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 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 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

Shave Santa - 3.5 Stars

What is it?

It is nearly Christmas so it would be rude not to review some festive apps! Shave Santa and Rudolf (who knew he had a beard too?!), allows you to fashion Santa's beard but unlike a Barbie doll the hair grows back!

When you access the app you are given the option to shave Santa or Rudolf. When you enter the barber shop you are given options of scissors, electric shaver, razor, clippers, shaving foam and grow spray. You select and then pull the tool across Santa's face to remove his beard in any design you can create.

Santa can get a shaving rash that looks pretty painful! The grow spray is pretty cool as it grows the beard back slowly with little tuffs.  Although other facial hair is featured on Santa's face you cannot trim them, so his eyebrows remain in tact. 

Using the arrows at the top of the screen there are more tools like aftershave and tweezers. Further along there is a photo option where your newly shaven santa can have props added and a picture taken that can be added to your camera roll. You can even feed Santa though    broccoli is an odd seasonal choice but hey there are mince pies too!

This app is aimed at users aged four and above, and is a good bit of seasonal fun. This is however a novelty app and will quickly lose appeal. I played on it for five minutes and I am now a little bored. 

This will be a great app to share with friends and family and keep the kids entertained for a few minutes and ho ho ho its free, fun and well designed hence the favourable rating! 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 5

This is really easy to use and it does what it says on the tin.  The app flows well and users of any age would quickly pick up the premise.  

Price - 5

This is free and there appears to be no prompts to buy add ons which is good for the younger users!

Adverts - 5

I experienced no adverts with this app. There is an options to view other games by the developer but this is not invasive and needs to be physically selected to be displayed. 

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

A bit of well designed festive fun that will keep people entertained for a few minutes in between opening some Christmas presents! Though I think I will remove when the Easter adverts are on our TV screen on the 2nd January!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/shave-santa/id739212016?mt=8

Android:  Not currently available

Scrabble - 3 Stars

What is it?

Scrabble Free is the Mattel traditional board game brought to life as an app. The premise like the traditional game is to make words using the seven letters randomly selected to get the highest score possible. As per the traditional game, there are different scores available as indicated on the board, such as triple word score and double letter.  The thing that makes this game fun is that you can play random opponents from across the globe

 and even connect via Facebook and play against your friends, from two to four players.  What I liked about this feature was that you can control what is posted to your Facebook page, such as winning a game or getting a highest score. 

Another good feature of this app is the chat function that allows you to talk to who you are playing. Nudge functions are also available after you have waited for 24 hours for your opponent to take their go, which was used several times for me! There are also push notifications available to further encourage you to take your go, but these can be disabled. 

Although this is a great game, especially if like me you like the board game, the adverts are very annoying and often, even without selecting them, they take you to the app store. They even have adverts that are just dialogue that if you have the sound on are very invasive!

Overall, I like this game as it is interactive and you can play with your friends or other Scrabble addicts! 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

Starting a game is easy and is self explanatory.  When in the individual games you drag the letters to the board it sometimes takes you to the next game if you swipe too quickly  which can be a little annoying if you have several games awaiting your turn.  Also, some of the options such as trade letters and pass, can be difficult to understand if you are not familiar with the traditional game.  Another slight frustration is when you move letters around the board, if you let go the tile can land anywhere, then you need to find it, which isn't that easy when there are several words already played.  It would really beneficial if they made the letters in play a different colour. 

Price - 3

This was a free app but there is a paid version which removes the advertising. I can really understand the appeal of paying for this upgrade of £0.69/$0.99, as it can be very frustrating and ruins game play! I have observed the paid version and functionality appear identical. 

Adverts - 1

One word horrendous! I never been on an app with so many adverts. What is more frustrating is the adverts are for apps that bare no resemblance to Scrabble. The adverts are everywhere, from banners at the bottom of the home page, to full screen invasions which have a delayed option to remove. Another frustration with the advertising is that some don't even require you to select them before being taken to the App Store.  There are also adverts that are just dialogue which are very loud and invasive if you have the sound on! This feature really lets the app down!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

Even with the adverts I know that I will keep this App, as I like the functionality and the fact that I can play with my friends through Facebook. I doubt that I will upgrade as I will resent having to pay for something that was originally free. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/scrabble-free/id623367437?mt=8 

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ea.game.scrabblemattel_bv

Clumsy Ninja - 2.5 Stars

What is it?

The Clumsy Ninja is is a computer character that needs to be trained to become a pro. When the app starts there are pop ups that provide instructions on what is going to happen and what you need to do. Being slightly picky the font size is pretty small so get your reading glasses at the ready. 

The premise of the game is to train the Ninja to make him less clumsy through mini challenges. The completion of tasks gives reward coins that you collect and then move onto the next one. 

As the tasks progress you need to use your coins to buy things from the Ninja Kit to continue training. The items bought are then used for the mini tasks. The graphics are pretty good and aimed at younger app users. The character can be moved around the screen and is very interactive and bright.

If I had to compare the app to anything it would be Talking Gina as it has the training aspect, the difference being the trading of coins for Ninja Kit rather than buying them. Its like a modern Tamagotchi for the iPhone.

The app did ask me  to access my Twitter account, I didn't allow this functionality and a good Google search didn't tell me why it wanted to access my account... I am never a fan of this!

I personally feel I am a little old for the app. Whilst the graphics are good and its very interactive I found it a little difficult to like but I am not the target demographic. I do think that kids would like this, but for how long who knows? At least the initial download is free if they do get bored!

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

The app is pretty easy to use if you follow the original instructions. A new user that has not been through the introduction would experience difficulties as the icons don't really represent the associated functionality.  The text size is very small so some users may experience difficulties, especially as you can't zoom in. 

Price - 3

The app is free to download. There are in app purchases that can be made, for example the purchase of more tokens and special editions, there is currently one for Christmas priced at £1.99.  Prices to get additional jewels and coins start at £1.99 up to £20.99, so not a cheap game if you get addicted. 

Adverts - 5

I didn't get any adverts when playing this game, which is refreshing. The app was released on the 21 November 2013, so the advertising may change, as after all this is a free app.

Keep, jury is out or delete - Jury is out

This app isn't for me as I am not the target demographic but i can understand the appeal. The graphics are well designed and the premise is good, however it would quickly bore me, very like Talking Gina, a novelty app. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/clumsy-ninja/id561416817

Android:  Not available

Jelly Splash - 3.5 Stars

What is it?

Jelly Splash could be described as Candy Crush but with a connect the dots feel. The aim of the game is to connect three or more jelly pieces of the same colour to get points and solve missions. When you start you are given five hearts and each time you fail a level you lose a heart. When you reach zero you can either wait 30 minutes for a new one, invite friends to play through Facebook or buy some credits. The credits are expensive so I didn't review that feature!

As with Candy Crush you travel through levels, again these involve you inviting friends through Facebook, purchasing credit but its difference from Candy Crush is you can collect stars from the completed levels to pass the level. I like this feature, although getting the stars is addictive, as it stops your friends being bombarded with updates and requests every five minutes on Facebook. 

I like this app but think like Candy Crush it will have a shelf life for me. It is good for competing with friends (I did this by text!) and it kept my friend's five year old son amused for a good thirty minutes!

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 4 

This game is really easy to learn to use and it gives you instructions as you go. I did struggle when I got to level 40 and resorted to Googling the result that allowed me to eventually pass. I would say as the app goes on younger children would struggle to pass the levels so be prepared to talk them through it!

Price - 3

This is free on the Apple store to download, but if you want to buy extra lives or pass levels quicker it does cost. In comparison to Candy Crush the buying of lives is more expensive but you do get more credits for your money.

Adverts - 4

I didn't notice too many adverts, which is a good thing, but that is not to say there aren't any!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

For now I will keep using this app, as it passes five minutes here and there and ironically having to wait for new lives for 30 minutes allows me to move on to different things.

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/jelly-splash/id645949180?mt=8 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wooga.jelly_splash&hl=en_GB