Something really good has come from the apple maps debacle and that is google maps!
Google maps always was the map of choice and was integrated into IOS but apples decision to go their own laughable way has resulted in a great stand alone map.
It does everything you would hope from a maps app plus the added benefit of turn by turn directions.
I have now had chance to use the app as a sat nav and was very happy with the result, from lost to destination in no time at all.
In short it just works. Yes, the voice is a little American and computer generated but as a free app I can't recommend it highly enough!
My assumption is that the android version will be at least as good but I have not had chance to review that version.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
The circle of slowness
It is with great regret that I find myself on holiday without either 3G, WiFi and only a handful of TV channels!
It really isn't all that bad, not checking out Facebook or Twitter doesn't kill you and being without some TV programmes actually improves your life!
I am however, a bit of a data junkie and not having feedly update me about news, tech and photography is hard to bare. Having to wait for the news to come on occasionally to at least be ahead of the paper press is a bit harder to bare.
Luckily not everything is dependant upon an Internet connection so I can read some books and graphic novels. My Evernote account allows offline reading so I can read my new camera manual also and of course there is a plethora of games I've downloaded and played only once or twice.
Also I can update and edit this blog post off line till I'm in an area with wifi!
Update 0.1
Had WiFi access once on second day of holiday, I just updated apps and checked email. I didn't even look at Facebook or twitter once (I may be ill)!
Update 0.2
A quick WiFi session to post this! Still haven't checked Facebook or twitter though!
Update 0.3
Returned home after a fantastic week away, not having wifi or a signal may have actually helped?! Still missed not having the news right there but overall I can survive without WiFi, who'd have thought it!
It really isn't all that bad, not checking out Facebook or Twitter doesn't kill you and being without some TV programmes actually improves your life!
I am however, a bit of a data junkie and not having feedly update me about news, tech and photography is hard to bare. Having to wait for the news to come on occasionally to at least be ahead of the paper press is a bit harder to bare.
Luckily not everything is dependant upon an Internet connection so I can read some books and graphic novels. My Evernote account allows offline reading so I can read my new camera manual also and of course there is a plethora of games I've downloaded and played only once or twice.
Also I can update and edit this blog post off line till I'm in an area with wifi!
Update 0.1
Had WiFi access once on second day of holiday, I just updated apps and checked email. I didn't even look at Facebook or twitter once (I may be ill)!
Update 0.2
A quick WiFi session to post this! Still haven't checked Facebook or twitter though!
Update 0.3
Returned home after a fantastic week away, not having wifi or a signal may have actually helped?! Still missed not having the news right there but overall I can survive without WiFi, who'd have thought it!
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Dmappology: phones
You are not your phone.
Your phone does not define you.
Some people seem to think I turn off to anything non apple related and I can't deny I do enjoy using their products.
For me though, any smart phone is by definition better than a dumb phone in all ways (except in making calls which is pretty equal).
So be it an Android or Windows phone if you choose it and your happy with it then all power to you.
My personal preference is the iphone and I still think the best google phone around is an iPhone running google apps!
To underline that comment I am currently posting this via the Blogger app (google) on my iPhone during lunch!
Happy Easter for those that celebrate.
Your phone does not define you.
Some people seem to think I turn off to anything non apple related and I can't deny I do enjoy using their products.
For me though, any smart phone is by definition better than a dumb phone in all ways (except in making calls which is pretty equal).
So be it an Android or Windows phone if you choose it and your happy with it then all power to you.
My personal preference is the iphone and I still think the best google phone around is an iPhone running google apps!
To underline that comment I am currently posting this via the Blogger app (google) on my iPhone during lunch!
Happy Easter for those that celebrate.
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Return of the Mapp!
I've not updated my blog for about 11 months now!
It's not that i've had nothing to say, more that I've been busy doing life!
In my case doing life involves the birth of my second son.
Now that it comes to the time that I do want to type something I find my squarespace blog hosting service is up for renewal leaving me in a bit of a dilemma.
Do I keep the squarespace site that I really like and is very well supported at a cost or do I move to a free host that isn't as pretty.
Well children come first and this is just another of my #geekauserity measures that enable me to continue still being me but at least it has helvetica!
As a result I have quickly copied and now archived my old content and will look to deliver new on a more regular basis but sadly gone is the magazine format and tabs to a more linear and boring model.
I will still head each category as before so you an choose to read or skip without having to dive in.
It's not that i've had nothing to say, more that I've been busy doing life!
In my case doing life involves the birth of my second son.
Now that it comes to the time that I do want to type something I find my squarespace blog hosting service is up for renewal leaving me in a bit of a dilemma.
Do I keep the squarespace site that I really like and is very well supported at a cost or do I move to a free host that isn't as pretty.
Well children come first and this is just another of my #geekauserity measures that enable me to continue still being me but at least it has helvetica!
As a result I have quickly copied and now archived my old content and will look to deliver new on a more regular basis but sadly gone is the magazine format and tabs to a more linear and boring model.
I will still head each category as before so you an choose to read or skip without having to dive in.
Archive - Manifesto
Type, type let it all out
These are the things I can't live without
(Sorry to any Tears for fears fans!)
Welcome to my blog recently updated and moved to a new more frugal home.
This blog will include reviews, articles, thoughts, photos, tips and tricks and will no longer be split by section in a bid to simplify things.
This site will unashamedly promote the things I like.
I will review any products I have bought that I feel are worthy typing about, I do not intend to use it to moan or bemoan about products as that will take away from the positive attitude I am trying to maintain here (although that will inevitably happen at some stage)
I am always in search of better, be it a better pen or a better camera app but remember it is all just my thoughts and opinion (One lego mans poison is another lego mans gold)!
note I do not say perfect, I do not live in a land of miracles and do not believe anything is perfect.
Saturday, 16 March 2013
Archive - Dmappology essentials
This is a list of my current essential tech and otherwise in no particular order, reviews will follow.
MacBook
iPhone 4
iPad
Moleskine
Canon 40D
Canon 350D
Sony DSC-W12
Helvetica font
Billingham card wallet
Billingham Hadley pro bag
Archive - Tech and the toddler
Whatever preconception you go into parenting with, the chances are they will change over time, for me it was the missguided notion that we wouldn't use a gadget entertain my son.
There will be occasions when you will need to use distraction tactics, just to get your child to eat or to free yourself up to do something for 5 minutes. When this moment comes there isn't much better than an iPad or iPhone.
Personally I love it that my boy can work the iPad.
He asks for it by name, he can control it, he watches you tube on it, he plays games on it (there are a host of toddler related apps out there).
It would be easy to say he is spoiled and that may well be the case but the way I see it is that he is growing up learning to use the technology of the future and I want him to be comfortable with it. And he certainly looks comfortable with it!
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