Card apps are getting a closer look this month since Apple launched its native app Cards for iOS 5. I’ve tested a few of these apps in the past, but I opted to give recently updated Howdy for iPhone a spin this week. Quick verdict? Say “buh-bye” instead — this app doesn’t work.
I tried multiple times to send a card via email through Howdy. The app displays a status bar, but if you opt to hide it, there’s no visible way to bring it back. I found this out the first time I tried sending a card, so when I tried to send the next, oh 15 minutes or so later, I was shocked to see a notice that the app was still sending my card, and did I want to abort the process? After choosing yes, I tried to send the card again, this time leaving the status bar alone. Same result. I left the app open during the entirety of this test, so this lag isn’t caused by some multitasking glitch. I’d love to tell you that Howdy’s final product is worth the wait, but I gave up before getting a single card into an inbox.
In the event Howdy get its issues together, you should know the app offers six categories of cards (and demonstrates a clear misunderstanding of possessives in the process), including love, party and get-well. Each category offers six designs, so there are quite a few options from which to choose. The individual cards were a bit twee for my taste, but if you like putting a bird on it, you’ll probably be satisfied with the options.
All cards offer the ability to add a text message on the back, and some also have tappable fields on the front. Others feature slots for photos, which you can take live or pull from your camera roll. There are also separate categories devoted to photo and video cards. I was most intrigued by the video card option, since it’s something I haven’t seen much of before. Unfortunately, the section doesn’t work (are you seeing a pattern here?). I tried adding videos of multiple lengths as well as shooting a clip in-app, and each time the app returned with a save error on upload. Bummer.
Skip Howdy, there are better options available to show you care.
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