Braineos is an application that will nourish the user’s brain, figuratively anyway. The site provides user with a way to create flash cards. These can be used in games to help the user learn and retain information. A challenge feature is also available that allows the user to compete with friends using their flash cards. A search box allows users to browse for existing flash cards that they can use. The game options include a traditional memory game called Flip, a catch an answer in a jar game called Papilio and Multiple Choice quizzes. Users can also play Flip Reverse which lets them work backwards to find the question that matches with the answer.

Visit www.braineos.com

Braineos is powered by Wibiya, a web toolbar founded in 2008 by Dror Ceder, Avi Smila and Daniel Tal in Israel. Braineos is intended to give users another, fun way to learn and retain information. Flash cards are simple to understand and can be used to learn almost anything. Today Braineos is still in a beta status.

There are quite a few applications intended to help users learn, and that number is increasing. Braineos stands out because it is very simple, yet fun. Users can not only create or find flash cards to improve their learning but also incorporate them into built in games on the Braineos website. This gives the user more options that can help prevent the learning process from becoming stale.

The Braineos website is both colorful and a little unsettling. A blue, black and green color scheme presents each design element in eye-catching brilliance. The homepage features a black bowl of what looks like cereal complete with a spoon. However, in place of tasty round tidbits, the bowl and spoon contain lime green colored brains labeled with various topics of educational interest. An open can at the bottom of the page spills a similar mix of blue broth and brains. Three simple navigational tabs at the top of the homepage help users find the flash cards and game options.

New users are given many options when logging into Braineos, although each requires an existing account from a third party. The top right hand corner of the homepage allows the user to click on the button containing either the Google, Yahoo or Facebook logos. A link just below the three buttons lets the user view all available options. The following page adds six more log in choices, including AOL, My OpenID, Flickr, LiveJournal, Blogger and Vidoop. Clicking on one of the buttons will cause a small pop up box to appear, asking for the user’s login information to continue. An email option is also available on the Braineos homepage. So many options is definitely a nice touch, although users who prefer to not link any of their existing accounts have no other registration option.

Braineos gives users total access for free. There are no subscription fees or other charges for using the application. This is a plus because the site is rather simple with a limited number of game choices (although there are enough to keep the user entertained for a while). Braineos is still in beta, so this could change as the application nears official release.

Braineos offers users another way to learn. The application seems best suited to supplement a user’s learning efforts rather than act as the primary source. Users can browse a long list of flash cards or create their own tailored to their specific needs.

• Browse the application’s list of existing flash cards
• Create a new set of flash cards to use on Braineo
• Incorporate flash cards into fun learning games on the website
• Challenge a friend to a learning game to see who knows more
• Sign up through nine different third party accounts or through email

Visit www.braineos.com

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