Operating Manuals Go Digital

Large, cumbersome, and difficult to navigate owner manuals may soon be a thing of the past; if Hyundai and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their way, that is.

In February, Hyundai announced that their 2011 Equus will come standard a 16GB WiFi Apple iPad, pre-loaded with a digital operating manual. Features include:

• Interactive Quick Reference Guide: Includes vehicle overview & direct access to specific features


• Vehicle location-based dealer locator: Locates nearest authorized Equus dealer


• Service Scheduler: Enables owner to select appointment time for scheduled maintenance

"The Equus App is the ultimate owner's manual. Interactive text mingles with detailed photos and videos to provide rich and immersive explanations of Equus technology, in a very intuitive way," says John Krafcik, President & CEO of Hyudani Motor Canada.

But it's not just car manuals going digital, The Tampa Bay Buccanners of the NFL announced recently that all players and coaches will be equipped with an iPad, loaded with a digital copy of their playbooks. They are hoping this will help players get up to speed quicker, rather than navigating through a phone directory-sized printed book.

Raheem Morris, Head Coach says "It took about two minutes for Buccaneer co-chairman Bryan Glazer to approve the purchase of 90 iPad 2's. Players watch past game footage and study plays that are downloaded to the devises automatically."

Owner's manuals are only useful if they are utilized by the reader, and it looks like going digital could be a way to encourage the process.

Lowe's to Put Homeowners in The Cloud

Lowe's Home Improvement is going to store and deliver your valuable home information to you; from the cloud.

Bloomberg reported this week that Lowe's will be introducing its MyLowes online tool, which will allow customers to store information on purchases they make for their homes such as owner's manuals, warranties, and paint formulas.

"Forget the competition, we are playing catch-up with the customer psyche," says Mike Brown, Chief Information Officer for Lowe's.

This is a fantastic tool for keeping track of your DIY projects, from remodeling to renovations. No longer will important documentation be relegated to a box, lost or misplaced in that urgent time of need. Purchase products, install and enjoy; when you need to do maintenance, troubleshoot or reference the warranty terms, simply login and access the information.

If you really think about it, it was only a matter of time. We do business, bank, and socialize in the cloud everyday; most without even realizing it. With Canadian Internet usage nearing 85% and mobile technology on the rise, it makes sense to collect and store your valuable information in a safe place that can be referenced from anywhere, not just your home computer.

Sage at UBC brings a new look to Wesbrook Village

SAGE condos at UBC by Kenstone Properties is the most recent addition to Wesbrook Village. Innovative design, environmentally sound building practises, and the latest technology tools for homeowners make this project stand out at one of BC's most premier locations.

The project is designed to Silver status in Residential Environment Assessment Program (REAP), created by the UBC Office of Sustainability and based upon LEED standards for environmentally sustainable design and construction. This certification will make SAGE one of the greenest condo projects in BC.

Residents will be welcomed with web-based homeowner manuals which provide relevant information and product documents for everything in their specific home. Having product specific documents from the manufacturer will allow SAGE homeowners to properly operate and maintain the components in their home, reducing wasted energy and increasing the resale value.

Well done, Kenstone Properties!