I, for one, have seen applications like this scattered throughout the iTunes App Store. They usually claim to be an exceptionally good media manager, but their 1- or 2-star reviews say otherwise. However, xDownload seemed different from other applications of its kind. Since it was a new app as well, there were no App Store reviews of xDownload which lured me into trying it. The screenshots of the app looked promising and backed up what was described in the brief summary of the app. So far, I am enjoying the app and its useful functions. I can download media, document files, and other downloadable content all onto my iPhone by using xDownload. It has proven its worth to me and I hope this review will provide valuable insight to you.

Ratings (Out of 5):

Graphics: 2.0/5

Functionality: 5.0/5

User Interface: 4.0/5

Reuse Value: 5.0/5

Overall Rating: 4.0/5

More Details:

Version Reviewed: 1.5.1

Device Reviewed on: 16GB iPhone 4

xDownload - Super tools for file download

Developer: Wei Zhang
Price: $2.99

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Graphics:

Although this app is not a game, graphics should still be a priority when developing. It is present that some attempt has been made to improve the graphics, such as the image on the app home screen. The app is completely lacking the sleek quality that it needs as well as a pleasing color scheme for buttons. The app icon could also benefit from a redesign. Overall, the graphics seem unrefined and do not combine well as a whole.

Functionality:

xDownload has one main function: to download content onto your iDevice. With a regular browser, like Safari or Opera, downloads are limited to certain file types. On the other hand, xDownload allows the user to download various media files including songs and videos. When downloading files, they are listed under a tab called “File Queue”; these files are then saved onto the device under a section in the app titled “File Center”. Each DLC is categorized under “All”, “Photo”, “Media” or “Web”, but they are not limited to just one section. This organized format is key for anyone who plans to use the app extensively when downloading many many files.

If your iPhone or iTouch goes into stand-by mode your download queue may time out and require you to re-download the file from the beginning. Of course, after you finish downloading whatever it is that you found, you can immediately watch/listen/view that file. Alternatively, the app also allows you to email saved files or add them to an album. The only downside is that media files can not be directly synced to your iPod library. So, songs, videos, podcasts etc. will not be visible on your default iPod app even if it was downloaded onto your device using xDownload.

Even though the app is mainly used to download stuff off the internet, it still functions as a decent browser. Under the app settings, you can adjust whether or not to keep browsing history protected. You can also set a home page, default search engine, browser identifier, and download limit. The browser itself also contains many of the same functions you would see in Safari, such as a bookmarks tab, forward & backward buttons and others.

User Interface:

The UI of cDownload is not bad, but neither is it good. In my opinion, the buttons on the home page should be separated rather than stacked into a one-swipe area. However, the organization of the app is definitely a plus. The file center has a convenient interface. Overall, 4 stars out of a possible 5.

Reuse Value:

This app is one that will never be used only once and then forgotten. If you download one photo, song or other file, chances are you will download another and then maybe another again. Whatever you use this app for, xDownload is a valuable app to have for your device.

Summing It Up:

xDownload is a great app to have in order to download web content. It has strong functionality backed by well thought out organization. The combo usage of the app as both a downloader and a browser is an add-value. This app in general will be used many times throughout its duration of installment.