I had actually intended writing this blog post WHILE I was waiting, after all, what better to do when I really had nothing else to do. Unfortunately I found myself rather uncomfortable MOST of the time to the point that I just couldn’t bring myself to writing a blog post. I did however take notes, pictures and videos so that I could come back at a later time write the blog post! It was a long wait and as I mentioned, quite uncomfortable but in my opinion, totally worth it!! I got a bad sunburn (The curse of pale skin) and spent the night in what I consider to be colder than hell frozen over. But in the end I made it through and ended up the FIRST in line to purchase the all-new iPad 2.
Posts Tagged ‘Movies’
Updated Review: Netflix (iPad)
07
Mar
Netflix (Netflix, Inc. FREE) Universal App
The Netflix app for iPad was recently updated, previously I rated this app with 3 stars, but with this update I am upgrading the rating to 4 stars. I am very pleased with the update and welcome the changes. Quite honestly I think it is well overdue nonetheless I am glad that it is finally here. Since the app is currently run using all web views, that means that they are able to update the app without the need for app store approval. You won’t find the update in the app store, just launch the app to find the change. This update brings the app together with the way the iPhone app works, and although the two are similar, I am specifically referring to the iPad in this updated review.
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Review: IMDb (iPad)
05
Jan
IMDb Movies & TV (IMDb FREE) Universal App
This app was featured early on by Apple as one of the nicer apps to be debuted on the iPad. It was released at the same time as the iPad although the iPhone version has been around a lot longer. This app is a universal app but functions very differently on the iPhone version vs the iPad version. So for the purpose of this review, I’ll be focusing specifically on the iPad version. IMDb (Stands for International Movie Database) is the one stop shop for movie buffs experienced or not. If you’ve been into looking up information about movies and actors then it is likely you’ve used their website for years. They’ve had a website since the mid 90′s and have maintained their online database faithfully ever since. I can even find information about unknown movies or actors easily through this database. Get instant access to pictures, data (dates etc), trivia and other tidbits of information about the subject of your search. All of it located in one place and easily accessible (and free!).
The release of the iPad app took their service to the next level making it really easy to access all of this information right form your iPad using an app designed specifically for the larger screen. View high resolution images of your favorite movies or actors or get information about who an actor is or who is in a particular movie. I use this app a lot when watching a movie, I see someone I recognize and want to know who they are, so I look them up in the app and am able to see pictures of that actor in real life and in other movies as well as a full filmography and even birth information on that actor. They’ve done such a great job with this app that many people have given it great reviews in the past. Mine will likely be no different, I really enjoy using this app.
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Review: Netflix (iPad)
09
Dec
Netflix (Netflix, Inc. FREE) Universal App
*UPDATE* I have updated this review and upgraded it from 3 stars to 4 stars. Please visit my updated review to read more about changes to this app
This is a universal app although since the two versions are very different, this review specifically refers to the iPad version. I will review the iPhone version separately so that I can explain the differences between the two. The iPad version was first released and has been out a bit longer, but I think during the time before they released the iPhone version, they spent a lot of time working on the app making it just right for the iPhone. The iPad version feels like they put barely any effort at all behind it. I use the iPad version by far a lot more than the iPhone version, simply because of the difference in screen size. That is not to discount the iPhone version because as it is the iPhone version is done a lot better. The iPad version is just a simple port of the website onto the iPad and unfortunately there are some issues that make it difficult to use. The navigation is slow and hard to get around to what I am looking for. That being said, it is still very usable and definitely one of my favorite apps.
If you are a Netflix user then you probably already use this app. If you are not use a Netflix user then maybe this review will help you make a decision as to whether or not you should join. The app itself is free but requires a monthly subscription with prices as low as $7.99 a month for the streaming only plan. They also offer a two week free trial if you want to see whether or not the service is for you. The streaming aspect of Netflix is definitely a lot more restricted than the disc rentals, but this is mostly due to the studios limiting availability and Netflix is working hard to bring more and more titles on a regular basis.
If I were to choose between the Netflix app/service and the (price comparable) Hulu+ app/service, I would definitely go with Netflix as it is the superior option. I will say this however, the Hulu+ app for iPad is a lot better done than the Netflix app for iPad. You can tell they put more thought into it and it just plain works better. That being said, the overall experience with Netflix (to me), leaves going with them instead. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which being the fact that anything that is available via Instant Watch (Netflix) can be watched on the iPad, as opposed to Hulu+ which restricts mobile availability. Here are the features that I find most attractive about the Netflix app/service:
Review: iPhlix (iPhone)
29
Nov
iPhlix – Netflix Queue Manager (Brent Jensen $2.99)
iPhlix is also available as an iPad app but not as a Universal App for $4.99. This review is specifically about the iPhone version as I personally have never tried the iPad version and I really so no need to. One of the biggest reasons for this app is the mobility which I dont really get with my iPad (not as much as my iPhone.) This app may not be as relevant as it once was, but I still find myself using it on a very regular basis. At one point in time if you used the Netflix instant watch service with something like a Roku box, there was not the ability to add movies (or browse) to your queue. This app was a lot more important then as it was virtually the only means of doing it without going back to your main computer. Roku now, along with all the other means of using Netflix like he Wii and the PS3, have the ability to not only search for movies, but also add them to your queue on the fly or even watch movies that are not in your queue.
This app though does still provide a lot of value. Enough at least, that I use it consistently as a means of managing my Netflix queue. With this app I can control both my instant watch and disc queues. Easily search for more movies to watch, whether through a general search or in one of Netflix lists. Never again forget to add a movie to your queue when your friends tell you it is a must see, you can add it instantly, on the go, from anywhere. Along with many other features that this app provides, it really makes this the best app for managing your queue. Definitely better than Netflix’s own app.