January is the time of the year where you take stock of the past 12 months while looking to the future and making predictions. In the world of gadgets and apps 2013 was a big year, so what better way to survey the winners, losers and 2014 game changers than in a stunning infographic form (thank you Financesonline.com).

Naturally, the apps section caught our eye and we have no argument with Twitter #Music branded the clunker of the year – it closed six months after launching due to a lack of users  – while the one to  watch in 2014 is, apparently, location-based social networking dating app Tinder. Which apps do you think will make it big this year? Read the rest of this entry »

Christmas is a busy time for MagicSolver, not least because we are readying our Advent 2013 calendar app. While we are poised to launch our festive app next week, around the same time shoppers in the U.S will be gearing up for the post-Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza known as ‘Black Friday’. For those unaware of this special day, it is where retail outlets slash the prices on their goods and wares and American citizens go crazy trying to pick up amazing bargains to put under the Christmas tree.

Shopping via mobile is already on the rise but this year the smartphone will play a big role in the way people buy gifts for Xmas, according to a survey conducted by technology protection specialist Asurion. 58% of smartphone owners said their device will be very important to them on ‘Black Friday’, with 49% claiming they will make purchases via the device.

Read the rest of this entry »

This week The Independent newspaper in the UK published a list of its top travel apps.  You can see the top 10 here.

Far be it for us to disagree with such a learned publication, but we honestly felt there were so many good travel apps that it would be worth adding five more to their list that tickle our fancy and help us when we are out and about.  So below you can find our additional five travel apps for those that are hungry for the best and easiest experiences on the move.

Read the rest of this entry »

In our last blog, we touched on the various revenue streams available to app developers with the Freemium model providing a more progressive option for developers looking outside the paid for and ad-supported routes. Of course, the Freemium model won’t suit every developer as it depends on the app being created but recent research from technology analyst Gartner suggests that Freemium and the in-app purchase (IAP) model will dominate the app world over the next four years.

Read the rest of this entry »

With the arrival of Britain’s newest Prince or Princess imminent, we take a look at the Best of British Royal Baby apps!

1)    Baby Royals by Angelsong Creations

While the Prince or Princess of Cambridge will most certainly be getting the royal treatment, Angelson Creations have designed an app that allows you to do the same for your little one*! Simply snap a photo of the wannabe future Queen or King and click to add regal jewels, clothes and headwear. With razor sharp graphics and everything from traditional crowns and tiaras to Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh outfits to choose from, this fantastic photobooth is a royal winner!

*Don’t have a baby to beautify? Why not crown your dog, cat or friend? It’s hilarious!

Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone for tennis? With Wimbledon swinging to its conclusion this Sunday, you’re probably in the mood to get a racket out and go rally down the local courts. But, if you don’t want to miss all the great matches, then you may want to settle down with these three tennis apps that we’ve featured in Free App Magic over the past year to get into a virtual sweat with.

Stick Tennis

First up, we’re serving you a game from the makers of legendary Flash powered time waster Stick Cricket. Stick Tennis is a cartoony take on tennis, getting you scampering around a cel shaded court and timing shots perfectly to bamboozle your opponents.

Where Stick Tennis excels is in how simple it is. Every shot is powered by a swipe on the screen meaning that you can backhand, forehand and lob the ball in absolute ease. It makes the game really simple to pick up, meaning you’ll be playing with the grace of Roger Federer about ten minutes into the game.

Packed with real players, a variety of courts and tons of replayability, Stick Tennis is perfect for those of you wanting to get a match going with minimum hassle.

Read the rest of this entry »

Few technology sectors have growing at such a rapid rate as the app industry. From being now existent in 2007 to being a predicted $46 billion industry in 2016, apps have had a major impact on society and our everyday lives around the world. We know there are big numbers involved in the app industry evolution but when you see them laid out in all their glory on the infographic below it shows just how massive the industry has become. One of the stats highlights the pace at which app downloads have increased: from its inception in 2008 it took the nine months to reach 1 billion downloads. Compare that with current figures – by the end of 2013 we will be downloading two billion iOS and Android billion apps per week – and you can see how the world have become obsessed with apps.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s the Champions League final this weekend and we’ll be glued to our screens at 7.45 on Saturday evening to watch Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund go toe to toe at Wembley! But if you want to get yourself eager for what will likely be an excellent match, here are three football apps to get you in the mood.

Score! World Goals

Read the rest of this entry »

May is National Share-a- Story-Month, a time to get children interested in books and reading by spinning a few of your favourite yarns to a young audience. Anything that gets the wee stripling’s nose in a book or fires their imagination can only be a good thing. Of course, thanks to the advancement of technology in smartphones, tablets and apps, the humble children’s book has had an interactive transformation. Whippersnappers can now enjoy stories through touchscreens, complete with cool animation, educational mini games, sound effects and interactive flourishes. So to celebrate the art of storytelling and to encourage kids to read, we have hand-picked three of the most interactive and exciting Children’s Book apps available on the virtual book shelves.

The Cat In The Hat – Dr. Seuss

Undoubtedly one of the greatest children’s books ever, Dr. Seuss rhyme, rhythm and repetition-tastic tale is a great way for kids to learn to read – and be entertained in the process. The apps features are all geared for improving literacy – words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched while individual words can be highlighted and read aloud when tapped. But one of the coolest features is the ability to record your own storytelling voice and share it with other users of this app. But if you’re too self-conscious about dubbing your own narration you can still rely on pro actors to weave this catty tale.

Read the rest of this entry »