Updating to the latest iOS doesn't take as long as you think anymore

So I got this from a source from a source... anyway, IT WORKS! Save some time when updating your iPod's/iPad's and check out the information below that I got from here.

“It turns out that actually updating the iPad (or iPod touch) doesn’t take very long at all. Maybe 10 to 15 minutes per device. The trick, though, is to download the iOS update image once and keep it around on a USB stick or portable hard drive.”

You can also keep a copy on the one computer you use for syncing all the devices, assuming you’re making sets with identical configurations. But please, make a backup of the iOS file before you begin updating multiple devices. After you update the first iPad or iPod touch, a copy of the update file will be saved to your computer.

“iTunes saves the update image in ~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates.”

For the iPod touch, this folder is ~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates

1. Connect the device and let it back up.
2. Decline iTunes’ offer to download the update.
3. Hold down the Option key and click the Update button in iTunes. This presents you with a file chooser dialog box. Navigate to where you saved the update file and select it.
4. Wait for the update to complete.
5. Let the device restart and sync
6. Install any updated applications

“The slowest part of the process is downloading the updates for the apps (and there will be many of these in the coming weeks). Saving the iOS update on local storage will save a ton of time and bandwidth. You really don’t want to be downloading 115 * 500MB over a school DSL connection!”

Even doing a few dozen devices with that same update downloading each time can slow your network considerably. This method for updating multiple iOS devices will save valuable time and bandwidth.

You can find Fraser’s original post at:
http://speirs.org/blog/2010/11/23/rolling-out-ipad-42.html

Windows Users: The ALT key generally substitutes for Mac Option key. However, I believe the left Shift key works in this case. For the location of the update file on Windows computers, see this Apple support document. Look for the folder name iPad Software Updates

iPhone Configuration Utility - Working

The iPhone Configuration Utility allows you the ability to "image" the settings for the iPod Touch. Until now, I have been unsuccessful at creating a Configuration Profile and loading that profile onto an iPod Touch. My problem was in the General section under Name and Identifier. Apparently, neither of these allow capital letters. This utility allows you to put a profile on the device which allows you to customize things like wireless network settings, passcodes, and other restrictions. Hey, it is worth it just so you don't have to type in your wireless code for each iPod.

QR Codes... Amazing!

So you have a video, website, picture... that you want your students to see. How do you set up bookmarks for all of these for each iPod Touch? With the iPod Touch (4th gen) it's a cinch. You need the free app, i-nigma 4 to scan the qr code, and go to http://www.qrstuff.com.  At the qrstuff website, put your text, website link... in and print the code. If you want to keep that code long-term, then download it for later. Now the kids use their iPod Touch to scan the qr code with the i-nigma 4 app and are immediately directed to the content you have linked it to. Watch this video to see it in action.