Tips & Tricks For Your Device may teach you something new, or remind you of a neat function! Tap the title of TODAY'S TIP to see other helpful tips!
Question?
Are you an aeroplane watcher, and spend time parked out by the airport perimeter road checking to see what enormous, shiny, silver bird will pass overhead? Where is this mammoth plane headed? What type of aircraft is it?
Solution?
- If you have iPhone 4S, you can use Siri's magical properties to tell you all about these aircraft. Wolfram Alpha is a major search engine for Siri, and so Siri can easily respond to your question, "What flights are overhead?" You'll discover flight names, altitude, angle, type of aircraft and distance, along with a sky map. For instance, you'll find out one of those jets overhead is a Delta Air Lines, Flight #1104, Boeing 767-300, at 37,000 feet altitude, 10 degrees up located at 39 miles north-northeast. Wow - that's a lot of intriguing (if not exactly necessary) information using the power of Wolfram. It's that simple to search your blue skies, once your Location Services are turned on in Settings.
We should never lose the open-mouthed wonder of a child gazing up at the sky in awe at beautiful airplanes. But now, we can add a little tech knowledge to the beauty we see!
Are you an aeroplane watcher, and spend time parked out by the airport perimeter road checking to see what enormous, shiny, silver bird will pass overhead? Where is this mammoth plane headed? What type of aircraft is it?
Solution?
- If you have iPhone 4S, you can use Siri's magical properties to tell you all about these aircraft. Wolfram Alpha is a major search engine for Siri, and so Siri can easily respond to your question, "What flights are overhead?" You'll discover flight names, altitude, angle, type of aircraft and distance, along with a sky map. For instance, you'll find out one of those jets overhead is a Delta Air Lines, Flight #1104, Boeing 767-300, at 37,000 feet altitude, 10 degrees up located at 39 miles north-northeast. Wow - that's a lot of intriguing (if not exactly necessary) information using the power of Wolfram. It's that simple to search your blue skies, once your Location Services are turned on in Settings.
We should never lose the open-mouthed wonder of a child gazing up at the sky in awe at beautiful airplanes. But now, we can add a little tech knowledge to the beauty we see!
Question?
How can you integrate Siri with your texting, thus making it quicker and easier than ever to send friends and family an SMS or MMS?iMessages
Today, let's chat about Siri's integration with iMessages and Calendar native apps.
As you can see by the screenshots above, there are many ways (just a few listed) in which you can ask Siri to perform tasks for you. Plus, Siri can read either your sent messages, or incoming messages (a great plus when you're out and about). Speak naturally as to a person in telling Siri how to respond, and she will compose your message. Or you can start off by saying, "Text (Bob)". Siri will find Bob's contact information, and then ask, "What do you want me to tell Bob?" At that point, you can dictate your text. And the voice recognition is pretty darn good, let me add!
Calendar
Now, here's a bit of information about what Siri can do with your calendar. Tell Siri to move or reschedule meetings. Set up new meetings or calendar dates that are important. Ask Siri to read your schedule for the day. Take a look at these pics below for some ideas. These are just a few of the many calendar functions.
I was skeptical of Siri to begin with, and not sure that all the hoopla was warranted. However, I can tell you now that iPhone 4S really is a great phone, and Siri does a lot more than I had imagined. Other Siri features will be covered in future posts. The prognosis? I am sold on Siri!
As you can see by the screenshots above, there are many ways (just a few listed) in which you can ask Siri to perform tasks for you. Plus, Siri can read either your sent messages, or incoming messages (a great plus when you're out and about). Speak naturally as to a person in telling Siri how to respond, and she will compose your message. Or you can start off by saying, "Text (Bob)". Siri will find Bob's contact information, and then ask, "What do you want me to tell Bob?" At that point, you can dictate your text. And the voice recognition is pretty darn good, let me add!
Calendar
Now, here's a bit of information about what Siri can do with your calendar. Tell Siri to move or reschedule meetings. Set up new meetings or calendar dates that are important. Ask Siri to read your schedule for the day. Take a look at these pics below for some ideas. These are just a few of the many calendar functions.
I was skeptical of Siri to begin with, and not sure that all the hoopla was warranted. However, I can tell you now that iPhone 4S really is a great phone, and Siri does a lot more than I had imagined. Other Siri features will be covered in future posts. The prognosis? I am sold on Siri!
Labels: author's note, #iOS 5, iPad, Lists, Lifestyle, Tips
Question?
Perhaps you've been looking for a specific Voice Memo, Note or Mail, and so naturally you search for it using Spotlight Search (search function when you swipe to the left from your Home Screen). You will find on your display, loads of results covering all items on your phone, and it will take way too long to scroll through each to find the one you need. How do you speed up this search process?
Solution!
- Your iPhone is so easy to customize in many ways. So if you tend to use your Voice Memos more than anything else, for example, you will want to have those search results shown first when you use Spotlight Search. To arrange the order of results, go to: Settings, General, Spotlight Search where you will see all the categories of items on your phone. These include: Applications, Events, Contacts, Notes, Music, Videos, Audiobooks, Reminders, Voice Memos, Mail, Messages and Podcasts.
You can change the order above simply by tapping and holding the 3-line movable icon to the right of the category, and dragging it to your preferred position. Repeat the same steps to move the order of other functions which you may search the most. Tap and drag Mail to the top of the display or put it in 2nd place, if you wish. In this way, when you actually use your device's Search feature, the items displayed will be in the exact order in which you've customized them on the Settings page!
Labels: author's note, communications, #iOS 5, iPad, keyboard, tips
Question?
You are used to typing with thumbs on your phone, and now have an iPad that is too wide for your thumbs to meet in the middle to type as you usually do. How can you make your thumb typing habit more accessible and easier?
Solution!
- Die-hard thumb typists have nothing to fear. In order to change your keyboard layout to accommodate your thumbs, once your native keyboard is up on your screen display drag TWO fingers from the middle of the keyboard towards each side of the screen. Your keyboard display will magically separate into two so that it literally touches either end of the lower screen thus making it easier for your thumbs to wrap around the iPad. Note that whether or not you are using landscape or portrait mode, the split keyboard function will work for you. To return the two halves to one keyboard, just take TWO fingers and drag or swipe each half your keyboard simultaneously from the outer edges inwards. That's it for now, thumb folks!
Tips & Tricks For Your Device may teach you something new, or remind you of a neat function! Tap the title of TODAY'S TIP to see other helpful tips!
Labels: author's note, communications, #iOS 5, notifications, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, tips
Question?
You receive dozens (maybe even hundreds) of emails, messages, news, calendar alerts and so forth every day. Some of these items are important to you on a "Need-to-know immediately!" basis. Other communications can just wait until you have time to view them at the end of the day. You need to sort out by priority those which notifications must be viewed on your device, whether in lock mode or not. How can you customize a list of which apps notify you when news or important information arrives, and by a method ensuring either visibility or privacy?
Solution!
- There are several ways you can receive notifications on your device: from high visibility with alerts, badges, banners and sounds to none of those at all. It depends on your preference as to what information you consider high or low priority.
For privacy reasons, I don't want text messages displayed on my Lock Screen so I do not use Banners or Alerts, only number Badges. However, breaking news from CNN or other generic items I definitely want to see so I use Banners or Alerts which can also be viewed in lock screen, along with Sounds. The Weather Widget and Stock Widget come only with the option to toggle On/Off. Other apps with Notifications which you don't care to be informed about, are shown underneath the active ones in a separate box titled Not in Notification Center. These remain here until you Turn On Notifications for each at some point in the future.
You can further customize your Notifications by tapping Edit on the top right of your display and moving the items around in the order in which you want to see them, particularly if you have chosen to view your Notifications Manually. Lastly, remember to view all your Notifications at any time, simply swipe from top to bottom of your display for the Notification screen to appear.
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TODAY'S TIP: SETTING TONES FOR COMMUNICATIONS - iOS5
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TODAY'S TIP: WEATHER FORECAST-WEEKLY & HOURLY-iOS5
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TODAY'S TIP: HOME SHARING ON ITUNES -
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TODAY'S TIP: STREET VIEW IMAGES -
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TODAY'S TIP: INCREASING FONT SIZE -
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TODAY'S TIP: SAVE & RETURN TO DRAFT MAIL -
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On your iPhone go to Settings / General / Network / Cellular Data, and toggle OFF. Do the same for Data Roaming here. Additionally, put your device in Airplane Mode from Settings so you do not get international calls (unless you purchased a package, of course). You can turn on Wi-Fi when available at the airport, hotel or at a friend's home for data.
My slip was that, I started off with my Data toggles off. Still, because I had purchased a Global Data plan, I was constantly toggling Data off and on so I could use it when needed. Thus even when I was in a WiFi location, my phone was using costly Data (because it was left running) instead of free WiFi. Thus I ran out of Data. To top it off, I forgot to toggle my data off at night or any other time when I did not need to use it. Extremely costly mistakes due to my own negligence are the type that make me see red. You can avoid all that aggravation by learning from my mistakes! Happy travels!
Tips & Tricks For Your Device may teach you something new, or remind you of a neat function! Tap the title of TODAY'S TIP to see other helpful tips!
Labels: author's note, communications, iOS5, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, ringtones, tips
Question?
So many messages, calendar alerts, emails and reminders are sent out daily. Usually though, only a handful are urgent or from a special someone. The rest can wait and don't require your immediate attention. So what to do if you're at a business meeting and your phone is quietly alerting you? Should you look down and scroll through your notifications? You could be on pins and needles every time your phone alerts you, which is literally all day long!
So many messages, calendar alerts, emails and reminders are sent out daily. Usually though, only a handful are urgent or from a special someone. The rest can wait and don't require your immediate attention. So what to do if you're at a business meeting and your phone is quietly alerting you? Should you look down and scroll through your notifications? You could be on pins and needles every time your phone alerts you, which is literally all day long!
Solution!
There's an easier way to find out which communications really need your attention. Note that there are two parts to this tip:
Go to your Settings and tap Sounds where you'll see all the choices available to you. You may set the following: Vibration On/Off, Ringtone, Text Tone, New Voicemail, New Mail, Sent Mail, Tweet, Calendar Alerts, Reminder Alerts and Vibration Patterns too! Tap on any one of these items and then select a sound from the choices given. These are all the basic tones/vibrations which sound for your collective contact list.
However, you can also further fine tune your tone choices under each contact name. Here you are able to customize the following: Ringtone, Vibration and Text Tone. There is no custom setting as yet for Email. (Still, with the help of other ringtone and text tone apps, I have been able to set up a large selection from which to choose for all these categories). The Vibration alert is particularly fun as you can tap out a vibration you like and save it.
Go to your Contacts, select a specific name, then Edit. From here, you can choose any field to answer. Also, go near the end of the page where it says Add Field and tap that to reveal even more field selections available to you. When you are finished customizing, tap Done.
So now when I get a message or call from someone, if I have assigned them a specific tone or vibration, then I know immediately who is trying to reach me. If I'm interested, I'll look down and deal with it, but if I'm not, I can continue doing what I was involved in prior to the interruption!
There's an easier way to find out which communications really need your attention. Note that there are two parts to this tip:
Go to your Settings and tap Sounds where you'll see all the choices available to you. You may set the following: Vibration On/Off, Ringtone, Text Tone, New Voicemail, New Mail, Sent Mail, Tweet, Calendar Alerts, Reminder Alerts and Vibration Patterns too! Tap on any one of these items and then select a sound from the choices given. These are all the basic tones/vibrations which sound for your collective contact list.
However, you can also further fine tune your tone choices under each contact name. Here you are able to customize the following: Ringtone, Vibration and Text Tone. There is no custom setting as yet for Email. (Still, with the help of other ringtone and text tone apps, I have been able to set up a large selection from which to choose for all these categories). The Vibration alert is particularly fun as you can tap out a vibration you like and save it.
Go to your Contacts, select a specific name, then Edit. From here, you can choose any field to answer. Also, go near the end of the page where it says Add Field and tap that to reveal even more field selections available to you. When you are finished customizing, tap Done.
So now when I get a message or call from someone, if I have assigned them a specific tone or vibration, then I know immediately who is trying to reach me. If I'm interested, I'll look down and deal with it, but if I'm not, I can continue doing what I was involved in prior to the interruption!
Labels: author's note, iOS5, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, news, tips, weather
Question?
You wake up in the morning and wonder what kind of day and week ahead to expect. After all, times are changing as summer starts heading towards fall! What sort of clothes should you wear (warm or cool), and should you leave the wash out to dry in case it might rain? Is an umbrella, raincoat or hot chocolate a necessity? Any first season snow in the offing?
You wake up in the morning and wonder what kind of day and week ahead to expect. After all, times are changing as summer starts heading towards fall! What sort of clothes should you wear (warm or cool), and should you leave the wash out to dry in case it might rain? Is an umbrella, raincoat or hot chocolate a necessity? Any first season snow in the offing?
Solution!
You can find out your hourly and weekly weather in your local city or other cities you designate with only one sleepy eye open, and by swiping or tapping the weather widget in the Notifications Center which is part of the new iOS5. Here's how to go about it.
Just pull down your Notifications Center on any screen (except lock screen) on your device, then swipe left or right on the Weather widget to view the weekly forecast. You can then tap anywhere on the same Weather widget to be taken directly to the Weather app which always displays the weekly weather. The neat trick is that here you may view the hourly forecast showing precipitation percentages and temperatures by swiping down anywhere on the weather image display. If you have added other cities of interest to your Weather app, just scroll through and follow the same steps to similarly view their forecasts.
You can find out your hourly and weekly weather in your local city or other cities you designate with only one sleepy eye open, and by swiping or tapping the weather widget in the Notifications Center which is part of the new iOS5. Here's how to go about it.
Just pull down your Notifications Center on any screen (except lock screen) on your device, then swipe left or right on the Weather widget to view the weekly forecast. You can then tap anywhere on the same Weather widget to be taken directly to the Weather app which always displays the weekly weather. The neat trick is that here you may view the hourly forecast showing precipitation percentages and temperatures by swiping down anywhere on the weather image display. If you have added other cities of interest to your Weather app, just scroll through and follow the same steps to similarly view their forecasts.
Question?
Maybe your kids or partner have some great songs in their iTunes library. You're a bit jealous because you haven't had time to download all the latest songs you want. On the other hand, if they have the music you love, why should you bother download it again anyway? The big word here is "SHARING!" So the question is how do you share and transfer content between multiple iTunes libraries on your home network, and stream from those libraries to your iOS device?
Maybe your kids or partner have some great songs in their iTunes library. You're a bit jealous because you haven't had time to download all the latest songs you want. On the other hand, if they have the music you love, why should you bother download it again anyway? The big word here is "SHARING!" So the question is how do you share and transfer content between multiple iTunes libraries on your home network, and stream from those libraries to your iOS device?
Solution!
It's really not that hard at all to accomplish song sharing with all the helpful features included on iTunes. Here's a brief summary of how to accomplish this feat:
- Open iTunes.
- Select the Home Sharing icon in the left column. (If the Home Sharing icon is not visible, choose Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing from the top menu bar. Once Home Sharing is enabled, the Home icon is no longer visible).
- When prompted, enter your Apple ID account name and password (use the same Apple ID account name when enabling Home Sharing on all computers).
- Click Create Home Share.
- Use the above steps to enable Home Sharing on additional computers on your home network.
NOTE: Visit iTunes: Setting Up Home Sharing for more detailed information and tips on Home and Automatic Sharing of apps, books, music, TV shows, and movie purchases to your other computers.
It's really not that hard at all to accomplish song sharing with all the helpful features included on iTunes. Here's a brief summary of how to accomplish this feat:
- Open iTunes.
- Select the Home Sharing icon in the left column. (If the Home Sharing icon is not visible, choose Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing from the top menu bar. Once Home Sharing is enabled, the Home icon is no longer visible).
- When prompted, enter your Apple ID account name and password (use the same Apple ID account name when enabling Home Sharing on all computers).
- Click Create Home Share.
- Use the above steps to enable Home Sharing on additional computers on your home network.
NOTE: Visit iTunes: Setting Up Home Sharing for more detailed information and tips on Home and Automatic Sharing of apps, books, music, TV shows, and movie purchases to your other computers.
Question?
You are heading out to a friend's house for dinner. You have the directions from Google Maps, but you would like to know what to expect when you reach the actual neighborhood. Are you in the right place? What exactly does the house look like so you'll recognize it when you drive up?
You are heading out to a friend's house for dinner. You have the directions from Google Maps, but you would like to know what to expect when you reach the actual neighborhood. Are you in the right place? What exactly does the house look like so you'll recognize it when you drive up?
Solution!
Street View helps solve this little dilemma. Did you know that when you have a complete address in your Contacts, if you tap on it, the name of the Contact will pop up along with a little orange circle with a peg man in it. Tap on the man, and you will be instantly shown the neighborhood with the exact house pinpointed of the friend whom you are going to visit. It's actually amazing to see the house, car and entire neighborhood.
Okay, don't panic. There are a few privacy issues Google has addressed here. First off, they have blurred the license plates of cars, as well as included a Report button if you don't want your home shown. You can rotate your view, and actually walk the street by tapping on the white arrows superimposed on the street with the street name. You can also use this feature directly in Google Maps. Street View is not live, and information probably has been gathered within the past 6 months. So as a friend demonstrated to me, Street View lives right in your Contacts, and not just in the main Google Maps icon!
Street View helps solve this little dilemma. Did you know that when you have a complete address in your Contacts, if you tap on it, the name of the Contact will pop up along with a little orange circle with a peg man in it. Tap on the man, and you will be instantly shown the neighborhood with the exact house pinpointed of the friend whom you are going to visit. It's actually amazing to see the house, car and entire neighborhood.
Okay, don't panic. There are a few privacy issues Google has addressed here. First off, they have blurred the license plates of cars, as well as included a Report button if you don't want your home shown. You can rotate your view, and actually walk the street by tapping on the white arrows superimposed on the street with the street name. You can also use this feature directly in Google Maps. Street View is not live, and information probably has been gathered within the past 6 months. So as a friend demonstrated to me, Street View lives right in your Contacts, and not just in the main Google Maps icon!
Question?
You've been working on your iPhone all day using Facebook, writing email, re-working spreadsheets, playing games and creating notes. Your poor eyes are on overdrive and overkill with trying to read all that small sized font. Your eyes need a break before you get a major headache! How can you increase the font size so that you can decrease eye strain?
You've been working on your iPhone all day using Facebook, writing email, re-working spreadsheets, playing games and creating notes. Your poor eyes are on overdrive and overkill with trying to read all that small sized font. Your eyes need a break before you get a major headache! How can you increase the font size so that you can decrease eye strain?
Solution!
Simply go to Settings / General / Accessibility / Large Text on your phone and change the font size (when you tap Large Text) to a bigger one. Sizes range from 20 points to 56 points. Doing this will automatically increase the text in your Calendar, Contacts, Mail, Messages and Notes! No more squinting and reading will be so much easier!
Simply go to Settings / General / Accessibility / Large Text on your phone and change the font size (when you tap Large Text) to a bigger one. Sizes range from 20 points to 56 points. Doing this will automatically increase the text in your Calendar, Contacts, Mail, Messages and Notes! No more squinting and reading will be so much easier!
Question?
You've begun an important e-mail to a client or friend, but haven't got the time to finish it. You don't want to lose all the thought you've put into this note so how can you ensure that it will be saved, and that you can get back to it when you are ready?
You've begun an important e-mail to a client or friend, but haven't got the time to finish it. You don't want to lose all the thought you've put into this note so how can you ensure that it will be saved, and that you can get back to it when you are ready?
Solution!
This is easy enough to do so you don't have to fret over your draft. Simply tap the Cancel button in the top, left corner of your current, native Mail Screen. You will see the option to Save Draft. Tap that and your mail will be saved to complete later. To return to that email, an easy shortcut is to tap and hold the Compose icon at the bottom right corner of your Mail screen which will display the last Saved Draft. (The longer way would be to go back to your Mailbox, tap Drafts and find your mail there.) You can now easily complete your email and send it on its way!
This is easy enough to do so you don't have to fret over your draft. Simply tap the Cancel button in the top, left corner of your current, native Mail Screen. You will see the option to Save Draft. Tap that and your mail will be saved to complete later. To return to that email, an easy shortcut is to tap and hold the Compose icon at the bottom right corner of your Mail screen which will display the last Saved Draft. (The longer way would be to go back to your Mailbox, tap Drafts and find your mail there.) You can now easily complete your email and send it on its way!
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
HOW TO AVOID DATA ROAMING ChARGES OVERSEAS - You have an overseas trip planned this year. Of course, you need to have your phone handy at the airports (which probably have WiFi) while waiting around in both cities . Also, you may be able to use WiFi in your hotel or home you're going to stay in. Still, for the rest of the time, you don't want to have your Data Roaming picking up every signal and data package thus costing you a fortune and a shock when you get home to a nasty bill! How can you prevent this very costly expense?
Solution!
Well, I can certainly answer this for you as I've been snagged a couple times by not being diligent with Data Roaming. First of all, you can usually purchase a Global Data Roaming package when you go overseas. This can be costly and range from $60 to $200. The first time I did this I purchased the lowest $60 package. Bzzzzt....not enough at all, ran out of Data half way through the trip between blogging, Facebook, tweeting, emailing, you name it. The 2nd trip I thought I'd be smart and get the $100 package. Double Bzzzzztttt....somehow although this should have been enough, I'd forgotten to deal with my Data Roaming toggle. So my advice to you is that even though we are explaining how to avoid this expensive issue, the final due diligence is up to you to make sure your toggles are off when you think they are. Here's what I mean.
Question?
HOW TO AVOID DATA ROAMING ChARGES OVERSEAS - You have an overseas trip planned this year. Of course, you need to have your phone handy at the airports (which probably have WiFi) while waiting around in both cities . Also, you may be able to use WiFi in your hotel or home you're going to stay in. Still, for the rest of the time, you don't want to have your Data Roaming picking up every signal and data package thus costing you a fortune and a shock when you get home to a nasty bill! How can you prevent this very costly expense?
Solution!
Well, I can certainly answer this for you as I've been snagged a couple times by not being diligent with Data Roaming. First of all, you can usually purchase a Global Data Roaming package when you go overseas. This can be costly and range from $60 to $200. The first time I did this I purchased the lowest $60 package. Bzzzzt....not enough at all, ran out of Data half way through the trip between blogging, Facebook, tweeting, emailing, you name it. The 2nd trip I thought I'd be smart and get the $100 package. Double Bzzzzztttt....somehow although this should have been enough, I'd forgotten to deal with my Data Roaming toggle. So my advice to you is that even though we are explaining how to avoid this expensive issue, the final due diligence is up to you to make sure your toggles are off when you think they are. Here's what I mean.
On your iPhone go to Settings / General / Network / Cellular Data, and toggle OFF. Do the same for Data Roaming here. Additionally, put your device in Airplane Mode from Settings so you do not get international calls (unless you purchased a package, of course). You can turn on Wi-Fi when available at the airport, hotel or at a friend's home for data.
My slip was that, I started off with my Data toggles off. Still, because I had purchased a Global Data plan, I was constantly toggling Data off and on so I could use it when needed. Thus even when I was in a WiFi location, my phone was using costly Data (because it was left running) instead of free WiFi. Thus I ran out of Data. To top it off, I forgot to toggle my data off at night or any other time when I did not need to use it. Extremely costly mistakes due to my own negligence are the type that make me see red. You can avoid all that aggravation by learning from my mistakes! Happy travels!
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
There are many sites you love to visit via Safari on a daily basis. They hold a great interest for you, or you need to check their news, stats or other meaningful information. How can you get there quickly with just a couple taps?
Solution!
It's easy enough to make bookmarks and then find your favorite sites later which are now bookmarked on Safari. Start by visiting your iPad's Settings Menu. Now select Safari from the Settings (located in left column). Make sure your slider across from Safari is set on Always Show Bookmarks Bar. Exit Settings and let's start bookmarking sites!
Open Safari browser and go to your favorite site. Tap the arrow in the box icon to Add a Bookmark. The name of the site will appear along with the URL in a pop-up box. Just tap Bookmarks Bar, Save, and your site is now added to Bookmarks. To verify this is so, tap the book icon and your site should appear. How's that for easy access to sites you often visit!
Question?
There are many sites you love to visit via Safari on a daily basis. They hold a great interest for you, or you need to check their news, stats or other meaningful information. How can you get there quickly with just a couple taps?
Solution!
It's easy enough to make bookmarks and then find your favorite sites later which are now bookmarked on Safari. Start by visiting your iPad's Settings Menu. Now select Safari from the Settings (located in left column). Make sure your slider across from Safari is set on Always Show Bookmarks Bar. Exit Settings and let's start bookmarking sites!
Open Safari browser and go to your favorite site. Tap the arrow in the box icon to Add a Bookmark. The name of the site will appear along with the URL in a pop-up box. Just tap Bookmarks Bar, Save, and your site is now added to Bookmarks. To verify this is so, tap the book icon and your site should appear. How's that for easy access to sites you often visit!
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
When you are on vacation this summer, chances are you may have your iPad with you. The large glossy screen makes this device ideal for viewing all the pics you have snapped on your lovely trip. You don't want to wait till you get home to see them on your computer's large screen. So how can you view your photos easily other than on your digital camera's tiny screen?
Solution!
There's now a new connection that enables you to view your photos in a couple different ways. The Camera Connection kit provides two ways to get photos onto your iPad. The kit contains two connectors, both of which plug into the dock connector on the bottom of your device (at different times, of course). One connector works with a USB cable which connects directly to your digital camera. The other connector reads your photos from your SD card. The choices is yours as to which connector you want to use.
The iPad Camera Connection Kit works smoothly with the Photos app. You can import all or just a few selected images and organize them into albums. This kit simply provides a convenient way to enjoy your photos while traveling. Once you return home, you will likely transfer everything to your computer to reserve space on your iPad.
Question?
When you are on vacation this summer, chances are you may have your iPad with you. The large glossy screen makes this device ideal for viewing all the pics you have snapped on your lovely trip. You don't want to wait till you get home to see them on your computer's large screen. So how can you view your photos easily other than on your digital camera's tiny screen?
Solution!
There's now a new connection that enables you to view your photos in a couple different ways. The Camera Connection kit provides two ways to get photos onto your iPad. The kit contains two connectors, both of which plug into the dock connector on the bottom of your device (at different times, of course). One connector works with a USB cable which connects directly to your digital camera. The other connector reads your photos from your SD card. The choices is yours as to which connector you want to use.
The iPad Camera Connection Kit works smoothly with the Photos app. You can import all or just a few selected images and organize them into albums. This kit simply provides a convenient way to enjoy your photos while traveling. Once you return home, you will likely transfer everything to your computer to reserve space on your iPad.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
When you need to print out or view your calendar in a larger size, you use Outlook which is the default display calendar. Of course, some of you use your own subscribed calendars including Mobile Me. Still, if you want flexibility to see your calendar wherever you are, you can't beat the convenience of Google Calendar. So how can you set this up on your iPhone or iPad device?
Solution!
Syncing with Google Calendar really used to be a problem, but with recent iOS updates, it has become a cinch to set up. Just go to Settings / Mail, Contacts, Calendars / Other. Tap on Add CalDAV Account. Now type in your GMail account info using the www.google.com Server. Go ahead and Exit Settings and go to your Calendar. Magically, all your calendar created events will appear! They will continue to sync wirelessly each time you enter an event also. If your calendar appears too messy with several calendars incorporated, simply choose just the ones you want to view the most (which includes your gmail account). From here on out, enjoy viewing your personal calendar on the web when out, or on your device with the ease and convenience of Google.
Question?
When you need to print out or view your calendar in a larger size, you use Outlook which is the default display calendar. Of course, some of you use your own subscribed calendars including Mobile Me. Still, if you want flexibility to see your calendar wherever you are, you can't beat the convenience of Google Calendar. So how can you set this up on your iPhone or iPad device?
Solution!
Syncing with Google Calendar really used to be a problem, but with recent iOS updates, it has become a cinch to set up. Just go to Settings / Mail, Contacts, Calendars / Other. Tap on Add CalDAV Account. Now type in your GMail account info using the www.google.com Server. Go ahead and Exit Settings and go to your Calendar. Magically, all your calendar created events will appear! They will continue to sync wirelessly each time you enter an event also. If your calendar appears too messy with several calendars incorporated, simply choose just the ones you want to view the most (which includes your gmail account). From here on out, enjoy viewing your personal calendar on the web when out, or on your device with the ease and convenience of Google.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You've got a lot of great pictures and videos on your iPad 2 that you want to show off to family and friends. It would be nice if you could put this good stuff on a large screen so everyone could see it at one time and you don't have to hand off your precious iPad to everyone. Apart from that scenario, you may also want to work on your apps through the large TV screen whether it's to play a game, check your bank account etc. How can you get your iPad screen contents to be viewed on TV?
Solution!
Simply purchase an Apple AV Digital Adapter of which you will plug one end into your device, and the other end into an HDMI cable which runs to your HDMI capable TV. The Adapter mirrors exactly what you see on iPad 2 so that everyone in the room can share it on your widescreen TV, video projection screen, or other HDMI-compatible display.
The details: When you buy the Adapter for $39, you still need to purchase an HDMI cable separately. Connect the Adapter to your iPad via the Adapter's 30-pin dock connector. (A second 30-pin connector built into the AV adapter lets you charge and sync your device while it’s connected to your HDMI-compatible display, if you wish). Then connect the HDMI cable to the other end of the Adapter and right into the TV. Set your TV remote to HDMI, and instantly all the visual and audio goodies you have to share will be there on the "big screen" to enjoy!
Question?
You've got a lot of great pictures and videos on your iPad 2 that you want to show off to family and friends. It would be nice if you could put this good stuff on a large screen so everyone could see it at one time and you don't have to hand off your precious iPad to everyone. Apart from that scenario, you may also want to work on your apps through the large TV screen whether it's to play a game, check your bank account etc. How can you get your iPad screen contents to be viewed on TV?
Solution!
Simply purchase an Apple AV Digital Adapter of which you will plug one end into your device, and the other end into an HDMI cable which runs to your HDMI capable TV. The Adapter mirrors exactly what you see on iPad 2 so that everyone in the room can share it on your widescreen TV, video projection screen, or other HDMI-compatible display.
The details: When you buy the Adapter for $39, you still need to purchase an HDMI cable separately. Connect the Adapter to your iPad via the Adapter's 30-pin dock connector. (A second 30-pin connector built into the AV adapter lets you charge and sync your device while it’s connected to your HDMI-compatible display, if you wish). Then connect the HDMI cable to the other end of the Adapter and right into the TV. Set your TV remote to HDMI, and instantly all the visual and audio goodies you have to share will be there on the "big screen" to enjoy!
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You can't fall asleep at night without all your fabulous songs playing in your ear. The thing is you don't want to fall asleep, forget to turn off your iPod music selection and have it running all night. How can you set your music to turn off at a specific time without using an external app?
Solution!
Actually, there's a little secret mechanism to solve this problem in your Clock icon setting. When you tap Timer, the hours and minutes dial will pop up, along with a text box providing the list of all your ring tones. At the very end of this list is a simple box on its own called Sleep iPod. Tap this and then tap Set so that you can now listen to your music for any length of time you choose and be confident that it will shut off the iPod at the chosen time.
Question?
You can't fall asleep at night without all your fabulous songs playing in your ear. The thing is you don't want to fall asleep, forget to turn off your iPod music selection and have it running all night. How can you set your music to turn off at a specific time without using an external app?
Solution!
Actually, there's a little secret mechanism to solve this problem in your Clock icon setting. When you tap Timer, the hours and minutes dial will pop up, along with a text box providing the list of all your ring tones. At the very end of this list is a simple box on its own called Sleep iPod. Tap this and then tap Set so that you can now listen to your music for any length of time you choose and be confident that it will shut off the iPod at the chosen time.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You may spend a lot of time on the road reading maps, trying to find your way to the next business meeting or appointment. Or you may be that lucky soccer mom, rushing the kids off to team practice. You can't afford to be late in either case to upset your client or the coach. How can you check on the traffic conditions along the way of your route?
Solution!
There's really no need to arrive late! Open Maps, tap the curled page icon in the lower right, and then tap your preferred map display. Maps will show real-time traffic conditions in the displayed area. Green means traffic is going at the speed limit, yellow means traffic is slower than the speed limit, and red means traffic is just not moving!
Question?
You may spend a lot of time on the road reading maps, trying to find your way to the next business meeting or appointment. Or you may be that lucky soccer mom, rushing the kids off to team practice. You can't afford to be late in either case to upset your client or the coach. How can you check on the traffic conditions along the way of your route?
Solution!
There's really no need to arrive late! Open Maps, tap the curled page icon in the lower right, and then tap your preferred map display. Maps will show real-time traffic conditions in the displayed area. Green means traffic is going at the speed limit, yellow means traffic is slower than the speed limit, and red means traffic is just not moving!
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You are surfing the web on Safari, and see an image you really want to use, enjoy or send to a friend at a later time. How can you save or copy it?
Solution!
Just a single tap will do it! Simply touch and hold an image to save it to your Camera Roll. You may also copy it to paste into an MMS or email.
Question?
You are surfing the web on Safari, and see an image you really want to use, enjoy or send to a friend at a later time. How can you save or copy it?
Solution!
Just a single tap will do it! Simply touch and hold an image to save it to your Camera Roll. You may also copy it to paste into an MMS or email.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You can't find your helpful reading glasses, or perhaps just don't feel like reading and want to be pampered by being read to instead. How can you do this?
Solution!
Use your device's Voice Over feature to read for you. It recognizes your finger's gestures on the screen. Just double tap to select and use three fingers to scroll. VoiceOver will speak out loud what is on the screen. So now your iBooks can become audio books. Go to Settings/General/Accessibility to toggle VoiceOver ON. Then open your iBooks app and VoiceOver will read your text to you.
Question?
You can't find your helpful reading glasses, or perhaps just don't feel like reading and want to be pampered by being read to instead. How can you do this?
Solution!
Use your device's Voice Over feature to read for you. It recognizes your finger's gestures on the screen. Just double tap to select and use three fingers to scroll. VoiceOver will speak out loud what is on the screen. So now your iBooks can become audio books. Go to Settings/General/Accessibility to toggle VoiceOver ON. Then open your iBooks app and VoiceOver will read your text to you.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You like your phone locked - no snoopers allowed! Yet the 4 numeric digits just don't seem enough to guard all your phone's secrets. How can you increase the length of your passcode?
Solution!
Go to Settings/Passcode Lock and enter your current passcode if you have one. If you want a more elaborate and lengthy passcode, toggle the Simple Passcode bar OFF. You will then be able to enter a new alphanumeric code in its place as a keyboard will appear complete with a textbox for your new entry.
Question?
You like your phone locked - no snoopers allowed! Yet the 4 numeric digits just don't seem enough to guard all your phone's secrets. How can you increase the length of your passcode?
Solution!
Go to Settings/Passcode Lock and enter your current passcode if you have one. If you want a more elaborate and lengthy passcode, toggle the Simple Passcode bar OFF. You will then be able to enter a new alphanumeric code in its place as a keyboard will appear complete with a textbox for your new entry.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You're reading a magazine or book on your device and it just shifts from portrait to landscape every time you move. How do you lock your orientation?
Solution!
You can lock your orientation just the way you want. Double tap the Home button at which point you will see all the running apps at the bottom of your screen. Just swipe your finger over the row of running apps to the right to reveal your iPod controls and the orientation lock. Then tap your screen to go back to your previous display.
Question?
You're reading a magazine or book on your device and it just shifts from portrait to landscape every time you move. How do you lock your orientation?
Solution!
You can lock your orientation just the way you want. Double tap the Home button at which point you will see all the running apps at the bottom of your screen. Just swipe your finger over the row of running apps to the right to reveal your iPod controls and the orientation lock. Then tap your screen to go back to your previous display.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You need to find a certain e-mail, application, message, contact, note, podcast, message, etc. You could scroll through all your data, but do you really have time for that?
Solution!
Most of us know that we can use Spotlight Search to find information that we have previously entered in our device. From Home Screen, swipe right to Spotlight. But the real key is that the order of the Search is dependent on the order you have designated in Settings/General/Spotlight Search. Here you can move your priorities around. To find the things you use the most the quickest, just move them to the top of the list. Also, you can uncheck those items you don't want searched. If you don't want your mail and messages searched by others (because they're private, of course), simply uncheck them from this list.
Question?
You need to find a certain e-mail, application, message, contact, note, podcast, message, etc. You could scroll through all your data, but do you really have time for that?
Solution!
Most of us know that we can use Spotlight Search to find information that we have previously entered in our device. From Home Screen, swipe right to Spotlight. But the real key is that the order of the Search is dependent on the order you have designated in Settings/General/Spotlight Search. Here you can move your priorities around. To find the things you use the most the quickest, just move them to the top of the list. Also, you can uncheck those items you don't want searched. If you don't want your mail and messages searched by others (because they're private, of course), simply uncheck them from this list.
TODAY'S TIP:
Question?
You want to call a friend without having to unlock your phone and dig up the contacts list to dial. Maybe you want to know the time, or perhaps fire up your iPod with some good music, all without taking your eyes off the road or your task. How can you accomplish this?
Solution!
Use Voice Control! This is one of my favorite features on the phone which is somewhat well hidden. Whether or not your screen is locked, press and hold the Home button for a few seconds till you hear a two-tone chime. At that point, a blue screen will appear with words moving across it such as Dial, iPod, Facetime, Call, Shuffle, Play Music, Previous Song etc. You don't even have to look at your screen. Simply state your command. For example, "What time is it?", "Call Aunt Sue", "Play Nickelback," and so forth. All voice activated...Look Ma, Hands-Free!
Question?
You want to call a friend without having to unlock your phone and dig up the contacts list to dial. Maybe you want to know the time, or perhaps fire up your iPod with some good music, all without taking your eyes off the road or your task. How can you accomplish this?
Solution!
Use Voice Control! This is one of my favorite features on the phone which is somewhat well hidden. Whether or not your screen is locked, press and hold the Home button for a few seconds till you hear a two-tone chime. At that point, a blue screen will appear with words moving across it such as Dial, iPod, Facetime, Call, Shuffle, Play Music, Previous Song etc. You don't even have to look at your screen. Simply state your command. For example, "What time is it?", "Call Aunt Sue", "Play Nickelback," and so forth. All voice activated...Look Ma, Hands-Free!
Today's Tip:
Question?
How can you find an exact address, get directions, or see a street view for a specific location?
Solution!
In Maps (icon), simply touch and hold anywhere on a map to drop a pin. Once the pin is in place, it will read "Dropped Pin" and give the address of that location. Then tap on that grey address bar to open a new display to add as a contact to your address book, share location or get directions.
Question?
How can you find an exact address, get directions, or see a street view for a specific location?
Solution!
In Maps (icon), simply touch and hold anywhere on a map to drop a pin. Once the pin is in place, it will read "Dropped Pin" and give the address of that location. Then tap on that grey address bar to open a new display to add as a contact to your address book, share location or get directions.
Today's Tip:
Question?
Why doesn't your iPhone 4 have a Hold icon button to utilize if needed while you're on the phone? Simply because when the Facetime button was added, it took away the designated spot for the Hold button.
Question?
Why doesn't your iPhone 4 have a Hold icon button to utilize if needed while you're on the phone? Simply because when the Facetime button was added, it took away the designated spot for the Hold button.
Solution!
No worries. Simply tap and hold the Mute/Microphone button for a couple seconds when you want to put a call on Hold. The word Mute disappears and you will see the word Hold instead! Give it a try next time you're on the phone!
