Apple History Lesson: Wake/Sleep Button

Have you ever wondered why there was no "on/off" button on iOS devices? Here's why. On the top of your iOS device is a button known as the "Sleep/Wake Button". Apple always thought that there shouldn't be an "on/off" button on life, so why on an iOS device? Instead, you go to sleep, and wake up. Simple as that. Although, sometimes, Apple refers to it as "On/off Sleep/wake" on their website.

1Password is 50% off!

1Password, the app that helps you remember passwords, is now only $8.99 (okay, it's still a bit expensive)! I got it at the discounted price and hope to get a review up soon! This price drop from $17.99 is probably because of the excessive comments on the MacRumors blog. An article on the update of 1Password brought many comments. Many of these comments talked about the price of the app. That night, an employee for AgileBits, the company that runs 1Password, responded to those comments and said that the app is a quality app and is priced as such. 1Password is available for $8.99 for a limited time.

Find My iPhone

Find My iPhone is a service provided by Apple that allows you to locate your iOS devices (iOS 5 or later). This is free. All you need is an iCloud account, which if you can obtain apps, you probably have. Go to Settings > iCloud and turn Find my (iPhone, iPad, etc.) if its not already on. Should you lose a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, then download the iOS app or, if on your computer, go to iCloud.com and go to Find my iPhone. From here, you can find everything, set a passcode, and remotely erase EVERYTHING on your iOS device or Mac. And, if you haven't already, read my posts on "Secure Your Security" for IMPORTANT tips.

The Geek Tour! Preview

Yesterday was Memorial Day! For those who are veterans, you might be looking for a vacation. Well, look no further! This post is just a heads up on an upcoming post about a tech vacation for those going to Northern California. This should be coming out soon. 

School's Almost Out!

While school is almost out, the following app will make you WANT to go to school. It's called iStudiez Pro! Available for iOS and Mac, this app is a digital planner. It keeps track of grades, assignments, and holidays. It has sync too! Because of the very nice interface, I give this app five-out-of-five Geek Glasses!

iOS Maintenance

Is your iOS device running slow? Before restarting try clearing out your multitasking bar. To do so, simply double click your home button (bottom button with square) to make the multitasking bar appear. Then, touch and hold an icon in the multitasking bar until they wiggle. A red circle with a minus sign will appear with each app. Tap on it to close the app. The app and app data will NOT be deleted. Repeat the process for every app you want to close (I recommend closing every app if your device is running slow). There is currently no way that I know of to close out every app at once. To get the icons to stop wiggling, click the home button. Click the home button or tap outside of the multitasking bar to return to whatever you were doing. You can always return to the multitasking bar to switch through apps.

How to lock the rotation on an iPad

First, switch the switch on the top right of your iPad. If a bell appears, then undo the switch. Otherwise, your screen is locked. Undo the switch if you need to unlock it. If the bell appeared, double-click the home button (button at the bottom of the iPad) and swipe from left to right on the small menu that appears. Tap the button in the bottom left corner and your screen rotation is locked! This should be handy in certain situations. 

Music Every Day

Recently, Apple has unleashed a new iPhone 5 ad entitled, "Music Every Day". Last month, Apple made an ad named, "Photos Every Day" with a song with the same name in the background. The song in the new ad sounds very inverse to the older ad. I love these songs. Very simple and sophisticated. And the ads advertise features and don't make fun of other companies. I like it like that.

Here's "Photos Every Day" as well:

Surface: You're Still Not Getting It

Recently, Microsoft has suddenly realized that people don't understand this whole Surface stand commercial campaign. So, Microsoft has unleashed a new campaign ad, but it doesn't exactly make it a better impression on users. Instead, it pokes mean jokes at the iPad. However, they're making more fun of themselves  than they are at Apple. Microsoft is not advertising anymore of their features than they are of Apple. If anything, their advertising more Apple features than Microsoft features. Microsoft doesn't understand that the people don't want to edit power points on the tablet. When an average consumer looks at the ads, they say, "Wow! I want to play the piano on my iPad!" In addition, the Surface may have 64 GB and cost less, however, it only has 30 GB of free space due to the massive operating system. The Microsoft app store only has 3,000 apps as opposed to the Apple App Store with 300,000 apps. And, having two screens too complicated. If you want to do these kinds of things on an iPad, they're apps for it. Better apps.

Unfortunately, the ad isn't on an accessible source yet.

The Xbox One: What I Could Dig Up

If you haven't heard, Microsoft is following Nintendo's and Sony's footsteps and have created the next generation of their Xbox, now called the Xbox One. Where the heck did that name come from?!
In the previous generation, it was called the Xbox 360. So is this a step down? It's not bad or good. In addition, Microsoft focused on the features and barely touched the games. In fact, virtually ALL of the games announced only showed trailers and no game play. So, is Microsoft saving the games for E3? Hopefully. And while some features seemed impressive, but many people say that they don't scream to them. And I heard something about that your system must connect to the internet once every 24 hours. If you don't, you're locked out of your games. I've even heard of hidden fees. I have to check out the full presentation later. More to come...

Red Cross Tornado App

I cancelled my scheduled post for today to talk about the recent tornado damage in Oklahoma. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy. To keep track of tornados everywhere and stay prepared, download the Red Cross Tornado App. Please try this out if tornados occur or are frequent in your area. I hope this helps!

P.S. If you were affected by this disaster, register yourself as safe and well here.

If you're looking for a loved one, click here.

Photo Shooting

To take better and faster pictures with your iOS device, follow these simple steps. First, if your capturing a group or a wide nature scene, take the picture landscape (on its side). If its a LARGE group or really wide scene, consider a panorama. Otherwise, use portrait. When taking a picture, tap on the screen on where you want to focus (if you're taking a very-close closeup, the camera won't focus). If you take the picture when it's not focused, the camera will automatically focus to whatever is in the middle. I hope this helps. 

P.S. You can take a picture using the "Volume Up" button like a real camera. 

Tech is coming…

To clarify this awkward title, I meant that a lot of technology is coming from upcoming events. Summer is the prime season for computers and video games. And we can expect a lot from Apple at this year's WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) because they have announced virtually nothing this year. Possibly an iPad Mini with Retina Display (fingers crossed!) and an updated line of MacBook Airs (super fingers crossed!!!). In addition, E3 (Electronics Entertainment Expo) is coming up to showcase many video games. Games and consoles including New Super Luigi U and the Xbox 720 might be shown off this year. And immediately following is the most geeky time of year, Comic-Con. Although it's mostly comic books and movies, there are also video games from E3 shown there. I plan to go to the Nintendo Gaming Lounge and blog and tweet live. Anyway, technology is coming and I'll be there. 

I Got My Crate!

If you read my earlier post, then you know that I bought a Crate. If not, please read it as I'll be referring to it in this post. Yesterday, I got it. It came in a marked, large box. 

This crate is much larger than you might expect. And it's very neat. Although the shelf is hard to remove, the wooden pegs are very customizable. And note that I'll be receiving more accessories as time goes on. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below!

$5 for this app?!

One thing I am taking note of lately is the fact that people tend to take a significantly longer time to buy an app for 99¢ than for free. Picture this scenario. When I bought the app, Keynote Remote, an app that controls iWork presentations, it was 99¢. I freaked out when it required iWork '09 and I had iWork '08. I thought, "Great! 99¢ Wasted!!!" Why are people freaking out?! It's 99¢! Software doesn't grow on trees. I'm just saying.

I bought a Crate!

Although this post isn't as "techy" as it is "geeky", it still could be categorized under "accessories". So, I'll write about it. Crates is a project that I've been following for a while now. It's supposed to be this crazy organizing box that works as a stand for iPads, (supposedly) TVs, and other electronics. Heck, it can even be used as a chair. This is created  by a company known as "Quirky". Quirky designs products made by the people. For $10 (or free if you are a subscriber or if your invention qualifies under a certain category), you can submit an idea to Quirky. People vote and "influence" (add their own touches), and get a cut of the profits. I've made $6 from influencing a $10 product. Granted, it's not much, it's still an easy way to make money. Anyway, I've ordered one Crate (for a great deal by the way) from Amazon. I hope to get a review up soon. I'm supposed to get it tomorrow. 

The Square Stand

For a while, Square merchants had to use some sort of third party stand or even no stand at all to hold their iPad for customers. Stands are great because they secure your iPad to a table. For those who don't know, Square is a service created by a co-founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey. It allows anybody to have their own cash register and accept credit cards. For just 2.75% per swipe (or $275 a month at a fixed rate; your choice), you can accept credit cards. Now, there's the Square Stand. An official stand for the iPad. It secures to a counter and has an integrated card reader (as oppose to a card reader that is inserted through the headphone jack). It sells for $299 alone and can be bought in a bundle with a receipt printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner.

Even Geeks Forget Passwords…

As I signup for more and more services to review for this blog, I find that I'm starting to forget my passwords. To keep myself secure, I have a system of about ten passwords. Each one corresponds with a never ending list of usernames and emails. So, I'd like to throw out that I might buy 1Password, an $18 app, the next time it goes on sale. I've found out that the developer now has some feedback thanks to MacRumors, so fingers crossed. What to do…

The NEW Palo Alto Apple Store

Old Store

New Store

Last October, the Palo Alto store moved to a new location across the street. This amazing glass Apple Store looks like a mall by itself! And not a Microsoft Store in sight. And as always, there is a great staff. At this store, I met a genius named Scott. 

Apple Headquarters!

Recently, I went to the Apple Headquarters. This was about my fifth time going there. However, this time I wanted to get something special. So, I got an iPod Shuffle! It's blue. Although I can't truly use it until I get home, it's nice to carry around. 

The Stanford Apple Store

The large Microsoft Store

The Stanford Apple Store is by far the smallest Apple Store you will find. However, that might be because of the towering Microsoft Store next door. Although this store is tiny, it's packed to the brim with customers, unlike the Microsoft Store that has room to spare. They might need a smaller area. Compare these two panoramas of the two stores.

Stanford Apple Store

Stanford Microsoft Store

Not to mention, this Apple Store has an exceptional staff. I met a nice and friendly genius named Sarah who even took a picture with me.

Find My Friends Secret

Apple's app, Find My Friends, is an app that allows you to track your friends and family. And those who use it know that they can change the label that appears when people search for them. Normally, there are presets that include:

- Home

- Work

- School

- Gym

- or you can pick none

These don't change as they are presets but, you can add your own labels. However, there is one time that the presets will actually change. And that's by taking the long way and going to the one and only 1 Infinite Loop itself (or at least near it). Also known as "The Mothership", 1 Infinite Loop is Apple's headquarters and is advertised in some of their products, such as the maps app icon. When you arrive, open Find My Friends and tap "Me". Notice that near the address says "Apple Inc." at the top. And if you tap "Choose Label", you'll find that "Apple Inc." is added to your presets! Although this isn't permanent, it's a nice, small little touch that adds some interest after a long journey. 

Paracable!

Introducing the Paracable! The cable wrapped with a paracord! For just $28, you can get one of these Lightning to USB cables. Just go to paracable.com!

How to buy a Kindle (Seriously, it's that complicated)

Unless you're very proficient at computers (#LikeAGeek), you're probably going to need some help when it comes to Kindle buying. First of all, I don't recommend buying a Kindle from a retailer nor from your mobile device (including from an app). Buy it on a computer from Amazon.com. Find the Kindle section on Amazon. Pick out the Kindle that best fits your lifestyle. If you read in dark areas, pick out a Kindle Paperwhite. If you don't have an internet connection at your house, buy a Kindle Paperwhite with 3G (this 3G is free and unlimited for a one-time fee). Or, if you're just looking for the very minimum, buy a Kindle for $69. Ignore Kindle Fires. Next, decide if you want "Special Offers", also known as ads. If you buy a Kindle with Special Offers, you can remove them later if you choose to. Finally, choose if this is a gift (No, not to yourself). Check the "This is a Gift" button if it is. This removes the Kindle logo from the box to keep it a surprise. Also, it doesn't register the Kindle to your account. Usually, a Kindle ships with your account already linked. Congrats! You're ready to buy your Kindle! Good luck!

The perfect excuse to go to New York!

Other than the Fifth Avenue Apple Store, this app is perfect when you're in New York and in other metros. The app is called "Uber". Uber is a free app that allows you to send a taxi to your location. In addition, they give many discounts. If you sign up today, enter "CPG9C" at signup and "UBER5050" after you sign up for a $10 discount each. Also, read the reviews for current codes! Check it out!

Anticipated Technology for 2013

Here are one of my tech pieces for my school's broadcast. I hope you like it.

P.S. I'm sorry that I said, "Although we are already well into April."

I shot this video in April. Also, sorry for the weird audio glitch!

Need a list?

The "Festival Survival Kit" section
of the Apple App Store

So, this app review has a little background to it. Last week, there was an app collection called "Festival Survival Kit". In the app collection, I found an app called "Travel List - Easy trip packing and planning". It was $2. I was dying to buy it. I'm thinking, "What if it goes on sale?" However, today, I finally bought it. It wasn't on sale, but I felt the need to buy it. So I did. After reading the reviews. All good reviews except for one. That one was because the person didn't have iOS 6. No problem for me. All I saw were green lights. Now for the review. This app is very elegant and beautiful. The first thing I checked for is if it synced with iCloud. It did. One of the best features is that it's not just a packing list. It also gives you a schedule and alert page. The alerts are great because I always needed some sort of reminder to make sure to put my iPad in my backpack. I would charge it the night before, so it wasn't in my backpack at the time. That makes this a very helpful app. For this, I give this app five-out-of-five Geek Glasses.

Happy Star Wars Day!

If you aren't a Star Wars fan, you still might get this. Today's Star Wars day! What a geeky holiday! For those who don't know, today is May the fourth. Say it out loud and you'll understand. Then read on.

If you don't get it, it's May the fourth. As in, "May the force be with you!" Get it? Happy Star Wars Day!

50,000,000,000 and counting!

Apple has, once again, started a countdown for a milestone number of apps downloaded. Every once in a while, Apple holds a contest for us to buy or get the milestone app. The winner gets a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card! There is a visual on Apple's site to understand the rate, but it isn't exact and doesn't say anything about exactly how many apps have been downloaded. The 50,000,000,050th app downloaded will be the lucky app. Good luck. And of course, I must put up an extremely small and long disclaimer for this.

The 50 Billion Apps Countdown Promotion is open only to entrants who are 13 years of age or older (or the minimum age required by your country) at the time of entry, and are legal residents located in a participating country. Void where prohibited. Limit 25 entries per person per day. No purchase necessary. This contest ends after the download of the 50,000,000,050th app. To enter or read official rules, visit www.apple.com/itunes/50-billion-app-countdown/rules/.

Understanding Spam

Trend Micro has released a sample piece of spam mail to the Internet. Spam is an email that tricks you into giving up your information. The sample is below. As you can see, half of the language wasn't put into Grammarly. Although, some of these spammers are smart and put out well written emails. If you get a random email from someone you don't know (even someone you know too; it's happened to me before) with a random link, don't click on it. It might be spam! If you know the person, ask them if they sent it. I hope this helps.

Let's get Productive: Grammarly

Check out Grammarly! The website that checks grammar. The coolest part is that it checks if you're copying someone else's work. It's cool and simple! More to follow.