iOS 13 and Watch OS 6

Since Apple released the well anticipated iOS 13 and Watch OS 6 updates yesterday, I've had the opportunity to put it through a week of testing.

If you have an iPhone SE, 6S, and everything after that (the 7, 8, X, XR, XS) and have been thinking about updating, go ahead! You're going to enjoy the new life it breathes into your Apple devices.

NOTE: Just to be on the safe side, be sure to back up all the valuable data on your device and keep the phone plugged in while it updates. Better safe than sorry, trust me.

Since a majority of our users are iOS users, I'm sure you're wondering, "What do I get from this update and why should I even bother?" Well, I'm glad you asked.

Let's start with the top features from iOS 13.

• You now have a system wide Dark Mode. Let's sign a petition and dark mode everything!
• Swipe Keyboard. Try swiping a word on your keyboard! It's an easier and faster method for typing with one hand! They call it 'QuickPath'..
• Faster FaceID. Apple claims 30% faster!
• New Built-In Photo and VIDEO Editing Tools. If you're a digital creative, you're going to appreciate this!
• Find My (Now combines Find my iPhone and Find my Friends). Now, even if your iPhone is not connected to the internet you'll be able to tell where it is.
• Files. Now you have the ability to connect external drives and USB's natively. Along with unzip capabilities.
• Safari. You now have access to a built-in download manager! Along with upgraded browser capabilities.
• Reminders.  App Updates.
• Notes. App Updates.
• Mail. App Redesign
• Siri. Siri now sounds a lot better!
• Better Screenshots. 
• Control your Contact Information Persona. If you someone adds you as a contact, the name and image you want will automatically pull into their contact.
• Memoji Stickers. Extend your Animoji persona and create new Memoji stickers.
• Sign In with Apple. Before you had the option to make an account, or use the convenient Sign in with Google and Sign in with Facebook. Now, there's a new way to sign in! 
• Use your Gaming controllers. If you enjoy mobile games, now you can connect your favorite Xbox or PS4 Controller and start gaming!

Next we got Watch OS 6.

• New Watch Faces. Cool new styles to try!
• Dedicated App Store. All the more apps for your watch!
• Noise Level. If you spend too much time in a loud environment, you'll be notified!
• Voice Memos. Got a quick thought? Narrate it to your new best friend.
• Cycle Tracking. Apple's big on Health
• Calculator. Calculate right on your wrist! Take it a step further and now you can easily know how much the tip will be and how to evenly split the bill.
• Activity Trends. Because the more health data you have, the more you strive to succeed!

There were minor bugs I have seen or had colleagues report to me. However, Apple has released iOS 13.1 today, and it should squash all the bugs (if any) and provide improvements to your overall experience. Apple also released iPad OS today and I will be going over it next week! 

Have you updated to iOS 13.1 yet? If so, what are you currently enjoying about it?



Saandhyarag Sasidhar
Student Operations Manager
Web and Digital Strategies

New 2019 Apple Devices!

On September 10, the WDS team attended the Apple special event virtually. During which, Apple unveiled a new iPad, three new iPhones, and a new Series 5 Apple Watch. Here's all that you need to know, before deciding!

iPhone 11 

Starts at $699

Six Colors

Two Cameras (New Ultra Wide Camera)

A13 Bionic Processor (Faster and more Battery Efficient)

Faster Unlocking with FaceID

iPhone 11 Pro

Starts at $999

Four Colors

Three Cameras (New Ultra Wide Camera)

Super Retina XDR Screen (It means it's really really good!)

A13 Bionic Processor (Faster and more Battery Efficient)

4-5 hours longer battery life

Faster Unlocking with FaceID

You can even get a bigger screen size with the iPhone 11 Pro Max

Apple Watch Series 5

Starts at $399

Always On Display

New S5 Processor

ECG monitor

Built-in Compass

New Case Materials (Titanium, Ceramic, Expensive...)

On Cellular models you can now make emergency calls internationally

iPad

Starts at $329 (education discount bring it to $299)

10.2 Retina Screen

A10X Processor

iPad OS Support

Smart Keyboard Support

Apple Pencil 1 Support

If you decide to keep your current devices, check out how iOS 13 and Watch OS 6  can breathe new life into your devices!

For Emporia State University

Students, faculty and staff looking for personal/at-home devices can get discounts for the devices from Apple. For faculty/staff looking to purchase one of these devices, please contact the IT Help Desk for more information.  Our IT purchasing catalog, IT Advisor, will be updated with our recommended models in each category shortly.



Saandhyarag Sasidhar
Student Operations Manager
Web and Digital Strategies

Web Presence Update!

As the Fall semester is in full-go, I am sure many of those here at Emporia State are wondering... What is going on with the websites? Luckily, we provide a web page, Web Presence Projects, that provides information on Hornet 365 and our public website. Examples of information provided are timelines, future enhancements, progress pages, and much more. We're very excited that Hornet 365 had a successful launch, and we are excited to launch the public website!

Don't forget to provide any feedback on our website by using this form. This helps us determine what you all want and helps us fix any bugs/issues. Good luck this semester, pay attention to the coming changes to Emporia State's web presence, and Stingers Up!

Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

SkyPrint PLUS - Copy, Scan and Print

We've got all New SkyPrint PLUS Stations throughout campus. 

You can now use the same printer for both your Black/White and Color printing needs. 

Need to copy documents? You now can from the same station! 

To make it even better, you can now scan documents and send it to your Email, OneDrive or Google Drive, all from the same SkyPrint Plus Station!


To sign into your account, use the built-in keyboard on the printers. 

OR 

If you're ready to 'tap and go', set up fast login and start using your Hornet Card for a quick, easy and secure way to login into SkyPrint.

Rest assured, the quality of prints are now twice as good.

If you're having troubles, be sure to read the instruction manuals attached to the printer.

Find more info, including all of our SkyPrint locations from Hornet 365's TechSite. 

Saandhyarag Sasidhar

Student Operations Manager

Web and Digital Strategies

The NEW Newsstand!

Newsstand, Hornet 365's digital publications hub, has gone through some serious updates since last mentioned! We now host 9 publications on Newsstand, and it is growing fast! Two of our newest publication additions have been the Hornet Connect Program Guide and the Student Technology Guide. Everyone has the option to flip through the publication on the website itself, or choose to download the publication as a PDF. We have also simplified the process to be showcased on Newsstand by adding a submission form.

Interested in reading publications that Emporia State University departments, student groups, and faculty have to offer? Do you have a publication to share with the rest of campus? Check out Newsstand on Hornet 365!


Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

IT Only Takes a Minute - Welcome Back Fall 2019

This week, Emporia State welcomed new and returning students to the start of the Fall 2019 semester.  Each year, we share all of the great new and updated services available to ESU students.  The following highlights are only a few of these new things!

SkyPrint PLUS + Credit.   You'll notice some of the SkyPrint release stations have a new look this year.  These new multi-function units, called SkyPrint PLUS, now include the ability to scan and copy, as well as print.  Also, you can set up fast login using your Hornet Card.  This means you only need to tap your card in order to release your jobs.  Find more info, including all of our SkyPrint locations from Hornet 365's TechSite.  All ESU students get $8 worth of free prints, which you'll find freshly loaded to your account!  Learn More
 

Hornet TV.  Look for a newly redesigned 24 x 7 livestream with even more new content from across campus, plus check out the interactive digital signs!  We've been busy mapping out floors, finding rooms and building staff directories for every building with an interactive sign.  And the best feature, scan the QR code on the sign to download a copy of the sign's content to your smartphone! Watch Now
 

Office + Symantec.  All ESU students and employees get Microsoft Office and Symantec Anti-Virus free to install on your personal devices!  Students, make sure to log in with username@emporia.edu, DON'T use "g.emporia.edu".  Click the Downloads tile from Hornet365!
 

Hornet 365.  The new portal is live!  With the help of users all across campus, we built a next generation portal to bring the ESU experience to one central location!  And now it's even easier to get to--just go to HORNET365.COM!  Dont' forget to send us your feedback and look for more enhancements in the days ahead!
 

Virtual Campus Explorer.  Are you new to campus?  Or maybe you're just an explorer at heart!  Now, you can explore the ESU campus with our new Virtual Campus Explorer.  In addition to campus maps and building info, we've also started creating 360 degree experiences of interesting spaces across campus, Check back as we add even more as the semester progresses!   View Virtual Campus Explorer

A Strange Thing happened on the way to class...  Not really, but you might discover something both interesting and informative as we launch the IT + Information Security fall campaign with this year's "Stranger Things"-inspired theme.  Debuting at tonight's block party, we'll have a digital guidebook, free giveaways and the chance to win a bluetooth speaker!  Start exploring now by visiting emporia.edu/strange!

Good luck from ESU Information Technology!

Posted by Brian Osbourn, Director, Web + Digital

New Hornet 365

A couple weeks ago we unveiled our most up-to-date version of Hornet 365. The latest version includes upgrades to accessibility, loading speeds, and even more helpful 'tiles' for each page. Every day we work on adding more content to create an even better University Portal. The feedback we have received for Hornet 365 has been helpful with a lot of great suggestions that we've been able to immediately add to the site. We thrive on the feedback because that is our best way to satisfy our audience, you. Within the first seven days of launch, Hornet 365 had over 10,000 pageviews! This is great to see as this University Portal will be the easiest way to find any online service that the university provides. We're very happy with the results thus far, but we are always looking to improve our services. Head over to hornet.emporia.edu to check it out and leave feedback!


Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

Accessibility Extensions

Emporia State University recently acquired updated versions of 'Read & Write' and 'EquatIO' software. Both of these are accessibility extensions compatible with Google Chrome that can help you with everyday tasks. 'Read & Write' can help you understand web pages better as it reads it aloud to you. This gives you an opportunity to actively listen and take notes if you'd like. 'EquatIO' is a tool that will help you convert your own handwriting to math equations on your computer. This is extremely helpful when writing out math equations on your computer. Faculty and students can download this extension, free, by selecting this link and following the instructions on the page. All-in-all, we hope that these two new tools will help everyone with your learning process!

Link to download.

Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

A Student's Best Friend: The Echo Dot

Amazon's third version of the Echo Dot is quite an improvement. Improved hardware has caused the third version to be lighter, smaller, and an expert at voice recognition. We've recently had the chance to play around with some of the new Echo Dot's functionalities, and for only $29.99 on Amazon, it is something that every student could utilize. The Echo Dot can easily hear, and understand you from anywhere in the room. In addition to all of the pre-built functions of the Echo Dot, there are also many options for customization. With the help of Alexa Skill Blueprints, you're able to add many different skills to Alexa. Very useful for students, you can have your Echo Dot ask you questions, recite definitions, and quiz you on whatever topics you'd like. This is a very handy feature as it can make you feel as if you're studying for a test with another human!

Sam Derksen
Student Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

A Good Year for Apple Hardware

This year has been a fairly extensive one in terms of updates and new releases from Apple. From the latest MacOS update “Mojave” to this year’s round of iPhone refreshes, the Cupertino-based company has served up a considerable number of new items for consumers to choose from.  I will highlight two that have greatly enhanced my personal workflow.

The first is what I call Apple’s most underrated product of the year—the MacBook Pro refresh.  It didn’t get a big Apple Event debut but came packed with new features—especially if you hadn’t purchased last year’s model. Eighth generation Intel processors, True Tone display, T2 security chip, updated graphics and a slightly-tweaked keyboard are all highlights packed into the MacBook Pro’s trademark aluminum chassis. As expected, the MacBook Pro continues its trend of releasing 13 and 15 inch models.  While I had never warmed up to the Touch Bar, these new models showcase the efforts developers have included over the past few years to bring out the features of the Touch Bar.  Add to that the capability of Touch ID and you have a device that feels incomplete without it.  And to top it off, “Hey, Siri” is now supported!

Unlike the MacBook Pro, Apple’s other winner did get a lavish debut this fall--the iPad Pro.  If you’ve previously used an iPad or iPad Pro—forget what you knew. Throw it out.  This third generation tablet is a complete refresh in every way including the overall look of the device.  It comes in 12.9 and 11 in models, but it’s smaller in size than previous generations.  The home button is gone, and the Liquid Retina display extends nearly all the way to the edge.  

The iPad Pro (third generation)

Internals include a new superfast A12X Bionic processor and a TrueDepth camera with Face ID—yes, your iPad now recognizes you (similar to Microsoft’s Windows Hello tech).  For us digital artists, the iPad Pro has a new Apple Pencil, which has double tap feature for switching between brushes, erasers, etc.  Like the Surface Pen, the Pencil now magnetically attaches to the iPad—but it also CHARGES it.  No more strange connection sticking out of the bottom (see previous iPad Pro’s).  And while I’m not sure the full benefit of it yet, the new USB-C port is undoubtedly a move in the right direction.  And for those who want a keyboard, Apple's Smart Folio Keyboard attaches with magnets located across the entire iPad, providing a strong grip.  I went for the less expensive Smart Folio case which essentially provides protection from the front and back, but leaves the sides exposed.  Apple continues to proclaim the iPad can replace your laptop and while I'd be lost without my MacBook Pro and Surface Pro, the new iPad Pro takes a giant leap in that direction and with a few tweaks to iOS could become one's daily driver.

As I mentioned, these are only two devices that Apple launched in 2018.  Beyond the three iPhones, there was the Apple Watch and the long-awaited updates to the MacBook Air and Mac mini.  With semi-recent updates to the iMac, MacBook and AppleTV there are many worthy options available to you.  The best recommendation I can offer is to do your research and make sure you know how you're going to use your new tech in advance.

ESU students, faculty and staff get a discount on most of Apple’s hardware, so make sure to take advantage of that if you’re in the market for a new device.  

Brian Osbourn

Director, IT Web & Digital Strategies

Eerie or Revolutionary? You Decide.

Google announced Google Duplex during the Google I/O 2018. This is a new revolutionary technology that allows your AI personal assistant to conduct natural conversations and carry out “real world” tasks over the phone.

Imagine telling your Google Assistant to complete tasks such as scheduling hair salon appointments, or even booking a table at a restaurant. The system is very well developed and conversations between a fully automatic computer system and real businesses sound natural and human like. This is a huge leap in Artificial Intelligence technology as the assistant can understand complex sentences, fast speech, and long remarks, so it can respond naturally in a phone conversation

It will positively impact businesses who regularly schedule clients like doctors and lawyers and could have the A.I. do that on their behalf. Small businesses can also benefit, as research shows that 60 percent of small businesses who rely on customer bookings don’t have an online booking system, according to Google’s blog.

Final release dates are yet to be announced, and is most likely to arrive first in the Google Pixel phones.

For more information see what Google has to say; eerie or revolutionary? You Decide.

Saandhyarag Sasidhar
Student Operations Manager
Web and Digital Strategies

Do More With Your Wix Sites

Whether a student is a Web Designer, looking to make a personal website, or already has a website, students can customize more with "Wix Code" implemented by Wix.

Wix created Wix Code which is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) similar to Atom.io, NetBeans, Microsoft Visual Studio, and many other IDEs that allow a user to develop a website how they want/need. The code/programming languages Wix Code uses are HTML (site structure), CSS (site aesthetics), and JavaScript (site behaviors).

Building on website with Wix now gives users four major categories for building sites: Front End, Back End, Database, and additional components.

Wix provides students with a great option for building personal websites and is used by ESU for a number of special project sites and communication needs.


Donald Goode
Student Web Developer
Web & Digital Strategies

Microsoft Surface Event

Microsoft recently announced updates to three Surface devices, and I will give you a simple rundown of the changes.

• Surface Pro 6
• CPU Upgrade to 8th Generation
• Black Versions Now Available
• Surface Laptop 2
• CPU Upgrade to 8th Generation
• Upgraded Contrast Ratio
• Improved Keyboard For Quieter Typing
• Black Versions Now Available
• Surface Studio 2
• Massive GPU Upgrade to Nvidia GTX 1070
• Additional USB-C Port
• Upgraded Screen
• Surface Headphones
• Full Charge Within 2 Hours
• Up to 15 Hours Of Bluetooth Listening
• USB-C and 3.5 mm Inputs For Wired Listening

Microsoft also released a new payment program, Surface All Access, so anyone can afford these new devices over time.

Sam Derksen
Student Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

Biology Department: New Hornet TV Sign!

The IT department partnered with the department of Biology to set up a new Hornet TV digital sign outside of their office. This sign will be displaying their own department's content as well as campus content. Keep a lookout for this new added feature to our university.


Sam Derksen
Student Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

Introducing the new Hornet 365

This past week, visitors to hornet.emporia.edu, aka the gateway to Hornet 365 services, saw a visual upgrade.  This first step moves us closer to the ultimate goals of Hornet 365 to become the next generation portal for all ESU digital services.

What about Buzz In?

The current portal, Buzz In, will be retired in the coming months, but will continue to be operational while we work to add new content and features to Hornet 365.

If YOU build it...

That's right, we want you as a student, faculty, staff or guest of ESU to help us build it!  Give us your feedback (you'll see a fancy new button on hornet.emporia.edu) to fill out a short form.  Because the new 365 will run in parallel with Buzz In, we're taking the unique opportunity to work collaboratively with groups across campus to help make Hornet 365 better throughout the fall 2018 semester!

What's New?

Hornet 365 has a lot going on under the hood, not least of which is the fact that the authenticated sites (or the parts you DO have to log in to) are powered by Office 365.  In addition to FREE Microsoft Office, there are many different services.  We'll cover those in future posts, but here are just a few of the new things that are live now:

Hornet Sites - These sites are just like a public website, but you need an ESU userid and password to access them.

g365 - A special service for group emails, sharing files, a team collaboration space, integration with Microsoft Teams and more!

w365 - A place for sharing files with your department, committee or standing group.  Just files here, plus it integrates with OneDrive!

OneDrive - Okay, this one isn't new, but there is a feature that is--the ability to intelligently synchronize files to your computer.  The OneDrive client is able to determine which files you're using and which one's you're not and only sync the one's you've used recently.  All of your files still live in the cloud and are there whenever you need them.  This saves on disk space and bandwidth.  Right now, this feature is exclusive to Windows.  OneDrive gives every ESU student, faculty and staff member 1 TB of file storage space that you can access via Windows/Mac file explorers, web browsers and your Apple/Android mobile device.

Hornet Spaces - this is a new ESU service, or collection of services showing you all of the various maps of ESU.  From a details overhead map to a Street View-style 360 service that gives you the ability to virtually walk throughout the entire campus, we've got them all in one place.  Plus, don't miss our new site about campus computer labs currently being beta-tested.

Newsstand - Have you ever needed to share a file or document in a way that makes it pleasant to read?  Would you like to share it with the public or even embed it into another website?  PDF's are boring--why not add some interactive features to your documents?  Those are just some of the things that we've made available with the new service called Newsstand.  Powered by the popular web service Issuu, Newsstand is available to any ESU department, recognized student group, etc. at no cost.

These are just a sampling of some of the great new things that are coming to Hornet 365!  Stay tuned to the blog and our social media for more coverage of the services we've mentioned here and even more in the future!

#MyHornet365

-Brian Osbourn, Director, Web and Digital Strategies

Back to School Security Tips

Now that we’re back on campus, it’s time to get back in the swing of using the wide range of facilities and services offered on campus. Technology resources, such as our Richel Lab, are incredibly helpful when in classes or when you’re in a pinch, and we want to make sure you get the best use out of them.

Here are some easy tips to ensure your information is safe:
   
Keep your passwords locked down.
This starts with creating a password or a passphrase that is unique and difficult to guess. Good examples could be a line from your favorite song with numbers and special characters in it. It will be easy to remember and more challenging for someone to discover. One thing you want to avoid is using the same password for multiple accounts. If someone figures it out then they can gain access to your entire life. Therefore, invest in a secure password manager to keep a safe record of each account’s distinctive password.

When leaving a device, always go through each individual website and log out.
While this can be time consuming when you’re trying to race to your next class, it can save you from a potential threat. Leaving your account logged on can give anyone access to go in and do things you don’t want. For example, if you leave your Amazon account logged in, that person could potentially make their own purchase on your dime.

Remember me not on a public computer.
While the "remember me" feature may be handy on your personal devices, it can be very dangerous on a public one. You are opening your accounts up to whoever may be using it next and they might not have your best interests at heart. So, always leave the “remember me” box unchecked.

Update apps and devices with the newest versions.
While the university’s computers automatically do this, your personal ones do not. Therefore, you should be on the look-out for new updates. This will allow you to have the most recent versions of security features available from the developers. Many times their updates are the result of a security issue; therefore, make sure you complete the updates as soon as they become available to you.

Take a second to go through you’re applications on all of your devices.
Each app has different levels of access to your information; therefore, it’s important to know which ones can access what. If you no longer use an app, deleted it. It will open up more room for useful apps, but it will also take any unnecessary access from potentially problematic apps. What might have been safe when you downloaded it could be outdated software with security issues. Therefore, play it safe and get rid of the old apps.

Learn more by visiting hornet.emporia.edu and clicking on the "Information Security" tile. Have a great fall semester!

Top Tech Things For New Students

Install Microsoft Office for free as a new student!
ESU offers all students a free license to Microsoft Office! This will come in handy in almost all of your classes here at ESU! Just go to Hornet 365, log in [with your @emporia.edu account], and start making use of this invaluable gift.

Take advantage of Amazon Prime's free trial to college students!
Try Amazon Prime free for 6 months when you register on Amazon with your ESU email account!

No need to buy a printer!

All ESU students are given $8.00 credit at the beginning of each semester to print papers! Go to hornet.emporia.edu and choose SkyPrint to start printing!

Gifted 1TB of OneDrive storage space!
All ESU students are given one terabyte of free storage.  Access it by going to hornet.emporia.edu and choosing OneDrive!