Tag Archives: iPad

Posts related to the Apple iPad can be found here. This covers Apple iPad related info such as repairs, news, device details, special features, and more.

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.

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Turn Your iPad into a Home Theater

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iPad Home TheaterWhat can’t an iPad do? As a mobile device, you can check email, communicate with friends, play games, and catch up on work. But what about using it to turn your living room into a multimedia home theater? Turning your iPad into a home theater may sound like a tricky, over-technical chore that would be better left to hiring a professional to do, but it’s actually a very simple process, and can be done relatively cheaply.

There are products such as Belkin’s Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater.

The system is designed to enhance games, movies, and music for the iPad. This allows for great sound, but any videos are still seen on the iPad screen, and it costs about $200.

Belkin’s Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater.
Belkin’s Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater.

The sleeker and more economical way to integrate the iPad into a real home theater is more work-intensive, but well worth the effort.

1) Purchase a dock – A dock will allow you to have a stable location for your iPad while allowing for the connections to be made more easily. There is the simple Apple’s iPad Dock, which goes for around $30, and will allow you to charge the iPad while docked. there are also more expensive docks, such as Cambridge Audio’s iD100 iPad Dock ($236), which adds audio and video connectivity, or Just Mobile’s Xtand Encore ($59.95) or Twelve South’s BookArc ($29.99).

Wire Connections – Depending on the dock you buy, you may need to connect your iPad to your home system directly, particularly if it has a USB port and supports the dock interface. However, these docks are sometimes limited to audio only. If you want video connected as well, get a digital AV adapter. For this option, your iPad will need to be tethered to your system. Alternately, if you have Apple TV, this can control your content without the need to keep your iPad connected while using your system.

iPad as Remote Control – If you can connect your iPad with your system remotely, why not have the option to use your iPad as a giant remote control, giving you access and control over all of the other aspects of your home theater system? A lot of manufacturers have remote apps that allow for control over the other devices — TV, DVD plaver, etc. If you have AT&T’s U-verse, for example, you can remotely control your cable box over Wi-Fi. But for more control, look into products such as Gear4′s Unity, Logitech’s Harmony Link or Griffin’s Beacon. All three will enable your iPad to remotely control most if not all of the home theater components you have on hand.

iTunes – Aside from controlling your TV and DVDs, what about watching and listening your video and audio content that you have stored on iTunes? For this, you need to enable Home Sharing. This is available on iTunes 9 or higher. Movies, music videos, and TV shows are all now playable on any machine in your network you authorize via Home Sharing. Authorization is simple, but requires you to have an iTunes account, and to have authorized the computer in question to play media associated with that account. Once that’s done, your Home Share libraries should appear in your source list. And if you have an Apple TV, you can use Apple’s own Remote App to access your iTunes music library.

Home Projector – What about turning your living room into a personal movie theater? If you want to create a theatrical ambiance, there is always the ability to purchase a projector. On the high-end, there is the sleek Epson Megaplex MG-850HD Easy Home Theater. At $699, this comes with a device dock, 2 10-watt speakers, and ultra bright, HD quality. It’s also portable, so it can be used for business, parties, or whatever you may need it for.

Epson Megaplex MG-850 Easy Home Theater
The sleek Epson Megaplex MG-850HD Easy Home Theater.
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Review of ZAGGkeys PRO and PROplus

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It would be ideal if your iPad had a Bluetooth keyboard that wasn’t clunky and bulky. If it can protect your iPad, and is slim and light, it is even better. Well, ZAGG has just the thing you need: the ZAGGkeys PRO keyboard case for iPad. The company has built upon their success of ZAGGmate. The latest models have a seamlessly matching design for the form of Apple’s tablet.

ZAGGkeys Features

ZAGGkeys PRO has a nice thin profile with a depth of 0.24 inches and is built for both the third generation iPad and iPad 2. It has an aluminum construction and the case attaches magnetically to the iPad when not being used, which protects the screen from any damage during transit. The ZAGGkeys case weighs under a pound, matches iPad’s style, and the display can be held in landscape or portrait mode.

This patented ZAGG keyboard is ultrathin, and Bluetooth 3.0 enables you to connect it to your iPad directly. Even though ZAGGkeys is quite compact, the rechargeable batteries that are built-in can last for many months on a single charge. The PROplus model of ZAGGkeys has the additional feature of a backlit keyboard, which is excellent to type in low light, and it evokes the look of the MacBook Pro. When you close or open the case, ZAGGkeys can automatically sleep or wake your iPad with its magnet, just like the Apple Smart Cover.

Both PRO and PROplus models of ZAGGkeys have full compatibility with iPad 3 and iPad 2. The keyboard might add a few millimeters to the size of your iPad, but the design of the keys will give you a natural experience of typing. Many function keys specific to the iPad are also included, so that it is easier to use iOS with touch screen and keyboard. This excellent portable product is made even better by ZAGG by introducing the magnetic enclosure of the Smart Cover and Bluetooth 3.0.

Price

The PRO model of ZAGGkeys is available for $99.99 and PROplus is for $129.99 with free shipping from the website of ZAGG. If you’re thinking of getting a keyboard but don’t want a traditional clunky one, this might be just what you need.

Investing in the keyboard is one thing, but the added protection of a case is essential if you want to continue enjoying your delicate iPad uninterrupted.  In the event that you damage your iPad before you can get a case, send it in to be repaired – iFixYouri specializes in professional iPad repair.

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Wrap Your iPad Mini in an Otterbox

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otter box case

The new Apple iPad may be a bite-sized offering but it is set to revolutionize adaptable computing.  Apple is projected to score yet again as pre-sales for the new Apple tablet are calculated.  And yet again, the popular company OtterBox created a case to fit the iPad Mini.

Otterbox is a company that endeavours to offer smartphone and tablet customers reliable protection for their devices. In addition to stellar protection, the durable Otterbox cases are sleek and stylish.

This case, from the Otterbox Defender Series, fits the mini iPad and covers the tablet with a number of layers of thick polycarbonate that protect the screen.

 

Features of the Otterbox iPad Mini Case

The Otterbox case is made to protect the iPad in various ways including:

Safeguarding the screen: The case has an inbuilt polycarbonate skin that shields the screen from scratches.

The shell of the interior: An inner layer of solid polycarbonate cushions the pad if it is dropped.

The outer layer is wear-proof: The case is coated with a thick layer of durable silicone that shields the pad from accident damage.

Protecting the ports: Dust, dirt and lint are prevented from entering the jacks and ports because the case has silicone plug covers.

Secondary screen protection: An extra internal shield offers added protection during transportation.

A shield stand that is versatile: The case has an inbuilt stand that offers a good slope for easy typing and helps the user to see landscape views with ease.

Access to the camera: The strong polycarbonate case has an opening so that the camera can be accessed.This ensures that image and picture quality are as they should be.

Remember, the Otterbox case will stop most iPad damage, but it’s not water proof!  If your iPad Mini gets damaged in any way, don’t wait until the next model comes out to buy a new one.  You can still enjoy your device if it is repaired by professionals, like iFixYouri.

Apps

Google Maps Upgrades for Android

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google-maps-android

For those frustrated with the new Maps app included with iOS 6, here’s news about the old Google Maps app you were used to using.  Google has an upcoming upgrade on the horizon for its mapping service for its mobile devices.

Public Transportation

The upgrade includes the listing of options for public transportation in approximately 500 cities across the globe. This takes in departure times and suggested routes for in excess of 1 million international stations, which is roughly a 50 percent increase over a year ago. Google will even supply indoor directions as a means of assisting some riders in navigating the system.

To get a competitive edge, only devices that use Google’s Android operating software will have access to this initial offer. Devices from the following models will be able to access this upgrade:

  • The Motorola Mobility Division of Google
  • Sony Corp.
  • HTC Corp.
  • Samsung Electronics Co.

Apple’s Role in the Changes

iphone-maps-app

These changes surface at the same time as Apple Inc. commits to replacing Google Maps’ position as the foremost navigation service on the iPad and the iPhone. Apple created its very own mapping service for its mobile devices, although it has arrived to a chorus of disappointment due to bugs and a lack of features.

The Effect on Google

This snub from Apple signifies a major blow to Google, which is set to lose revenue from mobile advertising as well as valuable insights about the whereabouts of individuals if iPhone and iPad users embrace this mapping service from Apple.

Response from Google Inc.

Google is of the belief that it can remain one step ahead of Apple as it relates to mobile mapping on Google maps by including features like the expanded directions for public transportation.

This may encourage iPhone users to make the switch to Android devices, or perhaps switch back.  If you have an Android device that is no longer working properly, now might be the time to get it fixed (by the iFixYouri team) to take advantage of Google’s new app features.

Tablets

The RIM Tablet: A BlackBerry PlayBook Review

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blackberry-playbook-ifixyouri
The Blackberry PlayBook has finally come of age. After gaining average reviews and failing to attract iPad-like customer excitement during its launch, a huge price drop and a profoundly revised OS seems to have worked. The PlayBook has a graceful and beautiful interface that is so simple to use that it actually rivals those of Android’s Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and Apple’s iPad2 in this front.

The current price of BlackBerry PlayBook is $199 for 16GB, $249 for 32GB and $299 for 64GB. This is relatively lower compared to the 8GB Amazon Kindle Fire that goes for $199. Arguably, the Kindle Fire is a better media machine with its online-based ecosystem of music, books and movies. Apple’s third generation iPad gives the PlayBook a run for its money with its glut of compelling apps. The PlayBook on the other hand has a dearth of the same.

User Interface, Hardware and Design

The BlackBerry gadget measures 5.1×7.6×0.4 inches and weighs 14.4 ounces. Its front panel consists of black glass while the back panel is soft and tapered. The Playbook’s 1,024-by-600-pixel display is more vibrant and brighter when compared to the Kindle Display.

Hardware

The device lacks a home button. However, it more than makes it up for this by allowing users to employ an easy sweeping motion from the bezel to the display center. At the top edge of the PlayBook, there is a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, volume rocker and power button. It is also equipped with an accelerometer and a 6-axis internal gyroscope.

The device has a built-in internet-tethering feature that enables users to use the gadget’s signal as its hotspot via Bluetooth. Users do not pay extra charges for this feature. As a result, the Wi-Fi only PlayBook is an excellent deal for users.

Ports

The bottom edge has a micro USB connector, HDMI output and a port for magnetic charging similar to the one found on the Apple MacBook Pro. It is compatible with the optional RIM’s dock accessory although it only comes with a micro USB cable and charger as standards.

Graphical Interface

The graphics of the BlackBerry PlayBook are colorful and sharp. So is its overall layout. Despite having fewer apps when compared to its competitors, the existing apps are easy to launch and you get to see background activities without much hustle. At the bottom of the interface, a dock holds five icons, which displays more icons when expanded upwards.

Tech Specs

The device has more than enough hardware power to power its apps. The gadget boasts of a dual-core TI OMAP4430 CPU, PowerVR SGX540 for graphics and 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 chip that comes with a dual-channel memory controller.

Browser & Apps

Finally, the BlackBerry PlayBook lays claim to a magnificent web browser capable of fast performance, intuitive interface and a full support for Flash 10.1. Its PlayBook OS 2.0 comes with the all-important native email, calendar support and contacts.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry PlayBook is a practical tablet computer and reasonably priced compared to other similar gadgets. However, I’ve heard reports that many PlayBooks are malfunctioning. This isn’t a problem considering they can be fixed by BlackBerry PlayBook repair experts iFixYouri, but the manufacturer still has some work to do before the gadget can claim the bragging rights in the tablet computer space.

Apps

The Absolute Best Apps for iPads with a Retina Display

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With the advent of the retina display, iPad owners want to download apps that offer the sharpest graphics ever. Playing with brilliant high resolution apps is the only way to truly experience the joys of the retina display. However, with thousands of apps available, the task of choosing the best one is almost impossible. If you have been finding it difficult to choose such an app,  read on for the best retina display apps for iPad, and start enjoying out-of-this-world graphics.

Star Walk for iPad

If you love interactive astronomy, this app should definitely be on your download list. True to its name, it lets users explore the stars in the sky. All one has to do is point his or her iPad device upwards towards the sky. When stargazing becomes a chore rather than a joyous pastime, revert to the planet data and moon phases. The beauty of this app, which makes use of retina display, is the ability to use night mode as well. As such, both day and night modes produce sharp images.

Sky Gamblers: Air Supremacy

For gamers, perhaps nothing gets their competitive juices flowing like good graphics. The Sky Gamblers app offers this and much more. You will not only be able to gawk at the depth of field but also enjoy amazing fluidity. To give you an idea of the graphics depth, the app can display 50 battle planes on screen comfortably.

Evernote

As one of the most popular iPad apps, Evernote does not disappoint when it comes to making full use of retina display graphics. The ultra-high-quality graphics will render your musings perfectly. The slick experience extends across different platforms. This means that you can start scribbling while at the office and continue on your way home.

Infinity Blade II

Game developers know that graphics alone can sink or boost the fortunes of an iPad app. This sequel to the smash-hit Infinity Blade certainly delivers on the graphics front. The resolution renders the stunning landscapes and clouds with such finesse rarely seen in the gaming world. Add to this mix easy game control and you have an app that every iPad owner should have.

Solar Walk

For lovers of 3D models, this solar system iPad app is perhaps the perfect choice. With the help of a set of cyan and red glasses, you will be flying around the universe in no time. Whether you are a novice or an experienced astronomer, Solar Walk provides tons of information using iPad’s retina display.

iPhoto

ipad-retina-iphoto

After taking photographs, you need an iPad app that boasts of retina display qualities for viewing. The iPhoto app from Apple does not disappoint. Everything that you have ever wanted in a photo editing app is available. This includes multi-touch editing, cropping, saturation, as well as exposure. There is no doubt that this app will make both your photo sharing and viewing an enjoyable experience.

StockTouch

When you have to follow stock market movements, you require an app that delivers clear information. The StockTouch app delivers this information using the power of iPad’s retina display. Add intuitive navigation and you have an app for the most demanding trader.

The Early Edition

ipad-retina-the-early-edition

Reading news can be a joy (on a retina display app) or an eye squinting affair (on a news app that does not make good use of this technology). The Early Edition app optimizes the iPad retina display to resolve this problem, and make reading news both easy and enjoyable.

If you have never had the chance to experience iPad’s retina display, the apps discussed above are very likely to totally change your entire iPad experience. Together with iPad’s quad core graphics engine, your daily gaming, note-taking, or browsing will never be the same again. By taking advantage of the iPad’s 2048 by 1536 screen resolution, these apps provide awesome graphics optimization.

Then again, to fully take advantage of the iPad screen, it should be free of scratches and cracks.  If you have these issues, contact iFixYouri for quality iPad screen repair.

Tablets

Easy iPad Set Up: Step By Step Tutorial

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set-up-ipad-ifixyouri

In this tutorial, we’ll talk about how to set up your brand new iPad step by step. If you’ve ever dealt with any iPhones or iPods before, the process is quite similar. Even if you haven’t, don’t worry, the process isn’t too difficult.

Step 1) Unwrap

Remove the shrink wrap plastic protective covering from your factory fresh iPad, then open the box.

Step 2) Open iTunes

If you don’t already have iTunes installed in your computer, you need to download it at iTunes.com/download. Then just enter your email address, click the download button and click run.

Step 3) Connect Your iPad

Plug the cable that came in the box into the side slot on your iPad, then plug the other end into a USB slot in your computer. iTunes should open automatically. If it doesn’t, just click on the iTunes icon on your computer to open it up manually.

Step 4) Register Your iPad

iTunes will open a welcome screen the first time you plug your iPad into your computer. The next few screens prompt you to register your iPad and set up your iTunes account, if you haven’t already done this in the past. If you’ve already used the iTunes store, then you already have an Apple ID. That’s what you use to sign in into iTunes.

Step 5) Sign in

Just enter your Apple ID and password on the first registration screen and hit Continue. If you don’t have an Apple ID, simply check “I don’t have an Apple ID”, click “continue” and you can sign up for one. Just fill out the form. It’s pretty quick and painless.

Step 6) New iPad Set Up

After you get past the Apple ID registration form, you’ll be asked if you want to restore from a back up or set up a new iPad. If you don’t have anything previously purchased from iTunes, just select to set it up as a new iPad. Now that your iPad and iTunes account are in sync, you’ll see a folder for your new iPad on the left side of iTunes.

Step 7) Charge Overnight

Your iPad comes partially charged from the Apple factory but you’ll want to charge it up fully after playing with it for a while. Remove the cube shaped power charger from the box by pulling up on the little plastic tab then wrestle with the shrink wrap for a while. (Really? Do they really need to shrink wrap this?) Next remove the USB plug from your computer and plug it into the power charger, then plug the power charger into the wall. You’ll probably want to charge it overnight, so you can play with your new iPad all day tomorrow.

Have fun with your new iPad.  Take good care of it — it’s a precious item.  In the event that something does happen to it, there is hope: at iFixYouri, we can fix any issue you have with your iPad.