What's new in iOS 7?

Description: This guide will show you the new features of iOS 7.

1. iOS 7 now includes a new feature called Control Center where you can quickly access several settings. To access Control Center, Swipe from the bottom of your iOS device to the top. This will open the Control Center from here you can play/pause music, adjust the volume, turn on/off Bluetooth, access a flashlight (iPhone), turn on/off different modes like Do Not Disturb mode as well as access commonly used apps.
   
   
   
   
2. iOS 7 also introduces an all new Notifications Center. To access the Notification Center swipe from the top down on your iOS device. From here you can see recent calls, messages, and events. The new notifications area also allows you to sort them by today, all, and missed.
   
   
   
   
3. There are also now app previews making multi-tasking even easier. To view open apps tap the home button twice. From here you can see all of the apps you currently have open as well as close them and switch to other apps.
   
   
   
   
4. The App Store has also been updated. You can now view some of the most popular apps as well as a brand new Kids Apps section. Apps downloaded from the updated app store will now automatically update.
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip: How to emulate a different version of Internet Explorer in Internet Explorer 11

Description: If you head to a website that requires a lower version of Internet Explorer you can emulate that version so the website works correctly.

1. When in Internet Explorer, press the F12 key on your keyboard. This will bring up the developer screen.
   
   
   
2. Click the Maximize button in the upper right hand corner of the window, this will put the developer screen into a window.
   
   
   
   
3. Once in windowed mode, click on the icon with the Computer and Phone.
   
   
   
   
4. Now you click the arrow on the User Agent String to change the Internet Explorer version.
   
   
   
   
5. Now select the Internet Explorer version that you want and then refresh the webpage.
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip: How to connect a smartphone to an HDTV

Description: Most smartphones made within the past few years have the capability to connect to external monitors and/or HDTVs. This is extremely useful if you travel a lot and want to watch movies on something bigger than your smartphone's screen. So how do you know if this feature applies to you?

Some smartphones have the HDMI port on the device itself.

The example below is from a Droid RAZR. It includes your typical microUSB port (left), in addition to a dedicated HDMI port (right). In this case, the HDMI port is a special type known as microHDMI, which needs an adapter to bring it to a full-size HDMI. In general, if a smartphone has a HDMI port built on, it will be in the form of microHDMI.


Droid RAZR has micro USB and HDMI ports



The iPhone needs a proprietary adapter to get to HDMI. For the iPhone 4/4s, you need an adapter to take the 30pin connector out to HDMI (left). The iPhone 5 introduced the lightning connector and also needs a similar adapter (right) to get to HDMI. For video output on the 3G/3Gs, you only have the option of using an analog video output (yellow RCA or red/green/blue RCA connections).

So what if your phone looks like this?

 
A Samsung Galaxy S2

The Galaxy S2 only has a microUSB port and nothing else. So how does this connect to a HDTV? Many new smartphones use a technology referred to as MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link).
 
A Mobile High-Definition Link adapter

In a nutshell, this means you can repurpose the microUSB port to send video to a TV with a compatible MHL adapter. It's as easy as plugging in the adapter to your phone and plugging in a HDMI cable to the other side. These adapters also offer a charging port on the side so you can watch video continuously without the need to recharge. Please note that some of these adapters require your phone charger to operate properly.

I bought a MHL adapter and it didn't work!

If the standard MHL adapter doesn't work for you, then you fall into one of three categories:

1. Your phone is too old and doesn't support MHL.
2. You are the proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy S3 or Galaxy Note 2.
3. You are the proud owner of Google's Nexus 4.

If number 1 refers to you, you can double check your phone's specifications on a website like http://www.phonearena.com to see if your phone truly supports MHL.

If you fall under point number 2, fear not! The standard MHL adapter doesn't work for you, because Samsung customized these phones. Standard MHL uses a 5 pin adapter, whereas Samsung's version is 11 pins. The simple solution is that you need a MHL adapter supplied by Samsung.

If point number 3 applies to you, then your phone doesn't use MHL at all. Google has opted to use a technology called Slimport. The Nexus 4 is the very first smartphone to use Slimport, so the adapters are not too common yet. The adapter looks identical to a MHL adapter, but the difference lies in the technology used to drive the signal. As of this writing (05/2013), the only place to find this adapter for purchase is online.


Once you have the correct adapter, you can use your phone as a powerful media center. Whether it is to play games, watch Netflix, or to write emails on a bigger screen, the possibilities are endless!

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.