Anki Drive: Artificial Intelligence Race Cars!

Every so often, something comes out that is exciting, different and innovative.  Today, it is Anki Drive!      This is not your average race car game.  These cars include artificial intelligence to make the game even more fun.  When you think about playing normal race car video games, you have the option to race against the computer.  This real life game offers the same capability.  You can control your car using your iPhone and at the same time, your iPhone can control a second car that is acting as the computer controlled car to compete against you.  Or you can play against friends.

Take a look at the video by TechCrunch for more details about Anki Drive.



Anki Drive was introduced at WWDC earlier this year and of course it caught my (and I'm sure many others) attention.  I enjoy seeing new technology.

Recently, I went to the Apple Store in my area and I saw the Anki Drive there.  I was surprised that it was only in the package and there was no display for people to interact and test drive this game.  I know it's not an Apple product but since Apple provided time to Anki at WWDC, I thought they had an interest in the company.  This is just my 2 cents but I think Anki Drive would add a bit of excitement and fun to the Apple Store as they prepare for the holiday season.  It would also ensure people are aware of this great product.  That was just one store...maybe it's displayed in some of their other stores.

I'm excited about Anki Drive.  Will I get a starter kit this year?  Don't know.  I think I've been good this year.  We'll see what Santa brings.

What are your thoughts on the Anki Drive?  Is it a sign of the future of gaming?  Do you want one for the holidays?

I Forgot My iPhone

Some of you may have seen this video on YouTube.  If not, I just wanted to share it with you.  I think it  shows and interesting perspective on how connected people are to their iPhones or any smartphone for that matter.

I'm very connected to my iPhone.  It has my emails, Internet, telephone calls, reminders, calendar, music, videos, and virtual assistant plus so much more depending on what apps you add.  Still, I find times when I can leave the iPhone or turn it off when I need to focus.  I don't want it to come between any relationships in my life.

You can see during the video...there is one part where the lady is bringing out a birthday cake and everyone has their iPhone.  Even the birthday guy is more focused on filming the moment than experiencing it.  I hope that's not reality but I'm sure it happens.

While driving, I see people that are not paying attention as they are walking. They are more focused on their iPhones than their safety.

I'm not perfect...I find myself texting when I'm in traffic.  If I catch myself, then I will use dictation or put my iPhone down.  I've seen the commercials and I don't want to be responsible for hurting someone else over texting.  That would affect so many lives and you would have to live with it.

I like that so many people enjoy using the iPhone but don't let it become an addiction.  Don't make bad choices that could affect you forever.

On a lighter note...

If you haven't taken a look at the Apple Newbies Store and the Apple Newbies T-shirt Store, make sure you take a look around.  It would be great to have more people wearing Apple Newbies t-shirts.  When you look at the tees, make sure you look at the front and back.  Also, if you have any ideas for Apple Newbies t-shirts (improvements or quote ideas), just fill out a contact form and let me know.

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Apple iPhone 5 and iOS 6 Tutorials

Last week, I provided videos for the new iPhones, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, and iOS 7.  If you're using them or thinking about using them, make sure you check out the videos.  A lot of people upgraded to the new iPhones...Apple sold like 9 million the first weekend.  On the opposite side of that, there are still a lot people still using the iPhone 5 or iOS 6.

This week, I found a video that covers the features of the iPhone 5 for those that are still using it.  You're not alone.  I still have my iPhone 5 but I did upgrade to iOS 7 and I like it for the most part.

Sorry, I have to mention this little story about iOS 7.  When I first installed it, I used it for a day and then I changed the background.  There was no particular reason...I just preferred a different background.

Have you ever experienced a problem after someone brings it to your attention?  You don't know if it's really happening or if your mind is playing tricks.  This is what happened to me with iOS 7.  I used it fine, no issues.  Then I read this article over at MacRumors that said people were experiencing motion sickness from the iOS 7 display effects.  Then the next time I used my iPhone, I thought I was having problems looking at the display.  Hopefully, you don't do the same thing.  I think it was just my mind since I was thinking about the article.

Well, back to iOS 6, here is a video I found that has some tips and tricks for iOS 6 that you may not be aware of.



If you're one of the 9 million, I want to hear your thoughts on the new iPhones.  What do you think about them?  Has anyone tried out the new fingerprint sensor?

If you're still keeping your current iPhone and not upgrading, I hope you found the videos helpful.  I'd like to know why you decided not to upgrade your iPhone...just curious.

I thought I was not eligible to upgrade my iPhone because of AT&T's contract but they have this new program now called AT&T Next that gives you the ability to upgrade your phone every year.  I haven't looked too deeply into the fine print but it may be worth a look.

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IOS 7, IPhone 5S, and IPhone 5C are Here!

The wait is finally over!  If you were waiting for the release of the iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, and iOS 7...they are now here!

Last week, I didn't have time to upgrade my iPhone to iOS 7 but I upgraded my iPad on the first day it was available.  The only holdup with my iPhone was that it is a 16 GB version and I was using all my storage.  I had to free up 3GB's so I could install iOS 7.  I found time to do that over the weekend.  I also upgraded my Apple TV so I'm good and upgraded.

The main reason I wanted to upgrade was for the automatic updates.  That's a great feature and now I don't have to worry about checking for updated apps and reading what's new in the app.  I mean it's still important so you know what companies are adding to your iPhone.  I prefer the automated process but I'll still keep an eye on the apps that have a lot of my personal information such as social media and banking apps.

Here is a compilation of videos for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5C, and iOS 7 for you to enjoy.  Hopefully, you'll learn something you didn't already know.  After watching them, you can impress your friends with how much you know about the new iPhones and iOS 7.

So, tell me...what are your thoughts on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, and iOS 7?  What do you like and what don't you like?

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Apple iPhone 5 Panorama Tutorial

If you are like me, you take a lot of pictures with your iPhone.  It's just so convenient when you always have a camera with you.  My iPhone has helped me out tremendously in explaining things.  Sometimes you explain something and you think, "I wish I had a picture".  Now when I think that, I usually have a picture on my iPhone.

Now there may be some times when you want to take a picture of something that is as beautiful as it is large.  You don't want to lose the integrity of the picture.  You want to capture it as you are viewing it.  This is when the iPhone's Panorama feature comes in handy.

The iPhone's gyroscope and camera app work in tandem to help you create a stunning panoramic picture.

If you have never used this feature before, make sure you watch the video tutorial up above and you'll be ready to go in no time.

Take great panoramic photos with the iPhone's Panorama feature and share the moments you love with the ones you love.

Was this tutorial helpful?

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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 Setup Your Ringtones on the iPhone 5

iPhone

Sometimes, with all the features of the iPhone 5, I forget about its initial purpose.  First and foremost, it's a cell phone.  It was created so we can communicate with our friends, family, and acquaintances.  Sometimes, we look at all the ways we can communicate (ex. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Skype, Voxer, iMessage, etc.) that we forget that we can just pick up our iPhones and make a regular call.

I met a person recently and while we were talking, I noticed he had an iPhone.  I told him about Apple Newbies and how I help people with Apple product problems with informative tips and tutorials.  Usually, when I tell someone this, I open myself up because I have no idea what problem they may have or if I will have the solution.  Sometimes, I can quickly resolve the problem.  If I can't help them on the spot, that's ok because even in defeat there is a lesson learned (Jay-Z/Samuel Smiles).  Normally, that creates an opportunity to create tips and/or tutorials to help with that problem.

The guy I met simply wanted to use his cell phone.  He only wanted to be able to change the ringtones for different callers.  That's not too much to ask for.  So, today, let's talk about ringtones...

First, let's look at how to change your ringtones for different contacts.  This can be handy if you're not close to your phone while it is ringing.  Based on the ringtone, you can decide how important the call is.  Here is a short video tutorial to help you with that.



The above tutorial is all you really need if want to use the ringtones that come standard on your iPhone.  But if you're like most people, you probably prefer to have custom ringtones.  Maybe there is a song that you just want to add to your iPhone as a ringtone.  Take a look at the following video tutorial for how to make a song into a ringtone using iTunes.



Did you find the tutorials helpful?

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Tips to Extend the iPhone 5's Battery Life

iPhone 5 Battery Life

Now that you have purchased your iPhone 5, you may have some issues with your battery life.  Perhaps it's not lasting long enough or you're just interested in ways to extend the battery life.  The iPhone is essentially a handheld computer.  There is a lot this little computer can do but with all the processing, the battery may run down quicker.

I usually charge my iPhone 5 daily but it doesn't always need it.  My phone could last a day and a half.  If your iPhone is not able to do that, then you may want to check out these video tutorials.  They cover a few tips and tricks to improve your battery life.  Some may overlap but I think if you follow both tutorials, it should help your battery life.

In the past (like a few days ago), I used to recommend that people close the apps they are not using in the multitask bar of their iPhones.  I thought I had read somewhere that it improved battery life.  After researching it, I guess it was a misconception.

Here are a couple more tips that may help extend your iPhone 5's battery life:

Upgrade to the latest software -- When there is a new update for your iPhone, there could be tweaks to improve battery life as well.  You should also upgrade to the latest versions of your apps because the newer versions may offer battery improvements too.

Full cycle recharge -- You should complete a full cycle recharge at least once a month.  This is when you charge your battery to 100% and then run it completely down.

By using the tips above and the tips in the videos below, you should be able to extend your iPhone 5's battery life.  That will give you more time to enjoy it!

Did you find these tips helpful?

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Other articles you may enjoy:

An Idea to Fix Your Slow Macbook

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Save Space on Your iPhone with Media Streaming

Save Space on iPhone with Media Streaming

If you're like me, you purchased the 16 GB iPhone to save money.  It is a good option to save money but 16 GBs can fill up quickly.  Add your favorite apps, videos, music, and books and you'll see how quickly you can use up 16 GBs of storage.  No one wants to try to update their apps only to find out they don't have enough space.  Luckily, due to technology, it's not too large of an issue.  Let's look at a few ways you can save space on your iPhone with media streaming.

Before we jump into media streaming, if you want to cut space, make sure you remove any apps that you don't use regularly...or at all.  I'm sure we can all find a few that maybe were purchased because they were free and now we have no use for the app.  By only keeping useful apps on your iPhone, you'll cut down on space.

If you have a lot of videos, music, and playlists on your iPhone, you can cut back and use the following apps to increase your content while taking up less storage space:

Pandora

You are probably already aware of this app.  If not, this is a FREE app that allows you to stream music to your iPhone.  You can create stations based on songs and artists that you like.  If you get bored of a station, you can either switch to another that you like or add another song or artist to your station to refresh your station.  This is a FREE app but because it is FREE, your music will have interruptions for advertisements.  You can opt for the subscription and then you can listen commercial free.

YouTube and Vevo

Just like using them on your home computer, you can use YouTube and Vevo apps for media streaming on your iPhone.  Together they have a huge selection of videos for your enjoyment.  Vevo focuses on music videos while YouTube has a lot of other video options.

Netflix, Hulu+, and Coolstreaming

You can always turn to Netflix and Hulu+ to watch your favorite television shows and movies on your schedule, even when you're away from home.  This will really increase your content while taking up little space on your iPhone.  You will need subscriptions to enjoy Netflix and Hulu+ on your iPhone.  Coolstreaming is a new (and FREE) app to me, but I'm already liking it.  The reviews on it are average (about 3 stars), but I'm currently watching live television using Coolstreaming and AirPlay to display it on my television through my AppleTV.  So, when this app is working as it should, you should be able to watch live television while you're on the go.  

These apps are just the tip of the iceberg.  There are more apps available that will allow you to stream even more content so make sure you browse through the app store.  This is a good start though to show you how you can save space on your iPhone with media streaming.  

Unfortunately, some of these apps may be tough on your battery so make sure you have a charger nearby.  But overall, now you have lots of options for entertainment on your iPhone!

Did you find these tips helpful?

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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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Are You Having Problems With Your iPhone 5 Home Button?

iPhone 5

Most iPhone 5 owners may have some complaints about the screen size in a world where Apple's competitors are creating larger screens, but I haven't seen too many issues around the iPhone 5's hardware.  Recently, I was introducing Apple Newbies to a fellow iPhone owner and I asked her if she had any issues.  She mentioned that her home button was sticking.  I have never came across this issue with my iPhone so it wasn't something I could fix on the spot.  I asked a few questions for a quick resolution but her answers steered me away from a quick fix.  I told her I would look into it and write a post for her and any other iPhone users having issues with their home button.  I am a man of my word.  I hope she reads this and it helps her (and anyone else with this problem) get back to enjoying her iPhone 5.

First of all, the iPhone 5 should still be under warranty if you purchased it less than a year ago.  You should be able to take it to your nearest Apple Store to have it fixed or to receive a replacement.  Apple proudly displays on their website they have "the highest in customer satisfaction with consumer smartphones".  You can always remind them of that.  Apple's limited warranty on the iPhone 5 covers your iPhone for hardware defects for 1 year from the date you purchased it.  Make sure you read it and are familiar with it...don't forget your receipt.  If your device is under warranty, this is probably the best solution.  You don't want to do anything that could void your warranty.

Next, previous iPhone models had problems with their home buttons as well.  If you own an older iPhone model or your iPhone 5 is no longer covered under warranty, here are some resources to help you:

1.  Watch the video below or read the full article: Four Ways to Fix and Unresponsive iPhone Home Button



2.  Read this if you prefer a Wiki version.

3.  View this article:  iPhone Home Button Not Working or Unresponsive

4.  As a last resort, if you need to open your iPhone, follow this at your own risk.

By the time you are done with all these options, your iPhone home button issues should be resolved.  iPhone owners everywhere should now be able to enjoy their iPhones once again.

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iPhone 'Do Not Disturb' Tutorial

Imagine!  You've been up all day just enjoying yourself.  And you've been awake most of the night enjoying yourself.  Now, you're home and you can hear your bed calling your name.  There is nothing you want more at this moment than the feeling of when your head meets the pillow.  Finally, you can rest your eyes.  You are exhausted.   Shortly after you fall asleep, your phone rings.  You try to ignore it but it keeps ringing and disturbing your peaceful slumber.  Isn't that the worst time to get a phone call?  I'm sure you can think of other situations where you don't want anyone to disturb you.

The previous scenario could have been easily avoided by using Apple's 'Do Not Disturb' feature found in iOS 6.  We all have busy lives but when it's time to sleep, we don't want any disturbances unless it's important.  With the 'Do Not Disturb' feature on the iPhones, you don't have to worry about unwanted calls, alerts, and notifications. If this sounds like what you've been looking for, here is how you activate it:

First, you go to "Settings", then "Do Not Disturb".

There you will see the slider button that you can use to turn the feature on.

Next, you can go to "Settings, then "Notifications", then "Do Not Disturb".

In this section, you can make changes to your 'Do Not Disturb' settings such as scheduling the time frame that you don't want to be bothered, determining what calls are allowed, and selecting whether the iPhone should ring if the call is repeated (twice within 3 minutes).

So there you have it.  It's pretty simple.  Since it's getting a late for me, I think it's time to activate the feature and get some sleep.

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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 Return of Google Maps App to iOS

There have been quite a few users that were unhappy with Apple's Maps app that was introduced this year with iOS 6.  It was Apple's attempt at moving aways from Google's Maps app.  Lots of people longed for the day they could have Google Maps app once again on their iPhones.  Well, the wait is over!

Now, you can download the Google Maps app for your iPhone.  It should work on the iPhone 4 as well as the iPhone 5.  The learning curve should be simple since most iPhone users were using it until Apple released its Maps app.

Honestly, I can't say that I have had many problems with Apple's Maps app but I think it depends on your location.  In some places, the app is more limited or inaccurate.  The next time I need navigation, I will have to compare the apps to see which works best for me

The link below provides all the details for Google Maps app.


Google Maps for iOS

iSiri: Stretching Siri's Limits

Is innovation dead?  I would say "No".  Innovation is very much alive!  Apple introduced us to Siri and even though it is still in Beta, it is very powerful...and still learning.  Siri is a virtual assistant that was introduced on the iPhone 4S.  Now you can access Siri on the iPhone 5, iPad 3rd generation and up, iPod Touch 5th generation, and the iPad Mini.

With these devices, in particular the iPhone and iPod, you are basically carrying a computer in your pocket or purse.  Now imagine being able to access Siri without removing the iOS device from its location.  This is where iSiri comes into play.

Ciccarese Designs designed and created iSiri.  iSiri provides a sleek, polished, Apple-esque (only my opinion) design that can be used to remotely access Siri.  It can even be worn on your wrist.  It uses Bluetooth to access the iOS device.  On their website, it only mentions the iPhone but since the new iPod Touch 5th generation also has Siri and Bluetooth, I would assume it would work with iSiri as well.  For more details, you can read more and enjoy the artwork at the site below.  Let me know what you think of iSiri.

iSiri Design Page

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.

Google Search App for iPhone

Google has updated it's search app with voice search.  Immediately, it is being compared to Siri.  You can ask Google Search different questions and depending on the question, it will present you with the answer, search results, and even video.  Along with the Siri comparison, Google Search currently cannot control other apps.  That's not to say it won't happen in the future.  This app works on the iPhone 4 which Siri currently does not support.  It is also said to be faster than Siri.

So once again, the competition is heating up.  This is usually good for users because we get great products out of friendly competition.  If you don't have this app, it may be worth a try.  Then let us all know how well it works.

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

iPhone 5 Demand Almost Doubles iPhone 4S

A survey of consumers was conducted and it seems the demand for the iPhone 5 is almost double what it was for the iPhone 4S.  That is understandable since the iPhone 4S was more of a modest update while the iPhone 5 involved a complete redesign.  More details are included in the article.  I'm circling around getting an iPhone 5.  It's not an issue of the hardware...it's trying to find the best carrier plan.  If anyone has any good ideas, please let me know!  I will continue to research and will share whatever I find out.

iPhone 5 Demand