11 apps that will look great on the new iPad
If you're getting the new iPad on launch day tomorrow, you probably can't wait to see the new Retina Display. Having seen it first hand, I can tell you it looks beautiful, but the only problem is there aren't very many third-party apps available yet to take advantage of all those extra pixels. As I wrote earlier this week, it takes time to upgrade the big apps.CNET has a full list of apps that will be ready to go when the new iPad releases (and more are coming as I write), but there are plenty of apps that will look great even without a graphics upgrade. As more updates trickle in over the coming weeks, expect to see all of these apps updated to take advantage of all 3.1 million pixels on the new iPad.This stunt racer offers some of the best water effects in iTunes App Store. The environments are great, too--if you have time to look at them.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETRiptide GP ($1.99) I had a hard time deciding whether I thought Riptide GP deserved to be in this collection, but after firing up this jet ski racer, I was once again impressed by the constantly changing, super-realistic water physics. Probably the smallest download of the bunch (at only 40.5 MB), developer Vector Unit did an amazing job of making jet ski racing not only realistic, but also look fantastic.Looking like a console shooter, Shadowgun offers some of the best graphics you can get on the iPad with excellent frame rates.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETShadowgun ($4.99)When I first launched Shadowgun on my iPad 2, I spent several minutes in the first room, trying to lift my jaw off the floor. High-res graphics, beautiful lighting and shadows, and an overall console-quality feel really brought iOS gaming to a new level. Any conversation about iOS graphics (or third-person shooters, for that matter) isn't worth having unless you include Shadowgun. Once the game is upgraded, I can't even imagine how great it's going to look, but even as is, you're in for a visual delight. Browse through hundreds of high-resolution paintings with this app that simulates a museum experience.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETArt Authority ($4.99)While this list is mostly about games (because they will probably be affected the most), another genre of apps will also look great on the new iPad. Art Authority is a fairly simple app that lets you browse fine art as though you're at a museum.Editors' note: While writing this post, the folks at Open Door Networks let me know the new version of Art Authority is now available and upgraded for the new iPad.Possibly the best online multiplayer first-person shooter on iOS is loaded with great-looking environments and gun models.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETModern Combat 3: Fallen Nation ($6.99)Not-so-loosely based on the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation almost feels like playing a console shooter (with online multiplayer) on a touch screen. The game already impressed us on the iPad 2 with great-looking environments and highly detailed gun models. Expect the downloads for this shooter to skyrocket after the launch of the new iPad because it so closely resembles the mega-hit Call of Duty games.Infinity Blade II was announced alongside the iPad 2. Even without Retina Display support, it is an amazing looking game.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETInfinity Blade II ($6.99)Infinity Blade II hardly needs an introduction, and neither does the Unreal Technology it was developed with. This swipe-to-slash melee combat game features amazing vistas, and highly detailed character models and enemies. It was the game that Apple showed off for gaming on the iPad 2 and the precursor to Infinity Blade: Dungeons, a hotly anticipated title out later this month. If you want great-looking visuals on your new iPad, start with this download--you won't be disappointed.The Unreal Engine figures prominently in this list, and the attention to graphic detail in this game is outstanding.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETDark Meadow ($5.99)Not a breakout hit like many of the other apps in this collection, Dark Meadow is a kind of point-and-touch adventure (though that is oversimplifying it), with a heavy dose of action to go along with it. But what's immediately striking when you launch this horror-genre game are the high-quality graphics, realistic-looking lighting and shadows, and the overall creepiness factor of trying to escape an abandoned insane asylum. The higher resolution will only make it better--and by better I mean evenscarier. Dead Space is an incredible-looking game even on the iPad 2. On the new iPad, it almost might be too real.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETDead Space ($9.99) In the horror game genre, realism is extremely important for helping the player relate to the action. Having played the PC version of the game, I couldn't imagine the iOS version being anywhere near as good. While it's not quite on par with the desktop version, the graphics in Dead Space are shockingly smooth and the gameplay is tight--even on a touch screen. The new iPad will make it even smoother, and once the game is updated for the new display, the investment of $9.99 will definitely pay off. Guardian Eyewitness isn't new, but it's an easy app to recommend for high-resolution photos from around the world.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETGuardian Eyewitness (Free)Guardian Eyewitness has been out since 2010, but anyone can appreciate high-resolution provocative photos that depict current events from around the world. What makes this app interesting is you get a new photograph daily, and you get the photographer's details for how the shot was taken. You can also swipe to go backwards in time and view hundreds of previous photos. All the images are beautifully done and can only improve with a higher-resolution screen. Weather effects, smooth action, and tons of different stadiums will showcase what the new iPad can do.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETFIFA 12 ($9.99)Soccer fans are already aware of EA's FIFA 12 for iOS, because it is the most realistic "football" game available and the graphics are amazing. The smooth gameplay is truly a feat with so many moving parts, and with the added processing power and better graphics on the new iPad, you're going to see even better looking player models and weather effects. But even in its current state, expect FIFA 12 to be more vibrant, with more seamless action on the new iPad.Though not as graphically rich as the desktop versions, Mass Effect: Infiltrator will be a hot title on iPad launch day.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETMass Effect Infiltrator ($6.99)With Mass Effect 3 as one of the hottest games out now on both consoles and desktop computers, you would expect the iOS version to be a simple game that was more of an afterthought--you couldn't be more wrong. While it's not as deep as its desktop and console cousin, Mass Effect: Infiltrator has great-looking graphics that will translate well to the new iPad. One drawback: I'm not that impressed with the character models (important in a third-person shooter), but the environments definitely look fantastic. Artists will appreciate the more vibrant colors of the new iPad.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETInspire Pro ($4.99)Are you an artist or just want to sketch in color on your new iPad? Inspire Pro gives you painting tools and simulated oil-based paints you can use to experiment or paint a masterpiece depending on your skill level. On the new iPad, colors will be even more vibrant, making your brush strokes that much more satisfying. A quick look at some of the demo art (see screenshot) within the app shows just how much you can do.
How to get started with iPad podcast app Instacast HD
How to get started with iPad podcast app Instacast HD
With Instacast HD just released last week, the iPad gets a slick and easy-to-use podcast player that also offers iCloud support.I sync my iPad more than I used to before iOS 5 and Wi-Fi Sync, but with its excellent battery, syncing my iPad is still far from a daily occurrence. Thus, the podcasts I subscribe to via iTunes don't make it to my iPad on a regular schedule. And managing podcasts through the iPad's iTunes and Music apps is a pain. With Instacast HD, streaming or downloading and playing audio and video podcasts is dead simple. And with iCloud support, your podcasts are magically synced across your other iOS devices.Launch the app and the first thing you'll want to do is hit the "+" button in the upper-left corner to subscribe to podcasts. They are arranged by popularity, genre, just added, and video. There is also a search function, and if you tap the link button in the upper-left corner of the subscribe window, you can manually enter a URL of an obscure podcast not listed. Lastly, you can add podcasts you've previously subscribed to by tapping on the Music App button.It's easy to browse or search for new podcasts to subscribe to.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETYour podcasts are then listed in a column along the left side; each gets its own artwork tile. At the top of the column is a tile that houses all of your unplayed episodes, and at the bottom of the column is a tile that shows the last podcast you were listening to or watching. You can rearrange the order by tapping and holding on a tile to drag it to a new spot. You can browse the podcasts you subscribe to by swiping up and down the column on the left and read show notes for episodes on the right.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETTap on a tile to see show notes of the latest episode. You can swipe to browse through older episodes. At the top above the show notes is a play button to stream an episode. Oddly, you must tap on the podcast's tile at the bottom of the column to pause, rewind, and fast-forward. (I think it would make more sense for those controls to be at the top of the screen next to the play button.) The other controls at the top let you mark an episode as read or unread, star an episode, and download an episode. You can view starred episodes by tapping the star icon in the thin, gray sidebar that runs down the left edge of the display.Video podcasts, such as Molly Wood's Buzz Report (I trust you all are watching), look great on the iPad.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETInstacast's use of iCloud requires no work on your end. When you first launch the app, it'll ask you if you would like to enable iCloud. And if you miss it there, you can turn on iCloud Syncin Settings. With iCloud Sync, podcasts I subscribed to on my iPad automatically showed up on my iPhone, and vice versa. Better yet, you can start playing a podcast on one device and pick it up right where you left off on another device.Unlike Downcast, which is a universal app, I did have to pay for Instacast twice: $1.99 for the iPhone app and $4.99 for the iPad app. Given how easy the app is to use and how much I like its design, I feel it's worth the cost. Plus, Downcast is still an update away from offering iCloud support.What's your preferred podcast app for the iPad? Let us know in the comments below.
With Instacast HD just released last week, the iPad gets a slick and easy-to-use podcast player that also offers iCloud support.I sync my iPad more than I used to before iOS 5 and Wi-Fi Sync, but with its excellent battery, syncing my iPad is still far from a daily occurrence. Thus, the podcasts I subscribe to via iTunes don't make it to my iPad on a regular schedule. And managing podcasts through the iPad's iTunes and Music apps is a pain. With Instacast HD, streaming or downloading and playing audio and video podcasts is dead simple. And with iCloud support, your podcasts are magically synced across your other iOS devices.Launch the app and the first thing you'll want to do is hit the "+" button in the upper-left corner to subscribe to podcasts. They are arranged by popularity, genre, just added, and video. There is also a search function, and if you tap the link button in the upper-left corner of the subscribe window, you can manually enter a URL of an obscure podcast not listed. Lastly, you can add podcasts you've previously subscribed to by tapping on the Music App button.It's easy to browse or search for new podcasts to subscribe to.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETYour podcasts are then listed in a column along the left side; each gets its own artwork tile. At the top of the column is a tile that houses all of your unplayed episodes, and at the bottom of the column is a tile that shows the last podcast you were listening to or watching. You can rearrange the order by tapping and holding on a tile to drag it to a new spot. You can browse the podcasts you subscribe to by swiping up and down the column on the left and read show notes for episodes on the right.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETTap on a tile to see show notes of the latest episode. You can swipe to browse through older episodes. At the top above the show notes is a play button to stream an episode. Oddly, you must tap on the podcast's tile at the bottom of the column to pause, rewind, and fast-forward. (I think it would make more sense for those controls to be at the top of the screen next to the play button.) The other controls at the top let you mark an episode as read or unread, star an episode, and download an episode. You can view starred episodes by tapping the star icon in the thin, gray sidebar that runs down the left edge of the display.Video podcasts, such as Molly Wood's Buzz Report (I trust you all are watching), look great on the iPad.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETInstacast's use of iCloud requires no work on your end. When you first launch the app, it'll ask you if you would like to enable iCloud. And if you miss it there, you can turn on iCloud Syncin Settings. With iCloud Sync, podcasts I subscribed to on my iPad automatically showed up on my iPhone, and vice versa. Better yet, you can start playing a podcast on one device and pick it up right where you left off on another device.Unlike Downcast, which is a universal app, I did have to pay for Instacast twice: $1.99 for the iPhone app and $4.99 for the iPad app. Given how easy the app is to use and how much I like its design, I feel it's worth the cost. Plus, Downcast is still an update away from offering iCloud support.What's your preferred podcast app for the iPad? Let us know in the comments below.
All-you-can-hear audiobooks headed your way at Audiobooks.com
All-you-can-hear audiobooks headed your way at Audiobooks.com
PC and mobile users who listen to a lot of audiobooks each month may appreciate a new service from the folks at Audiobooks.com.The site is kicking off its own cloud-based service that lets you listen to as many audiobooks as you want to the tune of $24.95 per month.Accessible from any computer or Internet-connected mobile device, the new service is unlimited, so you can listen to the same book for as long as you want with no need to return it.Since the books are stored in the cloud, you can also listen to any books at any time without downloading them or taking up space on your mobile device. And with Audiobooks.com's sync technology, you can listen to a book on one device, such as your PC, and then pick up where you left off on another device, such as your iPad or Android smartphone.The site is touting a library of more than 10,000 books, including best sellers, new releases, and classics. Curious users can sign up for a free 7-day trial, while subscribers can cancel the service at any time."We believe our ability to empower users to use Audiobooks.com from anywhere using a mobile device, the cloud-based bookmarking function, and the affordable access to thousands of bestsellers will transform the way customers use audio books," Audiobooks.com CEO Sanjay Singhal said in a statement.Using a free trial, I gave the site a spin on both my PC and my iPad.You can easily browse for titles among the usual categories, such as business, biographies, science fiction, mysteries, and travel. Clicking on a specific category displays both recommended and popular books and lets you view a list of all available books.Of course, you can also search for specific books by keyword, title, or author. I searched for one of my favorite authors, Robert Parker, and found a couple of dozen books written by the late mystery writer. The site even keeps track of your searches and offers recommendations based on your preferences.Selecting a specific title displays the name, author, description, and other details, and gives you a chance to preview a sample of the book or listen to it in full. The sample plays directly from the Web page, while choosing the full book opens a dedicated audio player where you can play and pause the recording, adjust the volume, skip to a certain section, and bookmark a specific page.And when I jumped from my PC to my iPad, I was able to see the same books I had already accessed and easily pick up where I left off.Related storiesHow to download e-books from your local libraryHow to convert audiobooks for use in iTunesHurray! Audible app adds new mobile storeOf course, a variety of other services also provide audiobooks online.Audible.com, for example, offers a larger library with plans ranging from $14.95 to $22.95 a month, but it limits the number of books you can access.If you want to be able to listen to as many books as possible anywhere and anytime, Audiobooks.com's new service seems worth checking out.
PC and mobile users who listen to a lot of audiobooks each month may appreciate a new service from the folks at Audiobooks.com.The site is kicking off its own cloud-based service that lets you listen to as many audiobooks as you want to the tune of $24.95 per month.Accessible from any computer or Internet-connected mobile device, the new service is unlimited, so you can listen to the same book for as long as you want with no need to return it.Since the books are stored in the cloud, you can also listen to any books at any time without downloading them or taking up space on your mobile device. And with Audiobooks.com's sync technology, you can listen to a book on one device, such as your PC, and then pick up where you left off on another device, such as your iPad or Android smartphone.The site is touting a library of more than 10,000 books, including best sellers, new releases, and classics. Curious users can sign up for a free 7-day trial, while subscribers can cancel the service at any time."We believe our ability to empower users to use Audiobooks.com from anywhere using a mobile device, the cloud-based bookmarking function, and the affordable access to thousands of bestsellers will transform the way customers use audio books," Audiobooks.com CEO Sanjay Singhal said in a statement.Using a free trial, I gave the site a spin on both my PC and my iPad.You can easily browse for titles among the usual categories, such as business, biographies, science fiction, mysteries, and travel. Clicking on a specific category displays both recommended and popular books and lets you view a list of all available books.Of course, you can also search for specific books by keyword, title, or author. I searched for one of my favorite authors, Robert Parker, and found a couple of dozen books written by the late mystery writer. The site even keeps track of your searches and offers recommendations based on your preferences.Selecting a specific title displays the name, author, description, and other details, and gives you a chance to preview a sample of the book or listen to it in full. The sample plays directly from the Web page, while choosing the full book opens a dedicated audio player where you can play and pause the recording, adjust the volume, skip to a certain section, and bookmark a specific page.And when I jumped from my PC to my iPad, I was able to see the same books I had already accessed and easily pick up where I left off.Related storiesHow to download e-books from your local libraryHow to convert audiobooks for use in iTunesHurray! Audible app adds new mobile storeOf course, a variety of other services also provide audiobooks online.Audible.com, for example, offers a larger library with plans ranging from $14.95 to $22.95 a month, but it limits the number of books you can access.If you want to be able to listen to as many books as possible anywhere and anytime, Audiobooks.com's new service seems worth checking out.
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