iOS

  • October 25, 2017

    Switching to Apple’s Native Apps

    Since iOS 11 came out, I’ve been forming new opinions on apps and what I want to use on my phone. When I was an Android user, I would try not to pay for apps, and had reasonable success doing so. Call it the open source mentality, sure, but Google also had pretty great native apps — especially when they rolled out Material Design. When I switched to iOS, I went a little app crazy. I wanted to try everything. I was also more willing to pay for apps, mostly because more apps cost money. But recently, I’ve decided to cut out most 3rd party apps and focus on the native apps Apple sends with the phone. Here’s why.

    (more…)

  • I just wrote 1700+ words about the iPhone. That post will publish tomorrow, so keep an eye out for it.

    I did this using iA Writer on my iPad flying down to Florida. It was a pretty nice experience, given I got the QODE Keyboard Case by Belkin. It’s great. I strongly recommend it.

    The other great part of the experience was after I wrote it on the iPad, I booted up iA Writer on my Mac, and the file was just there, making moving it over to WordPress a breeze.

    Handoff/sync is a great feature. But more on that tomorrow.

    August 9, 2015

  • I missed yesterday’s post so today might be a two-for. As a short followup to a blog post I made a few weeks ago regarding the iPhone, I was convinced to use it a little longer.

    I have gotten used to the phone a bit and have noticed some improvements along the way. It seems iOS 8.3 has added something of a back button in situations which is nice. Apple Pay is great, and the battery life is amazing.

    I still miss Android’s sharing, but I do find myself really enjoying the good parts of iOS. I look forward to iOS 9.

    July 1, 2015

  • May 18, 2015

    2 Weeks with an iPhone 6

    I’m pretty vocal about my feelings for the iPhone and iOS devices in general. I don’t like them; I think they are too locked down and that they aren’t as feature-rich an Android devices. However, as I should have an iOS device to test on and there are a few seemingly good things about iOS, I decided to get an iPhone and use it as my primary phone for a couple of weeks.

    (more…)

  • January 11, 2013

    Interesting Links for January 11, 2013

    It’s not often I will do a links roundup, but as my Facebook and Twitter friends can attest to, I’ve been posting a lot this week. I’ve tried to hold back, but I will post the good ones here. Of-course, this will then get posted to Facebook and Twitter, but hey- better one than like 15, right?

    (more…)

  • January 6, 2013

    Web Based Password Manager

    I would love a web based password manager that’s completely accessible on all of my devices. I know that there are a lot of tools out there already, and I know there are some inherent security risks with this approach, but here is what I’m thinking:

    • It simply stores Title, URL, Username, Password, and maybe a notes section
    • It’s web-based
    • It’s secure
    • It’s responsive so you can easily add information for any device you own*

    I’m wondering if there is something out there already, if it’s a good idea, and if people think it’s worthwhile. What do you think?’

    *This one is important. I have 3 computers, 2 tablets, and between 2-3 phones depending on what I need to test. I don’t want to buy or download an app every time.

  • July 3, 2012

    Mobile Browser Testing

    So this Responsive Web thing is all the rage these days, and rightfully so. As mobile browsers get more powerful, we can do a lot of great things that used to be thought of as only possible on  the desktop. We no longer need to have redirects on mobile that take our users to a separate site; we can have it all, no matter what device they are viewing our sites from. I recently updated both my site and my blog to be responsive (I’m still working some kinks out of the blog- I’m sorry for the mess). However, as mobile browsers are becoming powerful and plentiful, we run into the same issues we’re seeing on the desktop- we need to test our mobile friendly versions in several different browsers across multiple platforms.

    (more…)

  • December 19, 2010

    Links Round Up for 12/19/10

    • Tech Parents Tech (google): Google made a resource for the goto tech person in the family. It has video tutorials for some of the most common questions we’ll get from family members this holiday season. I love Google.
    • On Speaking (simplebits): Dan Ceaderholm is one of my web design heros, and here he offers some great advice on speaking, which is definitely something I’d like to do if ever given the opportunity.
    • Web Design by Gender: This info graphic explores the differences between male & female web designers. It’s pretty interesting. Check out the color graph for each gender.
    • Behind the scenes of the 37signals Redesign (37signals): I love how clean and classy 37signals’ designs are- especially when it comes to their homepage. This is some great insight into the design decisions they make; it’s something every web designer should read.
    • Editorial: RIM seems to be as lost as my Blackberry (engadget): Great article. Sums up my thoughts completely. It’s a shame that such a trailblazer has fallen so far behind in their own game.
    • Word Lens (kottke): New augmented reality app for translating signs/text. Watch the video; be amazed.

    Merry Christmas everyone! If you need some ideas for last minute gifts, check out my list of Tech Gifts for 2010. Also, I saw Tran-Siberian Orchestra last night. It was my fourth time seeing them; if you get the chance, you need to go. It’s an amazing show (musically & theatrically) and it will put you in the Christmas spirit!