Alakazapps! | Blog
magic match
May Updates
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.
January Updates
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 The video tutorial has been replaced by one shot in high definition.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 The video tutorial has been replaced by one shot in high definition.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 X-Ray Update
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 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.
Users Video
10/03/09 10:12 Filed in: User Video
If you've made a video of yourself performing one of our apps, be sure to drop us a line.
We'll even send you a free promo code for your troubles (US only, sorry).
Here’s youtube user catsincourt performing Magic Match
We'll even send you a free promo code for your troubles (US only, sorry).
Here’s youtube user catsincourt performing Magic Match
Pro Tip #1 Managing Expectations (Magic Match)
02/03/09 19:06 Filed in: Pro Tips
An oft repeated mantra in the magic community is that 'magic happens in the minds of the spectators'. Magic is not just about secrets or special props, it's about leaving someone with an impossible memory.
When showing people magic tricks it is very easy to focus only on getting the secret moves right consequently abandoning timing and presentation.
In the 'Pro Tips' posts I'll try and share some more insight into each app released by Alakazapps. The first app I'd like to discuss is Magic Match.
Pro Tip #1 Managing Expectations (Magic Match)
A key idea in magic is that you don't tell your audience what you're about to do. Imagine a magician saying "now watch me vanish this ball", aside from sounding corny, everyone would then be watching closely for a secret move.
The above idea is very important when performing Magic Match. When I show it to people I don't even tell them it's a magic trick, I just show them a digital matchbox. After I've played with the match for a second I then let the spectator play with it - by now their expectations are pretty low so I say "watch this" and I pluck the match off the screen. You introduce something pretty ordinary then, when your audience least expects it, you do something amazing!
Aside from creating a stronger magic trick, this performance tip will take the pressure off the secret move - since nobody is expecting it, nobody will be looking for it.
When showing people magic tricks it is very easy to focus only on getting the secret moves right consequently abandoning timing and presentation.
In the 'Pro Tips' posts I'll try and share some more insight into each app released by Alakazapps. The first app I'd like to discuss is Magic Match.
Pro Tip #1 Managing Expectations (Magic Match)
A key idea in magic is that you don't tell your audience what you're about to do. Imagine a magician saying "now watch me vanish this ball", aside from sounding corny, everyone would then be watching closely for a secret move.
The above idea is very important when performing Magic Match. When I show it to people I don't even tell them it's a magic trick, I just show them a digital matchbox. After I've played with the match for a second I then let the spectator play with it - by now their expectations are pretty low so I say "watch this" and I pluck the match off the screen. You introduce something pretty ordinary then, when your audience least expects it, you do something amazing!
Aside from creating a stronger magic trick, this performance tip will take the pressure off the secret move - since nobody is expecting it, nobody will be looking for it.
