Some people may not be on intimate terms with their Mac keyboard. The buttons do a lot more than simply type letters and numbers onto the screen, or move the cursor around. With certain key combinations, there are many opportunities to perform steps that would otherwise have to be accessed from a menu.
Special Keys of a Mac Keyboard
Whether it is built-in like on a laptop or arrives with a desktop, Mac always uses a traditional QWERTY keyboard layout in the United States. The function keys or F keys make the Mac perform tricks. They can make the Mac screen brighter and the sound louder. Near the bottom of the keyboard, next to the space bar, are modifier keys. When pressed, the modifier keys change the behavior of other keys that are pressed at the same time. When using one modifier key with another key, you can issue a keyboard shortcut.
Classic Layout
On the Macbook Pro of today, the FN key is on the bottom row. On older keyboards it may not be present. When pressing the FN key and pushing one of the top keys on the board, specific operations can be achieved by default. If you press the F12 key by itself, audio volume amplifies. Press FN together with F12 on a Mac with Mountain Lion and the display shifts to the Dashboard environment.
The Versitility of a Command Key
Appearing to the right and left of the space bar is the Command key. If used frequently, it can save the user lots of time. For instance, when saving a document, instead of going to the File menu, you can just press Command+S. Or, when quitting the document, you can press Command+Q.
The Control key is mainly used to call up contextual menus. Windows users recognize these as menus that appear when you right-click. On a Mac, nothing happens with the right-click, you must hold down the Control key and right-click to get the menu commands. To get rid of it, click outside of it and do not hold down the Control key.
Option Keys
An Option key is to the right of the Control key. Pressing the Option key causes optional or alternative actions to happen. These common key commands are used with most all applications.
Like all great products, the reality of repair and sometimes replacement is inevitable. If your Mac keyboard ever experiences problems with its functionality and is in need of computer repair services, pros at iFixYouri can help restore your Mac back to its former glory.
When an iPhone owner accidentally drops their device into a toilet, they’re usually unaware of the extent of water damage caused to their iPhone. According to a recently published patent, Apple wants to provide users with a water-detection feature.
The main objective of the technology is for issues such as repair troubleshooting, warranty claim assessment, and product development, according to the published patent. Manufacturers generally want to ensure whether a particular user simply wishes to replace the application or has actually dropped the device in the water. Apple stated that water is one of the major reasons that may cause malfunctioning of the device. As a result, verification of water immersion is pertinent for device manufacturers. Presently, an iPhone that suffers water damage is not covered by Apple’s warranty — which is exactly why they want to be able to test for it.
The only hope you have for getting your water damaged iPhone working properly again is to get it fixed by professional repair technicians who specialize in iPhone water damage repair, like iFixYouri.
iPhone Water Damage Detection Patent Details
The application comes with a system that uses color-changing tape along with a dye which dissolves after absorbing a certain amount of water. This in turn helps in avoiding humidity from triggering a false positive.
According to the published patent, the company stated that the application will get enclosed and provide at least one sign that it has been immersed in the water. As a result, users will be able to identify water damage just by looking at their application. However, the process has certain drawbacks such as limited application, complicated inspection process and device tampering, Apple acknowledged. The detection system can be used for devices that can be easily opened — aka, not the iPhone device.
When Will We See This?
Since December 2006, the water damage detection patent was kept secret by Apple until it was revealed this year. There is no explanation about whether the system will come with the next generation iPhone or will be released with future innovative versions.
It has been a great year as far as Apple’s patent files are concerned. Just like the recently uncovered Olympus MEG4.0 prototype and the Google Glass project, the company received a patent for a head-mounted display device. Earlier last month, Apple bagged a patent for exchangeable camera lenses in less than a couple of weeks time, before another 27 patents were granted, including some for inductive charging, as well as rotating, scrolling and resizing on touch screens.
It goes without saying that listening to music on the go is very important to people, and when their precious iPod Touch screen becomes damaged, iPod Touch screen replacement is essential. Let’s explore what’s involved.
Which iPod Touch Screen Replacement Is Needed?
The iPod Touch actually has two screens, so depending on your device’s damage, you may only need to replace one of the screens. The outer screen, called the faceplate, is a glass covering that protects the touch screen. This liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, also called the digitizer, is the actual display screen.
Steps to Disassembling an iPod Touch
- The iPod comes apart from the back to the front. First, the chrome back of the iPod is removed with specific opening tools. Trying to do this yourself may result in scratched chrome, but specific iPod opening tools, when used properly, can prevent this.
- Then the device’s battery is removed.
- The battery is glued to the iPod, so its removal is also a delicate process.
- The logic board, held in place by four small screws and attached to the battery by a cable, is the next piece to come out.
- Finally, the digitizer is removed. The digitizer is secured to the faceplate with sixteen screws and plugged in to the logic board.
iPod Touch Screen Replacement
If the digitizer is broken, it is simply a matter of unplugging the old one and plugging in the new.
If the faceplate screen is broken, however, it is an entirely different matter. After the Home button is removed, the faceplate is heated up to break the adhesive bond between the faceplate and the screen. The damaged screen is then thrown out, the Home button replaced, and the new screen with the fresh adhesive placed over the faceplate. The faceplate is heated again, so the glue bonds to the plate and screen, and once it is cooled, it is ready to be put back on the iPod.
iPod Touch Re-Assembly
It is important that all the internal parts of the iPod are clean before it is reassembled. The faceplate screen is wiped with a soft cloth, and the digitizer and logic board are cleaned with compressed air just to be sure, so no unnecessary dust gets inside the iPod. Then the parts are reassembled in the reverse order in which they came out — digitizer, logic board, battery, and chrome back.
You can try to do this yourself, but an iPod touch screen replacement is a very meticulous process. You can trust experienced professionals like iFixYouri, who specialize in iPod Touch screen replacement, to properly repair your device and send it back to you quickly.
The decision switch made by Apple in using a smaller dock connector may be frustrating for some customers since their old accessories may become useless. Nevertheless, this important decision may increase the profit of all the manufacturers of iPhone accessories. In fact, Apple is expected to generate an income of $40 million in the next fiscal quarter due to the customer’s payment for new cables that work with the smaller dock connector. This is according to Mr. Michael Morgan, who is the senior analyst of ABI Research.
According to Morgan, Apple is shipping 47 million iPhone 5 across the globe. This is an estimate based on the standards. However, Morgan thinks that only 5 to 10 percent of all the customers will purchase the new cable. Others will rely only on using free cable that comes with the box. This means that if every cable is worth $20, then the expected income is $40 million for 2 million cables.
New Docking Stations Net Profit for Apple, Too
Aside from this, Apple is also said to benefit from the new docking stations that can cater to the smaller connectors of the iPhone. According to Morgan, a total of 5 to 10 million docking stations will be sold next year. Each station will cost around $150 to $175 per piece, which can generate a total profit of $1 billion.
The increase in revenue for Apple is greatly affected by the sales provided by the hospitality industries. Morgan thinks that a lot of hotels will purchase the docking radios to provide more service to their customers. In addition to this, those who are using a car charger will also need to buy an adapter that costs around $30. Nevertheless, this increase in income is only considered a small drop in the bucket since it can generate a total of $100 billion worth of revenue every year. As for the consumers, this can already add up to a very significant expense.
And Then There’s the Cases…
Aside from adapters, cables, and docking stations, cases are also very marketable with the new iPhone 5. This is due to the fact that the iPhone 5 is a lot thinner and longer compared to the previous models. According to the ABI, three-quarters of those who buy the new iPhone also purchase a protective case. Each case is worth around $18. If Apple is able to sell 58 million iPhone 5s, then case makers are expected to generate roughly $783 million for the year.
With all this money invested in a single device, consumers can be devastated when their precious iPhone 5 is damaged. For all the protection and careful handling, accidents do happen. Don’t rely on amateurs to fix your device if it’s broken — professional iPhone 5 repair can mean the difference between a fixed phone and further damage.
Two years ago, there really was not any question about what operating system was best for smartphones – Apple clearly led the pack. Today, though, real competition has emerged in the form of Android’s Jelly Bean OS. This robust new operating system finally offers a real challenge to Apple’s domination, and one that begs a simple question: which operating system is best? The answer, as is so common in the tech world, is harder to answer than it may seem.
Android Jelly Bean
The great news about Jelly Bean is that it is the best version of Android’s OS yet. If you are using any Android device that is equipped with the OS, you are in for a treat – this version is more stable than ever, and it actually packs in a few features that are miles ahead of its competition. Jelly Bean is fairly easy to use, runs quickly and is full of delightful customization options that can really give a power-user his or her ideal phone.
Customization
Unfortunately, that customization comes at a price. Compared to i0S 6, the interface is still a bit unintuitive. The OS is also short on some of the bells and whistles with which iOS users may have been familiar, and the fact that the operating system has to function across multiple devices instead of a single class of devices means that it may not perform as well as its closed-system counterpart.
iOS 6
It is very difficult to say anything bad about Apple iOS 6 – after all, the company is known for creating user-friendly interfaces. In fact, this iteration might be one of the best yet, relatively free of major bugs and most of the problems that have befallen the older versions of the system. It is still slick and easy to use, the perfect system for any new smartphone user.
Of course, savvy smartphone users will quickly see the faults in this iteration of Apple’s OS. While it might be easy to pick on the Maps app for being universally panned, it is a symptom of a bigger problem – Apple’s closed system. If you are a fan of customization or playing around in the technological sandbox, this really is not the system for you. This may or may not be a turn-off to some, but it is something that should be kept in mind.
Which OS is Really Better?
In the end it’s not clear which OS between Android Jelly Bean vs. iOS6 is the best , it depends on how you use your phone. If you want the system that is most simple and easiest to use, Apple is the winner. If you prefer something that is robust and easy to customize, you should go with Android.
In either case, phones that user either system are susceptible to accidental damage. Don’t get too excited or frustrated by your new operating system, or you may mishandle your device. In the event that you need repairs, you also have options, but there is a clear winner in terms of results: iFixYouri. Find out why.
For those with a warranty on their iPhone 5 that doesn’t have extensive coverage, or a warranty that has expired, or no warranty at all, getting repairs from iFixYouri will help the smartphone owner save high repair costs, or save the device from joining a pile of e-waste.
In addition to the benefits of reduced repair costs, a good warranty can offer piece of mind. Therefore, it is important to get the best warranty and protection plan for an iPhone 5 that provides coverage for repairs, breakage, and also replacement if it is stolen or lost. Here are a few of the best plans available today.
AppleCare+
This plan costs $99 for two years, and coverage includes support and hardware issues. The plan is quite popular and available from retailers and directly from Apple as well. The recently updated version of the plan includes two damage claims due to accidents. This means your phone will be replaced if it is broken due to any reason for a fee of $49.
The AppleCare+ plan can be purchased within 30 days of purchase of the iPhone 5. However, when you do not purchase the plan along with a new phone, it will require inspection and an appointment at the Genius Bar. This plan does not cover theft or loss; hence, it is not a comprehensive protection plan.
SquareTrade
The plans from SquareTrade are similar to Apple’s extended warranty plans for the iPhone 5. This plan costs $99 for two years, and $129 for three years. If you sell your iPhone 5 in that period, you can transfer the plan to the new user. The plan includes four replacements or repairs, and there is a same-day service option. Coverage is for any kind of damage, and claims require a deductible of $50. You can also pay for repairs out of pocket at the Apple Store and have it reimbursed; however, the plan does not cover theft or loss.
Protect your Bubble
This plan costs $143.99 for a one-time annual fee, and $7.99 per month if you prefer monthly payments. Apart from repairs and replacement, it also covers theft and loss; however, there is $100 deductible.
The best value of an iPhone 5 warranty seems to be plans from AppleCare+ and SquareTrade; however, if you need theft and loss coverage, Protect your Bubble is a good option. Remember that the third option is to not get a warranty at all — iPhone 5 repairs are often much cheaper if you get them yourself!
Just because a product is in good working order, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the owner still wants to use it. Manufacturers use that theory to convince buyers to replace certain electrical and computerized goods. Our culture is permeated with consumerism and new gadgets are introduced all of the time to keep abreast of fashion. People want the latest electronic goods that combine style and convenience, not nearly enough people invest in electronics repairs when they should. While this does keep the economy moving with supply and demand, the e-waste generated from this non-sustainable practice is overwhelming.
Built to Not Last
Frequently building new models of devices creates a lot of electronic waste, but people who lust after the latest technology typically don’t take that into consideration. The latest iPhone is sleeker and more powerful and utilizes a different type of port – why keep the previous version?
This level of consumerism worries environmentalists, who know that many of the hundreds of thousands of earlier models, and all the accompanying accessories, just end up in landfills. Electronic waste can have serious effects: electronic equipment contains dangerous and toxic metals and chemicals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. In addition to harming the environment, when the poisons seep into soil, people and animals are affected.
While there are often opportunities for residents of cities to recycle their electronic waste, millions of electronic devices like computers, TVs and cell phones join the rest of the garbage, perhaps due to convenience, or perhaps due to ignorance.
Is Your Old Smartphone Headed to the Trash?
When a useful electronic item, like a laptop or cell phone, becomes damaged, an easy solution is to throw it away and buy a new one. Many people don’t consider that it is not only cheaper, but better for the environment, if the item was repaired, instead. If you find yourself in this situation, where you have a device that is no longer working or even doesn’t look as pretty as it did when you first bought it, send it to us at iFixYouri — it’ll be like buying your item again, brand new.
The Apple iPad is the result of years of experimenting with touch screen technology and smaller being better. Apple is now poised to introduce a device even smaller and, hopefully, even better: the iPad Mini. This is the newest version of the iconic Apple tablet device.
What is the iPad Mini?
The iPad mini is a smaller, thinner and lighter device designed for the on-the-go businessperson and people who need a lightweight internet device that can do everything the iPad can do. The concept has been around for some time and it appears that Apple has resolved issues with screen resolutions and touchability.
The iPad Nano, as it has also been called, is Apple’s answer to the smaller table devices that have been marketed by Amazon in the form of the Kindle and Google with its Nexus Tablet. The Nano delivers all the quality of Apple with numerous available apps in a smaller, lighter and narrower package.
The Mini Timeline
Although no specific launch date has been given for the miniature version of the iPad it is assumed that production has begun at the suppliers in China (where the leaked design photos came from). A release date in late 2012 is not out of the question! Apple, as always, is keeping the specifics secret. Check out some of the rumors here.
The Specifics
- Touch Screen capabilities (of course!)
- Lower pricing than the iPad
- Slim and trim case with a high resolution screen
- Screen size less than 8 inches
- Able to utilize all Apple iPad apps
- 8 GB of internal storage
In the near future, people will gambling on their phones, winning or losing money with a few simple swipes of their finger. Big Fish Games, a company based in Seattle, is releasing a gambling app in the UK, where such actions are legal.
Potential For Big Bucks
It is estimated nearly 50 billion dollars will be gambled on mobile devices by the year 2015. This means companies want to get on the action, and are eager to design applications that let consumer do just that.
Chris Chriffin, CEO of Betable, a partner company with Big Fish Games, says this is a huge opportunity for game developers. However, Big Fish is certainly not the only company on the market.
Zynga, the biggest maker of social games, plans to release real money gambling applications before 2013 is over.
Legal Issues
Betting money over the internet is illegal in many states in the US. That certainly will not stop everybody however, and some states may relax restrictions. California, Nevada, and New Jersey are thinking about making it legal.
App Producers and Apple
Despite the lucrative opportunity, Apple is not getting any money from the sale of gambling apps. Apple would prefer to not worry about being part of a potentially illegal gambling operation.
Thousands of players already play for fake money on their phones. When real money becomes available, many of them will be among the first to buy gambling apps. Paul Thelen, CEO of Big Fish, says the opportunity for profit in the near future may be very large indeed.
See this page for more info.
If you do get involved in gambling apps, and in a heated moment, throw your iPhone to the ground, you’ll need to get it fixed so you can win the money back. There’s always another day. Or Gamblers Anonymous.
Now that the dust has mostly settled in the legal battle between Apple and Samsung, let’s explore one of the issues of copyright regarding the Galaxy Tab that was at the center of the debate. Both the mobile phone giants tried their best to win this legal battle through depositions and court witnesses, which proved to be a difficult dilemma for Samsung.
Galaxy Tab and iPad Design Issues
Designer Testimony
According to Jin Soo Kim, the industrial designer who worked on the design of Galaxy Tab 10.1, the work for the Samsung tablet was started in October, 2009. He also presented an email dated 2006, which clearly shows that the work on the Tab was underway in 2006.
This was much before the scheduled unveiling of iPad 1 and iPad 2, which took place in January 2010 and 2011 respectively. Kim further added to his testimony that the major goal of Samsung was to get the largest screen on a fairly smaller piece of hardware.
Total Denial of Guilt
Kim acknowledged the fact that there were certain amendments and design changes done to the Galaxy tablet. He also clarified that it was done only keeping competitive factors in mind, while there were no intentions to replicate the iPad’s design. Kim denied allegations that he attempted to copy the design of Apple products at any point in time during the designing process of the Galaxy Tab.
Kim also did not acknowledge rumors claiming that Google had sent an email to Samsung asking the phone manufacturer to change its designs of the Galaxy phone series. The email from Google actually referred to the design issues relating to the original Galaxy Tab, which apparently never made it to the consumer market.
The Outcome
In the end, Judge Lucy Koh handed Applean injunction against Samsung selling their Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the US, agreeing that the device infringes on several of Apple’s iPad patents.
Since you won’t be able to buy a new one anytime soon, if you already own the Galaxy Tab and need repairs, contact iFixYouri for experienced technicians.