Tech Tip: For longer battery life, change this iOS 7 setting

How to turn off Background App refresh in iOS 7

Description: This feature allows apps to refresh in the background when on Wi-Fi or cellular and also use location services. Turning off background app refresh will help preserve battery life.

1. Go to Settings from the home screen of iPad.
2. Go to General and then select Background App Refresh.
   
   
   
   
3. Move the switch from right to left to toggle off.
   
   
   
   Note: Green is On and white is Off.
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

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 News: iOS 6 releasing on September 19th

Amidst all the hoopla of the iPhone 5 announcement yesterday, Apple gave a release date to its newest mobile OS, iOS 6. Starting September 19^th, most users will be able to upgrade to the next iteration of “the most advanced operating system ever”. All current iPhone models (including the iPhone 5) all the way down to the 3GS will be able to upgrade. Furthermore, the new iPad and the iPad 2, as well the fourth and (just announced) fifth generation iPod touch are eligible as well. A few of the new features include Facebook integration, a completely reworked Maps application, smarter Siri, and plenty more. Most of the new features to iOS can be found on Apple's Website, but with under a week to go, it won’t be long until you’re able to try the changes out for yourself.

Which do you prefer? iOS 6 or Android 4.1: Jelly Bean? Let us know in the comments!

Source: Engadget

Tech News: The next iPhone and “iPad Mini” rumored to be announced September 12

With the rumors flying for over a year about the inevitable release of the next iPhone, it looks like we finally may have a date to put all those to rest. According to iMore, Apple is expected to schedule an event for Wednesday September 12^th where they will debut the new iPhone and the (also much rumored) iPad Mini. Coming from “sources who have been accurate in the past”, the release date of the new iPhone is set for 9 days later, Friday September 21^st, and could include the iPad Mini as well. Historically, Apple has debuted new iPhone models in early-mid October. So if this date proves to be correct, it would indicate another major shift in Apples business practice in the post-Steve Jobs era. Some of the rumored specifications of the next iPhone include a larger, 4-inch display, 4G LTE, a smaller, 16-pin dock connector/charger and a faster processor just to name a few. The final build of iOS 6 is also expected to make an appearance, as well as the next generation iPod Nano. With a little over a month to go, all that’s left to do is play the waiting game.

What do you want to see in the new iPhone? Let us know in the comments!

Source: iMore

Mac OS X 10.8 “Mountain Lion” available now!

Yesterday at Apple's quarterly earnings results, Apple dropped the bomb that its new OS, “Mountain Lion” would be releasing today, July 25^th. Priced at $19.99 ($10 less than its predecessor) and available through the Mac App Store, 10.8 brings features that continue to bridge the gap between mobile desktop operating systems. All the 200+ new features can be found on Apple's website, though unfortunately, those who found themselves unable to upgrade to Lion would be in the same boat here, as the download requires either Snow Leopard (10.6.8) or Lion (10.7). With Windows 8 releasing only three short months from now, the stakes are high for a battle royale in the digital world.

Which operating system are you more excited for: Mountain Lion or Windows 8? Let us know in the comments!

Source: Apple

Tech Tip of the Day: Getting started with iCloud: Part 1

Description: iCloud is a great feature that allows wireless syncing between all your devices. Have a picture on your iPad that you want to see on your iPhone? No problem. Have contacts from your iPhone you want on your iPod touch? No problem. This guide will explain the basics of iCloud, and how to set it up.

Section 1: What is iCloud?

iCloud is Apple's proprietary cloud storage solution. It allows for wireless sync to the cloud, or Apple's servers, that allow for access across multiple devices. It's built for iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), but it is also available on both Windows and Mac machines as well. This not only saves space on each device, but it also eliminates the risk for data loss. No matter what state the device is in, just sign in, and all personal information, as well as documents, settings, calendars, etc., will be automatically synced back to the device. This is quickly becoming the standard in storage options due to its failsafe methods.

There are alternatives as well: Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft Skydrive to name a few. These all have their benefits, though none are as tightly integrated into the OS as iCloud. Apple has created an ecosystem with iOS, and iCloud has been neatly tucked deep inside of it to make it incredibly easy to sync, back up and restore any personal information.

Section 2: Why do I want it?

It is common knowledge that backing up data frequently is a good idea. Until now, the only method of doing this is with an external storage device of some kind; more specifically, an external hard drive or flash drive. While there are generally no problems with external media, it comes with the risk of hardware errors, thus possibly causing data loss. Also, it's limited to one machine at a time, meaning, to get all the data back across multiple devices, it would require restarting the process for each device by itself.

With iCloud, it's all automatic. It requires little to no input from the user. Whatever is stored on one device is almost immediately accessible from another. Everything from music, movies and TV shows, to calendars, reminders and contacts. It's all there. No syncing. No cords. No hassle.

Section 3: Okay. What's the catch?

iCloud, like most consumer products, is not completely free unfortunately. At the start, it grants 5GB of free storage. On average, this is enough for most items, but the more content that is backed up (namely large files such as movies and TV shows), the quicker that space will disappear. This is when it becomes time to purchase additional space.

Apple offers three different yearly subscription options for additional storage. On top of the standard 5GB given for free, the options they offer are: $20 a year for 10GB of additional space, $40 a year for 20GB of additional space and $100 a year for 50GB of additional space.

Section 4: What are the requirements?

Not all iOS devices are compatible with iCloud. In order to run it, a device must be running iOS 5 or later. Devices that ship with iOS 5+ have iCloud built in. Older iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPhone 3G or iPod touch 1st and 2nd generation are not supported.

On Mac, it must be running OSX 10.7 (Lion) to work, and for Windows, it must be Windows Vista or Windows 7. XP is not supported unfortunately.

If you meet these requirements, watch for part two of this series later this week to learn how to configure iCloud on all your devices!

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

“iPad Mini” rumors in full swing

Just as Google/ASUS’s Nexus 7 begins its assault on the tablet market, early reports indicate that Apple is preparing a smaller, 7 to 8-inch version of its widely popular iPad tablet to combat with the likes of the Nexus and Amazon's Kindle Fire. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple's parts suppliers in Asia are readying for “mass production” of a tablet, with a form factor smaller than that of the current iPad models. While these are still rumors with no official announcement from Apple, from a market standpoint, this would be a smart move for the Silicon Valley giant to make. While the iPad holds the top spot in tablet sales, Amazon's Kindle Fire is also quite a hot item, in large due to its $200 price tag. And with the Nexus 7 becoming widely available (also with a $200 sticker), Apple is beginning to see some serious competition in the tablet game. The entry level iPad 3^rd generation (newest model) retails for $500, but if Apple was able to cut a hefty chunk out of that by offering a smaller, “mini” version, that would put them among the ranks of the Fire and Nexus, and may win over quite a few minds (and wallets), once again reasserting their dominance at the top of the mountain. One things for sure. When manufacturers compete, we all win. 

Source: WSJ

Tech Tip of the Day: How to restore an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to Factory Settings

Description: If an iOS device begins to function improperly, restoring the factory settings will usually resolve the issue.

1. Connect the device to the computer with a USB cable, then open iTunes. (Note: This tutorial was done on a Mac computer, though the Windows version is entirely the same process)
   
   


2. Locate the device along the left column. This will open the main hub for all current actions that can be performed on the device.
   
   


3. Click "Restore" then continue through the prompts that follow. To back up all the information on the device, choose "Back Up" when the message appears
   
   
   
   


4. Once the backup has completed, it will begin to download the firmware to restore the device. It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the internet connection.
   
   


5. When the download has completed, it will begin to restore the device. This process takes about ten minutes.
   
   


6. The device may reboot several times. This is normal.
7. Once the restore has successfully completed, iTunes will prompt to give the device a name and to choose how to sync new media.
   
   


8. Now, turn on the device and follow through the initial setup. If there is information to be restored from a previous backup, iTunes will automatically restore this when it syncs. The device is now ready for use.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

How to Upgrade to Lion

Description: This document provides step-by-step instructions on how to download and upgrade Mac OS X 10.6.6 (or later) to Mac OS Lion 10.7 from the App Store on the Mac Book Pro.

Benefits of Upgrading to Lion

1. Multi-touch gestures
2. Full-screen apps
3. Mission Control
4. Launchpad
5. Auto-Save and Versions
6. AirDrop
7. Updated Apps
8. Many more features
   • Auto-correction, Resume, Window resizing, Emoji support, Digital signatures, Restore partition, all my files, Search tokens, better file management, Low-power wake, Interactive iTunes screensavers, and FileVault 2.

All these Benefits can be viewed at: http://gadgetbox.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/07/12/7070647-mac-os-x-lion-yes-its-worth-the-upgrade

Minimum Requirements

• Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor
• 2GB of memory
• OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
• 7GB of available space
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

Step 1: Make sure your Mac can run Lion by meeting at least the minimum requirements. Click on the Apple icon at the top left of the screen, then choose About This Mac.






Step 2: If your Mac matches up with the requirements. Click the App Store Icon on the bottom of the screen.



Step 3: Next, type in "OS X Lion" in the search bar in the upper right hand side of the App Store.



Step 4: Next, click on the "OS X Lion" productivity software and select the "29.99" and "buy" app.



Step 5: Next, It is going to ask for an Apple ID and Password. If you don’t have one you can create one at this time by clicking the Create Apple ID Button.



Step 6: Once Logged In, advance to OS X Lion by clicking "Download".

Step 7: After that, click the "Purchased" icon on the App Store menu bar to access the Lion OS software download.



Step 8: Next, click the "Install" button to the right of the OS X Lion software to start downloading.



Step 9: OS X Lion will display in the downloads folder on the lower right hand corner of the screen showing the status of the download. The OS X Lion software is also seen in the App Store as "Installing".



Hint: You can "Pause" or "Cancel Download" by clicking the applet on the Apple



Step 10: Once downloaded from the App Store, click the OS X Lion Applet at the bottom of the page to employ the install.

Step 11: Next, The Mac OS X Lion install screen will pop-up. Read the License agreement and click "Agree".



Step 12: When "Agree" is clicked a window will pop-up to confirm, click "Agree".



Step 13: In order to process this install, Verify your Password and click the OK button.



Step 14: Click "Install" on the Mac OS X Menu to continue to install



Step 15: Connect the computer to a power source in order to complete download without the battery dying.



Step 16: Next Screen will show Mac OS X Lion downloading and computer will restart after download is complete.



Step 17: After Lion has completed and restarted, Lion Setup Assistant will be the first open window on the desktop. Scroll inside the middle text box and click "continue".



CONGRATULATIONS on successfully installing Mac OS X Lion!

iCloud is a breakthrough set of free new cloud services that work seamlessly with applications on your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, Mac® or PC to automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and automatically and wirelessly push it to all your devices. When anything changes on one of your devices, all of your devices are wirelessly updated almost instantly.



For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

How to change energy saver settings in Mac OS X

Description: This is a how-to article for Mac OS X on the topic of changing the energy saver/sleep mode settings. This is primarily useful if the settings have changed, or if there is a specific need.

1. Close any open programs on the Mac.
2. Click on the Apple Icon in the top left corner of the screen, then choose System Preferences.
   
   


3. On the new System Preferences window, choose Energy Saver
   
   


4. If this is a MacBook or MacBook Pro you can choose between changing settings for when it is running on Battery or when it is running from the Power Adapter
   
   


5. Change the slider bars to the appropriate times, and check the appropriate options below. If you want to set it to Defaults, use the Restore Defaults option in the bottom right.
   
   


6. Once completed you may click on the Lock icon in the bottom right to prevent any further changes without entering the password.
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

How to add a keyboard shortcut to change the input language in Mac OS X

Description: This is a how-to article on the topic of adding a keyboard shortcut to change the input language to Mac OS X. This would be useful if you need to type in any language other than English.

1. Close any open programs on the Mac.
2. Click on the Apple Icon in the top left corner of the screen, then choose System Preferences.
   
   


3. On the new System Preferences window, choose Keyboard
   
   


4. At the top of the Keyboard window, choose Keyboard Shortcuts
   
   


5. On the left, choose Keyboard & Text Input
   
   


6. In the middle, check the box next to Select the previous input source
   
   


7. Note that a caution symbol will appear, and a message notifying you that there are conflicts. To resolve these conflicts, click on the Spotlight group on the left, or whichever group has the yellow caution symbol.
   
   


8. In the middle, verify that the item with the caution symbol is not used regularly and then uncheck the box to resolve the conflict.
   
   


9. Once that is done the conflict is shown as resolved, and the corresponding keyboard combination can be used to change keyboard input languages.
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.