While the class focuses on IOS devices, everything in here applies to other smartphones and tablets as well. It is just too difficult to try and cover all the devices available.

Advancement are made daily in both hardware and software.

It's a lot better experience to have device that is instant on, and ultra portable. Someday the line will be blurred between a "Laptop" and "Tablet" computing but for now the tablets and phones are a much better "portable" experience.

Some of the newer laptops are getting to be "All Day" computing, but tablets and phones are still longer lasting and devices available to extend the battery life are much smaller for the tablets and phones.

You can equip your laptop with WiFi devices for always connected computing, but having the cellular connectivity has its benefits. Not to mention all the amazing things you can do with the IOS devices, that are much harder to accomplish with a laptop. More on this in another class.

While the IOS apps don't have the full feature set of their "desktop" counterparts, the features are usually more than enough, and more user friendly.

This has grown to something like 1.5 Million for the app store and 1.7 million for the androids.

Super simple to use and operate using just your finger or voice.

From simple tasks like starting a conference call, to video conferencing can now be easily accomplished by anyone with no training.

Not just for shooting and instant sharing, but literally a full "Production Studio" in your hands.

Not only can you now produce and broadcast live video, but you can also create things only available in high end production studios, that could cost huge amounts of money and only be possible by professionals. Imagine, you can be anywhere in the world and instantly broadcast anything to anyone. A popular app trending right now for this is called Periscope.

Photography is arguably the most popular use for smartphones now, and the apps to take advantage of this, and what you can do are astounding.

360 and panoramic hardware and software are just one example of the photography uses. If you ever needed to create these in the old days, you can really appreciate how great this is.

You can communicate with anyone with video now, and there are many hardware and software devices to control and communicate with webcams.

Not only for visiting with family and friends, but very capable and efficient business communications.

Not just for keeping track of schedules, but also reminding you of events anywhere you are, and integration with other information and applications.

Not just an amazing calculator but it also runs spreadsheet software. Amazing things can be accomplished simply by using your voice now, even very complex problems. One thing you should really try for this is called "Wolfram Alpha" it's unbelievable!

This is it's own subject now with the new smart watches.

Like the calendar, the address books on these go way beyond tradition address books of old.

The most well known and most useful version of this is "SIRI" Much more useful than most realize, and I really don't understand why people don't go crazy for this one.

Once you learn all the amazing things that are right at your fingertips, anywhere you are, your IQ will be raised instantly. It's like having the entire worlds knowledge available to you anywhere you have an internet connection. Some queries need the internet connection to work, such as SIRI.

Besides being a great tool for carrying and reading books and magazines, it also adds many interactive features to the experience.

It is a complete multi-media extravaganza and is now even being paired up with virtual reality devices.

There is no better way to explain something, or just show off your vacation photos.

You have no excuse to not be able to respond almost instantly to important messages anywhere you are. This is good and bad to some.

I see very few people who take advantage of this one. I find it especially useful when someone is telling me something I need to remember, or need a record of. Video gets used a lot in place of audio, but it takes a lot more space, and its not always appropriate to have a camera in someones face. I use mine to record important phone calls, and I even like to ask permission to record, in case some legal issue comes up.

With the new Apple Pencil, this is really going to take off, and artistic types will really appreciate the art apps.

Obvious benefits here.

Voice dictation has gotten really good on these, and is really useful for not only text input, but voice commands too.

No more lost pieces of paper and you can use your voice to add and remove items from your lists.

Gaming on these device is pretty amazing not only because of the incredible displays, but the built in gyro, GPS and accelerometer really take it up a notch.

Virtually everything in your home can now be remotely controlled from and IOS device. Even over the Internet.

I currently use mine to control my TV, lights, door locks and more.

Use it to control your aerial drones

Remote control and monitoring of cameras.

For devices that have no viewfinder, this is very handy, and it allows you to place cameras and take pictures in previously impossible locations.

Many businesses are now using their iPad's as cash registers, including Apple.

I use mine anytime I can and this will most certainly become more popular.

This mostly refers to apps like iBooks and periodicals, but really its like having the entire worlds knowledge in your pocket.

Admit it, you have posted something that nobody else cares about, like what you are having for dinner!

Every instrument accurately duplicated, and even some wind instruments you can control with your breath.

They can help show you detailed product information and look up products. I use apps that actually show me coupons and current offerings, right when I enter the store. This also applies to using apps like Yelp to find products and services wherever you are.

You can even use apps to scan bar-codes, which connect you to all kinds of new and exciting things like virtual tours and even apps that can use your camera to look up products or identify what your camera is pointing at.

Not just for fun stuff like flight sims and games, but for training purposes too.

My favorite "Fun App" for this is called Geocaching.

Lots of apps and devices to help you in an emergency.

Not every situation warrants an actual emergency, but sometimes you just want to let people know you are OK. Some parents may find comfort in being able to track their kids or even pets. Very useful for that college student walking in a shady area, or just reporting something suspicious. Imagine that Alzheimer patient being lost and you could see right on a map where they are. Even for those they do not have something like a smartphone, there are devices they can have with them that lets you track where they are.

Imagine the whole world, oceans and even beyond, being at your fingertips. Even in 3D and now what is called "Augmented Reality"

Beautiful presentations anywhere.

Not just for booking and deals, but also real-time tracking.

I use one particular app called Hear Planet that is an audio guide anywhere I am, and there are many amazing apps in this area.

I just wish it would help me save more money. It seems all my money goes towards keeping up with technology, otherwise known as the "Bleeding Edge" or in my case "Bleeding Wallet" - Jusy kidding, I Love This Stuff!!!

The possibilities for showing off your stuff are endless and very cool!

I also use mine to track details of projects through pictures, videos and audios.

Everything from making silly sounds, to telling a joke. Of course games are included here too.

My biggest use here is Netflix. I also have a 128 GB model so I like to carry movies to watch.

Instant sync and sharing is very handy.

Not just for a flashlight to light your way but for setting the mood or showing your appreciation at that concert. Their are even "virtual lighter" apps.

My favorite here is a PDF scanner that completely replaces a scanner and copier, and even a fax. The scanner can even convert an image to text.

With a still and video camera with you everywhere, you really can have a photographic memory. Also very useful for sending someone an image or video that can explain something.

Pretty accurate compass, level and other tools built in or available as apps.

I currently have been using a device called a ZUS that is always on and can show me where I parked and even set a parking timer.

Health and fitness are huge trends right now, and using apps, they can even act like coaches. I use some pretty simple ones right now to remind me to get up and stretch, and another to drink water.

Everybody has different needs and wants, and they can be customized to your exact needs. With millions of apps and devices there really is no limit.

Probably won't be that much longer before we have a universal translator like on Star Trek. I also use an app that lets me point my camera at a sign in another language and it will convert it to English for me.

A wealth of content available to learn just out anything.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are two buzz terms you will hear a lot about and it really is very fun and entertaining. I suppose the next evolution in this area will be holograms.

Dick Tracy and who know what next?

Scan objects in 3D and with 3D printers, even create your own, who knows what.

Besides hardware that turns them into real microscopes, just by using the built-in camera, you can magnify objects.

Probably not so much for when they cry, but vital statistics, or keeping an eye when they don't feel good.

I actually use mine to record and track temperatures for work logs.

During my classes I will share apps I have found useful and any hardware as well.

IOS versions are being updated and improved regularly and we will cover those topics in class.

There will be many other useful tips and tutorials that we will not have time to cover, but will be made available both online and in additional classes offered.

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