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Mercury52 Inner circle Kevin Reylek 2239 Posts |
Ok, so I'm a big fan of iPhone magic apps, ESPECIALLY those that don't appear to be magic apps. I've been using Greg Rostami's fantastic "iForce" app for the past year with great result, so when I heard that iPredict was available, I went over to the app store immediately to buy it.
The basic effect is this: You mention that you've met a real psychic, and want to share her impressive abilities with your audience. Your audience selects or thinks of a card, and you call Esmeralda the psychic. You get her voicemail, but in the message she reveals the chosen card and what the special cosmic connection is between the spectator and that card. As with iForce, Greg has put together another stealth app that isn't what it seems. It looks like your normal iPhone contact list, but there's some clever thinking behind the innocent appearance. Inputting the selected card is quite easy, and can be done with a single touch. The touch is also totally motivated. Many of you know that the iPhone screen will "dim" after a certain period of not being used/touched. Greg uses this to your advantage to secretly input the suit and value of the card. There's also a very sly way of visually relaying that you've input the proper card without your spectators knowing a thing. iPredict makes a real phone call, so after you've called Esmeralda, if people go through your phone, they will see her in your "recents" which is a nice touch of authenticity. One thing that many of you are probably excited about is the prospect that you can do iPredict using any unprepared phone, such as a spectator's borrowed cell phone. This is absolutely true. You use the app to get Esmeralda's phone number, and have the spectator do the dialing. Greg even includes artwork so you can print out Esmeralda's business card to prove that there is only one number for Esmeralda. This presentation makes good use of a "duality reality" concept. It can be a bit bold, but it's definitely strong. As with iForce, where Greg created a cool way to lock the app so that the method isn't discovered, and even went as far as to create a second drawing app without the "tricky" aspect, he's also done something cool with iPredict. The icon is made to look like a stock app, and you can choose (but don't have to use) a fake launch screen that looks like a stock prediction app. This is handy to have enabled in case people are going through your iPhone and you don't want them to stumble upon an app that launches a phone contact list. A lot of you considering iPredict are probably also aware of Max Krause's "Mental Killer", which is a similar stealth iPhone app where a phone call is made to a friend in order to reveal a selected card. The apps have a few similarities, but also many differences, as well as their own strengths and weaknesses. Whereas iPredict makes a real phone call to a California area code, Mental Killer makes a false phone call to any number you wish. iPredict's method has the advantage of showing the call in your recents, whereas Mental Killer has the advantage of not using any minutes and showing any number you like. The input methods of both apps are quite simple and are done under the spectator's nose in a cleverly hidden way. iPredict has a slightly higher learning curve, but the methods are different, and both are easy. After practicing a couple of times, you're good to go. Interface-wise, this is where the apps compliment each other. iPredict is done using a false "contacts" list, while Mental Killer uses a false keypad to directly dial the number. I love having both as options, because one isn't really better than the other. Both are valid and deceptive, and will totally convince your audience that you're doing nothing more than making a call. Presentation preference will depend on your style and your venue. iPredict calls a psychic, whereas Mental Killer calls your friend. Depending on your persona, you'll probably prefer one over the other. At the end of the day, the effects of both iPredict and Mental Killer are incredibly strong and direct. Imagine using a marked and/or stacked deck so that the voicemail reveals the card without you OR the audience even knowing what the card is. That takes it to a whole new level of impossibility. I can't really recommend one app over the other. I think both are fantastic and compliment each other well. Having multiple methods and presentations is perfect for those "do it again" type of scenarios, especially if it's been a week or two since you performed it for someone. My suggestion to anyone who's considering either of these would really be to buy both. I'm quite happy that I have both of them. I can't really compare reactions fully yet, since Mental Killer has been out longer, so I've been using it longer. Both are strong and direct. I've paid a lot more than the price of both apps combined for single effects that weren't as strong. Right now, both apps are pretty much suited for American users. I do know that both Greg and Max are working hard to bring their effects to international users, so I guess keep an eye on the forums for any updates in that regard. That's the great thing about app-based magic, the creators can always make changes and updates to add more functionality! I should also mention that I've met both Greg and Max, and consider them both to be friends. They're great guys, and obviously very clever. However, I don't have any stake in either app, and don't get anything special for sharing my thoughts. I'm just a happy user of both apps, and know there's a lot of curiosity brewing so I thought I'd share. Kevin
Kevin Reylek
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Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2871 Posts |
WOW Kevin,
Thank you for spending the time to write this amazing, thorough review. You've done a great job outlining the details of iPredict, but if I may, let me add a few more . . . iPredict adds a new contact called Esmeralda (the psychic). If someone examines your iPhone, they'll find a REAL contact named Esmeralda. You can change Esmeralda's contact to anything you want. Change the name, photo, tag line, add additional phone numbers, etc. This way you can customize iPredict to be uniquely yours. Randy has done an AMAZING job duplicating the iPhone's contacts app to the last detail. All of the contacts in the faux app are YOUR contacts. If you're performing for someone that knows you, they'll see all the people you know in your contact list. The faux app is so complete, you can actually use it to call anyone on your contacts list. Kevin mentioned the primary method of secret input . . . but there are actually 2 methods of secret input that can be used interchangeably. iPredict was designed so that you can perform it with your spectator holding your iPhone the whole time. That's why every move is motivated . . . even if they're burning your hands they'll still see nothing. iPredict was also designed for SPEED . . . spec holds iphone, spec names card, spec calls psychic with one touch. SPEED is VERY important to us, for those situations where you wanna impress the girl at the cash register . . . ;-) When it comes time for your spectator to call, you give THEM the choice to call either on your phone or their phone. A special mechanism in iPredict allows you to be flexible based on the circumstances. Esmeralda's voice has been processed so that it sounds exactly like a voicemail recording. And, because you're making a real phone call, every aspect of that call sounds REAL. At the end of the day, I totally agree with Kevin. I think BOTH Mental Killer and iPredict will find a happy home on any serious performers iDevice. Greg Rostami |
captainsmiffy Special user UK, resident UAE 589 Posts |
Am having troubles getting this to work, following download. I have an ipod touch, version 3.1. Is this a known problem? I cannot get any instructions whatsoever. Have Pm'd you, Greg.
Martyn
Have you tried 'Up The Ante' yet?? The ultimate gambling demo....a self-working wonder! See the reviews here on the cafe.
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Paradise Elite user sheffieldEngland 419 Posts |
Will we be seeing this on android I have just got I force and love it
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Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2871 Posts |
The Android version of iPredict is planned . . . but at the present time there is NO ETA.
Greg Rostami |
Randy Croucher New user Camas, WA 43 Posts |
Hi Martyn,
Version 1.1, which has been submitted to Apple, takes care of the last of the iOS 3.1 issues. The previous version got approved in seven days, not sure what the holidays will do to their turn-around time, but I would expect it to be approved in a week or so. Thank you for your patience, -Randy |
Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2871 Posts |
Hello friends,
iPredict Version 1.1 was just approved by Apple for World wide distribution. Please remember, if you are going to purchase and perform iPredict, you will be making a call to California USA every time you perform. Keep that in mind when making the purchase. Rostami Magic doesn't charge anything for this call, but your normal carrier rates will apply. Also, the voicemail messages of the psychic are in U.S. English. Here is a direct link to iPredict on the App Store: http://bit.ly/iPredictOnAppStore Thank you, Greg Rostami |
Max Krause V.I.P. I should be creating magic with my 1188 Posts |
Hello all,
For those who would like to see the new features of Mental Killer please contact me on Skype. My username there is sleightofhand1971. Kind regards, Max
ESP Woody's now available in Stage Size!
Max's Magic Shop is now open for business! Come experience a whole new way to buy your magic. Menta-List - Now with a killer new marketing feature! Mental Killer 4.5 is Live! |
Max Krause V.I.P. I should be creating magic with my 1188 Posts |
Thanks for all the wonderful feedback and patience guys!
Great news! Version 2.0 has been submitted to Apple for approval. A few things you can expect. International Support iPod touch, OS 3.1 and later support as well as iPad Retina Display for iPhone 4 New Display for iPad & iPod touch users New Languages New audio New features to enhance the performance. I can't wait to see what you guys will do with this! It's gonna be a monster! Max
ESP Woody's now available in Stage Size!
Max's Magic Shop is now open for business! Come experience a whole new way to buy your magic. Menta-List - Now with a killer new marketing feature! Mental Killer 4.5 is Live! |
Gaz Lawrence Inner circle 5991 Posts |
If I am not mistaken I do not think you have the same freedom with a one on one spec viewing the tel number in I predict as you do in Mental Killer ? Sharp observers could notice something , where as in Mental Killer they can clearly view the screen once dialled with no discrepancies . This is what I am led to believe. All this said I would buy both at a heart beat if they were fully UK compatible. Waiting for the updates.
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theboywonder Loyal user Scarborough, Ontario, Canada 228 Posts |
Your observations are correct. Both apps are awesome though, and specs will NEVER notice any discrepancies . . .
It would really be quite tragic
if the world had to do without magic! |
Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2871 Posts |
Hi nanaswan,
With iPredict you can have someone write or memorize the psychic's number before you have a card chosen. The number that is called on your iPhone will be the same number that they had written down. As an added bonus, I've included a link to a graphic for Esmeralda the psychic's business card that you are welcome to print and use in your own performances. As you might have seen in the demo videos, I sometimes use the business card to prove there's only ONE number. I performed iPredict a few times during New Year's Eve. Here's one of the performances that I think you'll enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emEXO1mXp54 As always, please let me know what you think, Greg Rostami |
mindgames Veteran user 389 Posts |
With I predict after the show finished the audience still able to call that number forever. and will get the same result. I have both mental killer and ipredict I believe both have its own advantage.
I READ MINDS.... YOURS TOO.
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Max Krause V.I.P. I should be creating magic with my 1188 Posts |
Hey Guys!
Mental Killer 2.0 is live! Get yours now! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mental-ki......202?mt=8 I can't wait to see what you guys think of this. Best regards, Max
ESP Woody's now available in Stage Size!
Max's Magic Shop is now open for business! Come experience a whole new way to buy your magic. Menta-List - Now with a killer new marketing feature! Mental Killer 4.5 is Live! |
Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2871 Posts |
Hello friends,
I would love to talk to some of my current customers or others that just might be interested in iPredict or iForce. You can talk to me on Skype. My Skype name is: gregrostami (One word all lowercase) I'm looking forward to talking to you, Greg Rostami |
Max Krause V.I.P. I should be creating magic with my 1188 Posts |
Ok....
I figured I would be the one to tell you all before anyone else does. I have lowered the price to .99 to get this thing out there. However, there is a method to my madness. There will be an upcoming update that will include a couple new languages as well as a hidden feature that will only be available to magicians. You ask. How does this work? How will you control it and how is it fair for everybody? All good questions. What is happening is I am doing something special for those who have supported me and bought it at the $20 price. You will have to send me proof of purchase through email and in return you will be given a special something that allows you to take advantage of the hidden features. I don't want to go into details publicly to protect what is going to happen but you are more than welcome to contact me with any questions. This is the third phase of the app which is going to set it apart from anything else out there. More details will be coming soon and again thank you so much for all the wonderful support. I won't let you down. Best regards, Max
ESP Woody's now available in Stage Size!
Max's Magic Shop is now open for business! Come experience a whole new way to buy your magic. Menta-List - Now with a killer new marketing feature! Mental Killer 4.5 is Live! |
Max Krause V.I.P. I should be creating magic with my 1188 Posts |
Hey Guys,
Apple just approved mental Killer version 2.0.1 Make sure to go update yours! Max
ESP Woody's now available in Stage Size!
Max's Magic Shop is now open for business! Come experience a whole new way to buy your magic. Menta-List - Now with a killer new marketing feature! Mental Killer 4.5 is Live! |
The Baldini Inner circle I some how pounded in 2445 Posts |
Can this ap be used with an I Pad.
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Max Krause V.I.P. I should be creating magic with my 1188 Posts |
Mental Killer 4.0 has been approved! Start checking your phones for updates.
What's new you ask?? Insta-Switch! (Make sure you read the instructions) 4 new languages: Spanish, Italian, French, Hebrew Additional formatting for several countries. New in app purchase, Travel Agency. Bug Fixes. Additional Features I hope you all enjoy and please let me know what you think. Best regards, Max P.S. Dave, Mental Killer can! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mental-ki......202?mt=8
ESP Woody's now available in Stage Size!
Max's Magic Shop is now open for business! Come experience a whole new way to buy your magic. Menta-List - Now with a killer new marketing feature! Mental Killer 4.5 is Live! |
Robvs Elite user 470 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-01-03 02:38, Greg Rostami wrote: This post is deceptive. There was criticism about whether or not the number can be scrutinized by the spectator and you've "settled everyone's concern" by saying that it can indeed be, but you've failed to mention that it truly cannot be if you use the most desirable effect that this app is capable of, using a spectator's phone. You cannot do the following: Show the business card to someone if you plan on using their phone. Show them the telephone number prior to them selecting a card. It's the tricks biggest weakness, and it shouldn't be camouflaged. However, the trick is very powerful even without these convincers which I feel that most of will have to do without. I realize this thread is old. |
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