2

The iPhone is a perfect device for integrating audio and images into a single interface. While this usually means creating videos, it doesn't have to. There are dozens of ways to use the technology in new and creative ways. Case in point: Talking Pictures. This app allows you to tag a photo with different audio tracks that can be activated by other users with the same app -- a potentially innovative way to share information.

When you open the app, you can choose to view your gallery (which will be empty) or create a new talking picture. Choose the … Read more

Toddlers Flashcards is exactly as it sounds, a collection of flashcards you can download for your iPad that will help your child learn things like colors, letters, numbers, and more. The app is very easy to use, but for its target audience -- children between 12 months and 3 years -- it works quite well. While there are some issues with the volume of content available in the free version and the interface is very bare bones, it is a decent download for parents eager to help their child learn basic concepts.

Upon starting, you'll choose the language in … Read more

Photo Icons HD is designed to provide the tools you need to create icons for your iPhone or iPad. The HD version of the app upscales the interface so you can see the full-sized version of the icon, add new backgrounds, borders, and images, and tweak it until it's ready for sharing. While not perfect, the app provides the basic tools you'll need to create rudimentary icons and buttons.

The interface for Photo Icons HD is very easy to use. Onscreen is a list of 11 options, each with a simple button. Tap each to bring up a … Read more

Learning is a lot more fun with the range of apps now available for the iPad. Using what they know of learning habits and the natural desire of almost every child to play with an iPad or iPhone, developers are creating ever more interesting and engaging educational apps. Pop Letters is an interesting take on the act of learning letters that many young children will find entertaining, even if it is ultimately lacking in features.

The idea behind Pop Letters is for children to quickly tap the onscreen letters, right after the game announces them. At any given time, there … Read more

Ocarina by Smule was first introduced very early to the App Store. It was a shining example of what apps could do and why the App Store, itself, was so exciting. Fast forward nearly five years and it is still one of the more innovative apps available and a heck of a lot of fun to play with, whether you're 8-years-old or 80.

The basic concept of Ocarina is very simple. Onscreen there are four glowing purple dots. Place your fingers over these dots and you simulate the holes on an Ocarina. Blow into the microphone at the bottom … Read more

The purpose of Photo Icons is to provide you with enough tools to make any number of possible icon combinations. However, while the app is mostly effective, there are some glaring omissions, a limiting trial restriction, and a poorly-designed interface that will keep most users interested in the actual icons disinterested.

The app is very basic. Open it and you are presented with a list of 11 icons. The interface is messy so you'll need to skim through each of the buttons, some of which have typos and spelling errors. Tap any one of those buttons and a sidebar … Read more

Creating an animated image seems like a lofty task if you're not already an expert. Sadly, mastering heavy-duty coding and photo editing skills would probably be easier than using this app. Pics2Flix Lite has a restrictive layout and is confusing to operate. The results it gives aren't worth the time it takes to figure things out, either.

This app compiles a folder of pictures into an animation. To find your photos, you have to search through your gadget's raw file menu instead of the standard gallery -- where most of your photos will be. Once you've … Read more

iOS 6's Passbook app made plenty of Android fans jealous when it debuted. The good news is that you actually have plenty of ways to control tickets and loyalty cards on your Android. Pass2U Passbook is made to work just like the Apple Passbook app so many iFans love. This app is a good clone and a great app for travelers or urban explorers.

Pass2U Passbook works with .pkpass files, which is great if you're converting from iOS, but it isn't as ubiquitous on Android. It does cleanly present all of your passes in a stylish, completely … Read more

The debate still rages as to whether task killers and memory optimizers actually do anything on Android. Optimize Master is another entry that claims to help you win back some extra memory and CPU power. It didn't seem to do much during testing, though, and it lacked some of the convenience of other optimizing apps, as well.

Though the app has a smooth, easy-to-navigate layout for one-touch boosting, it doesn't offer a home screen widget. That means you have to open the app to get to the good stuff, which is an unnecessary step with similar apps. The … Read more