Road Board 2.0
01/06/13 Filed in: Apps | Road Board
Today sees the release of a major update to Road Board. The most essential app for UK driving instructors just became even more essential!
This release introduces an important feature which I know many users have been waiting for: the ability to save a "live" scene, which continues to be interactive after it has been saved and then later retrieved from memory. Now, when you tap the Save button at the top left of the screen, you will be offered three options:
• Save as static image
• Save as live scene
• Email
Save as static image is the same as the original save feature: it simply saves an image of what is on your screen, which can be retrieved later. The saved image will include any drawing which has been retained on the screen using the "Freeze" button.
Save as live scene will remember all that is on your screen so it can be reproduced later in "live" form. When you retrieve the scene from memory, objects you added to the view will appear exactly as they were when you saved the scene and they will continue to be interactive just as they were when you first added them. Signals will also be remembered so indicators will continue to flash after you have called up your saved scene from memory.
Email simply takes a snapshot of what is on your screen and places it into an email composer which allows you to add any relevant text, input an address to send it to, and (as long as you are connected to the internet) send the image via email.
More features added to Road Board in this update:
✓ Cars can now show brake lights & reverse lights - triple tap the car to access these options
✓ Basic traffic lights can now be used for pelican crossings - double tap the traffic light when it's showing red to trigger the flashing amber light
✓ You can now adjust the pen size when drawing
✓ New items have been added including a sharp corner (which can be used to replace the more rounded corners)
✓ A couple of new road users have been added, including a special guest among the ORUs
✓ An updated and expanded user manual has been added - tap the "i" button and select "Help" to see it
✓ Full support for Retina displays
✓ Various bug fixes, usability tweaks and other minor enhancements
As always, I've tested all the new features and am not aware of any bugs in the app at the time of release. However, there is always the possibility that one or more bugs will have crept in along with the many changes made to the app. Please don't hesitate to get in touch and let me know if you find anything that seems to be amiss.
If you don't already own a copy of Road Board, I suggest you get yourself along to the App Store and grab yourself a copy now!
This release introduces an important feature which I know many users have been waiting for: the ability to save a "live" scene, which continues to be interactive after it has been saved and then later retrieved from memory. Now, when you tap the Save button at the top left of the screen, you will be offered three options:
• Save as static image
• Save as live scene
Save as static image is the same as the original save feature: it simply saves an image of what is on your screen, which can be retrieved later. The saved image will include any drawing which has been retained on the screen using the "Freeze" button.
Save as live scene will remember all that is on your screen so it can be reproduced later in "live" form. When you retrieve the scene from memory, objects you added to the view will appear exactly as they were when you saved the scene and they will continue to be interactive just as they were when you first added them. Signals will also be remembered so indicators will continue to flash after you have called up your saved scene from memory.
Email simply takes a snapshot of what is on your screen and places it into an email composer which allows you to add any relevant text, input an address to send it to, and (as long as you are connected to the internet) send the image via email.
More features added to Road Board in this update:
✓ Cars can now show brake lights & reverse lights - triple tap the car to access these options
✓ Basic traffic lights can now be used for pelican crossings - double tap the traffic light when it's showing red to trigger the flashing amber light
✓ You can now adjust the pen size when drawing
✓ New items have been added including a sharp corner (which can be used to replace the more rounded corners)
✓ A couple of new road users have been added, including a special guest among the ORUs
✓ An updated and expanded user manual has been added - tap the "i" button and select "Help" to see it
✓ Full support for Retina displays
✓ Various bug fixes, usability tweaks and other minor enhancements
As always, I've tested all the new features and am not aware of any bugs in the app at the time of release. However, there is always the possibility that one or more bugs will have crept in along with the many changes made to the app. Please don't hesitate to get in touch and let me know if you find anything that seems to be amiss.
If you don't already own a copy of Road Board, I suggest you get yourself along to the App Store and grab yourself a copy now!
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TV for Driving Instructors
Pedestrian Crossings
21/04/13 Filed in: Apps | Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrian Crossings is the latest app in the Learn To Drive series.
The focus is on Zebra, Pelican and Puffin crossings. Once you know what you're doing with these three, you also know what to do at Toucan and Pegasus/Equestrian crossings.
The app emphasises the approach to the junction and the importance of starting the MSM routine early.
Top tip: in the Pelican and Puffin sections, turn on the "Anticipation" switch and pause the animation just after the pedestrian appears on screen. A little info button will appear. Tap the button to show a close-up image of the pedestrian reaching out to push the button.
Hit the button below to get it now on the iTunes App Store.
The focus is on Zebra, Pelican and Puffin crossings. Once you know what you're doing with these three, you also know what to do at Toucan and Pegasus/Equestrian crossings.
The app emphasises the approach to the junction and the importance of starting the MSM routine early.
Top tip: in the Pelican and Puffin sections, turn on the "Anticipation" switch and pause the animation just after the pedestrian appears on screen. A little info button will appear. Tap the button to show a close-up image of the pedestrian reaching out to push the button.
Hit the button below to get it now on the iTunes App Store.
New app: CPD
When you have an event planned, add it to the app so you have a record of all the events you are going to attend. You can easily insert the event into your device's calendar and set a reminder.
Once you've attended the CPD event, mark it as completed. It will then be removed from your planned list and added to your completed list. The completed list maintains a tally of the number of CPD hours you have completed to date.
For each event, you can add your own notes and pinpoint it on a map so you can easily get directions if needed.
CPD is free to download and use. Small adverts may appear from time to time within the app. If you want to use it without any adverts, you can make an in-app purchase for 69p which will remove them permanently.
CPD is currently optimised for use on the iPhone. Native iPad integration is planned for the future. In the meantime the iPhone version of the app can be installed and run on an iPad.
Hit the button below to get it now on the iTunes App Store.
Give Way and Emergency Stop updated
An update to Give Way has gone live today. The update includes the following improvements:
• Pause: you can now pause the animations at any time.
• Rear wheel steering: steering has been greatly improved, giving a more realistic impression of how cars really move when turning corners.
• Stop junction: a stop junction has been added to the Emerging section of the app.
• Give Way & Stop signs: these have been added to the Emerging section of the app.
• Variable pen width & colour: these can be changed in your iPad's Settings app.
Emergency Stop received an update with some new features around a month ago. Here's what was included:
• Stopping distances chart.
• Image showing how to look for feet behind parked vehicles. This can be found in the planning section by pausing the animation when the pedestrians are passing behind the parked van. Once paused, tap the info button to show the image.
• In the skidding section, the car will now be shown skidding out of control if you steer the wrong way when trying to correct a skid.
• Rear wheel steering: steering has been greatly improved, giving a more realistic impression of how cars really move when turning corners.
• Stop junction: a stop junction has been added to the Emerging section of the app.
• Give Way & Stop signs: these have been added to the Emerging section of the app.
• Variable pen width & colour: these can be changed in your iPad's Settings app.
Emergency Stop received an update with some new features around a month ago. Here's what was included:
• Stopping distances chart.
• Image showing how to look for feet behind parked vehicles. This can be found in the planning section by pausing the animation when the pedestrians are passing behind the parked van. Once paused, tap the info button to show the image.
• In the skidding section, the car will now be shown skidding out of control if you steer the wrong way when trying to correct a skid.
Buying an iPad
26/03/13 Filed in: Hardware
A few months ago I wrote this post about how to choose the right iPad if you're an ADI or PDI looking to get one for use in driving lessons. Since then, Apple has released not one but two new iPads, so I wanted to revisit the subject and offer some more up-to-date advice.
Most (if not all) of what I wrote in the previous article is still relevant, especially if you're considering buying an older iPad. I'd recommend having a read over it if you want to have a fuller understanding of the differences between the various iPads.
In this article, I'm going to give brief summary of each of the different options currently available.
iPad with Retina display (4th generation)
This is the one iPad I've never actually owned or used. By all accounts it's a lovely piece of work which improves on some of the deficiencies of the 3rd generation iPad. Here's a short review from the Daily Telegraph. Recommended if you've got the dosh and you want the best iPad money can buy.
iPad with Retina display (3rd generation)
This is the iPad I currently use. I upgraded from the iPad 2 to get the Retina display, but was disappointed that my new device was thicker and heavier than the previous one. It also takes longer to charge than the iPad 2, and the battery goes down faster. The Retina display is lovely, but not enough to convince me that I wouldn't have been better off sticking with my iPad 2. Not recommended, unless you're getting a good deal on it.
iPad 2
The iPad 2 is still a great device. It doesn't have the crystal clear Retina display, but to be honest you don't really need it. What you get instead is a thin, lightweight device that charges quickly and lasts a long time once charged. Very handy when you're using it in the car all day! The iPad 2 is getting on a bit, but it still runs the latest iPad software and so shouldn't give you any compatibility problems for a while yet. Recommended if you want an iPad with a full size (9.7 inch) screen but don't want to part with a lot of lolly!
iPad
The original iPad was a great device when it was in its prime, a couple of years ago. However, it can no longer be considered a serious option as it's quite a bit less powerful than the newer models and it cannot run the latest iPad software. This means it's going to be harder and harder to get apps which are compatible. Avoid!
iPad mini
The iPad mini is a fantastic iPad and definitely worth considering, especially if you're on a tight budget. The biggest drawback is obviously the smaller (7.9 inch) screen, but according to ADIs who've used it in the car it's not too small for teaching (all my apps can be used on the iPad mini). Being small also has its advantages: the mini is very light, you can fit it in a large pocket (or a small glovebox), and the battery life is excellent. Recommended if you're on a budget and you have small fingers!
Wi-Fi & Cellular or Wi-Fi only?
A wi-fi only iPad will give you access to the internet on your home network and in public wi-fi 'hotspots'.
If you want to be online all the time, wherever you roam, you'll need a 'cellular' iPad. A cellular iPad is similar to a smart phone in that it will connect to the internet pretty much anywhere, but you'll need to pay for the privilege! Expect to part with around £50-£100 extra for a cellular iPad, and you'll need to pay for your data as well. As with mobile phones, there are various ways of paying and various price plans available. Cellular data on your iPad may cost anything from a few pounds per month to around £30 a month, depending on which carrier you're with and how much data you use (I tend to use less than 100MB per month, so it doesn't cost me much to stay connected).
Another possibility is to get a wi-fi only iPad and use the internet connection on your smart phone to connect to the internet. This could save you money as you’re probably already paying for a data connection on your phone, so why not share it with your iPad? Beware, however, that not all data connections can be shared, and the connection may not be as reliable as you would like. It's worth investigating this option and maybe testing it out before committing yourself.
Many instructors are happy with the wi-fi only option and just use the internet when it's available. It's certainly convenient to have an always-on connection to the world wide interwebs, but not essential.
16GB, 32GB or 64GB?
16GB is a fair amount of data for an iPad. Unless you're planning on storing a lot of video content, you'll probably find this is all you need. The 4th generation iPad also has a 128GB option, but it's hard to imagine why anyone would need all this space. My advice is to start with 16GB and see how you go. You can always upgrade to a bigger one if you need to.
Where to buy?
New iPad prices are pretty uniform wherever you go. You won't get much of a discount (if any) by buying from Amazon or Argos, so you might as well opt for whoever's going to give you the best service. You could do a lot worse than buy from an official Apple Store if there's one near you. Their service is second to none, and they'll also help you set up your new toy. John Lewis is another good option as they automatically include a 2 year guarantee with all new iPads.
If you prefer to buy online, Apple is always a good option. Here is their main iPad page. You can pick up a brand new iPad Mini from just £269, an iPad 2 from £329 or a 4th generation iPad with Retina display from just £399. Also, check out the refurbished section for the latest bargains.
When to buy?
Will Apple release a new iPad this year? Quite possibly. Should you wait for it? Probably not. You might have to wait six months, or they might just surprise us all and not release a new one this year. If you want an iPad, my advice is to just buy one. Take good care of it, and it'll retain most of its value. Then, whenever you decide it's time for an upgrade, you can sell your old one and replace it for only a little bit extra.
Most (if not all) of what I wrote in the previous article is still relevant, especially if you're considering buying an older iPad. I'd recommend having a read over it if you want to have a fuller understanding of the differences between the various iPads.
In this article, I'm going to give brief summary of each of the different options currently available.
iPad with Retina display (4th generation)
This is the one iPad I've never actually owned or used. By all accounts it's a lovely piece of work which improves on some of the deficiencies of the 3rd generation iPad. Here's a short review from the Daily Telegraph. Recommended if you've got the dosh and you want the best iPad money can buy.
iPad with Retina display (3rd generation)
This is the iPad I currently use. I upgraded from the iPad 2 to get the Retina display, but was disappointed that my new device was thicker and heavier than the previous one. It also takes longer to charge than the iPad 2, and the battery goes down faster. The Retina display is lovely, but not enough to convince me that I wouldn't have been better off sticking with my iPad 2. Not recommended, unless you're getting a good deal on it.
iPad 2
The iPad 2 is still a great device. It doesn't have the crystal clear Retina display, but to be honest you don't really need it. What you get instead is a thin, lightweight device that charges quickly and lasts a long time once charged. Very handy when you're using it in the car all day! The iPad 2 is getting on a bit, but it still runs the latest iPad software and so shouldn't give you any compatibility problems for a while yet. Recommended if you want an iPad with a full size (9.7 inch) screen but don't want to part with a lot of lolly!
iPad
The original iPad was a great device when it was in its prime, a couple of years ago. However, it can no longer be considered a serious option as it's quite a bit less powerful than the newer models and it cannot run the latest iPad software. This means it's going to be harder and harder to get apps which are compatible. Avoid!
iPad mini
The iPad mini is a fantastic iPad and definitely worth considering, especially if you're on a tight budget. The biggest drawback is obviously the smaller (7.9 inch) screen, but according to ADIs who've used it in the car it's not too small for teaching (all my apps can be used on the iPad mini). Being small also has its advantages: the mini is very light, you can fit it in a large pocket (or a small glovebox), and the battery life is excellent. Recommended if you're on a budget and you have small fingers!
Wi-Fi & Cellular or Wi-Fi only?
A wi-fi only iPad will give you access to the internet on your home network and in public wi-fi 'hotspots'.
If you want to be online all the time, wherever you roam, you'll need a 'cellular' iPad. A cellular iPad is similar to a smart phone in that it will connect to the internet pretty much anywhere, but you'll need to pay for the privilege! Expect to part with around £50-£100 extra for a cellular iPad, and you'll need to pay for your data as well. As with mobile phones, there are various ways of paying and various price plans available. Cellular data on your iPad may cost anything from a few pounds per month to around £30 a month, depending on which carrier you're with and how much data you use (I tend to use less than 100MB per month, so it doesn't cost me much to stay connected).
Another possibility is to get a wi-fi only iPad and use the internet connection on your smart phone to connect to the internet. This could save you money as you’re probably already paying for a data connection on your phone, so why not share it with your iPad? Beware, however, that not all data connections can be shared, and the connection may not be as reliable as you would like. It's worth investigating this option and maybe testing it out before committing yourself.
Many instructors are happy with the wi-fi only option and just use the internet when it's available. It's certainly convenient to have an always-on connection to the world wide interwebs, but not essential.
16GB, 32GB or 64GB?
16GB is a fair amount of data for an iPad. Unless you're planning on storing a lot of video content, you'll probably find this is all you need. The 4th generation iPad also has a 128GB option, but it's hard to imagine why anyone would need all this space. My advice is to start with 16GB and see how you go. You can always upgrade to a bigger one if you need to.
Where to buy?
New iPad prices are pretty uniform wherever you go. You won't get much of a discount (if any) by buying from Amazon or Argos, so you might as well opt for whoever's going to give you the best service. You could do a lot worse than buy from an official Apple Store if there's one near you. Their service is second to none, and they'll also help you set up your new toy. John Lewis is another good option as they automatically include a 2 year guarantee with all new iPads.
If you prefer to buy online, Apple is always a good option. Here is their main iPad page. You can pick up a brand new iPad Mini from just £269, an iPad 2 from £329 or a 4th generation iPad with Retina display from just £399. Also, check out the refurbished section for the latest bargains.
When to buy?
Will Apple release a new iPad this year? Quite possibly. Should you wait for it? Probably not. You might have to wait six months, or they might just surprise us all and not release a new one this year. If you want an iPad, my advice is to just buy one. Take good care of it, and it'll retain most of its value. Then, whenever you decide it's time for an upgrade, you can sell your old one and replace it for only a little bit extra.
Records 2.2
Another major Records update has just gone live on the App Store. Here's what's included:
Show Me Tell Me options: Now you can view the full list of DSA vehicle safety questions and answers within the app. Just tap the info ("i") button on the main screen where your pupils are listed. You can also email the questions and answers to your pupil from the pupil's Details section. Once sent, Records will remember that you've sent them, although you can always send again at any time.
Keep others in the loop: In your pupil's Details section, you can add an additional email address. Scroll down and select the option to "Cc Emails". Now every time you send a progress update, a copy will automatically be sent to the additional email address. Perfect for keeping parents constantly informed about their child's progress.
Instructor Apps integration: If you use the Instructor Apps web service, you can tell Records to automatically send a copy of each progress update to Instructor Apps. Instructor Apps will identify which pupil the update is for and add it to their online record. To enable Instructor Apps integration, select Records in your device's Settings app.
Help & FAQ: When you tap the info ("i") button on the main screen there are a couple more options in addition to being able to view the the Show Me Tell Me questions. There also a Help page, which is basically a user manual for the app, and third page which lists some frequently asked questions and answers relating to the app.
Lesson Times: This is a major feature and something that a number of users have asked for. You can now use Records to maintain a list of each pupil's preferred lesson times. You can reorder the list to show the pupil's order of preference. When you want to add a lesson to your diary, all you need to do is tap it. The calendar interface will pop up on your screen, you can make any changes you wish, or just tap the Done button to proceed. The lesson will be added to your diary without you having to leave the Records app. The new lesson will then sync with iCloud or Google Calendar, depending on how you have your calendar set up. This makes adding the next lesson to your diary so fast and simple it's hard to believe.
Also: New fields for Progress and Country Roads have been added. The user interface has received various tweaks and performance enhancements.
I've got plenty more planned for this app and development work is ongoing as you read this. If you don't already use Records, it's a steal at £3.99 and is available on the App Store by tapping the button below. If you do already have the app, the update with all of the above features is absolutely free!
Show Me Tell Me options: Now you can view the full list of DSA vehicle safety questions and answers within the app. Just tap the info ("i") button on the main screen where your pupils are listed. You can also email the questions and answers to your pupil from the pupil's Details section. Once sent, Records will remember that you've sent them, although you can always send again at any time.
Keep others in the loop: In your pupil's Details section, you can add an additional email address. Scroll down and select the option to "Cc Emails". Now every time you send a progress update, a copy will automatically be sent to the additional email address. Perfect for keeping parents constantly informed about their child's progress.
Instructor Apps integration: If you use the Instructor Apps web service, you can tell Records to automatically send a copy of each progress update to Instructor Apps. Instructor Apps will identify which pupil the update is for and add it to their online record. To enable Instructor Apps integration, select Records in your device's Settings app.
Help & FAQ: When you tap the info ("i") button on the main screen there are a couple more options in addition to being able to view the the Show Me Tell Me questions. There also a Help page, which is basically a user manual for the app, and third page which lists some frequently asked questions and answers relating to the app.
Lesson Times: This is a major feature and something that a number of users have asked for. You can now use Records to maintain a list of each pupil's preferred lesson times. You can reorder the list to show the pupil's order of preference. When you want to add a lesson to your diary, all you need to do is tap it. The calendar interface will pop up on your screen, you can make any changes you wish, or just tap the Done button to proceed. The lesson will be added to your diary without you having to leave the Records app. The new lesson will then sync with iCloud or Google Calendar, depending on how you have your calendar set up. This makes adding the next lesson to your diary so fast and simple it's hard to believe.
Also: New fields for Progress and Country Roads have been added. The user interface has received various tweaks and performance enhancements.
I've got plenty more planned for this app and development work is ongoing as you read this. If you don't already use Records, it's a steal at £3.99 and is available on the App Store by tapping the button below. If you do already have the app, the update with all of the above features is absolutely free!
Add a Robosoul shortcut to your home screen
It's simple to add a shortcut to any webpage to the home screen of your iPad or iPhone. I've added some nice little Robosoul icons to my site, so when you bookmark one of my pages it'll look good on your device. Here's how to add a shortcut to the Robosoul home page:
1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to www.robosoul.co.uk
2. Tap the action button. This is at the top of the screen on an iPad and at the bottom of the screen on an iPhone. You will be presented with a menu that looks something like this:
3. Select "Add to Home Screen". You will be prompted to give the shortcut a name. Type an appropriate name into the box.
4. Tap "Add", then exit Safari and behold the lovely new icon on your home screen. Tapping this icon will open Safari and take you directly to the web page you have just bookmarked.
1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to www.robosoul.co.uk
2. Tap the action button. This is at the top of the screen on an iPad and at the bottom of the screen on an iPhone. You will be presented with a menu that looks something like this:
3. Select "Add to Home Screen". You will be prompted to give the shortcut a name. Type an appropriate name into the box.
4. Tap "Add", then exit Safari and behold the lovely new icon on your home screen. Tapping this icon will open Safari and take you directly to the web page you have just bookmarked.
Book a driving test on your mobile
01/03/13 Filed in: Random
The DSA have been refining the driving test online booking service lately, and now it's optimised for use on mobile devices.
Go to gov.uk/book-practical-driving-test on your smart phone or tablet to give it a try. I gave it a wee test on my iPhone and it seems fast and easy to use.
The system will now only ask for a theory test pass certificate number if it can’t automatically find one on the system.
Go to gov.uk/book-practical-driving-test on your smart phone or tablet to give it a try. I gave it a wee test on my iPhone and it seems fast and easy to use.
The system will now only ask for a theory test pass certificate number if it can’t automatically find one on the system.
Emergency bug fixing
10/02/13 Filed in: Emergency Stop | Apps
• In the Planning section, if you quit and then relaunch the app during one of the animations, strange things will happen.
• In the Planning section, if you pause the action and then reset while still paused, the blue car will be frozen in place and not move out the way of parked vehicles. Other weird things may also happen.
• In the Skidding section, if you turn the wheel right around while skidding, you can correct the skid by turning the wheel the wrong way.
All these bugs have been fixed and I've submitted an update to Apple for their approval. Hopefully they'll get it released with the minimum of delay.
If you come across any issues which are not listed above, please let me know as soon as you can. Include a list of steps to reproduce the bug and I'll get it fixed.
Fresh Start 2013
There are a few tickets still available for Fresh Start 2013, a king-size helping of CPD which should be an exciting addition to any ADI's calendar. The event is on Monday 25th February at Sixways Stadium, Worcester. Check out the website for more details.
Emergency Stop
07/02/13 Filed in: Apps | Emergency Stop
Belkin releases Lightning car chargers
18/01/13 Filed in: Accessories
This one comes with a removable USB cable; handy if you have another device which uses a different connector: Belkin 2.1A Micro Car Charger with Removable Charge/Sync Lightning Cable for iPhone 5, iPad Mini, iPad 4th Generation
This one is slightly cheaper and has the cable permanently attached: Belkin Lightning Car Charger for iPhone 5/iPad Mini/iPod Touch 5G
Supplies of these are currently limited as production is being ramped up. The links above will take you directly to Amazon where you can check availability and order.
Routes 1.1
Routes has been updated to provide full iPad compatibility. I've also updated the app's description.
Get it now on the iTunes App Store:
Get it now on the iTunes App Store:
Manoeuvres 1.3
14/01/13 Filed in: Apps | Manoeuvres
An update to Manoeuvres is now available. The update includes the following enhancements:
• Pause button: tap to pause the animations while they are in progress
• Camber button: tap to show an image of the camber in Turn In The Road and Parallel Park
• Additional signalling options for communicating with ORUs in Parallel Park
• Variable turning position for Parallel Park
• Change pen width & colour via your iPad's Settings app
• Spelling corrections: I still manage to get "break" and "brake" confused sometimes!
Click here to see a video of the adjustable Parallel Park position in action.
• Pause button: tap to pause the animations while they are in progress
• Camber button: tap to show an image of the camber in Turn In The Road and Parallel Park
• Additional signalling options for communicating with ORUs in Parallel Park
• Variable turning position for Parallel Park
• Change pen width & colour via your iPad's Settings app
• Spelling corrections: I still manage to get "break" and "brake" confused sometimes!
Click here to see a video of the adjustable Parallel Park position in action.
Routes
Most instructors have certain roads they like to cover with all pupils in order to ensure they gain the right range of experience in practice. The trouble is, after a few lessons it becomes very difficult to remember which roads have been covered and which have not. With Routes, you can record the route for each lesson, making it easy to check where you've been and where you have not.
The first version of Routes is optimised specifically for the iPhone. I'm still working on the interface for the iPad. The app can run on an iPad in its current form, but the interface will not be ideal as it's designed for the smaller screen of the iPhone. A 3G enabled iPad is required.
UPDATE 30/12/12: This version of Routes will not run on an iPad which unless iOS 6 or higher is installed. If you want to use this app on an iPad with iOS 5.1 or iOS 5.1.1 you will need to wait for the next version.
UPDATE 14/01/12: iPad optimisation has now been added to the app.
Hit the button below to get it now on the iTunes App Store.
Some recent updates
Traffic Lights has recently been updated to fix a bug that could cause the red car in the Crossroads/Filter animation to do something pretty daft. This update is available now.
I've recently sent updates to Apple for Records and Road Pad. These updates are still awaiting approval and release.
The changes to Records are as follows:
Option to set alternative prices (for student discount etc)
Option to include details of latest payment in email to pupil
Option to sort pupils alphabetically by surname
The Road Pad update fixes an bug that could cause an image to display incorrectly after changing the image's name.
I've recently sent updates to Apple for Records and Road Pad. These updates are still awaiting approval and release.
The changes to Records are as follows:
Option to set alternative prices (for student discount etc)
Option to include details of latest payment in email to pupil
Option to sort pupils alphabetically by surname
The Road Pad update fixes an bug that could cause an image to display incorrectly after changing the image's name.
The Rules
I’m pleased to say I’ve never been in the unfortunate situation of having lost or broken my iPhone, nor have I ever had one stolen. I don’t put this down to good luck, I put it down to the fact that from the very beginning, when I got my first one, I laid down a few ground rules for myself which I’ve stuck to pretty rigidly over the years. I’d like to share those rules with you, in case they may be of help.
There are also a few other rules I have which are less concerned with the risk of losing or damaging the thing and more concerned with the risk of turning into some sort of iPhone zombie: somebody who rarely looks up from that tiny screen, and comes to see the virtual world in their hands as more real than the physical one around them.
The Rules: how to avoid breaking or losing your iPhone
• Never leave your iPhone unattended in a public place. Never. If for for some reason you leave it with someone else, tell them not to let it out of their sight.
• As much as possible, keep your iPhone in your pocket when in public. Don't have it clipped onto your belt for all to see. Don't put it on the table. Don't keep it in your hand unless you're using it. It's very pretty and nice to hold, but it's a lot less likely to get dropped or covered in liquid if it's in your pocket. It's also a lot less likely to get swiped if it isn't seen in the first place.
• Never put your iPhone in your breast pocket. It will fall out as soon as you bend over. You've got plenty of other pockets - use them!
• Never place your iPhone on top of your car, not even for a second. The chances of you driving away with it still sitting on top are fairly small, but the extent to which you will feel like a complete twat if you do is extremely great.
• Avoid becoming engrossed looking at your iPhone while walking along the street. Apart from being thoroughly embarrassing when you walk into a lamppost, you need to remember that a shiny new iPhone is a fantastic prize for a mugger. Be aware of who's around you and remember that you're carrying something worth hundreds of pounds. I don't know how many hits of heroin that amounts to, but I suspect it's a lot.
• Avoid leaving your iPhone in your car. If you do, always lock the car and don't be away for more than a minute or so, or let the car out of your sight. If you're leaving the car for more than a minute, just take the phone with you.
• If you're sitting in the car playing with your iPhone, lock the doors. This may be more appropriate in some areas than others, but wherever you are you've got nothing to lose by taking the precaution.
Some suggestions for looking after your iPhone
• Don't put your iPhone in he same pocket as your keys or change if you don't want it to get scratched.
• Get a decent case.
• Get a screen protector.
Suggestions for having a happy life with your iPhone
• Keep it off the dinner table. Insist that your partner/kids do the same.
• Don't jump up and run to it every time it beeps. Learn to ignore it.
• Remember to notice other people. Smile, make eye contact, speak to them occasionally.
• When walking your dog, walk your dog. Play with your dog. Don't just play with your iPhone while holding onto one end of the dog's lead.
• Remember that having a short attention span is not cool!
Most of these rules can and should also be applied to the iPad, although I hope you wouldn’t even consider playing with your iPad while sitting at the dinner table or walking your dog!
Better safe than sorry
I'm expecting the latest version of Records to become available any day now. Here's a tip: whenever you're about to download an update for an app that contains vital data, it's a good idea to do a full backup of your device immediately beforehand. If anything goes wrong, you can do a full restore to get back to normal. There's no reason why anything should go wrong when installing the update, but where data is concerned it's better to be safe than sorry!