Dorchester — Sep 10th 2013

The holidays may still be taking its toll on members as there were only 15 present. The new room lay-out seems most successful and thanks are due to Mick for bringing his kit to make it possible.

Georgia demonstrated three free iOS Apps:

Sky Scanner [also in OSX] that gathers together information from many airlines on flight prices. They are displayed in the classic lists but also on a map and, most interestingly as an histogram showing the change in price over time. So, if you have some flexibility in when to travel the cheapest day is quickly obvious.

Airbnb.co.uk displays world-wide B&Bs/home shares together reviews and pictures. Payment in advance is required but the site is secure. I looked at Dorchester e.g. and there were places I recognised and the blog seemed interesting & genuine.

Houzz is an App designed to help those wishing to redecorate/refurnish homes to get inspiration and find appropriate trades people. It includes a discussion blog.

Euan then alerted us to developments in the world of Google - specifically the way in which Chrome is being used as the context in which a range of Apps can be run both on and off line.There was muttered, if grudging, agreement around the room that it behoves us to keep an eye on what the other blighters are doing!

Tom & Lionel demonstrated Shazam - a remarkable bit os software that identifies short bits of music and, gives one the opportunity to purchase the whole thing from iTunes - a cunning strategy! Lionel played music from his laptop, Tom held up his iPad and 'invited' it to listen and Sahzam the name of the work and other details appeared on screen. Quite remarkable. Sound Hound is similar but also purports to identify one's own efforts at making music and may be quicker. Our intrepid duo didn't demonstrate this.

Mick announced that David Moon will be taking over running the Dorchester Group next year. Mark Ford is standing down.

Q&A There were a few questions but no answers. Jim had a problem with hearing buds and hearing aids. Tom's HP printer regularly delivers an empty To-Do list every morning at 5am.

MF

Comments

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Steve Ryder said…

Ref Jim's problem with hearing aids I suggest he looks at this It is a coil which is actuated by the iPhone / iPad, and the signal is detected by the hearing aids on their "T" setting. I believe that this is what I use, and it works well.

Steve
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