Episode 69: Camera Phone 101

Hi Everyone,

I know I've already done "Say Cheese", but we have new users and some of you veterans are asking how to do things we've covered in the past. So over the next few episodes, I'm going cover some of the past tips and group them like today's episode. So, smile at the camera, say cheeeeeese and let's get into today's tip of the day.

Quick...take the picture

How many of you still hit the home button...slide to unlock...swipe to find the camera icon...select the camera icon and then take the picture by tapping camera icon on the screen. I've seen you at our last event taking pictures. Here's a shortcut to taking quick pictures. From the lock screen, slide the camera icon up and press the volume up button to take the photo. The hardest part of this sequence, is overcoming the urge to unlock your phone (slide to unlock) and skipping right through the swipe up. At that point, you might as well look for your camera icon and launch it the long way. With a bit of practice and using the volume up button to take the picture, you won't have to set your drink or hors d'oeuvres down.

Stills from video: iPhone 5

Did you know when recording a video on your iPhone 5 you can take a still photograph? While recording the video, just tap the camera icon or my preference, press the volume up button. Don't have an iPhone 5, try Video 2 Photo, you'll have to create your still in post (after the shot).

Sending Photos:

There are so many ways to send a photo, let me count the ways (these are just the native apps).

• From the Messaging app, tap the camera icon.
• From your email, press and hold on the body of the email to "Insert Photo or Video".
• From your Photo app, select "Edit", select your photo and then select "Share".
• From the Camera app, swipe your finger to the right to open your camera roll. Tap on the photo and select the "Share" button. This will not work if you open the camera app from the lock screen.
• From Photo Stream, you can create a shared photo stream folder and add your family and friends to the subscribers list. (Check out episode 62).

Prezi: Not your fathers PowerPoint

Looking for a new way to present your information. Tired of the flat presentation of a PowerPoint. Try Prezi. It's a different way of engaging your audience. You can get a free account at prezi .com. If you work in education, you can get the upgraded education account for free. There's a little bit of a learning curve, but once you've mastered it, you'll amaze your audience. As a bonus, there's an app for it.

Hope you've enjoyed these tips,

Peter

Episode 68: Computer, Initiate Auto-Destruct Sequence

Hi Everyone,

Okay, you’re at the Apple store and they want you to press the "Erase All Data" button and you start to panic. Horrible thoughts start flying through your head...am I going to lose my contacts, my photos, or even worst, my high score in Bejeweled? Breath in...breath out...and let’s talk about today’s tip of the day.

Backup: Restore from backup
I can’t emphasize the importance of backing up your mobile device. I know that some of you out there (I’m not going to point fingers, but he occasionally rides his bike to work) have not taken these steps to protect your data and lost information, photos, etc. Download iTunes to your computer and plug in your iPhone/iPad. It can’t get any easier. Select the "Summary" tab. to view your last backup. If you don’t sync to a computer, make sure that you setup your iCloud account (Settings\iCloud). Now if you have to press the "Erase All Data" at the Apple store, you can restore your device to the last saved backup. You can with confidence initiate auto-destruct sequence.

Signature: "Sent from my iPhone"
Have you see what others see when you email them from your mobile device? "Sent from my iPhone,iPad, HTC device"... and so on. On your iOS device, go to Settings\Mail.Contacts,Calendars\Signature to create signatures for all or each of your accounts. I use a separate signature for my personal and work email.

External Battery: Can’t reach the plug
How many times have you gone to an workshop and ran out of battery? Now you have to look for a plug...it’s too far from my table...someone is already using it...you get the picture. Did you know that they make portable external batteries that can power all your USB devices? If you get one with a dual output, you can help a friend or make a new friend at the table. Just plug it in to extend your battery or use it to charge your device. They can range from $10-$150. When you look at the top end of the range, you’re paying for a label. I bought a 9000mAh at monoprice.com for $40. It will fully charge an iPad or charge your iPhone 4-5 times. Great for those looooong flights across the pacific (Hafa Adai). Oh, here’s an added bonus. You won’t leave behind your iPad plugged into the wall. Yes, I collected two at our last workshop.

Hope you enjoy these tips. Don’t forget, if you have a great tip or app, pass it on.