This week's tips will show you how to take control of wirelessly updating your apps, and we'll offer up some tips on using your iOS device to help you meet your health and fitness goals in 2011. We'll also take a look how you can manipulate the search results you see when using Spotlight search on iOS devices. By the end of this column, you'll definitely have some more useful tips to use and show off to your friends.
We generally update our iOS apps on a regular basis via iTunes or wirelessly over the air. But, one problem with the latter method is that apps over 20 MB will only download over-the-air when you have a Wi-Fi connection. Usually, when we start these downloads, there's the inevitability we'll leave the Wi-Fi coverage area and will need to stop the app download temporarily. Here's how: locate the app that is currently downloading and you'll see a progress bar on the icon. Simply tap the icon before the download is completed and the icon will display the word "paused. " It will not start again until you tap it.
This is particularly handy for those times when you're bombarded with pop-ups reminding you that an app is over 20 MB. Locate that app and pause it. You should stop seeing the nagging reminder about needing a Wi-Fi connection.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
We've mentioned a few apps that get things done. Well, here's an app that will help you get a "running" start on your health and fitness goals for 2011.
RunKeeper Pro [iTunes link] is an application that is popular with runners and other fitness minded people. It's free until the end of January, though it normally sells in the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Nike + iPod is available for iPhone 3G and later users, as well as iPod touch 2nd generation or later users. But, you won't be able to see the app until you activate it in the Settings app. And before you do so, make sure to purchase the sensor or remote so that you'll be able to use the App.
To turn on the Nike + iPod app, launch Settings, then select Nike + iPod and toggle the switch next to it to the ON position. You will now find the app icon available on the Home screen.
Compatibility: iPhone 3GS/4 and iPod touch (2nd generation or later).
Spotlight is a great search tool that ships as a part of iOS, but the results it puts forth aren't necessarily what you'd expect, so here are some tips on getting what you need out of Spotlight.
Launch the Settings app, tap General > Spotlight Search. You'll be presented with a list of items that Spotlight searches for: Applications, Contacts, Music, Podcasts, Videos, Audiobooks, Notes, Mail, and Events.
By default, each of these items has a check mark placed next to it. If it is checked, then items of that type matching your search criteria appear in the results. Tap the items individually to toggle the check mark on and off; those that are marked off those will not appear in the search results.
Finally, you can change the order in which these items appear in the results. Tap and drag them up and down in the list to change their order by grabbing the icon that looks like three horizontal gray lines on the right hand side of the screen. Once you have the item moved to where you want, let it go.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
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