Tag: Apple

iOS 9

Apple recently launched their newest addition to the extensive lineup of iOS software, iOS 9. iOS 9 promises to offer new built-in apps such as the new news app, which shows up to date news coverage from major news providers such as the New York City and ESPN. Another major addition are the new multitasking features on the iPad. Unfortunately, these following features are only available to iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 2.

  • Split View: A feature very similar to Windows 8 and 8.1’s multitasking feature, you can now look for a hotel destination in North Korea and work on your project that’s due on Wednesday at the same time.
  • Slide Over: Let’s say your friend texts you, but you’re working on that project. Just slide from the right, pausing your current app, and respond with a very angry “I’m working goddammit!”
  • Picture in Picture: Why not respond to an email and watch a Steelers vs. Cowboys game. I mean, why not? With Picture in Picture, you could do just that.
Citiation: https://1138geekconfessions.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/26046.png
Citiation: https://1138geekconfessions.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/26046.png

Quicktype

Apple has introduced some new features into their fairly new typing aid, Quicktype. Here are some of them:

  • Shortcut Bar: The shortcut bar on Macs and Macbooks now comes to iPad. (as long as you have a wireless keyboard)
  • Easy Text Selection: Just use two fingers on the iPad’s screen keyboard to easily select any piece of text.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!1!!1 Keyboard shortcuts come to the iPad. Command+C all the way, baby!!!!1!!!111!

Siri

In iOS 9, it seems Apple finally sent Siri to school. Siri can do a lot more, now:

  • Search: The famous Search page is back again, being powered by Siri.
  • Phone: Siri now provides names for unknown numbers by taking them out of Mail. Convenient!

Miscellaneous:

  • Longer Battery Life: The new power saving mode promises up to 1 hour of extra power.
  • Updates take less space: Exactly what it sounds like. For example: iOS 8=4.56 GB, iOS 9= 1.3 GB
  • Six-digit Passcodes
  • Android migration: Hate your Galaxy? Setting your sights on an iPhone 6, but want to keep your data? Never fear! Apple has released a new feature that allows you to transfer your pictures, data and apps from an Android device to an Apple device.

Those features were all collected from the Apple website. For those who look closely, at the bottom of the page, it says “Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all countries.” What does this mean? There may be more features out there, or some of these features may not be available where you live. Always check what are available or not available.

All features owned by Apple Inc. 
Citation: https://www.apple.com/ios/ios9-preview/#gallery-siri-assistant/next

iOS 8

OK, so Apple announced in their new WWDC that they’d be releasing a new software update for iOS devices. That’s right. iOS 8 was just announced in WWDC 2014 in San Fran’s Moscone West. They had said that there would lots of improvements that are on the same iOS 7 interface. Apple also announced their new “Continuity” feature, which allows you work on a device, then if you want to work on an another one, you can just click the app and it will launch, but it will allow you keep working on as normal as possible and as smooth as possible. Apple also says that this will work on any device working on iOS 8 or for computers, OS X Yosemite.

As for changes, Apple announced a new Enterprise feature, which allows businesses to configure their Apple devices to their liking to distribute to their employees. As I watched this being announced, I realized that this part of the Developer conference got the most applause. I was surprised.

Well, this concludes this blog. If you have any questions, follow me on twitter at @PierceWrightp81.iOS 8

iPhone 5

There is a new Apple iPhone 5 announced yesterday. Again, new features, sleek design, retina display, 4G, but missing the favorite youtube. The Siri had learnt a lot in this version and the Apple phone charger is dual sided. One more gadget to be lying around the house, huh.

Aplpe released the thinnest and lightest iPhone 5. Here are some highlights:

  1. The latest phone comes with iOS 6 to allow fastest downloads.
  2. The 8 mega pixel camera has been improved and is thinner than the 4S camera.
  3. The thin connector is dual sided and can be connected to other accessories using an adapter.
  4. The 4inch retina display is taller and allows you to type easily.
  5. Siri learnt new languages and general information about sports and restaurants.
  6. The new audio is sharp with reduced noise.
  7. Facebook integration allows to post directly from the notification center.
  8. The A6 chip allows faster data transfer and graphics performance.
  9. The inbuilt LTE wireless technology allows faster downloads and connectivity.
  10. Enhanced earpods with beamforming sounds.

So, you a have a new reason to buy the new phone. Apple had released one. You may wonderwhat to do with the old phones lying around the house and when the next one will be released. You can donate, exchange, gift, sell, or use them as additional browsers and cameras.

Missing youtube from the iPhone is a shock to the users but lets see how far the iPhone 5 will connect to the world. 🙂

R.I.P Steve Jobs

Apple co-founder passed away leaving his followers sad. All are praying for his soul to rest in peace and hoping strength for the family members.

Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer. He was suffering since 2007 and underwent multiple surgeries and treatments in the battle. Though there is no known cure for cancer, efforts have been made to reduce the pain. Steve Jobs has been a role model for many engineers, computer professionals and entrepreneurs.

He found Apple computers in 1976 and had led many product innovations including the ipod, mac book, iPhone along other products. Steve Jobs and his expertise will be missed. He was just 56 years old.

The iPhone 4s released just before his death already sold out in pre orders. Apple and Steve Jobs laid future product plans for next four years before Jobs died.

Jail Breaking Apple iPhone

New iPhone users may sometimes feel stuck by the limitations of the iPhone. Most of the frustration led to jail breaking which improves the features but risks the iPhone itself. Here is a glimpse of iPhone jail breaking.

iPhone Limitations


I was shocked to realize the basic features which other normal phones have are missing from Apple iPhone. I wouldn’t have bought an iPhone if I knew these drawbacks. 🙂
  • Cannot support flash
  • Cannot run applications in the background
  • Cannot customize themes, ring tones, and colors
  • Cannot stop SMS preview when you are in the middle of something else
  • Cannot send MMS or blue tooth
  • Cannot forward text messages
  • Cannot forward contacts
  • Calendar cannot sync with Google calendar!
Moreover, if you are listening to music, answering calls and browsing the Internet in a day through iPhone, you need to keep it plugged and charge it all the time!

Jail Breaking iPhone

All these limitations have increased user frustration and led to jail breaking of an iPhone. Jail breaking is nothing but erasing the existing operating system and reloading the customizable operating system. It involves hacking the iPhone software and loading your own operating system software with customizable features.

Jail Breaking versus Unlocking

Jail breaking is different from unlocking an iPhone. Unlocking an iPhone is freeing it from the service provider you bought it and enabling it to use it on any other service. Whereas, jail breaking is the first step to unlocking but not necessarily changing the service provider.
For example, when you unlock an iPhone, you can change the service provider. But, when you jail break an iPhone, you can still continue with your existing service provider.

Advantages of Jail breaking iPhone

Cydia, Spirit, QuickPwn and so on are some of the tools to jail break an Apple iPhone. With jail breaking, you can have customized wall papers and hide native iPhone applications which you do not use.
You can practically make the iPhone work in your personal way which you want instead of getting stuck with the default options given by Apple. Hackers are continuously working on jail breaking techniques and freeing up the iPhone for better utilization.

Disadvantages of Jail breaking iPhone


Once you jail break your iPhone, you cannot return to apple software though you can continue accessing the Apps and tunes from the apple stores. Jail breaking may not be suggestible because of the following reasons:
  • Conflicts the functioning of the device itself
  • More prone to viruses and worms
  • Loss of warranty of the iPhone
  • With every iTune update, jail breaking is disabled and you have to jail break it again. 🙂
Anyways, if you still decide to go ahead, here are some guidelines for jail breaking.

Legal Issues of Jail breaking iPhone

While the hackers feel that jail breaking is perfectly normal and must be legalized, Apple still claims the copyrights. While it is entirely an individual’s decision whether to jail break or not, I think one must consider all the options before proceeding. 🙂

iPhone Apps and Accessories – A Newcomer Guide

Are you a new iPhone owner? Are you confused how to set it up? And are awed by the large number of Apps available? Welcome to the iPhone club. Here are some tips and best practices for you and your iPhone.


My husband and son cannot stop jumping after seeing the new iPhone which we got yesterday. The instructions book said to charge fully, but did not mention how long. And we have to switch it off before charging. So, how do we know if it is fully charged.

Setting up

  • Do not switch on the iPhone initially
  • Charge the iPhone using the charger provided
  • Wait for half-an-hour to one hour and switch it ON. Check if it is fully charged.
  • Download the iTunes software from apple.com/iTunes
  • Register your phone as per the instruction manual
  • Make a test call to any other phone number
  • Connect the Apple iPhone to your personal computer
  • Start downloading the applications

iPhone Apps

You need not download all the Apps given there. You can choose among the free apps given under each category. The Apple iPhone website lists all the paid and free apps under different categories. The Apps for keeping current and the Apps for fun and games are useful. Alternately, you may browse through your iPhone to download an application.

I found the following Apps useful:

  • Apps for Business: Currency Converter, Jobs, iSchedule
  • Apps for keeping current: CNN Mobile, FOX News, Yahoo, TIME Magazine, NYTimes
  • Apps for Music: Rhapsody, Top 100s by Bing
  • Apps for Students: Dictionary.com, Math Magic,  Math Drills
  • Apps for Working Out: Diabetes, Body Fitness, Weight Watchers, Calorie tracker, WebMD, Runkeeper
  • Apps for Managing Money: Expense tracker, Bill tracker, Personal assistant, Wells, BillMinder
  • Apps for Fun and Games: All-in-1, PAC-Man Lite, PandaMania

It is essential to read the customer reviews. Some apps work only on certain version of iPhone and only on Mac computer. The ‘fringe’ app is also useful in calling outside the network and saving minutes! Register at ‘Textfree’ app to send free texts to any other mobile.


iPhone Accesories

Now after the iPhone has arrived, there is a desperate need for its accessories. 🙂 Here are some of the additional accessories you may need for your iPhone.

  1. iPhone LCD Protector – To protect the screen from scratches
  2. iPhone Leather pouch – To carry your iPhone
  3. iPhone Car charger – To charge it in the car on the go
  4. iPhone Additional charger  – To avoid the hassle of carrying the charger to and fro from office
  5. iPhone Emergency battery – To charge the iPhone where you do not have a laptop or other plugin options
  6. iPhone cradle – To charge and rest your iPhone

meritline offers iPhone accessories at a reasonable rate. But, they take two weeks to deliver. If you cannot wait that longer, eForCity can send you the product instantly. The docking station at amazon is $24 and can accommodate your iPhone along with its LCD protector.

In addition, buy.com, newegg, tigerdirect, tech4shop are some other websites to check for iPhone accessories.

Remember to read the user reviews and additional information  before ordering any product and check for its compatability for the iPhone you own. Best wishes for your new iPhone and the monthly internet service charges that your provider bills you. 🙂