The iPad is often touted as being one of the most easy to use devices. Watch someone who has never held or used a tablet before pick one up and they will instinctively know what to do with it. With the release of the iPad Air, many users who have previously been holding back from purchasing a tablet have taken the plunge. If you have recently purchased an iPad Air there are many nifty features you may not know about.

About the iPad Air

The iPad Air is a thinner, lighter and more powerful iPad which comes with a 64-bit A7 chip, the latest processor Apple offers. But with the overhaul of its hardware and design, what new tricks does Apple have in store for its users?

Here are seven of the most incredible iPad Air features:

There is more to triple-click

With every iPad Air, you can still use a single click that will lead you back to the homescreen, and a double-click that will let you view the apps running on your device. Unlike its predecessors though, the new iPad Air comes with a triple-click feature.

But, what does this new triple-clicking feature offer?

When you triple-click the device’s home button, you get to choose any of these six functional options:

1. Off
2. Toggle Voiceover
3. Toggle White on Black
4. Toggle Zoom
5. Toggle Assistive Touch
6. Ask

Self-destruct your iPad Air

This doesn’t mean blowing up your expensive Apple device. What we're trying to say is that if your iPad gets lost, you can protect all the files and data stored on its system.

To enjoy this new feature, you will need to sign up with iCloud. As soon as you have done so, all of your data will be far more secure. If your iPad somehow gets lost you can remotely wipe-out all the data stored on your iPad Air using your iCloud account. This can be done by going to the iCloud website and logging in. You can then manage your device from there, and remotely wipe it if needs be.

Two keyboards are better than one

While most iPad users are already familiar with this feature, we still think it is worth mentioning. The iPad Air is basically a 9-inch tablet display. As such, typing on this device using your two thumbs with a single keyboard can become rather difficult for even the most dexterous.

When you split the keyboards you get a slightly different keyboard style that allows you to type on your iPad device in a more comfortable fashion. You can split your keyboard by opening any app that brings up the keyboard e.g., an email message, and pressing the keyboard button at the bottom of the keyboard. Selecting Split will break apart your keyboard.

Furthermore, you have the option to shrink down or move the keyboard slightly upwards. With iPad Air, typing using both thumbs has been made much more possible.

Isn't that great?

Yes, but it does not end there. Some iOS tweakers have discovered that when you split the keyboards you can actually type the letter that comes to either the left or right of where it is split. For example, the keyboard is split with the letters T, G, V being on the left and Y, H, B on the right. When you tap the empty space beside T, for instance, the letter Y will appear automatically.

Instant dictionary

Have you ever found yourself opening the Dictionary app because you don’t know the meaning of some words? We've all done this at least once and it definitely is time-consuming.

So, the next time you need to look up a word, take advantage of iPad Air’s Define option. In order to do this, tap and hold a word to select it, and then tap on Define Options. A speech balloon will appear containing the definition of the highlighted word.

In-app purchase solution

If you are sharing an iPad Air with the office, you probably don't want people to be able to purchase something while using an app. You can avoid this problem by following these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings icon.
2. Click General.
3. Disable the option for automatic downloads and updates.

Ending a sentence with a bang

The new iPad Air allows users to be more efficient than ever. To those who frequently type using the iPad, you can easily end sentences by double tapping the spacebar. A double tap will add a period to finish a sentence, before you carry on typing the next sentence.

Keyboard coding

The term is actually keyboard shortcuts. It is now possible to use keyboard shortcuts for phrases that you always use. This trick can definitely save you a great deal of time, and here's how:

1. Open the Settings icon.
2. Go to General.
3. Click Keyboard.
4. Select Add New Shortcut and start defining your own shortcuts.

If you’re hoping to know more about iPad Air do give us a call. We’d love to help you with it.

Apple's iPad is arguably the most popular tablet, favored by both business and individual users alike. Apps like Messenger allow users to send free text messages to other iOS users, thus making communication easier. Because most people who own an iPad have more than one email account - e.g., work and personal - you need to ensure that you are sending emails from the correct address, and receiving them to the right address too.

If you have a business email account and a personal account on your device you need to change which email address or account is used by Apple's Messages app.

Changing the email address used by Messages

1. Open your iPad's Settings app.
2. Tap on Messages which is located in the bar on the left.
3. Select Send & Receive which is located to the right in the window that opens.

This will open your iMessages account list with your main Apple ID at the top of the window. There will also be two sections below You can be reached by iMessage at: and Start new conversations from:.

Under You can be reached by iMessage at: you will see your existing email addresses. By pressing on the blue arrow you can edit or remove the account which means instant messages and texts won't be sent to that account. If you would like to add an email account, tap on Add Another Email…

Under the Start new conversations from: section you can select which account to send new conversations from.

If you have questions about configuring your iPad, please contact us today.

The Apple iPad is among the most popular tech devices for business and personal users alike. Many users prefer the iPad because of the fact that it is rugged and easy to use, while also having apps for virtually everything. Like all tech however, there will come a time when you may run into problems and your device doesn't work properly. One of the more common issues is when your iPad is not able to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Here are six troubleshooting tips that you can try if your iPad isn't connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Before testing these out it is a good idea to test if your Internet is or isn't working. What most people do is open a Web browser and try to load a website, like google.com or apple.com/store. If you get an error message, or the page doesn't load, then try the different tips below.

First: Check if your iPad can see Wi-Fi networks

Try moving next to where the router is and then tap on the Settings app. From here tap on Wi-Fi (it is located in the leftmost list, near the top). Look to see if the network you want to connect to is listed under Choose a network… If it shows up, try tapping on it and entering the password if required.

If your iPad doesn't 'see' the network, try turning Wi-Fi off and on again by sliding the button beside Wi-Fi at the top from On (green) to Off (grey). Wait a few seconds then turn it on again. If you still can't connect, try restarting your iPad.

Second: Try restarting the router

If your iPad is picking up the network but not connecting to it, there may be a problem with the router. The first thing you should do is to turn the router off for at least 30 seconds, then turn it on again. Believe it or not, this solves the vast majority of Internet problems.

Once the router has restarted, try connecting to the network again, or if you have connected to this before, the iPad should try to connect automatically.

Third: Check if your password is correct

Another common problem users run into is that they have entered the password for the Wi-Fi network incorrectly. Oftentimes the password is missing a letter or number, or someone has changed the password and not let other users know.

Go back into the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Try tapping the 'i' icon and selecting Forget this Network. Restart your iPad then go back into the Wi-Fi settings. You should see the network pop back up under Choose a network… within a few seconds. Tap on the network name and enter the password again. If you are sure the password is correct, try asking other people who connect to the network, or the administrator, if the password has been changed.

Fourth: Try other devices

If you have other devices like a phone or laptop, try connecting these to the network and seeing if it is possible to connect to the Internet. By doing this, you will be able to see whether the problem lies with the network, router or the iPad itself. Should the other devices be able to connect and access the Internet, it's highly likely that the problem lies with the iPad.

However, before you jump to conclusions, check to see if other people are connected. Some routers can be configured to only allow a set number of devices to connect at the same time. Another common connection problem is when someone is using a high amount of bandwidth - e.g., downloading torrents. This can cause other devices connected to experience incredibly slow Internet speeds - slow enough that loading websites may time out, causing the browser to display an error message.

Try asking someone to disconnect from the network for a few minutes to see if your iPad can get online.

Fifth: Reset your Network Settings

Are the previous options not working? Try resetting your network settings to the default settings, as if the iPad was brand new. Don't worry, your whole iPad won't be reset, just the settings related to network connections i.e., Wi-Fi and LTE/3G.

You can reset your Network Settings by:

1. Tapping on the Settings app from the main screen of your iPad.
2. Selecting General followed by Reset.
3. Tapping on Reset Network Settings.
4. Hitting Wi-Fi and selecting the network you want to enter.
5. Entering the password again.

Once you have followed these steps try opening your Web browser again and loading a website.

Sixth: Contact us, or Apple Support

Finally, if the other options don't work, try contacting Apple Support to see if they can help. Of course, you can also get in touch with us so we can help get you connected.

When Apple released their new operating system iOS 7, many people anticipated the arrival of a new range of products. In just a little over a month, we are not disappointed to hear the news that Apple has produced new iPads. Apple’s latest press release revealed the new iPad mini with Retina display and its bigger, thinner and lighter sibling, the iPad Air. As always, the new iPad range are easy on the eyes, but do they really have what it takes to beat off the competition?

Apple iPad Mini with Retina The new iPad mini with retina display is available in a range of options. Clearly an improvement on its predecessor, Apple have pulled out all the stops to increase its efficiency and functionality, with powerful architecture, remarkable responsiveness and an updated operating system all in the palm of your hand!

• Operating system - iOS 7 appears to have been specifically designed with the new iPad range in mind. A comparable change to previous models illustrates a crystal clear and smooth operating platform.
• Processor - The operating system benefits from the new iPad mini’s 64-bit A7 processor, making light and fast work of heavy apps and giving you greater performance on the go with everything you do.
• Screen size - At 7.9- Inches, the display is no different in size to its predecessor. What makes the difference is the full 2048 x 1536 screen resolution that enables the new iPad mini to produce razor sharp text and richer graphics.
• Memory and storage - At 1GB Ram there is more than enough memory for you to run all your apps without any concern. The new iPad mini starts from 16GB of storage space with options available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB.
• Battery life - Remaining at an impressive ten hours of battery life, the new iPad mini with retina display can still hold it’s own amongst competition.
• Price and availability - The new iPad mini with retina display is expected to be available around mid-late November, just in time for the Christmas period, so you can be sure that with a starting price from USD $399, demand will be high.

Apple iPad Air Never failing to deliver, Apple updated the new iPad Air with its powerful A7 chip. In human language this means, the iPad Air can handle more and bigger programs at the same time without any compromise in speed, functionality and battery life. Weighing in at just one pound it still packs a punch as the bigger brother to the new iPad mini with retina display.

• Operating system - The new iPad Air truly breaks the boundaries of accessibility. Enhanced speed and performance are the products of iOS 7 and this is apparent in the everyday use of the iPad Air.
• Processor - The remarkably responsive nature of the A7 chip with 64-bit architecture produces unparalleled speed and precision. Work, play and creation has never been more accessible.
• Screen size - Apple’s philosophy of keeping things simple is certainly apparent in the 9.7 inch retina display screen size. It displays a visual feast by delivering a million more pixels than HDTV.
• Memory and storage - The memory will definitely be able to handle the most gruesome of tasks and hardcore gamers need not to be worried. In line with the iPad Mini, the iPad Air is available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB.
• Battery life - With a thinner, lighter feel, and powerful processor, users will be pleased to know that there has been no compromise to its ten hours of battery life.
• Price and availability - Prices start from $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model or $629 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular 16GB Model. The new iPad Air is in stock now.

If you're looking to learn more about the latest of Apple’s treats, please contact us today to see how we can help.

In September Apple launched their new version of the popular mobile operating system iOS. Some big changes were introduced with iOS 7 that not only changed the OS looks but the way we interact with it. Now that it has been out for a few weeks, there are reports from some users that their iPad or iPhone has seen a decrease in battery life.

If you have noticed that the recent update to iOS 7 has caused a drop in how long your iPad's battery lasts, here are five things you can try to improve the time between charges.

Turn off AirDrop AirDrop for mobile devices was introduced with the iOS 7 update and allows users to share files with others without using an Internet connection. Like other file sharing systems, when AirDrop is activated it is actively searching for other devices and therefore draining your battery.

If you don't use this feature, or only use it occasionally turn it off to increase battery life. You can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center and tapping on AirDrop. The text will be white to indicate AirDrop is on, and should turn to black when it is off.

Bonus tip: Tapping the Bluetooth button (middle button in the top row of Control Center) will automatically turn off AirDrop and all Bluetooth connections which will further increase battery life.

Check your Wi-Fi settings Many users connect to trusted Wi-Fi connections at work or at home in order to save data or simply go online. When they are out of range of these devices however, they leave their iPad's Wi-Fi radio on. When you do this, the device constantly searches for open connections to connect to.

This constant searching is actually a huge drain on the battery, so it is best to turn it off when you are not near a trusted network. This can be done by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center and tapping on the Wi-Fi button (second button from the left on the top row). The Wi-Fi symbol should turn black to indicate it is off.

Bonus tip: To really conserve battery life, try turning Airplane Mode on. This will turn all communication - Wi-Fi, Data, Bluetooth, notifications, etc. off and will drastically increase battery life. On the downside, you won't be able to connect to the Internet or receive notifications.

Change your Location Services settings Many apps request that your device provide them with location information on a regular basis. Some, like Maps actually require your location, but many more don't. If you have multiple apps open that constantly require location updates, you will likely see an increased drain on your battery.

The solution is to change what apps are allowed to receive location information. This can be done by tapping on the Settings app, selecting Privacy, followed by Location Services. From there you can select which apps can use your device's GPS, Wi-Fi or mobile connection to detect location. Chances are high, you can turn off at least half of the apps.

Bonus tip: Turning off Location Services completely (slide the tab beside Location Services to Off) will also conserve battery life.

Check what's running in the background Multitasking received a big overhaul in iOS 7. Sure, it can still be accessed by double tapping the home button, but now the open apps are presented in cards with a screenshot of their last state. Tapping on the screenshot opens the app. The thing is, it takes battery power to keep all of these apps open and updated.

What's more, some of these apps will actually refresh in the background which could further increase battery drain. If you aren't too worried about having constantly open apps, why not close those you aren't using. Simply open the multitasking menu and swipe up to close apps.

Bonus tip: You can completely turn off background app refreshing (the service which keeps the information shown in the multitasking screenshots current) by opening the Settings app and selecting General, followed by Background App Refresh and sliding the button from On to Off.

Turn off parallax Parallax is a new effect introduced in iOS 7 where the apps on your homescreen appear to float above the wallpaper and look almost 3-D. They will also move a bit when you tilt the tablet. While this is a cool effect, it isn't overly useful for many business owners. Powering this movement and near 3-D rendering does put more strain on the battery, causing a drop in how long it will last.

You can turn this effect off by going to Settings, tapping on General, followed by Accessibility and Parallax. Slide the button from On to Off.

Bonus tip: Almost all modern mobile devices, the iPad included, use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries work their best when they are constantly topped off, or charged. In order to get the most out of your iPad's battery, you should be charging it on a regular basis and not letting it get below 50%.

If you are looking to get more out of your iPad, or to learn about iOS 7, please contact us today to see how we can help.

Most Apple's iPad users spend a considerable amount of time online and is surfing the Internet. To do this they mainly rely on Safari, Apple's Internet browser which is included on all Apple devices. While Safari is a perfectly fine browser, at first glance it seems to be missing a Bookmarks Bar. But, did you know that there is actually a Bookmarks Bar on Safari? You just need to turn it on!

Here is a brief overview of how you can obtain and manage the Bookmarks Bar on your iPad's version of Safari:

Adding the Bookmarks Bar You can enable this feature by:

1. Tapping on the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Selecting Safari from the left-hand column.
3. Sliding Always Show Bookmarks Bar to On.

This will add the Bookmarks Bar to every window of Safari on your iPad. When you launch Safari, you should notice a new grey bar below the URL bar. When you bookmark a page and save it to the Bar, you will see the name of the page appear.

Adding bookmarks to the Bookmark Bar If you would like to add bookmarks to this Bar, you can do so by:

1. Navigating to the webpage in Safari.
2. Tapping the + beside the URL bar.
3. Naming the page by deleting or modifying the text below Save.
4. Pressing on Bookmarks then on Bookmarks Bar in the pop-up window.
5. Selecting Save.

The name of the site should pop up in the Bookmarks Bar to the right of the last bookmark added to the Bar.

Editing the Bookmarks Bar Eventually you will want to edit the Bookmarks Bar. This can be done by:

1. Tapping the book icon at the top of the window.
2. Pressing Bookmarks Bar followed by Edit in the window that opens.

You will now be able to select different bookmarks. If you press the red circle with the X in it beside each bookmark, it will be deleted. If you tap on the bookmark itself you should be able to edit its name and URL. Tap Done after you have edited or deleted what you need to and any changes should be updated.

Looking to learn more tips about using your iPad? Contact us today to see how we can help.

A popular reason many users chose Apple products is that they are usable and generally easy for almost everyone to pick up and figure out how to work. The iPad is no exception, this is why it has quickly become one of the most popular devices out there. One feature that makes Apple products so easy to use is keyboard shortcuts, of which there are more than a few for the iPad.

Here are three keyboard shortcuts for the iPad you may find useful.

Separate the keyboard A common complaint of many users is that the keyboard can be too big, taking up way too much of the screen, and even making it tougher to type. Did you know that you can separate the keyboard? If you pinch open the keyboard (use two fingers from one hand, and separate them as long as they are on the keyboard), it should pop apart and hover with each half on the left and right side of the screens.

You should be able to move these halves up and down to position them where you like. You can merge the keyboards back together by pinching closed (use two fingers from one hand and move them together while over the keyboard).

There is actually another way to do this: If you tap and hold on the keyboard button (the bottom right of the keyboard), you should see a popup window asking you if you want to Split or Undock your keyboard. Undock means you will be able to move it, while Split means separate the keyboard.

Quickly add a full stop/period Tired of always searching for the period? You don't actually have to find it on the iPad's keyboard. All you have to do to add one is quickly tap twice on the spacebar, and it should be added in automatically, along with a space. This should make it faster and easier to type.

Activate alternative letters At first glance, the keyboard is lacking special characters used in writing and other languages. They are actually there, just hiding. You can activate them by simply pressing and holding for a second or two on a key, you should see a box pop up above the key with different options. Here are two popular ones:

• ?. Key - When you tap and hold on this, you should be able to select double quotations.
• Caps lock - If you need to type something in all capital letters, simply press and hold on the shift key, you should see a highlight or light turn on below it indicating caps lock is on.

To find all of the options, it would be a good idea to take a few minutes pressing on each key to see the different characters available. You'll be surprised as to how many are actually hiding.

Believe it or not, Apple has actually put alternative keys in the number section of the keyboard as well. When you switch to this mode, pressing and holding on the keys will give you more options. For example, pressing on the dollar sign will bring up the currency symbol for up to five other currencies.

If you are looking to learn more about the iPad, contact us, we may have a solution for you.

The tablet is regarded by many business owners, managers and employees as one of the more useful business tools, and the most popular tablet is Apple's iPad. The iPad is a reliable device with a user-friendly interface. There are times however when you might run across problems with it. One issue, for example, is when apps stop downloading mid-way through, or just simply don't update.

If you've ever had an app stop updating mid way through, or refuse to update did you know what to do? If you encounter this issue here are six things you can try in order to get the app downloading again.

1. Tap on the app Sometimes, the easiest thing to do is to close the download window and find the app on your device. Tap on it as if to open it. This could force the iPad to recognize that the files have not finished downloading and, if it does recognize this, will force iTunes to resume or restart the download.

2. Check iTunes for other pending apps If re-opening the app doesn't work, try opening iTunes and tapping on the Downloads tab. Take a look to see if you are downloading other apps, movies, songs, etc. Often larger items will take priority over apps, sometimes even pausing the download. You can get around this by deleting any pending apps and downloads (make note what they are first so you can re-download them later). This should move the app you want updated up the list so it starts to download.

3. Restart the iPad The iPad, while a robust machine, might crash from time-to-time, especially if it is an older device and has been used heavily. Try pressing and holding the power button until you get the option to turn the device off. Then, wait about 30 seconds and turn it on again. This should clear up any issues from a crash, and may re-start the download within a few minutes.

4. Check your Internet connection A common issue that is often overlooked when trying to download an app or update is to check your iPad Internet connectivity. Try opening Safari or another browser and navigating to a web page. If this opens, you are connected to the Internet. If not, try looking at the top of the iPad for the Wi-Fi symbol, or data connection symbol. This should be on the top-left corner. If you are usually connected to Wi-Fi and don't see the symbol, check your router, or open Settings, select Wi-Fi and tap on the network you usually use. Once you are connected the download should start within a few minutes.

5. Check how much storage space you have Sometimes a download will stop because your iPad doesn't have enough free storage space. You should see a message telling you that there isn't enough space, and that the download will be paused. If you delete unnecessary or unwanted files and apps the download should resume immediately after the iPad senses there is enough room. If you are unsure how much storage space you have left open Settings and tap on General. Look under the Available section, and the number shown indicates how much space is available.

It's important to remember that apps often take up slightly more space than is stated on iTunes, so be sure to leave a little extra and ensure space isn't running too low. 6. Reset all settings Finally, if your app is still not downloading or has paused updating, try resetting all the device's settings. This will not wipe your iPad's memory, but will reset all changes you have made to settings. To do this, go to your iPad's settings and tap on General. Scroll down to Reset, select Reset All and accept the prompt telling you your settings will be reset.

If you are looking to learn more about the iPad, and how you can use it in your office more efficiently, please contact us today.

For many Apple fans, early June has become an important time of year. This is when Apple usually holds their annual developers conference - WWDC. It's during this event that Apple usually announces, and shows off, the new version of their popular mobile operating system - iOS. This year, Apple showed off a completely revamped version which could catch the eye of many business users.

Here is an overview of the changes iOS 7 will bring to both the iPad and the iPhone. According to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, "iOS 7 is the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone." The major changes that business users will benefit from include:

A completely redesigned interface The interface of your iDevice has been revamped, with virtually nothing left from the older versions. This includes different icons, typeface (font), application and even the color scheme. The new interface runs on a grid system which includes all apps and windows. What this means is everything looks near, symmetrical and easier to read. Add to this a new color palate and the new interface looks modern, and best of all: A part of the phone.

iOS 7 has also been re-oriented to work on layers. Many apps have been given a translucent background so when opened they simply sit on top of the other apps, giving you a sense that there is more to the phone than just the one app you are currently using.

Control Center Many iDevice users have been looking for an easier way to access their device's settings. iOS 7 will introduce Control Center, which can be accessed from anywhere by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

The Control Center will be your central location for popular settings and includes buttons to turn Wi-Fi on or off; set the brightness; turn on/off Airplane mode; change songs; and even access popular apps like the camera.

This will make managing important settings quick and easy, no more having to scroll through Settings to find and tinker with them.

Multitasking iOS 7 will finally introduce proper multitasking, meaning you will be able to quickly switch between open apps by sweeping your finger over the screen. You will also be able to close open apps by tapping on the image and flicking away from you. Apple noted that this feature will learn what your favorite apps are and keep them open in the background so they can be accessed quickly. This could be a great feature for the business user who uses multiple apps at the same time.

Notifications Center The Notifications Center has also received a revamp and is now even more useful. The biggest change is that your notifications will be separated into three different views: Today, All and Missed. The Today view will show you information like appointments, weather and other important tasks. The Missed view will show missed calls, texts, shares, etc.

Car integration If you spend a large percentage of your time on the road, iOS and Siri can now be integrated into certain cars' navigating screens. You will be able to see not only navigation but tell Siri to call, email, or read texts, all while driving. Apple noted that this feature will be integrated in 2014 models from Honda, BMW, and Mercedes, plus Chevy and more.

AirDrop AirDrop has been a feature in the desktop version of Apple's Operating System for a couple of years now, and will be introduced with iOS 7. If you are unfamiliar with AirDrop, think of it as a program that allows you to share essentially anything in your phone with nearby users over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Many business users who store files on their phones will find this useful, as they will be able to easily share files without having to attach them to an email or upload to a cloud storage provider. One potential use for this is to store presentations on your iPad, and when you need a projector share it with a computer connected to the projector. No having to fumble with cords.

While iOS 7 has been announced, Apple noted, "iOS 7 will be available as a free software update for iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation) this fall. Some features may not be available on all products." If you have an iDevice and are wondering what features you will get when the update releases, checkout this Gizmodo article. To learn more about how the iPad can help make business easier, please contact us.

At first glance it may seem that Apple and Google are inharmonious - at least some hardcore fans would have you think that. The truth is, many Apple users rely on Google's products for email, storage and search. Many have installed the Google Search app on their iPad or iPhone and may use it on a regular basis. The app has recently been updated with an awesome new feature called Google Now.

Here's a brief overview of Google Now, and how to install and use it.

Ok, so, what exactly is Google Now? Google Now is best thought of as Google's answer to Apple's Siri. It's an app that functions like a personal assistant and has become a large component of Google's Search for mobile app. The idea of Now is that you can use natural language to search for answers to questions, find recommendations or even perform actions like creating a calendar entry, or writing an email.

Google Now also passively delivers information that it thinks is useful to you. While creepy at first, especially when you see how accurate predictions can be, it is actually a really cool tool. What's interesting about Google Now is that relevant information is displayed below search results in what are called 'cards'. The cards shown will depend on your location, recent searches, calendar and even method of transport.

Probably the best way to explain Google Now is through an example:

Say you have a meeting with a potential supplier at a coffee shop across town tomorrow. You pull up the Google Search app on your iPad, tap the microphone button and ask Google, "What's the coffee shop on 5th Avenue?". Google searches for the coffee shop and comes back with three search results including the shop you are looking for. You then enter the name and address in your Google Calendar, along with the date and time.

The next day, you look at the Google Search app again because you've forgotten the exact address. Just below the Search bar you will see that new cards have popped up. The first is a reminder of the scheduled event, along with the contact information of the person you are meeting. Just below that is a map on how to get to the coffee shop, along with driving directions.

When you get in the car, you notice that traffic seems a little heavier than usual, so you pull up Google Search and the card has been updated with a map showing current traffic along with what Google thinks will be the fastest route, without you having to ask.

This app works surprisingly well, and many users have noted that both search results and the cards are accurate. Where Google Now really shines is when you are traveling. If you go to another country, cards will pop up with the exchange rate, translator, local map with landmarks, time back home and even flight information (assuming the reservation has been sent to your Gmail account).

How to install and use If this app sounds interesting, all you have to do to get it is download Google Search app from the Apple App Store, install it, open it and sign in using your Google account. Cards will start to popup after a couple of days. You can tweak what cards appear by using the search feature, or through the app's settings.

While this is a Google product, it can be useful for your Apple device, especially if you have a Google account. If you would like to learn more about this app or how the iPad can make your business easier, contact us today to see how we can help.