Thursday, September 25, 2014

iOS 8 Keeps Surprising Me

Last night I was sitting on the couch and my iPhone rang…it was a few feet away from me at the time. I was about to get up to get it when my iPad also started ringing. As it was right next to me I answered it. Kind of surprised me since I am not connected to Verizon on my iPad.

But then I remembered the new feature of iOS 8 that if any Apple device is in proximity to your iPhone, it will also be able to take and make phone calls. So I carried on a 1/2 hour conversation with my son on my iPad. Worked just great.

Another thing I noticed is that SIRI works much faster now. Before, if you were using Messenger, you would speak and when you finished, Siri would chew on it for a few seconds, then it would appear on the screen. Now, with iOS 8, the words appear on the screen as I say them. Love it…as I hardly ever type anymore…I just dictate my message. 

Last week, I re-published CNet’s, “The Complete Guide to iOS 8.” It is a great collection of stories on most every new aspect of iOS 8…and if you have recently upgraded your Apple device, you need to go through it and learn all the iOS 8 secrets. That is what I did. 

Next week, we get our first look at the new Windows 9 that is expected to be out in April. You bet I will be covering it here.

But before then, there are plenty of interesting articles here to keep you busy. Have fun! -JRC    

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple pulls iOS 8.0.1 update, after killing cell service, Touch ID

Less than a week after the initial release of iOS 8, Apple issues the first update for the platform. After it inadvertently introduced a number of new issues, it was pulled.

Apple to release iOS 8.0.2 in the 'next few days'

After its decision to pull iOS 8.0.1 yesterday, Apple is now advising users to roll back to version 8.0 of the operating system. A new update is in the works but no date announced for its release

Microsoft plays on iOS 8 issues by doubling free OneDrive space to 30GB

Apple released its iOS 8 update earlier this week, but a number of iPhone and iPad owners ran into problems with the amount of free storage required to install the latest operating system. Microsoft is taking advantage of these issues by doubling its free OneDrive storage to 30GB.

For camera makers, hope lies in pricey devices for the few

As smartphones replace point-and-shoots, companies from Nikon to Fujifilm are scrambling to build premium product lines. That's great news for photo enthusiasts.

'Bigger than Heartbleed': Bash bug could leave IT systems in shellshock

Just months after Heartbleed made waves across the Internet, a new security flaw known as the Bash bug is threatening to compromise everything from major servers to connected cameras.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Laptop vs. tablets: how they compare for true productivity

We looked at more than 700 tablets and 2,000 laptops, digging into the specs that make a difference, like RAM and storage, display size, battery, and connectivity.

5 ways to access and control your PC remotely

Your PC isn't really stuck at home. You can access the desktop, your files, and even gaming horsepower on the go. You can turn on your PC from halfway around the world!

7 Tips for Safe Online Banking

Online banking is just as convenient for the bad guys as it is for you. They don't need guns, masks, or getaway cars to rob your online account, just a cracked password. These tips can help you protect your cash.

How to Use Technology to Get Through Your Reading List

The internet is full of brilliant articles you haven't read. So is your read-it-later app of choice, whether it's Pocket, Readability, Instapaper or any other. Here's how to finally tackle that reading list, with a little help from technology.

The 6 essential Windows software programs for any PC

Here is a list of the barest minimum that anyone with a Windows PC really, absolutely must have

 

Mobile Computing

Eight questions to ask before you buy your next smartphone

Wireless providers in the United States make it easy to pay more than you should for a smartphone and an accompanying data plan. Here are eight questions you can ask (and answer) to make sure you get the best possible deal.

Why You Don’t Need an Expensive Smartphone Anymore

If you have the money to spend — or if you’re going to be locked into a long contract anyway — expensive smartphones still have value. They’ll have the sharpest screens, fastest hardware, and newest features. But they aren’t mandatory to get a good smartphone experience anymore.

MoboRobo is a Powerful Desktop Manager for Android and iOS Devices

Windows: Unlike iTunes for iOS devices, there is no official desktop client to manage Android phones and tablets. MoboRobo is as good as any you can hope for, and it works with iPhones and iPads too.

How to Quickly Access your Most-Used Android Apps

What is the best way to arrange your favorite apps on the home screen so that the apps you use most often are easily accessible? There are apps that can help.

31 ways to improve your iPhone's battery life

Apple's latest iPhones pack as much power in as their predecessors, but not even nearly as much as their nearest competitors. By tweaking iOS 8, you can improve your iPhone's battery life considerably. Here's how

What to Do if Your iPad Stops Working

If the Genius Bar is booked, or you want to fix it yourself, try these tips first.

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