SPOTLIGHTm

Compose for iPhone

What is it?

Compose allows users to do something that they’ve always wondered why they couldn’t on their iPhones - compose emails horizontally (or in “landscape mode”). Using Compose, users can tap out a message with the more generous landscape keyboard and have the message be instantly moved into their familiar email “Compose” screen. Now if only the iPhone could just cut and paste…

How much does it cost?

$.99

Who is it good for?

Those who are still struggling with the iPhone keyboard when using it vertically. Users with big fingers or hands that find it near impossible to use the keyboard the traditional way. People who prefer to type in landscape mode like they can on Safari and have always wished they could type that way on email.

Summary

This is a straight forward application that essentially shows off a feature that you swear comes with your iPhone, but it doesn’t (Why? Apple?! Why?!). So while lacking any sort of cool factor that will get you a date with the head cheerleader (that you’d get in something like… Koi Pond - total girl magnet), this application is completely functional, useful, and will be the type of download that will maybe get you a date with a responsible girl who’s really good at her work-study job.

It works like it should and hopefully it will eventually be compatible with SMS as well, though Apple’s current SDK doesn’t it allow it to work as such. Until Apple  updates its own software to have this functionality come standard, Compose and others like TouchType ($.99), Wide Email ($.99), and Sideways ($1.99) are useful, inexpensive apps and it makes sense to own one of them if you’re at all struggling with the iPhone keyboard.

Keep it or Delete it?

Keep it (or one of the competitors).

We don't know why you would, but you can.

Compose is simple and it works. It does one thing and it does it well.

To use Compose, simply open up the application, type our your message on your new, snazzy landscape keyboard, then hit the familiar “Compose” pencil in the top right of the screen. Your text will instantly be moved over into an email and you can send off your message using the standard iPhone email application.

To reply to a message using Compose:

- Open up an email

- Hit reply

- Hit the home button

- Type out your message using Compose

- Hit the familiar pencil “compose” icon in the top right

- Your message appears in a reply email, just like you’d think it would.

It’s a few extra steps, but if you normally fumble with the iPhone keyboard, it will probably end up saving you some time.

To us, $.99 is a small, one-time price to pay for a product that will prove to be extremely useful to many iPhone users.