If you’re having trouble sticking to your goals, tracking your progress with your iPhone or iPad can be a great way to stay motivated. Use it as a high-tech reminder of your goal or a journal for tracking success. Check out these goal tracking apps from the App Store, and start on the path to becoming a new you.

Read the rest of 6 Ways to Shake Your Bad Habits! Top Goal Tracking Apps for iPhone or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2012: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

One of the great things about Stitcher Radio is that it’s really free — not masquerading as free with subscription fees lurking in the fine print. Simply install the app and after a short registration (using your email or Facebook Connect) to start listening. Not sure where to tune in first? Pick a few topics and Stitcher will suggest programs you might be interested in. 

Read the rest of Stitcher Radio Excels as a Discovery Engine for Internet Radio Enthusiasts or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2012: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

In most cases, you don’t need to splurge on an app to help you pinch pennies. Read on to learn about six of our favorite iPhone apps for budgeting your money and managing personal finances. 

Read the rest of Useful iPhone Apps for Budgeting and Taking Control of Your Money or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2012: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

Wondering which apps are best for enjoying the wonders of the night sky? Here are a few of our favorite applications for amateur astronomers.

Do you have very strong opinions about the planetary status of Pluto? Do you hush everyone in your car and turn up the radio when Neil Degrasse Tyson comes on the air? We get it: you’re into astronomy in a big way. Even if you already have your own telescope and a year-round pass to the local observatory, you might be surprised to learn of the wealth of astronomy apps available in the App Store.

Here are some of the best astronomy apps for iPhone and iPad owners.

Read the rest of 9 Incredible iOS Apps for Amateur Astronomers or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

iPhone 4 Case by Ideal Case.

Let’s be clear, or at least ethereally translucent – it’s hard to get a really good scare out of your iPhone, unless of course you’re getting calls from the hereafter, or you have the cell number of the Beast. The screen’s too small, for one thing. The only time your iPhone will really scare you is when you get the auto-text that your bill has been deducted the first month after adding your stepson to your limited-minutes plan.

If you want your iPad to scare you, go to youtube and type in “real ghost video.” You’ll get hundreds of options all beginning with somber white type on a black background announcing something along the lines of “what you are about to see is real.”

But for if you want interactive fun, you still can’t beat the iWorld. Get some frighteningly good times for all ages with these Halloween Apps for iOS devices – believe it or not, we’ve found some apps to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up too!

Read the rest of 8 Frighteningly Fun Halloween Apps for All Ages or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

At the beach last month, I read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and World War Z; I drank zombies; I listened to Rob Zombie; I rented Shaun of the Dead; And of course I played zombie apps. If, like me, you think the only thing tastier than a fresh brain is a fresh zombie app, read on!

New and Updated Zombie Games for 2011

User Reviews

Pocket God: Journey To Uranus
Developer: Bolt Creative
Price: $0.99 Download on the App Store

Pocket God: Journey to Uranus has added a whole new platformer to the franchise called Decapithon. This zombie-riddled platformer features 8 levels, 4 enemy types and even boss battles all just in time for Halloween. Players tilt the device to move their Pygmy left and right, tap an on-screen button to jump, and tap the screen in the direction they want to throw their axes. For zombie decapitation purposes, of course.

User Reviews

Paper Zombie Halloween
Developer: Wildbit Studios S.L.
Price: free Download on the App Store

Paper Zombie Halloween is a new arcade style blaster that combines strategy and shooting in a fantasy game for the iPhone that reinvigorates the classic zombie genre with a new breed of zombies – all made of paper. It is action-packed with highly creative visuals and 3D graphics, unique quirky Zombie characters, and a fantastic original soundtrack by DJ Kaze. In the spirit of Halloween, WildBit released Paper Zombie Halloween as a free download Halloween Edition, with new explosive Halloween weapons and spooky scenarios specially created for the haunted night.

User Reviews

Zombie Life
Developer: The Playforge, LLC
Price: free Download on the App Store

A successor to smash hit iOS game Zombie Farm, in Zombie Life players take on the role of a young zombie and are challenged to live life in the real world. Players must learn ways to blend in with society by staying “fresh” and disguising themselves. Energy is needed to do actions and progress throughout the game. The zombie’s mood will fluctuate: It rises with fun activities such as hanging out, biting people and getting a promotion. Conversely, it falls when they work hard or when the town discovers the zombie’s true nature. Zombies must work to make a living and climb the corporate ladder, at places like Burger Kong or the local grocery store. But with each job, players can get promoted and better their career for a better zombie life!

Classic Zombie Game Favorites

Plants vs. Zombies, Rating 8/10 For those that haven’t played the desktop version of PvZ, Plants vs. Zombies is a cute and irreverent addition to the zombie genre—the graphics are cartoon-like, not ghoulish. The app is a casual tower defense game — simplified down to its essence — where you use an arsenal of plants to fight off 26 different types of zombies. PvZ is playable but not especially challenging. The fun in this game is in seeing what the next level will bring—new “bio-weapons,” imaginative obstacles, or some as-yet unknown cannibalistic cuteness. Also check out Plants vs Zombies for the iPad, $9.99, with a few extra games and crisp High-Definition graphics. Read the Plants vs Zombie review.

Zombie Attack: Second Wave XL, Rating: 9/10The ZA franchise is legendary in pocket zombie circles, and the IUGO guys have outdone themselves in this all-device offering. ZA2 is a tower defense zombie-blaster extraordinaire, and the iPad app lets you share the mayhem in co-op mode. Whichever device you use, you have access to your iPod music throughout the game, plus scads of weapons, turrets, zombie types, and costumes.

Zombie Smash, Rating 10/10 In Zombie Smash, you do what you’ve always wanted to do to Zombies. You pimp-slap ‘em. You throw ‘em across the screen. You beat ‘em, you shoot ‘em, you drop heavy rocks on ‘em, you blow ‘em up with grenades. And, you do it up-close and personal. Zombie Smash also features SplatterEngine, a death and dismemberment simulator. Whack one of the evil, undead rascals, and watch body parts and heads come off with a satisfying spray of cartoon blood spatters. Build your Zombie-killing skills as you work your way through Easy, Normal and Insane levels. Read the Zombie Smash review.

Adv of Zombie Sniper, Rating: 7/10 Full name: Adventures of the Zombie Sniper. Zombie Sniper is a full-on gore-fest. It’s just a sniper game, with Zombies instead of terrorists – but that makes all the difference. When you have 3D Lego figures made of meat and bones to work with instead of balaclava-wearing cut-outs, the whole sniping genre reaches new heights. Super-intuitive touch controls make the game easy to start playing, a generous assortment of weapons and upgrades keeps you playing, and the sound effects are, well, to die for.

Zombieville USA, Rating 8/10 The campy graphics and theme are killer in Zombieville USA. As the lone survivor of a Zombie Apocalypse, you are on a mission to kill the undead. Roam the streets of Zombieville and try to collect enough change to buy cooler weapons and more ammunition. The game goes on and on up to 99 levels or until your brains are gone — whichever comes first. Own an iPad? Then, check out Zombieville USA HD — same low price with new iPAd-only features. Read the complete Zombieville USA review.

Zombie Farm. If Farmville is too “Main Street USA” for your tastes, then perhaps you should check out Zombie Farm. All the same fun of planting, growing and harvesting with the added bonus that only zombies can bring. Plant corpses with your crops to create bizarre mutations, plant and harvest an army of 20 different zombies, invade the brains of your neighbors, and then, share it all on Facebook. In-app upgrades and purchases mean that you can play Zombie Farm forever and ever — or at least until the real zombie apocalypse comes along.

Zombie Shock, Rating: 8/10 If you’re going to be involved in comic-book violence anyway, you may as well be in a comic book. ZS’s “story mode” puts you in one, immersing you in the storyline of a graphic novel. ZS’s hero starts out as a doctor, not a tough guy, so get used to hearing your character whine “Stop it!” and “Go away, monsters!” You’ll likely be hearing that for a while, possibly in your sleep. Try the “Lite” version for free if you want to forestall the inevitable, and then pop for a buck.

Tweet Defense HD, Rating: 9/10 You think you’re the only one obsessed with zombies? Well you’re wrong, and Tweet Defense HD proves it. TD HD is a genre-busting social-deathworking great shamble forward that lets you and your friends gang-slay the unmentionables via Twitter. An account’s not necessary to play, just to gloat at people who don’t have the app. Brilliant graphics and great game-play, but some bugginess and a steep buy-in price prevent the elusive 10/10 rating.

More Zombie Apps

As much as we love zombie games, there are more zombie apps available in the App Store than we have time test. Here are some of the most popular apps with a decidedly undead theme as well as a few newcomers that show potential for becoming the next, big, must-have zombie app.

Draw Slasher HD: Dark Ninja vs Pirate Monkey Zombies. Let’s be honest, you had me at Pirate Monkey Zombies. Draw Slasher has all the pre-requisites of a chart-topping Zombie app — invading monsters, multiple gameplay modes, achievements to earn and OpenFeint to brag about them, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to slash through the enemies with lots of gore. For me, though, it still comes down to three words: Pirate. Monkey. Zombies.

Zombie Me. If you love zombies so much, maybe you want to be one. Well, now you can. Zombie Me is a photo-effects app that turns your friends into zombies with bulging, lifeless eyes, dripping blood, perfectly pasty skin tones that just seem to say “rotting flesh.” See how many humans you can infect then save the zombie-fied photos to your camera roll or email to a friend.

ZombieBooth: 3D Zombifier. Much like Zombie Me, ZombieBooth is about infecting your friends, and turning them — or at least their photos — into zombies. This app takes the zombie theme even further with 3D graphics, motion, sound effects and Facebook integration. But, be careful, this zombie army is on the move. You new zombie avatar can also be used in other apps from MotionPortait, like PhotoSpeak where you can give your zombie the ability to talk back.

Zombie Wallpapers – iPad edition. What can we say? It’s a “carefully selected” collection of high-definition zombie wallpaper. Dark and scary, photo-realistic or fine illustration — Zombie Wallpapers offers a variety of brain-eating designs so you can switch it up. According to the developers, the app was recently updated and now includes — more zombies!

Night of the Living Dead – LoL Cinema. Snuggle up around the iPad for a little zombie nostalgia with Night of the Living Dead – LoL Cinema. This app features the full-length movie that started it all along with information about the making of the movie and current film reviews. Some say that the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead was ground zero for pop-culture’s fascination with the impending zombie apocalypse. Here’s a chance to watch the movie and decide for yourself.

What are your favorite zombie apps?

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Related posts:

1. Zombie Smash: Visceral Evisceration
2. 10 Best Games for the iPad … so far
3. Plants vs Zombies for iPhone: Less Challenge, More Entertainment

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

Whether they knew him personally or not, Steve Jobs was an inspiration to people all over the world. This 2005 commencement speech is one example — some say the quintessential example — of his ability to inspire a crowd and share wisdom with humility. In it he talks about getting fired from Apple in 1985, life and death. Now, following his death, this speech takes on an even deeper meaning.

The passing of Apple’s Founder and recently retired CEO Steve Jobs was announced Wednesday afternoon with a simple statement that eloquently honored the innovative leader. The company also changed their homepage at Apple.com in memoriam to the visionary.

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

Current CEO Tim Cook sent an email to all of Apple’s employees to express his thoughts and provide an email address where memories and condolences could be sent.

Read the rest of The Legacy of Steve Jobs: Videos and Links Remembering an Icon or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

Some food truck trackers like TruxMap Lite offer features like the ability to share photos of your favorite flavor finds.

Life can be rough for a foodie on the go. Great food usually comes with a whole host of not-so-great extras: Long waits, high prices, and extremely busy locations are all marks of a high-class dining experience. All too often it’s impossible to find the kind of food you’re after while still staying on schedule and within budget.

As today’s urban gourmands are discovering, however, hope is not lost. The upscale food truck has not only become a staple of modern professional living, but food truck tracking is a growing hobby for adventurous foodies and late-night snackers with a high standards. Prized for relative frugality, ultimate convenience, and tasty selections, food trucks bring the best of a city’s cuisine right to your doorstep — or least to a nearby parking lot. All that remains is tracking down the right truck to satisfy your craving. Check out some of these top food truck trackers for the iPhone and before you know it you’ll be joining the hungry masses in the hunt for mobile munchies. 

Read the rest of Food Truck Trackers: 8 Apps to Follow That Truck! or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

Whether you’re pulling rss feeds on an iPhone or an iPad, the multi-thumbnail info grid — or stack depending upon the device — promised to revolutionize what you expect from your digital daily news. There’s no doubt that FLUD has a lot to offer, but a year after debuting with a flurry of accolades and awards, is this app still worth a download? 

Read the rest of Current Events Stream By on FLUD for iPad and iPhone or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.

Download one of these awesome news applications for iPhone or iPad and round-the-clock information will never be more than a click away.

We all need our news. And, if we have any hope of keeping up with the day’s most important events, we all need our news apps, too. The 24-hour news cycle ensures that no matter where you are or what time it is, something interesting has just broken on your favorite news site or blog. Pre-iPhone or iPad, this meant devoting time (lots of time) to logging in and reading the news on multiple websites. Thanks to the convenience offered by portable data connections, it’s now a snap to keep abreast of current events by downloading a news app to your favorite iOS device.

Although identifying “the Best News Apps for iPhones and iPads” is extremely subjective — when it comes to reading on a digital device, my idea of “tiny text” might your “pixel perfect” size — we’ve come up with a great list of the top iOS apps for news junkies. As an added bonus, most of these news apps are free. 

Read the rest of Top News Apps for iPhone and iPad Information Junkies or discover more iPhone apps.

© 2011: written by Barbara for AppCraver.