GoodReader, the app we just reviewed got updated with Support for the  AFP Protocol.  Support for AFP, the standard protocol which all Mac computers use to share folders on a local network, makes it easier to connect from GoodReader to a Mac for sharing files between the desktop and mobile device.  GoodReader users have already been able to exchange files between their iOS devices and their Macs using other protocols, such as WebDAV, FTP and SFTP, but supporting AFP makes the process easier than ever because it is the native protocol for Mac OS and requires practically zero set-up. Users simply turn on file-sharing and they are ready to share files between their Macs and mobile devices for viewing in GoodReader.  Not only is AFP the Mac OS standard protocol for sharing folders on a local network, it is also used by Apple Time Capsule, a 1, 2 or 3 TB standalone hard drive with WiFi access that Mac users often use to wirelessly backup their Macs, as well as by a number of other 3rd-party network-attached storage drives. GoodReader’s support for AFP now makes it easier for users to exhange files with such drives directly from GoodReader, without using a computer.

The new version of GoodReader also makes it easier to find servers on a local WiFi network for wirelessly sharing files. GoodReader’s “Local Servers (via WiFi)” section now uses Bonjour to find local AFP, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV and HTTP servers automatically. The update also includes a host of other user interface improvements, including the ability to publish several iCloud files at once, and the new “Back to reading” button, which instantly takes the reader to the last read file, saving from the hassle of finding the file in the folder hierarchy.

Tired of metered usage by carriers like AT&T and Verizon?  Can’t watch your videos or stream music from Google Music because of the lousy cap?  Look no further as Sprint brings us – UNLIMITED DATA PLANS!!!  For $110 a month you’ll have unlimited everything – voice, data, text, and even GPS navigation.  That sure beats AT&T where you pay $70 for your talk and $15 (200MB) -$45 (4GB) for data bringing costs to $85 and $115 respectively (prices rounded to nearest USD). 

The iPhone4S will cost $199.99 for the 16GB, $299.99 for the 32GB, and $399.99 for the 64GB with a 2 year contract.  Also, the iPhone 4 is available beginning today and will cost only $99.99 with a 2 year contract.

Here’s what Sprint offers for their individual plans:

Individual Plans

Personally as I don’t use many minutes, I am thinking that the $80 plan may be best for me as I rely heavily upon emails, texting, and VoIP applications which would give me additional voice capabilities.  iPhone coming to Sprint is a great thing for the consumer as it provides some healthy competition, in my opinion.

You though it would be a straight jump to iPhone 5, eh?  Well think again!  Following the tradition of going from 3G to 3GS, the iPhone 4G will be followed by the 4S.  Let’s of improvements again – dual core processor, a better 8MP camera that can also shoot 1080p video, iOS 5, iCloud, and the most interesting new feature – Siri, the intelligent assistant.

Siri, supposedly will be able to send messages, set reminders, and search for information using voice recognition technology.  I like the idea, but how accurate will it be?  It would be rather embarrassing if a text message were transcribed incorrectly….I have already seen some pretty messed up transcriptions using Google voice. 

With all of this coming, you can now get an 8GB iPhone 3GS for free from AT&T with a 2 year contract.  For iPhone 4’s the prices will remain at $99 with a 2 year agreement.

So the question is:   Will you get an iPhone 4S?  Or will you perhaps opt for an older iPhone now that everything has become even more affordable to get on the iOS band wagon?

Do you like sword wielding anime characters?  What about gratuitous slice and dice action of zombie-like creatures?  If you answered yes to both, you are very likely to enjoy the Role Playing Game (RPG) Third Blade for iOS.  Getting this game during its free promotional period during July 7, 2011, this game had me stuck on my iPad for hours on end and made my trip from Houston to Dallas feel like a ride to the local Costco.  The opening sequence shows a long haired dude who has what appears to be his female friend getting abducted by evil forces.  You have three blades to choose from – each with its own unique method of fighting along with its own special abilities.   Read on past to jump to find out more about this addicting and amazingly fun game!

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There are some games that are just well made, but they go into the black morass.  Such is it with MonsterGila’s NovaRift: Arena.  Given away for free a number of months ago on FreeAppAlert, this little gem had me lost in the depth of space defending the galaxy from 5 different kinds of drone enemies in single player and human enemies in online multiplayer.  After many hours of play, suddenly the online game servers no longer worked.  The game seemed to fizzle out of MonsterGila existance, and the little software company in New Mexico could not be reached for comment as to what was happening.  You can still read the manual at http://www.novarift.com/manual.html or view the old teaser trailer still on YouTube.

So why bring up a dead game that seems to have been sucked into a blackhole? How about because of the countless hours spent playing which earns it one of the most addicting games that I’ve touched?  Yes, dear readers, this game was beautifully made.  (On a side note, do you backup your iPad?  If not, then it certainly is something that should be considered as this is the only way I can load NovaRift: Arena onto my devices now as it is no longer sold.  Stay tuned on an upcoming article on backing up your iOS device and having the ability to version your software.)

One of the best parts about this game was the ability to play multiplayer.  Even with the multiplayer component being disabled due to the missing NovaRift server, the offline arcade mode is loads of fun.  How many drones can you kill?  The game provides you with the choice of 4 different ships – each with its own style of play with different speeds, maneuverability, and weapons.  Your weapons include not just plasma guns, but also spreadfire cannons and proximity missiles.  The ships all have different weaknesses and realistic damage will be taken into consideration – you can fly a ship with damaged wings which affect your movement or even your weapons!

After choosing your ship, you’ll head into battle.  Your two main resources will be shield energy and gun energy.  Shields protect your ship – if they ever become depleted, try not to get hit for a duration of about 5 seconds (those sure seem like long seconds) and you’ll get an immediate 20% recharge of your shields.  Time your shots and make sure to keep moving – else you’ll be bantha fodder!  In the single player arcade mode, you’ll be faced with continuous waves of enemies which become stronger.  It becomes quite the challenge to dodge asteroids while taking out the baddies.  After blowing up the bad guys, there is a chance in getting some powerups.  6 powerups exist that range from refilling shield or gun energy, giving rapid fire, repairing your ship, getting an extra life, or getting invulnerability for a short while!

And hence, we’ve dug up a gem that seems to be gone.  I certainly hope that MonsterGila will bring back this wonderful game.  Until then, know that such a gem exists – and if you’ve downloaded but haven’t given this game a try and it’s sitting in your iTunes library – go ahead and install it…you’ll find this to be one of the best space shoot-em ups of all time which could have been developed into something like SubSpace (now Continuum), an equally exciting Windows 3rd person space shooter.  Until next time, game on!