The iPhone in my pocket has become my Swiss Army knife. Some basic utilities have worked their way into my daily routine. The third topic of the #23ThingsMN is focused on just that: “Your device can be a calculator or clock, or you could use it to print, schedule, or scan QR codes.”
Barcode Scanner
The list from #23ThingsMN included the barcode scanner RedLaser. The app is more than just a QR reader. It provides cost comparisons for items through a network of stores. When trying a few scans, the results did not include stores where I would shop. For example, the Saltines box that I scanned only gave me results for Walmart, not Target or Cub. The one feature that would be nice that this app supplies is the ability to group loyalty cards all in one place. I’m finding, though, most stores allow you to access those savings with a phone number. Maybe if I was more of a bargain shopper, RedLaser would have more of an appeal to me.
QR Reader
I use I-nigma for my QR reader. It is by far the most responsive QR reader that I have found. It only takes seconds to register and open the information compared to many where you need to line the camera up exactly. One of the key benefits is that it prompts you to open webpages in Safari. Scan, another iOS QR reader, now has its own browser. I have found simple tasks like saving pictures or using Google Docs doesn’t work in Scan. Going back to I-nigma, the website offers many features beyond just a reader. It has QR code creation and business application. Check out i-nigma.com.
Google Search
One of the other apps in #3 was the Google Search app. I’ve had this on my iPhone from the start, but I rarely use it. I use Google Maps for location. I have started to use G+ for my Google circles. When I search in Safari, it defaults to a Google Search. The one more unique feature of Google Search was the ability to search by image. When experimenting, I was able to scan a box of Saltines and get results with a similar product. Getting too specific, like scanning my Tangle toy logo, and I received no results. Scanning something too general like a 3 hole punch or an apple also led to no results. Pulling up an image of the Tower of London, the image search led me directly to information on the site. Looking for the Royal School in Wolverhampton, England (where I did my student teaching), a front view of the building was misidentified, but the side view did come up correct, leading to an interesting site on The Royal’s history. Overall, I don’t think the Google Search will become a regular utility that I would use.
Useful Utilities
The Clock is one of my most used utilities. I use the timer to turn off the audiobooks that I listen to as I fall asleep. I wake to the alarm clock in the morning. I’ve found the classic phone ring is the only sound that can really wake me up. I guess I was conditioned from years of waiting for that phone to ring.
The Flashlight is handy. Now that it’s in the Control Center, I use it there regularly. I also have had iMetalBox on my iPhone since I got it. It has a flashlight, lap timer, levels, ruler, protractor, battery life notes- along with the flashlight. I love having all of these features in one place, if I need them.
What is your most useful utility? Is it standard on the iPad, or is it something you need to download from the App Store?