Tuesday, December 16, 2014

December 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Use Reminders for Those Holiday Lists
She's Checking it Twice, So Don't Forget the Milk!

Ah, the Holidays... A time for family, friends, and running around like crazy people trying to get it all done before the new year clobbers us like an underdone turkey. Well, good thing that Apple has our back with Reminders -- a powerful app where we can share lists to make all of that shopping and doing a seamlessly synced symphony of efficiency.

With all the iCloudedness, Reminders is deployed across the Apple universe on both the Macs and mobile devices. Since you will most likely be interacting with the iOS version, here is how to set up a list for sharing. But first, go into Settings -> iCloud and make sure Reminders is turned on.

To create a shared list (sharing is good):
  1. Open Reminders
  2. Close out of any open Reminders
  3. Scroll to the top of the list
  4. Click the plus (+) next to "New List"
  5. Select your iCloud account
  6. Name the List and click Done
  7. Select the List and click "Edit"
  8. Choose "Sharing" and "Add Person"
  9. Add the iCloud/Apple ID of those who you want to share the list with
The invitees must, of course, accept the share. Then, when you or the sharee adds items or checks them off, the list syncs! Happy Listing!

Turning Off the Digital Noise with iOS 8
Tweet me no more!

The great thing about the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch is you can now be connected 24/7 via email, text, Twitter, Facebook, etc., etc., etc. The bad thing is, of course, you can be bothered 24/7 via email, texts, Tweets, and pokes. But you can give yourself some relief from the Digital Noise through these three nifty tweaks in iOS 8.

1. Do Not Disturb
You can use Do Not Disturb settings to control phone calls and notifications at specific times or when the phone is locked. To see the How To visit http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT5463

2. Notification Center
You have the power to determine if you want to be bothered by specific apps. Go into Settings -> Notification Center to change your preferences to how you want to be notified by each app. 

3. Hide Mail Boxes
Don't want to see your work email on the weekend? You can hide it! Go into the Mail app (make sure that you are in the "Mailboxes" view). Click "Edit" and then you can un-select mailboxes you don't want to see. To add them back to the list, just reverse the process.


Get Into the Holiday Spirit with iTunes Radio
A Free Holiday Treat

iTunes Radio is Apple's answer to streaming services like Pandora and Spotify. The great thing is that it's free! And now for the Holiday's they have a plethora of stations to choose from to get you in the spirit. Also remember, you iTunes Match subscribers get to listen ad free! 

To access iTunes Radio from your Apple mobile device:
  1. Launch the Music App (Red with Two Eighth Notes)
  2. Select "Radio" on the bottom right
  3. Click the plus to add new stations
  4. Listen Away!

Friday, November 21, 2014

November 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

OS X Yosemite is Good to Go!
New Operating System for Macs

After having worked on OS X 10.10 Yosemite for the past few months we can honestly say that we like the new operating system. Instead of going into all the new features here, you can see what Apple has to say about it: https://www.apple.com/osx/

But... as with all new operating systems, there are some things to consider before upgrading:

Check Your Software
If you are moving from OS X Snow Leopard, keep in mind that things like AppleWorks, MS Office 2004, and certain older software programs will not work in OS X Yosemite. Check carefully with the software company's website on any business critical applications that you may use to ensure that they will function in OS X 10.10.

Check Your RAM
OS X Yosemite uses RAM more efficiently, but the more the better. If you have 2 GB of RAM consider upgrading to at least 4 GB for a better experience. You can stop by Crucial.com to see what upgrades are available. http://www.crucial.com

Check Your Backup
Only brave people upgrade without confirming that their backup is working. Double check that you have a good backup of your system before going to the App Store and downloading Yosemite.

Family Sharing on iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite
Mr. Rogers Told Us to Share

With iOS 8 for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, along with OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Apple has announced a new service called Family Sharing over iCloud. It allows a family to share App and iTunes purchases between members. It also creates a shared calendar and Photo Stream. 

You can initiate the setup right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch under Settings -> iCloud. Remember that you will want the "Master Sharer" to be the person (parent) under whose iTunes Account most of the content is purchased.

For more information check out: http://www.apple.com/icloud/family-sharing/

For detailed instructions and Apple's FAQ, visit: https://www.apple.com/support/icloud/family-sharing/



When to Upgrade Your iPad
Three Things to Ponder

Yeah, Apple came out with all these new shinny iPads, so many of us wonder if we should run down to the Apple Store and replace our aging iPad 2s. I've been asked this question many times in the past month, so here are three things to consider to see if you are do for an update.

1.) Do You Have An iPad 1?
If you do, you should upgrade. They don't run the current iOS 8 and were even out of date a year ago. If you have an iPad 1 (if no camera, it's an iPad 1) you should consider updating.

2.) Can you run all of your Apps?
If all the apps that you use run and run well on your iPad, then there's no real reason to update unless you want to. Even the iPad 2s can still run the current operating system. If the apps that you use run slowly or you are running out of space, then upgrading is a consideration.

3.) Is it cracked, broken, or loses charge?
The older the device gets, the less efficient the battery is. If you only get an hour or so out of a charge, or if it's cracked, chipped, or otherwise mangled, upgrading isn't a bad idea.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

October 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Apple to Announce More Apples
10/16 Will See New iPad and Etc.

Apple is having another event! They are titling it "It's been way too long," although we can only speculate about what this means. What we can expect is the official launch of Apple Pay for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, a new iPad, and the release date of OS X 10 Yosemite. There is also speculation around the Apple TV. The Mac Mini is due for a refresh, and with the Mac Pros being a year old, we could see hardware upgrades there, too.

But as with all things Apple, we won't know until Thursday. If you want to watch the event you can see it live here: http://www.apple.com/live/

Get Ready for OS X 10 Yosemite
From the Oceans to the Mountains

Did you just finish your upgrade to OS X Mavericks? Well, there's a new operating system for Macs on the block and it looks like Apple is set to announce the official release date this Thursday the 16th. I got my hands on an early release and have been working with it for a while now. There is a lot I like about the new operating system. It follows the look and feel of iOS 8 on the iPhones and iPads, has even tighter integration with those devices, and iCloud Drive is a great step forward for iCloud, as it improves on Apple's former iDisk offering.

A word of advice: If you use your computer for business everyday, or if you don't have a compelling need to upgrade right away, I'd wait a few weeks before moving to Yosemite. It's always best to see how things shake out when a new major operating system is introduced.

To find out more about Yosemite, you can click here: http://www.apple.com/osx/preview/


Three Tips for Better Videos
Shaky Cam is the Easy Part

Okay, so you either waited in line, bribed an elected official, or traded your house for one, but you secured a brand new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. Congrats! Well, one of the best features of both new phones is their ability to take astonishing videos -- the only limitation being the budding cinematographer holding the phone. Now, we can't all be a Jan De Bont or Janusz Kaminski, but these three little tips can get your videos higher on the watchability scale.

Hold it Sideways
Take a look at a modern HD TV or movie screen. They are longer on the top than on the sides. It confounds me how many people take videos holding their phones vertically. Countless "eyewitness reports" featured on the news tend to be from folks shooting videos that appear as if we are peeking through a cracked closet door. If you hold the phone sideways not only can you capture more action, but it's easier to control the head space. Plus, your final product will look smashing on your TV, computer, or other device.

Light Your Subject
The key to great filmmaking is great lighting. It can be difficult to sort out, but you want to light your subject so that he, she, or it stands out from the background. This may mean moving to a different spot to get a better angle, but the subject is the reason for the video, so make sure that your subject can be seen. Want to add a touch of Hollywood? Try lighting the background, too. It adds additional separation. More Hollywood, you ask? Introduce a back light behind your subject. It helps add a three dimensional effect in a two dimensional space.

Give Yourself Room to Edit
Roll a couple of seconds of film ... uh ... video before and after the action. If you want to edit in a tool like iMovie or one of the versions of Final Cut it will make it much easier to splice in transitions and avoid abrupt changes in action.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

September 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

It's Here: iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
Should you get one? Three Things to Consider

Tim Cook announced the big new iPhones last week, and the Internet has been abuzz ever since. Pre-orders have set new records, and I'm sure there's already a line at the Biltmore store for the release on Friday the 19th. The big question is: Should you get one? Well, we have it boiled down to three thoughts before you grab your camping equipment and head to the Apple Store.

Yes: If You Like a Bigger Screen
The new phones come in two sizes. The iPhone 6 has a screen that measures 4.7 inches diagonally, while the phablet-sized iPhone 6 Plus clocks in at a huge 5.5 inches. And despite the size, they have made the phones thinner. In fact the iPhone 6 with it's big screen is actually lighter than the iPhone 5c. If you have a 4 or a 4s, this is a huge step up in real estate. 

Yes: If You Like Taking Pictures
The cameras on both versions of the iPhone 6 are much improved. In addition to offering 240 fps (frames per second) Slow Motion, HD Video can be shot at 60 fps at 1080p. Both have image Auto Stabilization so you can leave the steady cam rig at home, and are packed with features like Exposure Control, improved Face Detection, and a Panorama mode where you can create 43MP photos of epic proportion. 

Yes: If You Like Longer Battery Life
The A8 processor in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus operates faster than the A7 in the iPhone 5s, but does so more efficiently. In essence, you get more power with longer battery life. And thanks to the physical size of the iPhone 6 Plus it's able to accommodate a bigger battery for even longer life than the iPhone 6.

There are many more features of the new iPhones, so click on over to Apple to read all about them and make the decision for yourself. https://www.apple.com/iphone/

iOS 8 is Here!
A Couple of Things to Know Before Upgrading

The new operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch was released on Wednesday. It doesn't look that much different than iOS 7, which you are running now (most likely), but is an improvement and a worthwhile update. You can learn more about it here: https://www.apple.com/ios/ and from our friends at CNET here: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-complete-guide-to-ios-8/

Before you upgrade, here are a few tips:
  1. Do A Backup of Your Device
  2. Sync Your Photos and Videos to your iPhoto on Your Computer
  3. Charge Your Device to 100% or Plug It In During the Update
  4. Be Patient - The update takes a while. Don't do it if you need your phone or are about to run out the door.
  5. Clean Up Your Device - The iOS 8 update needs about 5.7 GB of free space to run.
And one big piece of advice: Hold off on converting to iCloud Drive. You will be prompted to convert your iCloud account to iCloud Drive. If you do, documents and other stuff on iCloud Drive will not be accessible by your computer, unless you have the next operating system - OS X 10.10 Yosemite, which has yet to be released.

The Apple Watch
I'm Already in Line

One of the biggest surprises at the September 8th Apple Event, was the announcement of the upcoming Apple Watch. I'm a runner and loved my Garmin 305. I had two that I practically wore out. The Apple Watch is right up my alley.

They announced Sport, Dress, and Casual editions. They will even have a gold model, if that's how you roll.

To learn more about the Apple Watch, visit Apple's site at: http://www.apple.com/watch/

Thursday, August 14, 2014

August 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Two Device Security Tips for Back to School
Keep Your Friends Close, but your iPhone Closer (or iPad)

Let's face it: Kids lose stuff at school, but there are a few things that you can do with them to ensure that their iPads and iPhones don't end up in the lost and found... or worse.

Put on a Passcode
Putting a passcode on your iPhone or iPad is the easiest way to secure it. For iOS 7 users, simply go into Settings -> Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on the iPhone 5s) and create one. Make sure that you write down the code. If ever forgotten, the device needs to be completely wiped and set up from scratch -- all data will be lost.

Enable "Find My iPhone/iPad"
Go to Settings -> iCloud where you can toggle Find My iPhone/iPad on. This will allow you to log into iCloud.com from any web browser and not only locate your device, but also lock it, display a message, or even erase it completely.

Choosing a New Monitor
Sometimes It Hertz

Not long ago, I carried around a 17-inch MacBook Pro weighing in at almost seven pounds. It had a big screen and was a wonderful machine overall, but it was cumbersome. 

Now, the new 13-inch MacBook Pros are light as a feather and can be easily hooked up to a quality monitor to expand your workspace at the office. I'm typing this article right now staring at my 23-inch Apple Cinema Display. You can have the portability and back-saving weight of a small but powerful laptop, yet the real-estate of the monitor of your choice. Plus, with AirPlay and an Apple TV you can also use your 90-inch 4K curved TV as a display, too. And why wouldn't you want to?

But when selecting a monitor, the current myriad of choices can be daunting. There's Full HD, Ultra HD, 2K, 4K, and variations of flavors therein. 

PCMag.com has put together an article for graphic designers on choosing the best monitor. Now, many of us don't need a monitor that a high-end designer may use every day, but the article can help you understand all that lies on the external display playing field these days. You can read it here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2456236,00.asp

Passwords, Data Breaches, and You
Thoughts and Best Practices

By now you all must have heard or read about the massive data breach of 1.2 billion or so usernames and passwords by a Russian hacker group. Unfortunately, news like this over the past year has become more commonplace, although what makes this instance so shocking is the sheer size of the theft. 

There's a lot of advice out on the internet as to what you should do to protect yourself from these types of attacks. It boils down to a few common principles:
  1. Don't use the same Username and Password with every account.
  2. Create secure passwords of at least 8 characters with numbers, letters, and even symbols, if sites allow it.
  3. Write down your Usernames and Passwords and keep in a secure location.
  4. Change your Usernames and Passwords if you suspect that they have been stolen.
  5. Monitor your accounts and email for any funny business.
  6. Watch your financial accounts closely, reconcile statements, etc.
This article from IT World shares 'Five Ways to Better Protect Your Passwords' that are very easy to implement: http://www.itworld.com/security/430802/russian-hacker-breach-five-ways-better-protect-your-passwords  

CNET's Seth Rosenblatt has a different take on the matter, though I'd rather err on the side of caution. You can read his article here: http://www.cnet.com/news/why-you-shouldnt-be-scared-by-the-largest-data-breach/

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

July 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Extending Battery Life
Shocking Tips to Get the Most Out of a Charge

Every time I have attended ComicCon in San Diego, the numerous pictures, phone calls, and panel searches on their handy scheduling app drained my battery to zero not long after lunch. Diving for a free outlet to charge really put a crimp on the day, so I have learned different tricks to keep my device alive longer. This is especially of concern as the TSA is now requiring that all battery powered devices be turned on at international airports, prior to being allowed past security. 

Kim Komando, who calls herself "America's Digital Goddess," has a really good article on 5 Tips to Extend Your Smartphone or Tablet's Battery Life. You can read the full article here: http://www.komando.com/columns/261736/5-tips-to-extend-your-smartphone-or-tablets-battery-2

iPhone Secrets & Tricks
Impress Your Friends and Amaze Your Pets!

CNET has a slide show of 20 iPhone Tips You'll Wish You Knew All Along. Chances are that you probably already know many of them from experience, but pulling up time stamps for text messages and the handy level may surprise you. You can read the article here: http://www.cnet.com/pictures/iphone-ios-tips-tricks-hidden-features/

Wired is Not a Four Letter Word
How a Wired USB Keyboard and Mouse can Save the Day!

Yeah, those Bluetooth devices have such an allure to them. They can do magical things with stealth and invisibility, all wrapped up in a sleek form-factor that can make technology of only a few years ago look like ancient history. But the truth is that the old-school wire, like a handshake and face-to-face meeting, can go a long way to speed productivity and avoid the frustration of down-time.

If you own a laptop, you have the benefit of an integrated keyboard and trackpad. But for those iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro users, losing connection to the computer via a dropped Bluetooth connection can be frustrating and time consuming. 

Well, the solution is a simple one: Have an old-school USB keyboard and mouse on hand. Many times a Bluetooth device will lose connection and it will need to be reconnected or re-paired. Having a wired USB keyboard and mouse available will make this a breeze. Wendy and I always carry both with us at all times, and they have helped us and our clients on countless occasions.

Apple hasn't even abandoned USB keyboards. In fact, when you purchase a new desktop from them you have the option of selecting a wired USB keyboard. In our opinion, this is a very prudent choice as it has distinct advantages over it's Bluetooth counterpart. The USB keyboard never needs batteries, sports a full numeric keypad, and has two USB ports to plug in a USB mouse, flash drives, etc. The Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad can be seen here: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/B/apple-keyboard-with-numeric-keypad-english-usa 

If you need a spare USB wired mouse, just about any one will work. So, go ahead and check the bargain bins at Best Buy or Fry's Electronics if you'd like. Apple does still sell it's USB Apple Mouse, too. And remember that in a pinch, even a USB keyboard from a PC can be helpful.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

June 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

iOS 8 Releasing this Fall
New Operating System for Mobile Devices

Add me to the list of those who were excited for last year's release of iOS 7, but wary of the look and feel of the design. I didn't like the flat-looking icons. But after a few days and tweaking the system to my tastes, I grew to love iOS 7 and it's slick features. For me, the look of iOS 6 and earlier now seems dated and busy. Yes, I am a convert.

So now that we all have gotten used to navigating around on our iPhone and iPads with iOS 7, Apple has announced that iOS 8 is on the horizon and due for release this fall. When? It will most likely coincide with the release of the new iPhone. Traditionally Apple has synced their introductions.

What can you expect? The good news is that this is not a complete overhaul as they did last year. There are a multitude of tweaks and enhancements meant to make the interaction between your Mac and iPhone/iPad more seamless. 

What do I like so far? In iOS 8, Photo Albums will sync between devices; the keyboard has been improved; Family Share now allows you to share Apps and Tunes across Apple IDs; and iCloud Drive becomes a real cloud storage solution.

You can visit http://www.apple.com/ios/ios8/ to read more in detail at Apple's official preview page.
Your Mac is Going to Yosemite!
The Next Mac Operating System Coming This Fall

Also at this month's World Wide Developer Conference, Apple announced that the next iteration of it's OSX Operating System will be called Yosemite. Thank goodness that they didn't name it OSX Burbank! You can expect the operating system to be released later this year, although the exact date has not been shared as of yet.

There are numerous enhancements, but the one that will strike most is that the flat icon look of iOS 7 now comes to the Mac. Again, after working with that style on the iPhone and iPad for the past ten months, I've grown to like it and welcome the change on the desktop.

The design is a nod to the fact that OSX Yosemite allows your iOS devices to work in harmony with your Mac as never before. Want to answer your iPhone on your computer? You can do that. Tired of typing that email on your phone and want to finish it on your Mac? The new Handoff feature has you covered with a swipe. 

For more, stop by the OSX Yosemite Preview Page at http://www.apple.com/osx/preview/.

Learning to Talk to Siri
Getting the Most Out of Voice Commands

I admit it. I don't always like to type, especially on my iPhone. I have big fingers, and it just gets to be a chore on occasion. Thank goodness for Siri, Apple's voice assistant. Yet, sometimes we just don't know all that this feature is capable of helping us with.

Inspired by the announcement of the upcoming release of iOS 8, CNET has complied a list of twelve tips and tricks with Siri. You can read the article here: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/siri-tips-and-tricks-that-dont-require-ios-8/

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

May 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Microsoft Office for iPad is Here!
If Productivity is Your Proclivity

It's finally arrived. Microsoft has released Office for iPad, and from all the reviews that I've read it seems like they've done a good job. The truth is that we've always had the ability to edit or create MS Office compatible documents with our iPad iWork apps (Pages, Numbers & Keynote), but I know that many of you like MS Office and have been waiting for a solution that works on the iPad.

But as with all things, there is a catch. In order to create or save documents you must have an Office 365 subscription, which many find to be pricey. Plans start at $6.99 a month. For only $2 more you get Netflix and House of Cards. I'm just sayin'...

For a complete review of the new Office for iPad, check out this write-up from Engaget: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/27/office-for-ipad-review/ 

To read the announcement from Microsoft, see their blog here: http://blogs.office.com/2014/03/27/announcing-the-office-you-love-now-on-the-ipad/
Apple Breaks FaceTime... then Fixes It
Performing Updates is a Good Thing

On April 16th, just a breath after Tax Day, many happy FaceTimers fell off-line and were unable to connect to friends and family. Apple acknowledged the issue as related to expired certificates and offered a fix: Update your iOS device to the latest release, and for the Mac version, run all OSX system updates. This will resolve the problem, but keep in mind that your FaceTimees must also perform their updates.

For Apple's Explanation and Solution click here: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5419


iPhone 6 Rumor Mill
Your 411 before the WWDC

We get asked all the time about when the next iPhone is due to come out, and we always give the same answer: We just don't know. But we are happy to participate in rumor and idle chatter because the iPhone 5s is so last Fall. 

Apple's World Wide Developer Conference is coming up and will be held on June 2nd through the 6th. Anticipation is high that there will be an announcement with details about the iPhone 6. Some expect a larger 4.7 inch screen, while others believe there will be two versions of the new phone.

Brian Tong hosts a video blog over at CNET called The Apple Byte. He has some solid pictures of the new phone supposedly taken at the Apple factory. You can watch and see for yourself here: http://www.cnet.com/videos/alleged-iphone-6-photos-leak-online/

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

April 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Action to Take: Heartbleed Bug
Passwords You Should Change to Protect Yourself

You've probably heard about the Heartbleed Bug on the news. In short, security software that was supposed to protect you with a secure connection to a web server wasn't as secure as it should have been, which left data open to mining by the bad guys. You can read more about it at KrebsOnSecurity.

The bottom line is that it has been recommended that you need to change your passwords for websites and services that have been impacted. And, if you use the same or a similar password for other services, those should be changed, too. 

So, if you access Google Accounts, Gmail, DropBox, Yahoo Mail, Netflix, Facebook, Flickr, or Instagram, you will need to change your passwords. Mashable has been keeping a running list on the major sites that have been affected and what action needs to be taken. You can read the article here: http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/

Windows XP and Boot Camp... or Parallels
After 12 Years, It's Over

When Apple moved to the Intel chipset the good news was that it became possible to run Windows on a Mac. The bad news about Apple's move to the Intel chipset was that it became possible to run Windows on a Mac. Whether it was for work, certain proprietary municipal websites, or a form of self-flagellation, many of us had installed Windows over the years. Chances are that if you did, it was Windows XP.

Well, on April 8th after a 12 year run, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows XP. This means that the operating system will no longer get any security updates, leaving it potentially open to viruses, malware, or any other myriad of exploits. 

What should you do? Even though no new vulnerabilities have been reported since support ended on the 8th, moving forward, when you do run Windows XP either in Boot Camp or as a virtual machine in applications like Parallels, it will be a good idea to avoid going on line. That means not surfing the web in a browser, accessing mail, or using any application that calls on services across the Internet. 

Regardless, it is time to plan your move from Windows XP. When you do, Windows 7 is a better and more stable choice than Windows 8. You can still find copies of Windows 7 on Amazon and at select stores in the valley like Fry's Electronics.

Automatic App Updates in iOS 7
On or Off.. It's Your Choice

With the introduction of iOS 7 you now have the ability for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to perform App Store updates on its own in the background. Wendy doesn't like this feature; she prefers to be in control of what gets updated and when. I, on the other hand, enjoy having my devices do work for me and consider the automatic updates a concierge service. Thanks Apple! And I don't even have to tip.

To set this feature to your liking, go into Settings -> iTunes & App Store and toggle your preference under the Automatic Downloads section. If you do choose to turn this feature on, I'd turn off the Use Cellular Data option. You don't want to burn through your data plan pulling down Minecraft updates.

For a detailed tutorial on this feature, here is an article from 9 to 5 Mac: http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/20/ios-7-how-to-set-up-automatic-app-updates/

Monday, March 24, 2014

March 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Ansel Adams Probably Would Have Used an iPhone
Some of the Best iOS Photo Apps

Could you imagine being Ansel Adams, trudging deep into the wilderness with pounds of camera equipment, miles away from any Starbucks? I know that I can't. If only he had an iPhone. He could have snapped away and still had access to his Facebook page. Maybe in a century our ancestors will be purchasing some of the best "selfies" of 2014 to hang in their homes.

To that end, as you snap away with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, you'll want to take the best photos possible and attempting to navigate the App Store to find just what you need is most often a lesson in frustration. Luckily the folks over at GeekSugar.com have put together a list of '31 iOS Apps That Unlock the Photographic Power of Your Device.' It's a quick list to look through and find what you need to satisfy your photographic muse. You can view the full article at: http://www.geeksugar.com/Best-iPhone-Photo-Apps-22708988
iPhone 4 Owner? iOS 7.1 is Your New Hero!
Speeding up your old, reliable phone

Apple released the latest update to it's iOS operating system for mobile devices last week. That means that iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users have some more upgrading to do. The silver lining in all the enhancements is the fact that iOS 7.1 has sped up the venerable iPhone 4!  


Waiting for the AppleTV TV...
Well Fahgetaboutit!

The Apple rumor mill has buzzed for years about the potential of Apple entering the TV business. But a new book by Wall Street Journal reporter Yukari Iwatani Kane will crush the dreams of those waiting for that 72-inch AppleTV. Steve Jobs was never a fan of the TV business, so it's unlikely that an integrated unit will come out in the near future.

What may happen is that Apple could partner with TV manufacturers to integrate the AppleTV operating system as the "Smart" component of their Smart TVs. We don't know for sure, but in the meantime you can read more about it in the article at The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/03/17/new-book-crushes-hopes-for-apple-branded-television/ 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

February 2014 Edition – Monthly Mini-Bytes

Breathing New Life into an Old Mac
The Solid State Fountain of Youth

Macs are not cheap, and when the time comes to replace your beloved machine, sometimes the piggy bank is a little light. But thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can make that old iMac or MacBook Pro last a few more years.

What's the key? More RAM and a Solid State Drive. RAM is your machine's workspace and the more RAM the faster it can access and keep information at hand. A Solid State Drive, or SSD, doesn't spin round and round like a record player -- there are no moving parts. Data is accessed virtually immediately, making your machine seem like it found a way to turn back the clock!

So where do you start? Visit Crucial.com and enter in your machine's specifications. You can also download their handy app that will scan your computer. You'll be presented with options for an SSD upgrade and RAM. If you do upgrade the RAM, max it out, but for the SSD, you can gauge the size based on how much hard drive space you currently use.
Data Security, Passwords, and You
Tips To Help Keep Away the Bad Guys

With high profile data breaches at Target, Neiman Marcus, and Yahoo over the past two months, just about everyone is asking about how to keep personal information safe. The bad news is that in today's digital society no one is 100% secure, but there are things that you can do to hedge your bets against the bad guys.

Change Your Password: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. If you hear about a system being breached, and you have an account with that specific company, go ahead and change your password. It won't help with the information that was already taken, but it may make it harder for those evildoers to access your account further.

Vary Your Passwords: Don't use the same password for every account. Once that one is stolen they potentially can access all your other accounts that have the same credentials. Also, make sure that your passwords are at least eight characters long with a mix of numbers, capital letters, small letters, and special characters.

Credit Monitoring Services: Another thing that you can do is sign up with a credit monitoring service like the ones offered by LifeLock or one of the three credit agencies like Experian or Equifax. They provide different types of active monitoring, and offer a way to review your credit reports.

Reconcile Your Statements: Every month make sure that you reconcile all your bank and credit card statements. If you see anything that looks funny, you will be able to react to it quickly.

Using Your iPhone 5s as an Activity Monitor
Look Mom! It's a Fitbit! 

If you have an iPhone 5s and you want to get in on the Activity Monitor craze, you'll be very happy to know that you can use your phone to get started. The M7 Motion Co-Processor Chip is the key, and only the iPhone 5s has it. So if you have a 5c or a 4s, you're out of luck.

But for you iPhone 5s owners who want to track your steps, you can! Wendy and I have been using the Fitbit app, which is available in the App Store. It's a lot of fun and very easy to setup. We have the whole family using it! Here is the link: Fitbit app


Happy Stepping!