the iPhone/iPod Touch. However, users of Skype and Vonage should be seeing some 3G love soon.

AT&T, in their own words:

AT&T Extends VOIP to 3G Network for iPhone

Dallas, Texas, October 6, 2009
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AT&T* today announced it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network. Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. For some time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks. AT&T this afternoon informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision.

In late summer, AT&T said it was taking a fresh look at VoIP capabilities on iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network, consistent with its regular review of device features and capabilities to ensure attractive options for consumers.

“iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”

AT&T allows customers to download or launch on their wireless devices a multitude of compatible applications directly from any lawful Internet website. Additionally, because AT&T uses GSM technology, the most pervasive and open wireless technology platform in the world, we support customers using any GSM phone that works on AT&T’s frequencies.

Source: http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27207

Car Park by Calculator Games

Car Park is an action strategy game that is simple and highly addictive. There are only a limited number of spaces available in this busy parking lot. You will need to guide cars into parking spaces by drawing a path with your finger. Park as many cars as you can, but watch out for other cars looking for a space, or cars you have already parked leaving the lot, as the game is over if any cars crash.

Car Park features:

- simple yet insanely addictive gameplay - you won’t be able to play it just once!

- try to beat your own personal high score or conquer the world on the global high scores list

- using the in-game global high scores you can compare your scores worldwide or by location

- listen to your own music while playing or enjoy the in-game soundtrack

- link to your Twitter and/or Facebook account to automatically publish your best scores

- game can be resumed after a phonecall or other interruption

Developer Website: http://www.calculatorgames.info

Truphone by Truphone

Truphone (http://www.truphone.com/) became the first true Internet calling application in Apple’s App Store when the company introduced Truphone for the iPhone nearly a year ago; it’s now available for the iPod touch, BlackBerry and other devices.

Truphone enables free to low-cost mobile calling over available Wi-Fi or local wireless networks for owners of iPhones and other smartphones who are traveling away from their home service areas. The service uses the Internet to send and receive phone calls, and is especially advantageous for travelers who want to make inexpensive calls from their mobile phones no matter where they are. Furtermore, Truphone customers do not pay inbound call roaming surcharges in over 50 countries around the world. (Twitter - http://twitter.com/truphone).

Truphone 3.0 for iPhone Features:
*Free calls to Skype and Truphone users
*IM to Skype, MSN, Yahoo! and AIM
*Low rates to international landlines and mobiles
*Best call quality
*Ability to manage your costs from your phone
*ALL NEW Voicemail and Message Waiting Alerts

Developer Website: http://www.truphone.com

Precision Volume by Stixel

Precision Volume solves the problem of having songs in your library with different volumes and prevents you from having to adjust the volume between each song.

Just open Precision Volume, hit play, and adjust each song to a comfortable volume using either the in app song shift slider or the external volume buttons on your device.
The next time you play that song, PRECISION VOLUME AUTOMATICALLY RECALLS THE SONG SHIFT YOU USED FOR THE SONG THE LAST TIME IT WAS PLAYED.

HOW IT WORKS:
The volume used for each song is simply calculated by adding the Song Shift for each song to the Master Volume, making it easy to adjust the volume across all songs for loud or quiet situations using the Master Volume, while also remembering differences in volume between each song using the Song Shift.

Developer Website: http://stixel.weebly.com/

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