Ubisoft for AC3: Using social networks well

Ubisoft just sent me an email that I think is brilliant — it's a notice to "help unlock the world gameplay premiere of Assassin's Creed III."

It goes on to say, "tweet, share, and recruit friends to unlock the footage."

How brilliant is that?!

There's even a progress bar included, ostensibly showing the current status of the effort. Though somewhat transparent, this is still an effective way of getting fans to market for you, to earn** something you would've given away anyway.

What do you think of their marketing campaign for Assassin's Creed 3?

Paper by FiftyThree actually awesome!

If you sketch, doodle, jot, draw or paint, you will love Paper by FiftyThree.

That's what I think, anyway, especially if you use an oStylus (Bradtastic Approved, of course!) the world's best capacitive touch stylus. Of course, you need an iPad.

Download Paper by FiftyThree (from the App Store)

They've announced on their blog that Paper has been downloaded 1.5 million times, an impressive number, especially for an app that isn't a game (and even for a free app). They also announced the number of pages that have been created, though I don't know how they know that without spying on people's usage… a scary thought. I will have to ask them.

Initially, I didn't like Paper.

I thought it was overpriced form over function, more style than substance. My opinion was formed using the one free tool, and though I'd like to think that the App Store reviews did not influence me, I'm sure that that was a factor as well.

I was comparing Paper to "pro" drawing and painting tools. In doing so, I missed the beauty of Paper — simplicity. I saw its minimalist interface as a negative, something between crude and kitschy. I thought of paper as one thing trying to be something else, and decided to dislike it on that alone. Throughout, I still acknowledged that custom ink engine and crisp feel were special — noteworthy… good.

Discovery.

About a week or so ago, I downloaded The Essentials (the $7.99 USD IAP) after discussing it with several people, reading reviews and emailing FiftyThree. I decided that it made more sense for two reasons:

1. The Essentials may include other features or tools in the future.
2. it's a hassle to download each individually at a savings of 3¢.

I first got the full Paper experience first on the iPad 2, and was immediately struck by the difference. The trial versions (called "Try it!" in the Store) do not do justice. Paper instantly transforms (think butterfly) from dull to dangerous. This wonderful sketching app delivers a rich, satisfying experience, perfect for doodlers and serious designers alike.

Some ways to use Paper

Paper can be used to make masterpieces — I've seen some — but that's not its strength. Here are a few ideas.

• mind-mapping
• visual notes

Both of these have dedicated apps, but the simplicity and aesthetics makes Paper a good choice for concepts.

• doodles, scribbles
• diagrams

• graphology (handwriting analysis)

• telephone notepad

good for phone numbers and jotting quick thoughts while on the phone; also great for idle moments and rants (while you're placed on hold)

• logo ideas
• conceptual design
• scenery
• symbols

artists of all skill levels and types will likely find that Paper's tools are a great balance between speed and control.

Four stars, work in progress.

Paper isn't perfect — it's WIP. FiftyThree is still adding features. If you have suggestions, contact them; I did, and got a very sincere reply. Being critical of an app and offering constructive feedback early on will help to shape the direction of this tool.

Some people just don't like Paper, and that's okay. There are a lot of drawing apps on the iPad, and many great professional tools such as:

• Procreate
• ArtRage
• SketchBook Pro
• Layers
• Brushes

And there are inexpensive alternatives with wonderful functionality as well:

• Sketch Club
• Infinite SketchPad
• Noteshelf

There's also fun, social stuff like Clibe.

I created an Infinite Sketch discussing key points of Paper, pros and cons, and additional features that I'd like to see.

Check out a web version of the Infinite SketchPad outline that I made. I would love to hear your ideas as well, so don't hesitate to comment or message me!

Coming soon: more detailed thoughts on Paper, including comments on specific tools and the UI.

(btw, I love being able to set auto-post times for blog entries, allowing me to write when I'm feeling okay, yet stagger the entries. I know this isn't a new or revolutionary feature and that many people use it, but still… it's brilliant!)

Free virtual workstation! OnLive Desktop for iPad

I'll get right to it: OnLive Desktop is awesome.

It's free. It's amazing. Made by the mad-scientists behind the uber cloud gaming service, OnLive Desktop for iPad offers users a cloud-based virtual desktop, complete with Microsoft Office, storage and basic apps/tools like Calculator and Paint. The paid version includes web browsing as well. All of the processing happens on their end, they simply take your keystrokes and inputs and give you the visual.

Love the clouds

Current technology trends remind me of a character from the manga/anime Naruto: Shikamaru, the cloud-loving loafer. Years ago, technology enthusiasts obsessed about terabyte hard drives, but now that we have them, we prefer smaller solid state drives. Why? It's all about speed and convenience.

We're impatient. We need it now!

Luckily, ISPs have kept up with our increasing demands (though they demand their pound of flesh and price gouge us to near-death), offering super-fast net connections that offer incredible connectivity and mobility. Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G... powerful 2lbs notebook computers and fantastic do-everything tablets — there are too many reasons to get away from the desk, and now there are plenty of ways to do it.

But desktops have advantages. At least, they used to. Now you can get that power and stability on-the-go! If you have an iPad, try OnLive Desktop. it's better than buying Windows and Microsoft Office, and you really don't have much to lose if it's not for you — you may even know someone who could really use it. I haven't tried it in any other form (other than the iPad app), but if it can run well on iOS, it should be great everywhere.

Need something else?

Later on I'll share thoughts on two more similar apps, Splashtop Remote Desktop, and Air Desktop (an app that allows the iPad to become a second computer screen). I'll also share some sweet accessories!

Upcoming changes

Hi everyone! My plan is to continue to update as usual, despite several personal issues taking up extra time. I've been fortunate last month; made some new friends and contacts, and have a lot to share over the summer.

I'm still trying to adjust to life as it is now — I think attempting to find my place in this world, with a disability, sent me off in the wrong directions and on a few false-starts.

Continue reading for information on upcoming posts, changes to my site and my approach to online media, and some basic thoughts on life. If you're interested in electronic cigarettes (vapor/e-juice) or living in the bay area, read the following and contact me!

Click to read more ...

Migrating from iPad 2 to new iPad

The new iPad — so exciting!

But not without its own issues. (This update applies most to people thinking about upgrading to the new iPad from an earlier model) The new iPad, or iPad 3, is slightly thicker and heavier than the 2, but is otherwise similar in look, shape and feel.

I won't go into the specs too much, but for those unfamiliar with it, here are the highlights.

• retina display, 2048x1536 resolution (versus 1024x768), 4x pixels!
• 5MP camera, 1080p video & FaceTime camera
• dictation (translates spoken English into text in the cloud; requires net connection) — works well!
• optional 4G LTE (Verizon model can act as a hotspot)
• still no Siri — come on, Apple, give it to us! Please send them an email and let them know you want Siri on the iPad. Maybe if enough people complain… (let us be the squeaky wheel)

Two things to keep in mind

For $99, Apple offers AppleCare+ protection for the new iPad. This coverages extends the warranty to two years and also covers two instances of accidental damage ($49 service fee per instance). For the price, it's a great deal for the higher end models; it's peace of mind, and will cover screen scratches, coating wear and more.

However, if you intend to get AppleCare+, purchase it together with the new iPad. It must be purchased within 15 days otherwise, and if the iPad is opened, you'll need to make a genius bar appointment at a retail store for an "iPad inspection." Trust me, this is a huge hassle.

Last, if you're "restoring" from an iPad backup (migrating/transferring from iPad or iPad 2 to the new iPad), many apps will sync without converting to retina graphics. Example: although I had the newest version of SketchBook Pro installed on my iPad 2 when I made the backup, when I opened it on the iPad 3, no retina graphics. It's like it was running in iPad 2 mode. Many of my favorite apps ran similarly, and needed to be reinstalled to correct the issue.

Unfortunately, many of my favorite apps still lack new iPad versions. With time, developers will update apps and the retina display issue should be resolved. For now, I'm using it as an opportunity to start fresh — my new iPad will run my favorite apps, and the iPad 2 will be a testing ground for new apps I'm not yet sure about.

Don't let me dissuade you from the new iPad, however. It's awesome. Whatever the hassles, I think it's worth it!

Disability Blues

Tired, and kind of cranky today. Lots of pain. I think my iPad needs to be repaired, the software, anyway... It keeps crashing. Not good, when it's basically your only computer.

I've been enjoying drawing on my iPad with my oStylus DOT (thanks again, Andrew!) — if you have a capacitive touch tablet and draw (or want to) on it, you MUST get the DOT. Now.

My favorite drawing apps are Noteshelf, Infinite Sketchpad, Sketchbook Pro, Brushes, Adobe Ideas, Procreate and Zen Brush. If you do any vector art, Ink Pad is incredible. Adobe Ideas is technically vector as well. Sketch Club is also worth mentioning again.

I saw an advertisement for the new WACOM Intuos5 multi-touch tablets; they look really nice. I've never been good at using those, but they're about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of the 12" Cintiq, and perhaps more usable. It has greater sensitivity and multi-touch. That's pretty sweet.

I don't have much to say about other apps today, but here's some game stuff:

I have some Eve of Impact promo codes to distribute! See if you can break past 100K!

• The Witcher 2 is out tomorrow!

• Mass Effect Infiltrator seems to play better, and there's a neat space game called Dangerous worth checking out if you like space sandbox type RPG/sim games.

• Ubisoft added a marketplace to Assassin's Creed Recollection where you can buy and sell memories (cards).

• If you like card games and strategy, check out Shadow Era and Playdek's Food Fight iOS and Nightfall — as well as Ascension (by a different publisher) — but Shadow Era is free (and not the junk kind of freemium, either) and *one of the best CCGs I've ever played. It reminds me of *Magic: The Gathering in my youth when the game was simpler, with fewer cards and strategies.

That's all for now.

I think I need a nap. I'm too tired to go through and link everything. Just use Google.

Green Energy Solutions?

Why don't we install wind tunnels, turbines and some kind of water collectors down Tornado Alley and the Gulf coast? Someone should figure out how to turn these tornados, hurricanes and other natural disasters into sources of power. That'd be badass.

Productivity App Reviews, Bad Morning iPad, games

I'm having one of those mornings. My body hurts really bad and it's making me oddly emotional. I tried to do a little art/design but my hand is shaking a bit and it's frustrating. So now I'm sharing some iPad/App Store stuff.

I really wish Blogsy worked (natively) with Squarespace. I also wish the Squarespace iOS app didn't suck. I can't edit pages or the layout with the app.

Sometimes progress on things is slow with a disability. I try, but I get tired quickly. I know that many people out there have disabilities both physical and mental much worse than mine, and I hope that they too have a solid support system and good friends. Those fortunate enough should try to get an iPad as a primary computer, it's completely doable. My goal is to help others to make the most of a bad situation, and use tools to the fullest.

So, here's a little Apple iOS App Store update, for Mac and iOS.

New apps & discounts

Paper by FiftyThree

There's an app called Paper by FiftyThree available for iPad. It's free to try... each tool beyond the first costs $1.99 — and it's not worth it. Some might argue that the limited color palette and brush options is cool and minimalist — not so.

• The custom ink engine is cool. The lines look nice and the tools are natural.

• Non-artists wont benefit from the coolness. For a casual user, $8 to unlock everything is pricy. Apps Sketch Club and Layers offer many basic and advanced features for $2.

• Artists will find the app too limiting. No layers, no wrist/palm rejection. Wide eraser. No variable widths; one-size, one-setting brushes, fixed diameter. No zoom.

Clibe

Clibe (App Store link) was free when it was released, and I suggested that people grab it... it's now $4.99 — here's their website. Is it worth it? For $5, I dunno.

Byword

Byword is an awesome word processor for Mac and iOS. It uses Dropbox or iCloud to sync between devices. If you write on at least a semi-regular basis, you will love Byword. It's an attractive, effective text solution, with great functionality and a low price.

iA Writer

Serious writers and web authors may want to look at iA Writer. This app is stellar, minimalistic and focused. This is distraction-free and usable. Focus Mode, formatting, and reading time make this app one of my all-time favorites.

I first found distraction-free writing with WriteRoom by Hog Bay Software. I think it's cool, and Jesse is a really nice guy. I happen to like iA Writer and Byword more now, but the original is still awesome.

GAMES — Some games worth looking at.

• Assassin's Creed Recollection (FREE) if you haven't downloaded it yet. Get it now. Seriously.

• The Bard's Tale ($1.99, usually $5.99) The hit Playstation 2/XBOX RPG plays great on iPad 2 and iPhone 4, and the cheeky humor is a nice change of pace. Get this while it's on sale for $2... if you like games like Baldur's Gate, Elder Scrolls, Diablo, and Dungeon Hunter, you'll thank me later.

• Combat Mission Touch ($4.99) announced on April 1st and so cool, people thought it was a Fool's Day prank. It isn't. Requires iPad 2 or new iPad to run! More info at battlefront.com (CMTOUCH site). If you like strategy games and WWII sims (and you have an iPad 2 or newer...) check it out.

There's also a game called Battle Academy for iPad, released recently. I don't have it, it's $19.99 presently. More information here; apparently, it's a port of a PC game.

Perhaps next post, some art.

I'm still finishing designs for Lance Barton (Fomola) CEO of the company behind Blogsy for iPad. It's been tough recently because of my migraines and nerve pain. Maybe I'll share some other doodles, however. Until then, take care!

Two iPad 2 stylus too cool!

Due to my disability and pain, it's taking awhile longer than I thought it might to write reviews for my new iPad styluses (thanks, Andrew from oStylus Due to my disability and pain, it's taking awhile longer than I thought it might to write reviews for my new iPad styluses (thanks, Andrew from oStylus & adonit!), but I thought I should mention them.

The photo shows an Adonit Jot Pro (red) and a one-of-a-kind oStylus made by Andrew Goss' company in Canada.

The oStylus is particularly cool because inherent in its design is the ability to see exactly where the iPad thinks you're pressing! This is great for drawing and handwriting apps.

The Adonit Jot Pro feels more accurate but it's also more solid (and heavier). It feels like a high quality metal pen, like a Cross, maybe (Montblanc doesn't have something with that kind of straight cylindrical body). The Jot Pro has magnets and a rubber grip that the standard Jot lacks. The magnets are brilliant. It secures well to the iPad 2 screen with or without smart cover, and can attach to the side of the iPad (where the smart cover attaches). The Jot Pro can be used to sleep/wake the iPad like the smart cover. I don't have a "the new iPad" cool because inherent in its design is the ability to see exactly where the iPad thinks you're pressing! This is great for drawing and handwriting apps.

The Adonit Jot Pro feels more accurate but it's also more solid (and heavier). It feels like a high quality metal pen, like a Cross, maybe (Montblanc doesn't have something with that kind of straight cylindrical body). The Jot Pro has magnets and a rubber grip that the standard Jot lacks. The magnets are brilliant. It secures well to the iPad 2 screen with or without smart cover, and can attach to the side of the iPad (where the smart cover attaches). The Jot Pro can be used to sleep/wake the iPad like the smart cover. I don't have a "the new iPad" so I can't comment on how it works with it.

The oStylus seems to make a softer contact with the iPad screen. The Jot feels like its poking the screen — I'm not comfortable typing with it.

I'll write up a detailed review of each when I'm feeling up to it. If you have a favorite stylus, let me know about it!