Just Journals and Junk

J is for Journals, Journeys and junk

A-Z challenge 2016: Apps in April

Journals and diaries have similar functions but some distinguish between the two. My take is that a journal is what you make it, perhaps a record of your day or a tool to capture your thoughts and ideas.
The ideal journal has a calendar built in so that it opens on the current day and presents a clean easy interface for entering text, adding photos and indeed drawings. It should also have easy export options should one wish to use the information entered elsewhere.

Maxjournal

The fate of discontinued apps is my lament today. This is/was Maxjournal which I have been using for several years on iPad but it has now been withdrawn from the App store. It is still working with the latest software update. I’ve exported my content as with each new iOS update I fear its demise. Export options include choice of start and end dates and PDF or text options.

I’ve been pondering a replacement and Day One 2 Diary + Journal + Notes has good reviews however since I’ve been using Evernote more and more my need for a specific journal app has waned.

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Journeys toolbox

Tripit

Tripit is my number one app for keeping track of travel and accommodation bookings. As emails arrive confirming bookings they are forwarded to plans@tripit.com Tripit then creates and itinerary complete with times and transport options.
Maps show exactly where accommodation is located complete with check in and check out times. The itinerary can be shared with a travelling partner and interested parties can be added as viewers. Tripit is available across all platforms iOS, Android and web.

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Evernote

Before a trip, create a notebook containing a note for each day of your journey to store photos and notes. This can be accessed on phone and added to by voice, camera and text. The date last edited is the date that shows on the note so be sure to put the day’s date at the beginning of your note. Tag with location, name of trip or some other keyword for easy retrieval later.

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J for junk those apps

With new apps appearing constantly one is tempted to try new tools and toys. Delete those apps you downloaded to try but now never use. No need to clutter your device with unused apps. If your device came with bloatware, apps from the manufacturer that you never use, consider dragging them into one folder out of sight if they can’t be deleted.

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Next up – K for Keeping and Kindling

This post first appeared on http://librarycurrants.blogspot.com/2016/04/just-journals-and-junk.html

Instant and interesting

I is for Instagram and Inside History

A-Z challenge 2016: Apps in April

Inside History

Inside History magazine is published 6 times per year and focuses on stories from Australia’s and New Zealand’s past. It is also packed with tips and hints for family historians and genealogist.

The app is free with 2 issues of the magazine included but a subscription is needed to continue receiving the updates. Only available for iOS. To read on Android or Windows devices, subscribe to the digital edition through the Zinio app.

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Instagram

Share photos and short videos with your friends or with the public. Follow friends, organisations and institutions to keep up with their activities. Add filters, tags and text to you photos.
Click on any #hashtag to view more photos on similar themes. e.g . #librariesofinstagram has more than 31 000 pictures and #cats has more than 30 million.

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Handy Tools

H is for Haiku Deck, Handy tools and Heart Rate

A-Z challenge 2016: Apps in April

Haiku deck

Haiku deck is presentation software that takes care of the images and lets you concentrate on your content. Use minimum text on slides for maximum impact. There are a range of styles and themes that will make your work look professional and integrated. Haiku deck locates Creative Commons images for the background based on your word searches and embeds the source citation for these. Alternatively one’s own images can be added.

Need an effective presentation? This is a go to tool available for iOS and on the web in a modern browser. I often prepare a graphic in Haiku Deck then use a screenshot to embed it elsewhere. Learn more here on YouTube.


Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires

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Handy Tool Set

This free app for iOS incorporates a ruler, protractor, compass, magnifier, flashlight and mirror. I find the magnifier useful for reading small text on jars and packets and have used the ruler in a dozen different scenarios. Most phones now come with a flashlight but if you have an older model, this app provides a light.
A similar app for Android is Toolbox, or there is a set of 35 tools in Smart Tools for a small price.

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Heart Rate

Instant Heart Rate is free for iPhone and Android. Open the app and place the tip of your index finger on the camera lens. View your heart rate, take notes, keep track of changes over time.

Next up - I for Interest


This post first appeared on http://librarycurrants.blogspot.com/2016/04/handy-tools.html