Browsing the Web using the iPad’s Safari browser is a decent experience but lacks the ability to support Flash video or browser plug-ins -- things we’re accustomed to using on a Mac/PC.
Thankfully, the iPad has an entire store of apps to enhance our web experiences. While you likely won’t find an app that enables you to watch Flash video, you will however find apps like SkyGrid that add a twist to online discoveries.
Since Apple devices are closed (unless of course you’ve jailbroken) there is no way to install a plug-in into the native browser, which disappointing for users who’ve been using browser add-ons to share articles and bookmarks.
SkyGrid (exclusive to the iPad) brings you real-time trending content from across the Web, gathered from mainstream news sites. This app is best described as a centralized dash for trending content, an experience unlike a browser that depends on the user to enter sources.
The Web experience is immersive and beautiful. The interface nicely divides the content from the Web display area with an easy-access side panel, which provides selectable news streams; featured articles, topic categories, favourites, shared items and an extremely powerful search.
With the screen split in two, browsing topics is incredibly speedy. Simply choose a stream or type a topic in the search to receive a variety of popular stories. If viewing an article that has included a video, with one touch, you can transport to full screen media mode.
Sharing your discoveries is possible (unlike the iPad’s Safari browser) and takes seconds by tapping share, an always-available option. Send content to Facebook, Twitter or via email.
While this app is great, the Web experience seems a bit too controlled. Without the ability to add any sources or addresses, the information brought to you is solely SkyGrid’s decision.
Viewing the Web through apps such as SkyGrid isn't meant to replace your rss reader or browser, but does give you a snapshot of what's happening with the added benefit of sharing.
iPad photo-editing head to head
CameraBag for the iPad, has numerous photo-editing features all rolled into one very sleek app such as neat filters like “1962,” which gives your photo the vintage Rolling Stone cover look. There are 10 filters in all, plus pre-set crops and borders included, which makes editing and enhancings images a cinch even for those with little experience. When you’re done, you can send it via e-mail to friends or to your favourite networks.
One nice CameraBag feature allows users to view a fullscreen preview of their edits before finalizing them. That’s a useful tool as most apps require you to apply changes before seeing the results. The completed image can be modified to your resolution preferences. While CameraBag lacks the option to directly upload photos straight to popular photo storage sites such as Flickr, you can upload pics to Flickr, Picasa and PhotoBucket via e-mail. If you choose this method, note you can only send one image at a time. A bit of a drawback for the passionate photo-nut. CameraBag also has a version for the iPhone and iPod touch
Photogene is a full featured photo-editor and image-sharing app for the iPad. From rotating pics to adding customizable backgrounds this app eliminates the need to edit using your desktop. And for a mobile app, there are an incredible number of options such as stylized filters, presets and easy cropping. The strength of the filters can be modified with a quick swipe. Photogene includes galleries full of borders and speech bubbles for those pics that demand some funny context.
Cropping is made easy on the touch screen, too. You can crop photos and even see the numeric dimensions of your crop appear as you pinch and slide your fingers across the screen. The best function is in the colour wheel feature, which offers simple control over levels, exposure and colour temperature. The app offers right resolution output choices, and you can send images via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. Photogene also has a version for the iPhone and iPod touch
The Bottom Line
There’s no denying CameraBag is a gorgeous app with visually appealing filters but the number of editing tools available in Photogene, plus the ability to send pics straight to Twitter and Facebook, makes Photogene the winner of this photo-editing battle.
