Tag Archives: Apple

Apple related information will be tagged here. This will include Apple information about the iPhone, iPad, iPod, MacBook, Apple TV. Including news, product details, repair information, review.

News

The Public’s Problem With Apple: iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPad

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Problems with Apple

Much like the Apple stock prices, the company has had a year of ups and downs. While Apple has made great strides in the creation of the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, the spotlight shines on every stumble the company makes.

Apple’s Biggest Blunders

Now, it should be stated that a ground breaking company such as Apple that has introduced the world to so many devices we now wonder how we ever lived without, is allowed the occasional hurdle. The bottom line is that much of the criticism stems out of comparison to previous models and short of any unexpected accidents that may result in a device requiring professional repair, they are all quality products. That being said, here are some of the issues.

The Lost Maps of Apple

The disaster of Apple’s Maps app caused something that is rare from the company, a public apology by Tim Crook, CEO. Not only was this app bad, it was godawful, what with it giving users the wrong directions and the lack of public transportation information. Things just got worse when late night talk show hosts began to make the app the butt of their jokes.

This app is the biggest blunder for Apple this year for many reasons. Arguably the most vital app on iPhone as well as other devices, it is imperative that the app is right. Because Apple decided to make Google Maps unavailable it its app store, the company looks petty.

Apple has always been concerned about holding the experience of the user above all else. However, because Steve Jobs passed away a year before Maps came onto the scene does not fare well for those people who are newly in charge of the company.

The Not So New, New iPad

In the past, two things always held true with a new version of iPad: the marketing team at Apple built hype before the release date, and the product lived up to the hype.

With the creation of the original iPad came the creations of the touch-tablet. The second- generation brought forth a lighter and faster version. The third-generation improved on the graphics.

However, the marketing team dropped the ball with the announcement of the fourth-generation when it was introduced at the time the iPad Mini was being announced.

With the fourth-generation comes very little newness. While Apple touts that this iPad has retina display, the third-generation iPad was actually the first to have this feature. The only things new about this particular iPad is that it contains a faster chip and a Lightning connector.

laptops

Mac Keyboard Shortcuts Made Easy

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Some people may not be on intimate terms with their Mac keyboard. The buttons do a lot more than simply type letters and numbers onto the screen, or move the cursor around.  With certain key combinations, there are many opportunities to perform steps that would otherwise have to be accessed from a menu.

Special Keys of a Mac Keyboard

Whether it is built-in like on a laptop or arrives with a desktop, Mac always uses a traditional QWERTY keyboard layout in the United States. The function keys or F keys make the Mac perform tricks. They can make the Mac screen brighter and the sound louder. Near the bottom of the keyboard, next to the space bar, are modifier keys.  When pressed, the modifier keys change the behavior of other keys that are pressed at the same time. When using one modifier key with another key, you can issue a keyboard shortcut.

Classic Layout

On the Macbook Pro of today, the FN key is on the bottom row. On older keyboards it may not be present. When pressing the FN key and pushing one of the top keys on the board, specific operations can be achieved by default. If you press the F12 key by itself, audio volume amplifies. Press FN together with F12 on a Mac with Mountain Lion and the display shifts to the Dashboard environment.

The Versitility of a Command Key

Appearing to the right and left of the space bar is the Command key. If used frequently, it can save the user lots of time.  For instance, when saving a document, instead of going to the File menu, you can just press Command+S.  Or, when quitting the document, you can press Command+Q.

The Control key is mainly used to call up contextual menus. Windows users recognize these as menus that appear when you right-click. On a Mac, nothing happens with the right-click, you must hold down the Control key and right-click to get the menu commands. To get rid of it, click outside of it and do not hold down the Control key.

Option Keys

An Option key is to the right of the Control key. Pressing the Option key causes optional or alternative actions to happen. These common key commands are used with most all applications.

Like all great products, the reality of repair and sometimes replacement is inevitable. If your Mac keyboard ever experiences problems with its functionality and is in need of computer repair services, pros at iFixYouri can help restore your Mac back to its former glory.

News, Software

The Litigation Triagle Between Apple, Samsung and HTC

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Apple has been ordered by a California court to produce an uncensored report on the recent HTC patent agreement because Samsung Electronics says there is relevancy with it’s argument with Apple.

The Legal Fight Continues

As ordered by the Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal, the viewing of this document will only be available by those attorneys involved in the patent lawsuit.

Earlier, HTC made an agreement to make available the Patent License and Settlement Agreement with Apple (PLSA). This was providing that certain payment terms were not disclosed. They also wanted the document to be marked as “Highly Confidential- Attorneys’ Eyes Only”.

The terms of compensations that HTC wishes to censor are said to be sensitive to the competition.

Although the settlement terms were not made public, Apple and HTC have settled their disputes over their patent. During the 10-year agreement, both sides will license all patents from the other.

Because Samsung believes that their dispute includes some of the patents included in the Apple/HTC settlement, they have asked that Apple be required to produce a copy of the HTC agreement. Samsung believes that Apple’s agreement to license patents in HTC agreement will poke holes in the theory that irreparable harm has been done.

Further Court Hearings

There is a court hearing scheduled for December in order to make a decision concerning Apple’s request for a permanent ruling on the sale of certain phones by Samsung. They believe that financially, the agreement supports the debate that paying royalties is preferred over a permanent ruling.

There have been innumerable third parties in this case that have not been allowed to censor their the financial portions of their licensing agreements and HTC should be no different. This is especially true because the protective order has been followed and the integrity of the outside counsel that is representing Samsung has been recognized.

Samsung and Apple’s Current Position

Samsung has obtained the agreements of the court where compelling further depositions from three experts at Apple were concerned. Apple also requested two more depositions if the request by Samsung was granted.

Luckily, we as the consumers of these great products have only to worry about their usage and making sure accidents don’t render them inoperable. If your smartphone is in need of repair due to a cracked screen, water damage or any other issue, the experts at iFixyouri can help.

iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S 3’s Edge Over the iPhone 4S

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The Samsung Galaxy S III was considered to be the best-selling smartphone in the entire world during the third quarter of the year 2012. In fact, it even defeated the iPhone 4S when it comes to sales.

This news is according to the report of the Strategy Analytics, which stated the S III was able to get a very impressive 11% of all the shares of smartphones that are shipped globally. This makes it the world’s best selling model of smartphone, which is considered to be the first.

However, many people were left wondering how was the flagship phone of Samsung able to surpass the admired iPhone 4s, which dropped to the number 2 spot during the third quarter sales.  One of the raised arguments was that most people did not buy the latter because they know that an iPhone 5 will be released on September.

Getting to Know the Samsung Galaxy S III

Note: The one thing both the Samsung Galaxy S III and iPhone 4s does have in common is that both phones aren’t invulnerable to unexpected accidents. Water damage and cracked screen can make the operation of either device impossible. The experts at iFixYouri are experienced in smartphone repair and can certainly help.

For beginners, the S III has a very huge screen (4.8 inches), which is a lot bigger compared to the 3.5 inch screen of the iPhone. This can be very helpful especially when you are using apps such as the LogMeIn Free to access office PC or the CamScanner to turn the printed documents into the PDFs. Aside from this, wide screens are also very helpful for people who use their thumbs to type and it also provides comfortable typing and easier viewing.

The 4G LTE Option

The Samsung model also features the 4G LTE option, while the iPhone 4S only has a 3G technology. The added speed is also considered to be very crucial for uploading photos or downloading very large attachments. This is also useful for remote access since it allows users to connect faster.

Memory Cards and  Extra Storing Capacity

Last but not the least, the Samsung Galaxy S 3 also allows users to insert a memory card for extra storing capacity. Aside from this, it is also capable of swapping a replacement battery when the power runs very low. On the other hand, the iPhone 4S also has a closed design, which means that it is not capable of battery exchanges and has no memory expansion.

Because of these factors, it is definitely easy to understand why the S III was able to top the sales list in Q3. Fast connectivity, wider screen, and helpful expansion features are always beneficial for those users who prize productivity the most.

Uncategorized

Patent Alert: Apple iPhone Water Damage Detection Patent

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iPhone Water DamageWhen an iPhone owner accidentally drops their device into a toilet, they’re usually unaware of the extent of water damage caused to their iPhone. According to a recently published patent, Apple wants to provide users with a water-detection feature.

The main objective of the technology is for issues such as repair troubleshooting, warranty claim assessment, and product development, according to the published patent. Manufacturers generally want to ensure whether a particular user simply wishes to replace the application or has actually dropped the device in the water. Apple stated that water is one of the major reasons that may cause malfunctioning of the device. As a result, verification of water immersion is pertinent for device manufacturers. Presently, an iPhone that suffers water damage is not covered by Apple’s warranty — which is exactly why they want to be able to test for it.

The only hope you have for getting your water damaged iPhone working properly again is to get it fixed by professional repair technicians who specialize in iPhone water damage repair, like iFixYouri.

iPhone Water Damage Detection Patent Details

The application comes with a system that uses color-changing tape along with a dye which dissolves after absorbing a certain amount of water. This in turn helps in avoiding humidity from triggering a false positive.

According to the published patent, the company stated that the application will get enclosed and provide at least one sign that it has been immersed in the water. As a result, users will be able to identify water damage just by looking at their application. However, the process has certain drawbacks such as limited application, complicated inspection process and device tampering, Apple acknowledged. The detection system can be used for devices that can be easily opened — aka, not the iPhone device.

When Will We See This?

Since December 2006, the water damage detection patent was kept secret by Apple until it was revealed this year. There is no explanation about whether the system will come with the next generation iPhone or will be released with future innovative versions.

It has been a great year as far as Apple’s patent files are concerned. Just like the recently uncovered Olympus MEG4.0 prototype and the Google Glass project, the company received a patent for a head-mounted display device. Earlier last month, Apple bagged a patent for exchangeable camera lenses in less than a couple of weeks time, before another 27 patents were granted, including some for inductive charging, as well as rotating, scrolling and resizing on touch screens.

Uncategorized

The Careful Process of iPod Touch Screen Replacement

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It goes without saying that listening to music on the go is very important to people, and when their precious iPod Touch screen becomes damaged, iPod Touch screen replacement is essential.  Let’s explore what’s involved.

Which iPod Touch Screen Replacement Is Needed?

The iPod Touch actually has two screens, so depending on your device’s damage, you may only need to replace one of the screens.  The outer screen, called the faceplate, is a glass covering that protects the touch screen.  This liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, also called the digitizer, is the actual display screen.

Steps to Disassembling an iPod Touch

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  1. The iPod comes apart from the back to the front.  First, the chrome back of the iPod is removed with specific opening tools.  Trying to do this yourself may result in scratched chrome, but specific iPod opening tools, when used properly, can prevent this.
  2. Then the device’s battery is removed.
  3. The battery is glued to the iPod, so its removal is also a delicate process.
  4. The logic board, held in place by four small screws and attached to the battery by a cable, is the next piece to come out.
  5. Finally, the digitizer is removed.  The digitizer is secured to the faceplate with sixteen screws and plugged in to the logic board.

iPod Touch Screen Replacement

If the digitizer is broken, it is simply a matter of unplugging the old one and plugging in the new.

If the faceplate screen is broken, however, it is an entirely different matter.  After the Home button is removed, the faceplate is heated up to break the adhesive bond between the faceplate and the screen.  The damaged screen is then thrown out, the Home button replaced, and the new screen with the fresh adhesive placed over the faceplate.  The faceplate is heated again, so the glue bonds to the plate and screen, and once it is cooled, it is ready to be put back on the iPod.

iPod Touch Re-Assembly

It is important that all the internal parts of the iPod are clean before it is reassembled.  The faceplate screen is wiped with a soft cloth, and the digitizer and logic board are cleaned with compressed air just to be sure, so no unnecessary dust gets inside the iPod.  Then the parts are reassembled in the reverse order in which they came out — digitizer, logic board, battery, and chrome back.

You can try to do this yourself, but an iPod touch screen replacement is a very meticulous process.  You can trust experienced professionals like iFixYouri, who specialize in iPod Touch screen replacement, to properly repair your device and send it back to you quickly.

Accessories

Apple’s Profit to Increase with the New Dock Connectors

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The decision switch made by Apple in using a smaller dock connector may be frustrating for some customers since their old accessories may become useless. Nevertheless, this important decision may increase the profit of all the manufacturers of iPhone accessories. In fact, Apple is expected to generate an income of $40 million in the next fiscal quarter due to the customer’s payment for new cables that work with the smaller dock connector. This is according to Mr. Michael Morgan, who is the senior analyst of ABI Research.

According to Morgan, Apple is shipping 47 million iPhone 5 across the globe. This is an estimate based on the standards. However, Morgan thinks that only 5 to 10 percent of all the customers will purchase the new cable. Others will rely only on using free cable that comes with the box. This means that if every cable is worth $20, then the expected income is $40 million for 2 million cables.

New Docking Stations Net Profit for Apple, Too

Aside from this, Apple is also said to benefit from the new docking stations that can cater to the smaller connectors of the iPhone. According to Morgan, a total of 5 to 10 million docking stations will be sold next year. Each station will cost around $150 to $175 per piece, which can generate a total profit of $1 billion.

The increase in revenue for Apple is greatly affected by the sales provided by the hospitality industries. Morgan thinks that a lot of hotels will purchase the docking radios to provide more service to their customers. In addition to this, those who are using a car charger will also need to buy an adapter that costs around $30. Nevertheless, this increase in income is only considered a small drop in the bucket since it can generate a total of $100 billion worth of revenue every year. As for the consumers, this can already add up to a very significant expense.

And Then There’s the Cases…

Aside from adapters, cables, and docking stations, cases are also very marketable with the new iPhone 5. This is due to the fact that the iPhone 5 is a lot thinner and longer compared to the previous models. According to the ABI, three-quarters of those who buy the new iPhone also purchase a protective case. Each case is worth around $18. If Apple is able to sell 58 million iPhone 5s, then case makers are expected to generate roughly $783 million for the year.

With all this money invested in a single device, consumers can be devastated when their precious iPhone 5 is damaged.  For all the protection and careful handling, accidents do happen.  Don’t rely on amateurs to fix your device if it’s broken — professional iPhone 5 repair can mean the difference between a fixed phone and further damage.

Uncategorized

Android Jelly Bean vs. iOS6

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Two years ago, there really was not any question about what operating system was best for smartphones – Apple clearly led the pack. Today, though, real competition has emerged in the form of Android’s Jelly Bean OS. This robust new operating system finally offers a real challenge to Apple’s domination, and one that begs a simple question: which operating system is best? The answer, as is so common in the tech world, is harder to answer than it may seem.

Android Jelly Bean

The great news about Jelly Bean is that it is the best version of Android’s OS yet. If you are using any Android device that is equipped with the OS, you are in for a treat – this version is more stable than ever, and it actually packs in a few features that are miles ahead of its competition. Jelly Bean is fairly easy to use, runs quickly and is full of delightful customization options that can really give a power-user his or her ideal phone.

Customization

Unfortunately, that customization comes at a price. Compared to i0S 6, the interface is still a bit unintuitive. The OS is also short on some of the bells and whistles with which iOS users may have been familiar, and the fact that the operating system has to function across multiple devices instead of a single class of devices means that it may not perform as well as its closed-system counterpart.

iOS 6

iOS 6

It is very difficult to say anything bad about Apple iOS 6 – after all, the company is known for creating user-friendly interfaces. In fact, this iteration might be one of the best yet, relatively free of major bugs and most of the problems that have befallen the older versions of the system. It is still slick and easy to use, the perfect system for any new smartphone user.

Of course, savvy smartphone users will quickly see the faults in this iteration of Apple’s OS. While it might be easy to pick on the Maps app for being universally panned, it is a symptom of a bigger problem – Apple’s closed system. If you are a fan of customization or playing around in the technological sandbox, this really is not the system for you. This may or may not be a turn-off to some, but it is something that should be kept in mind.

Which OS is Really Better?

In the end it’s not clear which OS between Android Jelly Bean vs. iOS6 is the best , it depends on how you use your phone. If you want the system that is most simple and easiest to use, Apple is the winner. If you prefer something that is robust and easy to customize, you should go with Android.

In either case, phones that user either system are susceptible to accidental damage.  Don’t get too excited or frustrated by your new operating system, or you may mishandle your device.  In the event that you need repairs, you also have options, but there is a clear winner in terms of results:  iFixYouri.  Find out why.