That changes today for anyone with iOS, as Microsoft’s made the “My Xbox LIVE” app available on Apple’s app store. (Here, you can even have a link.)

The app allows you to manage your friends list, message your friends, invite new ones, edit your entire Xbox LIVE profile, change your avatar’s clothing and features and even view your achievement progress in the games you’ve played.

You can even create beacons on the go that will allow you to tell your friends what you feel like playing.

It all looks very slick, from what I’ve gotten to play with so far. It definitely dwarfs the other apps I’ve used to access my friends list in the past.

And Windows Phone is probably still the best way to access Xbox LIVE on the go — a new Xbox Companion app hit Windows Phone 7 yesterday, and it’s got even more features than this.

Do you like to keep up with your gaming friends on the go with an app like this? (I do.)

Kindle Fire
Price: 199.00
Rating: All Ages
Recommended by: Trina

The Kindle Fire has amazing specs for a tablet that is only $199. If you can do without a camera, this may be the best tablet for your dollars. The Silk Browser will provide even faster web browsing and while the tablet has a dual core processor, it works faster by storing things on the cloud for easy accessibility. I also like the User Interface on the tablet, something tablets other than Apple’s have not been able to master.

iPad
Price: Starting at $499.
Rating: All Ages
Recommended by: Trina

How can you not recommend an iPad for anyone that may not have one yet. Yes, a competitor is on this list, but if you really want something that is established, has a great apps and games library. It’s easy to use and from what I see, kids quickly know how to use it. Throw some educational games on there and pretty soon you’ll have them entertained and learning!

Griffin Crayola Trace & Draw Case:
Price: 39.95
Rating:  All Ages (Designed more so for children)
Recommended by: Netzach

Whenever I talk to parents about the gadgets they they buy, other then the “I use it for work.” statement that I get, the second statement that I get is “My kids can play with it.” For those gadgets lovers with kids, this is a case is great for you. This cases not only protects the IPad, but it turns the IPad into a art table for you little one.The case snaps around the IPad with ease of getting it off and on for kids use. The case comes with a free trace and draw app for the IPad. Best part, it has been kid tested!

Skullcandy Headphones
Price: 29.99-149.99
Rating: Pre-Teens-Teenagers
Recommend by : Netzach

I don’t know about you, but I see more and more teenagers and preteens walking about with headphones either in their ears or around their ears. Down the hall way, sitting at the bus stop, or even walking through the mall in packs.  Trust me, I was one of them while I was in university. But since I have been working at Gaming Angels, I understand the need for a great pair of headphones. Skullcandy headphones are a great brand of headphones, that offer great sound quality. The designs and styles range so that you can pick out a pair that really show off the wearers personality.  Not to mention that it

Note to parents: Please talk to you child about the volume levels of their music. I spend a lot of time in my profession telling kids that if I can hear their music half way down the hall, it is too loud. I would suggest that if they won’t turn it down, then opt for a set of headphones that do not go directly into the ear. Though most headphones that go over the ears now are a little more pricer then in ear headphones.

Turtle Beaches:

Price: 29.99-270.00
Rating: Everyone
Recommend by: Netzach

Now, from music headphones to gaming headphones. I recommend the Turtle Beach brand of headphones. I have been using these headphones for the last little while and were introduced to them while playing Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.  The sound quality is superb, and I found that not only could I hear all the action within game, but I was able to block out the external sound around me. No more distractions while trying to get that last kill.  Also, the headsets are comfortable, and hardly any sound escapes. Which means that someone can watch a movie in piece while someone else plays their  games. These headsets come in varieties for the Playsation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. If you are ordering for a person with all systems I would suggest to get a headset that is compatible with all systems. If not, look under each headset type and see what you believe you need.  Remember, some headsets are used to amplify the stereo sound and other have soundround sound build into them. It depends on price range, and what you think would be best for you gaming geek.

Mimobot Flash Drive
Price: 19.95-22.95
Rating: Everyone
Recommend by: Netzach

You got that techy person for secret santa? No problem! I don’t know how many time I can recommend these awesome little USB drives of style. These drives come in a variety of popular culture reference (Batman, Transformers, Star Wars, Hello Kitty, and Emily Strange), and artistic renditions. (Tokidoki etc.) There is really something for everyone when it comes to these cool little flash drives.

When I was about 7 years old, I got my first taste of programming BASIC. It was on a Commodore 64, but it changed me.

When I was 8 years old, I was at a new school, and we had nothing but Apples in our computer lab. We published a small school paper as a G&T project using an Apple 2E.

The next year was 1984. Home computing was changed in the blink of an eye during a one minute spot while watching the Super Bowl. That Christmas, my uncle came to visit, and he brought his new Macintosh with him on the plane. He had stowed it under his seat, and I thought it the most wondrous object ever to behold.

Over the holiday, the family played games together and separately on that little Mac. And the following Christmas. And the one after that. And the one after that.

Somewhere in there, my uncle added a 20Mb hard drive. We wondered how anyone would ever need so much space.

In school, I was now programming and creating mini-databases and playing Loderunner on an Apple //gs. I desperately wanted one at home, but we just could not afford it.

My freshman year in college, my parents bought me a secondhand Mac+ Classic. I loved that little computer. It was the first one I ever owned. I even missed a class once while playing Sim City, and I was not the kind of student who missed classes for a game.

That Mac+ Classic carried me through the entire school year before I transferred to a university that had a bigger stash of computer labs, and I passed the computer on down to an in-law’s cousin. I understand she used it for a couple more years.

I never even learned how to use a PC until late into that year in college, and then it was for a business computing class that I had to take.

Steve was fired from Apple around that same time, and I was stunned. I was an Apple fangirl before I even knew what a fangirl was. I had fights with a boyfriend during my senior year of high school about Mac vs PC. It was the biggest bone of contention we had between us, and it never stopped.

Soon, Apple began to fade into the background. Most of my school stuff was being done in Windows or with Unix. The company was floundering, and I didn’t see anything I could do to help it. Or frankly, any reason to.

I did get the opportunity at another college to do my programming on a Next box. I think I am one of a very small group that can actually say that. I thought it was lovely — all black and streamlined. I admit, some of that reaction was from knowing that it came from Steve Jobs, but I didn’t care.

Then Next was bought by Apple, and Steve was back. Life had moved on around me, so I was only half paying attention. Could the little company that changed my world come back from the brink? Even I had to admit they were teetering.

I watched as the iMac was introduced, and I thought how cute it was. I hated that my friends kept telling me it sucked. I didn’t care. It was an Apple. I never did get one. I never did get a Cube, either. I kind of regret that.

Then came the iPod. Such a simple little device, but oh, how I wanted one. I love music, and I wanted to take it with me everywhere, and this was Just The Thing. I got one, and I put as much music as I could onto it, only just slightly disappointed that it couldn’t hold everything I owned.

Money being what it is, and me still being a student after all these years, I do not have an MacBook of my own, but I use one at work. I do not have an iPhone, yet, but now that a new carrier is in play, that may happen next year.

I DO have a much bigger iPod classic. Now it holds everything — all my music, photos, and video. It goes everywhere with me.

I have a friend who has always wanted to work for Disney. It is her dream. I admired that, but I didn’t think I had a company about which I felt the same. Then I moved from L.A. to Silicon Valley, and I remembered — when I was into programming, I had always wanted to move here and work for Apple.

Of course, I no longer code, and I still don’t work for Apple. But I have friends that do, and I think that is nearly as cool.

So yes, tonight I am heartbroken. I am not in the mood for cynical backlashes from friends or strangers. I just want to mourn a man I respect and admire and whom I consider both a visionary and a genius.

I hope Apple does him proud.

RIP Steve Jobs. And thank you. For everything.

According to a press release

Statement by Apple’s Board of Directors

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

Apple has also posted on their website of Mr. Jobs’ passing stating,

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius.

We here at Gaming Angels.com send our condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Steve.
If you wish to send any memories, wishes or condolences, please send them to  rememberingsteve@apple.com

Thank you IGN for the link to the press release information.

Hi everyone! This week in Geek is full of gadgets gadgets gadgets. But only one of which I really want. We actually feature two websites that I love this week as well. If you want to submit a question, please send us your name and question to trina at gamingangels dot com. If we use it in the video you will get a prize!

Hope you enjoy the video!

Two big moves in the tablet gaming space for one game retailer have been confirmed today.

GameStop has selected an Android tablet model to serve as their “official” gaming platform next year. These tablet models will launch with some titles pre-installed.

“We’re in test phase right now,” GameStop president Tony Bartel told GamesIndustry.biz. “But we’re excited at the prospect of coming out with this tablet. I would call it a ‘GameStop certified gaming platform.’ We looked at all the tablets and these are the ones that really worked for gaming and we’re going to give you a few benefits that you’re not going to get elsewhere.”

In Companions there are two game modes, which are the quick play ‘Single Map’ mode, and the Campaign mode. Each of the members of the four person team has a little backstory. The controls are simple taps on the characters and then a tap on the enemies to attack. Each party member has three special skills that they can equip at a time. They are limited by cool down times as you would normally see.

Graphics are limited. It’s very pixelish. You don’t actually see your characters in three dimensions. They look like little icons, or pac men. I’m not one for retro style gaming, it might be a love it or hate it type of choice of tastes. I prefer the newest most cutting edge in graphics and gameplay. The old days don’t hold any charm for me. Also the characters are so tiny and hard to see, it is difficult to know what they are doing. For the amount of graphics that are here, it might as well be a text adventure.

There were a few things that bugged me with this game. Annoyingly your characters will not attack correctly unless they are in range of the enemies and facing the right direction it’s a pet peeve of mine. I thought we were done with that old problem, now that we’re using iPads. I don’t know what they were going for here when they have competition like Order and Chaos by Gameloft to contend with. The group formation and party-wide commands do make the game act more like a strategy game, or even a puzzle game than an RPG.

Another problem is that the four of them are always are always static Minotaur, Female Elf, Human, and Dwarf and are not customizable. There are three classes to choose from for each of the the races in the four member party that changes up their stats, but still not enough to make it interesting, or to keep up with other iOS games. This one still needs some work because when you tap a particular character and nothing happens it leads to unnecessary deaths.

Companions has an inventory system, with randomized drops falling you can collect loot. Although there isn’t any shop, yet anyways. There is a way to control time in the game which is different. Called a ‘tactical pause’ it stops the game while you set up. The time is limited, but it provides a work around for the other troubles in the game.

Though Companions isn’t a perfect game it will appeal to those who like strategy games and don’t mind a challenge. If you go into it without expectations you may find it to your liking. It has the retro ambiance to it that some people really like.

It has superior graphics, and a beautiful art-style for the backgrounds. There is lots of magical glitter around. Special effects move the cutscenes and animations along with cleverly used transitions. There are flowing fountains and decorative ponds surrounded by gardens. The animal Guardians in the game who are outfitted with brass fittings that are able to translate animal to human speech. The animals aren’t the only nod to steam punk in the game. Entire areas look like they have been detailed with shiny brass whatnots. It is beautiful, and once again like the first Empress of the Deep, all those pipes and plumbing, electronics and arcing electricity, is very reminiscent of the original game of Myst. My iPad Screen Shots:

Make your own animation

Far from being just a static hidden object puzzler, the game keeps you thinking. Although the puzzles are very easy to solve, the objects aren’t always easy to see or where you would expect them to be. Of course there are locked doors and passageways, but you will have to use all of your puzzle skills to get past them. One of the best parts of the game is the sound. The music is pretty, and it changes from one area to the next. The underwater bubble noises are soothing, and you do hear a little bit of whale song added into the mix.

The full version of the game is worth the price. They also did something different and they have a Collector’s Edition with extra content. The very best part is that you can enjoy a lengthy Free demo of the game from the Apple App Store.

Stephanie Herrera: When I made the game I was a lot younger than now and the differences just came out of thin air, I didn’t plan them at all, just made whatever came to my mind. I think the innocence of the moment also helped and the stuff I was going through in my life at that certain point, such as becoming a self conscious woman.

What art your art style influences?

In that time I liked manga and anime a lot, probably you can tell from the images, lol… But now I’m older I have much more influences in my style, most of all come from cool conceptual art in films and videogames, and the range of styles is infinite, so you can use the stuff you like and combine all the aspects of different design forms.

How hard was it getting your art to become a game?

Actually I was really lucky, I was searching for a freelance job at that time and suddenly Adam appeared out of nowhere, told me he had seen my art and wanted to do a game with me. I never imagined it would become this big within internet gaming.

Was it a lengthy process?

Back then I was exploring my techniques of work as well, so yeah, I was a bit lengthy, but it was very cool process. First I did the sketches, then I put ink by hand, scanned and colored digitally.

Did you begin yiur career with a video game App in mind?

Nope, I never thought this game would become of such proportions. When Adam told me the game had been played more than 20 million times… I was shocked!!

The game tells a story without using words, why did you choose to go that route?

I didn’t chose it to be that way, but I’ve always liked the way someone can tell a story without words. That means the communication level has to be higher to make a story understandable. Now I know it’s better to do games without words, it’s more globalized that way.

Is this your first video game project?

Yes it is I did other small stuff for Adam before Dreams, but nothing as mine as Dreams.

What were you doing before working on Dreams?

By that time, let’s see… I think I was starting with my studies at the university or maybe just finishing high school. I’ve always liked art and drawing and painting, so probably I was doing that as well, lol..

Are you going to make more games?

I already finished some more difference games with Adam that soon will come out, and right now I’m finishing a Pinnochio twisted fairytale in a comic style that I hope people will like a lot too.   Part from that, it’s always been my dream to become a recognized woman in the videogaming world. A lot has been lost in the way of making new games, seems like somehow everybody forgot what is like to really think and use your head to win a game.

What games do you enjoy playing yourself?

I enjoy playing games that are not made for dummies, games that are not just about killing a bunch of dudes and massive special effects, but games that actually require you to use your head and present you an interesting new story and new ways of gameplay.

Sharon’s background is mainly in marketing, so the goal of her new lifestyle app, Luminous, is to get a high profile sponsor on board to use it as part of Stone Creek Entertainment’s digital marketing campaign. Recently, for example, MTV sponsored a Facebook game Stone Creek created to promote this season of The Real World.

Her career has taken an interesting transition. Her first job was with a sports marketing agency, working on campaigns such as Major League Baseball. She then transitioned into gaming, leading the charge on marketing Grand Theft Auto, developing partnerships with with Jeff Gordon and Coca-Cola. She’s also played an important role in marketing MTV’s Virtual Worlds. Luminous promises to have a wealth of content about prominent females. The app is about understanding your own personality, just as Sharon is now marketing to an audience she feels she can fully understand.

Geek Woman: Your background is in marketing, how did you make the transition to representing games?

Sharon Wood: I worked in entertainment marketing for most of the first half of my career, and then video/digital game marketing the second half.  These weren’t traditional roles, and for the most part, I worked in start-ups, where everyone does and has to know everything.  I was involved with video game product development through market definition and frankly, because I am a girl and have raised a girl, I had opinions about the types of products I hoped to see in the market.  The other thing to keep in mind is that marketing can and should touch product definition, no matter the industry you work in.

What was your job at Grand Theft Auto like?

The Company was ASC Games, not Take Two, and we worked on multiple titles of which Grand Theft Auto was one of them.  It was enormously interesting.  When the first title released, it was quite different from what it is today.  It was more of an appeal to the player’s fantasy of being the “bad guy”, and it made for fascinating focus groups.  We launched with short marketing funds, and the awareness of the game travelled virally before I even began my campaign, so I had a great base from which to launch a campaign.

Are you a gamer?

Yes!  Not a hardcore, console gamer as much as a casual gamer.

What do you play?

I love Words with Friends.  It’s very social and I always have 20 games going with both friends and game-friends.  I also like Tiny Wings, Scoops, Chuzzle (a long time fan) and one of our prior titles, Her Pet Peeves.

What is Luminous about?

Karizmac Luminous is a self-discovery/self-exploration app.  It asks you to agree or disagree with decisions, and then shows you other women who may think like you, spanning women from history, the arts, business, entertainment, fashion and fiction; and it also tells you which personality trait goes with the decision you make, giving you 3 layers of personality traits.  Then it summarizes it on an interactive “Charisma Map”, so you can explore both your traits and the women, in a summarized form.  You can then compare your personality traits from day to day, and see how you do, or do not, shift.

Which type of game play is it?

Although Karizmac Luminous starts out as a quiz, it quickly departs into something that we feel is unique.  We hope women will enjoy gaining more insight about themselves, comparing their thoughts with others and sharing what they think with others.  We’ve seen some women enjoy collaborating on the answer choices, and also being a little competitive in the Bonus/Self Confidence section, which plays a little differently from the other part of the app.

How are the female characters in the game portrayed?

We observed decisions they made and aligned them with the decisions in the app.  We tell you a little bit about them and the situation.  I personally found this fascinating as we were writing.  These are women who, whether their actions were large, high profile, or small, were very thoughtful, in many cases brave and pioneering, and are really interesting.  For example, I had no idea that a woman invented the windshield wiper and the disposable diaper (although that certainly makes sense!).  Another received a Medal from the President for taking her husband’s place on the battlefield.  And various women’s thoughts about their careers, their relationships and motherhood were all intriguing, and thoughtful in ways I hadn’t thought about previously.

How do you go about finding a sponsor for a Facebook game?

In most cases, our team has relationships with sponsors and in others, we reach out to them.  Our sponsorships are strategic in nature; we’re not just asking them to put their name in our game.  We want it to work for them to reach their business goals.

Do you get private information about the gamers from Facebook?

No.