Cosmic Discoveries for the iPhone and iPod Touch

As you may have noticed if you are a frequent reader of our reviews, I am a sucker for a good space app. That's why I was excited about the Cosmic Discoveries app from the American Museum of Natural History. It wasn't quite what I expected.

The app opens with a mosaic of Jupiter, created with photos relating to moments in space discovery and exploration. Zooming down to the single photo level, you can then double tap on the photo for more information. Unfortunately, for many, if not most of the photos, the information accompanying the photo is sparse. If you do find a particularly intriguing person for example, it feels like you need to commit the name to memory, leave the app, then google for more information.

The visual aspect of the app is great, but it could use a great deal more info on each of these interesting photos. 

Here's a look:

Cosmic Discoveries in the App Store.

USPS Mobile for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Those of us with GPS systems already have a fairly reliable way to find a post office when we're in unfamiliar territory. However, most systems simply tell you how to get to the post office. Thanks to USPS Mobile, you can know whether that post office is open, what services they provide, and find a mailbox if you simply need to mail something.

Additionally, you can check on tracked packages/letters, and lookup zip codes for cities, and vice versa. All of the info in the app can be found on the USPS website as well, but they've done a nice job packaging it into a simple, straightforward, and free, application.

Here's a look:

USPS Mobile in the App Store.

Pocket Frogs for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

Breeding frogs has never been high on my to-do list, but the cute little residents in Pocket Frogs have done their best to change my mind.

You begin the game by hopping from pad to pad, eating dragonflies along the way. I don't need to tell you once a frog eats enough insects, it's ready to breed. It's the frog version of dinner and a movie! Anyhow, there are over 10,000 combinations of tadpoles/frogs that can come from these encounters. You care for the young frogs, and then can "sell" them, or trade them with friends. (Think Tamagotchi).

The graphics and sound are polished, and for those who like this style of game, Pocket Frogs should be fun.

Here's a look:

Pocket Frogs in the App Store.

Beatwave for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

There are two different ways to review an app like Beatwave. One is as a professional musician, and the second is as someone using it as a novelty app. Despite many a nerdy night practicing my trumpet in middle school, this review definitely fits into the latter category.

At its most basic level, Beatwave allows you to create funky beats by tapping on different squares on the screen, representing different notes/sounds, etc. If you think you've created something really cool, you can save it, or even create a second loop to play with/over it. For me, that's where Beatwave ends. For musicians, several in-app purchase packs give you a bunch of additional useful features and instruments. Try Beatwave for free, then you can upgrade in-app to the pro version.

Here's a look:

Beatwave in the App Store.

Pinball HD Video Review

Having been in a position to do app reviews from day one of the App Store, it's been fascinating to watch the changing economics of the store. When the store debuted, a good, single-table pinball game would cost at least $4.99. Today with Pinball HD, you get three tables for 99 cents.

And not just any tables either: all three are graphically stunning, and play really well. The app uses a smartzoom to zoom in and out, and change perspective for detailed looks at the action. Once you adjust to this, which doesn't take long, you can get lost in the game itself.

Also rather than re-skinning the same table, all three games have unique elements: a few have upper flippers, the use of modern tech in the table varies, and each one has a distinctly unique feel.

Definitely a great value for the pinball fan, or at 99 cents, the casual player.

Here's a look:

Pinball HD in the App Store.