Since it went on sale, I have been using Wolfram Alpha for a couple of days and I have to say it is an awesome research app.  It has been one of the App Store’s most notoriously expensive apps and it just got a price cut. Wolfram Alpha, which debuted last October for the fairly jaw-dropping price of $49.99, now sells for just $1.99 .

In case the name doesn’t ring a bell, Wolfram Alpha made headlines last year as a supposed Google killer, a search engine that could perform “computational knowledge” tricks far beyond any other service.

In other words, as CNET’s Rafe Needleman put it, “Google finds links. Wolfram Alpha finds answers.” My own take: It’s a search engine for math geeks.

In any case, there was widespread glee when Wolfram Alpha got the app treatment–followed by considerable head-scratching and some outright rage over its price. The $50 sticker seemed particularly insulting considering that you could enjoy much of the same functionality in your iPhone’s Safari browser–for free.

According to a Wolfram Alpha blog post, the price cut is part of a “new focus on ubiquity” for the tool. And in an extremely wise marketing move, anyone who purchased the Wolfram Alpha app for $49.99 (or its one-time sale price of $19.99) can request a refund.

What do you think? Is the app suddenly looking a lot more attractive at $1.99? OK, that’s a given, but now that it’s reasonably priced, think you’ll buy it? Hit the comments and share your thoughts.

If you are addicted to the App Store then we have the perfect app for you!  App Sniper not only allows you to track which apps are on sale, but it also notifies you when apps you’re interested in have gone on sale for the price that you want to buy it for.

Many developers drop their prices for only a few days or, in extreme cases, only a few hours in order to get additional sales and reviews. With AppSniper you can be guaranteed that you will never miss those great opportunities to pick up quality software at bargain prices.

The best part is that AppSniper will pay for itself with the first snipe or sale item that you buy!

For only $0.99 it can save you hundreds of dollars on future app purchases.

Byte Squared has released  a great new business and productivity app called Office², an office app for the iPhone and iPod touch that lets you edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in .doc and .xls formats. (Note that the app’s name is pronounced “Office Squared” )

Office² also provides integration with Google Docs, letting you edit Google Docs documents and spreadsheets from within the app. You can also access, move, and delete documents stored in Google Docs, iDisk and any WebDAV server.

The Office² word processor lets you view, create, edit and save documents in Word 97-2003 (.doc) format. It also supports character formatting, tables, images, searching of text within documents, undo and redo up to 100 undo levels, and auto-correction and auto-completion.

The Office² spreadsheet works with Excel 97-2003 (.xls) and handles multiple worksheets with unlimited rows and columns, searching and sorting of cells, cell formatting, cell types, and pane freezing among other spreadsheet necessities. Office² uses the iPhone’s touch screen effectively, letting you tap and drag to change row heights and column widths, and tap cells to compose formulas.

Additionally, Office² acts as a local file store, letting you store and view files of most types. Office² also integrates with Google Docs and MobileMe iDisk, giving you access to your valuable data, wherever you are.

Office² includes the following features:

WORD PROCESSOR FEATURES

• Word 97-2003 (.doc) compatability.
• Character formatting including bold, italic, underline, font face, size, color and highlight.
• Paragraph formatting including indent, left, right, center and distributed justification style.
• Bullets and numbering.
• Support for tables, and images.
• Full text search capability.
• Copy and paste.
• Undo and redo.
• Auto-correction and auto-capitalization.

SPREADSHEET FEATURES

• Excel 97-2003 (.xls) compatibility with support for multiple worksheets.
• Multiple cell types, including Numeric, Date, Time, Currency, Percentage and Text
• Cell formatting options, including bold, italic, text and background color, cell sizes and alignments.
• Merged cells, text wrapping and freeze panes.
• Copy/cut/paste operations.
• A range of functions, including date/time, math, statistical, string and trigonometric functions.
• Import/Export to and from desktop computer over wifi network.
• Tight integration with Google Docs, enabling direct editing of Google Docs spreadsheets.
• Access spreadsheet files stored in a MobileMe iDisk account or any other WebDAV-based server.

iPhone development company Bulkypix is coming up with some promising games for the iPhone and iPod touch.  Twin Blades is an addictive zombie shooting game in which your main object is to survive through different levels by either slashing or shooting zombies. The App Store has a ton of zombie shooting games but, Twin Blades offers an engaging and fast paced gameplay which gives it a fresh look.

Every kill earns you one heart and these can be used to buy weapon and character upgrades. Weapon upgrades feature different types of guns while character upgrades can be used to improve slash damage, amount of life, life storage and more.

The game supports local highscores and Open Feint, allowing you to share your highscores, unlock achievements and compare your performance with your friends.

Twin Blades is a fun, challenging and engrossing game that will keep you wanting for more!

Home movies don’t make themselves. Until now.

Rumor has it that the video website hulu.com is developing an iPhone app that will be released within an couple of months.

Anyone who has tried to watch any of the streaming tv apps that are currently available on iPhone has probably been fairly disappointed with what they found but if the rumors are true then we will be able to watch multiple mainstream tv shows and movies from anywhere right on our iPod or iPhone.

Hulu has many popular shows like White Collar, Monk, Stargate, House, etc.

I will post an update as soon as the tumors are confirmed.

Dungeon Hunter is an awesome action-packed role-playing game for iPhone with gorgeous graphics and intuitive gameplay. What it doesn’t wield in originality, it makes up for in sheer fun.

The fantasy realm of Gothicus has fallen to the forces of darkness and it’s your calling as the kingdom’s royal heir to restore peace. After an untimely death, you take the role of a resurrected prince charged with defeating his former lover who has infected the land with evil.

There are three classes – Warrior, Rogue, or Mage (curiously, no ranged class) – you make your way from rural catacombs to the malevolent queen’s castle beating her demonic minions along the way. You don’t quest alone, though, as fairies accompany you on the quest as sidekicks that can be summoned for devastating magical attacks.

Dungeon Hunter is available now on iTunes.

Trekking across the expanse of Gothicus means hacking enemies patrolling the cities, forests, and mountainsides. There’s wonderful variety in the environments, complemented by an equally diverse bestiary. In pursuit of experience points, you face an array of interesting creatures from poisonous green slimes to rock monsters with magma flowing through their veins to skeleton knights.

Defeating these enemies can be challenging, though proper balancing avoids the need for level grinding. Creatures are strong enough to present a threat, though seldom overwhelming.

It helps that experience goes far in pumping up your character to confront even stronger foes waiting in the next dungeon. With each new level you’re able to boost any of four core attributes, as well as unlock new abilities and upgrade existing ones using skill points.

Naturally, available skills vary among the three classes with Warriors focusing on abilities central to direct combat, Rogues on agility, and Mages magic. Not only does this ensure each classes feels distinct, it also provides incentive to run through the adventure a second or third time.

Admittedly basic, character development surprisingly never feels constrained. There’s always something new to earn or interesting to unlock, which makes every level rewarding.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tons of loot also only furthers customisation, enabling you to outfit your hero with nine different pieces of equipment. Special pieces come with attribute-boosting enchantments, though these are found or purchased like regular equipment. It would have been great to see an optional item crafting system for added depth.

Click here to view the embedded video.

More compulsory is the need for improvement to the controls. While Dungeon Hunter wisely offers options, control over movement is an issue. The game provides virtual analogue stick or tap to move schemes, the former preferable though imperfect. You’re regularly moved an extra step or positioned at a slightly off angle that puts your hero at a disadvantage in combat. It’s not a game killer because you’re able to adjust, but any undue impact on your ability to move precisely during battle is undesirable.

Also of concern is the save system. Automatic back-up ensures that your character’s progress is preserved, although you’re unable to save manually within a dungeon. Exiting the game in the middle of a level means later resuming play at the dungeon’s entrance. This makes Dungeon Hunter difficult to play in short sessions since you’re unable to really stop playing and pick up where you left off.

To a degree, it’s not much of a problem because Dungeon Hunter is fun enough that you won’t want to set it down. Great graphics, satisfying character customisation, and loads of variety – this is as good as hack ‘n’ slash role-playing gets.

Powerful Video Editing With Unlimited Possibilities

Powerful video editing with unlimited possibilities, PowerDirector 8 lets you create movie masterpieces with unlimited effects via DirectorZone, mega magical tools, 6-track PiP effects, Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator for surround sound creation, and loads of sharing options via YouTube, Flickr, and Blu-ray discs.

More powerful and even faster, CyberLink PowerDirector 8 offers more video enhancement and editing tools, designer tools and more timeline tracks to let you create great videos. Spice up your projects too by downloading any of the 1000s of free effects and templates already uploaded to DirectorZone by PowerDirector users.

A host of new tools and technologies are designed to save editing time and improve your video quality. Leveraging PowerDVD’s video enhancing TrueTheater technology, PowerDirector delivers HD-like results from standard definition content by upscaling video resolution, smoothing out playback in slow motion and enabling virtual surround sound.

With easy-to-use settings, PowerDirector’s TrueTheater technologies fix common video shooting errors such as extreme backlighting, poor white balance, and inadequate lighting.

Ever wondered how home movies achieve their memorable effects? Find out how by viewing other PowerDirector users’ timelines on DirectorZone.com. This glimpse into other editors’ creativity is a remarkable learning tool, offering insight for your own video projects.

Also, download and upload DVD menus, particle effects, PiP objects, and more, via DirectorZone.com .

Video editing software, PowerDirector, provides direct HD video uploading to Facebook and YouTube, enabling easy sharing on today’s most popular social networks and video blogging sites.

Enjoy your finished movie in HD at home by producing Blu-ray Discs or AVCHD discs in high-definition resolution. If it’s mobility you are after, you can produce files for playback on your iPhone, iPod, or PSP. PowerDirector allows you to output AVCHD projects to an SD Card too.

NOTE:

1. PowerDirector 8 has been tested to meet all of the technical requirements to be Compatible with Windows® 7.
   Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
2. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Price $99.95

Whatever you want…music, video, photo, and data.

• Faster One-click Rip, and Copy functions
• Backup data to CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc
• Organize and edit your photo library, then add music to create amazing slideshows.
• Burn video DVDs with HD quality.
• Enjoy Live and recorded TV
• Remove commercials from recorded TV broadcasts with one click
• Share video or music to YouTube™, MySpace® and My Nero, or enjoy on your iPod® or other portable device
• Play AVCD and other HD format support (Blu-ray), plus stream to Xbox 360™ & Playstation® 3.

Creative Projects Are Easier than Ever
Using the intuitive Nero StartSmart command center of Nero 9, your digital life has never been more flexible, feasible, and fun. You directly access features and perform one-click functions such as Audio Ripping, Burning, Copying, and AutoBackup, with optimized performance for Windows Vista® with Nero DiscCopy Gadget.

Fully Enjoy Your Content at Home, Online and On-the-go
Whether it’s video, photo, or music, you can convert and share everything your imagination creates in your digital world. Convert & share multimedia files to play on iPod®, PSP®, and upload online your coolest photos and videos to share with online communities like My Nero, YouTube™, and MySpace.

Make Your PC a Dynamic Home-Entertainment Device
Experience TV from the comfort of your sofa with state-of-the-art TV technology, even for HDTV and DVB Radio. Pause, record, schedule, manage, and playback your TV shows.

Best in the Business Software Gets Better
The ripping and burning capabilities of Nero 9 are the most reliable in the industry. Burn and copy to CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc – even copy movies*. With DVD-R Dual Layer and DVD+R Double Layer support, you’ll get more data on a disc than ever before!*

Trusted and Reliable – Backup, Restore, and Secure
Don’t lose your valuable memories and important files to life’s potential hazards, system crash, or risky hardware. Backing up, securing, and managing files and data is a point-and-click away.

*Please note:
Blu-ray capabilities are subject to change.
Does not copy DVDs or other discs with copy protection.

GIMP is a versatile graphics manipulation package. This page should help you get a taste of what GIMP is capable of. You can also have a look at our introduction page or browse through the tutorials.

Customizable Interface

Each task requires a different environment and GIMP allows you to customize the view and behavior the way you like it. Starting from the widget theme, allowing you to change colors, widget spacings and icon sizes to custom tool sets in the toolbox. The interface is modulized into so called docks, allowing you to stack them into tabs or keep them open in their own window. Pressing the tab key will toggle them hidden.

GIMP features a great fullscreen mode allowing you to not only preview your artwork but also do editing work while using the most of your screen estate.

Photo Enhancement

Numerous digital photo imperfections can be easily compensated for using GIMP. Fix perspective distortion caused by lens tilt simply choosing the corrective mode in the transform tools. Eliminate lens’ barrel distortion and vignetting with a powerful filter but a simple interface.

The included channel mixer gives you the flexibility and power to get your B/W photography stand out the way you need.

Digital Retouching

GIMP is ideal for advanced photo retouching techniques. Get rid of unneeded details using the clone tool, or touch up minor details easily with the new healing tool. With the perspective clone tool, it’s not difficult to clone objects with perspective in mind just as easily as with the orthogonal clone.

Hardware Support

GIMP includes a very unique support for various input devices out of the box. Pressure and tilt sensitive tablets, but also a wide range of USB or MIDI controllers. You can bind often-used actions to device events such as rotating a USB wheel or moving a MIDI controller’s slider. Change the size, angle or opacity of a brush while you paint, bind your favorite scripts to buttons. Speed up your workflow!

File Formats

The file format support ranges from the common likes of JPEG (JFIF), GIF, PNG, TIFF to special use formats such as the multi-resolution and multi-color-depth Windows icon files. The architecture allows to extend GIMP’s format capabilities with a plug-in. You can find some rare format support in the GIMP plugin registry.

Thanks to the transparent virtual file system, it is possible to load and save files to from remote locations using protocols such as FTP, HTTP or even SMB (MS Windows shares) and SFTP/SSH.

To save disk space, any format can be saved with an archive extension such as ZIP, GZ or BZ2 and GIMP will transparently compress the file without you needing to do any extra steps.

Download Gimp - Image Manupulation Software (85)