Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch, App Review
This should have been built into the iPhone: RedMonkey custom dialer
The iPhone and iPod touch are pretty complete, but they are not perfect. The upcoming software update to version 3.0 will add a lot of features people have been crying for, but here's one that I don't think is in the summer update.Red Monkey [App Store link] does something I've always wanted... a one touch button to dial a number. The free app can be placed on the main home screen of the phone and easily configured to dial a favorite number. In addition, it can be set up to start an email, map your current location, or visit a favorite website. You can only configure one task, so pick the one you want and you're good to go. While the app is free, the developers will sell you an additional 4 buttons for $0.99US each, allowing you a total of 5 buttons for 5 different tasks (if you want to check out RM's competitors, just search the store for 'dialer' and you'll find plenty).
One drawback is you have to remember which button does what, because there is no way to use anything but the generic icon that comes on each button, although after you tap it the button tells you what it is doing.
The app works fine on an iPod touch as a customizable launcher, but naturally you will need a WiFi connection for any of its network-related functionality.
I think this sort of feature should have been built into the iPhone by default; and who knows, maybe it will show up someday. I think this little app is worth a try for free, and if you really fall in love with it you can always add more buttons. There is a pretty comprehensive FAQ on how to use Red Monkey at the developer website.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Lui said 8:41AM on 4-24-2009
There has been rumors that the 3.0 firmware will include voice related trigger for this sort of functionality. Some people have found a files that seem to indicate this feature's presence. I just thought I would give the heads up. These are rumors though and who knows with Apple. You can find it on modmyi and Ars, or on TUAW if you wait three weeks. :)
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Freak Mojo said 8:42AM on 4-24-2009
Oh no you din't!!! LOL
Well played :)
Ryan Trevisol said 8:47AM on 4-24-2009
Oh yes he did. And right he is.
tabaks said 8:41AM on 4-24-2009
Jeez! After about 200 auto dialers, you write about this ONE! What was the kickback, I wonder? AT LEAST you should have done a comparison of all of them, not this blatant advertising BS.
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mel martin (TUAW) said 9:22AM on 4-24-2009
Actually, by my count there are about 2 dozen dialers, not hundreds. TUAW does not do reviews in exchange for $$ or advertising, although some sites do. I decided to look at this dialer more closely because it was free, and because it had some new twists on the other dialers because it could be used to launch other functions on the iPhone.
Mel
TUAW
puhsitch said 8:13PM on 4-24-2009
Good grief...so for each application these guys review, you expect them to do an exhaustive comparison of every other competing application?
macd1gger said 8:47AM on 4-24-2009
Totally agree with tabaks. When I saw this one I thought exactly the same thing - how much did these guys got paid for this ad!
And you just can double-click on home button and get to your favourites. Doesn't really take that much more time.
Total bullshit of an article! WTF happened, TUAW? REALLY short on money, huh? I mean that's just way to low..
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Dave M. said 9:09AM on 4-24-2009
Wow Mel, Really? Did you not scan the AppStore for single person dialers after you saw this one? As said above, there are hundreds if not thousands of these annoying little wastes of icon space apps out there.
In fact, one developer has an app for each of about 35 popular names so that you could, in fact, know who each icon will call. Others have "friend", "wife", "office", etc...
Are you guys really that hard up for stories that this is the best you can offer us?
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craig said 9:41AM on 4-24-2009
You like this? wtf, These dialer apps are the biggest waste of screen space on the appstore. I would appreciate it more if apple forbade dialer apps completely than if they built this crap into the device. lol. what crap.
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James Donevan said 9:53AM on 4-24-2009
TUAW bloggers have always had a disconcerting habit of selecting one app amongst many and singing its praises with no reference to comparable, if not virtually identical, offerings. This follows that trend.
If the blogger is desperate to earn some coin so opts to write these 'reports', at least have the courtesy to do some basic research of similar products before posting.
Moreover TUAW has an annoying habit of anointing certain apps for breathless coverage (greatest, best, etc) and championing their cause. Then when these apps go bad or fail to meet commitments (eWallet's failure to yet deliver a Mac application comes to mind), they say nary a word to readers. It's very difficult not to wonder about motives and motivations.
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John B. said 9:56AM on 4-24-2009
This has been out for a while now:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=291220228&mt=8
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Think Adrian said 10:25AM on 4-24-2009
An Apple iPhone feature which will update the icon to the photo of the contact. I'd like that.
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GLaDOS said 10:34AM on 4-24-2009
Im starting to get very dissapointed in TUAW articles, reviewing obscure apps, and tbh all the stories on TUAW are on engadget or Ars LONG before TUAW :/
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jupitertoo said 11:03AM on 4-24-2009
You know how when you look at one of your contact's detailed information you see a little square photo of them? Why not make that photo an icon on the home screen instead of the red monkey? Apple should have thought of this themselves!
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juggataco said 10:44AM on 4-24-2009
Visual Dial is better, more customizable, and allows unlimited contacts.
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todd said 10:58AM on 4-24-2009
The app isn't that good. It's not "one-touch" either. You have to touch the icon on the screen, then wait half a second while it shows a little monkey on the screen, then it shows what it's doing, pause half a second more, then you have to tap "Call" to approve to allow the call to be made. Kinda defeats the purpose when it takes 2 taps and 2 seconds to do. I can dial a favorite number in two taps too - one on the phone icon, then on the number (since I usually keep the phone app on the favorites screen)
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Petar Smilajkov - Peconi said 12:08PM on 4-24-2009
This was beta tested on iBetaTest.com - so if you want to test cool apps like this one before they even come out - register today :)
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Schlaeps said 12:37PM on 4-24-2009
So making a webpage with this code:
onload="window.location = tel:12345678900"
and saving it as a home screen button is different... how? Not to mention more free and more customizable (you can add your own icon and own name).
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Justin said 1:36PM on 4-24-2009
Solid WIN comment!
Caitlin said 2:22AM on 4-28-2009
I did that before I jailbroke.
Now I have a custom dialer with name and picture, too.