Alakazapps! | Blog
Jun 2009
Pro Tip #4 Always Ready
27/06/09 15:24 Filed in: Pro Tips
Even with the new Spotlight feature of iPhone OS 3.0 getting to an app can take a few clicks. These clicks can really upset the flow of a magic performance so here's a solution.
Launch the app before performing then lock your device using the button on the upper edge - simple!
Now all you have to do is unlock your device and you're ready to perform.
Depending on your audience you might want to consider what you have as your wallpaper. Just a thought.
Launch the app before performing then lock your device using the button on the upper edge - simple!
Now all you have to do is unlock your device and you're ready to perform.
Depending on your audience you might want to consider what you have as your wallpaper. Just a thought.
Fry Mentions Magic
National treasure Stephen Fry recently wrote a fantastic review of the new iPhone 3GS. Along with detailing the technological advancements he devoted a paragraph to the variety of treats offered by the App Store, he wrote:
"Apple has shown that a mobile phone can be a pedometer, a restaurant guide (one which can make the reservation, direct you there and let you know which kinds of sustainable seafood you can order with a clear conscience), an ensemble of musical instruments that can be blown down, tapped and strummed, a library, a periodic table, a performer of magic tricks, a translator, a Skype phone, a Twitter client, a radio, a games platform and a device that can set your home satellite TV to record any programme you like wherever you are in the world."
Magic tricks are on his list next to musical instruments and games platform, that's a pretty impressive distinction.
I don't for a second think Stephen Fry had time to use one of my apps, if he even knows Alakazapps exists. Still the recognition of the genre is great for all those who develope and perform magic tricks on the iPhone and iPod touch.
"Apple has shown that a mobile phone can be a pedometer, a restaurant guide (one which can make the reservation, direct you there and let you know which kinds of sustainable seafood you can order with a clear conscience), an ensemble of musical instruments that can be blown down, tapped and strummed, a library, a periodic table, a performer of magic tricks, a translator, a Skype phone, a Twitter client, a radio, a games platform and a device that can set your home satellite TV to record any programme you like wherever you are in the world."
Magic tricks are on his list next to musical instruments and games platform, that's a pretty impressive distinction.
I don't for a second think Stephen Fry had time to use one of my apps, if he even knows Alakazapps exists. Still the recognition of the genre is great for all those who develope and perform magic tricks on the iPhone and iPod touch.
Magic Match update
The Magic Match update has been live for a few days now, so I thought I'd cover some of the enhancements in a little more detail. First, and most obviously, it's got the Welcome Instructions. I think the video tutorials have been a very successful way of sharing the secret - even if you've been performing it for months it might reveal some nuances that will make your performance tighter.
Secondly you'll now notice that you can close the matchbox and effectively reset the app. I've added this to give the effect a better sense of closure - I wouldn't recommend performing the trick again for the same person though.
Finally, those with a keen eye for detail may notice the the box has changed from 'click to open' to 'tap to open'. 'Tap' seemed to make more sense on a touchscreen phone.
Magic Match also works perfectly with iPhone OS 3.0 of course.
Secondly you'll now notice that you can close the matchbox and effectively reset the app. I've added this to give the effect a better sense of closure - I wouldn't recommend performing the trick again for the same person though.
Finally, those with a keen eye for detail may notice the the box has changed from 'click to open' to 'tap to open'. 'Tap' seemed to make more sense on a touchscreen phone.
Magic Match also works perfectly with iPhone OS 3.0 of course.
