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
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!