Hasta La Ideas

Animals roar to life in an educational app designed for kids

A new app for iPads or iPhones, Critteroos brings stock images of animals to life in an interactive game for kids (aged three-eight). The brainchild of renowned designer Clement Mok, Critteroos is the first in an imaginative series of iPad education software for children that draws on the CMCD Visual Symbols library.

Backed by a consistent beat of insect hums, the app erupts in an attention-grabbing cacophony of real animal sounds, including the occasional whinny of a horse, snort of a pig and bird’s chirp. While the sounds entertain, children delight over the app’s vibrant animal imagery. In “Flashcard” mode, each image is paired with the animal’s name, which is recited aloud for vocabulary building.

As memory develops, users can switch from the primarily educational “Flashcard” mode to test their skills in “Mix and Match.” Flipping through animals’ top and bottom halves, kids can rack up points by finding the corresponding half, tapping twice on the screen to confirm a match. An encouraging ding sound accompanies each correct pair.

For pure fun, kids can let their imaginations run free by creating their own “Critteroos” (mismatched animals). These humorous and dazzling animals can be given fun names (like the Rooztera) and saved to the iPhoto library for printing.

Critteroos sells for $2 on iTunes, as well as other related education applications and add-ons (like Critteroos II for additional animal sets) by CMCD.

The Twitter of drawing

Tired of text-based social media updates? Change tactics and let your right brain take control with Doodle.ly, a new website and soon-to-be iPad and iPhone app that allows the user to create and share web drawings, encouraging you to unleash your inner artist (or child). Made for those creative individuals who would rather communicate and express themselves via a sketch than a 140-character update, Doodle.ly is super easy to use—just visit the site, create your masterpiece, and share via Twitter or Facebook.

Although the pen and color choices are currently limited, new options will be available upon the 5,000th doodle. So get Doodle.lying!

Unexpected missions and odd adventures in a new iPad pub with a clever user interface

The brainchild of a creative group of friends in Berlin, Astronaut is an independent magazine designed specifically for the iPad. Intriguing editorials and clever interactivity lend the first issue—released last month—a comfortable feel which, nicely complimented by strong imagery and enthralling mini-documentaries, which tell tales “of amazing journeys, great missions and epic adventures.”

Although the overall package is compelling in its own right, the short documentaries are a fantastic device-specific enhancement. Ranging from four to 22 minutes in length, each film acts as an extension of the editorial content by diving deeper into the subject at hand. And after swiping through the issue numerous times, the documentaries alone seem well worth the magazine’s modest $4 price. Make sure to check out the study of eccentric Midwesterner “Zoomer” and the Polar Bear clubs of Australia, each a pleasure to watch.

In terms of interactivity, the navigation is a simple swipe-to-turn-pages model that’s enhanced by only having some components of the page turn from time to time. The article opened might move off the page to see the background picture full screen before moving on to the next page, for example. To further challenge the dynamic of traditional magazine format, some pages hold hidden imagery only discovered with a keen eye and the slide of your finger in just the right place. What could have been overdone, the clever user interface content finds a nice balance with the editorial content without getting in the user’s way.

Astronaut magazine can be found in the iTunes App Store—with twelve editorial features and over ninety minutes of film there is really no reason not to jump on board.

The quintessential Disney princess gets a morbid makeover

While looking for a way to jazz up my plain white Macbook, I came across this zombified Snow White sticker. And what is she holding? The infamous Apple logo, of course! Being an undead enthusiast, I ordered on on the spot.

The sticker is made of die-cut pressure-sensitive adhesive vinyl and eco-solvent inks. It is easily applied and removed and can be ordered in any size to fit your laptop, iPad, iPod or iPhone perfectly. For those who don’t like their Disney princesses undead, but still want a twist on the original, Snow White is available in “goth” guise as well. The decals are priced from $7-$20 depending on the device, and can be purchased on Etsy.

Keep your iPad 2 safe on the go with one of these seven exceptional cases

Apple’s magnetic Smart Cover for the iPad 2 was a great addition to the tablet, but when it comes to preventing scratches and dings on the backside, a little more padding and a sprinkle of style never hurt anyone. As summer traveling comes to full swing, the real smart cover is one that doesn’t add too much bulk to the new streamlined design, while keeping your iPad tucked in tight as you board planes, trains and automobiles bound for weekend getaways or business trips. Below are six cases we think fit the bill.

AviiQ Smart Case

A companion to the Smart Cover, AviiQ’s hard aluminum and plastic Smart Case ($50) compliments the iPad 2 in every way, even matching Apple’s bold color palette. At 1.5mm thick, the case minimizes bulk and works with or without the smart cover

Casemate Walkabout

Casemate’s stylishly simple brown suede Walkabout folio ($50) snugly fits both the iPad 2 with the cover attached. Our test model came without the metal pieces on the top-closing flap, a simpler design, which we enjoyed.

Marware C.E.O. Hybrid

Combining a hardshell exterior with a soft fabric interior, Marware’s sturdy C.E.O. Hybrid case ($50) sports a professional look with equally functional features. Like the Smart Cover, the C.E.O. Hybrid’s lid puts the iPad 2 to sleep upon contact, wakes it up on removal, and doubles as a viewing stand. The additional hand strap is perfect for publicists managing the door or for reading briefs on the train.

Speck PixelSkin HD Wrap

Speck’s super slim PixelSkin HD Wrap ($50) is as close as you can get to not having a case at all, enveloping the iPad 2 like a glove. The cover stays securely shut with Speck’s “microsuction” system, which folds back into a stand similar to Apple’s Smart Cover. The wrap comes in pink, black and blue.

B&M iPad Sleeve

Made from super plush 100% German wool, B&M’s felt iPad sleeve ($39 AUD), though it may not be the most durable option and will pick up lint in your bag, is perfect for those who like to keep it streamlined. B&M keeps it simple with a cheerful range of colors to choose from and the case can snugly hold your iPad with the Smart Cover in place.

Kenton Sorenson iPad Sleeve

Kenton Sorenson‘s tan leather iPad sleeve ($125) is for anyone who appreciates the feel of raw leather and is a great contrast to the sleek design of the iPad. Like all raw leather products the case will develop a nice patina with age, showing the unique character of its owner. The case nicely fits the iPad 2 with the Smart Cover and is sure to turn heads in the boardroom.

Brenthaven Prostyle Sleeve

A leather case complete with a faux fur interior lining and handy side pocket, Brenhaven’s Prostyle Sleeve ($80) is a well-executed design that takes the standard sleeve up a notch. The case’s zipper keeps the iPad or iPad 2 safe, and the pocket is great for storing an iPhone or cords and chargers.