Blog | Octa

Wherefore art thou iPad?: Studying Shakespeare with Apps

October 7, 2013

If there’s any storyteller whose works are recreated again and again, it’s William Shakespeare. Each year there are films born out of his plays. While some are retold in another time period or loosely based on a particular Shakespearean arc, many, like this month’s upcoming Romeo and Juliet adaptation, use his famous rhymes. Though the tragic teen lovebirds’ tale is arguably the most popular of the Bard’s works, each has something magnificent to offer. In honor of the latest interpretation, here are some of the best apps for enjoying and understanding Shakespeare’s masterpieces from a variety of angles using your iPad.

SwipeSpeare from BookCaps – iPad App (Free)

Sometimes it’s difficult for a Shakespeare novice to fully grasp his meaning… you have to learn the lingo first. Luckily, there’s SwipeSpeare, the app that does it exactly what its name implies. Take a look at a passage of Shakespeare, then simply swipe to see a modernized translation. Swipe again and it will change back! That’s not all, though. SwipeSpeare also includes a free, searchable Shakespeare dictionary, biography, a Swipeable copy of Romeo and Juliet, original and modernized versions of the major Shakespeare plays, as well as accompanying study guides and lesson plans.

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by Rachel Heine in Culture, Tips

25 of the Coolest iPad Stands

September 29, 2013

The Blog of Francesco Mugnai has compiled a list of the best and most versatile iPad stands on the market. Among them is the TabletTail: Monkey Kit. Read the rest of the article below.

25 of the Coolest and Most Versatile Stands for Your New iPad

by Alison Reynolds in Media Mentions

Interview with Octa COO Nikki Braziel for Denver Startup Week

September 25, 2013

Confluence Denver interviewed Octa’s Co-founder and COO, Nikki Braziel, as part of Denver Startup Week. They discuss company news, favorite spots in Denver, and what it’s like being part of the startup community in the Mile High City. Read the full article here:

Denver Startup Week Q&A: Nikki Braziel, Octa

by Alison Reynolds in Media Mentions

Useful iPad Apps For Managing and Understanding Breast Cancer

September 23, 2013

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As many of you may already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). NBCAM is an annual health campaign that was founded in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries to promote breast cancer awareness. NBCAM is now an international campaign that includes hundreds of breast cancer charities and awareness groups. NBCAM promotes mammography and other methods of breast cancer detection, provides support for those affected by the disease, and raises funds for research into breast cancer’s cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Breast cancer affects millions of people every single day. Luckily there are many new sources of information, support, and treatment available. Between iOs and Android, there are many podcasts on the subject on iTunes, apps to help patients and family members understand diagnoses, health reminders, and of course, organizations for the cause.

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by Rachel Heine in Tips

iOS Connectivity Apps for the Elderly

September 9, 2013

Helping the Elderly Stay in Touch

In our bustling age of modern technology, we often forget that there are users out there who are not as familiar with the ins and outs of iPads, iPhones, apps, accessories, and other fun gadgets. Some grandparents are well-versed in Apple speak, but many still need a little bit of help. Despite the generation gap, more and more senior citizens are finding ways to keep in touch with their family and friends with their smart devices. If your grandparents have an iPad or tablet, here’s how to help them stay connected with the best apps for the elderly. (more…)

by Rachel Heine in Tech, Octa, Culture, Tips

iPad on the Tennis Court

August 22, 2013

String up for the last tennis event of the season, the one we’ve all been waiting for: the US Open. As your favorite reigning champs prepare to defend their titles and dominate the courts, we rounded up some of the very best in tennis apps for your iPhone or iPad. From keeping score of your stats to streaming the games live, here are our top players available in the app store today.

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by Rachel Heine in Culture

iPad Stand for Desk

August 8, 2013

Karen Freeman of Macworld reviewed some of the most effective iPad stands for desks. Octa’s MonkeyTail is included on her shortlist. After experimenting different positions, she found the MonkeyTail works especially well in-between couch cushions.

Review: Eight iPad Stands for the Desk or Floor

by Alison Reynolds in Media Mentions

Remembering Steve Jobs

August 8, 2013

Steve Jobs was a visionary. Known by many as the “Father of the Digital Revolution”, Jobs created consumer technology again and again, year after year. In fact, he continues to influence well beyond his untimely passing in 2011. As the co-founder of Apple, Jobs oversaw the birth of the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad, App Store and everything in between. Everything you use on your smart phone, all of the music and movies and content you access directly on your computer or devices, is thanks to the charismatic brilliance of Steve Jobs. He literally changed the world forever.

It has only been two years since Steve Jobs passed away, but his work left an indelible mark on society. This month, Open Road Pictures is releasing their version of Steve Jobs’ life story with Jobs, a biopic starring Ashton Kutcher. The film will no doubt explore Jobs’ illustrious career, from the founding of Apple, to his revolutionary return to the company and its worldwide success over the past thirty years.

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by Rachel Heine in Tech, Culture, Evolution

Tee Up For The PGA Championships With These iOS Golfing Apps

July 30, 2013

This year, the PGA Championships are all about fan interaction. The Professional Golfers Association of America lets you, the fans, vote to choose the 15th hole. Whether you’re simply a fan of golf, an avid watcher, or a player yourself, you can learn more about the sport, perfect your game and follow along with the Championships with the use of your various smart devices. You can get even more involved in this season’s final major with your iPad, tablet or smartphone, and these must-have golfing apps.

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by Rachel Heine in Culture

Wolverine on Your iPad

July 25, 2013

The Wolverine is slashing his way into theaters this weekend. The latest installment in the X-Men franchise, starring Hugh Jackman as the reclusive Logan, follows the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. Dive into the story, brush up on your mutant history and surround yourself with all things Hugh. Sit back with your iPad to enjoy the full Wolverine experience.

X-Men Quadrilogy ($24.99)

Catch yourself up on the story by downloading the X-Men Quadrilogy directly to your iPad. (it’s like a trilogy on adamantium!) The bundle of four HD movies includes X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Save $15 for buying them all together.

X-Men Quadrilogy

Marvel Comics • iPad app (Free)

Go back even further and learn the origins of Wolverine and his fellow X-Men with the Marvel Comics app. Download the app, settle down with your WhaleTail iPad stand and dive into some serious Wolverine history. The app is free, and you can download specific comics within the app for $1.99 – $8.99. A few comics are also free. Read the originals and the spin-offs including Astonishing X-Men, Generation X, New Mutants and more.

Marvel Comics

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by Alison Reynolds in Culture