Does the PipClock sound somewhat familiar but you can’t quite put your finger on where it came from? PipClock [$.99, View in iTunes] developer Ruben Frosali tailored the app after the “Pipboy” found in the video game Fallout, a post-apocalyptic game for gaming consoles. The app is a playful yet useful device with a spin from the popular video game thrown in.

The Pipclock is a multi-tool themed after a video game but it does have some practical uses. “The Pip-Boy, indestructible device built to last a nuclear explosion, is maybe the most important thing in the game. It’s always there to show you where you have to go, what you have to do, your inventory, your radiation and health levels.” said Mr. Frosali. That being said, we all know that this is just a playful rendition of the device and is no way going to aide us in such an event. It does however provide us with two things: humor and the possibility of irony if the app did work after an apocalypse. This is a fun app but does sport the following tools:

• HD Graphics
• Clock and Calendar
• GPS Powered Real Time Weather
• Thermometer and Barometer
• Landmark Detector
• Dashboard Mode
• Hidden Retractable Compartment
• Compass and Geiger Counter
• Flashlight
• Arpanet

As you can see the app does have several uses and if you like the Fallout game then you have not only those uses but a playful way of displaying them. The app worked seamlessly for me and I have not experience any slow-downs or crashes whatsoever while toying with this interesting spin on a pretty awesome tool. I must admit, at first I was a bit hesitant. I am a fan of the Fallout games and I love apps that encompass several uses so I don’t have to have 6 different tools. I just wasn’t sure if the delivery would be appropriate when you really wanted to know the weather and things of that nature. I am delighted that this app pulls off the creative and practical aspects very well.

After some additional research it seems that the developer has plans to add even more functionality and bug fixes in the future. At under a buck, this is a pretty cool app to get your hands on and play with if you are tired of the same ol weather app and want a breath of fresh air.

The visual comparison to the “Pipboy” from the Fallout series of games is pretty striking. Frosali does a great job of capturing the theme and the appeal of the device in the game. The replica has great visual appeal and the audio only adds to the experience. The occasional sparks flying from the sides of the screen to the flicker on the screen sets a very cool tone to the overall appearance of this app. It is sure to catch a friend’s eye and spark up some conversation, especially with a fellow Fallout fan. It definitely seems as though Frosali paid great attention to detail and added small subtle nuances that carry on the app’s theme such as on location it says “Ruins of…”

Pros

• Practical & Fun
• Great attention to detail
• Great appearance

Cons

• Might not be understood by non-Fallout fans

$0.99 (View in iTunes)
Category: Utilities
Updated: Feb 01, 2011
Current Version: 1.1
1.1 (iOS 4.0 Tested)
Size: 18.4 MB
Language: English
Seller: Ruben Frosali
© Ruben Frosali
Rated 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.2.0 or later

Existing PlayOn Premium subscribers will have the ability to download the update and begin streaming videos to their iPhone and iPod touch right away. Customers new to the PlayOn experience can try the service free for 14 days, after which a subscription will be required for only $39.99 for the first year and $19.99 for each year thereafter. PlayOn Basic customers will be required to upgrade to Premium to take advantage of the new feature.

“PlayOn has established itself as the easiest way to consume online video on your home television screen in an affordable way, and now we’re ready to bring that same level of access to consumers on the go,” said Jeff Lawrence, CEO of MediaMall Technologies. “With this new update for iPhone and iPod touch, we are happy to offer a significant amount of additional value for PlayOn Premium customers.”

To try PlayOn absolutely free for 14 days, visit: http://www.PlayOn.tv

For more information about how to access PlayOn using your iPhone and iPod touch, visit: http://www.playon.tv/mobile/iphone

About MediaMall Technologies

MediaMall Technologies was founded in 2003 to make it simple, affordable and fun to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and videos from the Internet on your TV. Its PlayOn software runs on Windows PCs and wirelessly streams Internet content to networked Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gaming consoles, and any number of DLNA-compliant devices including the iPhone and iPod touch. MediaMall operates with offices in New York, Seattle and Copenhagen and can be found online atwww.PlayOn.tv.