Disconnected mapping

If you're travelling and have data roaming turned off or have a wifi only device and are out of range it can be a bit painful when you want to use Google Maps on the device that's conveniently in your pocket or bag. Did you know, that you can save maps for offline use? With a bit of forward thinking, when you're connected, you can ensure that the map you want is available when you're out and about.

On your Android device, it's as simple as tapping into the search field, scrolling past the search suggestions and selecting 'Make this map available offline'. iOS is a little more complicated with the need to enter the keywords "ok maps" (without quote marks) into the search, but the result in the same.

More on these and other handy hints in the Google Maps app 'Tips and Tricks' section.

Picstitch the weekend party

If, like me, you get snap-happy at events and on holiday and like to share your favourite pics, but don't want to inundate your friends with "Gadget Girl has added 30 photos to the album Doors of Europe", then the answer may be in selecting your favourites and making a collage, picstitch or digital scrapbook page using one of the many available apps for your tablet or smartphone device.

For my iOS devices I have a number of options, depending on the combination of layout, background, frame surround, photo editing and filtering I want to use. Amongst my favourites are Frame Magic and Pic Collage (also available on Android). If you like more traditional scrapbook style delivery, then ScrapPad or Martha Stewart's CraftStudio may be more suitable.

To find your flavour search for apps using "picstitch", "collage", "frame" and "scrapbook" as keywords. There are many options available, regardless of iOS, Android or Windows. Many are free with in-app upgrade options, have a free lite version or have a free trial so figuring out the right app for you is easy.

What I enjoy about this way of sharing pictures is that it allows me to tell a wee story in one delivery, whether simply in the combination of pictures or by the addition of text and sticker elements. It can be quite a fun and creative release.