iClone v1.3.0 review

The latest version of iClone is available. At the time of writing, iClone is the only app that utilizes full API in a comprehensive, albeit slightly slow, flow. Core functionality remains much the same from the previous versions, however, the map is the perhaps the defining feature of this update. It's fair to say that this update isn't a mere face-lift, as I'll note my impressions below.

The front page has changed for the better, and the refresh button has been placed adequately near the bottom. No more rummaging into menus to hit that. It took me 1 minute 50 seconds for the update to complete after manually executing refresh under the following conditions: a) home WiFi network, b) one account, full API, c) character had access to corp wallet. Not bad considering the massive amounts of data it is updating since the user has room to access other functions while the app continues to feed new information.

The crown jewel of iClone v1.3.0 is no doubt the map. I am quite sure every EVE player who owns an iPhone or iPod will appreciate this huge upgrade. I find myself exploring the grand universe when I'm offline, imagining where I'll be in the near future. Furthermore it eliminates the frustration one faces when trying to use dotlan EVE maps on the tiny safari browser.

Station services are displayed when a system is selected. Follow the arrow to see even more information about the system.

Some of you might notice that v1.3.0 has asteroid belts and ice belts mixed up. The developer seems aware of this. Having the statistics available is also a plus. As you can see on the screenshot, I'm carebearing in high sec so we don't see much PvP in this sector.

I haven't tested the item database extensively enough to comment on improvements at this point. Few items were prone to crash the app in the past, which the developer claims is now fixed. The database itself is cleaned up so I'm adding another point to that. Descriptions still need to be taken care of, such as 'br' tags showing up, on Dominix Navy Issue. Please help the developer by posting your findings on his forum or twitter. 

The assets menu is not displaying modules correctly. Even though I've placed most of my items in Station Containers, they are shown in multiple tabs, which is hard to keep track of. I am confident this will be addressed in the next version.

Overall, this is a powerful application to have in one's pocket for any avid EVE fan. The size has been slightly increased to 253.1MB. Stability has improved as I have not experienced any shutdowns. I would like for the character sheet UI to get a revamp as I still find Capsuleer to be more appealing to check on my skills queue.

EVE Online apps for iPhone

EVE Online apps utilize API(Application Programming Interface) to fetch account data and displays them to the end user. The two apps below are similar to EVEMon, but what they offer slightly varies and both have their merits and limits.

1. Capsuleer: Extremely light, stable, responsive.

It would be fair to compare Capsuleer to a compact frigate. The size of this app is only 1.6MB but it is a beauty.

The app features a feed reader that has CCP news and various players' blogs in one big pack. Very nice. I only wish the settings would be more flexible to suit individual tastes such as background and font colors for the feed reader, ability to manually add new feeds, and access to comments. No landscape mode either. :(

Militia and People&Places seem to be unavailable at this time.

Capsuleer stays true to EVE Online's native interface. This really eliminates the need for EVEMon when you're outside.

One thing I've noticed is that 'time to level' does not properly apply the attributes perks. API relays the correct time for the skill level that's being trained immediately, but the next level is the base time which can't be good reference. Hope the devs add more functions because I see seven empty slots which must have been preconceived but not yet realized.

You should get Capsuleer if you haven't installed it already.



2. iClone: Bulky, prone to crash, could have done more with UI.

iClone is a beast in its own right, or a Capital vessel if you will. It takes up almost 244MB in your iPhone and when allowed full access to unlimited API, it will display your assets, orders, and what not. The app will ask you if you'd prefer to update data automatically or manually. Take my advice and choose manual. You have been warned.

iClone keeps the screen simple and intuitive. Can't help but stare at Capsuleer's better job on this department.

iClone packs a lot of data. Apparently it has the entire item data base with the respective information tabs, but it could still use some tinkering here and there such as the screen above. I also hope that the developer continues to add icons to the interface as well. Certain items are not viewable because the app crashes down on you when you touch it. I've tested it several times and the problem seems persistent. Small disappointments to an otherwise versatile app.

Aspiring industrialists will benefit most from this app. iClone will put your patience to test but it should be worth the troubles.

I am indeed aware that there is at least one other app out there, but I decided not to download it since the two above do more than enough for my needs. Personally, I think Blizzard Entertainment is an example to follow with what they did with WoW Armory. It isn't open source, but hey no one's perfect.