Games

More iPhone developers have begun to port their titles to Android as the mobile operating system gains momentum. Since the platforms have different native coding languages it can be a difficult and time consuming task. Thankfully, we're now beginning to see tools that allow developers to code in a single language and then easily convert to multiple platforms. Javaground has developed such a tool and has released its first title for Android.

Using Xpress Suite developers can write their apps in Java and then easily convert them to Android, iPhone, and Windows Mobile. To demonstrate its technology, Javaground has … Read more

Before I get to this week's apps, the folks over at Public Radio Exchange let me know there's a new version of Public Radio Tuner (which I've featured here before). Now called Public Radio Player, this new version has been redesigned from the ground up with a new interface, added station schedule information, and new On Demand radio shows you can stream. Past episodes of This American Life, Fresh Air, and many other popular public radio shows can now be streamed whenever you want to listen.

At the iTunes Store, I noticed a lot of the comments … Read more

As a gaming system, the iPhone has had its share of praises and attacks, but it's hard to challenge the appeal of retro titles on the system. With a perfect version of Myst under its belt, the iPhone's gone one better with a release of The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition that launched last night on iTunes.

For those who don't remember, The Secret of Monkey Island is perhaps one of the most celebrated graphic adventures in the once-popular genre. Originally released in 1990, there were three other sequels released, the last in 2000. LucasArts once … Read more

Geeks.com has a ridiculously good deal on a refurbished Xbox 360 Elite: $199.99 (after applying coupon code XDEALS at checkout). Shipping will run you about $16.

For those not thoroughly versed in Xbox models, the Elite is, well, the elite. The top of the line. The Xbox that normally sells for $399.99.

Like a new unit, the refurb comes with a 120GB hard drive, an HDMI port, a wireless controller, and a headset. Unlike a new unit, the warranty expires after 90 days.

On the cabling side, the Xbox comes with only the usual component-video cable. If … Read more

I just wrote about Baseball Slugger 3D earlier this week because it went on sale, but seriously, if you like baseball at all, this home-run derby game is worthy of the regular price of $2.99. I started playing last night using the online matchup system and didn't stop playing for over an hour. Not only is hitting home runs really satisfying, but when you play and lose against someone, you can always go for a rematch, which leads to another rematch...and so on. Then, if you really think a particular opponent is a good competitive match, you … Read more

Any diehard puzzle fan knows the game Triazzle, which started out in jigsaw form and later landed on PCs.

The goal: Arrange a set of triangular pieces so that the sides of each piece match up with sides of the board and the other pieces. It takes just seconds to learn, but, man, is it a challenge.

Triazzle for iPhone and iPod Touch delivers a beautifully animated, musically rich experience for newcomers and fans alike. It has all the makings of an instant classic.

The game gives you a choice between 9- and 16-piece puzzles and novice, intermediate, and advanced … Read more

I usually write about iPhone apps at the end of the week, but today (and only today) there is a sale on a game that is too good to pass up. In celebration of the MLB home-run derby and all-star game this week, developer's Com2uS have decided to have a 1-day sale on their extremely popular game Baseball Slugger 3D (usually $2.99). You can get the game today for only 99 cents and, after having played the game, I can tell you it is definitely more than worth the money.

I had initially passed over this title because … Read more

Some deals you have to work at, like sending in a rebate form or driving to a store. Then there's the $100 Sony PlayStation 3. It's a real deal, but with three hoops you have to jump through.

Here's how it works. First, you sign up for Sony's new, no-annual-fee PlayStation Visa card (click the above link), which offers instant online approval. Next, head to SonyStyle.com and order an 80GB PlayStation 3 for $399.99.

Sometime in the next 8-12 weeks, Sony will issue you a $100 credit, bringing your net cost down to $299.… Read more

Last week I mentioned how long it took to sync my iPhone to iTunes and it seems I'm not alone. I think almost all Mac users reported that syncing only took a few minutes, but a lot of Windows users (with some exceptions) were having the same experience as me. Is Windows doing something to muck up the process or is syncing different across platforms? Hopefully, this is something Apple will look into in future updates.

Following your advice, and the advice of other iPhone forums, I restored my iPhone and then used my latest backup to get my … Read more