Here are a collection of iPhone tips you may not be aware of…
iOS Tips
Backup and Update!
There was a recent survey from Apple noting that of iOS users (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) only 50% had connected their machine to iTunes to backup and update their phone. Until iOS 5 and iCloud arrive this fall (more on those updates in a future post) is it very important that you regularly backup your phone. When doing so you ensure you won’t lose any data. You will also ensure the latest updates and patches are applied to your phone. So if you haven’t done so recently, plug in your phone to Backup & Update!
UST Launches Mobile Site
If you weren’t aware, UST recently launched a mobile version of our website. It targets smartphone-type devices and, if you visit http://www.stthomas.edu from your iPhone you will be automatically redirected to the new site. There are a number of really nice features:
- news from the Bulletin, Athletics, and TommieMedia
- directory search
- the shuttle bus schedule
- the bookstore
- and the Libraries mobile site
Kudos go out to WMS for their great work on the new site!
Prefix a Call
Our friend over on the Android blog have a recent post regarding adding a prefix to a call.
http://blogs.stthomas.edu/android/2011/04/27/ust-extension-dialing-as-easy-as-bb/
At St. Thomas, the global directory generally includes only the extension. And as such, you cannot simply call a number after searching the directory with the Contacts app on your iPhone. Luckily, there’s an app for that (a few actually) and they are free!
The one that appears best for our use is called PrefixACall.
Maximizing Battery Life
Rather than reinvent the wheel, check out this post from our iPad blog discussion maximizing your iPhone battery life.
iPad 3G data plans
With the iPad 2 set to go on sale tonight, there are some questions about whether to purchase the 3G enabled versions and, if so, whether to go with the AT&T or Verzion version.
Whether you need the 3G version depends wholly on your personal situation. Are you generally in a WiFi area, do you travel often, would a WiFi type device be more appropriate? These area all questions you should ask before making this decision. But if you do decide on purchasing the 3G version, who service provider should you choose. One way to judge is via price. Below is a handy chart from CNN graphing the cost difference between the two options.
The other deciding factor pertains to availability. The general consensus is this: AT&T’s network is faster and available in more countries. Verizon’s network is more reliable. These are generalizations to be sure but are fairly accurate un the U.S.
iPad 2
Update: Here is all the information you likely will want to know about iPad 2
The iPad 2 is being announced as we speak. More information on it and the accompanying software update (which will support the iPad 1 as well) coming soon!
Tip: Add a Website Shortcut to Your Home Screen
Open the website you need a shortcut for, tap the + sign at the top of the page and select Add to Home Screen. This will then create a shortcut icon with one-click access to your most-used sites. Looks like an app, but in reality a shortcut to the website.
Tip: Safari: Open websites in a New Page
Open websites in a New Page: Rather than just tap the link, press and hold it until you see an option to Open in New Page, choose and Safari will open a new window.
Tip: Data Detectors
iOS has a number of “hidden” features that you may not know about until they just appear. One of those is Data Detection. Here’s how it works: Say someone sends you an email with a proper address, date or Fedex/UPS tracking number. When those come into your mailbox, your iPad automatically recognizes them and converts them into a clickable link.
So if you get sent a FedEx tracking number, when you get it on your iPad, you can just tap the tracking number and be taken to the FedEx package tracking site. Or if you are sent a date, it will turn that into a clickable link with which you can just tap to create a new appointment on your calendar.
Addresses work the same way, though when you choose them you are given 2 options, to view it in the Maps App or to add/update a contact.
Data Detectors – one of the hidden gems in iOS 4.
