Thing #3: It's a Utility, but Will I Use It?

This THING isn't as big a challenge to me as some others. I'm a big user of "utilities" on both my desktop at home and on my mobile device. However, I'll write here about the ones I like and maybe, I'll try a new one.

I use my mobile calculator all the time. I don't have any significant computational needs, so I just stick with the one that came with the phone.

I have a QR Reader: QR Droid Private. I've hardly ever used it, but when I did it performed well. I guess I just haven't clued in to the QR movement.

I have a weather app on my phone. I've tried many different ones. I just want to know if it's raining or not, so I probably COULD look out the window. It's great to check weather at my destination when I'm travelling and it's useful for work if we're planning something for outside.

I am a HUGE fan of Dashlane. I installed it on my home desktop computer a year or two ago. I was starting to get worried that I might forget the plethora of passwords I have online...for bills, frequently visited sites, organizational memberships, etc. I did a lot of research and chose this. Now that I have the app on my phone, I can use all the features--and most importantly--the security of Dashlane while on the move. It saves time entering passwords and keeps everything locked up tight until I need it.

Yellow Pages is a great app. I like fiddling with it. But if there's a browser on your phone, you could just bookmark Canada 411 I guess.

I'm already a Dropbox user on my desktop, but it's great to have the mobile app as well. I can access photos, music, files...from anywhere...even when there's not a computer nearby. The only problem I have with these cloud storage apps is that I never THINK to use them. It's a matter of getting into the habit and reminding myself that this is an option. If I could master that concept, I could throw my USB Flash Drive away.

Thing #2: It Can Do THAT?

I searched for tips and tricks for my specific device: Samsung Galaxy Note 3. I found a good article on CNET: "Ten Killer Tips for Your Samsung Galaxy Note 3".

I knew the first tip: you can make the screen easier for one-handed operation. That isn't really relevant to my needs. Besides, the darn thing is too big to hold with one hand!

I liked learning that I can turn off the pop-up window when I remove the pen. That was helpful.

I LOVE that you can increase the sensitivity of the touch screen so that it responds even when you're wearing gloves. Good to know for winter.

Cool thing that I'm playing with now, but don't know if I'll use: the Note3 allows you to have 2 apps open at the same time...and in 2 different windows. Don't know if I'll use it, but it's great to know that it's an option.

I'm also playing with the hands-free option I learned about in this article: you can have texts READ to you if you're driving. Wow. I feel like I'm on Star Trek!

I'm going hunting for more tips and tricks. It makes the phone feel fresh and new and some of the tips make the device more and more useful.

Thing #1: In the beginning...

I thought I'd try Blogger because I've used WordPress before (when I was putting together the Library Live and On Tour website/blog). I wanted to experience something new.

I've never considered personal blogging because I figure I don't have anything interesting to say (that others would want to read). So I'll just try this to begin participating in FVRL's 23MT.

Another reason I chose Blogger is because I already have a Google account. Anticipated problem: I don't use Google+ (I tried it when it was new, but didn't see the point....too many social sites to keep track of). I see that when the blog was generated, it automatically placed my Google+ account on it. I'm going to have to see if I can change that.