A handy emailed daily tip from Here's the Thing recently has given tips for people with "smart phones." A query to Jim Hamm brought us this reply, "Yes, I get this, and it has some useful tips. You could post a link to this in the blog and suggest to people they might take a look at it."
And, not leaving well enough alone, Jim goes on, "So, you just have a dumb phone? That reminds me of the old adage that smart phones are for smart people, and dumb phones are for..........(grin)...Just teasing you." And here's the link to the smart phone posts.
Instead of CarPlay
Quick to reply, John Carter explains his view of CarPlay that Prez Art Gorski described yesterday. He jests, "Hah! Nothing new to me. Everything that CarPlay does I can already do with my iPhone (or iPad) and a bluetooth headset.
"On a recent trip to California, I kept in constant touch with Jackie using Messages. Siri recorded my messages to Jackie and then read back any new message from Jackie. (It wasn’t always perfect.) I listened to music or podcasts when I wasn’t messaging. With the iPhone attached to the windshield, I was always up to date with directions to my destination. I could even hazard watching a video. And of course, the only real drawback was when I was out of touch of a tower when driving through mountains, but that didn’t stop me from listening to music."
Apple is a Worldwide Leader
"Here is an article which graphically summarizes what an impact the iPad -- and other tablets -- have had on the computer industry," is how Jim Hamm begins. "I can remember when the iPad first came out and reading about all the snickering of the name, the cost, the lack of being a 'real' computer, etc, of a tablet. But people sure buy tablets -- to the detriment of PC shipments."
Jim goes on to comment, "I can also recall Microsoft's Ballmer's derision of the iPhone when it first came out. Now just look how smart phones have taken off. I bet a high % of the population in the U.S. owns one."
Jim goes on to comment, "I can also recall Microsoft's Ballmer's derision of the iPhone when it first came out. Now just look how smart phones have taken off. I bet a high % of the population in the U.S. owns one."
And here's Jim's conclusion, "Like it or not -- technology moves on and leaders of successful companies need to recognize that or fade away. The Blackberry phone comes to mind as I type this statement. Then I look at the stagnation in growth of HP and Dell and think hmmmm?"
How to Lock Down Location Services
"Here is a tip that you might want to implement on your IOS device. Read the article and it makes a lot of sense to do so. I just did on my iPad and will do so on my iPhone," writes Jim Hamm. See it here.
Create a Blocked List on iPhone
"Although I really haven't been bothered by receiving unwanted phone calls on my iPhone, if you have been bothered by, say, numerous political calls (which we were, on our home phone), here's an article describing a work-around to ignore these calls," Jim Hamm informs us. http://osxdaily.com/2013/01/03/block-calls-iphone-block-number-list/
Four Little-known Apple Advancements
"This will interest iPhone and iPad users," states David Passell. Take a look. http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/4-cool-apple-announcements-you-may-have-missed.html/?ref=low-dt
Obsolescence by Smartphone
Maybe you grew up with a telephone on the wall? A party line? A "dial"phone?
Look what Jim Hamm found. " Here's an interesting article about how technology moves along and replaces a variety of devices. In this article the author shows how a smartphone replaces 20 gadgets one could buy at Radio Shack about 20 years ago -- and carry their replacement in a shirt pocket or purse.
"As another example, the mobile phone has virtually replaced public telephones -- the ones you used to see on street corners around town, but are now practically gone."
And Jim's pronouncement: "Technology is wonderful, unless you happen to be on the receiving end of technological obsolescence."
Get Acquainted With Siri
"Here is a helpful article on how to better use Siri on your iPhone or iPad. Siri is definitely a program I need to work on because I presently rarely use it. Maybe this article will encourage me to find out how useful Siri can be," says Jim Hamm.
Hurry. . . This App is FREE
Here's that good word — FREE. Jim Hamm rushes us this info: "This $7 iPhone app is free for a limited time, and you should go download it immediately." It's available from the App Store. His email notes this info is shared from Zite and send from his iPad.
See for yourself here.
iOS 7 Tips to Try
"If you use iOS 7 on your iPhone or iPad, you may want to take a look at these 18 tips from InfoWorld. Many you'll probably already be aware of, but there might be a new one or so. Worth a look," declares Jim Hamm.
Mobile Phone Magic
"Did you know -- or even care -- that your mobile phone has two operating systems? I didn't either, but here is an interesting article that explains the two systems," Jim Hamm announces this morning. He continues with, "The little mobile phone that we use to casually talk to one another, check emails and surf the net, is one complex piece of equipment." Check out that article from Macworld, "The Hidden Magic: A Look at the Secret Operating System Inside the iPhone."
12 Days of FREE Gifts
Got an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch? Don't miss this deal; it's FREE. You can just see Jim Hamm grinning as he announces this, "For 12 days, starting December 26, Apple will provide a free download -- songs, apps, etc -- for 24 hours. There is an app for this so you don't miss a freebie. Take a look here."
Using Siri on iPhone & iPad
Jim Hamm sends along this helpful comment, "I forget about Siri and consequently use this service infrequently, but I'd like to use it more. Here is a helpful article explaining how to use Siri more successfully on your iPhone or iPad."
What's New for iPhone, iPad? Come Tomorrow & Find Out
Having trouble figuring out the iOS 7 update for your iPhone and/or iPad? Be sure to attend this meeting to learn what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s not. We’ll also cover some really great photo apps for iOS 7.
This is a joint PMUG & PC meeting at Prescott Public Library tomorrow from 1-3 pm. Come and learn some helpful info.
Lost Your iPhone?
"Here's a good article you may want to keep for possibe future reference. It describes options you have if you should ever lose your iPhone or iPad." Jim Hamm sends this helpful message.
13 New Tricks in OS X Mavericks
"Here are some helpful tips if you've updated to Mavericks," Jim Hamm gets our attention. He goes on to explain, "Tip #6 is handy in the syncing aspect, especially since I do use a secure Keychain for my sensitive passwords and to have them synced and handy on my iPhone and iPad would be nice. I do have mixed emotions about this feature, though -- I'm not a fan of storing my passwords in the Cloud. So far I've not implemented this feature."
Ten iOS 7 Tips
"If you've upgraded to iOS 7, here's some tips that might be handy to know," Jim Hamm recommends. See the latest for your iPhone and iPad. You can click to get a FREE daily tip sent to your email.
Backing Up Your iPhone
"Here's an article on backing up your iPhone that might be helpful," Jim Hamm writes.
Charge Phone, Tablet, etc. With Solar Panel
Take your electronic devices outdoors? Charge them with solar panels? See Solar Charger Reviews, for some illustrations, reviews, 3 minute video. This chart compares 12 products.
iMessage Feature: Blue, Green, Red?
Jim Hamm sends some interesting how-to for users of iMessage. "One nice feature of iOS is iMessage. If both parties have a device (an iPhone or iPad) with iMessage then text messages can be sent to each other for free. This bypasses the carrier and no text message fee is encountered by either party.
"Apple has made it easy to determine if the message will be free for both parties. When you go to send an iMessage and tap the number (or email address) of the person you want to send the message to, take a look at the number or email's color. If it is blue it means both parties have iMessage and the text will be sent free of charge. If the color is green on an iPhone (or red on an iPad) it means the message will be sent as a regular text message and fees will be incurred by both parties. If one, or both, parties have already subscribed to and paid a monthly fee for text messaging, there won't be an incremental charge.
"Apple's servers know if both parties have the capability of iMessage. If, say, you have an iOS device and want to send a text message via iMessage to someone who doesn't have iMessage, then the color of the number will be green or red instead of blue. Both parties could incur a text message charge from their respective carrier.
"If you haven't tried iMessage, you might give it a try. A quick and easy way to communicate with someone. Remember, if it's blue it's free to do...(grin)."