Making Google Play Nice On My iPad

These days, we want all of our information available on all of our devices.  Am I right or am I right? We love to log into another computer (in this case we're logging into Google) and all of our gmail, contacts, calendars are available.  However, when we are on our iPhone or iPad, we want our contacts, our calendars and our mail as well.  Right?!  Well, this doesn't necessarily just happening on your iOS devices.  Let me give you an example of a scenario that just might help you out.

However, please note that in this scenario (for the calendar) the issue was that the iPad user couldn't see a calendar that another person shared with them.  It just wasn't showing up on their iPad.  The user could see their own calendar, but not any of the shared calendars.  So when you get to the calendar section, keep that in mind.

So here's the scenario:

• I have new iPads I'm setting up

• The users of these iPads have Google accounts
• The Google contacts and calendars aren't showing up on their iPad...and that's an issue
• First, the Contacts:
• Go to:  Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Add Account... > Other > Add CardDAV Account
• CardDAV
• Server: google.com
• User Name:  your user name (your gmail address)
• Password:  your password
• Description:  whatever you want
• *IF* you are having issues with the setup, check the Advanced Settings and make sure that you have on 'Use SSL' and that the Port is 443
• After doing this, your Contacts app on your iPad should have your Google Contacts loaded.
• Next, the Calendar
• On the iPad (using Safari or whatever web browser you have) go to this address:  google.com/calendar/iphoneselect and then you'll be asked to sign into your Google account.
• After signing in, you'll see any of your Google calendars that you've created as well as any calendars that have been shared with you.

• Check any calendars that you want to view on your iPad
• Be sure to look at your 'Shared Calendars' (if you have any shared calendars)
• If you wish to see them on your iPad, be sure to check them
• Touch SAVE at the bottom of your screen
• Here's what I found interesting.  When I went to the iPad to check out the calendars...they weren't there!  
• So I ended up deleting the Google account on my iPad:  Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars, (then I selected the Gmail account) Delete Account
• Then added the account back again.  After adding the account back again, the shared calendars could be seen
• I don't know if that's always the case, but it was for me in this instance
• Be sure to turn on 'Calendars'

I hope this helps you out!

*Also - I was able to talk about this issue with a wonderful member of my PLN...Otis @odiep77, who helped trouble shoot the issue with the calendars.  Thanks again!

Isn't it great to be able to talk with someone when you're trying to make things work?!

A Conversation with Eric Crouch - Part 2

So earlier, I told you about my conversation with Eric Crouch about the iPad.  Now I'd like to share some other thoughts about what I found interesting as well.

Somewhere in our discussion, Eric asked about whether or not the iPad would be good for his children to use in a variety of ways.  Specifically, he said he'd like to have the kids be able to see a shared calendar and know, for instance, that practice was after school...or whatever.  So I mentioned, iCal, and Google Calendar and said that was possible.

At some point he noticed the Netflix icon and asked, "What's Netflix?"  I told him.  I was chuckling to myself because as I was explaining it, I thought I sounded like I worked for them.  I had a similar feeling as I was "selling" the iPad!

I also asked about the XM / Sirius radio show.  He said he does almost all of it from his house.  They (XM / Sirius) set him up with, what he described, was a little box...and a microphone.  He is able to "do the show" from his house.  He said it sounds great, "...just like being in a studio...".  I thought to myself, I'd like to see this setup.  I am constantly amazed at "technology" and what we can do...without "being in a studio" or having to travel.

I asked him if he travels much for the satellite radio job.  He said no, only a couple of times.  One of which is how I bumped into him.  He was coming home from the SEC Championship game, where he'd been the night before.

Well?  So what?  I guess I loved hearing about the satellite radio show.  I thought it sounded really glamorous.  To have a radio show with Eddie George.  I pictured them in a fancy studio, earphones on, talking football at some really shiny monster desk (I had an ESPN studio in my head). But in fact, almost all of it is done in his house...only traveling on occasion.

Technology amazes me.

Since I mentioned he liked the Madden 11 game on my iPad.  I do remember that he plays "Playstation" with his son...football no doubt.

I wonder who wins?

Again, thanks Eric Crouch...for humoring a dad by playing along with the "Flat Allie"...humoring a Husker fan....and humoring a tech fan by allowing me to be a geek and tell you about all that's cool with the iPad, Netflix...and tech stuff in general.

By having this time with...well, a celebrity.  Now who?  Who's next on the interview list?

Do I need to hang out in airports waiting for the odd chance to get a seat next to a celebrity or should I just move on with my life?

Better move on...  Sigh.