Tag Archives: iphone

All posts pertaining to iPhones, including repairs, news, teardowns, service, drop tests, etc.

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.

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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.

 

Accessories

Protect Your iPad from Your Kids with the Clumsy Case

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Clumsy Case photo

Protective cases for iPads and iPhones are selling well, thanks to the tendency for kids to have accidents with their expensive gadgets (and the tendency for parents to share the devices, or even buy them, for their kids).

It’s not like kids try to drop, scratch, and otherwise harm their iPads and smartphones when they use them. They are often simply less careful than the average adult. The littlest ones think everything is a toy and have no idea how much it costs to buy such items.  As a result of kids playing with these delicate devices, iFixYouri has built a reputation repairing smartphones and tablets that have endured a wide variety of mishaps and damage.

Enter the Clumsy Case

This is why the Clumsy Case is such a good idea, either as a gift or as a proactive necessity. It lets kids play, even with a tablet in their hands. Even if they get bruised in their typical wild or clumsy behaviour, their technology will remain intact.

The Importance of Protective Cases

There is a problem when consumers see other covers which they think are designed to protect their goods. Not all cases are built for this purpose. Some are simply attractive, with really stunning designs and colors, but they are not practical. Also, there are some devices on the market similar to the Clumsy Case, but so far nothing big enough to cover the bigger iPad, and they are expensive cases.

A Clumsy Case is child-friendly, and will protect your iPad. Maybe the best thing is that the price tag is so easy to handle: about AUD $40 with free shipping around the world. Choose from several colors including shades of green, blue, and red.

Not Just for Kids

Of course, adults can be as clumsy as children, even if they are not horsing around. The rubberized interior will prevent grown-ups from destroying their expensive devices too. Drop them. Bump and bounce them. Charge the battery and insert a headphone.

Clumsy Case comes from Studio Proper, founded by Alon Tamir. He hopes this product will be a big seller at Christmas. One benefit of the Clumsy, says Tamir, is that it is designed to last no matter how many iPads and iPhones are released. Rather than buying one with every new launch, purchase one today to last for years.

The case works with iPad 2, iPad 3, and and shipping for pre-orders will start early in November.

iPhone, Tips

What To Do When an iPhone LCD Screen is Damaged

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You probably suspect by now that the LCD screen on your iPhone is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of your gadget. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens are commonly used in many electronic gadgets such as TVs and computer monitors.

The screen is made up of ultra-thin layers. Two of those layers are polarized panels, between which is a solution of liquid crystal – hence the name. When light is projected through these layers, the liquid crystal layer becomes colorized and produces the image that we see on the phone. Due to its design and material, the LCD screen is easily prone to damage and breakage.

LCD Screen Maintenance Tips

To extend the usable life of your iPhone and keep it in top shape, use these tips on care and maintenance:

Keep Your LCD Screen Clean

In most cases, an LCD screen will only require regular wipes to remove dust. If oil or grime gets on the surface of the phone, use 70% rubbing alcohol and a piece of chamois or flannel. Use this to wipe off the surface. Do not use ammonia-based cleaning products, window or glass cleaners, rough cloths or paper towels.

Use a Protective Screen Film

Screen film is thin and transparent with a stick-on side that can be applied on the surface of the screen. This will help protect it from the usual problems associated with regular wear-and-tear, such as scratches (which will also eliminate the need for LCD screen scratch repair). It can be peeled off and replaced with a new one every few months.

Avoid Dropping the Phone

If the polarized panels break, the liquid crystal solution will leak and cause distortion on the screen. Avoid carrying your phone around during vigorous activity such as exercise and keep it in a protective case. The extra rubber, silicone or plastic barrier will help protect the surface against dents, dings, and scratches. There are even cases that are designed to shield the iPhone against shock. These cases are usually enough to protect the device from low falls but won’t do much if you drop your phone from a considerable height.

What Happens If I Damage the Screen?

If the damage is extensive or affects the functionality of the iPhone, you can have a professional service such as iFixYouri repair or replace the screen or buy it for cash. Unless you have the expertise and experience, it is not recommended that you attempt to replace the screen yourself. Doing so could cause serious, irreparable damage (that may greatly outweigh the LCD screen repair cost). Besides, you could void the warranty if the coverage is still active. Have the experts work on the problem instead.

Tips

What to Know About iPhone Battery Replacement

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iphone-battery-replacement-ifixyouriRechargeable batteries may run for a long time but they do have a limited lifespan. iPhone batteries, for example, are good for roughly 400 charge cycles. Performance starts to degrade afterwards and owners will need an iPhone battery replacement in order to continue using the device when hopes of extending the iPhone battery life has been lost.

Sometimes a replacement is required much earlier, such as when the unit routinely fails to charge or runs out of power very quickly and such cases may require a iPhone battery replacement kit. Owners can also have their phones processed at Apple service centers. They could also opt to replace it themselves as spare batteries are available online at reasonable prices. The guide below offers simple instructions for DIY iPhone battery replacement.

Step-by-Step Guide to iPhone Battery Replacement

  1. Close all the apps and turn off the phone with a prolonged press of the power button. Swipe the red slider on the screen as instructed to complete the process. Wait for a few seconds before proceeding to the next step.
  2. Look down at the bottom of the device. For the iPhone 4 and 4S, there should be a tiny screw at both ends of the port. Use suitable screwdrivers to loosen them then keep them somewhere safe for easy retrieval later on.
  3. In order to lift the back plate, try to put some pressure on it and slide it down just a little bit until it gives way. Apply more downward pressure and increase surface contact if it proves hard to budge.
  4. The iPhone 4 battery is immediately visible when facing the back of the phone. It is held in place by a lone screw while the 4S uses a more secure dual arrangement. These will have to be taken out in order to get to the battery itself.
  5. Slowly lift up the connector at the lower left-hand corner of the battery with any slender tool that would fit in the tight space. Be sure not to scratch the areas surrounding it.
  6. Take the battery out by lifting the plastic tab attached to its side. This may prove challenging and require a good amount of force, but do it gradually so as not to upset nearby components.
  7. The new battery is ready to be inserted. Align the contacts and secure it with the screw that was removed earlier. Insert the back plate and tighten the screws at the bottom. Power up the phone and enjoy.

Things to Consider Regarding iPhone Battery Replacement

  • When buying a new battery, be sure to get one for the right iPhone model. Those on the market all have slightly different shapes and connector placements so find a piece that fits.
  • Having the right kind of tools is also important when trying to open the case.  Household screwdrivers or a specifically tailored iPhone repair tool kit.
  • The components are extremely small and packed densely so a good steady hand is ideal. Apply even pressure and never force anything on the device.

In Conclusion

iPhone battery replacement is a fairly uncomplicated task that owners may attempt when the situation calls for it. On the other hand, those who are uncomfortable about opening their phones or are unsure whether the battery is truly at fault can send their units to a repair shop such as iFixYouri for proper diagnosis and parts replacement.

Uncategorized

iPhone vs. Man: Unbelievable iPhone Destruction Videos

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Perhaps you’re buying a new iPhone.  Or perhaps your iPhone just stopped working.  Or perhaps you were just trying to access your favorite app, and the device wouldn’t open it, again, and when you try open Safari to see what the problem is, the browser just won’t load, you just can’t take it anymore…

So you decide to destroy your iPhone.

The rash solution is to throw it against a wall in frustration.  Or drop it from your 15th storey apartment.  Or smash it with a hammer.  But there are as many ways to wreak havoc on your iPhone as there are reasons for doing it.  Let’s explore some methods, so you can decide how you’ll end the life of your (once) prized possession!

Quick Household Methods to Destroy Your iPhone

When you just need to get the job done.

iPhone vs. Truck

iPhone vs. Blender

iPhone vs. Boiling Water

iPhone vs. Drill

Creative Methods to Render Your iPhone Irreparable

Imaginative solutions to destroy an imaginative device.

iPhone vs. Giant Magnifying Glass

iPhone vs. Microwave Robot

Hi Tech Punishiment for an iPhone Behaving Badly

When you’ve got toys that are more powerful than the iPhone itself, why not use them against the little weeny device?

iPhone vs. Extreme Heat

iPhone vs. Lasers

Don’t Try This At Home… Unless You’re Mad

Safety first.  New phone second.

iPhone vs. Hand Gun

iPhone vs. Angle Grinder

Who Doesn’t Love a Montage?

It Takes a Lickin’…

Testing the durability of a consumer product with entertaining methods isn’t a new phenomenon. Timex, the titan of watch manufacturers, popularized the slogan “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking”.  Check out some of the vintage ads where they tested their claims.

While the iPhone does, at times, have the ability to continue functioning after it has been drilled or dropped in water, it is a pretty sensitive electronic device that can fail when it is simply knocked off of a coffee table, or dropped into a toilet.

Unless the phone has been obliterated, most of the common damage sustained by an iPhone can be repaired.  What could be more convenient than sending your damaged device from anywhere in the States to the professional repair team at iFixYouri, who specialize in iPhone repair, and getting your baby shipped back to your hands like new?

Besides, it’s more fun to destroy a working iPhone…

 

Uncategorized

Where to Watch Out for iPhone Damage in the Home

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Have you ever wondered which locations in the home iPhone users are most likely to damage, crack or break their smartphones? SquareTrade, a gadget warranty website, recently conducted a study revealing that

  • 21 percent of all iPhone damage related to the home occurs in the kitchen
  • 18 percent of incidents occurs in the living room
  • 16 percent in the bathroom
  • 10 percent in the bedroom
  • 8 percent in the driveway

In September, SquareTrade released information indicating that Americans have lost $5.7 billion dollars to iPhone damage just since 2007. Since the website sells extended warranties for electronic gadgets of all kinds, including the iPhone, it makes sense it would promote the notion that owners often lose money because they frequently damage their iPhones and accidents are not rare but rather common occurrences.

Since iPhones are damaged so easily, the iPhone repair industry is booming.  However, when it comes to getting your damaged iPhone back in the condition you had it when it was first bought, you’ll need to consider professional services, not just the local electronics repair shop.  iFixYouri uses top-of-the-line replacement parts and utilizes a safe, static-free environment for iPhone repair.

Beware the Kitchen

If you are among those people who have accidentally microwaved, baked or boiled your iPhone while cooking your dinner, you probably have no problem agreeing with SquareTrade’s assessment that the kitchen is a dangerous location for electronic devices, especially cell phones.

Studies show that three-quarters of all smart phone users carry them into the bathroom and I am actually quite shocked that more iPhones have not found their way into the toilet. A Plaxo study in 2011 cited that 19 percent of all iPhones have been submerged in toilet water, while SquareTrade’s survey determined 9% of iPhone users have faced that issue at home.

The bottom line is you need to be careful when using your iPhone in the home. You would be wise to purchase a screen protector and case and avoid cooking on the stove while attempting to play Angry Birds at the same time. This dangerous combination will result in nothing but bad news for your dinner, your game play and your phone.

Apps

Free iPhone Apps That Will Make Your Life Easier

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When it comes to benefiting from all that technology has to offer, you have to know there is more to your iPhone than playing Angry Birds – especially since it’s not a free app. There is nothing wrong with buying apps or playing games while you wait for your ride, your doctor, or while enduring public transportation.

The real beauty of technology and its entire splendor is deep-seated in applications, or apps, that you can download, to help you live an easier, more informed life. Although some cost money, there are tons of no-cost versions you can download to make your life a bit more efficient. If you are an Apple aficionado, the best free iPhone apps are right at your fingertips.

Free iPhone Travel apps

There are several free iPhone apps that will help you travel the globe much more efficiently than you ever thought possible.

1)      Airport Utility

Airport utility app allows you to view and control your Wi-Fi network, Time Capsule, Airport Extreme and Express at the touch of a button. What does that mean, exactly? It means you will be able to see what you are connected to, and how you are connected to it. It will allow you to change your Wi-Fi settings, and access base station, a DNS server, IP address and router address. This will ensure that you are connected at all times, safely and efficiently.

2)      FlightTrack

This app is personally responsible for on-time travel worldwide! Well, sort of. FlightTrack allows you to enter a flight number or simply a destination and airline name, and follow the flights activity from afar. You will know when a flight is delayed, early, on time and even when it touches down! The GPS magic of FlightTrack allows you to view an image of the plane as it traverses its flight plan, so you can see exactly where the traveler (even if it is you) is at all times. This allows you to pick someone up from the airport on time, without having to hang out in the cellphone lot for an hour.

3)      MapQuest 4 Mobile

Should that flight take you to a foreign land or even a city you have not lived in since you were a kid, MapQuest 4 Mobile app will give you step by step, voice guided directions, no more wandering around or appearing as if you really do not belong, thanks to this navigational genius.

Free iPhone Lifestyle Apps

Let’s face it, whether you are traveling across the globe, or sitting on your very own porch, you are going to need something, at some point. That something can be in the form of the closest Chinese restaurant, the answer to a trivia question, or a recipe on the fly — you know, since you are already at the grocery. Whatever your question, do not hesitate to tap one of the following best free iPhone apps to make it happen.

1)      Chrome

In a fistfight, Google chrome app will always win against any other browser, especially where an app is concerned. This monumental beauty is fast, organized, and will have the results you need in no time.

2)      Facebook

You want everyone to know you just landed in Tokyo or that your mom’s famous cookie recipe has just come to life in your very own kitchen, not hers. Go ahead and tap your Facebook app, and update your status before the kitchen timer goes off. In fact, you could do so with the other hand on the cookie sheet, it’s so easy to use!

3)      Sports Tap

Even if you only follow your hometown teams, Sports Tap iPhone app gives you the ability to pick the teams you follow, and to receive updates for each of their games with ease. The results are easy to read, and the navigation is perfect for anyone who is simply trying to impress the sport’s emperor in their life.

4)      IMDb

If you think you could not care less whether the girl in the last episode of “The Wire” was also the girl from a sitcom you watched six years prior, it does not mean you will not look it up. When you do, nothing makes it easier than the IMDb app. You can also check out movie trivia, trailers and even shooting locations, if you’re planning on crashing the set.

5)      Amazon Mobile

The truth is Amazon owns everything these days, which is great news for any online consumer, no matter what their views on Capitalism entail. Download the Amazon Mobile free app, and you will never miss another birthday, holiday, anniversary or book, music or movie release (for yourself, of course) again. The best part is, just like the website, it will ship everything from a new pair of flip-flops to a balance bike for your four year old niece anywhere.

6)      Nook, Kindle or iBook

Listen, we all have our affinity for one or the other. Since you can get any of the three for your iPhone, there is no reason to leave a book lie on another device when any of the three apps can be easily accessed from your phone. Start reading more, and enjoy the convenience of whatever e-reader suits your fancy, from your iPhone. It is the one thing that is always with you.  In addition, they all have magazines, newspapers and periodicals that will allow you to spend more time digesting knowledge.

7)      Shazam

Everyone has had the experience where they hear a song on the radio and they just can’t remember the name of it, or who sings it.  Shazam will give you all the information you need, with the tap of its app icon.  Musical magic.

8)      Epicurious

If you have a fridge that is full of groceries but you do not know how to cook, just type what you have into the Epicurious app and it will search for professionally created and tested recipes. This is the perfect app for staying in your pajamas on a rainy day, instead of eating out.

With over 300,000 free iPhone apps available (and counting), your idea of the best free iPhone app may differ from your friend’s and co-worker’s. The good news is, they are easy to use, and if you find you do not like it, all you have to do is delete it and find a replacement!

The internet is full of hundreds if not thousands of free iPhone apps, but you won’t be able to appreciate any of them if your iPhone is damaged. If your iPhone isn’t working properly due to damage, it would be easier to get it repaired than to buy a new one. iFixYouri specializes in repairing broken and damaged iPhones. If you accidentally broke your iPhone’s screen, or you dropped your phone in the pool, bring it or send it to us and let us repair it for you. Once your precious device is up and running again, you can start enjoying the universe of free iPhone apps.