Alakazapps! | Blog
News
May Updates
18/05/10 21:24
Magic Rabbit 1.2
Now has a video tutorial and the 'Welcome Instructions'.
Magic Match 1.3
The graphics have been updated with those designed for the iPad version of Magic Match.
Now has a video tutorial and the 'Welcome Instructions'.
Magic Match 1.3
The graphics have been updated with those designed for the iPad version of Magic Match.
Amazing Magic Notes
01/05/10 21:35
Magic works best when it's unexpected. It's for this reason that I try and make my apps look inconspicuous. In a way, making apps look inconspicuous is easy. Apps are a relatively new phenomenon, there is no template for a 'normal' app. More so, as Apple keeps telling us, there's an app for just about anything.
It's with this in mind that I developed Amazing Magic Notes. It looks like a typical notes app, the sort of app people are now familiar with, but hides an incredibly deceptive secret. It allows you to read minds!
Download it today for iTunes App Store.
It's with this in mind that I developed Amazing Magic Notes. It looks like a typical notes app, the sort of app people are now familiar with, but hides an incredibly deceptive secret. It allows you to read minds!
Download it today for iTunes App Store.
The iPad is Magical
05/04/10 00:14
I've been hard at work pretty much since the first day the iPad was announced converting my apps to support the exciting new device.
Truth-be-told, I was already mentally designing large format versions of my apps long before the device even had a name.
So here it is, 'Amazing Magic Match' completely redesigned for the iPad.
Truth-be-told, I was already mentally designing large format versions of my apps long before the device even had a name.
So here it is, 'Amazing Magic Match' completely redesigned for the iPad.
Designing Magic
It's no secret that only a few developers had access to an actual iPad prior to the launch. This being the case, I had to do a lot of additional work to get 'Amazing Magic Match' ready for release.
The artwork was completely redone. I actually modelled the whole thing in 3D because I wanted slick, realistic, hi-res graphics. My app of choice was Cheetah 3D because it's so quick and easy to use, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in 3D design. I tested the artwork on a digital photo frame approximately the same size as the iPad screen and it looked fantastic.
Once I'd coded the whole thing and got it working on the simulator, I broke it down into component parts and thoroughly tested each on an iPhone. Yep, that meant coding three additional iPhone apps just to test the real world mechanics.
The extra work paid off because 'Amazing Magic Match' sailed through the iPad review process.
The Video Tutorial
I could have saved myself a whole lot of trouble if I'd have simply supplied text instructions with my first iPad app. After all, how do you record a video tutorial without owning the actual device?
After a whole lot of consideration I decided not to compromise - the app had to have a video tutorial.
To achieve this I had to compile a version of my app with half sized graphics then run it on the simulator controlled by the fantastic iSimulate app. I then used my HD camcorder to video it off my iMac.
It was loads of additional work, but I think it was worth it.
Coming Soon!!!
Since I'm a Brit I still have to wait till 'sometime-hopefully-soon' to get my mitts on an actual device. At which point I'll re-record the 'Amazing Magic Match' video tutorial. In the meantime I'm working hard to redesign more of my apps. Having such a big stage really does broaden what you can accomplish with a magic trick.
If you've bought 'Amazing Magic Match' I'd love to hear your feedback!
Reviewed in M-U-M magazine
01/04/10 17:41
The Society of American Magicians monthly magazine (Magic Unity Might) has some pretty cool reviews of Alakazapps magic trick apps.
Bruce Kalver writing in the 'Tech Tricks' (April 2010) section has the following to say:
Magic Card Stab "is visually surprising, and, yes, you can do it with different cards."
Magic Bunny "will keep a pre-schooler, and many adults, mesmerized for hours."
Magic Match "is visually stunning."
"Magic Tattoo, combines a digital Hot Rod with the old ashes trick."
To be noticed by the magic society whose president was once Harry Houdini is pretty high praise!
Bruce Kalver writing in the 'Tech Tricks' (April 2010) section has the following to say:
Magic Card Stab "is visually surprising, and, yes, you can do it with different cards."
Magic Bunny "will keep a pre-schooler, and many adults, mesmerized for hours."
Magic Match "is visually stunning."
"Magic Tattoo, combines a digital Hot Rod with the old ashes trick."
To be noticed by the magic society whose president was once Harry Houdini is pretty high praise!
Amazing Magic Strength
09/03/10 23:06
I'm very excited to announce the latest addition to Alakazapps - 'Amazing Magic Strength'!
One of the design goals I set myself was to bring classic magic tricks to the iPhone and iPod touch. Magic Strength is very much inspired by the Excalibur Sword myth.
You show a digital nail hammered deep into a block of wood. However hard you, or the spectator tries, the nail can only be nudged ever-so-slightly from the wood.
With one magical gesture you gain the 'strength' to easily flick the nail from the wooden block.
You then invite the spectator to try and flick the nail free - they still fail! Even more magically, by simply touching the spectator they impossibly gain the strength to remove the nail.
It's really great to perform the trick while the spectator holds your iPhone - the illusion works even with very controlled test conditions.
Have fun.
One of the design goals I set myself was to bring classic magic tricks to the iPhone and iPod touch. Magic Strength is very much inspired by the Excalibur Sword myth.
You show a digital nail hammered deep into a block of wood. However hard you, or the spectator tries, the nail can only be nudged ever-so-slightly from the wood.
With one magical gesture you gain the 'strength' to easily flick the nail from the wooden block.
You then invite the spectator to try and flick the nail free - they still fail! Even more magically, by simply touching the spectator they impossibly gain the strength to remove the nail.
It's really great to perform the trick while the spectator holds your iPhone - the illusion works even with very controlled test conditions.
Have fun.
Magic Box Vol.2
15/02/10 18:09
I'm pleased to announce Magic Box Volume 2 is now available on the App Store.
Volume 2 in the Magic Box series contains: Magic Card Stab, Magic Beer Bottle and Magic X-Ray. These three apps compliment each other perfectly, they're also all age restricted to 12+.
It's worth reiterating that Magic Boxes are a brilliant way to bolster your magic collection without filling loads of 'home screens' with icons. Magic Box Vol. 2 is the perfect way to bring an extra bit of entertainment to a night out. Magic Card Stab alone has been getting great reviews across the globe.
Enjoy!
Volume 2 in the Magic Box series contains: Magic Card Stab, Magic Beer Bottle and Magic X-Ray. These three apps compliment each other perfectly, they're also all age restricted to 12+.
It's worth reiterating that Magic Boxes are a brilliant way to bolster your magic collection without filling loads of 'home screens' with icons. Magic Box Vol. 2 is the perfect way to bring an extra bit of entertainment to a night out. Magic Card Stab alone has been getting great reviews across the globe.
Enjoy!
January Updates
29/01/10 20:57
Three updates were released yesterday, here's whats new!
Magic Match v1.2.3
Has a new way to perform the secret move. It's my preferred method but the old one still works. The video tutorial has been replaced by one shot in high definition.
Magic Tattoo v1.2.1
High definition video tutorial has been added.
Magic X-Ray v1.2
Update brings speed control to the animation. Choose from 'Fast', 'Medium' or 'Slow' in the devices settings app.
Universal
The 'Welcome Instructions' screen has been updated, and will be for all apps. Aside from being cleaner, it contains a small button that links to all Alakazapps apps on the App Store. So if you want to add to your magic collection, it now only takes one tap.
I've got loads of work to do… new apps, updates and some other super special stuff on the horizon.
Magic Match v1.2.3
Has a new way to perform the secret move. It's my preferred method but the old one still works. The video tutorial has been replaced by one shot in high definition.
Magic Tattoo v1.2.1
High definition video tutorial has been added.
Magic X-Ray v1.2
Update brings speed control to the animation. Choose from 'Fast', 'Medium' or 'Slow' in the devices settings app.
Universal
The 'Welcome Instructions' screen has been updated, and will be for all apps. Aside from being cleaner, it contains a small button that links to all Alakazapps apps on the App Store. So if you want to add to your magic collection, it now only takes one tap.
I've got loads of work to do… new apps, updates and some other super special stuff on the horizon.
Magic Wallet and other news.
08/12/09 23:02
The holiday season is a super busy time for everyone! Here at Alakazapps I've been putting in crazy hours to make sure it's a magical time too! Plenty of ground to cover in the post so here goes…
First a quick mention of 'Magic Beer Bottle'. When I released 'Magic Bottle Cap' a couple of months ago it was always my intention to release an adult version. See, if I included alcohol in 'Magic Bottle Cap' it would have been subject to age restrictions. Since I want my apps to be open to as many people as possible, it seemed sensible to make two versions. Magic Beer Bottle also has slightly different graphics to give it a more 'bar-like' appearance. Magic Bottle Cap and Magic Beer Bottle are available now on the app store!
You may have already noticed that Alakazapps newest release is 'Amazing Magic Wallet'. The trick is simple but visually stunning. You open a digital wallet, shake out a couple of coins, then slide one out - it becomes real! I really do think Amazing Magic Wallet is the perfect pocket magic trick because everything you need to perform the trick is already in your pocket. It currently supports UK, US and EU coins but I'll be adding more with updates! The app is live now, so go grab it for the introductory price.
Finally, a little bit of background on Alakazapps website. I've been working hard to re-imagine the site for the last few months and the final changes will be revealed before the end of the year. When I launched Alakazapps I only had time to design a very simple site, a temporary home for my apps. Though the site was functional, it never captured the fun of magic. To this day seeing a magic set takes me to a happy place, they're treasure-troves of excitement. Since apps don't come in fantastic boxes, I thought my website could be a virtual box of illusions.
I've got another app due out before xmas that is really very special, and a slew of updates due for the New Year so stay tuned.
First a quick mention of 'Magic Beer Bottle'. When I released 'Magic Bottle Cap' a couple of months ago it was always my intention to release an adult version. See, if I included alcohol in 'Magic Bottle Cap' it would have been subject to age restrictions. Since I want my apps to be open to as many people as possible, it seemed sensible to make two versions. Magic Beer Bottle also has slightly different graphics to give it a more 'bar-like' appearance. Magic Bottle Cap and Magic Beer Bottle are available now on the app store!
You may have already noticed that Alakazapps newest release is 'Amazing Magic Wallet'. The trick is simple but visually stunning. You open a digital wallet, shake out a couple of coins, then slide one out - it becomes real! I really do think Amazing Magic Wallet is the perfect pocket magic trick because everything you need to perform the trick is already in your pocket. It currently supports UK, US and EU coins but I'll be adding more with updates! The app is live now, so go grab it for the introductory price.
Finally, a little bit of background on Alakazapps website. I've been working hard to re-imagine the site for the last few months and the final changes will be revealed before the end of the year. When I launched Alakazapps I only had time to design a very simple site, a temporary home for my apps. Though the site was functional, it never captured the fun of magic. To this day seeing a magic set takes me to a happy place, they're treasure-troves of excitement. Since apps don't come in fantastic boxes, I thought my website could be a virtual box of illusions.
I've got another app due out before xmas that is really very special, and a slew of updates due for the New Year so stay tuned.
Magic Beer Bottle Released
13/11/09 18:33
Alakazapps releases Magic Beer Bottle, a beer simulator that literally comes off the screen.
After demonstrating what looks like a normal iPhone ‘beer app’ , the performer of the trick can literally pluck the top off the bottle - it becomes real in their fingertips. Beer simulators have existed since the dawn of the App Store, Magic Beer Bottle takes the concept to the next level.
Using accelerometer controlled liquid motion and bold graphics, Magic Beer Bottle presents itself as an entertaining toy. This is the very essence of magic, taking something that people are now familiar with and doing something ‘impossible’ with it.
The illusion is achieved by combining the unique features of the iPhone with classic magic techniques. Learning the illusion is made simple with a full video tutorial included with the app. An intuitive welcome screen allows the user to access the video tutorial. Once mastered this screen can be hidden in the devices settings menu.
After demonstrating what looks like a normal iPhone ‘beer app’ , the performer of the trick can literally pluck the top off the bottle - it becomes real in their fingertips. Beer simulators have existed since the dawn of the App Store, Magic Beer Bottle takes the concept to the next level.
Using accelerometer controlled liquid motion and bold graphics, Magic Beer Bottle presents itself as an entertaining toy. This is the very essence of magic, taking something that people are now familiar with and doing something ‘impossible’ with it.
The illusion is achieved by combining the unique features of the iPhone with classic magic techniques. Learning the illusion is made simple with a full video tutorial included with the app. An intuitive welcome screen allows the user to access the video tutorial. Once mastered this screen can be hidden in the devices settings menu.
Magic Bottle Cap
12/09/09 14:46
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Magic Bottle Cap to the iPhone and iPod touch. The effect is simply stunning: after showing your friends an interactive digital bottle on your iPhone, you take it one step further by literally plucking the cap into the real world.
This is very much a companion app to my bestseller Magic Match. Magic Bottle Cap is perfect for parties, clubs, pubs and bars.
On a technical level I worked hard to develop the best move for the revelation. The whole thing just flows, check out the video below to see Magic Bottle Cap performed.
This is very much a companion app to my bestseller Magic Match. Magic Bottle Cap is perfect for parties, clubs, pubs and bars.
On a technical level I worked hard to develop the best move for the revelation. The whole thing just flows, check out the video below to see Magic Bottle Cap performed.
Magic X-Ray Update
06/08/09 17:59
It's been a busy month at Alakazapps HQ. The end of July saw the release of Magic Dagger, my first card trick for the iPhone. I've also already submitted updates to two of my most popular apps.
In about one week you'll find an update to Magic X-Ray. This adds a video tutorial and a few visual tweaks. If you already own this trick you'll hopefully appreciate the ability to hide the instructions. If you haven't yet purchased Magic X-Ray, the tutorial will make learning it a breeze.
The effect is simple but stunning. You X-Ray your hand, then pull one of your fingers off. Check the new demo below:
In about one week you'll find an update to Magic X-Ray. This adds a video tutorial and a few visual tweaks. If you already own this trick you'll hopefully appreciate the ability to hide the instructions. If you haven't yet purchased Magic X-Ray, the tutorial will make learning it a breeze.
The effect is simple but stunning. You X-Ray your hand, then pull one of your fingers off. Check the new demo below:
Two weeks from now a small update to Magic Match is due to hit the store.
As ever I'm working super hard to bring fresh ideas to the iPhone magic community, more details later in the month.
Magic Dagger is here!
13/07/09 17:29
With this in mind, and almost a year since I launched Alakazapps, I've finally released a card trick for the iPhone.
True to my ambition for Alakazapps tricks, I think Magic Dagger is about as visual as card magic will get! A chosen card is impaled on a digital dagger right inside your iPhone - it's a portable 'card sword' illusion!
Card magic is too important to only release one trick so you can expect more in the future, but for now I hope you enjoy Magic Dagger.
Follow me on twitter, I'll be posting a few promo codes for Magic Dagger over the next few hours
.
Fry Mentions Magic
25/06/09 12:40
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
24/06/09 15:19
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.
Magic Compass
09/05/09 22:35
Alakazapps latest 'Magic Compass' has been out for just over a week - here are some of the reviews.
"A great simple trick that has a very effective outcome. Can be repeated over and over with no possible explanation....! The spectator always has the last tap on the compass so there's no way they'll figure out how it's done." - iTunes UK user.
"If, like me, you're the type of person that likes to have a party trick on them to break the ice or just create a talking point at a quiet party to kick it up a notch then this is definately for you. Dead easy to learn, and you always have it with you. Really good fun too." iTunes UK user.
"To some spectators, it will look like physics, to some like magic. I think most people will find it hard to explain. The trick has a well produced video tutorial to teach you the secret, and then gives you a way to hide it from prying eyes." - TUAW Review.
Many, many thanks to those who support my apps!
If you’ve not already watch the demo, click here.
"A great simple trick that has a very effective outcome. Can be repeated over and over with no possible explanation....! The spectator always has the last tap on the compass so there's no way they'll figure out how it's done." - iTunes UK user.
"If, like me, you're the type of person that likes to have a party trick on them to break the ice or just create a talking point at a quiet party to kick it up a notch then this is definately for you. Dead easy to learn, and you always have it with you. Really good fun too." iTunes UK user.
"To some spectators, it will look like physics, to some like magic. I think most people will find it hard to explain. The trick has a well produced video tutorial to teach you the secret, and then gives you a way to hide it from prying eyes." - TUAW Review.
Many, many thanks to those who support my apps!
If you’ve not already watch the demo, click here.
Welcome Instructions
16/04/09 19:23
One of the most difficult aspects of developing a magic trick is the final stage - writing a tutorial. No matter how clear you attempt to be things can very quickly become confusing. Every tutorial has two strands, first what the audience should see and secondly the secret moves that create the illusion. Even the simplest 'sleight of hand' can be incredibly difficult to describe - imagine trying to write a tutorial on clicking your fingers, it very quickly becomes nonsensical.
As my apps become more ambitious written instructions just aren't effective enough. Today I would like to introduce my solution - the 'Welcome Instructions'.
The Welcome Instructions slides down when you launch the app and include a short written description of the effect and two buttons. Tapping the first button 'Learn' will start a performance/tutorial video. The video will first demonstrate the effect as is should be seen, then a step-by-step tutorial will play explaining every aspect of the illusion.
The second button 'Perform' will hide the Welcome instructions allowing the trick to be free of non-essencial buttons.
As my apps become more ambitious written instructions just aren't effective enough. Today I would like to introduce my solution - the 'Welcome Instructions'.
The Welcome Instructions slides down when you launch the app and include a short written description of the effect and two buttons. Tapping the first button 'Learn' will start a performance/tutorial video. The video will first demonstrate the effect as is should be seen, then a step-by-step tutorial will play explaining every aspect of the illusion.
The second button 'Perform' will hide the Welcome instructions allowing the trick to be free of non-essencial buttons.
Once you've learned the secret you can turn the Welcome Instructions off in the iPhone settings menu.
Hopefully the Welcome Instructions will make learning Alakazapps apps a breeze. The first app to come with the Welcome Instructions is Magic Tattoo due out in the next few days. All my other apps will be updated to include the Welcome Screen and obviously all future releases will include it too.
The new studio
08/04/09 00:05
Until now I've recorded all my app demos and tutorials with a homemade studio consisting of a big piece of card positioned next to a window. Obviously this is less than ideal and was slowing me down enormously. To combat the unruly nature of the sun I invested in a proper mini-studio.
The square thing is a diffusing cube that traps the light coming from the fluorescent lamp.
If I was doing things right before, you probably shouldn't notice any difference in the finished product - it will just make getting the right shot easier. If you've ever tried filming/photographing the iPhone you'll know how it's impossibly shiny surfaces can wreak havoc.
It's just one of the things I'm doing to provide the best service to the fantastic people that support my apps.
Photo below (1000w lamp, blinding):
The square thing is a diffusing cube that traps the light coming from the fluorescent lamp.
If I was doing things right before, you probably shouldn't notice any difference in the finished product - it will just make getting the right shot easier. If you've ever tried filming/photographing the iPhone you'll know how it's impossibly shiny surfaces can wreak havoc.
It's just one of the things I'm doing to provide the best service to the fantastic people that support my apps.
Photo below (1000w lamp, blinding):
New Release - Magic Rabbit
29/03/09 16:58
My girlfriend Chloe is a constant creative sounding board. Aside from being a first class fashion graduate, she is also very good at cute illustrations.
We decided to extend our creative relationship to release an app for the Easter festival.
The app involves a cute little rabbit magically pointing his carrot at any object you place around the iPhone.
Here's the video demo:
We decided to extend our creative relationship to release an app for the Easter festival.
The app involves a cute little rabbit magically pointing his carrot at any object you place around the iPhone.
Here's the video demo:
You can order it here.
Magic Levitate
01/03/09 22:34
An update to Magic Levitate is due out within the next few days.
The app was first released last weekend so as you can imagine, this is just a maintenance update. The software requirements have been dropped from 2.2.1 to 2.1 and the icon has been updated.
I don't normally push out updates so soon after release but the 2.2.1 requirement was unnecessary and potentially limiting.
Let me know in the comments if you update your device as soon as Apple releases the software.
The app was first released last weekend so as you can imagine, this is just a maintenance update. The software requirements have been dropped from 2.2.1 to 2.1 and the icon has been updated.
I don't normally push out updates so soon after release but the 2.2.1 requirement was unnecessary and potentially limiting.
Let me know in the comments if you update your device as soon as Apple releases the software.
New Icon
