Big Nate Stays Old School in a Digital World

Lincoln Pierce may be the most reluctant success in comic book history.

Ok, so he may not be so reluctant as an artist and writer; Pierce is the creator of “Big Nate”, the comic book franchise that first arrived on the syndicate two decades ago. Big Nate hit the big time in the mid-90s, and since then the strip has gone from being a newspaper favourite to a “Big Nate” book series that spent a year on the New York Times bestseller list, selling more than 3.5 million copies.  It also became part of the wildly popular Poptropica site as “Big Nate Island”, debuting on the site on Valentine’s Day 2009. (It promptly crashed the site’s server after millions of readers flocked to the site).

A year ago, Pierce’s book publisher approached the artist about creating his first app.  And when the publisher had a developer follow that up by developing iterations of the app, there was one small problem. Pierce was incredibly low tech. He had neither the knowledge nor the technology to view the new creations.

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Launch Center iOS Now Available 

When developer App Cubby initially submitted its Launch Center app it was rejected by Apple. At the time Apple cited what it described as inappropriate use of the Notification Center. The developed subsequently removed integration features and resubmitted the app which now has been accepted by Apple. Integration would  allow users to add shortcuts directly to Notification Center, a feature that is common in jailbroken devices. The news of Apple approval and availability comes a time when Apple has been cracking down on launcher apps. The Cupertino based company pulled similar app Quick Pick which had integration features even though it was initially approved and available in the Appstore.

These moves tend to reinforce the narrative that Apple is against competition. It also provides ammunition for those who say that Apple is primarily concerned with maintaining its walled ecosystem of apps and content with a heavily locked-down device. Attention will now be focused on other launcher apps for iOS to see if developers fall in line with Apple’s  ruling or attempt creative workarounds.

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Tweet Speaker a Bargain For Twitter Users

Tweet Speaker, the app by App Cubby that lets you listen to your tweets is now on sale for a limited time on the App Store.  The app was originally released last October for $2.99 but is now available for just 99 cents.

Do you remember what an answering machine is?  It was a device that you connected to your archaic house phone. You came home pressed the play button and it replayed all the calls you would have otherwise missed while you were out.  Tweet Speaker takes that basic concept and builds on it to create an app that Twitter addicts will surely love.

Tweet Speakers does not simply read out your tweets. It gives you a variety of tools to customize the experience. You can choose to create what amounts to a custom podcast or you can use the smartly designed timeline dial to simply play back all your content.

Tweet Speaker Packed With Perfect Features

The app has a slick feel to it. Its design is well done and the interface is very intuitive. At the bottom there are three main buttons:  “Voice,” “Play,” and “Airplay.” Above that there is a classic radio dial style depiction of your timeline. You can use this dial to move back and forward in your timeline and choose a starting point for Tweet Speaker. Above your timeline dial you will find your tweet stream.

You can choose any of your lists, or you can choose to start at any point in your  overall timeline and then press play. Tweet Speaker will then read out your tweets in a human sounding voice. The app is specifically designed for Twitter and understands its jargon. It will for example know that RT means “re-tweet.”  It will also recognize and read out links that are embedded. Various options (including the ability to change the speech rate) round out a very well-designed offering. The app also has integration features allowing you to link it to other twitter clients. That feature allows Tweet Speaker to pick up where you left off so you don’t have to listen to tweets you have already read.

One Tweet Deal

Tweet Speaker is one of those apps that just seem to work. If you are heavy Twitter user you should definitely give it a try.  Available for 99 cents at the App Store, for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

Keep on Top of Current Conditions — With Lock Screen Weather on Your iPhone

Adding Lock Screen Weather to your iPhone or iPod touch can make a difference. After all, who wants to arrive at the meeting – or anywhere for that matter – soaking wet or freezing cold?

You’ll never have to with Lock Screen Weather on your iPhone or iPod Touch. The app gives you instant access to current, custom weather conditions as live wallpaper. All at the tap of a button. No need to start up or even unlock your device. Just launch Lock Screen Weather once and set your preferences. After that the weather forecast for your hometown (or pretty much any other city in the world) will be at your finger tips.

 No Jailbreak Required

There’s a complete range of icons and temperatures are given in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. The reports are updated regularly and the app includes an optional five-day forecast. Best of all, this clever little addition doesn’t require a jailbreak.

So what’s the downside? According to numerous comments sprinkled around the web, this app drains battery power at a mind-boggling rate. The system plays a silent track that allows the screen to be updated regularly but also plays havoc with your battery life.

Fortunately, Lock Screen Weather app isn’t as hard on your pocket book as it is on your battery. It’s available at the App Store for only $0.99.

Never Miss Another Appointment — With Do Date!

Do Date – the latest app offering from Law On My Phone — is the easy answer to all your scheduling problems!  With Do Date, you’ll never have to worry about missing another appointment or event, because daily reminders of birthdays, anniversaries, meetings – all your important dates and times — are sent directly to your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Once you have the Do Date app, scheduling is simple, effective and worry-free. Using the notification center, Do Date ensures that all the information you need for the day is on your iPhone/iPod. Even better – this app counts down the number of days left before the important event so you are free to concentrate on what else is important – and fun – in your life!

The Simplicity of Do Date

Updates are automatic. You can’t set your reminder times individually but what you can do is make sure your iPhone/iPod is set to “show 10 recent.”  Then, at 12:01 AM every day reminders will be on your device, waiting for you. Or, if you want, you can change that time to better suit your schedule. Now that’s flexibility – which translates to freedom for you!

Do Date means you’ll never have to wonder if Katie’s birthday’s the 11^th or the 12^th.  And why should you have to when you can let Do Date do it for you – perfectly!  You can even turn the notification off so that Katie doesn’t accidentally discover that you’ve ordered a special present for her.

Why Not Do Do Date?

Do Date makes it so easy that even the most disorganized person can keep their life clicking along. When something new comes up, simply enter the time and date of the event, hit save, and relax — knowing that you’ll be reminded in plenty of time. Your responsibilities are all but over. No syncing requirements and absolutely nothing complicated. What could be better? How about the low price – just $0.99 at the App Store!