Apple News, Analysis and Podcasts

 Apple updated their mobile OS to version 5 this week. This new update has a number of great features including iCloud, which allows applications to sync files between iOS and a Mac. Yet, for some users, it still does not replace a file manager like the Mac's Finder.

There are many iOS applications that allow users to manage files on the iOS, but the best one is GoodReader by Good.iWare. That is why GoodReader is this week's App of the Week. It has a number of great features that include:

1. It can turn an iPhone or iPad into a wireless external drive so users can transfer or sync files to and from the Mac or PC.
2. GoodReader can download and sync files from remote Internet servers like Dropbox, SugarSync, iDisk, Mail Accounts, Box.net, or any WebDAV server. This is a big feature as it can easily replace Dropbox for iOS, since the Dropbox App does not sync files.
3. Files can be copied, renamed, moved, deleted, folders can be created, and most files can be viewed and opened in other applications.
4. PDF files can be viewed, highlighted, searched, and annotated.
5. Files can be zipped, unzipped, emailed, and downloaded from any Internet Web site.
6. Images can be viewed and slideshows can be created.

These features alone have put GoodReader on the first page of my iPhone. While it is a great application, there are still many areas that can be improved. Those improvements include:

1. Airplay should be added throughout the application so videos, photos, and even documents can be viewed on any Apple TV.
2. While the interface is ok, it could be greatly improved. The wealth of features are hard to find in its menu layout. Finding servers to sync or download from take a long time to complete.
3. When files are open in other applications, file names are not preserved. This is not the fault of GoodReader, but of the iOS. The iOS has many limitations when it comes to moving files around outside of applications. Hopefully Apple will improve this, but I would not hold my breath.

None of these areas of improvements are deal breakers and would only make the application that much better. The developers have been constantly improving it over time and it has been one of the best purchases I have made for the iPhone and iPad. GoodReader is a must for any iOS users who wants to access files on the go.

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