• backblaze,  ios,  iphone,  mac,  mac os x,  pc,  software,  windows

    Backblaze – Effortless Backups for Mac OS X and Windows PC

    November 3, 2013 /

    I’ve been listening to the Accidental Tech Podcast and The Talk Show for sometime now and one recurring sponsor, Backblaze, caught my attention.

    Backups are boring and nobody likes doing them.  But, when disaster strikes, everyone wishes they had one.  And that is where Backblaze comes in.  Backblaze, with it’s great team of people, including some ex-Apple employees, is an elegant backup solution that takes minutes to setup and gives you the piece of mind that lets you sleep at night.

    Installation and Setup

    Blackblaze works with Mac OS X 10.5 and later, Windows XP (32-bit), Windows Vista (32 & 64-bit), Windows 7 (32 & 64-bit), and Windows 8.  You download and install a small client application on your computer.  After the easy installation processes, it’s time to configure your backup.  You simply select which hard drive(s) you want to back up, select any folders that you want to exclude from the backup, and set your backup schedule.

    For me, I’m backing up my MacBook’s main hard drive.  I’ve excluded my iTunes movies folder because I can redownload most content from Apple.  I want to make sure that I always have the most current version of my documents backed up all of the time, so I selected the default back up schedule of “Continuously (Recommended)”.  If your installation is anything like mine, you’ve spent about 10-15 minutes setting up the software.

    What I really liked about the client installation is that is a real native application for Mac OS X.  It’s not a warmed over Java application that runs equally poorly on all of the support platforms.  I also appreciate that the developers have made this a “real” Mac application – one with the same look and feel that makes you believe that the application belongs on your computer.

    Be Productive, We Got This

    But you might be thinking, “Ya, but I have a lot of data.  This is gonna cost an arm and a leg.”  Here’s another thing that sets Backblaze apart from other online backup solutions: They will back up all of your data.  All of it.  Got 500MB? No problem.  Got 2TB?  No problem.  You just pay your monthly flat rate fee and Backblaze will back up all of your data.  The software throttles the data streaming back to their data center so get to you keep working the same way you always have.  Continuous backups run in the background keeping your data safe.  Based on my ISP upstream connection and the amount of data I have, my initial backup has been estimated to run about 42 days.  (I don’t keep my Mac on 24×7.  Your milage will vary.  When I last checked, the initial backup is projected to be completed in 22 days.)

    With Backblaze, backups really are a “no brainer” and once the software is setup and running, you can forget about it and just do what you do best.

    Hassle Free Recovery

    When disaster does strike, you won’t have to worry about getting your data back because Backblaze makes recovery super easy.  If you accidentally deleted a folder, overwrote that important document or photo, or had a hard drive crash? Getting your data back is easy.  Login to the Backblaze website and select the computer that had the file.  Backblaze gives you four options for recovering your data: Single file download, multi-document .zip file download, restored data on a USB flash drive, or restored data on a USB hard drive.  The first two options are free, the flash drive option is $99 with a 53GB file maximum, and the hard drive option costs $189 for up to 3TB of data.

    To help with your data recovery, the web UI data restore console allows you to navigate the folder structure on your hard drive or search for files/folders.  Have an iPhone?  Don’t forget to download the Backblaze iOS app.  With it, you can download individual files right to your iOS device.  That’s really handy if you need to look up some information that is back at home or the office when you’re out or at a customer site.

    It’s aways a drag when a hard drive or computer dies.  But there is nothing more infuriating when the data loss is due to a stolen computer.  If you enable the feature, Backblaze has a Locate My Computer feature that can be used to locate your computer based on it’s network connection.  It’s a nice little bonus at no additional charge.

    Plan Pricing

    The personal plan that I selected is $5/month, but you can get down as low as $3.96/month if you pre-pay for two years of service up front. You can change your subscription plan at any time.  Business plans are $50/year per computer.

    Conclusion

    No body likes to run backups on their computer.  With Backblaze, backups are super simple and easy to setup.  When you need to, Backblaze makes it easy to get your data back a hassle free process.  If there is only one software service you buy this year, make it Backblaze.  You’ll be glad you did.

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  • apple,  ios 7,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch,  itunes

    Apple Posts iOS 7.0 and iTunes 11.1 Updates

    September 18, 2013 /

    A short while ago, Apple posted the General Availability, or “GA”, versions of iOS 7.0 and iTunes 11.1.

    Before upgrading, we encourage you to read our Getting Ready for iOS 7 guide.

    You can download iOS 7.0 to your iDevices by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update and clicking the “Download & Install” button.  The 768MB installer package will download and install.  The download times will vary depending on the speed of your device’s Internet connection.

    You can also download the latest release of iTunes, version 11.1, from the Mac App Store, Apple Software Update on Windows PCs, or from the Apple iTunes website.

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  • apple,  ios 7,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Getting Ready for iOS 7

    September 18, 2013 /
    Happy iOS 7 Day!

    Later today, Apple will be releasing iOS 7 to everyone.  Here’s a list of things you need to know and do to get ready for today’s upgrade.

    1. iOS 7 is a major user interface/user experience overhaul.  While much of iOS will work the same as it always has, all of the graphical elements of the OS have been changed.  Your iDevice will look different after this upgrade.

    2. Update and upgrade your apps before upgrading to iOS 7.  This step is important to ensure the best experience with iOS 7 and software compatibility.

    2a. Upgrade to the latest release of iTunes for Mac OS X or Windows either by using the Mac App Store, the Apple Software Update control panel on Windows PCs, or using the download link on the Apple iTunes page.

    2b. Upgrade your iOS apps.

    Over the past month there has been a steady stream (read: a monsoon-like flood) of app updates from both Apple and third-party developers.  These updates range from minor compatibly updates to major application upgrades to take advantage of the many new features in iOS 7.  Install all of your iOS app updates to get the best possible experience today.  Also, keep in mind that some third-party application developers will be releasing their iOS 7 compatible software as a completely new application, which, will require you to repurchase the software title.  This may not seem fair after we have gotten use to free software upgrades.  App developers need to eat too and they have been working hard to make the best possible application for us.  Repurchasing their great software is a small price to pay.

    3. Backup your iDevice BEFORE you upgrade.

    I can’t stress this point enough.  Luck favors the prepared and it is in your best interest to do this step before downloading and installing iOS 7 on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch you rely on everyday.  The last time I upgraded my everyday iPhone to a new version of iOS without backing up first was the first time that the upgrade failed and I had to hard reset my phone.  Luckily, I only lost a few unimportant text messages, but it could have been worse.

    3a. The easiest way to back up your iDevice if you are on a good Wi-Fi network is to use the iCloud backup feature.  Navigate to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and tap the “Back Up Now” button.

    3b. If you prefer to backup to iTunes on your local Mac or PC, then launch iTunes and then connect your iDevice via the provided charge and sync cable.  Your iOS device will be automatically backed up.

    4. Plugin and charge your iDevice before starting the upgrade.  If possible, leave the charging cable connected for the entire duration of the upgrade process.

    5. Upgrade your iOS device to iOS 7.

    5a. The easiest way to upgrade to iOS 7 is to use the over-the-air, or OTA, method.  Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.  When your device is ready to upgrade, you will see the upgrade now message.

    5b. Again, if you are a “I want to use iTunes” person, make sure you’ve upgraded to the latest version of iTunes before starting.  Then connect your iDevice to your Mac or PC via the provided charge and sync cable.  You will be prompted to upgrade to iOS 7.  After the upgrade package downloads, the upgrade process on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch will begin.

    Important Things to Keep in Mind

    The iOS 7 upgrade process is one way! You will not be able to (easily) downgrade back to iOS 6.  If you aren’t sure you are ready of the new look and feel of iOS 7 it is probably a good idea to wait until you can get down to an Apple Store and play with a demo unit with iOS 7 on it first.

    iOS 7.0 is a major redesign of iOS 7.  While there has been a rigorous beta test period where Apple and third-party developers have been testing and resolving bugs in the system there will still be problems here and there.  If you are the type who doesn’t like “adventure” while using your iDevice will probably want to wait a few weeks for iOS 7.01. and 7.0.2 to be released.  Apple is already testing those maintenance updates to iOS 7.  I expect them to be released over the next 2-4 weeks, leading into the iPad event rumored to be October 15, which is when I expect Apple to release iOS 7.1.

    If you are installing iOS 7 on an iPhone or iPad that has been issued to you by your company’s IT department, you will want to hold off upgrading until they have had a chance to test the new software with the existing software and back end servers to ensure that you have a good experience.

    I hope you found this guide helpful and enjoy iOS 7 later today!

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  • apple,  iphone,  iphone 5s,  rumor

    Rumor: New iPhones to Arrive in Japan on Sept 20

    August 21, 2013 /

    AppleInsider, via CNET, has discovered a news item on Japanese publication Nikkei that suggests that the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will launch in country on September 20.

    Reported to be available from SoftBank (the new majority owners of Sprint here in the US) and KDDI at launch.

    I think it’s a safe bet to say that here in the US, we will get one if not two new iPhone models no later than Sept 20.

    It has previously been rumored that Apple is planning a media event scheduled for Sept 10, a mere 20 days from today, to unveil – and possibly launch – iOS 7 and the next generation of iPhones.

    [Via AppleInsider.com…]

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  • apple,  ios,  iphone

    Rumor: Apple to Hold Media Event Sept 10

    August 11, 2013 /

    Ina Fried, of AllThingsD.com, has suggested that Apple fans “Circle Sept 10 on Your Calendar.”

    Tuesday, September 10 is the rumored date that Apple will hold their media press event to show off what they have in store for the iPhone product line.

    Will the iPhone 5S have a biometric finger print reader as widely expected?  Will the iPhone be available in other colors beside black and white? Will Apple finally release a “low cost” iPhone, possibly the iPhone 5C and will it be available in a rainbow assortment of colors?

    About all we do know is that there will be a new iPhone this year and that it will be running iOS 7.

    All will be revealed in just 30 days.

    [Via AllThingsD.com…]

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  • apple,  ipad,  iphone

    WSJ: Apple Testing Larger Screen, Smaller Screen Devices

    July 23, 2013 /

    In this morning’s edition of the Wall Street Journal, a story appeared stating that Apple was working with one or more suppliers to develop different sized screens for prototype devices.

    From WSJ.com (subscription maybe required):

    “People at Apple’s suppliers said it asked for prototype smartphone screens larger than its current iPhone in recent months, and has asked for screen designs for a new tablet measuring slightly less than 13 inches. Whether the designs will make their way to market is unclear, but they could lead to Apple phones and tablets that are larger than the current 4-inch iPhone 5 and 9.7-inch iPad.”

    Shocker.  Is anyone really surprised that Apple is not standing still and working on prototype devices?  My guess? This is a “strategic leak” to get the spotlight off of the recent developer portal website hacking.

    [Via WSJ.com…]

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  • apple,  iphone,  rumors

    Rumor: iPhone 5S Said To Begin Production This Month

    July 16, 2013 /

    With iOS 7 still cooking, Apple is said to on track to begin building the next iPhone, largely expected to be the iPhone 5S.

    From BGR:

    “Apple’s manufacturing and supply chain partners are reportedly gearing up to begin mass production of the iPhone 5S later this month. The news comes from a new research note issued by well-respected Jefferies & Company analyst Peter Misek, and it closely follows an earlier report that claimed Foxconn is currently hiring more workers to accommodate heavy iPhone orders from Apple.”

    It is also largely expected that Apple will launch the iPhone 5S in late September or early October.

    [Via BGR.com…]

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  • android,  apple,  blackberry,  blackberry q10,  blackberry z10,  google,  iphone,  rim

    BlackBerry Still Struggling to Revitalize Itself

    June 30, 2013 /

    This past week was not particularly a good one for mobile device maker BlackBerry, formerly known as Research In Motion.

    This past Friday, BlackBerry, announced details about their first quarter earnings, and Wall Street was caught off guard, in their opinion, about how few new BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 devices were sold.  For the quarter wrapping up, BlackBerry sold about 2.7 million new BlackBerry 10 devices.  BlackBerry 10 is the company’s mobile operating system, similar to Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS.  Adding insult to injury, BlackBerry sold 4.1 million of their older, BlackBerry 7-powered devices for a combined total of 6.8 million units shipped.  Once the news was released, BlackBerry’s stock price started trending downward, some would say “crashing”, down 26-28%, ending up at $10.46.  Worse, according to BlackBerry, their subscriber base has shrunk by 4 million users ending up at 72 million users globally.

    To help mount their turn around, BlackBerry will continue to rollout their existing Z10 and Q10 around the world while bringing new BlackBerry 10 devices like the “budget” Q5 to “emerging” markets this summer and through-out the calendar year.

    Research In Motion was caught completely off guard, as was just about every other smartphone maker, in 2007 when Apple released the game changing iPhone.  Everyone, except maybe Google, has been chasing the fruit phone maker since.

    What surprises me, however, is that history seems to repeat itself.  I always hated it when my parents or teachers told me this, but I have come to accept and believe it.  You see, there was another smartphone maker that found itself in a similar position a few years ago: Palm.

    There are a number of similarities between BlackBerry and Palm.  Palm, like BlackBerry, was down on their luck after the iPhone was released. Palm was limping along on sales of their previous generation Palm OS and Windows Mobile smartphones just like BlackBerry is doing now.  BlackBerry, like Palm, is desperately trying to reinvent itself with the Z10 and BlackBerry 10 just like Palm attempted to do with the Pre and webOS.  We know, that after a long, drawn out battle, Palm after being acquired by HP, finally came to an end.  Will BlackBerry and the BlackBerry 10 mobile operating system suffer a similar fate?  Will they continue to be a niche corporate market player or will they finally fade off like Palm?

    We don’t know the answer to that question.  Make no mistake, what BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins is attempting to do to turn around his company is extremely difficult.  This past spring I had a chance to play with the new Z10 handheld and BlackBerry 10.  The phone had a quality design and feel to it.  The new software, was still very much foreign to me after having used older versions of the BlackBerry software.  While the gestures did leave me bewildered during the few minutes I had with the phone, people that I know who have purchased the Z10 have gotten used to it.

    Oh, and there is one other similarity that BlackBerry shares with Palm, a small, yet dedicated core user base. Will it be enough to carry BlackBerry through the stormy weather until BlackBerry can grown their subscriber base and software marketshare?  We will have to just wait and see.

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  • case,  iphone,  review

    West Marine Dry Paks Review

    June 19, 2013 /

    Summer is finally here and with that, thoughts have turned to keeping my iPhone safe from water, sand, and other beach related dangers.  I started looking around for water proof cases and I settled on the West Marine Dry Pak for Small Cell Phone.

    At first I was a bit skeptical about the Dry Pak.  West Marine, if you don’t know, is a water sportsmen’s (or woman’s) paradise. They have lots of interesting stuff…that I’ll probably never need, seeing as how I’m a computer geek.  That said, don’t let the product name and the lack of “iPhone” scare you off.
    Fortunately for me, there is a West Marine in a strip mall not too far from my house and I decided to stop in rather than order online so I could take a look at the Dry Pak in person.  I’m glad I did.
    West Marine sells two Dry Paks.  A “small” and “large” cell phone pack.  If you have an iPhone 4S or earlier or iPod touch 4th generation or earlier, the small cell phone kit is for you.  If you have an iPhone 5, iPod touch 5th generation, or any one of the ridiculously gigantic Android “phones” then you’ll want the larger pak.  (Most handheld GPS units will also fit in one or the other Dry Paks if you plan on going out on a boat.)
    Included in the kit is the waterproof Dry Pak, a rope lanyard, and a small careabeaner that connects the lanyard to the pak.  The small pak measures 4″ x 6″ and is model number 7699754.
    Impressions
    The Dry Pak is pretty sturdily made.  I have no reservations at taking my iPhone or iPod touch to the beach, out on a boat, or around the pool when properly sealed inside the bag.  Like many other waterproof packs, the West Marine Dry Pak will float if it happens to get dropped into water.  This bag is waterproof and will protect your iFruit device.  If your pak does fall into water, you will want to fish it out as soon as you can as water could get in after prolonged contact with water.
    The clips on the pak firmly lock into place and I’m not worried out them popping open while I’m out with my iPhone.  Another cool feature of the Dry Pak is that you can use the touch screen and use the phone feature while it is in the bag!  Pretty handy in my opinion.
    In addition to your iPhone or other similarly sized gadget, you can also put small items inside like a driver’s license or ATM card, but if you are going to do that, I’d strongly suggest keeping the Dry Pak with you at all times unless it is secured inside a locker of some kind.  (Sticking the Pak with your phone, driver’s license, and an ATM card into your shoe on the beach is *not* secure.  Just sayin’.)
    Pricing
    The West Marine Dry Pak for Small Cell Phone is competitively priced at $14.99.  If you order it online, factor in a few dollars extra for shipping.  Even with local sales tax, my Dry Pak was less than $16.00 which is much lower than the $29.99 or more that I saw online for similarly styled products that included “iPhone” in the product name.
    You can order the Dry Pak that meets your needs from the West Marine online store.
    Closing Comments
    If you are looking for an inexpensive solution for keeping your iPhone, iPod, or other handheld gadget safe from water, sand, sharks*, and other summer time hazards, you’ll want to put the West Marine Dry Pak for Small Cell Phone on your short list.  
    *Ok, the Dry Pak probably won’t save your iPhone from a real shark attack, it will hold it’s own against an inflatable pool shark.
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