Could there be a more perfect app for Apple’s iPad than this official Star Trek database?
Taking its cue from the 1995 Star Trek Omnipedia, the Star Trek PADD is packed with pictures, technical specs, episode details and biogs of the various Star Trek characters, casts and production teams.
Content is accessed via touch (and keyboard search) with articles cross-linked so while browsing the entry for Captain Kirk you’re just a tap away from an entry on the USS Farragut which is itself a mere finger poke removed from Tycho IV.
Resist touching the iPad’s screen for a minute or so and the app launches one of two diagnostic screens from the USS Enterprise 1701-D.
Star Trek: The Next Generation era sound effects and voice cues by Majel Barrett (Nurse Chapel in the original series and voice of the Enterprise computer) ensure an authentic Trek experience but we were disappointed the PADD didn’t respond to even basic voice inputs, something the now-ancient Omnipedia managed (barely on occasions).
Sadly none of the entries seem to contain video but Trek-owners CBS promise the app will be updated with new content so we’re hoping a future version will address this.
The fusion of the Trek universe with Apple’s iPad is a match made in geek heaven – expect to lose hours of productivity as you find yourself researching the careers of Starfleet’s finest.
Star Trek PADD costs £2.99 from the iPad App Store