Thing 16: Audio

Out of the couple of apps suggested on the 23 Mobile Things website I decided to try Ipadio because it appeared to have a lot of functions that a simpler app such as Audioboo doesn't have. It was quick and easy to install although I was surprised to see I had to register on the application, but that was quick and easy as well. Ipadio gave two options to record –audio and phone—that were easy to use. Recording was as simple as hitting a button or two…the playback feature was also handy as well so I could hear how the recording turned out. I only tried the audio option which worked very smoothly and I was able to make an audio recording. I decided not to try the phone option because I would have had to call a number and I have to pay for minutes on my phone. 

The app has a few settings to play with such as transmitting location as well as whether the app needs a pin to broadcast, but otherwise, is pretty simplistic. There is a nice “how to” tutorial showing how to use the app. There was also an editing function so I could edit my audio casts after I made them and an upload function so I could upload the audio casts directly from the app.

To be honest, I can’t ever see myself using this in my personal life…I just don’t have a need to record audio, however, it would be an app I’d consider if doing something professionally for work just because it is easy to use, and does have a few extra functions that go with it (and a “how to” section so I know how to use those extra functions!). The only downfall is that the phone recording option requires the user to make a call so will be inconvenience for individuals paying for minutes, however, there is an audio function to help avoid that. Overall a nice app!

15 Badge

Thing 15: Infographics

I was super excited to see that infographics made the list! I started working with infographics in college as I plugged my way through technical communication courses. A few fun afternoons were spent learning about infographics and making one of my one own. Infographics provide a fun, but informative way for people to see information. They are especially good for kids or people who prefer more of a visual learning style. 

I was sad to see that there are limited apps that work with Android (mostly Apple apps). Out of the four apps recommended on the 23 Mobile Things webpage I didn't get a chance to work with any of them because they were either Apple only, weren't compatible with my older version of android or there were a number of people reporting problems getting it to work (i Visual Info Touch Lite being the one) so I decided to skip it. Instead of using one of the recommended ones I decided to search for an Infographics app that would work with my older version of andorid and settled on Daily Infographic. Daily Infographic just launched on May 5, 2014 so I was interested to see how good the app would be, depth of the image library and how well it would work considering it is so new.

While browsing the app I noticed that there was a search option as well as an ability to pick and browse by category. It was nice to be able to flip through the infographics quickly and easily (just side swiping), and download them if I chose to. The infographics I found were very good quality, clear to read through when enlarged, related to relevant topics, and I think this is an excellent app if you are searching for an infographic to use, but can’t seem to find one.

Such fun! A whole afternoon would easily be wasted looking at these fun and intriguing, yet informative graphics Although I'm sad to see that the options are limited for individuals running older android platforms, there are still apps that work and fun Infographics to be explored. 

Thing 14: Video

After looking through the different app suggestions listed on I deiced to try Socialcam because it seemed like the app that had the least amount of limiting by number of videos, length of videos, etc. I downloaded and opened the app which was easy and I as I started to play with it, I realized why it is called Socialcam –because it really is meant to be more of a socializing camera then just a video recorder. There was the option to connect with friends, post to activity feeds, etc. but what I didn't realize until I made a video was that there didn't appear to be a way to just save the video…you have to upload it to the web. There was the option to set privacy settings for who could see the video –everyone, friends or only me –however I was surprised that it couldn't just be downloaded to the phone or my computer.

Socialcam may be a good idea for people who spend a lot of time socializing and posting fun videos for their friends, but this is an app I could never see myself using either professionally or personally. I don’t care to make videos personally, and make very few on a professional basis. The few videos I have made I prefer to be able to download to my computer for storage, for editing purposes and so that I can choose where to post it (Facebook, Twitter, Email, Company/School server, etc.), instead of to the website Socialcam selects for me. Although the video recorder does a good job of recording the video and sound and it was fun to explore a new app, I have to give a thumb down for Socialcam.

Thing 13: Presentations

If you’ve ever taken a class or attended a meeting you’ve no doubt seen a presentation. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a quick and easy presentation from your phone? With several free apps you can!

Many of the free apps highlighted on the 23 Mobile Things page are made for Apple, but there are two that work for Android.

Lensoo Create sounded interesting because of virtual whiteboard capabilities along with voice. Presentations can easily be shared via email, Facebook or Twitter. While this app sounds like it has many great features, it does sound like an app that would work better with a stylus which I don’t have. I looked into trying Deck Slideshow Presentations based on the description this was an app that was VERY, VERY EASY to use to create presentations. Unfortunately, when I tried to download both apps, neither one was compatible with my version of android so I had to go hunting for one that was.

I discovered that there are very few presentation making apps that are compatible with my version of Android, however, Presentation Maker is one I discovered that is. The description described it as an equivalent of the PC Powerpoint program.

The app has a very simple and intuitive lay out. The main screen opens to one of four options, one of which is a tutorial on how to use the app, however, it is so easy to pick up and use you can probably skip it and be fine most of the time.

The presentation maker is basic, which is what I was expecting for a phone model, however, it did have a fair number of features I was not expecting. It gave me the ability to choose between a plain color background (my choice of any color and any shade off the paint type wheel which I was impressed about), or an image (selected from either my gallery on the phone or taken by my camera on the spot). I have the ability to add different shapes, as well as text. I could modify text color, font, etc. All of the items were quick and easy to drag, drop and move. I could choose from one of several transitions in between slides and there is a transition button so I can see how my slide will look when finished. There is a save button as well as an edit button so it can be a work in progress. The only part I found tricky was that I didn't see any way to increase or decrease the size of the shapes and text, but that could just be my user error. 

While the app I tried is definitely easy to use and has many great features, I can’t see myself using it in my day to day life either personally or professionally. For many items that I may create professionally, I’d rather do it on a computer simply for ease of use, extra features and storage capabilities, however, for many people I can see how these apps would be useful when on the go. 

Thing 12: Books. Books, and More Books

Thing 11 covered ebooks available at local libraries, however, Thing 12 covers other apps that provide free ebook content. I found Thing 12 to be especially interesting because I hadn’t realized there were free apps to get ebooks from outside of the library. Although many of the titles are classics due to public domain copyrights, this could be very handy for when students need a classic for school, and the shelves are bare! I thought it was great that an audiobook app was mentioned as well as an app that features ebooks, but allows people to connect with each other via the app.

I decided to try Free Books. I thought it was cool that book covers were featured in the app. There were genres to click on and inside were blurbs about the genre that highlighted many book titles. Also included in the genre was the ability to browse books by book cover –great for people who like to browse visually (I know, I know, shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but…). This made it easy because often patrons will want books of a particular “type” so I really liked the genre browse-ability factor.

Once you find a book you like, you can click on the title and it will open some basic information such as author, year published, languages available to read in, description about the book is about, etc. There are also some tabs along the top that let you see what reviews others have given the book (stars and written reviews) and suggestions based on the current pick (which are pretty vague as it just reverts back to a couple of categories, but still somewhat helpful).

Downloading the book was a breeze; all I had to do was hit the download button and it appeared in the app under Library ready to be clicked and opened. The text is clear and easy to read, a good size for reading and keeps your place if you go out of the book and come back in.

I can’t imagine wanting to read a long book like this on a small mobile device such as a smart phone (maybe an ipad/tablet, but a phone seems really small), but I know that there are people interested in that.

Based on the extreme ease of use (why, oh why can’t Overdrive be so simple?!? I know, I know, copyright protections, but this was almost just TOO easy!), ability to browse by genre, ability to search by author/title (and it is very intuitive!), clear text, and the app remembering where you left off I’d have to say this is a most excellent app and I would highly recommend it for patrons looking to e-read some of the classics.

Thing 11 Library Reference

Thing 11 is interesting because while I help troubleshoot and guide people through using library apps I have very little exposure to them myself (aside from fixing problems!) just because I don’t have an e-reader, tablet, etc.

While reading through Thing 11, I did think it was interesting that the ELM portal was ingeniously designed to automatically adjust to each users device (computer vs tablet vs phone) and that the web address is the same whether a user wants to access the portal on a computer or a mobile device. That makes it super slick and easy!

As part of Thing 11 I downloaded a couple of counties apps since I tend to cross boundaries for work. It appeared that many of the counties (if not all), used Boopsie for an app provider. Boopsie is quick and easy to use. The app opens to a general breakdown of tabs such as hours and locations, search the catalog, my account, search the catalog, ebooks, etc. I find the apps easy to use because they are more basic breakdown of the library website, but still seem to have most if not full capability of the usual website.

Both the ELM Portal and Boopsie apps were interesting to learn about and I can definitely see myself keeping my boopsie apps so that I don't always have to log onto a computer the next time I want to place a request or check my library account. It was good to get a first hand experience so I can know what my customers see and can hopefully help them better in the future.