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There is currently a great deal of buzz in educational circles about something called brain training. What is brain training? One definition for this term is “learning ways to increase your intelligence, memory, ability to think, etc.” (Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus, published by Cambridge University Press).

How does one go about “training a brain” in order to increase the ability to focus, think or improve other executive functions? Many current methods of brain training often involve the use of digital apps targeted to address one specific or a group of cognitive skills. These may be served up via iPads and other iOS platforms or Android and similar devices.

Some of these brain-training apps are scientifically validated with documented research and can actually offer genuine cognitive training and/or even remediation or improvement programs for such issues as ADD, ADHD and other challenges that affect cognitive ability. Other “brain-training” apps are provided for their educational or entertainment value only.

This week, we have gathered here numerous brain-training apps and lists of such apps that will also include information about their scientific validation (when available). We hope these resources will provide parents, teachers and other adults some viable options for significant brain training!

iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad Brain-Training Apps

Fit Brains Trainer-by Vivity Labs (FREE)
Updated: March 20, 2013
The #1 education app in 76 countries! Top-ranked brain trainer app with more than 20,000 ratings averaging 4.5 stars worldwide. The Fit Brains Trainer is a scientifically-designed app for iPhone and iPad that provides a collection of brain games, personalized training sessions, and visual tools to help you improve your brain's performance. The Trainer utilizes an innovative and adaptive learning system that automatically scales the level of each brain game to your appropriate level.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fit-brains-trainer/id565200595?mt=8

Lumosity Brain Trainer-by Lumos Labs, Inc.
(First 5 sessions FREE with subscription for remainder)
This brain training app from Lumosity is backed by solid scientific research by leading neuro-scientists from Stanford, UCSF and Berkeley universities.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lumosity-brain-trainer/id338945375?mt=8

CogniFit Brain Fitness-by CogniFit
Updated: April 16, 2013
CogniFit is a scientifically validated brain training app. Play different brain games to challenge your mind and train your cognitive skills like never before!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cognifit-brain-fitness/id528285610?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

10 iPhone Apps that Boost Brain Function-by Become A Nanny
Posted : January 15, 2013 (Some apps are scientifically validated.)
Your iPhone may be able to actually boost your brainpower! These 10 apps are great brain-training apps that are purported to increase brain function, actually making you smarter!
http://www.awaken.com/2013/01/10-iphone-apps-that-boost-brain-function/

Ansel & Clair: Triassic Dinosaurs-by Cognitive Kid, Inc. (Price: $1.99---for iPad)
All three apps in the Dinosaur Trilogy begin with Ansel & Clair visiting a modern dinosaur dig site. Meet paleontologist Dr. Lindy Bones, learn about cool fossil tools and then dig for fossils from the Triassic period. Travel back in time to meet Triassic dinosaurs and other creatures. Learn a variety of different concepts and contextual subjects including science, geography, geology, and of course zoology, without even realizing it. The first three Ansel & Clair apps have won 15 awards from prestigious parenting and product review organizations including the Parent’s Choice 2012 Silver Award Winner and others.(Researched and scientifically accurate)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ansel-clair-triassic-dinosaurs/id578083679?ls=1&mt=8

Top 10 Brain Training Apps for iPad and iPhone-List by AppCrawler Beta (Price: FREE or $.99 each)
The 10 BEST brain-training apps from the reviews of 460 total apps ---Various developers (Some apps are scientifically validated.)
http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-apps-brain-training

Android Brain-Training Apps

Brain Training---by QQ TSUBASA (FREE)
Find out your “brain age”. Simple yet addicting app that tests your “brain age” based on your game performance. (No information is available regarding scientific validation.)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=qqtsubasa.android.brain&hl=en

Brain Training: Focus-by IT-EO (FREE)
Feeling out of focus? Want to improve your concentration skills? Train your brain with Brain Training: Focus! Focus is an addictive brain teaser game, where you match the Color of the word with it's name, while being mislead by your daily thinking habits. This app is based on a scientific discovery made by American psychologist John Ridley Stroop that demonstrates interference in attention.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iteo.crazybraincolors&hl=en

Top Android Apps for the Brain-by ModernChakra (Lists provide both FREE and $ apps)
This article is actually a compilation of several short articles with different lists of brain-training apps. Obviously designed for mobility, these apps are great for keeping your brain sharp when you have a bit of free time. Take a few minutes and play some memory games, or reflex games---anything to keep your mind active and alert. (Some apps are scientifically validated.)
http://www.squidoo.com/android-brain-apps

Top 10 Brain Training Apps for Android-List by AppCrawler Beta (Price: All are FREE)
The 10 BEST brain-training apps for Android devices from the reviews of 154 total apps---Various developers (No information is available regarding scientific validation.)
http://appcrawlr.com/app/search?q=brain+training&topic=brain+training&topicId=1&category=&device=android&search=search&_src=facet_device

General Brain Training Program Lists from BrainGameReview (with Reviews)
Web page offering 3 categories with links to various types of brain-training programs:
1. A children’s section or product for general cognitive skills training
2. A list of brain training publishers offering K-12 cognitive training or ADHD remediation/improvement programs
3. A list of sites providing online games with an educational or entertainment focus. Most of these sites do not offer (or claim) any scientific validation behind their games.
http://www.braingamereview.com/brain-training-games-for-kids/

Sources:

BrainGameReview
Website with lists, links and reviews of brain-training apps
http://www.braingamereview.com/neuroplasticity-brain-plasticity/

Brain-Training Tools for More Attention, Less Deficit-Article by Paul Gilbert (ADDitude Magazine)
These ADHD therapies offer fun and games with a serious purpose: increasing your child's focus.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/10076.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://assets1.bigthink.com/system/idea_thumbnails/49980/headline/brain_gears_2.jpg?1365347453

Wow, I am a gadget lover and this one really caught my attention.  Imagine being able text message from anywhere in the world and provide your location data to your buddies back home. Let them share in your hiking, kayaking or sailing adventures by tracking your GPS path through a web portal.

Delorme has created a newer version of their popular satellite communicator. I wrote in a earlier post last September about the Earthmate app and the Delorme Satellite communicator. The older version linked via Bluetooth to an iOS or Android phone through Delorme's Earthmate app.  This unit has the option of being operated stand alone or also linked to your smart phone through the Earthmate app.

How it Works:

The Delorme inReach SE allows your to send and receive text messages from just about anywhere on earth. For you long distance sailors it is a fairly economical way to keep in touch with loved one back home. This new version has a handy color screen and virtual keyboard. It also works with Delorme's Earthmate app on you iPhone, iPad or Android device.  When out of cell phone range, the inReach SE will let you share your travels with family and friends. It has a ping and message feature that lets your loved one keep tabs on you.  It works with the extensive Iridium satellite network which has the best global coverage.  It also has an SOS feature that you can trigger and send preset messages in the event of an emergency.  The inReach SE allows you to have a two-way text conversation with the search and rescue monitoring center until help arrives.  This could prove useful to give search and rescue details about your position or possible injuries.  Every message has confirmation so you will know if you are getting through.  Being able to communicate with the device will give you and your loved ones back home peace of mind. 


The device has a color screen which allows you to access all of its features. Monitor your data use, set up your tracking, check in, set up preset messages, manage contacts, social media and manage the SOS feature.  It can all be done now on the device. The screen allows you to text on the device but you may find it easier to use your smart phone for the texting feature.

The InReach SE has a few more bells and whistles that make it more functional and user friendly. It is also ruggedly constructed to take on the elements. 

Features:

Color screen with predictive, virtual keyboard for standalone two-way messaging.

GPS accuracy to +/- 5 meters.

Waterproof/dust proof (IP67; standard submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes).

Impact-resistant (Mil-STD-810F for vibration/shock).

100 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode with a clear view to the sky.

Send and receive free-form, 160-character text messages outside of cell phone range.

Trigger an SOS and interact back and forth with GEOS the 24/7 search and rescue center.

Turn on tracking to share and view GPS coordinates.

Intuitive LED indicator for satellite availability.

Audible message notifications.

Waterproof, dust proof, and impact-resistant.

Post to social media.

 Cost of Service:

To activate your device there is a one-time fee of $19.95.  You will also need to select a subscription plan.  There are several different plans to suite your needs.  They allow you to move to different plans based on your usage.  There is no charge for moving to a higher-priced plan, but there is a $24.95 charge for moving down to a cheaper one.

The two higher plans provide cheaper messaging and allow unlimited tracking of your position.
                            

	Safety Plan	Recreation Plan	Expedition Plan
Annual (12 Months)	$9.95 Monthly	$24.95 Monthly	$49.95 Monthly
Seasonal (4-month minimum)	>N/A	$39.95 Monthly	$64.95 Monthly
SOS	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Predefined Messages from inReach	10 per month shared with Messages	Unlimited	Unlimited
Messages	10 per month shared with Predefined Messages	40 per month	120 per month
Tracking	Not Included	Unlimited	Unlimited
Overage	$1.50 per message	$0.50 per message	$0.25 per message
	$0.25 track

Web Portal:

Delorme has set up an Explore web portal which allows you to share your journeys with family and friends.  Set up an account and login.  Use the MapShare feature to include tracking of your GPS position.  All your previous trips, messages and tracks are saved for later viewing.  The Ping feature allows others to see your current position and exchange messages with you. The inReach allows you to set up preset messages that can be quickly sent in case of an emergency.  It allows you to link to many of the social media sites and post your tracking and position data. Firmware updates for your inReach device can also be done through the portal.

Device Cost:

The inReach SE is not cheap. It will set you back $299.00. But it is a much more cost effective way to communicate that a full blown satellite phone costing thousands of dollars. It will be available for sale starting in May, 2013.  The original inReach for smart phones runs about $249.

If your disconnected from the world and traveling in remote places I think this device is a great option to keep in touch.  It provides your family and friends some peace of mind in knowing where you are at and if you are OK.  At any time you can text or check in with them or they can pull up the web and find your exact location and progress of your trip.  On my next ocean passage I plan to give one a try.

~~~Sail On~~~ /)
Mark

As mentioned in last week’s blog article, we have been attending and presenting seminars at several educational conferences over the past several weeks. Last week was no exception, as we visited and briefly presented for a third time at the Patrick Henry Downtown Academy’s Parent Symposium here in St. Louis.

Just like attendees at the previous educational conferences, interested parents and teachers at the school expressed their concerns about struggling readers, asking questions about various reading challenges that included dyslexia. Some of the young students from the school were also present. These parents and teachers (and even some of the students) told us what it’s really like for some students who struggle to read just like conference attendees over the past several weeks had mentioned. The following are some of the reading symptoms described:

1. Eyes get tired when reading for just for a few minutes.
2. Florescent lights in the classroom seem to cause a glare and make it hard to focus, much less read and understand what is read.
3. Can’t focus on the line to be read. Eyes are all over the page.
4. My child loses his place all the time when he tries to read.
5. My daughter says that the letters on the page look like they are moving or waving.

With these symptoms described to us more than a few times, we shared information about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and the value of using our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). At the same time, we also provided literature that included tips and strategies to help challenged readers of all ages.

Finally, we thought this might be a good time to provide these parents and teachers as well as our readers here some new resources for symptoms like those listed. The descriptions above could be possible indications of dyslexia. However, dyslexia is a reading challenge for which accommodations are not provided in student IEPs (in most states). In fact, an IEP is not even provided for students with a singular diagnosis of dyslexia (again, in most states). At the same time, dyslexia is a reading challenge that can significantly impact one's self-esteem and overall success in life. As a result, we wanted to provide the following new resources we hope will be helpful to many:

New Resources for Dyslexia and Other Reading Challenges

Teaching Resources (from TES)
(Last updated on April 19, 2013)
Over 600,672 free teaching resources for dyslexia and other learning challenges to use in your classroom and school today. TES Teaching Resources is where teachers share and download free lesson plans, classroom resources, revision guides and curriculum worksheets. Whether you are looking for SEN teaching strategies and approaches, VCOP activities, or secondary classroom activities, you can choose from 1000s of teacher resources, download them for free and adapt them to suit your classroom activities.
http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resources/

Supporting Spelling (from TES)
(Last updated on October 11, 2012)
TES provides a selection of strategies and ideas to help your students improve their spelling. The range of free resources includes lesson plans and worksheets on mnemonics, spelling guides, games and strategies helpful for supporting pupils with dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6258399

Understanding Dyslexia: Infographic---Visual diagram describing dyslexia from the WeAreTeachers Blog (Published April 03, 2013)
http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/04/03/understanding-dyslexia-infographic

Top Tips to Start Supporting Students with Dyslexia (from TES)
This colorful diagram provides teachers and parents with strategies to use immediately with children and teens challenged with dyslexia.
http://pinterest.com/pin/80150068341286459/

OpenDyslexic---A new, open-sourced font created by Abelardo Gonzalez to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from dyslexic users. There are no restrictions on using OpenDyslexic outside of attribution.
http://opendyslexic.org/

Reading with COLOR---What a Difference It Can Make!
(Published March 10, 2013)
http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3537480

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at http://www.focusandread.com/blog

Application: iPhone 4, 4S
Function: Satellite/iPhone communications
Rating:****
Cost: App Free, sleeve $499.00


Wow, there is a new way to stay globally connected with you iPhone 4 or 4S. A new device called the SatSleeve turns an ordinary iPhone into a satellite phone.  The present model fits the iPhone 4 and 4S but the iPhone 5 version is reportably in the works. The Thuraya SatSleeve App only lets you set up and use your satellite phone to make voice calls and text messages at this time.  Thuraya also plans to release a SatSleeve with data capability later this summer.

Features:

• iPhone 4 and 4s compatible
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 12 languages
• Voice Calls
• SMS text
• Battery backup 2400mAh
• Emergency Call button
• Coverage in 140 countries, 2/3 of the earth

Your phone simply inserts into the case and is transformed into a satellite phone.  The app pairs through Bluetooth to connect to the sleeve.  The case contains a satellite antenna and a 2400mAh battery that can also be used to recharge you iPhone.

The sleeve itself has an SOS button that can be programmed to make an emergency call to whoever you want.  The Thuraya network cover 140 countries around the world but you will notice that North and South America are missing from the coverage map.

The app shown at left links with your contacts and allows you to make calls or text your friends. The SatSleeve is easily paired to your phone.  Take the back cover off of the SatSleeve and press the pairing button on the bottom.  On your phone go to the Settings menu and turn Bluetooth "ON". The SatSleeve selection should be shown. Once it automatically pairs to your phone you will not have to pair it again.

For you world travelers this may be the ticket. Total freedom from landlines and spotty cell coverage.  The $499 dollar price tags seems pricey, but compared to a bulky satellite phone costing $600-$1500 it is a nice solution.  A $99.00 per year pre-paid calling plan has rates from 99 cents to $1.49 a minute. It is not cheap but that is the price of world wide service.

I am bummed out that they do not cover the Americas. Must be a licensing issue or something.  I can only hope that it will be offered in our area at sometime in the future.

It has been a busy week at Brennan Innovators after having participated in two educational conferences here in St. Louis. At these two events, we met with so many adults and children who described their symptoms and challenges with dyslexia.

Also during the past seven days, we have had the great privilege of interviewing an experienced and accomplished video game developer whose company is much in the news right now. Joe Booth is the Executive Producer and Creative Director of Vidya Gamer, LLC, a company that takes concepts used in making video games "to re-imagine learning.” Currently, Joe and his company are working diligently on a project that will incorporate the concepts learned in video game development and apply them to an exciting and uniquely interactive e-book for young readers. Joe Booth also is upfront about the fact that he has dyslexia.

Joe’s 25 years’ experience in traditional video game development includes work with major industry franchises such as FIFA, Need for Speed, Ghost Recon, and Rollercoaster Tycoon. Joe has held senior production and creative roles at Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft. While at Microsoft, Joe established Microsoft KODU as the leading game-based learning platform.

More recently, Joe founded Vidya Gamer in order to focus full time on transforming the games and learning space into a meaningful commercial sector. His clients include the Gates Foundation, Achieve3000, the Pearson Foundation and OutThink, Inc.

With all of these impressive achievements, you might be surprised to learn that Joe has dyslexia. As a young student, he struggled significantly with spelling, composing thoughts for writing, and had “bad handwriting.” His teachers attempted to help him with exercises and “remedial” spelling activities that provided no real assistance for Joe. In fact, this contributed to even more confusion about spelling and writing. At about age 11 or 12, Joe began to feel disengaged and started “skipping school.” It didn’t take long for this to become a chronic issue.

At the same time, Joe had always had significant strengths and talents in other areas. Math and science were subjects where he excelled, which is not unusual for individuals with dyslexia. During the summer of that same year, Joe’s parents bought him his first computer, which became the tool that would enable him to fully use his talents and gifts in a very productive way---making computer games. These games were “his thing”, and he began to teach himself how to program in order to create them himself. Amazingly, at age 15, a company offered him a contract to create a computer game for the marketplace.

In his 20s, Joe did not do much reading for leisure. During that time, he re-visited books attempted in his earlier years, such as Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland, and experienced some success. Then he read A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. This novel portrayed a character with dyslexia who used a piece of paper to help him read. Reading Irving's book and identifying with this dyslexic character was a turning point for Joe.

Joe Booth realized after reading this novel that he could use his strengths to solve problems. Even though he had always been challenged with spelling and writing, he could use his problem-solving skills and other talents while cutting and pasting letters and other symbols to write programming code for the creation of exciting video games.

Today, Joe and Vidya Gamer are putting all their efforts into developing an interactive e-book that will help provide more background knowledge for young readers while allowing them to interact with the digital text, creating a story with outcomes they choose. In taking on this project, Joe Booth and his company will be making a major contribution to literacy for young people. This e-book, written in the spirit of Indiana Jones and the Choose Your Own Adventure books, will engage its readers and involve them in the unfolding story.

Currently, they are in the final days of raising funds for this e-book development via Kickstarter.com. To view the video about the e-book efforts or to contribute to this literacy project, just visit http://kck.st/15Q4Mlz. If funds manage to exceed the goal amount for the project, the extra funding will be used to reach the company’s “stretch goals”, which are to create additional versions of the book for different reading levels. A pledge of just $5 will allow a donor to receive a digital copy of this very first e-book from Vidya Gamer on the day of release (estimated delivery---May 2013).

Joe Booth has certainly demonstrated that even with the challenges of dyslexia, it is more than possible to use one’s other strengths and talents to manage some of the dyslexic symptoms and solve problems, especially while promoting and contributing to literacy. He believes the mention to others that one is affected with dyslexia "let's the pressure off" and allows one to be more able to function successfully. He also wants others to know that those with dyslexia are not unintelligent. In fact, many have unique gifts that enable them to compensate for the dyslexic symptoms. Joe's unique talents and gifts will certainly help young readers learn to love reading again. We want to wish all the best of success to Joe and Vidya Gamer, LLC with Codename: A FOR ADVENTURE!

Resources

National STEM Video Game Challenge
http://stemchallenge.org/experts/joe-booth/

Kickstarter Campaign Page---For more info or to make a contribution to the Vidya Gamer e-book project
http://kck.st/15Q4Mlz

Company Website for Vidya Gamer, LLC
vidyagamer.com

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://osxdaily.com/2011/06/04/black-white-ipads-and-iphones/

Focus Strategies for ADHD, Dyslexia & Other Issues

Is your child overwhelmed each time a new written assignment is due? Do you have one or more students in your classroom who can’t seem to finish a math worksheet---or any worksheet, for that matter? Well, perhaps the issue is not a lack of motivation, but in the fact that there is just too much printed text or content for them to process. So, what should you do to help?

This was one of the problems mentioned most often at a very recent educational conference we attended here in St. Louis. Again and again, we offered some simple tips to parents and teachers wanting to help children FOCUS and READ with more success.

This week in our blog article, we thought it might be a good idea to provide just a few of the ideas offered to those at the conference. These tips can make work much more manageable, especially for children and teens with AD/HD or dyslexia who sometimes say, “There’s just too much text!” We hope you’ll find them simple yet helpful for your child or students who need help with focusing and for those times when there is “just too much text.”

Focus and Reading Tips for Too Much Content

1. Fold worksheet into sections so only content needing immediate attention is visible.
-Fold so that only 1 paragraph/question/portion of the worksheet can be viewed at a time.
-With math worksheets, fold paper into fourths (or even eighths) so that only 2 problems (or even 1 problem) can be seen.
-When the content section has been read, question answered, or problem(s) completed, re-fold for the next section or problem(s), etc. until all work in the assignment has been completed.

2. Cut worksheet into meaningful sections.
-Cut worksheet so each cut section contains only 1 paragraph or 1 question.
-Cut math worksheets so each part will contain only 2 problems (or 1, if needed).
-Then, in sequential order, staple all sections together at the upper, right-hand corner.
-As each section is read or completed, tear off that section and set it aside. The student will feel like he is making progress with each “tear-off” and the sense of being overwhelmed will melt.

3. Use simple tools to help break up the content into manageable parts.
-Use a ruler placed below each line of text that is to be read. This will place emphasis on the reading matter needing immediate attention. Move the ruler down the page as each line is read.
-Use a piece of colored paper or cardstock to place under lines of content about to be read, covering all text or problems yet to be given attention. This will provide emphasis on what needs immediate attention.
-Use graph paper to properly align math problems into correct place holder columns.
-Use a customized, cut card or the Reading Focus Cards to isolate 1 or 2 lines of text and block out a significant amount of surrounding text. For some math problems, turn the card 90 degrees to isolate place holder columns, allowing only the one column of numbers needing to be added, etc. at the moment.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.kidslearningstation.com/math/math-help-worksheets.asp

Application: iPhone 3,4,5, iPad, iPod Touch iOS 6.0
Rating: ****

Mark Hayden, the author of the SEAiq series of apps, has been very busy lately. He has not only sailed more than 15,000 miles this past year but also has made many valuable additions to his SEAiq charting app.  I originally reviewed the SEAiq USA app back in April of 2012.

Mark and his growing family arrived back at their boat in Australia with an added crew member this year.  Their son joined them as they spent many months exploring the coasts of Australia and eventually moving on to Southeast Asia.  Concerns about pirates forced them to cross the Indian Ocean and onto South Africa.  The last leg of their trip was from South Africa to Cape Verde where the boat will remain until baby number 2 arrives shortly.  They plan to continue their adventures in the Mediterranean. Congratulations Mark and Dana!

You can follow all of their travels on their Northfork blog.

Mark's many ocean miles have given him a unique perspective on what features are valuable for crossing oceans as well as coastal cruising.  He happens to be an accomplished sailor and a very talented programmer.  This combination has produced one of the best charting apps on the market today.

The latest additions to SEAiq have added more functionality to the already feature rich app that is becoming the Go-To-App by many boating enthusiasts and harbor pilots. The variety of features and the versatility to display just about any type of chart make it a must have app.

Features:

• NOAA ENC Vector
• NOAA Raster charts 
• US Army Corps of Engineers vector chart of inland waterways
• For SEAiq Open formats include, KAP and BSB formats, S-57, S-63, Inland-ENC, CM93, and KAP/BSB plus home-made charts generated from satellite imagery
• Offline use of charts
• Night time color modes
• ActiveCaptain points of interest
• On screen instrument display
• iPad vertical instrument display 
• LAT: Latitude, LON: Longitude, ACC: Horizontal Accuracy of current GPS fix, COG: Course Over Ground, SOG: Speed Over Ground, BTW: Bearing To Waypoint, DTW: Distance To Waypoint,VMG: Vector Made Good
• English and metric units
  
• Import/Export
  
• Detailed Vector chart information
• Waypoints creation and edit
• Route creation and edit
• Tracking
• Smooth chart quilting
• World chart view
• Multi-touch gestures, pan and zoom 
• NMEA WiFi instrument and AIS data
• AIS display
• Weather Grib downloads from the Internet or Saildocs via Sailmail
• Wind, pressure isobars
• Anchor Alarm
• 7 Day evaluation period
• Drag and drop Variable Range Markers
• Drag and drop Electronic Bearing Lines

Mark continues to add many useful features to an already great app. He makes it easy for you to try the app with his Free version. All the features of the app are available for 7 days.  The premium features are colored a light magenta so you know what you get when you purchase the upgrade.

The premium features will no longer be available after the 7 day trial period.  They do allow you to un-install the app and reinstall it for another 7 days if needed.


Chart Types:

SEAiq has a very wide range of charts that can be displayed.  Unlike most charting apps many of the charts can be downloaded and updated for free.  For SEAiq USA and SEAiq Free, both raster and vector charts and updates can be downloaded free from NOAA within the app.  Vector charts for inland waterways published by US Army Corps of Engineers are now available too. The app allows you to switch back and forth between displaying the raster or vector types of charts.  The Raster setting in the settings menu will switch the viewed charts between Vector and Raster.


For the SEAiq OPEN version, you can load charts in the KAP and BSB formats. SEAiq OPEN now supports formats including S-57, S-63, Inland-ENC, CM93, and KAP/BSB.  Many of these can be downloaded from the Internet and imported using the Open In feature. Support also includes home-made charts generated from satellite imagery.  This is useful for areas that do not have good chart coverage. The OPEN version is free to download and with an in app purchase of $19.99 it will upgrade to the premium version with all the features.  No other app allows you to download and use so many different chart types.

Mark provides links to many free S-57 chart sources within the app's help screen. (See below). Help for downloading other types of charts is also explained nicely within the app.

NOAA provides high quality charts of the USA and territorial waters:
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/ENCs

The US Army Corps of Engineers provides charts of some inland waterways in the USA (in both S-57 and Inland ENC formats):
http://www.tec.army.mil/echarts/E_download.html

Numerous charts of inland waterways in Europe. Below are some of the links. Note that these links change from time to time:
Austria: http://www.doris.bmvit.gv.at/fileadmin/group_upload/8/ECDIS_Download/Edition_5.zip
Belgium: http://ris.vlaanderen.be/IENC/
Czech Republic: http://193.86.76.109/lpm/maps_S57.asp?lang=en
Germany: http://www.elwis.de/RIS-Telematik/Inland-ENC-der-WSV/IENC-Dateien/index.php.html
Netherlands: http://www.vaarweginformatie.nl/fdd/main/infra/enc
Romania: http://www.afdj.ro/electronic_map.html
Serbia: http://www.plovput.rs/elektronske-navigacione-karte
South China Sea (requires registration): http://scsenc.eahc.asia

Status Bar:

Another new addition to the app is the Vertical Status Bar.  This is available for iPad versions when in landscape mode.  When you rotate the app into landscape mode the status bar will move from the top of the display to the side of the display.   The data is now organized into more logical groups for display.  The GPS position and senor data is separated and shown on top.  The SOG and COG readings are displayed using a bigger font which makes them stand out and easier to read.

Context-sensitive information is also displayed when certain features are turned on so you only see the data when it is useful to you.  When the anchor alarm in enabled, the information about relative position of the anchor is displayed. When AIS is being used, information for the most recently selected target is displayed.

VRL/EBL:

Variable Range Markers and Electronic Bearing Lines are some new tools added for measuring distance and bearing.  These can be added to you chart by simply double tapping at any point and making a selection.  The VRM tool allows you to specify a distance around your present location or a point. A circle is then displayed at that radius.

EBL can be made from any point on your chart to another point or location.  It will display the bearing and distance between the two points.  This feature is nice to quickly find distance and bearing from your own-ship or even to an AIS target. These can be dragged and dropped onto or off of a vessel.

Weather:

One of the latest additions to SEAiq is the weather data including Wind, Pressure/Isobar data.  It has the ability to download this data automatically from the National Weather Service. An Internet connection is required. This latest release adds the pressure/isobar lines.  The weather data can also be downloaded manually while underway via SailMail/SailDocs using your SSB.  Additional weather data is planned for future releases.  The settings menu in the Weather sections lets you control what data you want to see and how it is downloaded.

SEAiq continues to add many functional and desired features for mariners.  The app has matured over the past year to become a full featured marine charting app. The latest features including Active  Captain POI, additional chart types, import/export, weather, instrument data, EBL, VRM, AIS, anchor alarm, and NMEA WiFi capability make it a must have for you iPad.   

~~~ Sail On ~~~ /)
Mark