• 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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  • app store,  apple,  chrome,  google,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Google Updates Chrome Browser for iOS

    April 10, 2013 /

    Today, Google released a new version of their Chrome browser for iOS devices.

    When running on a compatible iPhone or iPod touch, you are now able to run Chrome in full screen mode by scrolling the entire screen up, pushing the URL toolbar off the top of the screen allowing you to interact with the web page.  To get the URL bar back, simply scroll down again.

    But I think that the more interesting update is Google adding the ability to print using their own Google Cloud Print service, or by sending your print job over the air to your wireless printer using AirPrint.

    Anti-paper, are ya?  No problem.  Google still has you covered because you can now also save any web page as a PDF document in your Google Drive.  That’s pretty nifty

    You can download the latest update from the App Store icon on your iDevice, or you can install Google Chrome from the App Store for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (link).

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  • apple,  cydia,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch,  jailbreak

    Another iOS MultiTask Redesign Concept

    March 29, 2013 /

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRt5qagkGBU]

    Not that long ago I was talking about Auxo, a jailbreak tweak for iOS devices that replaces, some say enhances, Apple’s implementation of multitasking on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    A new concept video has been posted that builds on what Apple has done and blends it with the card based multitasking analogy that was developed by Palm for webOS.  We all know that I have a soft spot for Palm and webOS, so I encourage you to check out this concept video.  Let’s hope that Apple takes it, and what the Auxo folks have done, and builds in some to those ideas into iOS 7.

    Here’s a look at what multitasking cards looked like on Palm’s Pre running webOS.

    [Via iDownloadBlog.com…]

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  • apple,  gmail,  google,  ios,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Gmail App for iOS Updated

    March 28, 2013 /

    Yesterday, Google released and update for their popular Gmail app for iOS.

    The updated email client now allows you to swipe left and right while reading messages to move to the next or previous message.  Additionally, once you select one message in your mailbox, a new “edit” menu appears at the top of the screen giving you quick access to archive, delete, or more options.

    If you are a Gmail user with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you will want to install this new version of the app.  The ability to apply Gmail tags to messages from my iPhone is the one features that I wish Apple’s stock mail app had.

    But there is one other reason that you will want to consider installing the Gmail app for iOS if you use Gmail heavily, Google is gradually dropping support for “push” email notifications.  In the future, the only way to get push Gmail notifications of new messages is to switch to the Gmail app for iOS or switch to an Android smartphone.

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

    Apple Releases iOS 6.1.3 Update

    March 20, 2013 /

    Earlier today, Apple released iOS 6.1.3, a security and maintenance update of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    iOS 6.1.3 fixes the lock screen bug that was introduced in an earlier version of iOS 6.  The update also includes minor fixes and updates for the Japanese version of Maps.

    You might recall that iOS 6.1.3 started out life as iOS 6.1.1 back on February 6th.  A number of serious bugs where discovered in iOS 6.1, 6.1.1, and 6.1.2, forcing the originally planned iOS 6.1.1 to become 6.1.3.

    iOS 6.1.3 is available now for current model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models.  To upgrade your device OTA, go to: Settings > General > Software Update.

    Apple has also released Apple TV 5.2.1 update for second and third generation Apple TVs.

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  • apple,  apple tv,  ipad,  iphone,  ipod touch

    Staples Begins Selling Apple Products (Again)

    February 27, 2013 /

    Today Apple accessories are now being sold on the Staples website.  It is also believed that Apple’s products will soon be on sale in brick and mortar locations.

    When you visit Staples.com you can choose products from iPad Accessories, Mac Accessories, iPod accessories, and of course, iPhone accessories.  The Apple TV is also available from Staples.

    This will be a return to selling Apple products, for the office supply chain.  Back in the 90’s I can remember my local Staples selling the consumer Macintosh line and classic Mac OS upgrade kits.

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  • apple,  ios,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone,  ipod touch,  upgrade

    Apple Releases iOS 6.1.2

    February 20, 2013 /

    Yesterday, Apple rolled out iOS 6.1.2.  This updated is intended to address the Microsoft Exchange bug that has been well documented.

    Unlike previous iOS 6.1.x updates, iOS 6.1.2 is available for current model iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, and iPod touch models.

    I’ve read conflicting reports on whether or not iOS 6.1.2 addresses the lock screen bypass bug. I’ll have to test to see if the issue was resolved after applying iOS 6.1.2.

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

    Apple Releases iOS 6.1.1 Beta to Developers

    February 6, 2013 /

    It seems like it was just 10 days ago that Apple released iOS 6.1 and here we are getting word that the first beta of iOS 6.1.1 has gone out to developers.

    Unlike the iOS 6.1 maintenance update, iOS 6.1.1 seems to targeted at enhancing Apple’s Maps application.

    In a note to developers accommodating the release, Apple said iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 includes the following improvements to Maps for Japan:

    • Improved pronunciation of roads during turn-by-turn navigation
    • Optimized directions to more strongly prefer highways over narrower roads
    • Now indicates upcoming toll roads during turn-by-turn navigation
    • Added labels for junctions, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections
    • Added indicators for transit station buildings, subway lines, and traffic lights
    • Updated freeway color to green
    • Updated icons for some location categories including fire stations, hospitals, and post offices Added 3D buildings including Tokyo Station, Japan Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower

    The iOS 6.1.1 beta is said to work with the iPhone 3GS and later, the iPad 2 and later, and the iPod touch fourth generation and later.

    [Via AppleInsider.com…]

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  • apple,  icloud,  ipad,  ipad mini,  iphone,  ipod touch,  troubleshooting

    How To: Back Up Your iDevice with iCloud

    January 29, 2013 /

    I’ve always been a firm believer of running backups your important documents and other data like photos, music, and videos.

    Over the years, Apple has done a good job enhancing iCloud to automatically take care of this for you on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.  With last night’s little iOS 6.1 upgrade disaster, knowing that I had a recent backup of my iPhone meant that I was only going to have to deal with the reloading my backup and not have to worry about lost photos, text messages, and all the rest.

    Here are a few quick steps to make sure you have iCloud backups turned on and how to run an immediate backup if you want to – like just before an iOS upgrade.

    Turning on iCloud Backups

    Step 1: To get started, tap on Settings from the Home screen.

    Step 2: Tap on iCloud on the Settings page.

    Step 3: Sign in to your iCloud account if you haven’t already done so.

    Step 4: Scroll down to the bottom of the iCloud page, and tap ‘Storage & Backup’.

    Step 5: Near the bottom of the page, set the ‘iCloud Backup’ option to ‘ON’.

    Step 6: Tap the ‘Back Up Now’ button at the bottom of the page to start a backup immediately.

    Bonus Points: At the very bottom of the ‘Storage & Backup’ page, will be a message telling you when the last time a successful iCloud backup was completed.

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