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How to Sync Google Calendar With iPhone Calendar

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated October 9, 2018

My fiance Tina is a mental therapist and she regularly has appointments with clients. She usually uses her old Samsung phone as a calendar but needless to say it is not very practical. I recently "forced" her to get an iPod Touch and one of my sales argument was that she could use it as a calendar and that she would be able to sync it with Google calendar over the air. Note that these were just arguments I pulled out of my butt so she agrees to get an iTouch (yes, the iTouch is more for me than for her)...

We finally bought a 32GB iPod Touch and I started looking into ways to sync an iPhone calendar with Google calendar. I found many options but all involved some third party apps and that's clearly not what I was looking for. I was very surprised that Apple hadn't included this feature in the iPhone/iPod Touch until I actually found an article on JAIB saying that the new OS 3.0 supports CalDAV with SSL so your are technically able to sync Google calendar with your iPhone or iPod Touch, as long as you have internet access.

Here is how to set up your iPhone or iPod Touch to sync calendars with Google over the air:

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Add Account > Other > Add CalDAV Account

2. For the CalDAV settings, enter the following information. Note that your username should be the email address you use to access your Google calendar as well as the password.

3. Then tap "Next" and it should verify your information.

4. If you can't get your account verified, tap "Advanced settings" and make sure that "Use SSL" is On, that the port is 443, and that your Account URL includes the sign "@" in your email address.

That's it!

Now every time you add an event to your iPhone calendar, it will also show up on your Google calendar, and vice versa. You obviously need to have internet access from your iPod or iPhone for the data to sync. Note that the sync is not immediate. It sometimes takes a few seconds but besides this, it works very well.

You might also find these posts interesting:

How to set up Google Sync for iPhone How to sync shared Google calendars with your iPhone How to sync your iPhone notes with Gmail

Google Sync debuts for iPhone. Will Push Email Be Next?

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 23, 2016

Google announced today a new service called Google Sync that will push contacts and calendar to the iPhone via Exchange ActiveSync. Google Sync automatically replaces your contacts and events on your iPhone, which can be very dangerous if you are a "syncer". It is still in beta, and as good as it looks, I'm not going to use this service because I think I am dependent enough on Google. I certainly don't want them to handle all my contacts and calendars.

Now the question is: will Google offer push email for Gmail soon? They're on the right track and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw push Gmail coming to the iPhone in the next few months.

Watch the video below for more information.

Analytics App Finally Brings Google Analytics to the iPhone

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated November 12, 2019

I have about 20 different websites and part of my daily routine is to check out my Google Analytics account to have a look at the stats. Thanks to Michael Jensen and his new Analytics App, I can now do this on the go, directly from my iPhone.

There's already a couple Google Analytics apps in the App Store but they're not nearly as good as Analytics App [iTunes Link]. So what makes Analytics App so much better? Well, to be honest, it's as comprehensive as you can get and it really is a "pocket version" of your full Google Analytics account.

When launching the app for the first time, Analytics App asks for your Google Analytics username and password. Once done, it loads all the websites you have analytics access to. If you have different profiles, it will load all of them with each website conveniently listed. Just tap the website for which you want to see the stats and you will be presented with 29 reports as well as unlimited custom reports, if you set them up. Wow!

I could go on and on about what Analytics App can do but as I said before, it does everything you can do from your Google Analytics account on your computer's browser. To be honest with you, I think I find the app actually easier than the web version!

One thing I didn't really like though is the fact that I cannot get the stats for yesterday. As much as I tried to change the dates and everything, I just wasn't able to get my analytics report for the previous day, which is usually what I'm looking for. I assume it's a missing feature that will most likely be added in future updates.

Analytics App is a must-have for any website/blog owner! You can download it from the App Store for $5.99 and at this price, I still think it's a steal. Now I'm just hoping that Michael Jensen will also develop an application for Google Adsense and Adwords. Michael, if you hear me...

THe Hidden Menu Of Google iPhone App

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated August 1, 2018

It takes a little bit of effort to find the "Bells and Whistles" hidden menu in Google Mobile but it's here. When you launch the Google iPhone app and go to settings, you’ll see a few options to configure the app. While it may not look like there is anything below the “About” selection, swipe your finger upward to go below. Keep swiping for a while and you will see the secret menu.

So, what is so cool about these bells and whistles? Not much to be honnest... You can replace the default sounds with chicken or monkey noises. You can also change the color of the Google Mobile theme and see a live waveform when you talk.

There is one nice feature though: the "open links in app" option. I guess this should have been there in the first place but later is better than never as we say in French.

Google Street View Enabler for iPod Touch

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

A couple of days ago, I wrote about a simple hack to allow iPod Touch users to get Google Street View on the iTouch. The hack is very simple but it does require some file editing, which can be scary to some.

A new application available in Cydia just makes it easier for iPod Touch users to enable Street View. The app, called Street View Enabler, is free, and it seems to work perfectly. I don't have an iPod Touch so I haven't been able to verify this but Street View Enabler is getting good reviews everywhere in forums.

So if you have an iPod Touch, launch Cydia and look for Street View Enabler. Install it and you should be good to go. Be careful though! You have to install this on an iPod Touch with firmware 2.2. Installing it on an iPhone (which would be pointless) or an iTouch on 2.1 can cause problems.

Photo Gizmodo

Hack To Get Google Street View On iPod Touch

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 23, 2017

If you're an iPod Touch owner and you feel that you've been left alone with the Google street view feature, I have some good news for you. iPodTouchFans.com user timmyj9 reveals a hack that will allow you to get Google street view on your iPod Touch.

To do so, you will need some very basic skills. Here it goes:

1. get this file via ssh: /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app/N45AP.plist 2. convert to xml at http://iappcat.com/plist/bin2xml 3. add

<key>telephony</key> <dict> <key>maximumGeneration</key> <real>2.5</real> </dict>

underneath

<key>standAloneContacts</key> <true/>

4. save then using that website again reconvert to binary 5. rename original file N45AP.old 6. copy new N45AP.plist in (make sure permissions are 644) 7. reboot ipod all new Maps features work however you get a searching for service (replaces the word ipod in the top left) and waiting for activation message that pops up occassionally, music settings disappear also music slot in prefs disappears (hjrry)

I haven't tried this as I don't have an iPod Touch but I'd love to hear from you if you try this hack out. Share your experience in the comments.

iPhone Firmware 2.2 is Out. Jailbreakers Should Not Update!

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

The rumor was right... Apple did release firmware 2.2 last night and for once, it seems that we have some useful features added:

Enhancements to Maps:

Google Street View public transit and walking directions display address of dropped pins share location via email

Enhancements to Mail

resolve isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email improved formatting of wide HTML email

Other Enhancements

Improved stability and performance of Safari Podcasts are now available for download in the iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular networks) Decrease in call set-up failures and call drops Improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages Pressing the Home button from any Home screen takes you the first Home screen Preference to turn on/off keyboard auto-correction

Apparently, iPod Touch users don't get the Google Maps upgrade that includes the addition of Street View as well as public transit and walking directions.

Like they did earlier this week, the Dev Team warns us about updating the iPhone using iTunes.

So, as anticipated our friends the misfits have recently released the long awaited 2.2 update. We can confirm that this update SHOULD NOT be applied using iTunes if you want the chance of a soft-unlock in the near future.

If you want to keep that option of a ‘soft-unlock in the near future’ available but you want the new features of 2.2, you will be able to update to 2.2 using a PwnageTool created custom ipsw file that disables the baseband update. You will be able to do this using an updated version of PwnageTool that will be released sometime soon.

Some facts -

The 2.2 firmware for 3G contains a baseband update for the 3G iPhone The 2.2 firmware for 2G (1st gen iPhones) doesn’t contain a baseband update and the baseband is still at 04.05.04 We believe that our Pwnage technique (and therefore the Jailbreak) isn’t affected, but PwnageTool and QuickPwn do not support this release as yet, so DO NOT install 2.2 using iTunes as you will lose your jailbreak If you apply this update and you previously relied on PwnageTool or QuickPwn to activate your phone, it may become temporarily deactivated and unusable (until we release the new version of PwnageTool or QuickPwn). PwnageTool and QuickPwn updates will be released as soon as possible that will allow a safe update path to 2.2 the release of these updates is inevitable but not imminent, we are creating the modifications right now and we need to put the new software through the usual testing process. If you apply this update and you have third-party (non AppStore) applications that you rely on they will stop working. 2G (1st gen) iPhone users who cannot wait for the new PwnageTool or QuickPwn can safely “Update” to 2.2 using iTunes, this will preserve the existing activation. However “restoring” to 2.2 using iTunes will return the iPhone to the unactivated state. If you are in any doubt just wait. NB: This works for 2G ONLY. The use of SIM-Proxies (small circuit boards/chips that sit underneath the SIM card) to provide GSM/UMTS service on your locked iPhone 3G is a method that we have always advised against. Early reports suggest that the 2.2 update disables the functionality of these devices. The techniques used were always unreliable and we are surprised that they have lasted this long. We are not working on the 2nd generation iPod touch at the moment, so we cannot comment on what the the 2.2 software update may do to this specific model

So, as always, if you are in any doubt whatsoever please delay the install of this firmware on any of your devices until we have investigated the release in more detail. Watch this space ;-)

Also, iTunes 8.0.2 is out now. I doubt this will make much difference either way, but ask yourself, why bother. Just because a new version is out doesn’t mean you want it. I would hold off on this also.

iPhone Firmware 2.2 and iTunes 8.0.2 are both available from the downloads section of our blog.

Google Voice App finally out! Rohit’s Take On It…

Guest Author ∙ Updated July 6, 2017

Friday - an anxious wait for google voice app, Saturday - frustration over it not being out, Sunday - the big question whether apple is deliberately holding back the release, Late Monday - the revolutionary product from Google is finally out! This pretty much explains the Google Voice App wait saga. The long wait process was indeed killing and with every passing minute, the rumor that Apple would nip Google's cool voice app in the bud was annoying me. I couldn't help but remember the fate of netshare, podcaster, castcather and a galore of other apps which had to face the axe from Apple. But a voice in me kept whispering that Apple couldn’t be naive to just turn down the Google Giants voice app especially when they have Google CEO, Eric Schmidt as a board member. So despite the rumours that Apple had killed the Google Voice application, I carried on my wait with bated breath. Was it worth it? Oh Hell yeah!

Before I mention about its fascinating features, an important thing you need to know is that you won’t find the voice feature the moment you open the updated Google mobile app. It’s turned off by default so go into the settings option and there you will find a Voice search on/off button. Besides this you also get to decide whether you want contacts, previous searches and websites to be included in your Google search. Then ofcourse there is a gallery of various Google Apps which we all love. (Wish these Google apps launched in an inbuilt browser instead of safari!).

Leaving aside all the features which come packed with the app, the real icing on the cake without a shadow of doubt is the Voice feature. I was a little skeptical as to how effectively it would work but I was fascinated with its easy usage and almost spot on voice recognition capability. However, it may get annoying some times and also there is an issue of lag in the recognition process. But one cant deny the fact that this is a giant leap in voice search and Google will only make it better from here.

All said and done, this truly is a brilliant app which deserves to be on your iPhone!

Google Voice Search. Cody’s take on it…

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

After reviewing the 2 previous voice recognition iPhone apps by Excuse me Services rather harshly, I knew Google's new voice recognition option in their mobile app was up against a wall of skepticism. But, of course, you can never underestimate Google, who have literally taken the software industry by storm in the last 8 years.

I'm going to make this review short and sweet, like my experience with the app. After of course downloading from the App Store, I was ready to give this thing a shot. Needless to say I was anxious to see if it was going to live up to all the hype.

You're first greeted with a search screen, here you can type in any question, any address, any search query, and Google's advanced search engine goes to work, bringing you the most accurate results. To search via voice, you just hold the phone up to your ear like you are talking on the phone, and say whatever question or search topic you would like to google. The software senses the phone is rotated in the 'talk' position, and beeps, to alert you it is ready to receive your voice instructions. Using your voice or typing, both prove to be quick and effortless. Voice recognition is on par with similar applications, and at times is a lot better.

And that's about it. Google's mobile app is easy to use whether you are talking or typing, and with only 1 screen, (a settings screen and a screen with links to google's other softwares) proves to be the least tedious of the other search softwares that recognized user voices.

I would like to see the speakerphone voice recognition be more accurate, handset recognition is almost dead on. I would also like to see voice commands for other applications. But that may defeat the application's 'simple' purpose. Although maybe not living up to quite all of the hype, this application does prove to be the best in its class, and that Google is still cutting edge when it comes to software development.

Google Keeps Supporting The iPhone

Guest Author ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

So, when the T-Mobile G1 was released a week ago and the new Android platform was introduced to the world, did you think that Google would stop supporting the iPhone? Well, it seems the answer is a resounding, "No!" Google keeps its relationship strong with Apple and its iPhone users with a new app this week.

In addition to Google Maps, which already comes with the iPhone, you can download Google Earth [iTunes link] from the App Store for free. When I first opened up the app, I immediately drew a comparison with the Earthscape [iTunes link] app which is also free. Both apps use a 3-D rendered landscape. Google Earth for the iPhone includes Wikipedia entries and photos from Panoramio. You can set it to see your longitude and latitude as well as the altitude at which you are virtually viewing the globe.

Unlike the desktop version of Google Earth, the iPhone app has no street overlay. Boo. So, basically it is a big 3-D globe with Wikipedia entries and Panoramio photos. Boo. I'm disappointed to say the least. Especially so since Earthscape has gotten quite good over many updates and has built up a photo community. Right now, you cannot take pictures within the Google Earth application.

Google Earth also has some bugs. Near my house, there is a weird 3-D wall along my street which doesn't exist in real life (see picture, right). Looks like a bad render to me. Unfortunately, it doesn't go away. Boo.

Google Earth does have some interesting features that even Earthscape doesn't have. To see Google Earth in 3-D, you tilt your iPhone. It has a Google Street View effect, although you can only tilt up and down. Also, clicking the compass in the upper right corner makes the top of your screen north.

Hopefully, most of my complaints will be addressed in future updates. In the meantime, go ahead and download BOTH Google Earth and Earthscape and let us know which app you like better.

Google Earth for the iPhone is Here

Guest Author ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

I just downloaded Google Earth and so far it seems pretty nice. It takes advantage of both the Accelerometer and the GPS in the iPhone 3G. It is stunning. Tilting the iPhone allows you to move through the terrain and works pretty well. The GPS allows you to find your current location and see the Panoramio geolocations around you. And although not a replacement for Google Maps because you can't see the street names, it is pretty cool.

Its at the App Store [iTunes Link]. Here is a link to the YouTube video demonstration.

Here is what the Google Blog had to say:

Even before we introduced Google Earth back in 2005, the team had long dreamed of being able to carry the Earth around in your pocket. Well, today that dream becomes a reality as we introduce Google Earth for iPhone and iPod touch. With just a swipe of your finger you can fly from Peoria to Paris to Papua New Guinea, or anywhere in between. It may be small, but it brings all the power of Google Earth to the palm of your hand, including all of the same global imagery and 3D terrain. You can even browse any of our 8 million Panoramio photos or read Wikipedia articles.

With Google Earth for iPhone, you can: • Tilt your iPhone to adjust your view to see mountainous terrain • View the Panoramio layer and browse the millions of geo-located photos from around the world • View geo-located Wikipedia articles • Use the 'Location' feature to fly to your current location • Search for cities, places and business around the globe with Google Local Search

It's available today in 18 languages and 22 countries in the iTunes App Store. To learn more, check out this video tour and read the blog post on the Lat Long Blog

Google Chrome for the iPhone

Sébastien Page ∙ October 2, 2008

[digg-me]Unless you've been living on Mars for the last 2 months, you probably know that Google launched its own web browser called Google Chrome. It's very unlikely that Apple will let Google develop Chrome for the iPhone for the good reason that Apple and Google are now competing in the mobile sphere: Apple with the iPhone, and Google with Android. There are many other reasons why Apple would never let Google (or anyone else for that matter) develop a web browser for the iPhone but this one is the most obvious reason.

However, there seems to be hope that Chrome will be developed by independent developers and made available for jailbroken iPhones. That's at least one may think when looking at this site.

Now, do you want my take on it? I believe this page is misleading and is actually not offering a download of Google Chrome for the iPhone as an application, but I am convinced they are offering the download of a Google Chrome theme for the iPhone.

So yes, you'll be able to download something Chrome-related for your iPhone but it will not be a web browser. It will simply be a theme that you'll be able to apply using WinterBoard. That's what I think but I may be wrong. If so, please feel free to prove my wrong in the comment section.