Voice Memos

Are there times you want to get an idea out of your head to consider at a later time?

What do you do? The old stand-by of pen and paper is an excellent option but rarely available when needed. However, the ubiquitous mobile phone can solve the problem.

Voice Memo part of the Apple array of built-in apps and is simple to use.

Open the app, press the red button, and speak. To make it even easier, create a short-cut to open the app, and start recording.

The newest version of the app has an enhancement feature that can improve sound quality.

How to Use and Edit Voice Memos

More Enhancement Information

Following the Counsel of Elder Bednar Digitally

Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Chuch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suggested a way to study a gospel subject. Acquire an inexpensive paperback copy of the Book of Mormon, and as you read, mark any reference to the subject you are studying. After finishing the book, review the references and then write down everything you learned about the subject.

I think Bednar’s suggestion is an excellent tool. My problem is using a hard copy of the book. I would prefer to do it digitally because the digital replica of the book is always available, ready to read and mark. I can also make extensive notes if so moved.

I thought of using the Gospel Library and tagging each reference for the subject I am studying. Still, my scriptures are already heavily marked, and I want to start with a new unmarked book, as Elder Bednar has suggested. Also, I like the ability to hand-write over the text.

And lastly, I want the ability to recall the highlighted words quickly.

Recently, I found a solution. Download the PDF version of the Book of Mormon from the church website into my iPad and import it into GoodNotes, an excellent note-taking app for iPad and iPhone, and using a stylus, highlight the text. I use the Apple Pencil , but any stylus will work (you can also use a finger).

For a little bit of flair, I added a photo of the cover of the Book of Mormon as the cover page in GoodNotes.

Here is a page from my Book of Mormon in GoodNotes. Currently, I am looking for any reference of the Savior.

Now I can satisfy my needs and follow the counsel of Elder Bednar.

Gave it a try and let me know how it works for you.

Changes Are Coming

After much thought concerning this website, I have decided to make some changes that will better serve most of you.

The most significant change is a focus on the iPhone, iPad, and iWatch. This is where my interests are and what I use daily.

I have discovered part of the reason I don’t post more often is because of the amount of research required to write for both platforms.

If you are an Android user, do not give up on this site just yet because I will also be covering the Gospel Library frequently, and what applies to the Apple devices will use to Android users.

The other change is my posts will be including a judicious curation of Apple news. I will provide a summary of an article and a link to the full article. I will find the most important and exciting news that I believe the average Apple user can use. I will average 2 to 3 posts a week.

I will also begin writing articles on using your Apple devices and using the Gospel Library.

My hope is these changes will make this site more relevant and exciting to you. As always, I appreciate your feedback.

My Podcast Is Now Available on Overcast

My podcast, The Busy Latter-day Saint, is now available on Overcast, my favorite podcast app.

Overcast is, in my opinion, the best podcast app for Apple users. There are many great features, but then the two that I enjoy the most are Smart Speed, which shortens the silences, and Voice Boost that remasters the audio. The app is free with ads that take up minimal screen real estate. If the ads are a bother, then you can subscribe to Overcast Premium for the very reasonable price of $9.99 per year.

If you have not tried Overcast, download it today and give it a try.

For Android users, try the highly-rated Pocket Casts.

My Podcast Is Up and Running

After nearly six months of preparation, my podcast – The Busy Latter-day Saint, is up and running. The podcast consists of interviews I have had with members of the church about their successes and failures in studying the scriptures.

I have uploaded seven episodes. A new episode will be available every Monday morning.

Currently, the podcast is only available on Spotify and Anchor. It will take about two weeks for it to be available on other services such as Overcast and Apple’s Podcast.

For now, you can hear the podcast at the following links.

Links

Spotify

Anchor

File Sharing in iCloud Finally Available

iOS 13.4 for iPhone and iPadOS 13.4 for the iPad offers file sharing from iCloud. This is huge!

In the past, to share a file or folder, you had to use Google Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud services, and it took several steps to get to the link. Sharing a folder or files from iCloud is quicker and offers more options.

Here are the steps for sharing a folder (use the same steps for files):

Sharing One Folder or File.

  1. Tap on the Files app.
  2. Tap on iCloud Drive.
  3. Do a long press on a folder until a menu appears.
  4. Tap on Share.
  5. Tap on one of the people in the Recent Sends row or one of the apps in the second row. If you don’t find what you are looking for in either row, slide the row to the left to see more options.

Finding the Copy Link

There are times that you only want the link. To see the link, scroll down and tap on Add People. If you don’t see the Copy Link slide the row to the left. If you still don’t see it tap on More at the end of the row. Scroll down, find Copy Link, and tap on it. When on this screen, you can also set Share Options.

I find one oddity. The row of apps in step 5 and the row of apps in the above step are different. For example, in step 5, I don’t see my to-do app Things in the app row, nor is it in the More list, it only shows up in last step.

In addition, when using an app found in the above step, you will be presented with the option to add email addresses or phone numbers, to bypass this tap on Continue.

To share multiple files, open the folder, tap on Select, tap on the files to share, then tap on Share and follow steps 1 through 5. There is no Add People option when sharing multiple files. To add more people tap on the message or email apps, then add the phone numbers or email addresses of the recipients in the respective app.

Sharing folder or files from iCloud is quicker than sharing from Drive or Dropbox, but what excites me more is I can quickly send the link to Things, Slack, Drafts, and more.

Apple users have been waiting for the sharing feature for several years. Last June, Apple announced that it would be part of iOS and iPadOS 13, and now it is finally here.

Take the time to get familiar with this great feature; you will find it a real time saver.

Technology and Trying Times

The spread of the coronavirus has provided us opportunities to become creative in doing the Lord’s work. Heavenly Father has prepared us for these times by providing us with technology so we can continue serving others.

There are many ways we can accomplish that goal. Live streaming with Facebook or FaceTime for Apple users. Conferencing services such as Zoom, Skype, FreeConference, Google Hangouts, and GoToMeeting can be tools to enable us to reach out and serve. Each of the above has strengths and weaknesses.

It is not the purpose of the writing to compare the above but to focus on Zoom, one of the most popular conferencing services.

Zoom is easy to use, works on all operating systems and has a free version that will supply you with all the options that you will need.

Zoom can be used through a web browser or using the free apps for Mac, Windows, App Store on iOS, or the Play Store on Android.

After you have downloaded the app, tap on Sign Up to create a free account. Enter your email address and first and last name, tap on “I agree to the Terms of Service,” and you are set to go.

While each of the apps may be laid out differently, they all provide the same four functions:

  1. New Meeting – start a meeting now
  2. Join – to join a meeting someone as started
  3. Schedule – to schedule a meeting for the future
  4. Share Screen – to share your screen with others

Also, there are four options at the bottom or side of your screen:

  1. Chat (may also be shown as Meet & Chat) – to chat with another person
  2. Meetings – upcoming meetings you have created or are a participant
  3. Contacts – a list of your contacts (you have the choice of connecting with your current contact list)
  4. Settings

The person or persons you are meeting with do not need the app or have an account. They will receive an email from you providing them with simple instructions to join the meeting.

Once the meeting has started you will have various features to use during the meeting.

  1. Mute – to mute the sound
  2. Stop video – to close your camera so others participants cannot see you. To open the camera tap on Start Video
  3. Share Content – a list of things you can share such as photos, a whiteboard, your screen and more. When you share your screen any app you open will be seen by the particpants.
  4. Participants – allows you to control and invite particpants
  5. More – various other settings

The best way to practice using Zoom is to call your companion. To avoid feedback make sure each of you are in different rooms, then start playing with the various options.

Zoom is an efficient and easy service with a quick learning curve. It enables you to continue teaching and ministering to others without leaving your home.

NB – Just as I finished this post reports came in that some Android users are reporting problems with reception when using Zoom. Currently the app has a bad rating in the Play Store and there is no reason, at this point, to know the reason. Ratings on the App Store remain high. If you are an Android user and have a problem, please contact me at help@thebusylatterdaysaint.com.