The Appy Ladies are a diverse group of ladies who provide information for the special needs community. They hope to share their knowledge and experiences, by providing iOS app reviews and resources for their readers in a fun and friendly environment. This is what they had to say about the Fab-Phonics series of iPhone and iPad apps.

“I have been using Gooii apps for over a year now, and have found for those children learning CVC words, they have had so much enjoyment… Up Up and Away has to be my absolutely favourite, the laughter and giggles coming from the children is just lovely – those particularly enjoying bottom humour. An excellent, thoroughly enjoyable series of apps.”

To read the full review to be in with a chance of winning a copy of either ‘Road Block’ or ‘Up, Up and Away’, please visit the theappyladies.com/fab-phonics-literacy-series

Apple have announced their mid-cycle updates for the iPhone, the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. The iPhone 5c delivers all the great features of the current iPhone 5 but with added affordability. They’ve also gone for a more youthful approach, with bold, plastic colours and a slightly more curvaceous design. It is however the iPhone 5s that really excites.

Not content with the usual speed enhancements, Apple has revisited both the device’s internal architecture and added some other rather cool features. Apple have upgraded the CPU to the A7 chip but have also the M7 chip, which behaves much like a GPU in that it takes processes away from the CPU such as location services, making for a faster device with the added benefit of a longer battery life.

As well as an improved camera, the one area of technology that is really getting us techno geeks excited is the addition of a finger print sensor. Gone is the standard ‘Home’ button (and its susceptibility to failure, after over use from greasy chip fingers) and in its place is a solid state button that can identify fingerprints through multiple levels of the epidermis. The fingerprint sensor, or Touch ID as Apple refer to it, will allow users to unlock their phones, as well as make iTunes and App Store purchases without the need to enter their password. The only downside for us as developers is that we won’t be able to access Touch ID for use in our iOS apps, yet.

For more on the new iPhone and full technical specs please visit: apple.com

As well as being a highly talented coder Gooii employee Kuba Figura is an expert Kite Surfer, and he’s putting these skills to use by raising money for charity as part of the The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada 2013.

The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada is the first kitesurfing and fundraising event of its kind. Pro kitesurfer and Snow-Camp supporter Lewis Crathern is working with Virgin to launch the event, and ensure it is a World Record breaking success!  They are hoping to bring together as many kitesurfers as possible in September to do 2 things:

a) Set a new World Record for the ‘Largest Parade of Kitesurfers’ ever!

b) Complete a fundraising downwinder from Hayling Island to Lancing – to raise as much money for Snow-Camp, the RNLI and Virgin Unite as possible!

To donate this worthy cause please visit Kuba’s fundraising page.

Update: Led by Sir Richard Branson and with a little help from Kuba, the kite surfers managed to break for the Guinness World Record. For more on this visit the BBC News website.

Ever since Michael Knight first began talking to his car via his watch, children the world over have been waiting patiently to do the same. The Casio Calculator watch looked great but unfortunately lacked any telecommunication features, not that didn’t stop us pretending! Well it’s been 30 years and the wait is finally over,  as Samsung have unveiled their Galaxy Gear smartwatch that can be used for voice calls, to run apps and show alerts. The only downside to this 80s glimpse of the future is users will need to pair the watch with their Galaxy Android devices. So no standalone functions then.

Samsung have beaten Sony, Apple and Pebble to market with the watch, so it’ll be interesting to see how the other big names respond, especially Apple who have yet to announce their much rumoured iWatch – that’s if it even exits.

For more on the new Samsung Galaxy Gear and the other smart watches due to hit the market soon visit: The BBC website

This is an app about heroes. Not superheroes – you won’t find Batman or Superman here (sadly) but you will find people who really did exist. But what sort of people were they? Did they have incredible powers, like Spider-Man and Superman? Or were they more like you and me?

Featuring two educational activities from the hugely popular E2BN ‘History’s Heroes‘ website, the ‘What Makes A Hero?’ iPad app encourages young people to decide what circumstances make a hero, whether they be a great person from history, or an ordinary person like you and me.

Please click here to download the iPad app from the Apple App Store.

Although we’ve seen many Mac Pro updates over the last 7+ years, the case itself has remained surprisingly unchanged. Until now. And when Apple updates something that works, you know it’s going to be both radical and visually stunning. When it comes to their desktop machines Apple don’t just make hardware, they make pieces of art, highly designed furniture that you’ll be proud to own. Go into any office and most PCs will be hidden under the desk, whilst all Macs are proudly displayed for all to see. Not only has Apple reinvented it’s Mac Pro range, it’s completely overhauled the hardware, to make it the one of the most efficient and powerful machines ever made.

You’ll also notice that Apple has, after many years, moved away from it’s classic chrome stylings to a new sleeker, darker material. The Darth Vader of computing perhaps? And does this mean an across the board redesign of all its hardware isn’t far around the corner? Apple fans, it’s going to be an exciting and expensive time.

For more info on the new Mac Pro and a stunning preview of its design and capabilities visit: apple.com/uk/mac-pro

The iStudyArt iPhone app originated as a prototype but the results were so good our client has released it onto the Apple App Store! Perfect for art lovers and art students at all levels alike, iStudyArt allows artists and students to record their responses to any artwork or artefact, be it in a gallery or their own studio. The app encourages the user to photograph details of the artwork, answer question prompts and take note of their observations and experiences.

iStudyArt was built natively for iOS utilising the UIKit Framework and includes an in-app camera, the selection of images from the camera roll, an in-app database, an instant auto-save feature and the ability to share records.

Future improvements will include full design and custom interface, plus a host of cool new features.

To download iStudyArt please visit the Apple App Store.

Jonathan Ive is a genius, plain & simple. This is also the first time he’s overseen the design of Apple’s pocket sized operating system. Completely redesigned yet familiar, iOS 7 promises to refresh & rethink the way we use our iPhones. The UI has seen an overhaul, containing some highly creative flourishes & tricks, but comes with enhancements to the way we interact with our devices & with our online social networks. Due out in the Autumn, rumours are already circulating that the iPhone 6 will be joining it later this year.

Gooii worked with Gabrielle Aplin and her management company James Barnes Music on her first EPs, tour posters and website. Gabrielle’s since been signed to EMI, had a number one single with ‘The Power of Love’ (as featured on the John Lewis Christmas Snowman advert) and has now released her debut album ‘English Rain’. We were sent an advance copy of the album a few weeks ago and were very proud to a receive a thank you in the sleeve notes.

English Rain is available to buy now: gabrielleaplin.co.uk/english-rain-album

It’s always good when people say nice things about us, so we thought we’d share some of them with you…

“My company has been working with Gooii for over 10 years and I’m constantly impressed by their skills and the high-standards they employ. The team caters to the needs of each project, delivering on time and producing successful outcomes no matter the brief. In short Gooii have always delivered! I highly recommend working with Gooii and their team and look forward to working with them on future projects.”
Mark Cogan, Managing Director – Interactive Resources

“Gooii always respond with creativity, professionalism and patience. They are extremely helpful, supportive, flexible and easy to work with. We are very pleased with the sites they produce and we have won a number of nominations and awards as a direct result of our teamwork.”
Diane Earl, Operations Manager – E2BN

“Gooii came through with flying colors when it came to building a professional iPhone app for my website. They were a real pleasure to work with, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that everything was running smoothly, and making certain I was kept appraised of any detail that required my attention. The programmers and designers behind-the-scenes are obviously an extremely talented and driven team, ably putting into action the ideas and requirements asked of them. I’d have no problem recommending Gooii to anybody, individual or large organization, looking to employ their services.”
Steve Younis, Editor-In-Chief – The Superman Homepage