iPeriod won me over.

Although menstruation tracking apps aren’t exactly new to the App Store, I’ve avoided reviewing any of them. It’s not that I’m squeamish about the subject matter. It’s just that I’ve never been the type to track this information, so why start now?

But, over the last few months, we’ve received multiple requests for information about period calendars for the iPhone and other menstrual-cycle tracking apps — requests from both men and women. So, when WinkPass Creations offered AppCraver the opportunity to review iPeriod I decided it was time to give the people what they want.

iPeriod tracks a pretty extensive list of symptoms related to one’s menstrual cycle: flow, cramps, spotting, moods, as well as 4 user-configurable options that can be modified to track your specific PMS symptoms such as headaches, bloating, energy levels, weight, etc. There is also a notes section where women can add a daily addendum to the calendar. The notes section won’t be “tracked” but can still be a useful record of information. Read the rest of this entry »

Anitello is an app designed to provide “clarifying animations” to “entertain and assist.” The animations cover basic tasks such as jumpstarting a battery or cooking a steak — simple stuff that people frequently have questions about. Sounds pretty good so far.

Each silent video lasts about a minute and can be viewed with captions in seven different languages. The best feature though, is the zoom option which offers a second animation with more detailed instructions for specific steps.

Regular AppCraver readers will know that I’m a big fan of paid apps. I believe that developers deserve to get paid for their hard work and good ideas. And, I think it’s shameful that most users are willing to tip their barista more than they pay app developers. However, in this case, I think that Anitello is overpriced. How-to videos are a good idea, but this app is too raw to charge full price. Anitello should be a $0.99 app. Here’s why. Read the rest of this entry »

Wordweaver adds new features, twists and roadblocks to the typical “find and select” word puzzlers. It could be one of the most innovative word games I’ve played in a while, and it’s easily the most challenging.

At first glance, Wordweaver from Mini Monster Media looks like just another jungle-themed word finder. You know, the kind where you drag a finger across — usually horizontally, vertically or diagonally — to make as many words as possible. Although that works in Wordweaver too, it’s just the most basic form of gameplay. Better yet, drag your finger any which way or change directions to zig-zag across the board and create longer letter-combinations.

Add in a timer, two modes of gameplay, and Read the rest of this entry »

Cha-ching! I’m not much of a gambler, but I must confess a strange love for the blinking lights and distinctive music of the Vegas casinos. I live near L.A. where Vegas is just a short flight away, but why waste plane-fare when Hoyle Red Hot Slots is a spot-on substitute for the real thing?

Hoyle Red Hot Slots by Encore is a video slot machine just like those found in casinos everywhere from the desert to the high seas. Tap the “max bet” button and watch the reels spin. Come on big money! Read the rest of this entry »

For those that like to get their inner chef on, there is nothing like finding a new recipe or a book of recipes to inspire you to create that next memorable meal. When I first heard about the Italian Video Recipes Vol. 1 iPhone app by Andrea Vettori, I was ready to start sharpening my chef’s knife and reach for my bamboo cutting board.

Italian Video Recipes Vol. 1 offers nine recipes: four starters, four first courses, one second course and one dessert. Each recipe is designated with a preparation level of difficulty. Six are categorized as easy, the others as medium. Each recipe also lists a preparation time. Read the rest of this entry »