Since I’ve had my iPod Touch for a few days I’ve been experimenting with a number of interesting apps. I’m going to be reviewing a few apps here on ArsGeek from time to time so you’ll have a better idea about spending your $0.99 on them.
First up is Koi Pond developed by The Blimp Pilots. The premise behind this app is simple really, it’s a virtual koi pond that resides on your iPhonepod. From the App Store:
Imagine gazing into a pond of crystal clear water. Picture bright, playful koi swimming through its shallow depths. So close. . . . Can you touch them?
You run your fingers across the cool surface of the pond. Water ripples away from your touch. The koi, disturbed, dart away. Only to quickly forget and swim close to you once more. . . .
Now imagine all this on your iPhone or iPod touch!
Koi Pond is really very lovely to look at. The water is done wonderfully, reacts well to touch and has nice splooshy sound effects. Even the plants react when brushed with your finger. The fish act naturally and will dart around your screen if disturbed, as advertised. As you can see from the screen shots, everything is proportional and really shines on your screen.
There are several settings you can control, such as the hue of the water, the number of fish and number of plants.
The upswing is, it’s really a relaxing app to gaze at. I’ve gotten in the habit of leaving it on and sitting next to me on my desk while I work for the relaxing visual. This app shows off what the iPhonepod is capable of graphically.
There are just a few suggestions I’d make for the next version. It would be nice if it wouldn’t allow the 
iPhonepod to autolock while it’s running. To keep it going next to me, I have to turn autolocking off – not a huge deal but I’ve often forgotten to turn it back on again at the end of the day. Or better yet, a timer function.
A few more effects in a newer version would also be great! Rain, wind blowing gently over the water, the ability to feed the fish. None of these effects are necessary though to make this a worth while app.
Koi Pond was released July 30th, and has found itself #1 at the App Store in a relatively short amount of time and with good reason. It’s pleasing to the eye and I’ve already gotten a number of comments on it from other folks just wandering by. If you’re looking for a beautiful way to show off your device and a great way for a little relaxing visual, go spend your buck on this rather than a candy bar and enjoy.
Technorati Tags: ipod, iphone, touch, koi pond, the blimp pilots, review, software, app store, apple
Popularity: 9% [?]
August 9th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I love this concept but want something similar for a screen saver on my hard drive. I remember back in the late 90′s there was a feed the fish program and there were points given for feeding the fish on time i.e. a new plant appeared. Is there anything U know of that I can purchase on line that is a reliable non-virus source? Also, I have the original I-phone. I’m assuming all of these recent new gizmo’s are only for the newer i-phone. Am I correct.
Thank U for you time
Sincerely
Rhonda
August 9th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Rhonda,
I’m not sure about a fish feeding program for your computer. But with the old (i.e. not a 3G) iPhone, you can still access all of these apps. You just have to plug it into your computer and purchase (through iTunes) the $9.99 iPhone 2.0 upgrade software.
Ben
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Ben,
There was no paid upgrade for iphone users…. it was free to move up to the 2.0 software. It was iPod-Touch users that were required to pay for an upgrade, but because of the revenue model that apple has, there was no need for iPhone users to pay for the upgrade, it was given out free.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Hi Rhonda,
I think the program you are referring to is Mopy. A version was bundled with some HP software and you got points for printing pages. How very green.
Of course the trick was to print to a paused printer, get the points and then clear the print jobs.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I have to admit this little iphone application surprised me. It’s also pretty awesome for kids, they get a real kick out of it.
April 29th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
This app really gets you in the mood to just chill, nice review by the way, keep up the good work!
June 4th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I want this application on my symbian phone v5,
can help anybody me with it?
Regards, Mathieu
June 15th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
actually, you can feed the fish, just shake your iphone and food will appear in the water. Great review!
August 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Really cool, if you ever need advice on how to keep the koi pond green free I use the advice on this site: Garden Pond Supplies
October 16th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Saw this app on a friend’s iphone and loved it. Wish I could have it on my Windows mobile 6.5 phone
December 12th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Wow – isn’t technology great? That thing looks awesome!
March 15th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Thank you for posting this.
April 1st, 2010 at 10:02 am
We’ve long been making use of the rtx dualphone 3088 for quite some time now and I have to proclaim it is really a genuinely major piece of kit. see … this page
May 8th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I want this application on my symbian phone v5,
can help anybody me with it? Thank you for posting this.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I’m not sure about a fish feeding program for your computer. But with the old (i.e. not a 3G) iPhone, you can still access all of these apps. Just wanna say thank you for the information that you have been shared on your site. Simple but very informative. Hoping that you could give more other information about this.
June 26th, 2010 at 5:55 am
I want this application on my symbian phone v5,
can help anybody me with it? Thank you for posting this.
August 6th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Koi pond looks really one of awesome iPhone application.I think such applications are really important to install.
October 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 am
This application is very nice. I can save anything in it. Earlier it was little difficult to do this. I like this a lot. It made the use of iPod very easy now. Love to do so. Thanks a lot.
October 4th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I will bookmark your blog and have my friends check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else .Thanks for sharing this information. Know more about third party insurance.
October 23rd, 2010 at 12:26 am
WOW!Its really awesome application I love to use this awesome application.Thanks for sharing.
web bot
October 31st, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I downloaded this app for my ipod touch. It is so relaxing and its just as if your in a real Koi pond. Very serene look that really calmed me down from my ocd anxiety.
December 5th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
The definition of unemployment rate is – the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work.
December 6th, 2010 at 4:51 am
Yeah this is right the touch system also make some errors while I use my Ipod
December 9th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Rhonda, I’m not sure about a program of feeding the fish for his team. But with age (ie, 3G) iPhone, you can still access all of these applications. Just plug into your computer and purchase (through iTunes) the $ 9.99 iPhone 2.0 software update. Ben Either you run the day or the day runs you.
January 19th, 2011 at 4:20 am
Thank you for sharing!
Short list of pros and cons about the iPod touch
Pros:
-Slick,small and light device
-Great touch screen
-The BEST web browser on a portable device
-Amazing video/music playback
-App Store (Too many cool applications for Free)
-Display screen is clear and bright
-No bugs and annoying stuff a very reliable hardware
-64GB Flash based mp3 player
March 12th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Ben, There was no paid upgrade for iphone users… it was free to move up to the 2.0 software. It was iPod-Touch users that were required to pay for an upgrade, but because of the revenue model that apple has, there was no need for iPhone users to pay for the upgrade, it was given out free. I couldn’t have said it better myself. My friend and I were discussing this very same subject the other night.
March 28th, 2011 at 8:25 am
I have to admit that this application for the iPhone recently surprised me. It is also quite impressive for the children, who receive a real lack of it. He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.
April 4th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
I’ve have this application as well it’s really relaxing looking at them.
April 14th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Powdery bottom, not just painted onto the face so simple, and powdery bottom of contact.
May 31st, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Very cool app! I just got an iPad, so I’ll have to download this.
June 6th, 2011 at 6:09 am
I have to admit that this application for the iPhone recently surprised me. It is also quite impressive for the children, who receive a real lack of it. He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying
June 13th, 2011 at 2:57 am
I listen for you advice so I spend some buck on this rather than a candy bar and I must say I enjoy. Thanks!
July 11th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
I also spend some buck(euros) and I must say that I enjoy a lot!!!
October 25th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing for your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more soon!
October 27th, 2011 at 5:11 am
Marc Jacobs’s mark (Marc by Marc Jacobs) relative to the main Marc Jacobs (Marc Jacobs) appear more flattering, not only material is big hot flash is light and soft skin or the cotton cloth.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:49 am
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
December 8th, 2011 at 1:57 am
From the royal wedding wedding guests, design in many elements of the palace style, so of course bags series with luxuriant new face to come.
December 23rd, 2011 at 2:47 am
Black fur on edge decorative FanMao gray bag bag as the dot eyeball, grey and black colour collocation to visual soft cheerful.
December 26th, 2011 at 4:17 am
each pair of shoes dress up profusion is dazzing, and pink, mustard yellow, bright and tonal bold use, more ladies bring distinctive personality beauty, show a female jump to their side.
December 26th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
comfortable texture and mix the look is her favorite style. The girl next door of pure and fresh makeup look and change hair style is also audience adored!
December 29th, 2011 at 2:17 am
Today make up BianJiu tell one, what kind of travel pack will make you a beautiful scene. Hurry to pack your bags and, to the distant place, a comfortable long holiday.