23 Mobile Things. Thing 5. Notetaking.

 I was interested in Dragon dictation since it would provide the option of notetaking without needing to use the keyboard on my iPhone. The tutorial was helpful and after a quick download I tapped the Record button and began testing out this speech to text app. I practiced with a grocery list and used the command 'Next line" as the "Return" key. When I had finished I selected "Done." I wanted to save this list to my Apple notes so I selected the Arrow icon in the lower right screen and chose "Copy." I returned to the main screen and selected "Notes", followed by "New" where I tapped the screen and selected "Paste" which automatically saved my list. This process also worked well with emails and text messages. At this point I decided to download this app onto my iPad. It offers an "i" icon in the lower right screen that provides useful information including commonly used commands. I decided to use Dragon dictation to record this blog and was able to save it to Blogger.  

23 Mobile Things. Thing 4. Keeping up.

I added Zite to my iPad being that I use it as my main device for reading. I haven't used an app like this before, but after downloading it and adding four categories to create my top stories, I am hooked. Now instead of having to go out to various websites to read the news, Zite brings the news to my app based on my categories. Using the Quicklist icon in the upper right screen allowed me to add more categories. To the left of this icon is the Search icon that I used to find professional reading suggestions. I typed in the term libraries and was able to add American Libraries Magazine to my categories. I really like how layered and interconnected these news articles are. I came across an iPhone article and was able to immediately add iPhone apps as a category. For me apps like Zite are an efficient and enjoyable way for keeping up with the news and with professional reading. I am looking forward to adding this app to my lunchtime reading material.

23 Mobile Things. Thing 3. Utilities.

Using my iPhone I compared QR Reader with RedLaser. I will keep both apps for comparative shopping but prefer the way RedLaser organizes and displays results. Happily I was able to use Red Laser to locate a favorite Red Ginger Chili sauce that I am almost out of and have not been able to find. Also searched for a specific brand of cereal ... Target listed their price as $3.04 and Walmart listed their price as $3.28. RedLaser's history and recently viewed features are helpful for reviewing past searches. Both apps worked well when scanning the QR code on my city newsletter.  

23 Mobile Things. Thing 2. Mobile Device tips.

My mobile device of choice for this "Thing" was my iPhone and I found the ICOPILOT tutorials and various articles very helpful. The concept of sliding screens from right to left has been useful for determining the time of my texts and for accessing the trash option when managing my emails. Spent some time experimenting with the various camera filters including the black and white mono, tonal and noir options. While using the Control Center I turned off Air Drop to save on battery life ... other features allowed me to brighten the screen, turn on the flashlight and set the alarm clock sound to Night Owl. Enjoyed customizing the Weather app by adding more locations from around the world and it was nice being able to check for sunrise/sunset times. Made adjustments to the text size and was happy with the results. Used the Compass to access the Spirit level and placed it on my kitchen counter top which verified that it was level by displaying zero degrees with a green screen. Was not aware that the gender of Siri's voice could be changed so tried this out as well.