iPhone: What is airplane mode

There is a lot of debate online on the question of switching off cellphones once your airplane is ready for take off and landing. Can devices actually interfere with navigation systems etc. It is in this context that we decided to cover Airplane mode on your iPhone and how it works. What actually happens when you switch on airplane mode and is it safe.


To start off it is safe to say that once airplane mode on your iPhone has been enabled all wireless features are disabled. All non wireless features however are still available, which means you can still listen to music, watch movies and compose documents. 


What features can you use when Airplane mode is switched on
1. You can listen to music
2. Watch Movies
3. Check your calendar
4. Take or view pictures
5. Use your alarm
6. Use your stopwatch
7. Use calendar
8. Take notes
9. Read text-messages or email stored on your phone


What features are unavailable when airplane mode if turned on
1. All wireless features of your phone are turned off
2. Cellular both voice and data are unavailable
3. Wi-Fi
4. Bluetooth
5. GPS
6. Location Service


How to  turn airplane mode on
Tap settings to turn on airplane mode. Once it is turned on an airplane icon will appear in your status bar. 

Usually above 10,000 you are allowed to turn-on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If the airline you are travelling on so allows it you can then turn on these two services when in airplane mode.


How to turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your iPhone when in airplane mode.

To turn Wi-Fi on while airplane mode is on, tap Settings > Wi-Fi, turn Wi-Fi on and choose your Wi-Fi network.
To turn Bluetooth on while airplane mode is on, tap Settings > General > Bluetooth, and turn Bluetooth on.



This feature is very good when you are travelling by air but to avoid confusion it is best to check with the aircraft staff if you can keep you phone on as this feature is still not fully understood and may be a cause for confusion.


Sources: Apple Help and Apple Support. 

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Sociolatte

A Steve Jobs Movie could be out pretty soon

It has already been reported that Sony has acquired the rights to Walter Issacson's authorized biography of Steve Jobs and have now decided to do a film on his life. They also have a choice of who they would like to write the movie. Aaron Sorkin is their top choice - he won an Oscar earlier this year for his Facebook flick - The Social Network. He has confirmed that Sony have approached him to wirte the movie and 'It is something I am considering' he has said.


Sorkin also says that the only reseach he is doing at the moment is reading Issacson's book and that as of now, Steve Jobs is more of an inspiration to his 11 year old daughter than him. She plays with all the Tech Gadgets from Apple. As this stage nothing much is known about the movie and who could be the casts. If there is someone who you think should play Steve Jobs let us know in the comments section below. 

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Sociolatte

Video: Samsung "Next Big Thing" Galaxy S II Commercial

Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung has a Galaxy S2 commercial out and with it they have gone straight after the competition - Apple. The Korean mobile phone maker has started an ad campaign by taking on the iPhone. If you watch the commercial you will notice that they try to keep the conversation real-world and stick to what debates are actually happening  with SmartPhone lovers. One line in the ad goes 'I can never get a Samsung'. Good job with the ad and for sure it has spurred on the SmartPhone debate. Taking on the Apple Fanboy culture with the commercial seems like quiet a long shot, for starters the Apple Queue was not long enough and apparently the look and brightness of the phone has been tweaked. The ad points out 4G and a better battery life. Highlighting the current battery problem with the iPhone 4S. There is however no mention of Siri. Take a look at the Ad and do leave a comment. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

The Top Three companies young people in America want to work for

Employment data and consulting firm Universum conducted a survey asking 6,700 people where they would like to work. The WSJ has the results. The companies that came out on top are not a surprise at all and as you might have guesses which companies they are. 


1. Google
2. Apple
3. Facebook


Google is still the company that most people would like to work for. The culture of 20% time for your own projects is something that anyone who wants to do something in life would crave for. Plus there is also the additional perk of a cool office culture and employee compensations. 


Meanwhile large financial institutions did not fare well and there is an element of distrust when it comes to these companies. Something else that came out of the survey was that job stability was most important and uppermost on most people's minds. Seems that most people have held on to their jobs because of the tough economy. Given the scarcity of jobs people are staying longer at their jobs than they would have previously have done, given the condition of the economy. This year IT and Tech companies have top the list as the most desired places to work


Source: Business Insider
See complete results on WSJ.

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Sociolatte

Apple iOS 5.0.1 Software Update - helps improve battery life

Image: Apple

Apple have released the iOS 5.0.1 free upgrade and one of the benefits is that it helps improve the battery life of the iPhone 4S. According to Apple this software update helps fix the following problems. Fixes bugs that affect battery life, adds multitasking gestures for iPad, and improves voice recognition for Australian users using dictation.

iOS 5.0.1 is available via iTunes or OTA - Over The Air. Over the air is available for all iOS 5 devices and you can  Click Settings > General >Software Update to get the update. 

Despite the relative small size of the update it does need some breathing room to install. TidBITS has some very interesting observations on how to free up space on an iPad since the update needs 433 MB free space. There are also hints on how to free up space and get your update downloaded and running in no time. 

Products compatible with this software update:

• iPhone 4S 


• iPhone 4


• iPhone 3GS


• iPad 2


• iPad


• iPod touch (4th generation)


• iPod touch (3rd generation)

Source: Apple Support

The video below further explains for to get the iOS 5.0.1 update and how to install it over the air

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Sociolatte

How to activate Siri on the iPhone 4S

How to turn on, enable or activate siri on the iPhone 4S. When you first start-up the new iPhone 4S you will notice that it starts up with the old voice recognition pops up when you press down the home button. This is because Siri is turned off by default. So, to turn on the new service which has made the iPhone 4S so famous you will need to do the following. Settings>>General>>Siri

 

Once Siri has been enabled you have further options like 'Raise to speak', which works well if you are not on a call and simple raising your iPhone to you ears will activate Siri. If you ask Siri for directions which is currently available only in the US, you will be asked to turn on 'Location Service' first. Location service is found under Settings>>Locations Service>>Siri. You can also use your headset by plugging it in and hold the down button to activate Siri.

So to use the service it would need to be turned on, as Siri is not activated by default. 

 

Siri: How to use

Image Credit: PCMag

Siri, the personal voice assistant for the iPhone 4S is not an app and there is no button you need to press to get it started. You would need to however set Siri up to get it working and start your voice interaction with the application. Siri already comes pre-loaded on the phone and ready to use. Siri will need to know your name and what language you speak

How to set up Siri

Go to Settings > General > Siri

From 'My Info' select your name from your contact lists

Next choose your language (English US, English UK, English Australian, French or German)

How to access Siri

You can access Siri either by holding your phone close to your ear or from afar (e.g car dashboard)

Press and hold the home button

Two quick tones and a picture of a microphone on the screen means Siri is ready to hear you speak. If you hold the phone close to your ear you will hear the two quick tones which means Siri is ready.

How to setup your relationships so Siri understands

You can tell Siri to 'Call my wife' when Siri asks you who is your wife, you cna answer and from then on your saved relationships will exist.

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Sociolatte

Mini iPad arriving in 2012 ???

Apple Insider is reporting that a mini iPad could be seen in the market in the early months of 2012. According to sources it is believed that the mini iPad is to rival and take on Amazon Kindle Fire. Amazon Kindle Fire is their first foray into the touchscreen tablet market and costs just $199. The rumor that a device somewhere between an iPod and iPad from Apple is not new. This smaller device can come with iPad functionality and sit in the $200 price range. This would make the device much more appealing to a large market segment. We had previously written about a cheap iPhone that could come from Apple. This would ensure that they get into the global prepaid smartphone market which till now is untouched. In countries like India and China the market for a prepaid iPhone would be really high and would give Apple a chance to get into the global smartphone market at a very competitive level. The market till now has been enjoyed by Nokia and BlackBerry.

A mini iPad could do just that becoming a huge hit in the global markets. China especially would have a huge market for such a device, in this price range. The US and Europe could also have big demand for products in this range. 

Read more at Apple Insider. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

How to find your missing iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac

Apple Find My iPhone

This is another one of the good things about the release of iOS 5 it comes with an app called "Find My Device". How this essentially works is that if you loose a device and start to panic. Apple says calm down and first sign in to the App using another device and Find my device will show you on a map exactly where your device is at the current moment. Something to know is that find my iPhone must be enabled in the iCloud settings for you to be able to locate it with this App. 

How does Find My Device work

If you loose your device you will need to download and use this app on another iOS device and then sign in with your apple ID. Once your device is located it will be displayed on a map. you can then display a message or play a sound. After which you can remotely lock your device and erase your data on it. 

For it to work you would need to have iOS 3.1.3 or later

Get the Find My iPhone app now. 

Source: Apple 

An original post by

Sociolatte

Apple Find My Friends: How does it work

Apple has released the free App 'Find My Friends' with iOS and it has been getting mixed reviews on the web. If you are wondering how it works - you need to think Foursquare, as this is the easiest example to give. You can add friends and then start sharing with them. They can also share with you. The app comes with a lot of possibilities. You can flip your sharing mode on and off. so if you want to share only for a day. Which would be ideal if you were visiting the zoo and you want your friends to come too. You can share your Geo-location and invite family and friends to join you. You can only know your friends activities if you are allowed. So if you get a friend request you will first need to approve the invite before they can see you. The App also comes with parental restrictions. Find My Friends comes with a lot of privacy and so stalkers will not be able to follow random people.

How to get started with Find My Friends on iOS 5

Once you've downloaded the app you will need to send invites to your friends asking them to opt in to sharing their locations with you. If they choose to do so you will find all your friends with their locations on the page. By clicking on all friends location you can see all your friends locations plotted on a map.

The latest version of Find My Friends has a very interesting feature and a whole lot of potential. You can setup location based alerts -- like when your kids leave school or your loved ones reach a certain place. You can also use Find My Friends to send location based alerts to your close contacts -- this way you can stay connected and keep track of family and friends. This comes with iOS 6.

Get the Find My Friends App now. 

Source: Apple

 

How to use a different Apple IDs for iCloud and store purchases

Yes you can use different Apple IDs for iCloud and store purchases. This is totally Apple approved and so you don't have to worry. You cannot merge two apple accounts into one. You can however use multiple Apple IDs 1 for iCloud and 1 for store purchases which would include iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match. The next question that would arise would be - now that I have purchased music, apps and books using multiple IDs how to get all of it onto my iOS device.  To do that you would need to firstly First copy all of your purchased content so it is on the same Mac or PC with iTunes. This computer should be the one you sync your device with.

If you are wondering how to get all this done, apple has advanced support for it's users and you can avail detailed instructions from the Apple Support site. Using multiple IDs comes with its advantages. Now all members of the family can access  the same account using multiple IDs and purchasing and using all of this is totally legal. 

Source: Apple Support

An original post by

Sociolatte

iMessage launching on Wednesday

iMessage will be out this week on Wednesday. We have already written about what iMessage is and how it works. Well just to recap iMessage is the messaging system that comes along with iOS 5. iPhone users can now send unlimited texts and messages to each other at no extra cost. Works on the lines of BlackBerry's BBM service. With the launch of iMessage, Service providers now have a cause for concern as people signup for texting plans but with iMessage you don't need a texting plan especially if most of you friends use iPhones. iPad and iPod users can also use the service if they upgrade their operating systems to the latest iOS 5. Once upgraded users can then send an unlimited number of texts and messages from their devices. 

This is a killer for Verizon which makes $7 billion a year from texting fees. So the waiting is over for iPhone users who have been waiting for this update and can now enjoy unlimited texting for free. 12 Oct, 2011 is the date and make sure your device has been upgraded to iOS 5 to avail the service. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

iSad becomes popular among images of Apple's Steve Jobs

When people heard of the death of Steve Jobs one of the trending topics on Twitter was the hashtag #iSad. This was what people used to convey their grief to others. iSad however is slowly going on to become an internet sensation or meme. There are a number of pranksters who have been joking about the whole thing. That is something we do not want to get into here because Steve Jobs is respected and always will be.

The iSad theme however is beginning to take shape and you can see from the images and pics below how the logo is designed according to Apple styling and conveys the message in a very Apple sort of way. iSorry also seems to be gaining momentum and we will need to wait and see. for now here are a collection of iSad and iSorry images. If you have any images please send them to us and we will host them on this site, giving you full credit. Apple iSad images and iSorry images. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

RIP Steve Jobs, #iSad, Apple II and #ThankYouSteve trending on Twitter

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

It is indeed a sad day to be joining people around the world to be wishing Steve Jobs RIP. The man who inspired generations with his ideas, zeal and commitment is no more. Even for those people who did not really know him his death has brought sadness and this is the way he touched peoples lives in the farthest corners of the earth. You did not have to really know him to connect with him. People the world over are grateful for his innovations and somehow in his own way he touched their lives. RIP Steve Jobs is trending with users on Twitter as they offer their condolences. #iSad is a fitting tribute to his idea of bringing out products branded with the prefix i. How fitting now to simply say #iSad.

Apple II is one of the first highly successful mass produced personal computers. Was first introduced in 1977 and people who first used it are speaking about it. If you look at the image of the computer you will  recognize it, at least from old movies.

#ThankYouSteve is trending because people are using Steve Jobs' inspirational quotes and thanking him for things he has done and said and the way he inspired. will leave you with three stories by Steve Jobs. It will inspire you.

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Sociolatte

iPhone 4S

iPhone 4s - Features and Highlights. 

After the expected announcement of the iPhone 5, Apple came out with something else the iPhone 4S. Some of the major highlights of the new phone are actually quiet amazing and Apple has held on to its market share. There is an all new 8 mp camera and iOS5 and iCloud. With the launch of the iPhone 4S there has been the new addition Siri.

What is Siri

Siri is you intelligent assistant residing inside your phone to help you. Some of the features of Siri include allowing you to send messages using your voice. You can also ask Siri to do things like schedule meetings and place a phone call. Siri is intelligent enough to talk back to you and works like your own personal assistant on the iPhone 4s

Duel-core A5 Chip

Perfect for gamers and people who require a lot of graphics. The two cores of the chip deliver twice the power and up to seven times faster graphics. Apple also says that the chip is very power-efficient. We will know how powerful it really is after it is tested in real-life.

8MP Camera

The camera is said to make the best use of light and not rely on Megapixels only. So when you are shooting the camera makes use of whatever light is available to give you great looking picturs to show-off with on your phone or HDTV. Apple says that while shooting with the new camera the way it uses light ensure that darks are not too dark and lights are not too light. You can also edit photos on the phone, crop,  rotate, remove red-eye etc. Tap HDR and the camera takes three shots each with a different exposure level and then layers it together. With photo stream in iCloud, you photos are sent to all your devices.

iOS 5

The new operating system for the iPhone 4s, some of the highlights of iOS 5 will be its notification center to see all your notifications in one place. iMessage the place to send texts to all your iPhone buddies and does not cost you anything. Newsstand a shelf in your phone to store all your magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Reminders to let you know what you were supposed to do. Twitter is also integrated right into iOS 5. Web browser Safari - with the promise to deliver only content sans ads and clutter. It is also PC-free so you do not need a PC to activate it. AirPlay mirroring - play whatever is on your phone wirelessly on HDTV via Apple TV.  

Pics and Videos below

An original post by

Sociolatte

Tuesday Oct 4, Confirmed

Apple has finally confirmed the news that all Tech writers have been speculating about. Tuesday Oct 4, is the day for the special announcement. Apple has sent out the invite stating the next iPhone release will be on October 4  and will start at 10. am PT. Venue will be Apple’s Cupertino, Calif. campus. So for all those awaiting the big day when the iPhone5 will be launched, there is no more any need for speculation. It will be on Oct 4, 10 am at Apple's campus. 

So what can be expected at the launch event. Will Apple unveil its much-hyped, all new iPhone 5, aa updated iPhone 4S, a white iPod touch,the Facebook iPad app and new Facebook iPhone app update. This is what is believed to be in general what Apple will be announcing.

The only difference during this launch event will be the absence of Steve Jobs on stage, instead we will see Tim Cook his choose successor. Pressure will definitely be on the new man to bring with him the usual excitement that goes with a Apple Launch event. 

If you look at the invite it is plain and simple, Let's talk phone. There will definitely be a new phone and all the speculation and waiting will be rewarded. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

Twitter reacts to Grid 10 Tablet Launch

JooJoo developer Fusion Garage has reveled itself as the secret developer behind TabCo. Their latest product the Tab10, a tablet running an Android based OS. The company has been using the promoted tweets option on Twitter and are now trending worldwide. The Tablet market is highly competitive and there are no end to tablets ending in disappointment on the consumer buying front. The operating system has been named as Grid OS.  The company did have a miserable start with the JooJoo unit that went down the drain.


Now the they have decided to launch the tablet via Twitter it is interesting to see how Twitter is reacting to the whole thing. 



Fun fact: The Grid 10 was named after the number of people who will ever know or care that it exists. #Grid10TabletLaunch
#Grid10TabletLaunch I will go check it out
What is Grid10? I don't care much for Tabs unless they're made by Apple. #Grid10TabletLaunch.
#Grid10tabletLaunch needs to stop trending
#Grid10TabletLaunch sorry, don't pay attention to other tablets unless its made by apple :) (iPad)


From the above it seems very clear that Apple has captured the Tablet market and the iPad fonboys don't want their domination to end any time soon. This also seems reasonable considering the fact that Apple came out with a tablet that captured the attention of people with all its design, functionality and apps. All other tablets seem destined to a fate of gathering dust on the shelves of Tech stores. If you would like to know more about the Tech Specs check out this article by Gizmodo. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

Video: 3 stories by Steve Jobs

There is a fantastic video on YouTube where Steve Jobs is delivering his commencement speech to the graduates of Stanford University in 2005. He mainly takes about being fired from Apple and all about life and death. In the video Steve tells the audience three stories. The first one is about connecting the dots. Where he says that no matter what happens in life there is always a purpose and it is only after you go through much in your life that you can later look back and connect the dots. There will always be a connection for your benefit. His notable quote during the first story is 'You have to believe in something your gut, destiny, life karma, whatever.  The second one is about love and loss. Steve says he is found love in what he wanted to do but lost when he was kicked out of Apple. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. The third story is about death, 'Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Listening to him will leave you wondering whether you are listening to a modern day mystic or the Chief Executive of a 21st century Tech company.  

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Sociolatte

Read Steve Jobs' letter of resignation to the Apple Board

Steve Jobs who has been unwell for some time and battling cancer for some time now has stepped down as CEO of one of the most iconic companies in the world. Jobs who had surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2004 and had a liver transplant in 2008 and has been on medical leave from January. Although stepping in to launch the iPad 2 and fulfill other duties. The man who changed the fortune of a company and made products that are most desirable. He never field tested but was inspired created and sold it right from the gut. He took risks like no one else could and worked from the heart. it was at one speech when Steve Jobs was talking about the failures of his past especially the time he was kicked out of apple that he said 'A man must believe in something'.

Here is a copy of the letter that Mr. Jobs wrote to the board of Apple.  Steve Jobs will become chairman of the board. Apple named Tim Cook, its chief operating officer, to succeed Mr. Jobs as chief executive.


Letter from Steve Jobs

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:


I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.


I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.


As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.


I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.


I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

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Sociolatte

A cheaper iPhone 4 is on its way to help boost sales in emerging markets

Hi Phone 5 the fake iPhone already available in China for $31 on Taobao

Apple does not want to miss the big opportunities being provided by emerging markets especially the Asian markets. The only thing that deters Apple is the price of it's iPhone, something that is not right for lower and middle end consumers. People are willing to invest in phones but usually go for the mid-range and lower ranges in these markets. Which are controlled and ruled by companies like Nokia. Apple will now want to even enter these segments of the market being that they represent huge volumes to say the least.


Reuters reports that a new iPhone 4 is on it's way and with Asian manufactures already into production of a lower-priced version of the iPhone 4. Which will have a smaller 8 gigabyte flash drive. The new iPhone, which some call the iPhone 4S because of its largely identical appearance to the existing iPhone 4, will have a bigger touch screen, better antenna and an 8-megapixel camera


Meanwhile the iPhone 5's two manufacturers have been told to increase production capacity to 45 million units. 


The lower cost of the iPhone 4 will allow Apple to also compete against Android devices that are very popular in the mid and lower segments of the mobile phone market. 

An original post by

Sociolatte