AuGrDe Featured in iPhone News Story

I was one of the developers quoted in this article on in-app purchases being made available in free apps. Give it a read when you get a chance!

AuGrDe Launches Its First iPhone Game: Word 2 Word

Test Your Brain and Your Vocabulary with This Fun and Easy to Use Word Puzzle Game

OAK PARK, ILL. (Oct. 17, 2009) -- Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) is proud to announce the release of the firm's first iPhone/iPod Touch game. Word 2 Word (link to iTunes page) is a fresh new take on word ladders: Your goal is to transform one word into another, making new words along the way, by changing just one letter at a time.

"I wanted to create a game simple enough for kids to pick up and play, yet challenging and addictive enough for adults to complete 100 percent," said Nelson Taruc, developer of Word 2 Word. "I'm giving this app away for free so that as many people as possible can have a chance to try it out for themselves. I hope they enjoy playing it as much as I do."

Now available for FREE at the iPhone App Store, this single-player game is ad-supported; however, the ads do not impede the gameplay in any way.

Key Word 2 Word features include:
* Free to download (ad supported)
* Three difficulty levels
* Solve puzzles to unlock new ones (50 puzzles total)
* Easy to use interface (all gameplay can be accomplished using just one hand)

"This is just the start of the Word 2 Word experience," Taruc added. "We have more gameplay improvements and extra features to introduce in the months to come."

Word 2 Word is compatible with any iPhone or iPod touch with operating system version 2.2.1 and has been fully tested on the 3.0 operating system as well.

About Automated Graphic Design
Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) is a print, internet and multimedia graphic design and programming firm in Oak Park, Ill. AuGrDe leverages its combined journalism, editing, computer programming and IT tech support experience to provide a complete and unparalleled package for its clients' graphic design and computer programming needs.

In addition to its graphic design services, AuGrDe is a full-fledged developer of retail and custom-coded applications for the iPhone, Mac OS X and internet.

To learn more about us, visit augrde.com or augrde.blogspot.com for the latest news on our endeavors.

NOTE: Screen shots of Word 2 Word are available to journalists, media outlets and app reviewers upon request.

CONTACT
Nelson Taruc, 708-383-4235
augrde@gmail.com

MPA10 Now DOA10

I regret to announce that NFL PLAYERS has forced us to remove MPA10 from the App Store. Obviously, this action prevents us from completing our planned v1.0.2 update.

We may have additional comment on this matter in the near future.

We thank everyone who supported and positively reviewed our app while it was available.

Quick MPA10 Update

Everyone, thanks for the overwhelming positive feedback and launch support for MPA10, not from just the Madden community but the iPhone community as well.

To answer a common question, yes we have submitted an app for Apple's approval with updated roster changes including Vick, Favre and more corrections/fixes.

Given the App Store approval process, it may be difficult to keep up with EA Sports' weekly roster changes, but we plan another season update as the preseason unfolds. Stay tuned.

If you're a Madden fan site and want a free promo code to review the app, email me at augrde at gmail dot com.

MPA10 Now in the App Store!

Unofficial Madden Player Analyzer 10 (MPA10) delivers a revolutionary new way to analyze complete statistics for nearly 2,000 football players found in the Madden NFL 10 video game

CHICAGO -- (Aug. 10, 2009) -- Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) has announced its third iPhone/iPod Touch application: Unofficial Madden Player Analyzer 10 (MPA10). It is now available for only $0.99 in Apple's App Store. It can run on any iPhone or iPod touch running the 2.2.1 or 3.0 OS. (view app in iTunes)

MPA10 is the first video-game utility app of its kind, delivering a powerful array of player stat analysis tools at your fingertips: Compare stats from 2009 vs. 2010, compare any two players, get team stat data, and much more!

"I'm a big football fan, and one of the things that's always intrigued me about computer football games in general is how player stats measure up to real life, especially when comparing stats from one season to the next," said Nelson Taruc, developer of MPA10. "While a lot of web sites merely list such stats in a chart or spreadsheet, MPA10 takes that data to a whole new level."

"When the Madden game developers announced that they were rebalancing player stats for 2010 to boost realism, I needed a simple way to find what changes they actually made. MPA10 does this quickly and easily," Taruc added. "In fact, most of the functions in MPA10 have never been available in Madden itself, so I see this is a must-own utility for every die-hard football video gamer. It's the perfect way to scout team talent and learn more about your favorite players without having to fire up your console."

MPA10 is an unofficial game utility that is not endorsed, sponsored, authorized, or otherwise affiliated with EA Sports, the NFL, the NFLPA or any NFL players or teams.

Key features include:
* Total Stat Breakdown: Nearly complete 2010 next-gen console stats for every pro football player, including free agents. Forty-eight stats (from ACC to ZCV) are easily viewed with a simple flick of your finger! Also includes new stats for 2010 (SAC, MAC, DAC, PAC and RUN).
* Powerful Comparison: Compare all 2009 stats to 2010 stats from Madden NFL 09 for virtually all non-rookies!
* Track Changes: This is a big deal because the Madden development team has made significant changes to key stats to rebalance gameplay for 2010. Who's still strong? Who's lost a step or two since last season? Find out how your favorite players have been affected.
* Measure Strength: Compare a player's 2010 stats to the averages for his position. Find out exactly how much his stats are above (or below) average, and uncover every player's strengths or weaknesses. See exactly how well your favorite players stack up.
* Compare Utility: Analyze any two players head-to-head with a special Compare utility that breaks down their 2009 and 2010 stats on a single screen.
* NCAA 09 vs. Madden 10 Rookie Stats: Compare all 2010 stats to 2009 stats from NCAA Football 09 for more than 170 prominent rookies -- including nearly all the first- and second-round picks from this year's NFL Draft! Now you can see how your favorite college superstars' stats translate to the pros.
* Find Players Quickly and Easily: Players are sorted by last name, team and position; you can also find the highest OVR-ranked players by team or position.

About Automated Graphic Design
Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) is a print, internet and multimedia graphic design and programming firm in Oak Park, Ill. AuGrDe leverages its combined journalism, editing, computer programming and IT tech support experience to provide a complete and unparalleled package for our clients' graphic design and computer programming needs.

In addition to its graphic design services, AuGrDe is a full-fledged developer of retail and custom-coded applications for the iPhone, Mac OS X and web.

To learn more about us, visit augrde.com or augrde.blogspot.com for the latest news on our endeavors. We also have a FAQ for MPA10 that we'll be updating in the weeks ahead as questions and comments roll in.

NOTE: Screen shots of MPA10 are available to journalists, media outlets and app reviewers upon request. Promotional/review copies are also available upon request as soon as the app is available in the App Store.

CONTACT
Nelson Taruc, 708-383-4235
augrde@gmail.com

The MPA10 FAQ

We'll be using this post to answer your questions about our coming iPhone app, Unofficial Madden Player Analyzer 10 (MPA10). Got a question? Want some tips about how to use the app? Want to report a bug or suggest an improvement? Send us an email at augrde at gmail dot com or just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

Thanks to everyone who's spread the word or took the time to pick up and try the app. If you like it, please give it a nice review. Thanks again!

FAQ LAST UPDATED ON AUG. 16, 2009

1. What are the 48 stats shown for each player?

OVR, SPD, ACC, STR, AGI, AWR, CTH, CAR, THP, THA, KPW, KAC, RBK, PBK, TAK, JMP, RET, INJ, STA, TRK, ELU, BCV, SFA, SPM, JKM, IBL, RBS, RBF, PBS, PBF, PMV, FMV, BSH, PUR, PRC, MCV, ZCV, SPC, CIT, RTE, POW, PRS, RLS -- and new for 2010, SAC, MAC, DAC, PAC, RUN. If you're a hardcore Madden player, you'll know most of these acronyms off the top of your head -- but if you don't, just click on a stat when viewing a "Chosen Player" and you'll get more details on what each acronym means.

You'll note that a few stat categories are not included. That's because to accommodate the comparison between NCAA 09 and Madden 10 stats for rookies, I decided to show only the stat categories that were fully shared between the two games (the only exception being the stats new for 2010, since I figured that would be important to you).

2. Why are some player stats missing?

First off, there definitely shouldn't be any missing 2010 stat data. Obviously, there won't be any 2009 data for the new stat categories (SAC, MAC, DAC, PAC, RUN). However, a few players have missing 2009 data, and most if not all of those are rookies that we couldn't find NCAA 09 data for, or they weren't in Madden 09.

3. Help! It takes too long to scroll through the names!

What did you expect with nearly 2,000 players? Seriously, there are a few tips that can speed things up. First off, you can always browse by position or team; those categories are sorted by OVR from highest to lowest. Second, the "Name" screen has a "A-Z" index on the right side. Just tap and drag through that index to quickly jump from one letter to the next.

4. Is there a way to compare more than two players?

It's possible to compare three players side by side with a little ingenuity. Each of the first three tabs -- Name, Position and Team -- can "remember" a chosen player. So if I wanted to look at the Manning boys and compare them to Tom Brady, here's how I'd do it. I'd use the "Name" tab to choose Peyton; I'd use the "Position" tab to look up Eli under the "QB" list; and I'd use the "Team" tab to look up Tom under the "Patriots" list.

Once the data for all three players is loaded, you can just tap between the tabs to look at each player, then scroll down the stats to find what you're trying to compare (for instance, Brady is the best tackler out of the three with a TAK of 33).

5. Why compare a rookie's NCAA 09 stats to Madden 10?
Well, it's definitely apples and oranges, but I think it reflects the general feeling that the NFL is filled with "college superstars" -- so when a rookie reaches the NFL, he becomes "average" once again. But no one's bothered trying to quantify how EA handles that stat conversion; MPA10 is the first to shed some light on how these stats actually get converted.

6. Hey, I see a mistake in your stats!
If you see a mistake in the stats, hit me up by email. We'll continue to update and improve the app as needed during the season.

7. When I'm in the Team or Position view, why can I scroll to a different team or position list?

Honestly, this was a bug we turned into a feature. Originally the lists were limited, but we found ourselves constantly going back and forth from list to list, which was cumbersome. So, if you want to browse through players sorted by Team or Position, we wanted to give you that option.

8. How does the Compare Player feature work?

When you're looking at a specific player, look for a button in the upper right. That will let you choose whether to put the player on the left slot or right slot of the Compare Player screen. So to compare any two players, find the first player and put him in the left slot, then find the second player and put him in the right slot.

Country Music Chicago iPhone App Launches in the App Store

AuGrDe Teams Up With Chicago's Top Independent Country Music Web Site to Create Groundbreaking News and Music App

CHICAGO -- (June 26, 2009) -- Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) has released its second iPhone/iPod Touch application titled Country Music Chicago, now available in the App Store:. This application was developed exclusively with CountryMusicChicago.com, the city's premier online source for the latest country music news, reviews, concert information and local artists.

The Country Music Chicago application is the first free app of its kind in the Apple App Store for delivering country music news to iPhone and iPod Touch users. The application is fully integrated with CountryMusicChicago.com, allowing users to quickly access up-to-the-minute information on Chicago’s vibrant country music scene. In addition, users can listen to new music and CMC podcasts -- both of which are accessible at the touch of a fingertip.

"We’re ecstatic to be on the cutting edge of news and information," said Scott Winterroth, CountryMusicChicago.com Editor. “While our main focus is to promote our local country music scene, we feel all country music fans can, in many ways, benefit from this app. Best of all, we are providing it to users free of charge.”

Now available for free download at the iPhone App Store, Country Music Chicago is compatible with any iPhone or iPod Touch with operating system version 2.2.1 or 3.0.

Country Music Chicago features*:

• Regional and local country music news and information
• Listen to new music as well as CMC's "Word on the Street" podcasts
• Convenient access to CMC's Twitter Feed ("The Buzz")
• Concert alerts, as well as a link to the CMC event calendar and ticket information
• Special focus on Chicago-area artists and the local music scene
• Read music reviews and purchase suggested music through the Mobile iTunes Store
• Connect with other CMC fans via links to Facebook, MySpace and Meetup.com
• Email CMC Staff straight from the app
*Note: Many features require a 3G or Wi-Fi internet connection

Additional information on Country Music Chicago and this application are available on CountryMusicChicago.com.

About Automated Graphic Design
Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) is a print, internet and multimedia graphic design and programming firm in Oak Park, Ill. AuGrDe leverages its combined journalism, editing, computer programming and IT tech support experience to provide a complete and unparalleled package for our clients' graphic design and computer programming needs.

In addition to its graphic design services, AuGrDe is a full-fledged developer of retail and custom-coded applications for the iPhone, Mac OS X and web (Javascript).

To learn more about us, visit augrde.com or augrde.blogspot.com for the latest news on our endeavors.

About Country Music Chicago
Country Music Chicago and CountryMusicChicago.com were created to support the musical arts, deliver country music news, promote country music related events and artists, support the local country music scene and help Chicago become the premier country music destination outside the City of Nashville. Country Music Chicago works closely with event venues, promoters, artists and fans to provide a comprehensive one-stop resource for all things country music in Chicago. Created by a fan for fans, Country Music Chicago not only provides the highest quality nationwide country music news coverage, it reports local country music news directly from Chicago's vibrant music scene.

CONTACT
Nelson Taruc, 708-383-4235
augrde@gmail.com

Toast 2 Toast Review on AppCraver

We just randomly found this review of Toast 2 Toast on AppCraver (7/10). We appreciate the constructive criticism, and rest assured, we plan to address all the feedback we've received from users very very soon...

Now in the App Store: Toast 2 Toast

Don't start off your night on the town or special occasion with a lame toast: Find the perfect toast for any occasion with Toast 2 Toast!

For more info, read the press release or click the iTunes link (Toast 2 Toast).

If you have a support issue regarding Toast 2 Toast, please leave a comment in this thread or send an email to augrde at gmail dot com.

AuGrDe Launches Its First iPhone Application: Toast 2 Toast

Find the Perfect Drinking Toast with This Fun and Easy to Use App

OAK PARK, ILL. (April 11, 2009) -- Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) is proud to announce the release of the firm's first iPhone/iPod Touch application. Toast 2 Toast is the most comprehensive toasting assistant available on the iPhone and iPod Touch, with nearly 250 of the world's finest toasts.

"When you're out drinking with friends or celebrating a special occasion, making a toast is one of those moments that can really 'break the ice' to get people in the right mood to enjoy themselves and have fun," said Nelson Taruc, developer of Toast 2 Toast. "Unfortunately, for many people -- myself included -- it's hard to come up with that perfect witty toast off the top of your head. So that was the inspiration for Toast 2 Toast: A fun app that'll help you find the perfect toast quickly and easily."

Now available for $0.99 at the iPhone App Store, Toast 2 Toast lets you find the perfect toast in a unique fashion: Toasts are organized by moods, so all you need to do is figure out what kind of mood you're in, and we'll pick out the most appropriate toasts for you!

Other Toast 2 Toast features include:
* Exclusive new original toasts written by the developers
* Many moods to choose from: Bitter, Cultural, Festive, Funny, Girly, Inspired, Happy, Manly or Thirsty
* Special categories just for men and women
* Includes toasts for special occasions, weddings and holidays
* Provides proper pronunciations for toasts in foreign languages
* Find hidden "Toasting Tips" along the way
* Discover new toasts just by shaking your iPhone or iPod Touch

"If you're someone who appreciates the 'art of the toast,' you'll love how we've assembled a wide range of toasts -- nearly 250 in all -- in one app that's easy to use." Taruc added. "You can skim through it during your free time to learn new toasts, or you can fire up the app just before making an impromptu toast. Toast 2 Toast will definitely help make generic toasts such as 'Cheers!' and 'Bottoms up!' relics of the past."

Compatible with any iPhone or iPod touch with operating system version 2.2.1, Toast 2 Toast was designed and developed by AuGrDe in cooperation with Kaizen Media Group of Bolingbrook, Ill.

About Automated Graphic Design
Automated Graphic Design (AuGrDe) is a print, internet and multimedia graphic design and programming firm in Oak Park, Ill. AuGrDe leverages its combined journalism, editing, computer programming and IT tech support experience to provide a complete and unparalleled package for our clients' graphic design and computer programming needs.

In addition to its graphic design services, AuGrDe is a full-fledged developer of retail and custom-coded applications for the iPhone, Mac OS X and web (Javascript).

To learn more about us, visit augrde.com or augrde.blogspot.com for the latest news on our endeavors.

NOTE: Review copies and screen shots of Toast 2 Toast are available to journalists, media outlets and app reviewers upon request.

CONTACT
Nelson Taruc, 708-383-4235
augrde@gmail.com

Portfolio

We'll be posting additional work samples soon. In the meantime...

AuGrDe's Graphic Design Portfolio (Overview)

AuGrDe's iPhone App Portfolio