Apple Watch Update - Works best With a Paired iPhone But Retains Some Features Without One

A few more days learning the Apple Watch and the update.  Apple Watch is designed to be paired with the iPhone.  It works best using Bluetooth, however, it can pair using Wi-Fi.  From what I have read, Wi-Fi uses a little more power from the watch than Bluetooth.  What is interesting is that the watch does have some features when using only Wi-Fi without the paired iPhone.

Two websites explain the relationship:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204562  and https://support.apple.com/kb/PH20767?locale=en_US 

The experience of a new device is interesting.  I am amazed of the incredible capabilities that the watch provides with such a small "footprint."  I am learning a little more every day.  

Apple Update 8.3

The newest version of Apple OS for iPad and iPhones was recently released.  The new version provides choices of skin color and hair for male and female emoji icons.  It also allows user to change Siri's voice.  From what I read on a CNN article, Opps Apple's Diverse Emoji Turn into Aliens, if you do not upgrade, the male and female icons turn into aliens. I prefer not having to make an extra step and select the type of female icon each time - wish it would "remember" my preference.  Who knows what the future will bring with new updates. 

Outlook App Finally Available

I read in the New York Times today that the Outlook app was released last week.  It is available for iPhones, Android phones, and the iPad.  The app is free.  I was using OWA as an Outlook app, but it did not have the robust features of Outlook.  If you use Outlook, try out the app. 

To learn more, go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/outlook/to-go

iPhone 6 Update IOS 8.0.2

Am loving the new iPhone 6.  Did not get the Plus - as it was too large for my needs.  There was a software update for the iPhone this week - IOS 8.0.2.  There was no noticeable difference after the install.  Of course, my last iPhone was several years old - but am enjoying the fingerprint recognition feature. I also like the feature which suggests words for messaging - as I realize it is there - I can write messages more quickly and accurately.

 Some complain about the new Tips app, but it provides a nice just-in-time learning feature.  Some of the apps had to be updated to use the new IOS, but that was automatic. 

Stethoscope - There is an App for That

Students in one of my classes have discovered some amazing healthcare apps. That fact sparked me to do additional searching.  I discovered several FDA approved healthcare apps which I will review in separate blogs.  The ThinkLabs digital Stethoscope has the potential as an outstanding teaching/care provider tool for pre-licensure and nurse practitioner nursing students.

The ds32+ Stethoscope costs $239 (about twice the cost of a good traditional stethoscope).  It looks very similar to the traditional stethoscope except it has a pad with buttons where you can from bell to diaphragm and also amplify sound.  It works in conjunction with an iPhone and iPod Touch app, ThinkLabs Stethoscope app, which provides a visual of S1 & S2 heart sounds (the "lub dub" heart sound noises for non-healthcare provider readers). The app cost is $69.99. 

Read more at http://www.thinklabsmedical.com/

New Apple iOS 7.0 Update

This morning I was greeted with the new iOS update for the iPhone and iPad.  The new iOS is a striking different look and feel.  The security feature is built-in when Find My iPhone is activated.  I was prompted to enter a 4 digit security code every time I unlock the phone.  The search menu is available from every screen by swiping down.  The changes are all very nice!

Evernote Page Camera

At our ePublishing meeting yesterday, Noland demonstrated the use of Evernote page camera.  The feature is available for the iPhone and Android mobile devices.  The page camera is an option on the iPhone, but I cannot replicate it on the iPad. The screen shot below is the menu that opens when clicking on the camera icon in an Evernote Note (forgive my typing errors).  To use the feature, click on Page Camera and point the mobile device camera at the text or graphic you want to capture.  It works similar to taking a photo, except the camera flashes, which makes the graphic or text very clear. 

Augmented Reality with Aurusma App

Our ePublishing group met yesterday.  We always have an exhilarating time learning new technology tricks that have application to education and/or innovative use of technology.  Walt demonstrated an amazing augmented reality app, Aurasma.  The web URL for the app is http://www.aurasma.com/

The distinctive feature of the app is that you can create your own augmented reality items.  The app is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices.  The tutorial for use of the app is simple and clear.

To visualize use of the app, to to http://www.aurasma.com/campaigns/

I have embedded a 4-minute YouTube video which provides insight on how this app can be used in education. Enjoy!

Battery Saving Tips for the iPhone and iPad

MacWorld at has some interesting information on battery saving tips for the iPhone and iPad at http://www.macworld.com/article/2046209/fact-or-fiction-nine-iphone-and-ipad-battery-saving-techniques-tested.html

It is no secret that I have both devices.  I learned a couple new tips about saving the battery.  Not mentioned in the article is Facetime.  Facetime will drain my battery quickly.  I know that locations finder will affect battery life, but it is an important feature to keep.  Overall, my Apple devices all do a great job on battery life.

Taking Screenshots

Screenshots are great ways to create tutorials and provide a picture with an explanation.  There are several ways to create them.

Download Jing (http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html ), a free app

With Windows operating system (OS)

• The Snipping Tool is an app with some of the Window OSs.  
• In Microsoft Word 2010, click the Insert menu > Screenshot from the Illustrations section
• If you have OneNote, you can click the Windows + S key 

On the Mac

• Click Cmd + Shift + 4 keys
• Click Cmd + Shift + 3 keys (full screen)
• Click Cmd + Shift + 4 + space bar (open window)
• Go the Dock > Utilities > Grab

On the iPad or iPhone

• Click the on/off and Home button (takes full screen)

Facebook and iPhone Voice Calls

Facebook Messenger released an app improvement last Tuesday that allows for voice calls on the iPhone.  It uses the data plan instead of voice minutes.  I will have to explore the feature this weekend. Read more about Facebook Messenger for iPhone at http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/16/technology/mobile/facebook-free-voice-calls/index.html

Facebook Messenger Has Voice Recording Feature

Facebook Messenger for the Android and iOS mobile phones allows for voice recorded messages.  When I first read about the feature, I did recognize the difference between Facebook and Facebook Messenger.  You have to open the Facebook Messenger app.  When you click on the plus (+) sign the Record Voice feature appears (see the screen shot below).  The quality of the audio was very good when I tested the feature. 

Google Maps on the iPhone

I downloaded the new Google Maps app for the iPhone but had not much time to explore it until today.  Google has a great website with screenshots that show the features at http://maps.google.com/help/maps/helloworld/iphone/quicktips.html 

One of the features is the ability to view a street view by clicking a site, holding your finger down on the screen and then tapping the address.  The first place I tapped (our home) did not show a street view :-(  .  As it turns out, it is because Google did not have a street view available.  I tapped on another place near the university and it displayed correctly.

One of many differences between Apple Maps and Google Maps is the way you report a problem.  Apple has the report a problem almost invisible (gray print on gray background), whereas, to report a problem with Google Maps, all you have to do is to shake your phone. Google Maps also has a place to enter your home and work addresses.

It is amazing to think back to the many years that we depended upon purchasing a paper map for directions.  I would not consider traveling without having my iPhone or iPad and the map apps.

Apple - Find My iPhone Update

The Apple Find My iPhone app was updated on December 11th to include driving directions to the lost device!  I was curious to see how the app worked. To see the update changes, open the Find My iPhone app.  Click on the Devices button in the top left corner to select the device. You should see a green icon with a car (Driving Directions button)  to the left of the iPhone name.  Click on the button and Apple maps will open.  Click on the Direction button (top left corner) for driving directions.

I realize that Apple maps are still not perfect.  I have been using the Driving Directions app with Siri audio, just to test the app.  The other day, Siri instructed me to turn right on a particular highway number, but had the number wrong (off by one digit).  Fortunately, you can report map problems to Apple.  When you click on the curled paper on the bottom right corner of the Maps window, you can click on the Report a Problem link.  Caution - the Report a Problem is at the top in dark gray on gray font - so almost invisible :-).  

New Gmail App for iPhone and iPad

A Google blog posted yesterday discussed a new Gmail app for the iPhone and iPad. Yes, an app! I had not even considered using an app for mail as gmail is one of my email accounts set up using Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars.  The screen shots of the Gmail app looked very nice, so I downloaded the app to the iPad.  The Gmail app provides a very nice simple and colorful view of email, which is very different from the regular email app.  You may find it worth exploring, too.To read more and see some of the screenshots, go to
http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-gmail-app-for-iphone-and-ipad.html

Setting Notifications for the Mac Mountain Lion OS, iPhone, and iPod

If you have a Mac computer running Mountain Lion operating system (OS), an Apple mobile device, you probably are familiar with receiving notifications.  However, did you know that you can customize them?

On the Mac, go to the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen > system preferences > Personal > Notifications.  On a mobile device, click the Settings icon > Notifications.  You can chose a calendar style alert, select which apps you want for notification, whether to show a badge icon (shows number of alerts), and whether to play a sound.  You can also specify the number of notifications that you prefer (1-20).

Kirk McElearn has a very nice article detailing the notification system for Mountain Lion OS at http://www.macworld.com/article/2015473/qanda-mountain-lion-s-notifications.html. 

Creating a touchscreen glove to the iPad, iPod, or iPhone

I read a DIY column today about how to sew a few stitches of conductive thread into the finger tip of a glove so that you do not have to remove the glove to use the mobile device.  Actually there are several blog tutorials and YouTube videos on the topic.  One blog is at http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/diy-make-any-pair-of-gloves-touchscreen-capable-with-just-a-couple-stitches-of-thread-20091130/ 

From what I read the conductive thread is "hairy" as it is made metal fiber - so the recommendation is to wax the thread before threading a needle and sewing a few stitches in the tip of the glove.  You can purchase small amounts of thread for less than $3.00 (excluding any shipping charges).  One example is  http://www.karlssonrobotics.com/shop/conductive-thread-bobbin-30ft/?gclid=CO7MlJDD8rMCFQu0nQodTxwAtw 

Of course you can search the Internet yourself using the search word "conductive thread."  

Learning from Mistakes - iTunes Match

When I got my new iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro - I was not thinking ahead!  I turned in the old MacBook Pro without saving all of the MANY copies of music CD's (like 500 songs).  OMG - not a good thing.  I attempted to make a backup of my music library, but ran into problems because the file would not synch.  Am working on correcting the problem without having to copy all of my music CD's by using iMatch.  Yes, it costs money, but in the short term, it should be worth it if it works. 

Pinger - Free Texting and Calling App

One of my students traveled in Europe this past summer and shared an app she used to communicate with friends and family in the United States - Pinger (http://www.pinger.com/).  Needless to say I downloaded it to use when we go to Italy in a few months.  Pinger allows for free text messaging using WiFi (vs cellular services) in 35 countries.  It works just like text messaging on a smartphone.  I had my husband download it so that we could give it a trial run.  Right now it is available for the iPhone, but it looks like there is a beta version available for the Android devices. 

Information on the website indicates that you can also use it to call landline phones.  I am looking forward to using the app and learning more.

Panoramic photo with iPhone and iOS6

We were at a football game last weekend when I noted someone taking a panoramic photo with their iPhone.  I just now realized that it is a feature that was available with the iOS 6, not just the iPhone 5.  I wanted to take a panoramic photo of the sundown over the lake the other evening, but realized I didn't know how.  I did a quick search and discovered that I had overlooked the buttons at the top of the camera screen.  The video below is a short how-to.