Here is a partial list of the easter eggs in News Clocks, the popular world clock for iPad and iPhone. Many are inspired by the Newton MessagePad. Can you find more?
Solar Eclipse
On the date of a solar eclipse, News Clocks will play a brief eclipse animation when launching. The animation depicts either a total, partial, or annular eclipse, depending on the actual eclipse occurring that day. Change the date temporarily to November 25, 2011 to see it work.
Area 51
Enter “Area 51″ in the city search field and select it. Warning: All of your clocks will change to top secret locations around the world!
Moonwalk
If the date is July 20 (any year), go to Planet View and tap the Moon to hear a special presentation from Apollo 11.
Fox Clocks
Make sure you have six clocks total, all of which must start with the word “Fox” (i.e. Fox Lake, Foxton, etc.) Whenever you tap one, you’ll hear the developer (me) making a weird sound with his voice. (Yes, it really is real. I have no idea how I made that sound and no clue how to repeat the performance.)
Hidden Music
Listen closely to the little pop sound effect that the app makes when you tap city markers or change pages. Hint: the sounds may seem random, but they aren’t.
Voyager Flyby
Did you see it fly by? There is a 1 in 50 chance of seeing the Voyager space probe when you open Planet View.
Bonus Map
Search for “Fortuna” and choose it for one of your clocks. There will be an extra option in the map panel. You get extra credit if you can tell me what this is a reference to.
Find Elvis
Change the name of any clock to “Find Elvis” using the Google Map panel. Go to the day/night terminator view and tap the marker for “Find Elvis.” The King’s most recent location will be reported.
Access All Fonts
Rename one of the clocks to “Fonts” (using the Google Map panel) and you’ll be able to choose from all fonts on your system. Your font selection will remain even if you delete or rename the Fonts clock.
Wisdom Mode
Press and hold the help button for a few seconds. News Clocks will give you wisdom instead of help. Messages change daily.