iSmashPhone

Google Is Taking Questions (Spoken, via iPhone)

image from NY Times

Good read from NY Times about voice recognition in Google App.
Let's hope voice recognition from Google is better offering compare to others.

"Pushing ahead in the decades-long effort to get computers to understand human speech, Google researchers have added sophisticated voice recognition technology to the company’s search software for the Apple iPhone."
[via NY Times]

Fuzzle: So much to like about this addictive puzzle game

Fuzzle



Here's another game we'd like to add to the addictive-as-all-hell category: Fuzzle by CandyCane. This vivid puzzler is self-described as "simple to learn, yet challenging to master."  Match five like-colored balls to remove them from the gameboard. But with each group of five you eliminate, more balls fill the screen. Use your wit (and occasional freebies, such as a Rainbow Ball, which acts as any color ball you choose) to keep the board as empty as possible.

Features

• Four levels of difficulty to keep you sharp
• Three game modes: standard, quick time (shortened game for those with precious time to spare) and timeless (for those who have all the time in the world to spare)
• Colorblind mode utilizes the symbols within the balls to differentiate
• Add your personal best to local and global high-score lists
• Auto-save ensures you never lose your progress
• Un-do moves you didn't mean to execute
• Two alternative tap-handling methods

Limitations

• ...it's too addictive?

Summary

We rank Fuzzle among our "Must-Have Apps" for iPhone.  And with a limited-time price drop to $0.99  (regularly $1.99), you can't go wrong with this engaging and stylish game.

Download

App Store; $0.99 (Limited time)

Virtual Villagers: Not quite The Sims, but close

Virtual Villagers: A New Home



The iPhone now has a Life Sim in its arsenal of Apps.  Virtual Villagers: A New Home by Vivendi Games Mobile is an iPhone port of the popular Web game.  The premise is simple: You lead a group of castaways on a deserted island.  It's up to you to get your crew in shape and brave the elements.

Features

• Real-time simulation, even when the game is off (the first App of its kind to have that capability)
• Return to the game to find changes...for better or worse
• Pause function allows you to control the game more towards your desired pace
• Customize your experience by naming and dressing your fellow villagers
• Teach your villagers how to farm, breed, build, and research
• Five mini games keep your mind sharp
• Se Habla Español

Limitations

• Gameplay time can seem less than satisfactory, given the $7.99 price tag

Summary

Virtual Villagers: A New Home is certainly directed at fans of The Sims/Animal Crossing/Harvest Moon/Other Life Sim Game; if you live for Life Sims, chances are you'll take to Virtual Villagers. The game, while fun, lacks in replay value due to the scarce number of games and levels, but that isn't something an update can't fix.

Download

App Store; $7.99