How to Keep Your iOS and Android Data Synced

With all the bad blood going on between iOS loyalists and Android fanatics, it’s easy to think these two camps are out to start WW III. Practicality dictates otherwise, however. Especially when you’re in the office or out with a friend. The difference in phone/tablet architecture should not be a stumbling block in your office effectivity or to your dwindling social life, for that matter.

Apparently, one of the immediate grounds of concern is data sync ability. For instance, it would be a lot easier for you to finish on a word document coming from your iPad-wielding boss if you just can edit it on your Samsung Galaxy Note.

To note, syncing from one Cupertino-made device to the other, is not an issue with iCloud. Nor is it on the other side of the fence, from one Android gadget to the other. However, full integration between these two giant ecosystems still leaves a lot to be desired and may take years - if at all.

But this is not a hopeless case (though getting irritated may not be a surprise), here are some tricks and treats that should get you started in that direction. 

Basics: Email, Contacts, Calendar

In any business or friendship, contacts is most essential. There are various ways to keep your contacts together even on different devices.

One way is to utilize an account that is powered by Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. Outlook.com,used to be hotmail.com, is capable of replicating contact data and make them available across multiple devices. Not much of a problem for iOS, importing these data into the right designated area (e.g., calendar, contacts, stock mail).

What may be a little challenging is with Android. Although the Google world is supportive of ActiveSync. You may have to make do. Use the feature slim email app, for instance or maximize a 3rd-party alternative choice found in the Play Store - like Touchdown,     for instance.

When you talk about Android to iOS, the set-up’s slightly different. Android devices gets all integrated via a Google account as many users will know. So setting up your Google credentials in your devices via your Gmail account ensures data connectivity between these electronic gadgets, be it a tablet, a smartphone or something in between (phablet).

However, getting your Google account connected unto that fave iPad on its iPad mini keyboard case gets a little bumpy. CalDAV and cardDAV are your best bet to migrate contacts and calendars. For the more sophisticated Google accounts however, be it Business, Education or Government you will have to utilize Google Sync to facilitate the exchange.

More Productivity

For starters, use Google Drive for data-syncing. Though the iPad version is still not as robust as the original app in terms of sophistication and features, the gap is closing fast. With that said, it would be easy to work on cross-platform devices with this cloud-based app, Google Drive.

Another alternative is to use other popular cloud-based services (e.g. Dropbox, Box). Just save your Office or other word files in these internet-based services. With these, at least getting your documents read is not a problem whether you’re utilizing an iOS or an Android-based device.

And if you want to some editing which is most likely, installing Quickoffice and Documents to Go are great choices. These two apps will work in across both OS platforms, allowing you greater latitude in work.

Increasingly, there are more and more apps that can be utilized in both giant ecosystems, Android and iOS. It seems that this is becoming some sort of a trend. You may have to dig a little deeper to find these cross-platform tools but it’s a small price to pay.

Top Smartphone Apps for Salespeople

Since productivity is the mantra of sales, you may want to gear up and get yourself the best sales apps for your smartphone – be it of the i-series or those of the Android kind. Assuming you are one of those salespeople who “works doubly hard” to achieve quota and enjoy the price of success: your commission.

Surprisingly, many of these apps do not come at a hefty price; but these can definitely get you going – granting you make them available on your fave smartphone. Perhaps in the near future, tablets will be the ultimate method of staying connected for a salesman and putting your iPad on one of those suitable ipad keyboard cases may be more popular than ever.

For those who may be wondering, these apps are also available for the recently-launched, most sought-after iPhone. We wish we could say the same for those Blackberry gadgets.

1 and 2. Kindle and Cloud Player. Improvement is the name of the game. For a trusted salesman, getting yourself in top form  could invaluably mean feeding your mind. Not a problem with these two apps. Kindle gives you access to throngs and throngs of books. While Cloud Player gives you unlimited access to your cloud drive. Information when you need it most.

3. Hopstop. If you travel from city to city, these app will get you to your destination fastest. Giving you needed transportation details (e.g., train stops) can save you time to do what is most relevant: filling orders. Be it in the subways of New York, which can be the most challenging, to any major city in the U.S., Hopstop guides you step by step.

4. Xpenser. No need to pour yourself on weekends trying to reconcile all your expenses. Xpenser does this for you – on the go. The good thing is the app stores the data in the cloud, which can then be integrated into your company’s accounting systems. Of course, it is wise to drop a visit to the finance department before you get your thing going for best results.

5. Square. If sales is like mining gold, the Square app could be your magic tool. No need of the long process of invoicing, collecting and all the unnecessary paper work or waiting. Get the payment ASAP via Square. With this app, your customer can swipe his/her credit card right then and there. Imagine all the hassle that it takes away: no need chasing down the dough. It’s heaven-sent, to be honest.

6. Evernote. Here’s a convenient way of taking down notes when it matters most. Just tap your smartphone and get those vital info on record. The good thing: in seconds you can view it on your PC, make changes and view these changes on your smartphone. Everything is saved online. And if you feel wary of tapping your phone, just activate your smartphone’s voice recognition and get those important conversations recorded.

7. Google Maps. Don’t underestimate this app, this guy gets you around. Just a tap on your phone and voila you’d know the whole countryside in seconds. This is very useful for sales people who do not want to waste time to get around and get to the decision-maker in record speed. From the swamplands of Florida to an ice cream bar in California. Right on the dot.

8. Companion Link. Information is power. And Companion Link makes sure you get vital information when you need it most. Companion Link synchronizes data from one CRM or contact manager to another in your smartphone. Very useful when you need to pull out a phone number or check those appointments out. Of course, getting you more updated with your client’s data gets you closer to a closed sale.
Truly, effectivity is the name of the game. And though these may still be far from replacing the mouth as a salesman’s primary tool, these apps do make sure your message gets across faster, and is absorbed better – like water to dry ground.