A Day with iOS 4

I have not received an iPhone 4, but I was able to download iOS 4 on June 21st. It took 20 min to download, install and sync. Others reported different download and install times. It depended on how the download was started and the amount of applications that need to sync.

It took a while to get use to using, but iOS 4 is done very well. Below is a hands on video that can explain the features much better than I can. My favorite parts to the new OS include the following:

  • Digital zoom with the Camera, being able to zoom in was certainly missing.  Now can we get some better focus.
  • Separating my apps into folders and reducing my pages to 2 is great.  It will take a bit of getting use to now that they are in folders.
  • The new iPod controls with the swipe is great as you can lock the screen position.  Being able to keep the iPod in one position while I drive makes me a better driver.

I used my 3GS with iOS 4 today at work, and despite my best efforts to conserve energy, I was down to 68% by the end of my 8 to 5 shift. My use consisted of checking RSS, Twitter, Facebook, Mail, and iPod. The iPod ran most of the day, but I made a few phone calls. The battery life, or lack there of, is not a deal breaker for the new OS.  Being asked every time I first use an app if I want to allow location based service is wearing on me.   Of course many of my apps are not fully ready for multitasking. I can’t wait for the Slacker App to have multitasking.

For a free upgrade I am very happy with the new OS, but battery life may force my hand to buy a Mophie Juice Pack. In the end depending on your iPhone or iPod Touch or how you use your device your milage may vary.  Enjoy!

Testing Twitter Tools WordPress Plug-In

I was looking for a way to automatically update my twitter feed with blog posts.  I came across this review that talked about using programs such as RSS to Twitter and Twitter Feed, but they require my username and password.  I just wasn’t willing to give that information to anyone.  Then I continued to read and the solution presented itself:

“If you have self hosted WordPress blog, you can simply use Alex King’s Twitter Tools plug-in to Create a tweet on Twitter whenever you post in your blog, with a link to the blog post”

The plug-in from Alex King is exactly what I was looking for and after a few minor tweaks, success. You can follow me on twitter JT_Ray.

Something New

twitterSo I gave into the fad of Twittering and embedded my “tweets” into the sidebar of the blog. As the Twitter site says:

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Though I don’t have much time to do so I think Twitter is so far pretty fun. I changed my Text plan with my cell phone provider, so when I am bored I will post something and when I discover a cool link I will pass it on as well. Also if you have some time, join and follow me!

wordpressAlso new is the recent upgrade to WordPress 2.5. It offers quite the new blogging interface. Though for the longest time I hated dealing with WordPress I have found it to be very manageable and easy to use. From the WordPress blog

WordPress 2.5, the culmination of six months of work by the WordPress community, people just like you. The improvements in 2.5 are numerous, and almost entirely a result of your feedback: multi-file uploading, one-click plugin upgrades, built-in galleries, customizable dashboard, media library, and an all-new design that’s easier to use than ever before.

Needless to say I have been busy getting back to tech these past two weeks and at this point I am sure there is more to come. Talk to you later.