Apple Media Event Announcements: Free OSX Mavericks is Here! iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, New Retina Macbook Pros

OSX Mavericks from www.Apple.com

Hopefully, you saw the Apple Media Event and saw the new introductions.  I missed it but I hope to watch it later if I can view it on my Apple TV (which I didn't hear of any updates for).  There were some good announcements today.  Here is a quick summary:

OSX Mavericks is available and FREE at the Mac App Store.  Thanks to MacRumors for that information.  You can access OSX Mavericks by clicking here.  Mavericks comes with over 200 new features which I'll cover in depth later...maybe not all 200 but the major updates.  So, hurry and get Mavericks!

iPad Air:  The latest full size iPad was introduced and is now called the iPad Air because it is thinner and lighter than its predecessors and comes with a Retina display as usual.  It also has a 64-Bit A7 processor and it comes with sizes up to 128 GB's of storage.  See more details here.

iPad Mini:  The latest generation of iPad Mini now comes with a Retina display.   I know many people were waiting on that so it's finally here.  If this is what was holding you back from getting an iPad Mini...then wait no longer...well, a little longer...they should be released in November.  The new iPad Mini is a little thicker and heavier than its predecessor but hopefully we won't be able to really tell the difference.  It also has a 64-Bit A7 processor and comes in sizes up to 128 GB's of storage.  See more details here.

Macbook Pro with Retina:  There was no update for the normal Macbook Pro but the 13" and 15" Macbook Pros with Retina were updated with new Haswell processors and faster Flash storage.  The entry level price has also dropped on the Retina Macbook Pros by $200.  See more details here.




You can watch the full event here if you haven't seen it.

I hope you enjoyed the announcements from Apple and we will dive deeper into them later.

What are your thoughts about Apple's announcements?  What products are you excited about?

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IOS 7 Features You May Not Know About

There are a lot of changes in iOS 7 for the iPhone since the software was overhauled.  At WWDC, Apple covered many of the changes but there are some changes they did not cover.  This video is to catch you up on the uncovered changes.  The guy in the video (SoldierKnowsBest) talks a little fast but you can pause, rewind, or replay as needed.  This is some very good information and there is a recap below.

Here are some changes in iOS 7 that you may not know.  Some are very minor but others may come in handy.

Spotlight search -- Instead of having to scroll to the left to access spotlight search, you can now access the feature by sliding your finger from the middle of the screen.  Before you would only see the spotlight search...it seemed like you opened a search app because the search was your complete focus.  Now it feels more integrated with the iOS while you're searching.  Honestly, right now, I rarely use spotlight search so I guess I will find out if that's because of the location.  Now, that it will be slightly easier to access and more integrated with the regular screen, I may use it more often.

Clock app -- If you start a timer under the clock app, when you lock your iPhone, the timer will display below the current time.  In previous iOS versions, if you start a timer and lock your iPhone, the timer is not displayed.  If you want to check the status of your timer, you must unlock your iPhone.  So, if you use the timer function a lot, the new iOS will make the timer a bit more helpful.

Turn off iPhone -- Along with all the modern tweaks in iOS 7, you will notice how it now turns off slightly differently.  Now, you receive the see through "slide to power off" button.  As you slide to power off in iOS 7, the screen will begin to dim to reflect the action.  This isn't a big feature...it's just a nice little touch feature that most people may overlook.

Unlock your iPhone screen -- So after you have locked your iPhone screen, currently, you have to click the Home button, then click "slide to unlock".  With iOS 7, you can "slide to unlock" from anywhere on the screen.  This feature may save you a little time.

Multitasking -- Now with multitasking, you get a preview of the apps that are currently open.  This works when your screen is displaying portrait or landscape mode.  You can also close multiple apps at once simply by grabbing them and sliding up.  This can be very helpful if you normally have a lot of apps open and want to close them.  Currently, you would double click the Home button, then hold your finger on the multitask panel until the app icons began to shake.  Then you tap the "x" on each app to close them.

App Store wish list - In iOS 7, the app store will offer a wish list option.  When browsing apps, if you're not completely sure about buying the app, you can add it to your wish list.  This may be helpful if you normally purchase a lot of apps at once.  You can browse apps and add them to your wish list.  Then you have them all in one place when you're ready to purchase.

Passbook scan feature -- In iOS 7, when using Passbook, you now have scan functionality where you can scan QR codes.

Maps app -- The app now has a compass in the top corner to help you navigate.

Phone keypad -- In the new iOS, when you are dialing a number on the keypad, as you select a number, your background will display.  This is a very subtle change.

Camera app -- You will now be able to pinch to zoom while recording video.  This will help with focusing your video and may produce videos with a bit more appeal...all depends on what you're zooming in on I guess.  If you take a lot of panoramic photos, you can now use those photos for your iPhone background.  This is interesting because you can move your iPhone around and it will display different parts of the panoramic background.

That's a recap of all the features that were covered in the video.  I hope you find some of the new features cool or helpful.  With this tutorial, by the time iOS 7 comes out, you will already know a lot about it.

What do you think about iOS 7 and its new features?

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How to Use AirPrint with Your iPod, iPad, or iPhone

AirPrint for your iPod, iPad, or iPhone

There is a common misconception about Apple and its products.  Everyone thinks because Apple is proprietary, their devices don't play well with others.  Apple wants you to use all their products because they believe it will give you the best experience...it may provide a better experience, but it's not your only option.  I use a Linksys router on my home network and rarely have any issues.  I also use a Western Digital external hard drive for my Time Machine backups.  Once again, it's rare that I have any problems.  Now, that's cleared up so let's look at how to use AirPrint on your iPod, iPad, or iPhone.

I honestly don't use AirPrint much.  I haven't really thought about the feature.  If I'm home and I want to print, I'm usually on my Macbook.  There could be other situations when you may need to use AirPrint.  Someone mentioned printing on iPads today in a casual conversation.  I didn't know all the details off the top of my head.  I knew of it and a few general details.  Enough to let the person know AirPrint should work with different printers.  Once I got home, I did some quick research...literally, in 5 minutes (maybe less), I had printed from my iPad.   So if you need to learn more about this feature, this will be a quick tutorial.

For printers, the main things you have to do is verify that your printer is AirPrint capable and that your iOS device is on the same home network as your printer.  You can find a list of compatible printers here.

Once, you know your printer is AirPrint capable or you have purchased an AirPrint capable printer, you can easily begin printing from your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. You can AirPrint from apps that include the print capability.  To test AirPrint, I used the Notes app.  To initiate AirPrint on your iOS device, just follow these steps:

1. Inside the app you are using, look for the Sharing icon and select it.
2. Then select the Print button
3. Then select your Printer if it's not already selected and press Print.
4. That's it!  Too easy, right?

Keep in mind, not all apps will have the AirPrint feature.  You may need to try one that you would expect to have the feature (such as the Notes app) just to ensure it works.  Then you can enjoy AirPrint on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

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Cookoo: The Watch of the Future

Cookoo:  Watch of the Future?

Technology is always advancing but sometimes, it just seems like technology is stuck in one place.  When that happens, sometimes all it takes is one new, great device to get technology moving again.  Apple proved that with the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.  Isn’t it time technology moved forward with the watch?

Watch of the future?

ConnecteDevice Ltd has introduced the potential watch of the future:  Cookoo, the connected watch!   The watch functions as an extension of your smartphone with the following features:

• Notifications (Incoming & missed calls, Facebook messages & posts, low battery, and reminders)
• Facebook check-in
• Find missing devices
• Take pictures from you phone

The future of the watch of the future

I don’t know where the company will be taking the Cookoo watch in the future but I think they have made a great start.  I can only imagine that the watch will gain more features in the future.  It will have to because there is always competition.  In order to stay at the top, the watch will have to continue to advance.  As for right now, the Cookoo watch has the potential to become the watch of the future!

Apple iOS App Switcher Improvements

Apple has created some great products (iPod, iPhone, iPad) and introduced us to the world of iOS.  iOS gave us capabilities on our phones that we didn't initially expect.  I mean multi-touch is a great feature!  Well, new technology is only new for a short time.  After we get used to features we didn't previously know we needed, we begin to think of new ways the technology could be improved.  There is always room for improvement, right?

Auxo has taken the iOS app switching feature to the next level.  I will just cover a couple of quick features because the video below does a great job of walking you through them.  Before you even play the video, you can already see the difference.  The icons have little previews behind them so you can quickly see what's happening with the app.  Another wow factor item is if you try to close an app that is currently running, you will be notified before the app is closed giving you the opportunity to change your mind.  I'm always rushing and closing apps on my iPhone only to realize one second too late that I wasn't ready to close an app.  The Music and Pandora apps are good examples.  They play in the background and sometimes you forget the iOS device is providing the music, especially if you're using AirPlay.  I don't want to ruin the video so I'll stop with those two features.  There are still more  that will interest you.  So take a look at the video and let me know what you think.  Is this app switching evolution?

The Power of iPad

In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad took the world by storm and began the transition to tablet computing.  Often, I thought the iPad could not do all the things that a computer could do.  On the other hand, there are just so many apps available!  They make the iPad powerful and flexible.  iPads may all look the same without special cases or covers, but the apps chosen reflect the individual user.  It's almost hard to believe we are on the 4th generation of iPad.  As many people continue to buy iPads for the holidays, I just want to show you a few videos demonstrating the technology we now have with the iPad.

Parrot AR Drone

iPad Controlled Robot

iPad Controlled Lighting

iPad Controlled House

Recent iPad Controlled Home

New iPad, Old iPad. Now What?

Many people are getting their hands on the latest offerings from Apple, the iPad Mini and the updated iPad 4.  Both are great devices with strong demand.  Now, many are probably enjoying their new gadgets.  They can watch videos, play games, help manage your life, and much more thanks to all the apps available in Apple's app store.  Plus, they have a sleek design.

While you are enjoying your new iOS device, guess who is lurking in the background?  Guess who used to have your attention but now goes unnoticed?  Have you completely forgotten about your old device?  Did you buy the first iPod?  Where is that iPod now?  Mine sits in storage...and it probably still works!

So what will happen to your old iOS device?  Is it doomed to the same fate as my first iPod?  Some people will choose to keep that device for use in another room...or maybe a car!  Others may pass the older device on to a family member.  I think most people will look to sell their older iOS device.  I feel weird saying old...it may be less than a year old!  If you're trying to decide, here are some options for your older iPad...

New iPad Old iPad

Possible Use for iPad Mini

Now that users can actually get their hands on the iPad Mini, they are finding creative ways to integrate the device in their daily lives.  This video below is one example.  I'm sure there are more such as putting the iPad Mini on your refrigerator using the magnetic smart cover (try at your own risk).  Anyway, I think the car installation is a cool idea.  I like how the iPad Mini just slides into place.  Then you have all the apps and features at your fingertips.  Plus, you could use Siri so that you can keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.  All while having the full sound of you car stereo system.  I'm not sure what your plan B would be if you forgot your iPad Mini at home or work.  Can the iPhone or another iOS device connect into the system as well?  Those are the questions I have.  What do you think about this setup?  Would you consider it?  Why or why not?  Also, please let me know if you have any creative ideas for Apple's iPad Mini.

The iPad Mini and iPad 4 Have Arrived!

The holiday season is approaching and Apple just unleashed two gadgets on the world:  the iPad 4 and it's little brother, the iPad Mini.  Is the iPad Mini small enough to be a stocking stuffer?  I stopped by an Apple Store today since I had a little bit of extra time (not really, but I went anyway).  I went to see if they had an iPhone 5 in stock...they did, I hesitated, then it was gone.  Then I looked up as one of the Apple employees brought out about 6 small boxes.  I thought, oh yeah, the iPad Minis!  So I walked around to the two tables that had the iPad Minis.  I was able to play with one for a few minutes.  It was small and lightweight.  I could see why someone would  like it.

Along with the iPad Mini, the iPad 4 is also available now.  It's probably been slightly lost with the focus on the Mini.  The iPad 4 still comes with a Retina display and it is twice as fast as the previous model.  There are 275,000 apps built for the iPad.  One thing I recently found out, the iPad also has an optional Smart Case.  It is similar to the Smart Cover but covers the entire device and it folds into a stand.  I'm not sure how long this has been around but I think it's interesting.

Below are some articles that talk about different aspects of the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini.

4th Gen iPad Teardown

iPad 4 Chip Details

iPad Mini Sells Out at 5th Ave Store

Shorter Lines for iPad Mini

Control Lights With iPhone, iPad

$30 off Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac when you switch from VMware Fusion

As technology continues to grow, we move closer and closer to having capabilities that we previously only saw in movies.  Okay, maybe it's not that futuristic but it is still interesting.  Philips has introduced Hue, a web enabled lighting system.  According to iClarified, Hue's "starter pack includes three bulbs that simply screw into your existing lamps, and a bridge that you plug into your home Wi-Fi router." All you have to do is download an app for your IOS device (iPhone or iPad) and you can control your lighting to include changing colors or creating scenes.  It is even upgradeable which is always a good feature.  The complete article is below.

Introducing Hue

iPad Mini Preorders...and My Thoughts

Now you can preorder the iPad Mini in white or black.  It seems like there may be more demand (or less stock) for this new Apple product.  In under 20 minutes after opening for preorder, the white iPad Mini was already sold out of its initial stock.  If you order a white iPad Mini now, expect to wait about 2 weeks before it will be shipped.  The black iPad Mini is still available for delivery on November 2nd.  Who knows how long that will last?  It may change before I finish writing this post.  Below are articles about the white iPad Minis initial stock being sold out and some preorders already being prepared for shipment.

At first, I didn't think I would be affected by the iPad Mini launch but I'm already starting to like the device.  The screen is smaller, but the device is lighter.  Plus, it has Siri.  I think I will be okay with my iPad 2...without Siri.  In the future, I'm not sure if I would choose the larger iPad or the iPad Mini whenever I decide to upgrade.  What are your thoughts?

Initial White iPad Mini Stock Sold Out

Some iPad Mini Preorders Preparing for Shipment

iPad Mini

iPad Mini Resolution and Pricing/iPad Resales

Now that the iPad Mini has been unveiled, what are your thoughts?  It seems like people would be concerned about resolution and pricing.  The resolution is the same as the iPad 2 instead of the 3rd or 4th generation iPad.  Then you have the pricing that is about $100 more than the competition.  In Apple's defense, you have the quality hardware and software mesh and the ability to connect into the Apple ecosystem.  Plus, it's very light.  With the holiday season around the corner, we will see how well the iPad Mini sells.  Below is an article that goes into more detail about the pricing for the iPad Mini.  Also, there is an article about people selling their iPads as they get ready for replacements.


iPad Mini Pricing

iPad Resales

Apple Announcements: iPad, iPad Mini, 13 Inch Macbook With Retina, iMac, and Mac Mini

The announcements have been made and it looks like the rumors were pretty much on target.  For Apple product lovers, there are some new toys to enjoy.  This includes the Fourth Generation iPad, the super-thin iMac, the 13 inch Macbook Pro with Retina, the updated Mac Mini, and of course, the iPad Mini!  As usual, I am interested in the Mac Mini...the tiny workhorse.  But it was the iMac that shocked me; I was surprised to see the thin iMac.  I'm not trying to start the next rumor, but after seeing the new iMac, I can't help but wonder what Apple could do with the iTV...if they were to make it.

MacRumors did a round up of the announcements for the day.  Take a look at the articles below.  There are a couple of videos at the bottom as well.  Enjoy!  And let me know what you think about Apple's updated and new products.

- Apple Introduces New 7.9-Inch iPad Mini Starting at $329
- Apple Announces Fourth-Generation iPad with Lightning Connector, New A6X Chip
- Apple Announces Lighter, Thinner iMac Models with Fusion Drive
- Apple Introduces 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display
- Apple Introduces New Mac Mini With Faster Processors and Quad-Core Option

- First Impressions and Hands On with iPad Mini
- Hands On with Apple's New 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro

- Some Apple Retail Stores Offering 30-Day Window to Exchange iPads for New Model
- Apple's New 'Fusion Drive' Not a Typical Hybrid Drive
- iPad Mini Supports Siri, iPad 2 Still Doesn't
- Apple Devices to Support Many New International LTE Networks In Coming Months
- 21.5" iMac Has No User-Upgradable RAM; 27" Has Four Accessible RAM Slots
- Apple Announces Updated iBooks App With Continuous Scrolling
- Apple Updates iBooks Author with New Templates and Remote Update Feature

Apple Media Event Around the Corner

Apple's Media Event is Tuesday, October 23, 2012.  This media event is supposed to reveal updated iMacs, 13 inch Macbook Pros with Retina, and Mac Minis (my favorite!).  But of course, the main attraction is the iPad Mini.  Apple has had huge success with the full size iPad but never entered into the smaller tablet market.  Apple's competition seized the opportunity and began offering smaller tablets.  Now, Apple is about to enter the market with the iPad Mini.  How do you think the iPad Mini will be received?

Below is an article that discusses the venue for the Apple Media Event...the California Theatre.

California Theatre for Apple Media Event

Apple Media Event Rumor Roundup

There are a lot of rumors for the Apple Media event expected for next Tuesday.  MacRumors has done a rumor roundup so I have it for you below.  New information has surfaced since then in regards to pricing of the new products.  Those links are also below.  You can look through all the latest information below and let me know what you think about the rumors and the expected prices as well.

Rumor Roundup

13 Inch Macbook Pro with Retina Pics

Updated iPad and Possible Pricing

iPad Mini Pricing

iPad Mini Media Event Oct 23?

The latest rumor is that Apple is planning its iPad Mini media event for Oct 23rd.  I haven't really heard a lot about the demand for this device so I'm not sure how successful the launch will be.  I think Apple has done their research so I believe it has enough demand.  I just don't know if it will sell like the iPad.  What are your thoughts?

I kind of like the idea of having an iPad on the refrigerator (like the picture below) but it may work better with the iPad Mini.  What do you think?

More details about the media event are here...
iPad Mini Event

Apple May Ship 10 Million iPad Minis

According to component suppliers, Apple may be gearing up to ship 10 million iPad Minis in the 4th Quarter!   The iPad Mini still hasn't been officially announced yet but the rumor mill talks of an announcement this month.  Do you think Apple could sell 10 million iPad Minis or do you think the demand will be low and competition will be fierce?


10 Million iPad Minis

iPad Mini Production in Brazil

The latest news says that Foxconn is producing the iPad Mini in Brazil to get ready for a launch.  The device is expected to be announced this month.  Are you excited about the iPad Mini?


iPad Mini Production in Brazil

iPad, iPhone 5: IOS 6 Map Alternative

With the problems Apple has been having with their venture into the map world in iOS 6, Apple has added a map alternatives section to the App Store.  From what I've read, the map feature in iOS 6 has had a lot of complaints from customers.  I haven't used the feature yet so I am impartial.  Have you experienced any problems with Apple's map feature?  Let me know in the comments section.

IOS 6 Map Alternative