Tech Cast Now

"Pocket Universe is the ideal astronomy program for those keen to learn about the night sky. The unique display is generated dynamically depending on your location and time, and then rendered in 3D for a super fast response - flick the sky and it spins around you. With Motion Tracking, the image will change as you hold the iPhone or iPod Touch up in front of you, making it easy to match what you see on the screen to the real sky. With the iPhone 3GS's built-in compass, you can point the iPhone to any spot in the sky and instantly see what you are observing. Use the ""Show Me"" option to guide you to objects - it's never been easier to learn about the night sky. "

"I was just surfing the app store and came across this. I've always been an astronomy fan and am very impressed with this app. When I first tried it I was amazed at what it did. Full of info on astronomy including news and a breakdown of what's available for viewing in tonight's sky.  The 'Motion Tracking' is truly impressive. It makes you realize how aware the iPhone is of your position on the planet. Hold the iPhone up to the sky and the Planetarium view changes to match your view. Names of stars, planets, constellations, and Messier objects are displayed. Move the iPhone to position the crosshair on an object and the name and brightness magnitude is displayed.

 

It's been cloudy here in east central Florida and the waxing gibbous moon has been very bright, but my country view did allow me to test it on a few bright nighttime objects. VERY COOL! I showed to a few of my aerospace engineer coworkers and a couple had to download it on the spot. Even the 'I don't need no stinking iPhone' holdouts had to say WOW!

 

Lots of information on the night sky, decent built-in help, a nice support web site, and even a built-in constellation quiz make this a great learning tool.

 

This app, a pair of decent binoculars and you'll be on your way to a great time viewing and learning the cosmos. Kudos to the developer."

Clean Installation Did the app install easily and cleanly? (assigned weight-5)

10

Easy Configuration Was initial configuration simple and easy to understand? (assigned weight-5)

10

Configuration Options Does app offer configuration options to allow customization? (assigned weight-5)

10

Learning Curve Is app easy to lean and use? (assigned weight-5)

8

Support Website Does the developer offer a comprehensive support site? (assigned weight-4)

8

Feature Set - Does the app have a full feature set for the purpose? (assigned weight-5)

10

Help - Does app have built in help that is really helpful? (Direct access in app, access via web, or none. (assigned weight-5)

9

Bugs - Does the app work as expected, without bugs (assigned weight-5)

10

Load Time - Does the app load quickly? ( ready to use in less than 10 seconds on 3GS) (assigned weight-3)

10

Controls Does app offer adequate controls for purpose? (assigned weight-5)

9

Regular Updates Does vendor appear to keep app up-to-date (updated or released in last 6 months=10,-1 per month after 6 unless reason update is not required)? (assigned weight-3)

10

Alternative Languages Does the app support alternate languages? (assigned weight-2)

9

Intuitive Interface Is the interface intuitive (icons, menus, and directional symbols) for average users and does it adhere to good iPhone design principles? (assigned weight-5)

8

Screen Layouts Are screen layouts logical and well-designed? (assigned weight-5)

10

Navigation Is the app navigation logical and easy to use? (assigned weight-4)

10

Readability Legible text and print size that is appropriate for the intended audience. Are fonts and interface elements easy to see and read? (assigned weight-5)

10

Recovery from Incoming Call Does the app recover after being interrupted by an incoming call or message? (to test interrupt app during operation ) (assigned weight-5)

10

Restart/Pause/Shutdown If applicable, does the app allow user to pause or shutdown and restart at a meaningful and logical point after previous use? If game, does it restart to place in level, or can you pause before closing app. (to test close and reopen app to see if it restarts to a meaningful point) (assigned weight-5)

10

Graphics Quality Are the graphics of good quality and resolution; do images load within reasonable timeframe? (assigned weight-5)

10

Graphics Usefulness Are the graphics meaningful and useful? (assigned weight-5)

10