Screenshots on a Mac

Partial Screenshot

Screenshot on a Mac

I'm not sure if you can tell this, but the picture above is a screenshot.  I took it from Apple's website.  No matter how you use your Mac, I'm sure one day you will need to take a screenshot of something.  There will be times that you just don't want to take a complete screenshot.  You only need one part of what's being displayed for whatever reason.  Well, the good news is that these features are already available in Mac OSX.

Here are a few Mac screenshot commands that you may find helpful in your day to day tasks:

• Command-Shift-3:  Take a screenshot of the screen, and save it as a file on the desktop
• Command-Shift-4, then select an area:  Take a screenshot of an area and save it as a file on the desktop
• Command-Shift-4, then space, then click a window:  Take a screenshot of a window and save it as a file on the desktop
• Command-Control-Shift-3:  Take a screenshot of the screen, and save it to the clipboard
• Command-Control-Shift-4, then select an area:  Take a screenshot of an area and save it to the clipboard
• Command-Control-Shift-4, then space, then click a window:  Take a screenshot of a window and save it to the clipboard

In Leopard and later, the following keys can be held down while selecting an area (via Command-Shift-4 or Command-Control-Shift-4):

• Space, to lock the size of the selected region and instead move it when the mouse moves
• Shift, to resize only one edge of the selected region
• Option, to resize the selected region with its center as the anchor point

These commands came from MacRumors.  For more in-depth Mac screenshot commands, you can view them here.

Did you find these tips helpful?

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Have You Tried iTunes 11 Yet?

Have you tried iTunes 11 yet?

I briefly read about the updates when iTunes 11 was first released.  I downloaded it because it was an improvement.  Since I can purchase my content on my iPhone and get it directly on the device, I hadn't really tried the new iTunes.  Today, I had a bit more time and decided to listen to some music...wanted to listen to T.I.'s new album.  I had a few options.  I could play it on my iPhone or Apple TV, but I decided to play it on my Mac Mini using iTunes.  Initially, I started the album on iTunes using my iPhone with the Remote app.  Later, I wanted to change something and I was closer to the Mac Mini so I started messing with iTunes.

At first, I wasn't feeling it...I was slightly hesitant to the change.  Being a guy, I didn't look for instructions or review the changes.  I just tried to use it.  It wasn't looking good but then it began to click.  It can be a problem when you first use it but after playing with it a little bit, it will begin to make sense.  You may even decide some features are major improvements.

A few features that I like are:

UpNext - This feature allows you to quickly add songs to your list of what is currently playing.
Expanded View - You can view the album cover art, then select it to see the contents on the same screen.
Mini Player - This allows iTunes to take up a lot less space on your desktop while still providing a lot of functionality.

Here is a good video that covers iTunes 11.  If you haven't used it yet or are struggling, this video will help you learn the features.  Then you should get more enjoyment out of the program.

Let me know what you think about iTunes 11.

Happy New Year 2013!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2013

A new year has arrived!  To reflect from an Apple Newbies perspective, it was a good year.  It wasn't great but the site is growing and I am thankful for what I have accomplished.

The site used to be called Apple Info by TigerDG but this year I created Apple Newbies!  I think it has a good ring to it.  My focus has been on helping new and experienced Apple product users.  The products are pretty great so hopefully, you don't need too much help.  If you do, I will post helpful tips and tutorials to keep you productive and enjoying your devices.

During the year, I did get side-tracked a bit by providing too much news and rumors at times.  I value news and product rumors but there are already plenty of great sites that provide that.  In an effort to still provide you news while maintaining focus on great tips and tutorials (with key news when needed), I created the news feed that runs at the top of the page.  If you haven't noticed it, it is constantly updating with the latest news from multiple sources to keep you informed.  Just click on any article you want to know more about!

The latest feature I recently added was the Contact page.  Now you can submit any questions or suggestions for Apple Newbies during this new year.  I want this website to be a great experience for everyone.  Your questions and help will only make Apple Newbies stronger.

So cheers to a great new year and seeing what the future holds!

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

New Apple TV Update To Bring Bluetooth Keyboard Support

This is exciting news!  It's only minor news technically but it makes my mind wander about what this could mean in the future.  Apple's next iOS update to the Apple TV is expected to bring Bluetooth keyboard support.  Normally, the Apple TV is fairly easy to navigate with the remote but when you have to search for something, the process is lacking.  You have to arrow up, down, and side to side to get to each character and then press enter.  With a keyboard, you just type as you normally would.  This would definitely help the search function.  Now, my mind is wandering in the direction of thinking Apple is moving towards having a web browser added to the Apple TV.  This is just speculation on my part of course, but how cool would that be?  I understand some users have had this feature for a while by jailbreaking their Apple TV 2 or earlier editions and adding Couch Surfer (I think that's the name).  Since the Apple TV 3 has not been jailbroken yet, this is not an option so I'm excited by the possibility of what could follow the Bluetooth keyboard support.  Sorry, not trying to start the next rumor.  I'm just stating where I think Apple is heading.  I could be completely wrong.  Hopefully not.  Let me know your thoughts on the matter.  Below is the complete article.


Upcoming AppleTV Update

Apple News and Updates: iMac, iTunes 11, and Unlocked iPhone 5

Whether you are a PC or Mac user, you can appreciate this.  The new iMac is now available for purchase.  I'm excited about the beautiful design.  This is expected from Apple but honestly, it did catch me by surprise when it was revealed.  I don't remember seeing anything in the rumor sites before the unveiling.  If you or your family and friends are looking for an all-in-one computer, I think this will be a great choice.  Apple has once again set the standard.  Due to competition, expect other companies to follow with their designs...so PC and Mac users can benefit.   The most exciting part is the design of the iMac but Apple did make other improvements such as reducing glare on the display.  If you like the details of how it performs, you can find the benchmarks below.  Also if you haven't done so, make sure you look at the video above.

iMac Benchmarks

Also, in news, Apple released iTunes 11.  It's about a month later than originally expected but hopefully, that is so Apple could release a polished product.  They don't need another Maps incident.  Apple's plan with iTunes 11 is to have a more simplified design for ease of use.  I've already downloaded it but haven't had a chance to play around with it yet.  Look at the links below for more details.  "What's New?" will take you to Apple's site where you can watch their video explanation.

What's New?

iTunes 11 Released

Now, don't forget.  If you're upgrading to iTunes 11, make sure you upgrade your Remote App and AppleTV also.

Update Remote App and AppleTV

The last update is that Apple now has unlocked iPhone 5's for purchase online.  This came a little late for me since I just went under contract with my iPhone 5.  You could already buy unlocked iPhone 5's in the Apple Retail Stores if they were available.  With them now being available on the Apple Online Store, you should be able to reserve them for next day pickup in the Retail Store.  Don't quote me on that one.  Of course, if you buy the unlocked iPhone 5, you will have to pay more upfront but it will give you flexibility in choosing service providers.  If you make the right choice and calculate over a 2 year period, you may actually save more than with a contract plan.  You can follow me on Twitter (@TigerDLG)  or Google+ and direct message me for service provider tips.

Buy Unlocked iPhone 5 in U.S.

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

Mission Control on Mac

I haven't really used Mission Control on my Mac very often.  I think that was because I hadn't spent any time to learn about it.  After taking the time, I can already see ways that it can help me improve my productivity while keeping my workspaces neat and tidy.  If my computer were a desk, it would be a cluttered desk.  Mission control clears up the clutter.  It may take a little bit of time to get used to but I think it will be beneficial.

The videos below offer a quick tutorial (1st one) to get you started or a more detailed tutorial (2nd one) that covers gestures, special keys, and even settings to use.  So, it's your choice.  You can learn and implement quickly or you can dive deeper and master Mission Control.  "Master" may be stretching it.  Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today is a special day.  It is a day we can spend with our families and friends.  A day that we can reflect on the year and appreciate the great blessings we have received.

Apple Releases Two New iPhone 5 Commercials

Apple launched two new iPhone 5 commercials with the titles of "Orchestra" and "Turkey".  The first one focuses on how the iPhone 5 reduces background noise during calls.  The second commercial focuses on using Apple's Photo Stream sharing feature.

Both features are interesting and add to the value of purchasing an iPhone 5.  So without further ado, take a look at the commercials below and decide if they are up to Apple's normal standards.

Apple Television Rumors Return

Recently, we haven't heard many rumors about Apple creating a television set.  The device was being called the iTV in previous rumors.   In the past, it seemed like the rumor was gaining momentum but the last rumor I heard was that there were delays in content contracts.  Now that the iPad 4th generation and iPad Mini have launched, MacRumors has posted the first new Apple television rumor I have seen.  The article discusses that at least one major cable company is looking into the potential impact an Apple television would have on its network infrastructure.  It also mentions that it could be an updated Apple TV or an Apple television coming out.  There is no mention of a release date.  I guess we will see if Apple has one more event planned for this year shortly.  If they want to launch a device for Christmas, time is running short so they would need to host an event this month.  I'm not sure that would even be enough time.  It may be more likely that Apple will launch early in the New Year.  Right now, this is all speculation.  I'm just kind of throwing out some ideas.  I would like to see what Apple would create for a television after I saw what they did with the iMac.  More details are in the article below.  Read through it and let me know what you think.  Do you think Apple will and/or should launch a television?

Apple Television Rumor

Apple's Fusion Drive

When it comes to hard drives, most people prefer the speed of SSDs (solid state drives) but the storage capacity of traditional hard drives.  Apple's Fusion Drive combines the best of both worlds by taking a SSD and a traditional hard drive, then making them appear as one hard drive.  The new Mac Minis come with a 5400 rpm hard drive which is good to conserve energy but not good for performance.  By adding Apple's Fusion drive software and a SSD to the Mac Mini, the little computer becomes a powerhouse.  Just check out the video below.

If you take a look at the link below as well, make sure you read the comments.  I think one of the commenters provided a really nice explanation of how Fusion Drive works.  He mentioned that data goes to the SSD first providing the speed and performance.  Then as the SSD fills, the data overflows into the traditional drive extending the storage capability.  For me, that provided a clearer picture and better understanding.


Apple's Fusion Drive

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

The New Mac Mini!!!

Apple Mac mini dual-core Intel Core i5 i5 2.5GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, Intel HD Graphics 4000, OS X Mountain Lion

"Hello.  Is it me you're looking for?" (Lionel Richie)  I continue to be smitten by the Mac Mini and it's only a matter of time before I get the new Mac Mini.  It's still pretty rare to have such a powerful computer in this small of a form factor.  The latest update isn't one that  you will notice when you first remove the Mac Mini from its box.  All of the updates are on the inside.

The new Mac Mini offers USB 3.0 for faster data transfer.  It also has faster graphics and gives you the option to power this little beast with a quad core processor.

Still the Mac Mini is small enough to place practically anywhere.  Mine sits on my entertainment shelf easily and takes up way less space than my Xbox 360.  I just use my Macbook (that I'm always on) to connect to the Mac Mini  and control it.  I have a wired keyboard with a built in trackpad just in case I cannot access it remotely.

If you are thinking about buying a Mac at a reasonable price, I recommend the Mac Mini.  The complete review is below.


Mac Mini Review

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

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