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!

This used to be recorded in a log book stowed away in the jockey box. This is really all you need but the math gets done by hand so it’s a bit cumbersome. Why not an iPhone app? It’s an obvious use for your device and there’s already a bunch of these in the App Store. But by comparison they’re a bit clunky to use, requiring excessive navigation across multiple screens or else way too much information densely packed into a few screens. Switching vehicles if you’re tracking more than one should be a snap, but again disappointed. Also missing are seamless backup and sync across multiple iOS devices. No emailing CSVs to yourself and calling that a backup.

I had a problem in search of a solution. That’s why I built Gas Pump. It’s a fuel economy tracker for iPhone or iPod touch which works the way I want it to. I hope it works for you too because it’s live on the App Store [link, $2.99]. One thing missing is a vehicle maintenance log. I debated including this feature but ultimately decided that vehicle maintenance isn’t the same thing as tracking fuel economy, so it should really be a separate app. However, I’m open to suggestions so if you think it should be in there let me know.

Gas Pump stands out in three ways:

1) To switch vehicles swipe left or right just like the built-in weather app. That’s it. Why does it have to be some difficult navigation structure?

2) Cloud sync. After getting a free Gas Pump ID just tap the sync button and your mileage logs get pushed to the cloud. Got another device? No problem, just use the same Gas Pump ID and sync. Same data shared on multiple devices. Now when somebody else fills up the car you don’t have holes in your mileage log.

3) Dead simple entry at the gas station. You’re outside in sometimes bright daylight, busy putting gas in the car, and have a monster truck in the rear-view mirrors waiting for you to get a move on. You need quick entry without fussing around. A lot of work went into mileage log entry and I think we nailed it. Really you just need the odometer reading, price and amount of fuel. Three things and you’re done.

Some people want to track a lot more than that, though. Things like octane, driving conditions, brand, etc. And sometimes you just get a few gallons without filling up. And sometimes you cross the border where gas is sold in liters rather than gallons, or different currencies, and on and on. The variables are significant. Gas Pump actually has fifteen different fields of entry of which four are customizable lists such as brand. We’ve taken something which is surprisingly complex and broke it down to be as quick and easy as possible. I hope you’ll agree.

As usual we refine and polish these things as we get your feedback and use them ourselves week after week. For more details please visit our other website GasPumpCloud.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tip #1: Get plenty of sleep.

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.

Tip #2: Grasp the principles behind the rules.

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.

Tip #3: Clean your study area.

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.

Tip #4: Turn off the noise.

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.

Tip #5: Practice, practice, practice.

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.

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.

Especially did the over simplicity of UIWebView hinder me in the development of the DMV Test Prep series. Driver manuals which average about 100 pages overwhelm UIWebView. There were some really cool things that I wanted to do with those apps but just didn’t have the tools available.

Now that’s all going to change.

The next project in the pipeline is to build the best PDF viewer for the iPhone available. Although the intention is to improve our existing apps, we may possibly license a library to other devs. We’ll see about that as the project unfolds.

It’s coming and it’s going to be spectacular.

Now we have focus.

The new website design brings our iPhone apps to the foreground while moving the blog, ramblings, and Twitter noise off to secondary pages.

Please excuse the mess while we wrap up a few remaining loose ends over the next few days.

What’s new in the update?

• Upgrades to the new V2 database, which improves the quality of many questions and answers.
• Note: V2 is not compatible with previous versions so your test history will be lost after upgrading.
• Full row select makes it easier to select your answer in the exam simulator.
• An application badge will now show the number of tests in progress on your dock icon.
• Preview questions are no longer listed in random order.
• Fixed some minor UI alignment issues.
• Compatible with iPhone OS 3.0.

For more information about DMV Test Prep for iPhone click here.

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?

• Added 50 new Road Rule questions for a total now of 150.
• Upgrades to the new V2 database, which improves the quality of many questions and answers.
• V2 is not compatible with previous versions so your test history will be lost after upgrading.
• An application badge will now show the number of tests in progress on your dock icon.
• Preview questions are no longer listed in random order.
• Fixed some minor UI alignment issues.

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.

Four new premium driver license practice tests are available on the App Store for the states of: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah and Virginia. This is part of our expanding DMV Test Prep series which delivers targeted exam simulators for practicing the driver license written exam.

We build these out for individual states because each has its own specific road rules. You’ll find variations such as school bus stop laws, driving while intoxicated penalties, speed limits, low/high beam regulations, and unique situations such as beach driving.

Please visit the product page for more details. ]]> http://www.phoxware.com/2009/06/new-dmv-test-prep-states-available-ak-co-ct-ut-and-va/feed/ 0 http://www.phoxware.com/2009/05/new-dmv-test-prep-states-added-ny-fl-wa-and-or/ http://www.phoxware.com/2009/05/new-dmv-test-prep-states-added-ny-fl-wa-and-or/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 17:21:12 +0000 Kelvin Beecroft http://www.phoxware.com/?p=1702 We’ve just submitted 4 new premium driver license practice tests to the App Store for the states of New York, Florida, Washington, and Oregon. This is part of our expanding DMV Test Prep series which delivers targeted exam simulators for practicing the driver license written exam.

We build these out for individual states because each has its own specific road rules. You’ll find variations such as school bus stop laws, driving while intoxicated penalties, speed limits, low/high beam regulations, and unique situations such as beach driving.

Eventually, we’ll have all 50 states covered with their own iPhone app.

This is a really exciting series of apps for teen drivers. The main feature is you get to practice taking the exam for just a few bucks. The questions are not pulled off the DMV computer, per-se, but are of the same substance. It’s not a cheat-sheet — students still must learn the rules of the road. But it does ease the exam pressure, build confidence, and help fill in the holes of missing knowledge.

It’s not just for teens. Adults also must take driver license tests for many reasons. For example, when moving to a new state you’re generally required to take a written exam to be issued a license to drive in that state.

The permanent product page can be found here.

Food Substitutes version 1.3.0 has been submitted to Apple for review.

I’m very excited about this update because it organizes the interface for easier navigation and the app just overall looks and feels better. Also a new Low-Fat Food Substitutes category has been added.

The biggest change is that the home screen now shows the list of categories. Previously, this was the entire list of 240 food substitutions grouped according to category. With the addition of the new Low-Fat category, and more coming, it was necessary to break this down a bit.

Enjoy the free upgrade!

After having Lite versions available for a while I’ve decided to remove them from sale on the App Store. There hasn’t been much of a correlation between Lite downloads and sales of the full versions. Additionally, the extra developer overhead of maintaining Lite versions is taking away time which could be better utilized in serving paying customers.

Thus, Lite versions for both Ambience and iPizzeria are no longer available.

The food list has gone from black-and-white to an eye pleasing neutral-color background complemented by an opaque black header.

In addition to the color change is an excerpt in small print of the food substitution. So a quick glance is all you may need to see what substitutions are available for the food your recipe calls for.

Support for landscape oreientation was removed in this update to allow for the new look. But perhaps we’ll see it return in future updates.

For iPizzeria fans, here’s a preview of one of the many new recipes to be included in the next update [App Store].

Dough is the secret to good pizza. It’s difficult to go wrong with toppings and sauce, but if the dough isn’t right the whole thing’s a waste.

Perfect pizza dough will give a nice brown crust outside while staying soft inside. To get this ultimate pizza we slightly adapt the Thin Crust Dough recipe. Olive oil is added and overnight fermentation is the key to making a good pizza great.

Ingredients

• 1 envelope of dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of cold water
• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

• Combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Mix thoroughly.
• Using a large metal spoon, stir in the cold water and oil until absorbed by the flour mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a neat ball (around 30 seconds in a food processor, or 5 to 7 minutes by hand).
• To get the consistency just right add flour to get the dough to come off the sides of the bowl but stick to the bottom. If the dough is coming off the bottom add a teaspoon or two of cold water.
• Prepare a small pan by lining it with baking parchment. Mist the parchment with spray oil or apply oil directly with a brush.
• Divide the dough in half and round into two balls. Transfer the dough balls onto the prepared pan and generously apply oil to the dough.
• Slip the pan into a food-grade plastic bag and put into the refrigerator overnight where they can stay for up to 3 days.
• (Optional) If you want to keep the dough longer you can store in zippered freezer bags. First, coat the balls with oil by dipping in a bowl containing a few tablespoons of olive oil. Then place each dough ball into a separate freezer bag and then into the freezer where they’ll store for up to 3 months.
• On the day you plan to make pizza remove the balls from the refrigerator 2 hours before preparing the pizza.
• Prepare a lightly sprinkled surface with flour. Place the balls onto the surface and press into 5-inch circles. Sprinkle with flour and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let stand for 2 hours.
• Roll out by hand for a 12-inch base.
• Place in 12-inch oven pan which has been generously dusted with flour or cornmeal. Press out dough to form a slight lip.
• Prepare and apply your sauce and toppings or choice.