Is Tweetbot Really the Twitter for iPhone Killer?

I have been awaiting the release of Tweetbot for quite some time, now. I own all of Tapbots apps, and have been nothing but incredibly pleased with their work—namely, the awesomeness of every app’s UI.

Obviously, the first thing you will notice about Tweetbot is it’s superb design. It’s incredibly user-friendly and interactive. Swipe a tweet right to view the conversation; swipe left to view replies and related tweets. A few quick taps and gestures and you’re already on your way to retweeting, replying, and finding out more about a tweet or user.

The best thing about Tweetbot is how they treat lists. Unlike any other Twitter client I have seen, Tweetbot allows you to view your lists as one sleek, fully functional timeline. This is absolutely essential to those of us who utilize Twitter lists to their utmost potential. Switching between different lists is convenient and simple. If you currently do not use lists, you may want to start. It will make your existence in Twitterland much more simple and entertaining.

Not only can you customize what happens when you triple tap a tweet, you can also customize two slots in the main bar. Choose between profile view, retweets, lists, search, or favorites and—voila! —they’re on your bar ready to be used in a second.

Overall, I love the app and haven’t looked back. However, I did have a few concerns and ideas on improving it.

Almost immediately after drooling over the UI, I noticed there was no support for landscape mode. This shocked me! I don’t think I know any apps (anymore) that do not support this basic feature. To be honest, when tweeting or texting, I rarely use landscape, however, I think the option is a must for any app where the user will be typing on the iPhone. But sure enough, mere weeks after it’s release, Tapbots gave us landscape: for viewing media, websites, and composing tweets. I’m more than pleased!

Although Tweetbot supports push notification through the Boxcar app, there is no native push in the app itself. Most people like and use Boxcar regularly, but I have never had a use for it. So, getting it for just Tweetbot is a nuisance to me. Give me native push and we’re square. This is a must-have feature for any Twitter app, in my opinion.

There are a few other features I would like to see available: Twitlonger, URL shrink, and a quick Favstar button. But Tapbots is already working hard on updates and I am confident that we’ll have these things implemented in no time.

Tapbots never fails to deliver gorgeous design with an interactive and easy-to-use UI! I have to admit, I haven’t touched Twitter for iPhone since it’s launch.

So, why are you still using Twitter for iPhone? Download Tweetbot! You will not regret it!

Ditch Scrabble and Enjoy Having Words With Friends

Are you a word fanatic? I am a word fanatic. I have been playing Scrabble and Boggle since I could speak. I definitely consider myself a wordsmith of sorts. Yes, I’m the obnoxious one who is constantly correcting your spelling and telling you that you used the wrong word to describe something. You may hate me, but I know there are more people like me. This review is for all the loud-mouthed word Nazis out there: let your words out!

When I bought my smartphone the first game I added was Scrabble by Electonic Arts. Although the feel was that of a typical Scrabble game, I soon realized how awful the app actually was (especially to a TRUE Scrabble player). This version of the popular word game allows you cheat. Yes, that’s right. How unfair for those of us who are actually intelligent!

Not only is there a dictionary on hand so that you can look up ANY word you want—even on your turn!—but there is something called “Best Word”. “Best Word” essentially allows the computer to pick the word you can play that will give you the most points: and it will even play it for you! No skill involved! I was very disappointed with this as I am a very competitive person. Cheating? On my Scrabble game? Oh, no they didn’t!

Enter: Words with Friends by Newtoy Inc. This Scrabble-esque game is highly addictive and enjoyable for word lovers and gamers alike! Although there is no “win” button with this app, there are apps you can purchase to help you “cheat”—but what’s the fun in that?

There is no “challenge” button, so you are able to enter a play without any consequence. If the word is not an acceptable play, the game informs you (“Sorry! That is not a word!”), and you are then able to try another word. This is definitely the downside for avid Scrabblers, but it is surely helpful to new players.

You can play Words With Friends with anyone! Find opponents randomly or invite your friends from around the world to play with you! You can even choose to connect Words With Friends with your Facebook account (or leave Facebook out of it completely)!

My favorite part about Words With Friends is that I can play at my own pace. Some players play once a week, while others multiple times a day! You choose! Whatever you have time for is fine.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s play!

Explore and Experience Your Surroundings with Localscope

Move over, AroundMe! We’ve found your replacement! Localscope by Cynapse is the new go-to app for finding anything and everything! From finding a restaurant near your current location, to looking up a bowling alley across the country for a friend: Localscope is the best!

I don’t know about you, but I am always asking the question, “Where should I go?” or “What’s near here?” For this you need Localscope! Search for whatever your heart desires—either using your current location, or manually typing in another—and Localscope will show you exactly how many miles away, in which direction (using it’s compass), and even open up a map to give you turn by turn directions to your destination.

Don’t know exactly what you want? No problem!  Search via category instead! Find that awesome bar you stopped in while in Chicago, or try something completely new!

Don’t want to search through Google? You’re not restricted! You have your choice of five search engines and social networks by which to search! You also have many options even after selecting your venue. The app lists the telephone number for the business, the URL, option to set as current location, and of course the ability to share what you’ve found with your contacts, SMS, email, and your social networks.

And did I mention the interface is not only pleasing to the eye, but also very simple and user-friendly?  The design is gorgeous and has a wonderful feel to it! You’ll love using this app, whatever the occasion!

The only flaw I’ve found while using Localscope is the inability to add your finds to a “Favorites” section. Although not necessary, this option would put this app over the top for me. It is incredibly impressive and comes highly recommended!

So, where are you going today?