| What we want to see from new Apple Watch bands Posted: 19 Feb 2016 09:00 AM PST 
Rumor has it Apple is readying new Watch bands for March — so here are our hopes and dreams! While we may not be getting new Apple Watch hardware until the end of the year, speculation is we will get some new Watch bands this spring. That happened last September, when we got not only gold and rose gold sport finishes, but new sport bands, new leather looks, and Apple Watch Hermes. So what might this March bring? Apple Watch Sport bands 
 Ren: More colors, alternative materials, and a clasp that doesn't stick to my skin. I have a ridiculous number of Sport bands, and while I like them, the fleuroelastic material is just sweat-resistant enough that it makes them really itchy to wear long-term. And while I doubt they'll redesign the hidden band tail, part of me wishes they would: As a small-wristed watch-wearer, I end up having to stuff half of the Sm/Med band under the other band, which can be a huge pain if your skin is already sweating or wet in any way.
 Georgia: I think the Apple Watch sports bands are already well formed and I like the existing variety of colors. Perhaps Apple could do something more trendy — Burberry-style plaid, Angela? — but otherwise I'm happy.
 Lory: I am actually disappointed with the material that the sport band is made from. It makes my wrist sweat too much when I'm exercising. I'd love to see a sport band made from something more breathable; some kind of web material like the kind that military belts are made from.
 Daniel: Sport band choices for the Apple Watch already run the gamut; there is a colour for almost everyone, and the bands themselves are cheap enough to justify buying a couple.
I'm interested in seeing Apple design a hybrid sport band that can be considered somewhat dressed up — more along the lines of the leather loop, sans cow.
 Rene: I'm happy with the current colors of the Apple Watch sport band. While stripes and polka dots and other designs might be fun for some, they wouldn't high on my list. Instead, I'm wondering if Marc Newson could come up with a new sporty design.
We don't need it, of course, but I'm curious to see what else he can come up with. Maybe something without a buckle at all? Of course, that might need to wait for Apple Watch 2... Apple Watch (steel) bands 
Georgia: The Apple Watch bands should be available in all sizes for all styles. Like Rene, I would love to have the Milanese Loop in black. I would also really appreciate more bands that are delicate and able to be worn with a fancy dress.
Lory: I've always been a fan of bangle style watches. I'd love to see a line of stainless steel bangles that compliment the watch face while still looking like a nice piece of jewelry. I'd also like to see more options for the black stainless steel case.
Ren: Georgia and Lory have the right idea — dressy bands! It'd be really fun to see how Marc Newson can stretch the idea of "watch band" into "dressy wrist wear"; I saw a cheap Android display built into a bangle bracelet, and now I'm kind of obsessed with the idea.
I also want more Modern Buckle colors and sizes, because that band is oh-so-comfortable.
Daniel: I've fallen in love with the Saddle Brown Classic Buckle band that was unveiled back in September. Like the black equivalent released alongside the Apple Watch, it's low-profile and incredibly hardy. I'd love to see a couple more colors, such as the same blue stain on the Leather Loop, or a deep red, that would look a bit more casual.
Rene: I'm with Georgia. Highest on my list in getting all the Apple Watch straps in both 38mm and 42mm sizes. Tiny wrists deserve the Leather Loop too! Since I own a space black, though, I'll buy a space black the moment it's announced. Rumor has it some prototypes have been spotted on some wrists going back a year now, so if the DLC has been sorted, my order is pending.
Apple Watch designer bands 
Ren: The concept of the designer Apple Watch line is fascinating to me, and I think it's the right tack to take on the watch market. But I really, really wish they'd have a band-only option. For those of us who already have a casing, buying a whole new watch just to get that Hermes Double Tour feels wasteful and ridiculous. But I also don't particularly want to support the Chinese knockoffs lurking around Amazon. Give me a middle ground, Apple, and I'll gladly pay for a high-end watch band. Just don't make me buy a new watch, too.
Georgia: I am not really into designer bands as I'm guessing they'd continue to be high-priced and only affordable towards the more premium end of the market. That being said, if there was a Swarovski band I — take my money!
Lory: I think it would be fun to have pop culture-themed designer watch bands, like Disney characters, or Star Wars themes. Of course, I'd pick those two, but my point is that I would love to show off my obsessions with a watch band that matches.
Daniel: I appreciated how measured Apple is being with its brand partnerships, and I wouldn't be surprised to see just one more unveiled at the March event. It would be great to see Apple separate the designer from the Watch itself, so a Rolex- or Tudor-branded offering would be accessible to everyone.
Rene: I love Apple Watch Hermes and already own a cuff. It's brown, the only color it was available in. I might love it enough to buy a new style or color if one is made available. If it sticks to being a whole-watch purchase, and no provision is made for current Hermes owners, I'll be super sad. So here's to some separates.
As to other designers, I'm not sure. If readers have ideas, please let me know! One more… bands? 
Ren: I'm crossing my fingers for the rumored NATO strap. I'm also hoping, in general, for increasing sizing ranges across the band lines. Apple did an amazing job with the dual casing options for sizing wrists appropriately, but there's still a lot of work to be done on the band front. Plus-sized wrists won't fit into pretty much any band except the Link Bracelet, and only when it's supplied with extra links. And there are ladies and men alike who would love to own a 38mm-only band like the Modern Buckle for 42mm, or for larger wrists.
Georgia: I would like to have a battery band for my Apple Watch for those times when I am camping, traveling, or otherwise away from my charger for extended periods. Just please, no hump!
Lory: Waterproofing my Apple Watch would make me very happy, even though it might make the whole thing look a little chunky on my wrist. when I go camping and hiking I leave my Apple Watch behind for fear of ruining it. I want a fully enclosed case that will protect it from dust, water, and melted marshmallows.
Daniel: I'm a big fan of nylon bands, and already own a third-party version from Monowear Design. Nylon or canvas is super hardy and water repellent and, depending on the color, fits with most styles, both dressed-up or casual.
Rene: There are rumors of a NATO strap, which would be cool. Like with the Sport bands, though, I'm most curious to see what Ive and Newson can come up with next. If that takes until the fall, so be it!
What would you like to see from new Apple Watch bands this March? |
| New music on iTunes: New album from Yo Gotti, new classic rock deals, and more Posted: 19 Feb 2016 08:59 AM PST 
Every Friday, the iTunes Store adds new music to its lineup. This week, check out the new album from Yo Gotti, more discounts on classic rock, and pre-orders for Anthony Wilson. New music this week starts with The Art of Hustle by Yo Gotti. If you're looking for some Star Wars-themed dance music, Star Wars Headspace, produced by Rick Rubin, is now available for purchase. Check out the second album from BJ the Chicago Kid, In My Mind. Finally, Lake Street Dive has released its fourth studio album, Side Pony. In music deals this week, the iTunes Store continues its discounts on classic rock and pop albums. The collection includes albums from Elton John, Dire Straits, The Who, and Rage Against the Machine. Albums in the collection are available for $7.99 each. Pre-orders this week start off with Frogtown, the next album from Anthony Wilson, which is expected on April 15. The Virginmarys will release their upcoming album, Divides, on May 6. You can also pre-order This Unruly Mess I've Made from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, due out Feb. 26. Check back next week for more great music from the iTunes Store. |
| How to use Notes on Mac Posted: 19 Feb 2016 08:00 AM PST 
Take a note... and then view it across all your Apple devices. Notes was first introduced as a standalone application for Mac with the release of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Previously integrated in the OS X Mail application, the move to a standalone application allowed created notes to sync across all your Apple devices connected to your iCloud account. The OS X version allows you to quickly create, format and attach media to notes from your desktop or laptop. Keep track of ideas as they pop up throughout your work day and share them with friends or colleagues. With Notes, anything is possible. |
| Apple Watch shipments reportedly hit 5.1 million during 2015 holiday quarter Posted: 19 Feb 2016 07:56 AM PST 
According to new research data from Strategy Analytics, the Apple Watch made up the bulk of smartwatch shipments during the holiday quarter in 2015. The firm estimates that about 8.1 million smartwatches were shipped, out of which Apple is thought to have shipped 5.1 million. From Strategy Analytics: Cliff Raskind, Director at Strategy Analytics, said, "We estimate global smartwatch shipments reached 8.1 million units in Q4 2015, rising a healthy 316 percent from 1.9 million in Q4 2014. Smartwatches are growing rapidly in North America, Western Europe and Asia. Apple Watch captured an impressive 63 percent share of the global smartwatch market in Q4 2015, followed by Samsung with 16 percent. At the same time last year, it was thought that 1.9 million smartwatches had been shipped. According to Strategy Analytics, a smartwatch is a "computerized wristwatch with a high-level or expandable operating system," encompassing products like the Apple Watch, Pebble, and Android Wear watches. The group also estimates that around 7.9 million more traditional Swiss watches were shipped. This would be the first quarter in which smartwatch shipments had outpaced those of traditional watches. Source: Strategy Analytics |
| Accessibility is why I'm still wearing my Apple Watch Posted: 19 Feb 2016 07:00 AM PST 
I wear my Apple Watch daily and wouldn't want to be without it. Serenity Caldwell's recent piece on why she's still wearing her Apple Watch inspired me to write my own take on why I'm still wearing mine. Telling time This goes without saying, I suppose, but even Apple says Apple Watch is "at its heart, an incredibly precise timepiece." On the whole, Apple Watch is a remarkable wearable computer, but its foremost function is right there in its name: telling time. This distinction matters to me for the simple reason that Apple Watch has gotten me regularly wearing a watch again after several years of having a naked wrist. It's nice having a well-made, fashionable object with which to see the time without constantly pulling my phone out my pocket. That my watch also has things like notifications, Siri, and Apple Pay is icing on the cake. Energy savings The fact that I no longer need to always pull out my phone to see the time also has an accessibility benefit: it saves me energy. As someone who lives with cerebral palsy, this is critically important. My condition is such that, aside from reduced strength and partial paralysis in my muscles, it takes a considerable amount of energy to do even the most mundane tasks. As such, I need to be cognizant of opportunities to conserve as much energy as possible. In this case, getting my phone in and out of my pocket is a great example. It's not so easy for me to reach into my pocket because of the way you have to feel your way in and around to find what you're looking for. Smaller objects like loose change are more troublesome to grasp, but even something larger like my phone can be tricky. My muscles have to work hard to get in and out of my pocket, which oftentimes results in fatigue and pain. Do that several times a day, every day, and you start to curse having to reach in there. It seems trivial, but given my circumstances, the little things end up making the biggest difference. Because my Apple Watch acts as a satellite for my iPhone for many things---notably, notifications and Apple Pay---I commit to wearing it all the time because I know I can be alerted to VIP emails or iMessages from my girlfriend right from my wrist. Ergo, my phone needn't come out and my hand muscles can rest. In this context, then, the Apple Watch is worth wearing for energy reasons alone. It's fair to say it's my "killer app," so to speak. Living a better day Another byproduct of my cerebral palsy is I don't move around very easily or gracefully. Therefore, I'm not one to adhere to a strict exercise regimen, nor am I a gym rat as many of my family and friends are. It's okay, though, because I walk a lot, and the Apple Watch helps me greatly in being more active than before. While I remain unconvinced that watchOS will ever be a platform as app-centric as iOS, I do quite enjoy a few apps on my watch. One of those is the built-in Activity app, which I'm constantly checking throughout the day. The great part about Activity is the "game" aspect of it. To me, staying active during the day is not only about getting the blood flowing, but also about filling in the circles. It's a fun way for me to track my progress, and I find that any incomplete rings motivates me to push harder to fill them in. (Most days, I can fill in Move and Stand. Exercise is challenging; I've completed all three rings in a day only a handful of times.) Overall, I appreciate Apple Watch reminding me to stand once an hour---raising my awareness to get up and move---and I love watching the circles journey towards completion. Although I'm limited in how much and how well I can exert myself physically, Apple Watch is there pushing me to keep going as much as I can. Bigger screen, big difference Prior to the Apple Watch's launch last April, I was convinced I wanted the 38mm model because I have smaller wrists than most men, and I was afraid the 42mm one would look silly on me. As it turns out, those fears were completely unfounded. Thanks to my girlfriend, I did indeed get a 38mm Sport version on launch day. And it was great; the screen is small, but not prohibitively so. I was happy to have it and liked it very much. Not long thereafter, Apple sent me a 42mm review unit so that I could compare the watch's sizes. Immediately upon receiving it, I noticed a striking difference between the 38 and 42mm models. As I said, the smaller one is perfectly usable, but the larger screen is so much better: everything on screen is bigger and easier to read, which, of course, is better for my eyes. Better still, the larger Apple Watch actually looks great on my wrist. In hindsight, it was awfully shortsighted of me not to choose the 42mm Apple Watch to begin with. For someone who's visually impaired, Apple Watch's screen is so small that it makes sense to go as big as possible. I don't know why I glossed over that during pre-orders, but I won't make the same mistake twice. The next Apple Watch I get will most definitely be the 42mm variety. Bottom line As it is today, the Apple Watch is the quintessential 1.0 product in many ways. It's sluggish, requires an iPhone, and it remains to be seen whether apps will be as central to its usefulness. And yet, I wear mine daily and wouldn't want to be without it. If the watch's appeal to me hinged solely on its technical merit---how it performs and the quality of the software it runs---then I likely would have thrown it in a drawer months ago. Instead, I like to look at the watch with a more holistic perspective. Yes, it's kind of slow and apps aren't great, but I don't mind that much. What Apple Watch does do for me arguably makes more of an impact on my life. Besides, it's cool to think I have a miniature computer strapped to my wrist that can pay for my coffee and stuff. It's a very James Bond (or Dick Tracy) kind of feeling. It may be early days yet for wearable technology, but I'm bullish on Apple Watch's future and am excited for its maturation. |
| Users in China frustrated by Apple Pay's staged rollout Posted: 19 Feb 2016 06:44 AM PST While initial reports indicated that customers in China were encountering errors when trying to add cards to Apple Pay, it seems that this was intentional on Apple's part. The company was evidently enacting a staged rollout of the service across China, which led to some customers being unable to add their cards right away. This had initially been reported as an error due to strain on Apple Pay's infrastructure. From 9to5Mac: Apple has since informed us that the statement by a local representative was not an official statement and has been mistranslated from the Chinese by Caixan. The correct information is that the ability to add cards was being made available on a rolling basis throughout the day. According to Mashable, about 38 million cards had been registered with Apple Pay by 5 p.m. China Time on Feb. 17, with 10 million cards added in the first hour. Apple Pay official launched in China on Thursday, Feb. 18. The launch comes thanks to a partnership between Apple and UnionPay, China's domestic bank card provider. China is the fifth country in which Apple Pay has launched, following the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. Source: 9to5Mac, Mashable |
| Case-Mate Naked Tough cases for iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus are over half off today! Posted: 19 Feb 2016 06:39 AM PST 
Sporting a transparent polycarbonate shell with a shock-absorbent bumper, the Naked case from Case-Mate protects the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus from drops while showing off the phone's original design. Grab one today for only $15.95! |
| How to sell your iPad Posted: 19 Feb 2016 06:00 AM PST 
Want the latest and greatest iPad? Sell your old one to help you buy the new! Looking to sell your old iPad so you can more easily afford that hotly rumored iPad Air 3? Maybe an iPad Pro or iPad mini 4? iPads aren't usually available with subsidies or leasing programs, especially not the Wi-Fi versions. So, one of the most popular strategies for those who want to reduce the cost of upgrade — especially frequent upgrades — is to sell an old iPad to pay for a new. Here's how! When should I sell? The best time to sell your old iPad is typically just before Apple announces a new one. Once the announcement is actually made, more people want the new model and so start selling the old. That leads to a lot of supply, which reduces the potential price you'll get. Apple originally released new iPad models in the spring. The original iPad, iPad 2, and iPad 3 all went on sale during that time. More recently, Apple has been releasing new iPads at the end of the year. From the iPad mini and iPad 4 to iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro, fall and sometimes almost winter has been the window. This year, rumor has it we'll get the iPad Air 3 in the spring and perhaps the others in the fall again. That complicates things, but only slightly. If the rumored iPad Air 3 is what you're hoping for, then selling any time before mid-March will be your best bet. If a new iPad mini or iPad Pro is what you're after, then you have at least until the beginning of September. For most people, tablets aren't as necessary as phones. So, if you can sell a bit early, even if you have to do without for a few weeks, you might get a better price. Anything I should do before I sell? 
There are a few things you'll want to do before selling! 1. Back up your iPad Before you do anything else, make sure you have an up-to-date backup of your iPad. That way all your data is safe and secure and you'll be able to easily restore it to your new iPad when you get it. iCloud automatically makes a backup overnight, as long as you're plugged in, but a manual backup will make sure you're absolutely up to date. - Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. (If you're low on power, plug in as well.)
- Launch Settings from the Home screen.
- Tap on iCloud.
- Tap on Backup.
Tap on Back Up Now. 
If you prefer to use iTunes, you should also trigger a manual update to make sure you have all of your recent data backed up. - Plug your iPad into your Mac or Windows PC.
- Launch iTunes.
- Click on the iPad icon in the menu bar when it appears.
- Click on Back Up Now. (Click on Encrypt Backup and add a password— you want the security.)
- Back up Apps, if asked.
2. Erase your personal data Once your data is safely backed up, it's important to wipe it from the iPad you're selling so your personal photos, files, messages, etc. don't end up as a surprise bonus for the new owner. - Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPad.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Reset at the bottom.
Tap on Erase All Content and Settings. 
- Enter your Passcode.
Tap on Erase to confirm. 
You'll need to enter your Apple ID password to turn off Activate Lock and remove the device from Find my iPad, and you may need to enter your iPad passcode again to double-confirm. That's because once the wipe is done, it's done. If you change your mind, you'll need to restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup. 3. Clean up the casing 
Cleaning your iPad isn't just about removing data, it's about removing dirt. Even if you've run it hard, you should still take a few minutes to wipe it down and make sure it's free from dust, grime, oil, lint, and even fingerprints. Pay extra attention to the grooves and ports. If it's particularly nasty, a dab of isopropyl alcohol and some elbow grease will do the trick. This is especially true if you're selling your iPad yourself and need to take pictures to show potential buyers. Of course, it's also the right thing to do — nobody wants to buy a dirty iPad. 4. Collect up the cables and cases Make sure you include the Lightning or 30-pin Dock cable that came with your iPad, as well as the AC Adapter. If you have all that, and the original box, it can make sure you get the most money possible. If you're selling your iPad yourself, including any accessories you'll no longer need can also sweeten the deal. Old cases, cables, chargers, and more won't just attract buyers, it will help declutter your collection as well. Once you have everything, put it all, nicely and cleaning in the box, and set it aside, so it's all safe and ready to ship. What's the best way to sell my iPad? There are a few different ways to sell your iPad, but the two main categories are selling it to a reseller or selling it yourself. A reseller will be much easier but you'll get less money. Selling it yourself will take more work but has the potential to net you more cash. Figure out what's more valuable to you — time or money — and then you'll know what to do. Gazelle 
Gazelle is simple and easy to use. Tell them what you have and they'll tell you what they'll give you for it. If you accept the offer, you have 30 days to send in your old phone. Gazelle will check your old phone when it arrives. If there's anything different, they'll let you know and give you an updated offer. If you decline, they'll ship it right back to you free of charge. If everything looks good, or if you accept an updated offer, they'll pay you by check, Amazon, or PayPal. Because of the 30-day window (and they've sometimes increased it to 50 days when new iPads are on the horizon), Gazelle is a good way to lock in a price before the market is glutted. Just make sure the condition doesn't change between when you get the offer and when you send it in, or the price will change as well. Sell to Gazelle Swappa 
Swappa is a way to get more money for your old iPad than typical services provide, but in a way that's easier and more civilized than selling directly. You do have to have reasonable expectations and some patience. Sell to Swappa eBay 
eBay can net you more money for your old iPad but requires you to do a lot of the work and take some of the risk. If you're comfortable handling your own sales, and have the time to invest, you can get a better return than trade-in services. Just make sure to: - Only ship to the buyer's confirmed Paypal address if using Paypal.
- Price competitively, especially if you're using Buy It Now as an option.
- Take great pictures but show any defects or damage so potential buyers knows what they're getting.
- Use a fast shipping service and make sure you include that in your item description.
- Use keywords in your title and in your item description to attract more potential buyers.
- You may also want to consider insuring your item in case anything goes wrong during shipping.
- Watch out for low-feedback buyers and also keep in mind that Paypal charges processing fees as well.
Sell on eBay Craigslist Craigslist is the old classified ads in new digital form, and all the wonder and dread that entails. The advantage of Craigslist is that you can sell locally, face-to-face. That greatly speeds up transactions and reduces overhead like shipping. Just make sure to: - Never put your personal or home address in an ad. NEVER.
- Price your iPad competitively. Find existing ads on Craigslist in your area for iPads that are the same model, capacity, and condition as yours and price accordingly.
- If you're comfortable, include a number for potential buyers to call or text. It can increase the likelihood of a quick sale. (If you have a virtual number, use it.)
- Meet in a public place, preferably in the daytime. A coffee shop like Starbucks is ideal. Bring a friend with you, just in case.
- Watch out for email scams. If someone offers a lot more money to encourage you to ship them your iPad, they're just trying to rip you off.
Sell on Craigslist What if I want to sell to a family member or friend? The same rules apply. If you don't just want to give your iPad away, you can choose if you want to give a friends and family discount. Either way, making sure the device is in the best condition possible, and everyone is being treated fairly, is the best way to make sure everyone wins and no one leaves with hard feelings. Besides, you're going to have to see these people again, so the last thing you want is simmering resentment over feelings of a raw deal at Thanksgiving! Wait, don't stop writing, I have more questions! We're not going anywhere! If you have additional questions about selling your old iPad, leave them in the comments below. Also check out our iPad forums where you can get lots of great advice from people who've been buying and selling iPads for years. And, when you've sold, be sure to tell us what you did and how it worked out! |
| Three announces plans to block annoying adverts on the network Posted: 19 Feb 2016 05:03 AM PST Three has announced plans to block annoying advertisements in the UK and Italy. The company aims to tackle "excessive and irrelevant mobile ads" by partnering up with Israel-based software company Shine. Three states that network-based blocking is more effective for customers than having to rely on applications to sort through annoying adverts. It's also noted that the company does not aim to completely eliminate advertising on the network. "Our objective in working with Shine is not to eliminate mobile advertising, which is often interesting and beneficial to our customers, but to give customers more control, choice and greater transparency over what they receive." Three wants to ensure that customers are not paying data charges for adverts, placing the charges with the advertiser instead. Also, customer privacy and security has to be guaranteed and they should only be exposed to marketing that is both relevant and interesting. Details are scarce for the time being, but the company plans to release more information as to how it will achieve the aforementioned goals. Source: Three |
| Best to-do apps for iPhone Posted: 19 Feb 2016 05:00 AM PST 
Whatever your task management needs are, there's an app for you! Apple's Reminders app is a useful productivity tool, but it doesn't necessarily meet everyone's needs. Some people may want more sub-task features, or better integration with their calendar apps. Luckily, there are plenty of great to-do apps in the App Store. Finding the right one depends on how you handle your daily list making. Whether you want to keep it simple and fast, or need all the bells and whistles, there is an app for you. Todoist   
Todoist, at its base, is a great app for creating simple lists with solid features, like a task inbox, items due today, and project lists with sub-task support. You can assign a task to a project, set a due date, and identify its priority. If you are working on a project with a team, you can also assign tasks to different people and send them an invitation to collaborate. It connects to a number of app integrations with Evernote, Google Calendar, IFTTT, and more. If you need a more robust task management app, you can upgrade for $28.99 per year to get the premium features, which included reminders, labels, tags, filters, notes, and more. You can also upload photos and audio recordings via cloud storage services like Dropbox, and connect your to-do list to you Calendar app. If you need a list maker that is fast, but has some additional features, like sub-tasks and due dates, Todoist will keep you moving through your busy day. Wunderlist   
Wunderlist is great for creating and sharing project lists with others. You can build a list with sub-tasks, organize lists by categories like work, chores, and shopping, add comments to items, and more. You can set occurrences or due dates to items and set reminders that alert you at a specific time of the day that you choose. With the Lock screen widget and Apple Watch integration, you can mark things off your list as you go without even having to unlock your iPhone. You can even use Apple's sharing feature to send links from Safari and build a read-later list. If you tend to make lists that have sub-categories, that also have sub-tasks and you need reminders that you can customize in different ways, Wunderlist can help you get things done. Clear   
Clear is best known for being the easiest to-do list maker. Adding an item is as simple as pulling down on the screen, typing the task, and pulling down again. The user interface focuses on gesture-based actions. When you pinch inward, you collapse the list. When you pinch outward, you create a new item in that spot. Swiping right checks off an item and swiping left deletes it. You can also add due dates and set reminders. The Lock screen widget lets you triage your list without having to open your iPhone. If the red theme makes you feel anxious, you can pick from a number of different colors to suit you better. If you don't need a lot of features, and like to create to-do items fast, Clear is as easy as it gets. Toodledo   
Toodledo is great at helping you see your to-do items based on their priority. If you have 10 things on your list today, which ones are most important and which ones can be put off until later? This app puts your highest priorities with soonest deadlines into a "Hotlist" so you can quickly see what needs to be addressed right away. View items by priority, due date, folder, and more. You can also create outlines for projects with nested lists, not just sub-tasks. If you just need to jot down a handful of items, like groceries, you can create simple lists with no additional features. The Habits section lets you start a list of things you'd like to do every day or on certain days. Check them off each time to show your personal progress. Toodledo is ideal for people with a lot of tasks on their daily schedule that need a way to organize items by priority. Remember the Milk   
The goal of this app is to make sure you remember to complete a task. Whether you get notifications via email, text message, or even social networking channels like Google+ Hangouts or Skype. The key to getting the most out of the iPhone app is to set up your preferences from the official website first. Once you've set up your preferences, you'll get alerts sent to you wherever you want. You don't even have to use the app to enter an item list. You'll get a special email address that you can use to send yourself a message and it will automatically be added to your list. That said, the app is a fine piece of work. You can get daily digests with updates on your current and upcoming to-do items. The pro version, which costs $39.99 per year, includes subtasks, advanced sorting features so you can organize groups and items, customizable themes, and more. Remember the Milk is great for people that make to-do lists, but forget to check in on them. It will send you friendly reminders wherever you will be most likely to notice them. Proud   
Proud focuses on a Zen-like task management experience. Sure, we all have a lot to do every day, but that doesn't mean we have to stress out about it. If your list starts to get too long, you can give yourself a break by pushing all of your tasks to a later time or quickly postpone a task's due date until the afternoon, evening, next day, or even by just a few hours. It also has a de-stress feature that lets you check out for a bit with a controlled breathing session using a visual aid and meditative sounds to help you slow down for as little as 30 seconds, or as long as 10 minutes. The interface is simple to use and easy to understand. Adding an item is similar to Clear's ultra fast gesture-based method. You can build projects with subtasks and set customized reminders for everything. If you want a more personalized look you can change the theme color. If your task list intimidates you and increases your blood pressure, Proud will help remind you that personal wellbeing is also an important part of getting things done. Any.do   
What makes Any.do stand out the most in a crowd is its deep integration with Cal by the same app developer. When combined, the two create a powerhouse of productivity. Your daily tasks are always available to you while you are checking on your event schedule. It has all of the basic list making features that make it easy to manage tasks, but also includes additional tools, like adding files, audio recordings, and photos from Dropbox or Google Drive. You can easily share lists with others and add an item to your to-do list by sending an email to yourself. Every day, you'll get a friendly reminder of tasks remaining on your list. You can check them off, postpone them for a later date or time, or delete them. If combining calendar and task lists sound like something you need, add Any.do and Cal to your iPhone for serious productivity. Your favorite? Didn't see your favorite on our list? Which one is your favorite and what are its best features. |
| HSBC is securing accounts in the UK with voice recognition and Touch ID Posted: 19 Feb 2016 02:48 AM PST 
HSBC is working on rolling out voice recognition and touch authentication security upgrades to customers in the UK. Should you own an iPhone or iPad with fingerprint recognition capabilities, you'll be able to utilize Touch ID to log into the bank's iOS app. Passwords are a thing of the past, ensuring customers accounts are secured without horrid usernames or passwords. The bank, alongside First Direct, will offer voice and fingerprint recognition systems as the year progresses, boasting the plan as the largest biometric security roll out in the UK. You'll be able to simply speak to the authentication system over the phone to have your voice verified, or use your fingerprint in the official apps. Before you're able to get started and take full advantage of Touch ID, you'll need to follow the instructions on the mobile banking apps to configure your security and activate fingerprint authentication. The BBC reports that Nuance Communications will be responsible for the voice biometrics technology. "It works by cross-checking against over 100 unique identifiers including both behavioural features such as speed, cadence and pronunciation, and physical aspects including the shape of larynx, vocal tract and nasal passages. Customers who want to use the service will have to enrol their "voice print" and will no longer need to use passwords or PINs." It's said the voice recognition system will even work should you happen to be ill, which will be handy for when you have a cold and require access to your accounts. For more details on the roll out, be sure to contact HSBC/First Direct or pop into your local branch. Source: BBC |
| Louisiana healthcare provider uses Apple devices to improve patient care Posted: 18 Feb 2016 07:02 PM PST Ochsner Heath System in Louisiana has announced a new initiative called "Optimal Hospital," through which the group will leverage a mix of Apple devices and specialized apps to help physicians and nurses better address patient needs. Ochsner specifically highlights three apps that make up Optimal Hospital. Doctors can take advantage of Epic Haiku on the iPhone or Apple Watch to quickly access patient lists and conditions, as well as admissions and discharges, while moving around the hospital. Similarly, doctors can stay up to speed with test results and reports with the Epic Canto app on iPad. Nurses can also use the Epic Rover app for iPhone to scan the barcode on a patient's wristband to quickly verify the patient's identity and monitor their medication dosage. Ochsner says it is even supplying patients with iPads so they can keep track of their lab results, treatment schedules and more through a dedicated MyChart Bedside app. The net effect of the Optimal Hospital initiative, Ochsner says, will be that speed, accuracy and patient safety should all be improved with quick access to beneficial apps on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Press Release Ochsner Health System Continues to Transform Healthcare With "Optimal Hospital" Innovative program uses Apple Watch, iPad and iPhone to introduce a new model for care as a way to manage efficiencies in hospital care NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health System continues to transform healthcare using the latest advancements from Apple. A national leader in healthcare innovation and no stranger to using iOS devices, Epic apps and Apple's HealthKit to better care for patients, Ochsner has a continued commitment to improving outcomes for patients suffering from chronic disease and providing a better patient healthcare experience in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Since launching the Digital Medicine Program last year, Ochsner has been continuously monitoring clinic patients with uncontrolled blood pressure and proactively engaging them to modify behaviors and, when needed, adjust medications. Utilizing Epic (Ochsner's Electronic Medical Record), Apple HealthKit and Apple Watch, patients enrolled in this outpatient program (watch video here) receive feedback from clinicians about important aspects of their care. This could include potential side effects once a new medication is prescribed, renewal notification for prescriptions and medications and lifestyle modification reminders to ensure good blood pressure control is attained. One year later, groundbreaking data confirms this new virtual delivery model is working by delivering significantly better health outcomes, patient satisfaction and patient engagement. "What we've seen is that two-thirds of our patients who previously experienced uncontrolled blood pressure are now in control within 90 days of enrolling in the program," said Richard Milani, MD, Clinical Transformation Officer, Ochsner Health System, and Chief Medical Officer, innovationOchsner. "We've seen higher levels of patient satisfaction using iOS devices over the more traditional methods of care and, overall, the patients are more engaged in their healthcare decisions. These are important factors which have a crucial effect on health outcomes in helping patients live more fulfilling lives." Ochsner is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that pave the way for positive, disruptive change in healthcare. Last year, Ochsner formed innovationOchsner ("iO"), an innovation lab and accelerator whose mission is to re-imagine and revolutionize the experience and delivery of healthcare in a way that creates new value. iO's work is focused on solving healthcare's most pressing problems by using technology and data to create precision-focused, patient-centered solutions that dramatically enhance quality and access, decrease cost, and improve patient satisfaction and engagement as well as caregiver efficiency. Now, through iO, Ochsner is expanding its innovative programs into the inpatient setting through a new initiative called "Optimal Hospital." Optimal Hospital uses a new wave of online tools and iOS devices to improve workflow efficiencies in managing patient care, initiating more frequent and dynamic patient interaction. This new inpatient experience will improve the hospital experience for patients and providers alike. For physicians, who often are moving quickly between hospital buildings and floors making patient rounds, Optimal Hospital allows for a very mobile and more efficient experience– the moment Ochsner physicians arrive at the hospital, they can now use the Epic Haiku app on iPhone or Apple Watch to instantly review patients lists, their conditions, new hospital admissions or discharges and retrieve patient records Utilizing the Epic Canto app on iPad, physicians can easily evaluate test results, current data or trending reports so they can quickly and easily intervene. Nurses are also optimizing innovative apps such as Epic Rover on iPhone to scan barcodes on patient wristbands to correctly ensure the patient's identity and current medication dosage needs in a secure way. Ochsner has also added the Sotera Wireless ViSi Mobile System, a wearable monitor that continuously measures and records a patient's vital signs, whether the patient is in or out of bed or in transport. Results are seamlessly linked into Epic as well as the care teams' iPhones to improve patient safety, anticipate problems and prevent adverse events. While these enabled tools are beneficial to clinicians, they are centered on improving outcomes and the experience of the patient. With an Ochsner-supplied iPad, patients will have greater insight into their hospital experience through the MyChart Bedside app. While they are hospitalized, they can view exam and treatment schedules, see lab results, medications and vitals, and even receive additional education on their condition. "Our goal is to empower our patients so that they are more informed and fundamentally involved in their own healthcare, whether it is through the inpatient or outpatient experience," reinforces Milani. "Optimal Hospital is designed to optimize processes, patient assessment and outcome predication while also improving safety, quality and the overall patient experience." "Healthcare is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history. The needs of the population are changing and now we have new technologies to meet the needs of people. At Ochsner, we are doing everything we can to engage patients and improve lives through innovative platforms," notes Milani. "We will continue to embrace new technology and become a key player in the digital healthcare landscape to better meet the needs of our patients and provide a more effective and efficient workflow for our medical staff." |
| Apple reportedly granted more time to submit formal response in iPhone unlock case Posted: 18 Feb 2016 06:14 PM PST According to a new report, Apple has received an extension in the time it has to reply to a court order to assist the FBI in unlocking an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters. Apple originally had five days to respond, placing the deadline on Tuesday, February 23. However, the company will now have until Friday, February 26 to formally respond to the FBI's request, TechCrunch reports. The FBI has argued that Apple has "exclusive technical means" to assist it in its efforts to acquire "critical data" locked behind a passcode on the shooter's iPhone 5c. A federal judge then ordered Apple to provide "reasonable technical assistance" in accessing the data in question, including bypassing the iPhone's auto-erase function to allow investigators an unlimited number of guesses at the passcode. CEO Tim Cook has already been vocal in his opposition to the court order. However, in its formal response, Apple must effectively argue why it thinks complying with the order would be "unreasonably burdensome." FAQ: Everything you need to know about Apple, encryption, and the FBI |
| Facebook and Twitter throw support behind Apple's opposition to court order Posted: 18 Feb 2016 05:21 PM PST Both Facebook and Twitter have now thrown their support behind Apple in its decision to fight a government order to help the FBI break into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced his support via a tweet linking to Tim Cook's recent letter opposing the court order. Meanwhile, Facebook gave its support in a statement to USA Today, noting that it will fight government requirements that may weaken a company's efforts to secure its products: "We condemn terrorism and have total solidarity with victims of terror. Those who seek to praise, promote, or plan terrorist acts have no place on our services. We also appreciate the difficult and essential work of law enforcement to keep people safe," the statement reads. "When we receive lawful requests from these authorities we comply. However, we will continue to fight aggressively against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems. These demands would create a chilling precedent and obstruct companies' efforts to secure their products." Facebook and Twitter join a growing list of supporters that Apple has garnered from the tech community since CEO Tim Cook issued a strongly worded response to the court order. Just recently, Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke out in support of Apple in a series of tweets, while WhatsApp founder Jan Koum also expressed solidarity with the Cupertino tech giant. Sources: USA Today, Jack Dorsey (Twitter) Apple, the FBI, and your privacy under siege |
| What's new on the App Store: My Blend, iSlash Heroes, and winter sports apps Posted: 18 Feb 2016 01:26 PM PST 
Each week, the App Store highlights some of the best new and updated apps. This week, check out My Blend, iSlash Heroes, and apps for winter sports. This week in new apps starts with My Blend, an app that turns email newsletters in your inbox into a customized magazine. There's also a new weather app, Sunshine that takes the time to learn about you. If you're interested in having your videos professionally edited, VidMob helps put you in touch with an editor. Finally, check out intoLive, which turns your videos and GIFs into Live Photos. Games this week start with iSlash heroes, a new puzzle game with gesture-based puzzles. You can also take a look at The Swords, a new action game with a unique art style. Mystery fans can also get Blackwell 5: Epiphany, a new horror/mystery games. Finally, Slingshot is a new physics-based game that challenges you to fling your character as far down a track as you can. The App Store's new collection this week focuses on winter sports. Check conditions before you head to the slopes with Liftopia, or find a new winter adventure with Yonder. Track your performance with apps like snowbuddy and Slopes. You can also keep an eye on your performance with video apps like Shnarped and Coach's Eye. Check back next week for more new apps and games from the App Store, and remember to check out this week's Free App of the Week. |
| Free App of the Week: Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch — Tyranid Invasion Posted: 18 Feb 2016 01:13 PM PST 
Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch — Tyranid Invasion, a turn-based strategy game that plunges players deep the iconic futuristic portion of the Warhammer franchise, is this week's free app of the week on the App Store. As the game's name implies, players will be tasked with fighting off an invasion of Tyranids, a race of insect-like creatures. To do so, you'll control a team of the franchise's iconic space marines as you battle through 40 missions at the edge of Imperial space. As you fight your way through the game, you'll gain experience points that can be used to level up your space marines and unlock new skills. And the game has plenty to offers collectors as well, with 38 different Deathwatch Space Marines and over 150 weapons and wargear items to collect. Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch — Tyranid Invasion will be free through February 25, so hit up the App Store link below to start your campaign as a space marine. |
| Airfoil for Mac gets a new look and Bluetooth audio streaming Posted: 18 Feb 2016 12:17 PM PST 
Rogue Amoeba has released Airfoil 5 for Mac, adding a lot of new features and a brand new interface. Airfoil, which already allows you to send audio to AirPlay devices like the Apple TV, now also supports sending audio to Bluetooth devices like speakers and headphones. Airfoil 5 also supports Airfoil Satallite, which allows another Mac or your iPhone to act as a receiver for audio sent by Airfoil. It also brings along the following new features: - Speaker Groups – A group is a collection of multiple speakers which appears as one in Airfoil's main window. Use a Group to send audio to multiple outputs with a single click. Create one group for all the speakers in your house, or divide your speakers into zones. Now you can send audio exactly where you want even faster.
- Silence Monitor – Great for workplace or shared home setups, the new silence monitor allows Airfoil to automatically disconnect itself when it's streaming silence. The output device is then freed up for others to use.
- Custom Equalizer Presets – Adjust the equalizer to your liking, then save it in the Preset menu. Now you'll be able to access those exact settings any time you like.
- Hide Speakers – If you regularly connect to a shared network which contains devices you don't control, you may wish to hide them entirely from Airfoil. Now you can do so, from the "Advanced Speaker Options" window.
- Adjust Sync – Airfoil automatically keeps all outputs completely in sync. However, there may be rare situations where you wish to adjust this, such as when an output is connected to a receiver which adds its own latency. The new Sync sliders in the "Advanced Speaker Options" window make this possible.
- Improved Instant On – Capture audio from already-running apps, as well as all System Audio. If you haven't looked at Airfoil for a while, you'll be thrilled to see that installation and updates to Instant On no longer require a restart.
- Awesome Accessibility – We know many visually impaired users love Airfoil, and we've worked hard to make the new version fully accessible with Apple's VoiceOver.
You can try Airfoil for free, with audio quality degrading after 10 minutes. If you decide to buy, you'll need to pay $29 for a license, or $15 if you're upgrading from an older version. |
| Pad & Quill introduces new Woodline cases for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Posted: 18 Feb 2016 11:18 AM PST 
Pad & Quill, a manufacturer of popular accessories for iPhone and iPad, has announced a new line of cases for the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and 6s Plus. The new Woodline cases are the company's first "snap on" models, which just snap onto the back of your phone. The cases are just 0.9mm thick, featuring a Kevlar core to provide additional strength. The Woodline cases come in four varieties of scratch-resistant polished wood. Customers can choose from American Cherry, Rosewood, Zebra, and American Walnut. The cases generally run for $49.95 for both the 4.7-inch phones and the 5.5-inch Plus models, though the American Walnut cases will cost you $59.95. You can order the Woodline Cases now directly from Pad & Quill. |
| Best laptop bags: The Mobile Nations editors' top picks Posted: 18 Feb 2016 11:14 AM PST 
If you have a laptop there's a strong chance you'll want a good bag to carry it around in. Laptop computers are incredibly popular these days, and with portability comes actually wanting to carry it around with you. When you're spending MacBook money you want to look after it. After all, you're probably going to keep it for a fair amount of time, longer than you might a smartphone. There are hundreds, thousands of laptop bags out there. There are also a number of folks working at Mobile Nations who spend a good deal of time with a laptop stashed inside a bag. So, we've rounded up the editorial team and come up with a decent selection of our top choices for hauling around our laptops and anything else that may need to go with them. Let's jump right in. Tumi Alpha Bravo Knox Backpack 
Rene Ritchie Kevin Michaluk recommended the Tumi Alpha Bravo Knox Backpack to me when we were at CES last year. I was slugging around a giant camera sling, and complaining about it, and he was zipping around with an impossible amount of stuff stuffed into an impossibly small pack. Which is very Kevin. After a couple more trips to the West Coast, though, where the unilateral weight of my sling was starting to cause me neck pain and other postural problems, I decided I needed to make the change. And I'm glad I did. The Knox really does feel like a bag of holding. It seems tiny, but when my colleagues Serenity Caldwell, Mark Guim, and I were in New York City for the iPhones 6s launch, I managed to stuff more boxes, cases, and gear inside than nature or physics should allow. I even snuck my Canon 5D Mark III in there on many occasions without a problem, and with tons of room to spare. The inside pockets are a little floppy for my liking, so I do need to be careful to make sure I get my MacBook or iPad into the dedicated slot, and the charger into its pocket, but otherwise it's brilliant. I use the two external side pockets for my iPhone/iPad charger and Apple Watch chargers. I have pens, straps, and a battery pack, and other gear in the front pockets. And I have room for what seems like tons of stuff inside. Just don't tell Kevin he was right. See at Amazon Handbag of Holding 
Lory Gil I fell in love with the Handbag of Holding the moment I laid eyes on it. Sure, it looks inconspicuously like a nice purse, but what really caught my attention was the pockets. Pockets, pockets, pockets. There is a compartment for just about every little thing you want to keep in its own, organized space. There is a padded center pocket that is just the right size for my tablet, two larger outer compartments (one on either side of the padded pouch), of which I usually stuff my 13-inch MacBook Pro on one side and a couple of paper notepads on the other, two exterior pouches (one on each side) that can fit magazines and other reading materials, two outer pockets that are big enough to hold an iPhone 6s, plus some additional stuff, like business cards, and two side sleeves that fit water bottles pretty nicely. That's not all. There are also zipper pockets on the inside of each exterior pouch, one zipper pocket on the inside, and three slip pockets that are great for keeping pens and pencils organized. And, for the D&D player, the name isn't the only clever reference. The magnetic clasp that closes the bag is a shiny chrome d20. Roll for perception. See at ThinkGeek Peak Design Everyday Messenger 
Phil Nickinson I've long been a customer of Peak Design — the company makes some killer photography accessories that have been lifesavers on the road. So I was intrigued when they teamed up with famed photog Trey Ratcliff of Stuck in Customs to create a bag that's half-messenger carryall, half photographer's dream. I take pictures, but I wouldn't call myself a photographer. But I'm a guy who has to be able to carry as much as possible in a single bag, wherever I end up. The Everyday Messenger bag isn't a bottomless pit. I could cram more stuff in my previous bag. But this one makes me more organized and even got me to shed some precious ounces of stuff that I probably was never going to use anyway. The front closure is ridiculously easy to use and has yet to accidentally come undone. The removable internal sections keep my lenses away from things that might damage them, and my cables from going everywhere. And I've still got room for a tablet and 13-inch MacBook Pro. And there's a zipper atop the bag that lets you sneak in and out without having to actually open the front flap. Let's just put it this way: I'm not going anywhere without this thing. Derek Kessler I've been attending tech trade shows for five years, and in those five years I've gone through five different bags, each successively improving on the last. My current bag of choice is the Peak Design Everyday Messenger, and it's as close to perfect of a bag as I've used. It's lightweight, yet strong. Versatile but orderly. And capacious without being bulky. As this bag comes from Peak Design, it's a camera bag first, and that fits perfectly with my camera-heavy trade show load. The folding dividers in the main compartment make it easy to pack and stack all my gear (camera, two lenses, microphone packs, and laptop charger) in a manner that provides priority access to the most important things (the camera and charger). The front pocket easily stows the smaller things like extra batteries, cables, and SD cards, while the main laptop compartment provides a safe slot to store my computer. The real marvel of the Everyday Messenger is the latch. After years of struggling with finicky puck magnet closures, zippers, clips, velcro, and hooks, the magnetic latch on this bag beats the snot out of them all. I can let it flap down and it'll stick itself on the metal plate embedded in the front of the bag, or I can latch it on one of the ladder rungs running down that plate for a secure closure that requires deliberate force to open. For once, with the Peak Design Everyday Messenger, I don't find myself looking on the horizon for the next great blogger bag. I'm happy with practically every element of it — and this comes from a guy that's explored commissioning a custom bag on more than one occasion. See at Peak Design Tylt Energi+ backpack 
Russell Holly Backpacks with laptop compartments aren't a new thing, but a backpack built entirely around someone who is using multiple gadgets and respecting the way those things work together is something special. Tylt's Energi bag is built around the four-port 10,000mAh battery next to the laptop sleeve, with cables that weave their way through special slits in the backpack to put whatever port you need in every pocket of the back. If you need cables to leave the bag, there's a headphone slot and a shoulder strap to help hold everything in place. There's even a bottle holster in one of the side zipper slots, just in case you need to travel with some caffeine. On top of feeling tailor-made for nerds, it's also a well-made backpack. The top and front zipper compartments work well together to store way more than you'd think by looking at the bag, with individual slots for a tablet and a laptop with plenty of protection for each. The shoulder straps and top handle are nicely padded, and the luggage slot on the back makes docking this back on top of a roller completely effortless. Chris Parsons Over the years, I've gone through many laptop bags but after having picked up the TYLT Energi+ recently, I'm pretty positive I have found the right one for me. The TYLT Energi+ is tough, has lots of pockets and space (1,450 cubic inches of internal space and 13 total pockets) and is comfortable to carry in all situations. The added 10,400mAh battery pack for charging tablets and phones on the go and pass through lines to keep all your cables nice and neat is just icing on the cake. See at iMore Store Targus Seoul Backpack 
Abhishek Baxi After using the TYLT Energi+ backpack for over a year, I recently moved to the new Targus Seoul backpack. I've always liked Targus backpacks, although never owned one before this one was sent for review. Incidentally, the trial coincided with a lot of travel – both work and leisure – so I took the Targus Seoul for a comprehensive spin for over a month. It is a great backpack for travel as the back panel incorporates a pass-through sleeve that allows the bag to be securely placed on a trolley when moving luggage.It offers thoughtful design with organized compartments that work well for a modern day professional. It also stands out in a crowd, and I've often received compliments or enquiries about the bag. See at Amazon Waterfield Field Muzetto 
Daniel Rubino I use the Waterfield Field Muzetto bag for my Surface Book – or just about any laptop – I decide to carry around for the day. The Muzetto is made by hand in San Francisco and while not cheap ($169) it is the kind of bag that will last you years and years due to the quality leather and sewing used in making it. The Muzetto bag is ideal for light trips and yet is ample enough to carry around a few items. I can easily stuff a new Dell XPS 15 in it and a Surface Pro 4. Alternatively, you could choose one or the other and add in the AC charger, an Amazon Kindle and more. Regarding spacing, the bag has three slots all lined with soft fabric to avoid scratching and add protection. In the smaller sleeve (outward facing) two smaller compartments can support a smartphone or phablet along with my Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse all for quick access. Perhaps the one downside is the Muzetto does not latch close. Instead, it has a large leather flap, which offers protection from the elements and prying eyes. However, if you were to tip the bag over your laptop would slide out. That is just this style of bag, but it is something to consider if you are considering something more secure. All in all, I like the rustic look and feel of the Field Muzetto. Wearing it gives you an Indiana Jones look for the 21st Century and the quality of the materials and utility are top notch from one of the best bag companies around. See at SFBags |
| How to update your iPhone to fix Error 53 Posted: 18 Feb 2016 10:52 AM PST 
Apple has released an iOS update to fix Error 53. Here's how to install it. Error 53 occurs when a security check detects your Touch ID button no longer matches other components in your iPhone. It was designed to make sure no one could bypass security to get at your data or access your credit cards via Apple Pay. The "Error 53" part, however, was meant to be shown at factories, not to consumers. So, Apple has released an iOS update to fix it. Note, this won't re-enable Touch ID, as that would be a security risk. It'll simply remove the error message. Also note, you need to use iTunes for the update, and expressly request it through the Restore button. It's a straight-forward process, and we'll walk you through it step by step! 1. Make sure iTunes is up-to-date The first thing you need to do is make sure you're running the latest version of iTunes. If you're on a Mac: - Launch iTunes from the Dock, LaunchPad, or via Spotlight.
- Click on the menu bar at the top.
- Click on iTunes and then Check for Updates.
Click to install any available updates. 
If you're running iTunes on a Windows PC: - Launch iTunes.
- Click on Help.
- Click on Check for updates.
2. How to reset your iPhone or iPad Next, you need to reset your iPhone or iPad: - Press and hold down the On/Off button on the right side (iPhone 6 or later) or top (all other iPhones, iPods, and iPads).
- Press and hold down the Home button on the front of your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad while still holding down the On/Off button.
Keep holding both buttons as the screen turns off keep holding both buttons until the turns back on again and displays the Apple logo. 
3. Update your iPhone using iTunes Once that's all done, you can update to the fixed version of iOS: - Launch iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC
- Plug your iPhone into your computer using your USB to Lightning cable.
- Click on the device icon at the top left to go to the device tab.
Click on Restore in the Summary pane. 
- Click on Download and Install.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Enter the Passcode on your iPhone or iPad, if prompted.
What to do if you still get Error 53 Reinstalling the latest version of iOS onto your iPhone should clear Error 53. If it doesn't, you'll need to contact Apple support. (It may be worth trying the update at least a couple times just to make sure it doesn't work for you.) If you had Error 53, did the update fix it? Let us know in the comments! |
| Apple issues update to iOS 9.2.1 for phones affected by 'Error 53' Posted: 18 Feb 2016 10:46 AM PST 
Here's how to update your iPhone to fix Error 53. Apple has issued a small update, iOS 9.2.1, to fix devices affected by Error 53. The company also apologized for any trouble that "Error 53" has caused customers. TechCrunch: We apologize for any inconvenience, this was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers. Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement." This update will not re-enable Touch ID, as doing so could pose a security risk if you've had your phone repaired with a third-party Touch ID sensor. If you've been affected by "Error 53", let us know how Apple's new update is working out for you below in the comments. |
| PayPal completely redesigns its app for easier money management Posted: 18 Feb 2016 09:48 AM PST 
PayPal has released a major update to its mobile app, completely redesigning its look and feel. The app has brand new home screen, moving the major features up front and giving you easier access to your account information, activity, and more. It's also easier to send or request money, as well as make payments in stores from the app. The major features in PayPal's latest update include: - A completely refreshed design
- New start screen that provides faster access to your most important account info and the top actions you take
- Send and Request Money pages that can be personalized with the people you exchange money with most - including your phone contacts
- Completely new request money flow that allows others to pay you with just one click
- Greater account info including 3-years of history and how you funded your payments and the money you sent
- Yes, basically everything is new
You can grab PayPal from the App Store right now. |
