App review: iStethoscope Pro

Developer: Undercover Scientist software
Category: Medical
Price: £0.59

At first glance this app looks like a gimmick, but it works!

Pop your headphones in, set the Mode to Heartbeat and place the iPhone’s mic directly against your bare chest (it won’t work through clothing). Your heartbeat will come through surprisingly clearly, especially if you change the mode to Heartbeat pure to filter out higher frequency sounds. You’ll see a beats-per-minute count appear on the display. By shaking the iPhone you can gear a recording of the last 8 seconds and view a handy phonocardiograph display.

A word of caution before you start playing doctor – use the app’s volume slider to set a low level to start with so that you can stop the surprisingly loud sound levels from damaging your ears.  This is especially important when playing with other sound modes. For example the sound-amplifying Clear sound mode enables you to eavesdrop on people’s conversation  across a distance, turning your iPhone into a gadget fit for an MI5 operative.  A great app if you want to play Doctor (or Spy!).

Longevity: 6
Fun Factor: 7
Practicality: 7
Value for Money: 7
Kung Fu verdict: 7