RS iOS Noon-time Seminar Notes for March 22, 2013
Announcements:
- There is an iOS update now available to version 6.1.3. See “Settings” on your device.
- Become part of the “inner circle”. The RS planning committee needs to plan for next semester. Consequently, Ranny will hold an iOS Apple planning meeting next Friday (3/29/13) at 10:00 am. If you have ideas concerning the iPad and iPhone seminars (Noon-time, Basics class, Projects class), and/or you want to be a co-coordinator or to help plan the content and the format of next semester’s seminars, please attend. Check our blog (http://rsiosseminar.blogspot.com) for details as to a room location or plan to meet the group near the Burger King (Student Union). There is a meeting room near there that may be used. If you cannot attend, but have ideas, send an email to rsiosseminar@gmail.com .
- The Google + chat room will be used to communicate with those that want to be part of the planning and organizing the seminars for next semester.
- Melissa asked all attendees to access the website and sign in using the link provided as an electronic way of taking attendance. The link opens an email message. The note could also include suggestions for the future meetings.
- The “iOS Projects” class needs five co-coordinators for next semester. This semester has focused on Multi-Media Images. Next semester may be a continuation of this topic. Participants were asked to spend approximately $30 on software, including GoodReader, Keynote, Photo Transfer, iPhoto, and iMovie. Other free apps were downloaded, including Bump and Skitch.
Demonstration of the “PASSBOOK” app for iPhones by Jean Findlay :
- Note that this app is not available for the iPad. It is designed to be used while “on-the-go”.
- Passbook can simplify the process of keeping track of various passes — such as tickets, coupons, and gift cards.
- There are numerous apps that “Passbook” incorporates, including several airlines (United, American and more), retail stores (Starbucks, Walgreens, Target etc.), entertainment (Fandango, Ticketmaster etc.).
- When you first access Passbook a large list of apps is presented. Each of the apps that you use must be downloaded on your iPhone as well as the Passbook app.
- Jean showed how the FANDANGO app works. It is an entertainment app (movies, shows). Information includes theatre locations, which movies are playing, show times, cast information, reviews, movie trailers, ticket availability, and length of the movie.
- The Passbook app facilitates to some degree the use of the specific apps that it includes. Passbook can store your reward cards for the various retail stores that you frequent.
- Some apps are “location- aware” and may open automatically when you are close to where you may use the app; e.g. the airport, where you can use airline’s the app to store your boarding pass and display it on the lock screen to be scanned by ticket agent. The airline apps also provide flight and airport information.
- AMTRAK has an app supported by Passbook. It works much like the airline apps.
- You can associate your Starbucks card (and other cards) with Passbook.
- The TICKETMASTER app can be used to find and buy tickets to all sorts of venues, provide directions and even parking information.
Future presentations:
- April 5 - Pete Lozzi will talk about the future use of iOS devices.
- April 12 - IM Messaging and texting.
- April 19 - Passwords
- April 26 - Skype and Face Time
- May 3 - Apple ID’s and password management – Pac Polin
Submitted by Patty Quinn
Get a discount on iTunes Gift Cards at Target or Best Buy by Saturday March 23rd.
Also, there is a change to improve Apple ID security. Read about two-factor authentication at TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog).
A Technorati rumor has it that during their June 29, 2013 "Original Passion, New Ideas" event, Apple will announce the iPhone 5S and the iPad 5.
