Verizon Workshops; A Hula App

Verizon Wireless is offering free workshops to sharpen your skills on the gadgets you already have. Here is a list of the upcoming sessions.

Apple iPhone 5 Workshop: This workshop focuses on features of the new iPhone 5, including maps, Siri, Facebook integration, Share Photo Stream, Passbook and more. The Verizon Wireless expert will walk you through iOS 6 and demonstrate accessories that will help you get the most out of your new device. March 20 and 31 at 9-10 a.m., Moanalua Center Verizon Wireless Store, 930 Valkenburgh St., 423-9560.

Android: Getting Started Workshop: This workshop walks you through hardware functions, setting up email, adding social network accounts and customizing your device. March 24 and 31, 9-10 a.m.; April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9-10 a.m., both at Pearl Highlands Center Verizon Wireless Store, 1000 Kamehameha Hwy., Pearl City, 456-0687.

Windows Phone 8 Workshop: Learn the basics of your Windows Phone 8 device through tips on personalizing your phone, using People Hub, setting up email, using Kid’s Corner and more. March 24, 9-10 a.m., Kahala Mall Verizon Wireless Store, 4211 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, 734-0250

DROID Razr by Motorola Workshop: Learn about the unique features of the DROID Razr. During this workshop, basic hardware functions will be reviewed, you’ll be shown how you to customize your device, and how to use unique features like MOTOCAST, Smart Actions, and the Lapdock Application. In addition, learn tips on how to print from the DROID Razr and learn about accessories that will help you get the most from this device. March 24 and 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pacific Guardian Tower Verizon Wireless Store, 1440 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, 973-4884.

Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: Ke Ao Hula

With the Merrie Monarch Festival coming up March 31 to April 6, Ke Ao Hula: The Hula Realm iPhone app launched just in time for the 50th anniversary of this annual event. This is the first time that an app has been developed to share information about which halau are participating in the Merrie Monarch, who the kumus are, what mele they’re performing, and making it conveniently available at your fingertips.

This app is the brainchild of 26-year-old Gabe Spencer and his girlfriend Kim Shibata. Spencer is a Kamehameha Schools graduate and currently a student at Windward Community College studying Hawaiian language. Together they launched this as an online initiative dedicated to connecting everyone passionate about hula and the Hawaiian culture through social media and this new app.

Ke Ao Hula lets you learn about Hawaii’s kumu hula, dancers and musicians through personal interviews as they share the meaning behind their hula.

You can follow the conversation about the Merrie Monarch with a live news feed and Twitter updates. In addition, you can learn

all about hula history and other events happening in 2013.

You can even vote for your favorite halau in the People’s Choice Awards.

Support another worthy local app, just $2.99 in the iTunes Store.