Mobile Apps 360 takes a look at mobile software for your Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and iPhone/iPod touch smartphones that will help keep your favorite mobile gear fresh with new software.

iFighterLite is a free horizontal scrolling aerial combat game developed by EpicForce. You assume the role of a World War II ace fighter pilot on a mission to destroy a secret weapon being developed by the Nazis.

You can control your fighter in one of two ways: by tilting your iPhone or iPod touch or by dragging your finger across the screen. I’ve tried both input controls, and I liked the tilt method better. Game play is straigh forward. If a tank, artilary cannon, or other airplane is shooting at you, shoot back! As you destroy your enemies, they will drop power ups including silver and gold stars, gold medals, weapons power ups, and extra health points. When things get a little to hot to handle, you can tap the Bomb button to call in some extra support to help clear away the all of the ground forces that are on the screen.

I was attracted to the game because it reminded me of another horizontal fighter game from the early 1980’s, Capcom’s 1942. You will find that while it is easy to learn to play, the game is challenging enough to keep you coming back for more. I have been playing iFighterLite for the last few days yet, and I still have not been able to clear the first level yet, but I am getting better at piloting my fighter around other aircraft and dodging bullets.

Despite not being able to clear the first level, I keep coming back to the game because it is fun to play and game’s graphics are very good. The sound effects for the menus and in game are also good and add the fun of the game.

iFighterLite is fun for both fans of scrolling arcade games and the casual gamer looking for some fun while on the go. iFighterLite 1.0 is a free download from the Apple iTunes App Store. EpicFoce is expecting version 1.1 to be released soon (it has already been submitted for approval).

If you like iFighterLite, you may want to also try EpicForce’s other games ChocChocPop and ChocChopPop Lite, in which you help Emily match up tastey treats. ChocChocPop sells for $1.99 in the App Store, while ChocChocPop Lite version is a free download.

For more information, check out the EpicForce website.

Mobile Apps 360 takes a look at mobile software for your Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and iPhone/iPod touch smartphones that will help keep your favorite mobile gear fresh with new software.

Lose It! is my new favorite application for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch. This free application from FitNow is a great way to help you set a weight loss goal and stick to it.

To get started with Lose It!, all you have to do is answer a few simple questions to setup your weight loss plan. Once you have your plan in place, the Goals screen will allow you to track your progress.

Now that your plan is ready, you enter the foods you eat into one of four categories: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks. You will need an active Internet connection (G3 or Wi-Fi) to search the online database. You can also add custom foods and recipes if you want. As I have used the software, I have found most of the foods I’ve been eating in the online database. If I can’t find an exact match, I’ve found an item that was close enough. For the things that I couldn’t find, I’ve added a recipe for quick entry into my daily calorie log.

In addition to being able to track what foods you eat, you can also track your exercise in Lose It!. The execrise database, which is stored on the iPhone or iPod touch, is very extensive. It covers everything from walking to dancing, to lawn mowing.

I’ve been using Lose It! for about two weeks now and I have been able to lose 5 lbs in two weeks without chaning what I eat or increasing my exercise routine. In the end, Lose It! has helped me make better choices about how much to eat.

As with any diet and exercise regiment, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting.

Lose It! is available now from the Apple App Store.