Angry Birds 3D Display

I was inspired this weekend and created this crafty Angry Birds 3D display. You can make your own too by following my steps! Enjoy!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Big Holiday Sale on iPhone and iPad Apps!

So many hot deals on apps this week! Here’s a round-up of a few of my favorite bargains. Enjoy!

Jenga – Another favorite classic board game has gone digital! Build as high as you can by removing a piece from the bottom and put it on top. Pieces will highlight in one of three colors – white, yellow, or red. This tells you how difficult the piece is to remove. Pull the piece out quickly or slow and don’t let it topple! Compete with friends via Game Center and Facebook to see who can build the highest! iPhone Version (99 cents) | iPad Version (99 cents)

Wordcrasher – one of the most addictive word games in the iTunes App store. Whether you love word games or not, you’ll fall in love with this one instantly. Make as many words as you can as letters fall down. Well-polished graphics that remind me of a box of candies. Check the leaderboards on OpenFeint and Game Center. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents)

Symbol6 Redux – Here’s a puzzle game that tests your speed and hand-eye coordination. The Symbo6 machine is a hexagon that holds 7 different movable tiles. Drag and drop to match incoming titles to earn points. Game Center integration to share and broadcast your scores. Normally 99 cents, it’s free this week. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free) | iPad Version ($2.99)

Babo Crash Rush – if you love match-3 jewel games, this is a must-have! It’s like like Bejewled on steroids! There’s so much action going on and my favorite part is being able to change the direction of gravity. Tilt and turn the iPad/iPhone to get pieces to fall in certain places. The app is universal, making it beautiful on the iPad or iPhone. Full version includes more modes, while the Rush version includes a free timed game. Universal (Free) | Universal (99 cents)

Scrabble – word game addicts, get this before the price goes up! It’s Hasbro’s classic word game right on your iPhone. Play against the computer, your friend next to you, or even your Facebook friends. Add up points and aim to get the triple letters and triple words all across the board. The person with the most points at the end wins! But hurry, this sale won’t last long! The iPad version is normally $9.99, now only 99 cents. You can play the free version as a Facebook app. iPhone/iPod Touch Lite Version (Free) | iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version (99 cents)

Pix ‘n Love Rush – So retro and so much fun, this game will take you back to the time of pixels and short attention spans! Help the little critter make it through the levels by moving, jumping, and shooting. Collect yellow pieces and avoid or shoot purple ones. Rush through all the short levels quickly and safely. The iPad Version was $3.99, but is on sale this week for just 99 cents. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version (99 cents)

Toy Story Mania – Come one, come all. Step right up and play the Disney-inspired game called Toy Story Mania! Just like the theme park ride, you’re taken to mini-games that are represented by their respective characters. Instead of pulling a string on a cannon, you swipe, shoot, flick, pop, and toss things at targets and gain points. There are 5 mini games which include: Hammin’ Eggs, Buzz Lightyears’ Flying Tossers, Bo Pee’s Baaa-loon Pop, Green Army Men Shoot Camp, and Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery. Full Review..
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents)

Chop Sushi – There are many match-three games in the App Store, but “Chop Sushi” stands out in this genre. This game proves to be a tasty treat! The object of the game is to match at least 3 types of sushi. The more sushi you match, the more turns you get. There’s also a fun roll-playing twist too. Download and give it a try. The game is normally $2.99 (iPhone) and $3.99 (iPad). iPhone Version (99 cents) | iPhone Lite Version (Free) | iPad Version (99 cents)

iBlast Moki – Send the Mokis to safety by bombing their way through the mysterious lands!
This is similar to Rolando, but there’s definitely more bombs and a whole lotta blasting of things in this game. It’s a game of physics where you have to place bombs in certain places and have them go off at different times. The object is to have the blast bounce the Moki’s into the portal holes. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($3.99)

Word Lens – This is probably one of the most amazing apps I’ve seen in a while. It instantly translate printed text from one language into another using your phone’s built-in camera. And the magical part is that it does it in real time! Point your phone at a sign and it’ll translate the text instantly! It’s a free app with two demo modes on it. The Spanish-English, English-Spanish in-app purchases are $4.99 each (50% off sale). iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free)

Snow Brawlin’ – Risoo the squirrel needs your help! A group of rogue rodents have taken over his area. And with the season’s nut shortage, there’s only one way to settle this. Snowball fight! It’s a fun game that will get your quick fingers tapping and heart laughing. The game is free but you can purchase in-app extra three lives for 99 cents. The pro version comes with the extra lives. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free) | iPhone/iPod Touch Pro Version (99 cents)

Doodle Jump Christmas Special – Doodle Jump is back with even more holiday fun! New graphics and monsters puts you in the holiday spirit! Jump as high as you can and compete with your friends on Facebook and Game Center.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents)

Scrabble Blast! – Make the longest words you can on the scrabble board before the time runs out. Make words with letters with bombs for even more points. It is ad-supported so that could be a little bit annoying. Some ads show up right over your buttons, and when a game is over, a big ad is shown too. But it may be worth the download if you enjoy word games.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free)

Star Wars Arcade Falcon Gunner – Probably one of the coolest Augmented Reality games currently available! Imagine defending your own city against galactic intruders right in your own living room! AR mode puts the fight right in your own physical space. It turns your surroundings to be part of a space battle like no other game. Game Center and Facebook integration.
iPhone/iPod Touch 4 Version (99 cents)

Tetris – Who doesn’t know how to play Tetris? It’s a classic! Geometric pieces drop down and you need to rotate and move them to fit in rows below. Get four rows at once and you got a super powerful Tetis! The updated graphics and colors are beautiful! It’s currently on sale for both the iPhone and iPad at its lowest price ever this weekend. So get it before it’s gone! Apps are normally $2.99 and $7.99 for the iPhone and iPad, respectively.
iPhone Version (99 cents) | iPad Version (99 cents)

SimCity Deluxe – Ever dreamed of building your own city? Now you can and manage it as well with the new SimCity^TM. Draw up the blueprints and run wild planning your city’s layout. Normally $6.99, both iPhone and iPad versions are on sale for just 99 cents!
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version (99 cents)

Popularity: 5% [?]

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas!

Still working on your holiday shopping list? Here are a few last minute geeky gift ideas for those hard-to-buy-for friends!

Gamer Geek

The Guild Season 4 DVD
Got a gamer in the family? Make their wish come true with this very funny web series about a group of gamers who meet in real life. Season 4 is about the ups and downs of a geeky romantic relationship, if you can call it that. Very funny and full of extra clips. The DVD will be released Dec. 21, 2010.

Purchase: The Guild Season 4 DVD

Angry Birds Plushies
Got an Angry Birds fan on your shopping list? Why not get them their very own Angry Bird to throw around the house (or office)?! Just imagine them throwing the birds across the room and getting a kick out of it. ;) You’ll have to give them an IOU though. Due to popularity, shipping for items start in January.

Purchase: Angry Birds and Angry Pigs ($14.99 each)

Xbox 360 Console and Kinect Sensor Bundle

Why buy controllers when you can use your whole body as a controller? Get the gaming console with the newest and hottest technology yet! You may also want to pick up games like Dance Central ($39.99) or Kinect Sports ($44.54) as well.

Purchase: Xbox 360 Console and Kinect Sensor Bundle ($299.99)

Music Geek

Apple iPod touch 8 GB (4th Generation)

$210 with free $25 Amazon Gift Certificate. This is the best price anywhere for the iPod touch, $185 after the value of the gift certificate. Two cameras, FaceTime, 8GB of storage space, and an entire library of iPhone/iPod apps to choose from.

With the money you saved, you can pick up an iTunes Gift Certificate as well!

Book Geek

Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6″ Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology ($139)

This is the perfect gift for the bookworm on your Holiday list! The new E-Ink Pearl technology display on this device is amazing. It’s almost like reading on a real book, except much lighter and more portable! Carry up to 3,500 books on one single device! The battery life can last up to one month. Best of all, it’s the lowest price it’s ever been. A 3G version is also available for $189 if you think they’ll want to download a ton of books on the go. :) And if they have a Kindle already, consider getting them a Amazon Gift Certificate so they can purchase more books!

Purchase:

• Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6″ Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology ($139)
• Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi + 3G ($189)
• Amazon Gift Certificate

Photo Geek

Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle
Best Compact Camera. Perfect to fit inside a purse. I purchased this camera a few months ago and have been really happy with the quality of the photos, especially in low light.
Purchase: Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera ($429.00)

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera – Good Compact camera for $108. This camera was originally over $170, so its an excellent deal at $107.99. Features 2.7 inch screen, 28-112mm 4x zoom lens, and image stabilization. Comparable to cameras in the $150-200 range.
Purchase: Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera ($109.00)

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera
Best starter SLR camera with HD video. Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD screen. $799 with lens. This camera features true HD video recording in a SLR camera. 1080p recording at 30 frames per second. One unique feature for a camera this price is a microphone-input jack, which allows you to connect a professional microphone such as the Azden High-performance (SMX-10) Stereo Condenser Microphone. Purchase: Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP with Lens ($799.00)

SD Memory Cards
And don’t forget the memory cards for the cameras! Here are few budget SD cards:

• Kingston 4 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card – $6.88
• Transcend 8 GB Class 6 SDHC Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6 – $14.
  This card is fast enough for HD video recording.

Entertainment Gifts

Etch-a-Sketch iPad Case – Relive your childhood with the new Etch A Sketch iPad Case by Headcase! Inspired by the original Etch A Sketch from Ohio Art, this favorite toy can be brought back to life by your iPad! This is a great iPad case if you want to make their iPad look even more awesome. It’s a great conversation starter, and a great reminder of a classic toy. Imagine the big smile on their face when they open the gift! This case is also available for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G/3Gs.
Purchase: Etch-a-Sketch iPad Case ($39.00)

Best speakers under $25 – On a tight budget? Tired of listening to music on laptop speakers? The Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer is a great choice! I’m using this on my desk and it works well for the money ($23). The bass won’t hit really low like the higher-end Logitechs, but is an improvement over standard 2 channel setups. Great for listening to podcasts and YouTube videos.
Purchase: Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer ($23)

Roku XD Streaming Player 1080p
Watch over 100,000 movies and TV shows from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Hulu Plus and more. Listen to music on Pandora, or listen to your own iTunes playlists. Watch major sports, news, or original Internet programming. It’s all available whenever you want it. This offers an affordable way to get HD internet content onto your HD TV. Purchase: Roku XD Streaming Player 1080p ($79.99)

Logitech Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard with Backlighting
Looking for the best corded keyboard? This is one of the best with its backlit keys, laptop keyboard style, and solid construction.

Purchase: Logitech Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard with Backlighting ($59.99)

Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet

Got an artist, photographer, or graphics enthusiast in the family? The Wacom Intuos4 tablets are excellent for Photoshop, Illustrator, or other artwork. The medium size tablet works well on a 24″ monitor setup.

Purchase: Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet ($331.47)

Toys for the Young Geeksters

Germ Toys

Who ever thought that getting germs could be so much fun! Plushie germ toys that is. These unique stuffed animal toys are great gifts for the science fans. Get one, get them all! They’re adorable.

Purchase: Germ Toys ($7.95 – $11.95)

V Tech Movie Magic Digicam

Simple video camera for a child to operate. Takes 2 megapixel photos and 640×480 videos. 1.8″ screen. Great for kids to capture those funny moments. They might even become our future podcasters!

Purchase: V Tech Movie Magic Digicam ($29.99)

Barbie Video Girl Doll

It’s like two toys in one! Take Barbie out to parties and capture moments right right on her video camera! Perfect gift for young girls.

Barbie Video Girl Doll available in blonde, brunette, and African-American. Prices range from $64.99 – $74.99.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Etch-A-Sketch iPad Case

Relive your childhood with the new Etch A Sketch iPad Case by Headcase! Inspired by the original Etch A Sketch from Ohio Art, this favorite toy can be brought back to life by your iPad!

The case comes in two parts — the top red piece and the bottom closing piece. When you first receive the iPad case, you’ll need to open the enclosing. To do this, use a coin, slide and twist to loosen the two pieces apart. You’ll need to do this twice in the two slots at the bottom of the case.

Once you you take the two pieces apart, you’ll see that the top piece is made of a hard and sturdy red plastic, with the same familiar design of the classic Etch A Sketch. The top part of the case has all the cutouts for the buttons and ports of the iPad. If you’re holding it in landscape the mode, the top part also has “Magic Etch A Sketch(R) Screen” written in big gold letters. At the bottom are the two pseudo white knobs (used for drawing up/down and left/right on the original Etch A Sketch).

The bottom piece is made of the same sturdy plastic, except in black. It also has the familiar big X running through the back of the case. However, there’s a big circle cutout in the middle that showcases the beautiful Apple logo. There are also two flip-out tabs that act as a stand for the iPad (in landscape mode).

To put your iPad in the case, gently lay it on top of the bottom piece, and snap the top red piece on. Work you way around the case and make sure each edge is snapped in tightly.

As beautiful as this case is, there are a few flaws. The biggest one is the cutout on the back that showcases the Apple logo. It’s not protected, so there is possibility of it being scratched on the back. I would have liked to see a hard clear plastic covering the back. Another minor issue is that the cutout for the Home button is a bit small. I often find myself using my nails to click on the button — this may be a problem if you don’t have nails. This goes the same for the volume and notification buttons. Also, if you hold the iPad case in portrait mode, you’ll notice that the gold lettering may start to wear off, so be careful touching that area as well. Although there are a few minor flaws, anyone who owned an Etch-A-Sketch will be able to look pass them and enjoy this amazing reminder of their childhood!

Overall, this is a great iPad case if you want to make your iPad look even more awesome. It’s a great conversation starter, and a great reminder of a classic toy. If you’re looking for something special for your geek for the holidays, this case will surely put a smile on their face!

Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars · Headcase · Purchase for $39.00

Disclosure: This product was a birthday gift from my relatives. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to write a review to be part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Bargain iPhone and iPad Apps for the Holidays!

Tis the season to be shopping and gifting! And here are a few apps to help you get through the month of December! Some will help you relieve holiday stress and some to help you with shopping!

Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift – ZeptoLab wanted to thank all the Om Nom fans out there with this special free holiday gift! It’s 25 holiday “Cut the Rope” levels. Be sure to feed Om Nom candy by cutting the rope and land the candy safely into Om Nom’s mouth! Integrated with Game Center and new achievements. It’s definitely worth the download. Universal App (Free)

Angry Birds Seasons – One of the most popular games on the iPhone and iPad is now available in a special holiday edition. Previously known as “Angry Birds Halloween,” it now has addition levels highlighting a winter theme. The one thing that’s different about this holiday theme is that a new level is unlocked each day in Dec. So on Dec 5, five levels are unlocked for you to play. And the 6th one wont be available until Dec 6 at midnight. This keeps is interesting as you can’t breeze through all the levels in one night. Game Center supported.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($1.99)

Bakery Story is the 5th title in the mega-hit “Story” series from Team Lava and is quite adorable. If you’re addicted to titles like Restaurant Story and City Story, you’ll love this one. Open up your own little bakery and customize it to you heart’s desire. Decorate the wall, change the flooring, add new furniture. But most importantly, customize your bakery’s menu! From chocolate cakes to croissants, keep the yummy creations coming to keep your customers happy. A storm8 account is needed to add your friends and give out gifts. Just like the other games in the series, it’s available in the iTunes app store for free and has Game Center supported. Universal App (Free)

Adventure Bay – Ever want to escape to your very own tropical paradise? Now you can build an island any way you want. Plant tropical trees everywhere, businesses, huts and more! Visit your friends’ islands and help them with quests, collecting treasures in return. Escape to Adventure Bay and see what kind of treasure you can bring back!
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free) | iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free)

Pogo Games is 5 games in one! You get Word Whomp, Turbo 21, Poppit, Sweet Tooth 2, and Mahjong Safari all in one free app. In Word Whomp, you have to make as many words as you can with 6 letters. In Turbo 21, deal out an entire deck and make as many 21 hands as you can. In Poppit, you pop balloons to release prizes. Release as many prizes as you can to win! Sweet Tooth is a match 3 game and Mahjong Safari is a game where you find the correct path to match up the animals. The ads may be a little bit annoying, so an upgrade option is also available.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free)

Doodle Fit is a fun puzzle game where you need to fit geometric shapes into a bigger shape. Think of Tetris in various containers. Think fast and fit all the shapes in the box. Lots of fun doodle graphics and works on both iPhone and iPad. Best of all, it’s free for a limited time!
Universal App (Free)

Magic Life – Do you believe in magic? Now you can you play in a world of imagination and magic all around you. Wander in the wondrous place of enchantment and mystery. Learn how to make magic spells. You can make monstrous cyclops disappears, and creatures into other animals. Explore the amazing 3d graphics as you finish your quests. Game Center support and currently free! iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free) | iPad Version (Free)

Google Books – Another bookstore is in town! Now you can buy your books from Google too. Access over 2 million Google eBooks on your favorite device. Features options to change font size/typeface, search within the book, more book info, page turns, night-reading mode, and offline reading mode. All you need is to log into your Gmail account to access your books. Universal App (Free)

Target for iPad – Getting ready for some Christmas shopping? Be sure to check out the weekly ads on the Target iPad app. Just set your store location and the ad will appear. Flip through the pages and when you see something you like, tap and add it to your list. When you’re done browsing, email the list to yourself and you’re ready to go shopping. The apps makes it a fun and green way to read the weekly ads! iPad Version (Free)

Windowshop by Amazon is a fun way to browse what’s available on Amazon.com. Pictures of products are displayed according to categories and you can tap and swipe away. Tap on a category and the entire screen is filled with items from only that category. It does make shopping and finding gift-giving ideas much easier! iPad Version (Free)

Price Check by Amazon – If you’re out shopping already, you may want to use this app to scan products you’re thinking about buying! Scan the barcode of an item and it’ll return you all the prices it’s selling for. Compare and see if you’re getting the best deal. It’s the perfect app for the holiday shopping season! iPhone Version (Free)

Popularity: 3% [?]

iPad Case Review: Otterbox Commuter Series

The Otterbox Commuter Series is quite an attractive case for your iPad. It’s slim, lightweight, and protects the iPad from everyday use.

The case consists of three pieces -a soft interior layer to protect scratches and impact, a hard outer layer for further protection, and a hard snap off piece that allows you to access the back to mount your iPad on a dock or keyboard.

To put the case on, hold the iPad vertically and slide the soft interior case on the top corners first, then the bottom corners. Once that’s in place, put the hard outer shell on, starting at the bottom. The hard shell piece has somewhat of a hook that hugs the bottom of your iPad. Once it’s on, snap the top edge on. It gets a bit tricky near the two buttons. Slide the hard shell over the on/off button first, making sure it’s aligned correctly. Then slide the hard shell over the headphone/mic area. You’ll need to tug the soft interior over these parts through the hole of the hard shell case. The hard shell case should slide easily through afterward. Lastly, slide the snap-on piece on the back and you got yourself a stylish case for your iPad.

With the Otterbox Commuter Series iPad case, you have access to all of your ports and buttons. There are cutouts for your mic, orientation button (soon to be mute button), and speakers. The headphone jack is covered by the soft part of the case, but can be easily removed when in use. The volume buttons are also covered by the soft part of the case, making pressing them much easier.

The two layers of protection and slim look gives the Otterbox Commuter Series the perfect balance between sturdiness and a dash of style! The best part about this case is the back. There’s a round opening that displays the beautiful Apple^TM logo for all to see.

This case however is not the type you want to take on and off all the time. But once you have it on, there’s no real reason to want to take it off. It’s slim enough to fit on most iPad stands. If you need to charge or use the iPad Keyboard connector, simply removed the flap on the back side.

In addition, the package also comes with a cleaning cloth, squeegee, and screen protector, which is at least a $15 value. The Otterbox Commuters Series iPad case comes in only black and can be purchased for $64.95.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · $64.95 · Otterbox.com · Purchase on Amazon ($36.84)

Disclosure: This product was sent by OtterBox for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 3% [?]