New Safe Box - 4 Stars

What is it?

On the app store this is described as File Security APP, I must admit the lack of description made me want to explore it. The premise of the app is to store images in a safe that require a pin to view them, quite clever.

Upon opening the app you are prompted to enter a password of four numbers like the old briefcase rolling pin. When you enter the app you are taken to Filing Cabinet with the only instruction on the screen being a "+". When you select this you are given the option of camera or photo. 

When you select the photo option you are taken to your camera roll where you can select one picture at a time to add the filing cabinet.  I selected a few photos and then exited the app and then deleted the pictures from the camera roll. When I went back to the app, I was asked to enter my password, and the pictures were still there!

When you use the camera option the photo is taken and when you chose "use" it saves it to the filing cabinet, but not your camera roll so it remains safe.

When you select a photo from the Filing Cabinet the pull up menu is displayed and you can save the image, assign to a contact, delete, move to photos album, message, mail, Twitter, Facebook or AirDrop.  When you select delete you are asked to confirm before it deletes it.

My only improvements to this app would be multiple select function for the camera roll to the filing cabinet as currently you do this one at a time, which takes three clicks. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 5

This was really easy to use even without instructions, the most difficult part is remembering  your password. The password can not be changed, the only way to do it is to delete and reinstall the app from the App Store, which deletes all of the photos in the Filing Cabinet.
Price - 5

This is free with no in app purchases, it does what is advertised, so no complaints!

Adverts - 4

There is a banner add at the top of the screen but it isn't invasive and doesn't compromise the functionality. 

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I will be keeping this app for the time being to take pictures of some cheeky Christmas presents and keep them hidden from searching eyes! 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id760299467

Virtual Snow - 2 Stars

What is it?

This is an app that allows you to add snow fall to your camera image. I reviewed the free version so could not actually take any pictures. 

When you open the app you are presented with a screen full of instructions, the main one being that if you double tap the screen it adjusts the amount of snow fall. The instructions have been written in white bubble writing on a pale background so may be a little difficult for some people to read.  The instructions automatically disappear after a few seconds and the only way I could find to get them back was to close down and restart the app. 

When the app goes to the camera function snow is already falling and it looks good. When you double tap the screen the snow fall does increase, but the speed difference isn't that apparent. There are three types of snow fall: Light Fluffy; Snow Storm; and Blizzard. 

There is a menu option that can be accessed, but for some reason the text is horizontal when the phone is vertical and vice versa. The fonts used for the menu are difficult to read and the writing on the button images are too small.  After some playing with the app I figured out there is a snow flakes options of which there are three to choose from, upgrade option and more apps. 

The different snow flake options are basic, shaded and cartoon. My favourite is cartoon as its as basic and shaded are very similar dots. 

As I mentioned earlier the free version only allows you to view the snow fall through the camera options. You can take screen shots but they can be blurred and contain the advertising banner that is always present at the bottom of the screen.  You can upgrade the app to remove the adverts and take pictures to your camera roll for £0.69.

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

In the free version there isn't much to use as you can't take pictures. The fonts used for instructions and menus are difficult to read and seem to work against the direction of the phone.  
Price - 3

This is a free app, but has very limited functionality and the fact that you can't use the camera is a little disappointing.  The upgrade cost is low at £0.69 but it didn't make me want to buy it, but I can see the appeal for Christmas fanatics!

Adverts - 2

There are adverts in the app including pop ups and a constant banner at the bottom of the screen, all to encourage you to upgrade. 

Keep, jury is out or delete - Jury is out

This app has a nice concept and it is fun. The instructions and lack of camera functionality lessen the app for me but you can take screen shots and with the iOS7 you can crop the pictures, you just have to ask yourself if it is too much like hard work?

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/pocket-snow-storm!-virtual/id485367333?mt=8

Android:  Not available. 

Xmas Songs - 2 Stars

What is it?

This app gives you access to a selection of Christmas songs for free! The app is basic in its design but gives you access to a collection of free songs for the Christmas period.  

You simply scroll down the list and select the one you want to listen to and it starts to play.  When you select the Play option you are taken to a controls screen that allows you to amend the volume, rewind, fast forward and pause with a novelty candy cane to show the position of the song and festive falling snow flakes.

The songs aren't always chart versions, but they do the trick to give a bit of festive cheer. Please note though that not all of the songs are popular and I had never heard of a lot of  them. There are also a few readings from books, listed as songs which was different, but this is supposed to be a song app so I wasn't impressed with this. 

Another thing, the write up on the app store says there are 10,000 free songs, I don't think so more 200 including the readings!

There is a search option but this is limited to scrolling through the list of songs rather than free text. There is also a download option, but my list was blank, and there are no instructions to tell me what this is or how to use it.

Sometimes it can take a few seconds for the song to load.  There are adds on the app, disguised as songs, but they are easy to spot as they have icons, whereas the songs don't. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

This is easy to use as it's selecting songs from a list. My slight frustration with this app is the songs are not all songs, and there is no way to identify this apart from listening to it. 
Price - 3

This is free but there is an option to upgrade. Based on the songs included in the free version I wouldn't upgrade. 

Adverts - 2

There are adverts hidden in the list of songs, but after you click on a couple they are easy to identify. There are also some plugs within the songs, so its worth checking them out before you play them at a Christmas party!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Jury is out

This is a good concept but the songs aren't to my taste and most I haven't heard of. I will see if there are any particular songs I like, but this won't be on my phone come January 2nd. I also don't like it is advertised at 10,000 songs when it is clear it is more 200. With that said it is free and easy to use and worth a look as everyones music taste varies. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/christmas-music-10-000-free/id474048409 

Android:  Couldn't find on Google Play.

Xmas Cracker - Pull the Christmas Cracker - 0 Stars

What is it?
Rubbish, frustrating and prepare for repetitive strain injury just from the adverts. From first opening the app I couldn't tell you what it is, as I had an advert invasion! When I first entered the app two full screen adverts appears and then one in a smaller window. When I tried to close them I was taken to web pages and the App Store, for this alone I have dropped two stars!

After several attempts, I accessed the app. The premise is you chose a cracker and pull it. The app doesn't actually allow you to pull a cracker, you tap the screen with a timer, until it splits in two. The graphics aren't great and after every game  there are more ads.

There is a multiplayer option which is basically two people tapping the screen (on the same phone).  I gave up on this app as the adverts were horrific and every time you access the app it asks you to rate it even though you haven't been able to play it! The games wasn't enough to keep my interests.

I even asked others to test this with me and #fuming was actually used! With that said peoples reactions are funny, maybe recommend to someone that has annoyed you!

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 2 

Not easy to get to the actual game as the adverts are too invasive. The cracker game isn't using a pulling motion and is tapping, which is odd on a touch screen phone. 


Price - 3

This was free, but you can upgrade to remove the adverts. I wont be doing this I don't think the app is worth the price. 

Adverts - 1

Awful, worse than Scrabble Cheat, I hate the adverts which made me hate this app!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Delete

I do not like this app, I think the developer has got greedy with adverts. I thought the app would be fun but it was frustrating and I have never tapped a cracker to pull it!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/xmas-cracker-pull-christmas/id733197581?mt=8

Android:  Not available.

VoodooMama - 2.5 Stars

What is it?

This is a fortune telling app based on Voodoo. My first impressions of the app is that it has had some thought behind the graphics, but the sounds could be improved. 

The app is based on a female fortune teller, who has a very unusual mouth when it moves! The premise of the app is to ask a question, press the crystal ball and wait for your fortune. Personally I wouldn't take the app seriously, it is a bit of fun as the answers bare no resemblance to the question asked.  

Some of the wording of the sentences/fortunes is a little odd, like it has been badly translated, but it adds to the amusement factor. I pressed the crystal ball over 20 times and didn't get a duplication of fortune which was good.

The app has a tune playing in the background which instantly made me think if lift/elevator music. The voice used for the fortune teller is odd with a slight lisp and speaks in syllables! 

There is the option to share your fortune on Facebook. When you click the link you need to like the application which will give it access to your profile. I rarely do this as I hate spamming my friends or appearing to be sending loads of status when I am not online, so i didn't review this. 

There is a settings cog on the app, but this advertises the developers other apps and gives instructions for if you need more info. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 4 

This is easy to use and comes with verbal instructions the first time that you access the app. The app is limited to giving fortunes and sharing them on Facebook, it could maybe have some additional functions like different methods of fortune telling. 
Price - 4

This was free with no in app purchases. I wouldn't pay for this app. 

Adverts - 5

No adverts, excellent

Keep, jury is out or delete - Delete

After reviewing this I knew the novelty was gone and it wasn't for me. It is an ok app but with a limited shelf life, if you like magic eight ball this might be for you, but I will stick with making my own destiny.

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id763542326 

Android:  Not available. 

Kids Carols - 4 Stars

What is it?

An app for Christmas released on the 28 November 2014 early enough to get you in the festive mood! This app gives Christmas songs in karaoke style for you to play and sing along to. 

When entering the app it is immediately festive with cartoon drawings of Santa and Rudolf with some animated snow fall thrown in for good measure.  The app does have in app purchases but it is clearly advertised in the App Store and on the app itself. 

When you select a song a festive background is displayed and the song begins. The background changes throughout the song and there are different pictures for each carol. The lyrics to the song are displayed in true karaoke style and the words light up when they should be sung! A good feature of this app is you can control the volume of the choir which fades them out so you can sing solo!

Another nice touch is when you scroll through the song list gold fairy dust appears until remove your finger from the screen. This feature is also available within the songs!

The free songs available are: The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland and Jingle Bells. - so good classics! There are 10 other songs that can be purchased, either at £0.69 per song or £4.99 for the full collection.

What I did like about this app is that if you click on a for sale item it asks a maths question that a child wouldn't easily know the answer to. If the answer is wrong or the window is shut you are returned back to the song menu without a purchase! This is good for the kids that know your password!

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 5 

This app is really easy to use and navigate around. For the fun service provided it was difficult to fault.
Price - 3

The app is free but does have in app purchases. The cost of the songs seems reasonable when you compare them to songs on iTunes and they come with the karaoke lyrics.  The three songs that come with the app are a good selection and Jingle Bells is one of my favourites. 

Adverts - 5 

There were no adverts in this app which I really liked!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I liked this app, its a bit of festive fun that isn't difficult to use, has a good free selection of songs and isn't riddled with Ads!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kids-carols-christmas-song/id740517080 

Android:  Not available.

Minion Goggles - 4 Stars

What is it?

This is a camera app that allows you to take pictures of peoples faces and in the process add a pair of Minion goggles. There are four pairs of goggles to choose from including a evil purple pair! 

When you take a picture the app automatically recognises eyes and adds the chosen pair of goggles. This can sometimes be hit or miss and the goggles can be misplaced on the face.

Both cameras of the phone can be used but i did notice a drop in picture quality using the front camera function. When you take the picture you have the option to save, load to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When you do this you are not forced to like a page but the app name is included with the picture, but it isn't invasive. 

There is a banana option in the top left hand corner of the screen. There is a nice note from the developer about the app, free minion wall papers and a selection of three ringtones. The ring tones, if you like bananas and Minions are great! There is an option to send the ringtone via email to friends and to yourself to upload it through iTunes from a PC!

If you don't like Despicable Me then this will not be the app for you. If you do then its a quirky bit of fun with free ringtones and wallpapers.

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 4 

This is a pretty easy app to use as it has limited functionality. The ringtone and wallpaper options have instructions and the rest is self-explanatory. This app could be used by all ages.
Price - 5

This was free and there were no in app purchases observed.

Adverts - 5

I didn't see any adverts in this app!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

This is a bit of fun and while Minions are popular I will keep it on my phone. This is a novelty photo app so I will not be accessing it every day but its good to take a few cheeky pics!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id683927578

Android:  Not available. 

Icon Pop Quiz - Halloween Special - 2.5 Stars

What is it?

This like Icomania, it's a game where you guess the famous people, hit movies or TV shows. The biggest difference being that the answers are not hidden in an anagram, you just guess by typing in the word you think is relevant.

There are different stages that you can access and swap between, for example Famous People, TV & Films, Characters, Season's Box and Specials. Each of these sections are split between different stages, with 16 levels in each stage. 

When you access a selection of 16 levels you click on the icon, then using the keyboard type in the answer. There are indicators if you are close to getting the answer right, but if like me you can have dodgy spelling, you quickly get annoyed and end up on Google. 

Each time you get an answer right you earn tokens. These tokens can then be used to Open Letters (400 tokens), Resolve (2000 tokens), Hint (200 tokens) and Eliminate Keys (300 tokens).  Don't worry if you haven't got enough tokens, you can buy some, what a surprise! You can even buy a version of the app without adverts, or even unlock all of the levels. 

If you get stuck you can ask your friends on Twitter and Facebook, which doesn't ask you to join a like page or send updates to friends. The only advertising is a link to the app in the post of the picture. 

Due to the spelling issues and the vagueness of some of the answers this could easily turn frustrating or expensive if you become addicted! Personally I prefer Icomania, but this app is ok for a bit of fun. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

This is an easy app to navigate but the answers to the quiz can be very difficult and one misplaced letter will stop you collecting your coins. Due to the frequency of the adverts you can find yourself accidentally entering the App Store, or be directed to a web page or two. 

Price - 3

This is free to download but has in app sales. You can upgrade to a ad free version which I didn't review. You can also buy additional tokens for cheats within the games, which aren't very expensive but could add up over time!

Adverts - 2

There are quite a few adverts in this game which I am not a fan of. Banners at the bottom page, full screen pop ups with delayed options to close and poster sales for films you guess correctly! There is also the option to earn additional tokens if you are willing to watch the video adverts. The adverts are not as invasive as Scrabble Free, hence the rating of 2!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Jury is out

This is an ok game, but it is frustrating and I will not pay for additional tokens. Once you need to Google the answers it loses its appeal for me. I do prefer Icomania but this is an ok alternative.   

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/icon-pop-quiz/id568334356?mt=8

Android:  Not available. 

Puffchat - 5 Stars

What is it?

Puffchat is an app that allows you to send text and picture messages to other users but control how many seconds it can be seen for! When the timer hits zero the message erased in a puff of smoke!

This is like SnapChat but more, as you can reply with a text, which has always been a frustration of mine with the popular app! You know how it is when you receive a funny picture and you can't take a decent one to send back, the problem is now solved. 

The text functionality is simple to use and is featured on a bright background. I particularly like that you can add emoticons to your text messages! The picture message function has similarities to SnapChat but lets face it how much can you do with a picture message?

Like SnapChat the app doesn't prevent screenshots to be taken of the message but it does come with guidance and a disclaimer  and advises selecting a shorter time frame for your message so not to fall into this pitfall. So those texts and pictures you would rather not save or be seen can now be protected. 

Unlike Skim, which I am not a fan of, Puffchat doesn't attempt to access your Twitter and Facebook profiles or publicise your username for anyone to message you. Puffchat allows you to select friends from your phonebook where you send a pre-populated text that includes your Puffchat username inviting them to join the service or search for known usernames already registered. The good thing about this technique is you can control who can and can't send you messages as all friend requests need to be accepted and you can remove the contacts at anytime. 

Another feature I like is the ability to delete your sent messages even from the recipients inbox preventing them from opening them or evening seeing what they were there in the first place! If like me you have foot in mouth syndrome or worse text about someone and  send it to them error, you can erase the evidence (as long as they have not opened it)!

This app has been well thought out! It's colourful, but not childish, and is easy to use. Registration is easy and so is connecting with your friends! The app is currently on the Android but soon to be released on the iOS. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 5 

This was really easy to use and comes with on screen instructions the first time you access the text and picture message functionality.  The app flows through screens well and is logical. Adding friends is easy as is the sending and receiving of messages. 

Price -5

This was free and there are no hidden chargers or upgrade fees.

Adverts - 5

This is an advert free app, perfect!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I like this app and would chose it over SnapChat as I can text back. This is an app to watch as it has the potential to become very popular!

Where to find it:

Apple: coming soon

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.puffchat