NameForge vs IPhoton
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
NameForge
This tool transforms any word into a personalized acrostic for mentalism performances. It offers seamless input and output options, with optional pro features for enhanced routines and community sharing.
- Word to acrostic generation
- Customizable input and output
- Pro features via in-app purchases
- Apple Watch integration
- Voice and camera input
- Community sharing of routines
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NAMEFORGE - MODERN MENTALISM, FORGED TO PERFECTION Created by professional mentalist Paul Brook, NameForge is a cutting-edge mentalism tool that transforms a simple word into a powerful, personalised moment of mentalism. Take a name - typed, spoken*, or selected - and instantly generate a compelling acrostic, where the first letter of each line spells out the original word. It feels deeply personal to your participant, yet the method remains entirely invisible. Whether you’re performing on stage, close-up, or over video, NameForge delivers genuine impact - without giving away your secrets. CUSTOMISED INPUT AND OUTPUT, SEAMLESS DELIVERY Any word can be inputted into NameForge, which will then be turned into an acrostic - where the first letter of each word creates another word. After the acrostic is made, it can then be sent virtually anywhere you want, via the predefined outputs, or use the customisable outputs to send to somewhere specific. PRO FEATURES FOR WORKING PERFORMERS Enhance your routines with optional Pro features (In-App Purchases): • Apple Watch Peek – discreet reveals on your wrist • Voice Input – speak the word aloud to create the acrostic • Camera Input – show a written word to any of your phone's cameras to input it • Unforged Sending – send unformatted words to any integration • Search Result Output – make their phone show your prediction • Add More API Outputs – connect to more integrations COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SHARING Profiles and word lists can be shared between performers with ease, letting you explore and perform community-favourite routines in seconds. CONSTANTLY EVOLVING NameForge is packed with tools and always evolving - ready to help you create miracles, anywhere, anytime. *Voice Input requires the ‘Voice Input’ In-App purchase.
IPhoton
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IPhoton – Invisible Flashlight Control for Magic Performers Turn your iPhone into the ULTIMATE visual magic tool. With IPhoton, you can control your iPhone’s flashlight invisibly—without buttons, remotes, or even touching your phone. Tap, toggle, automate, or let smart motion and hand detection do the work. For the first time ever, you can perform classic D-Lite effects using your iPhone—right in your spectator’s hand. Mind = Blown. FREE MODE • Tap – Hold to light, release to vanish. • Toggle – A single tap switches the light on/off. • Max 30 second session limit. PRO MODE (requires in app upgrade)... CLASSIC MODES • Tap – Hold to light, release to vanish. • Toggle – A single tap switches the light on/off. • Auto – Custom looping sequences with hidden countdowns. SMART MODES(This is where the real magic happens) • Jolt Detection – Use your iPhone’s accelerometer. A shake, tilt, or subtle jolt controls the beam. • Hand Detection – Our flagship breakthrough. Your iPhone’s camera detects your hand, giving you precise, hands-free flashlight control. Powerful. Reliable. Game-changing. ROUTINES • Record and create custom light sequences • One tap activation • Time your light show to music or create incredible special effects! CAMERA MODE • Capture audience reactions live while performing. Switch to camera mode with a tap and record the astonishment as it happens. Now you have a reason for the flashlight... APPLE SHORTCUTS • Add preloaded shortcuts within iPhoton to a friend's device to control their flashlight. KILLER COMBINATIONS • Mix and match methods for seamless, unfathomable control. Perform with confidence, knowing your spectators will have no explanation. APPLE WATCH CONTROL (In App Purchase required) • A twist of the wrist is all it takes to take your effect to another level. LIGHT IT UP • Pair with D-Lite (by Roger Mayfarth – sold separately) and unleash a reputation-making routine that plays big on any stage but fits in your pocket. INVISIBLE. PRACTICAL. MAGICAL. • Download IPhoton today and make the impossible shine. IPhoton was created and developed by Sam Fitton. All rights reserved.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is price: IPhoton at Free against NameForge's $69.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
IPhoton is free to download; NameForge costs $69.99 up front. NameForge sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and IPhoton sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
NameForge ships an update every 8 days, IPhoton weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NameForge | IPhoton |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 60 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Paul Michael Brook | Honest Trickery Ltd |
In-app purchases
NameForge
- Unforged Output$29.99
- API Inputs$29.99
- Watch Peek$49.99
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- Voice Input$49.99
- Camera Input$49.99
- Search Result Output$49.99
IPhoton
- Pro (Monthly)$14.991 Month
- Apple Watch Control for IPhoton$14.99
- Pro (Lifetime)$29.99








