A couple of years ago we released our Gourmet Timer app for iPhone which is still used by many people including myself. It’s a great 4-up timer with simple buttons, just what you need in the kitchen. The only problem is it’s not free. With an App Store saturated with free kitchen timers it’s hard for somebody to put down 99 cents.
So that others can still use this handy utility we decided to release a free ad-supported version call 4-in-1 Kitchen Timer [App Store, Free]. Go get it and enjoy!
We’ve just finished building out a new website focused exclusively on our DMV Test Prep iPhone apps. The new site is DMVPrep.com and is now live. It will serve as the product page for this series of apps and if all goes well we’ll offload some other product pages as well.
It’s been getting a little crowded around here in what originally started out as my blog. With all the app reviews I’ve done mixed up with our own app releases and product info it’s been getting difficult to separate things out.
Our DMV Test Prep family of apps have always had a Preview feature which let you take a look at the practice questions before using the exam simulator. We’ve taken that feature, enhanced it and given it the new name of Cheat Sheet.
Cheat Sheet offers a sneak peak at the driver’s license practice questions.
Here’s what’s new…
Cheat Sheets for DMV Test Prep cleans up the nonsensical preview questions. For example, previously if the answer to a question was something like “All of the above.” then Preview would list that as the answer. So you’d get… Q: You may not park? A: All of the above.
In addition, we’ve removed questions from the cheat sheet which may appear to be duplicates but really aren’t. Some of the practice questions are of the same substance but worded differently to challenge your knowledge. On the cheat sheet there will only be one question per concept.
What else is in store for Cheat Sheets?
Once the roll-out for all 50 states is complete we plan to go back and start adding additional features to enhance Cheat Sheets. Some of those features include annotations and printing the cheat sheet directly from your iPhone to a printer attached to your Mac.
Presently, Cheat Sheet versions of DMV Test Prep have been shipped to Apple for California, New York, Texas, Virginia, Alaska and Oregon. We’re expecting to see the updates available for download within two weeks.
DMV Plus+ [$4.99] has been our largest project to date for the iPhone. It brings together the localized driver license practice tests of our popular DMV Test Prep series into a single app. But it’s more than just practice tests. Driver manuals for most states can be downloaded and read on the iPhone and iPod touch. Essential state driving laws for all states are also included.
The really big advantage is that once you download the app it’s yours to use, year after year. No matter where you live now or which state you move to in the future the practice tests are yours to use, again and again, without anything else to buy.
Read more about DMV Plus+ here.
We’re announcing a new product in our expanding driver license practice tests for iPhone. Our first products were designed as study tools for teens and new drivers. To fill a need in other markets our new fast-track iPhone app will be geared towards experienced drivers who just need to brush up on road rules and road signs when moving to a new state. For example, the California DMV Driver Handbook is 100 pages. Why read through all that when you just need to know a few basic law changes?
Our experience in helping new drivers enables us to also help knowledgeable drivers get the information they need to pass the driver license written exam fast.
Our other iPhone apps in this series include the original DMV Test Prep, the soon to be available DMV Plus+, and the just released Borders & State Laws.
Update: Rather than building a new product we’ve decided to take our DMV Test Prep family of apps, add new features and enhance existing features.
Studying for any examination is stressful enough. But when you’re a teen studying for your driver’s license it can be extra tough. This isn’t a high school quiz, it’s a tough exam meant to ensure that would-be drivers are prepared for the responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle and aren’t a threat to their own safety and others.
Most people fail the driver’s license test on their first try.
So, without further ado, here are some study tips which should get just about anybody over the hump and into the driver’s seat.
Focus is necessary when learning new concepts. Sleep is necessary to maintain focus. Everyone’s needs are different, but 8 to 10 hours of good sleep is about right. During the many years of working at Microsoft I saw so many young people in their 20′s trying to work late hours; until 11, 12, or 1 o’clock in the morning. Little did they understand that their productivity was suffering, the quality of their work was reduced, much of their late-night mistakes had to be fixed the next day. Remember, caffeine is not a substitute for sleep.
There are myriads of traffic rules and trying to memorize them all is futile. Memorization of driving laws, road signs, and so on is necessary but it may not be enough to get you through the exam. You’ll see questions which require you to think about the situation and choose the most correct answer. Understanding the principles behind the rules will help you to arrive at the correct conclusion.
Remember, most rules have to do with safety. Everyone’s goal when getting behind the wheel of a car is to arrive at your destination.
I can’t give a definitive reason why, but having a clean, uncluttered desk to work on just helps. My best guesstimate is less clutter equals fewer distractions.
There’s a time for listening to music… and studying new material isn’t one of them. Turn it off and tune out the background noise if it’s too much of a distraction. There’s a distinction between music, noise, and noise filters — so-called white noise. White noise is a beat-less sound similar to the sound a waterfall makes and is exceptional at blocking background noise. Give it a try… you’ll be amazed.
Taking practice tests before the live exam is the most effective way to test your knowledge and build your confidence. Attitude is going to affect your performance and if you don’t have a lot of confidence going into the exam then nervousness will cost you answers. Most states require an 80% score to pass the exam which means you can only miss a few questions and still pass.
To help, we’ve developed DMV Plus+ and DMV Test Prep exam simulators for the iPhone and iPod touch. Check them out and we think you’ll agree they’re well worth the modest price.
After two months of development DMV Plus+ has been sent to Apple for approval. Hopefully we’ll see it available in the App Store within a couple weeks.
This iPhone app will become the flagship product of our popular DMV Test Prep series of driver license practice tests. In addition to shipping with practice tests for all 50 states, DMV Plus+ also contains essential driving laws for each state. Handy to keep on your iPhone after you’ve passed the exam.
The permanent product page is here.
A forum has been setup here.
DMV Test Prep for Oregon 2009 [App Store] has been submitted to Apple for approval. This is a maintenance release which improves overall program usability and includes minor features additions.
What’s new in the update?
For more information about DMV Test Prep for iPhone click here.
In their monthly editors’ picks, Blogcritics has named DMV Test Prep one of The Top 10 iPhone Applications of May 2009.
The recognition is very much appreciated.
Included in the Top 10 are other titles such as Tap Tap: Dave Matthews Band, Myst, The Sims 3, and Bento. Very nice company indeed.
California 2009 [Buy now, $2.99] was one of the first DMV Test Prep driver license practice tests released for the iPhone, and has been very well received. However, there were a few problems uncovered while the rest of the series was developed, and a shift mid-series to an improved Q&A database dubbed V2. These issues have been addressed and rolled into a new update which has been submitted to Apple for approval.
What’s new in the update?
App Store Link: DMV Test Prep™ California, $2.99
For more information about DMV Test Prep click here.
Update. Apple has approved the update which is now live and available for download. With the release of iPhone OS 3.0 and the new iPhone 3GS app approval wait times increased significantly, causing a delay in this update getting out.
