Google Maps

Developer Quote: "Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more."

- COST:     Free     - APP STORE STARS:     4-1/2
- Categories: Google, Lifestyle, Locator, Native, Navigation

Remember we used to rely faithfully on Google Maps to find our way around, then it disappeared from the recent iOS? Personally, I never had problems with this navigation app, but many others did. Consequently, the app has been revamped and newly placed again on the App Store. This new Google Maps has been working very well for most folks. I'm a firm believer in Google products and have promptly placed the app back on my phone.

Google Maps will help you find your way around town and out of town too, has voice navigation with turn-by-turn directions, street view and other helpful features. Not only that, but you can also use it to discover restaurants, shopping other entertainment and other important places. The 360 degree panorama view is really a nice touch. Enjoy the following informative, helpful features of this Google Maps navigation, turn-by-turn app:

Search
* Find addresses, places and businesses around the world with Google local search.
* Discover places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and local reviews.
* Sign in to sync your searches, directions, and favorite places between your computer and your phone.

Directions
* Get voice guided, turn-by-turn driving directions.
* Find your way by train, bus, subway or walking directions.
* Access live traffic information in cities across the world.



Street View and imagery
* View 360-degree panoramas of places around the globe with Street View.
* See inside more than 100,000 businesses worldwide.
* View high resolution satellite imagery of locations around the world.

Simple and easy to use
* An entirely new Google Maps experience on your iPhone.
* Newly designed and streamlined interface for even easier navigation of your world.
* Use gestures to explore the map and browse results.

Go ahead and check out this fresh new take on Google maps. Enjoy a clean looking and easy-to-use interface. There are definitely more features than in the previous app, and as mentioned, the turn-by-turn voice directions are new and a huge bonus! The map is simple to use, but contains a few not easily noticeable features. For starters, just tap on the icon with two arrows in the bottom left of your display while in street view to pan around the location. Another cool feature is being able to see the special menu that toggles traffic, public transit, and satellite map views by swiping from right to left with two fingers.

Give Google Maps a prominent place on your display, and make sure you get to all your holiday parties and festivities on time using excellent directions!

COOL CONCLUSION: Google Maps is back with a stronger, more feature laden iPhone app with voice guidance that will get you where you need, and provide great entertainment and dining suggestions as well.

--Date/Version: Released 12/13/12 - Version 1.0
--iOS/Age Rating:  This app requires iOS 5.1 or later. Rated 4+.
--Device: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad.
--Developer: Google, Inc.

CLICK ICON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FROM APP STORE:
Google Maps

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Christmas Kid's Piano - Festive Songs, Carols and Sounds of the Season

Developer Quote: "Play Christmas carols, listen to beautiful music, or make your own musical collage of melody and sound with three magical holiday themes in Christmas Kid's Piano."

- COST:    99 cents     - APP STORE STARS:     4
- Categories: Entertainment, Holidays Lifestyle, Music, Native, Universal

Kids love music and song. They can create their own music using pots, pans, keys, whistles or anything handy in the house. What really makes them feel accomplished and productive though is producing actual songs that they know and love - specifically Christmas songs! And they can do this easily on their iPad and iPhone using Christmas Kid's Piano - Festive Songs, Carols and Sounds of the Season.

This beautifully designed and brightly colored app uses the piano as its background to play music, make songs, play instruments and generally produce all the fun musical activities that children love. Place it in vibrant holiday theme colors, and your kids will be tapping away on your device entertaining themselves and you with lots of instrumental sounds and songs. Features of this Christmas music and songs, universal iPhone and iPad app include:

- Three musical instruments to play, including pianos, trumpets, harps, flutes, violins, bells and a chorus
- Hidden sounds to discover
- Two enchanting wintery musical tracks

Your child will find it easy to use and enjoy this app without your help as they simply follow the directions of the starfish to play 10 well-loved and known Christmas carols.



The happy smiling faces of all the characters of Christmas Kid's Piano are quite charming - from the starfish with the Santa hat to the happy musical notes. Look at the beautiful graphics including snowmen, skaters, snowflakes, packages, sparkling stars and mistletoe. Your family will be instantly infused with the wonder and magical joys of this happy season!

COOL CONCLUSION: Christmas Kid's Piano is absolutely delightful seasonal entertainment for your kids, and educational as well, as they learn to tap out the notes to popular Christmas classics.

--Date/Version: Updated 3/16/12 - Version 1.1.1
--iOS/Age Rating:  This app requires iOS 3.2 or later. Rated 4+.
--Device: Universal: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
--Developer: Garry Froehlich

CLICK ICON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FROM APP STORE: Christmas Kid's Piano-Festive Songs, Carols and Sounds

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First Time Christmas

Developer Quote: "First Time Christmas app is the very first iOS app to pull all of your Christmas tasks together in one organized, sorted and scheduled package."

- COST:     $1.99     - APP STORE STARS:     N/A
- Categories: Entertainment, Lifestyle, Holidays, Native, Organization, Productivity

For those of us celebrating Christmas, I have only 3 little words for you, "Are you prepared?" I ask this because it seems that every year although I solemnly vow to begin my plans for all Christmas events on November 1st, it's usually the week before Christmas that I get into high gear. Don't judge me because I'm not alone you know! It's just such a busy time of year, we attend to all our work-related and family matters first, while neglecting our own.

Take heart, however, because help is at hand with First Time Christmas! This brand new Christmas organizational, list maker app for your iPhone and iOS devices is going to make you sing its praises as it takes all the Christmas planning you have in mind, simplifies and helps you accomplish it. Here are some of the very productive features of this handy and clever app:

- Get organized by entering your events, or using the ideas already included under 4 major topics:
o      Action Dates
o      Activities
o      Master List
o       Helpful Hints

- Includes 7 Main Categories of Holiday Planning Events:

o      Decorating
o      Entertaining & Parties
o      Food & Drink
o      Gift Giving and Cards
o      Other
o      Volunteering & Family Traditions
o      After Christmas

- Each Main Category contains time periods ranging from 2 months till just after Christmas
- Fully customizable details allow you to enter your own upcoming dates and events
- Share event items with family and friends via email, or send yourself a task to be completed
- Add events to iCalendar and receive alerts as dates approach
- Print out a variety of template prepared Master Lists to keep handy
- Make use of Helpful Tips provided in every organizational category
- Beautiful, festive background is overlaid with a neat block list of items you may check off, add to, or customize
- Extremely easy to use app, however, you can find instructions at: firsttimeapp.com under the How To tab, if necessary

First impressions are important, and so I must say I was intrigued upon opening First Time Christmas to find colorful, glossy graphics depicting the warmth and happiness of this special holiday. The Home Page provides 4 productive, interactive options of: Action Dates, Activities, Master List and Helpful Hints, each in its own neat pencil image. Once you select any of these options, you can then start entering your thoughts and plans.

Action Dates prompts you to accomplish tasks in a certain time period appropriately in advance of Christmas. Use the check box in front of each activity to show your task completion. As in all the activities, when you tap the "+" button in the top right of your display, you may Add (task) to the Calendar, Email Task (keep track of whether task is “Pending” or “Done”), or Add a New Task. Activities brings you the list of 7 items mentioned in the Features list above which helps you carefully think about and schedule all the Christmas tasks in every possible arena. Add your planned events at a pre-set time, or use your preferred date. Master List is a series of templates to note the various activities you must plan such as: Party List, Holiday Menu Planner, Grocery List, Gift List, Drink List, and more. You may either Email or Print Master List which is not customizable, but rather a helpful guide. Helpful Hints is a delightful collection of ideas which is of great benefit to those who have difficulty creating plans or entertainment activities.

So what do YOU need help with? Come on, don't be shy to say which planning items simply slip out of your reach! It seems to me that First Time Christmas covers the entire range of Christmas festivities when it comes to getting your cards (invitation or greeting) ready in time, planning a social event, decorating your home, shopping, etc.

I particularly like the Volunteering & Family Traditions planner which provides helpful ideas, one of which is serving the less fortunate - perhaps children with no parents who will never open their eyes to see a gift laden tree. Helpful Tips I applaud for it includes items such as inserting a date on which to mail international gifts (so you don't have to pay double the cost to get them there on time), as well as buying a couple extra gifts for those who unexpectedly show up at your home during the holidays. Yes, I've been there and done that on both accounts so can thoroughly appreciate all these and the many other tips provided. Don't miss out on all the organization techniques found in First Time Christmas, for they will change your holidays from stressful to absolutely pleasurable.

COOL CONCLUSION: Let First Time Christmas be in charge of your holiday tasks and events, measuring what needs to be done and checking off tasks when completed, in a beautiful and neat comprehensive package.

--Date/Version: Released 12/3/12 - Version 1.0
--iOS/Age Rating:  This app requires iOS 4.3 or later. Rated 4+.
--Device: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad.
--Developer: firsttimeapp.com
--Facebook: First Time Christmas
--Twitter: @firsttimeapp

CLICK ICON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FROM APP STORE:
First Time Christmas

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5K Pro - Run Your First 5K from Zero

Developer Quote: "5K Pro-Run Your First 5K From Zero is an ultimate coach to 5K run training for new runners. It will assist you to accomplish 5K from zero in 9 weeks."

- COST:     Free     - APP STORE STARS:     N/A
- Categories: Health and Fitness, Lifestyle, Native, Sports

I don't know about you, but festivities over the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend has increased my size a tad! All those goodies just lying around at home, or displayed on the supermarket shelves are murder to my continuous appetite! In any event, I am already thinking fitness, diet and how I am going to get this under control! I know it's not New Year's yet, but hey I'm getting an early start!

5K Pro - Run Your First 5K from Zero will help you get started on a new running trend where you enjoy your run, and build on what you can already do to increase in endurance, distance and stamina. If you enjoy running and all its health benefits, take a look at the features below of this iPhone running and fitness training app:

• Comprehensive and Effective
- Guide you to accomplish 5K (3.2 miles) from zero in 9 weeks
- Increase your max running distance by incremental training
- Developed by fitness professionals, a must-have 5K trainer app
- Gain more muscular endurance and strength
- 9 weeks in total, workout 3 days per week
- Each workout session lasts 25-45 minutes
- Alternate between walking and jogging
- 5 minutes warmup and 5 minutes cooldown

• Gain Endless Motivation
- Instantly view your achievements as you finish training
- View your progress towards your goals in visual graph
- Animated graph and cursor to show your progress
- Get badges and rewards upon accomplishment of each task
- Color coded information that distinguish the workout status
- Special design to show your accomplishments and achievements

• Easy and Enjoyable to Use
- Detailed steps for every exercise
- Simple with streamlined user interface
- Audio Coach tells when to walk / run
- Start the training program from the beginning or any point
- Repeat / redo workouts at any point
- Listen to your favorite music while exercising with more fun
- Workout tips for beginners
- FAQ to help you get best trained

• Settings
- Set reminder to remind your exercise time
- Turn on / off audio coach
- Select male / female audio coach

• Share
- Post your achievements and progress to Twitter and Facebook
- Email your achievements and progress to your friends

There are a wealth of thoughtful details included in 5K Pro that are designed to make your training productive and non-frustrating. Workout sessions are from 25 to 45 minutes. Warming up and cooling down are all part of the process. View your achievements and all your accomplishments, get motivation and share your progress with friends. 5K Pro leads you easily through the training from walking as a beginner to finally running, using a special walk and run training routine.

COOL CONCLUSION: Get started on accomplishing the fantastic but doable running distance of 5K using this friendly and helpful coaching app, 5K Pro - Run Your First 5K from Zero.

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--Date/Version: Updated 11/17/12 - Version 1.1
--iOS/Age Rating:  This app requires iOS 5.0 or later. Rated 4+.
--Device: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad.
--Developer: Fitnesity, Inc.

CLICK ICON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FROM APP STORE:
5K Pro - Run Your First 5K from Zero

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Black Friday

Developer Quote: "The Black Friday Deal Finder for 2012 from FatWallet is the ultimate one-stop resource to shop, save, share and compare ALL the best deals of the holiday shopping season."

- COST:     Free     - APP STORE STARS:     4-1/2
- Categories: Finance, Holidays, Lifestyle, Native, Shopping

It's hard to believe the year is almost at an end. Has the clock raced ahead without our knowing perhaps? In any event, some people wait 365 days for what they consider to be the most important day of the year. That would be Black Friday. On this hallowed and all-important day, folks leave their home long before sunrise to head to the shopping malls to nab the biggest deals of the year (although I think those super low prices quoted are not really the lowest at all).

I know of folks who on Thanksgiving day sit around after the big meal, and plan a shopping route for the next day, Black Friday. They will highlight, circle, mark all the items they want in the stores shown in the newspaper adds that happily adorn their driveways early that morn. Well, now you can plan ahead long before Thanksgiving newspapers hit the ground, by using the Black Friday app on your mobile device to carefully survey and plot shopping moves on this grand shopping deal day. Some of the features you will be glad to find in this universal iPhone and iPad holiday Black Friday shopping app are as follows:

* Search and sort deals by store, category, brand and price range
* Advanced search for free shipping, doorbusters, online availability and rebates
* Search by phrase (product name)
* Review individual deals details for price and additional discounts
* Receive push notifications each time a new store ad is made public
* Share deals via email or text
* Add deals to Wish Lists for quick in-store reference and comparison

With this app, you will be able to see the electronic versions of the real newspaper ads that will appear on Thanksgiving day. Check out each page on your phone or iPad and see what deals are available for the items you absolutely must have! Sort through the items, search sale "papers" with prices and images, save lists of deals and pretty much just knock yourself out enjoying all the delightful shopping that awaits your pleasure on Black Friday. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to America!

COOL CONCLUSION: There is no better time to start planning your shopping maneuvers than right now by using the Black Friday app to plan out a day of steals and deals by major retailers near you!

--Date/Version: Released 11/14/12 - Version 3.03
--iOS/Age Rating:  This app requires iOS 5.0 or later. Rated 4+.
--Device: Universal: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad.
--Developer: Fat wallet.com

CLICK ICON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FROM ITUNES APP STORE:
Black Friday

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