New iOS chess program :
"Chess for ICC HD", by The Internet Chess Club ($7.99, 5.99 euros)
As it's a bit costly, and FICS being sufficient for me, I didn't buy it, but considering it seems to include the membership it might be a good deal. Here's the description (copy/paste of their iTunes presentation text):
"Chess at ICC HD" is the best online chess experience there is for your iPad. Join our vibrant community of players, ranging from beginners to Grandmasters - all ready for you to watch, play or learn from, 24 hours a day!
Founded in 1995 we're the longest running online chess site in the world!
"Chess at ICC HD" offers
- Unlimited online play on WiFi and 3G
- Rated games against real people
- 3D and 2D Boards and Pieces
- Chess.FM (Weekly instructional videos)
- Landscape mode
- History of your current and past games
- View World's top players playing online (Grand Masters and International Masters)
- Live relay of the world's best super tournaments, featuring the top stars of the game
- A variety of chat rooms, ranging from chess to politics, sports to religion
- Challenge or watch your friends play
- Strong computer opponent with adjustable playing strength for the perfect match.
This is an invaluable chess companion for players of all levels, from beginner to the strongest master. It's a fun way to play chess and improve your game.
It's also a great way to meet people from around the world.
Computer play:
- Adjustable playing strength to provide the perfect challenge
- Ask the computer for a Hint
- Force computer to move
- Variety of chessboard and sets
- Navigate though the move list with ease
About "Chess at ICC HD":
"Chess at ICC HD" is brought to you by the world leaders in online chess, the Internet Chess Club, the longest running, most popular, and best place to play chess on the Internet. With over 100,000 games played each day, the Internet Chess Club is the one and only place for every chess enthusiast. Come visit us today at
www.chessclub.com!
User critics:
So, as I didn't test this one myself here come, for a change, reviews users posted on iTunes:
Pretty good, needs some improvements. 5/5
by Jjj28
This app does successfully bring something I have always wanted on my iPad, Live Chess. I feel like I got what I paid for. But here are some things I hope to see in the next update:
- Fix random crashes on iPad 2.
- Make the pieces in 3D mode not pop to the position (when observing a game) but smoothly move to the position.
Fantastic! 5/5
by nostrapawnus
Great app. Great videos.
Needs some serious updating 2/5
by Imgr811
I have always and always will be a fan of ICC but this app lacks some major features such as a friends list, the ability to chat with people outside your friends list, and some errors while playing. I think it has great potential in future updates, but for now I would just stick with the iPhone app.
Quite mixed feelings, as you can see...
iTunes link:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chess-on ... 50174?mt=8#
