by Frank Petrie

Product: Boom
Developers: Global Delight
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later on any Intel and PowerPC-based Mac
Pricing: $4.99 USD
Test Rig: MacBook Pro, OS 10.6.6, 5 GB RAM

How often have you thrown some iTunes up while you’re working on your computer, only to find yourself straining to hear the music you selected or what the podcaster just said? You accept the low output as just part of having smaller speakers. But do you have to?

“Boom makes life easier by boosting the audio output of the entire system rather than focusing on a few applications. This means the user can now enhance the volume of popular media-playing applications like iTunes and QuickTime. The volume of YouTube, Hulu videos playing on the web browser can also be boosted. Voice applications like iChat and Skype can use Boom to enhance their audio experience.

Additionally, Boom provides first-of-a-kind simplified equalization with custom presets to further tweak the audio experience at the system level.”

Can I now rock my Mac? Let’s give a listen.

THE PULP

The creators of Camera Plus and Camera Plus Pro are now trying to do for audio what they did for photography. Boom® gives you the ability to boost the audio files in your iTunes library or from the disk. After “boosting” your files, you can then seamlessly transfer the files to your iPod/iPhone through iTunes.

Also included is an equalizer, some that we’ve long desired to be included in iTunes. There are about a dozen presets (i.e., music, voice, bass boost, etc.), but you can create an endless number of your own presets.

THE JUICE

I have a CD, the original soundtrack from the Broadway production of Les Miserables‚ that has always been about 30 percent quieter than my other CDs. I always have to crank everything in the amplification chain (my iPod, my car stereo) in order to hear it, particularly above the road noise. Now, thanks to Boom®, I have been able to boost the sound level so I can enjoy the soundtrack during my travels.

The UI is very simple and intuitive. Even if you have never done any equalization before, you can master this application in minutes.

THE RIND

When you boost‚ a file, it retains the volume setting that you assigned that file. Currently, not the same can be said of your equalization presets. But this is version one and I was assured by the developers when I spoke with them about this concern, I was informed that it is probably the top feature that will be added to version two.

SUMMARY

I repeat myself; I love one trick ponies. And this pony performs a trick that we have all longed for. I found in my playing around with it that it also improved the sound of my external speakers but not to the same degree. But then that’s comparing apples to oranges.

From the people who brought you one of the superior cameras for your iDevices, they have now brought pleasure to my ears.

Excuse now, as I need a boost.

RATING: 9 of 10

©2011 Frank Petrie

You may be wondering if allowing your $300 device in the hands of a three-year old is the wisest of moves. And, this I often wonder myself, as I watch my son shaking my iPhone rather violently to get the iGlowStick to light up — a definite fear of seeing your phone sail across the room removes some of the thrills for the parents. However, for the kids, they love it!

Here are some really fun apps for kids that build on an original post I wrote some time back: “Kid-friendly iPhone and iPod Touch“. I added “EV” for “Education Value” (how educational it is) and “PV” for Play Value (how interactive and fun it is). As any parent with active kids will tell you, getting 10 minute breaks that keep your son or daughter entertained, can make a huge difference. It’s wonderful if the app is educational too, but at least it has to have good, clean fun.

Educational:

Tickle Tap Apps have a series of very gentle learning apps for your toddler. CountCaddy ($1.99)
is a cat that helps kids with counting, while Field Flier ($1.99) is more free-form; allowing your child to help the birdy explore his surroundings while learning verbs. Both are well done, calming, and good for younger children (under 4). (Good support from the company also.) EV= high, PV = good

EliasABC and EliasZoo (was free, now $1.99 each) — simple, clean graphic and easy movement to help toddlers learn either ABCs or animal sounds. EV = high, PV = good

FeedMe (free) — Living in Hawaii, you know how important other languages are. Feedme is available in different languages, including Japanese. Interactive and educational, my son really enjoyed playing it with his mom. EV = good, PV = good

Number Fun Time (free) — fun app for kids to learn numbers. “Where is number four?” EV = good, PV = good

iWriteWords (lite/free, $1.99) — very good way to help kids learn how to write and spell words. Colorful, entertaining, and encouraging. Well worth $2 to watch your child learning how to write letters on his own! EV = high, PV = high

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox ($.99) — A funny, happy monkey teaches kids colors, counting, letters and more. My son really likes this one; very interactive and educational, plus he gets “stickers” for completing sections correctly. EV = high, PV = high

Pre-K Safari (lite/free, .99) – kids learn about the animals in the Serengeti while studying ABCs. EV = high, PV = good

Fun:

iGlowStick (free/pro $.99) — this is just a lot of fun, pull the two corners of the stick to break it, then shake it, and watch it glow or animate. Fire, snow, bats, and more are included in the pro version. My son loves showing this one off to others. EV = questionable, PV = high

Cybertoy – Transformers ($1.99) –
for transformer fans — for $2 your child can convert these virtual robots into cars or trucks, have them dance to music, or shoot lasers. EV = none/nada, PV = good

Lego Photo (free) — not sure if this is for kids or geeky parents, but we both like it. Take photos and have them “lego-ized”. EV = low, PV = good

SpongeBob Tickler Lite (free) — poke or stretch him and SpongeBob will make funny sounds. Bit annoying to parents, entertaining for kids. EV = none, PV = high

TalkingCarl (.99) — much like the above SpongeBob — poke and stretch Carl for funny sounds. Plus, he’ll repeat what your child says in a funny voice. EV = none, PV = high

JumbaluZoo (free) — mix and match colorful animal characters. EV = low, PV = good

Having a couple of these on your iPhone or iPod Touch can mean turning “wait time” into “play time”. And, even if you don’t have kids, pulling one of these out for your nephew or niece can mean you might actually be able to finish a sentence with them around.

If you’re interested in learning about other cool iPhone apps, either for kids for adults, let HMAUS know; (members can sign in and add comments, or, just contact us). We could even provide a MacLearn on the iPhone to demo some of these, if interested.

Related posts by author:

• Kid-friendly iPhone and iPod Touch: Tips on setting up your iPhone or iPod Touch for your child
• Zen Apps for iPhone/iPod Touch: Apps to help you keep your cool and release some stress

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