Since the dawn of the smartphone, our world has become smaller and considerably more accessible. Through the aid of local search apps, getting a bearing on one’s location and what of interest may surround them is as easy as a simple click. It almost makes you wonder, how did we survived prior to such a convenience?
While browsing through a list of apps, I came across a local search tool called LocalScope. Though a lot of people already use Google Maps (which is now available for iOS) for their local search, and the Apple Map (powered by Yelp), after reviewing LocalScope (review available below) however, I decided to also search for some other apps that may help you in finding what you want, near your location.
Apps For Your Local Search
Unfortunately, the Android version of these apps are currently unavailable.
AirYell
A free app that provides you with a listing and green car icons you can use to get turn-by-turn directions.
AirYell is like a personal Yellow Pages, where you can add a search term or speak it out, to get a list of results for your area. You may also get some listings too by touching some of the icons at the bottom of the app interface. AirYell provide some information about its listings and maps to view their locations, and it also provides turn-by-turn navigation features with voice.
Where To?
An app with an appealing interface and lots of categories (cost – $2.99).
From the Where To? interface, you may choose a common search item which will then be displayed in a list, on a map or through augmented reality (this will cost you an additional 99 cents). Where To? has a massive list of alphabetized services you can quickly get to. The augmented reality feature in the app allows you to see all the places that are in some specific directions within your area, though the extra you may have to pay to use the feature may be a turn-off.
LocalScope
An app that uses social data from popular social networks, along with GPS, to provide you with some information and details about what is near your location. You may search through a lot of social networks and other reference sites with it (cost $1.99).
With LocalScope, you will get some listings, photos, tweets, history, and a lot more through the Search or Discover buttons in its app interface. It is a great choice for finding what you want and discovering other new places too.
To enjoy these apps properly, you’ll need a GPS that is working. Unfortunately, it is one of the features that seems to fail for many iPhone users. If you are experiencing this problem, or any other technical issue, you can send your phone to professional repair specialists at iFixYouri.
Is it possible to fix water damaged iPhones? Contrary to what many people believe, it is very much possible. In fact, even if the device has been totally submerged in water, if you take the correct steps immediately, there is a 90% chance that your iPhone can be brought back to life again.
What To Do to Fix Your Water Damaged iPhone
- Make sure that the device is off and do not switch it on again
- Open the case and take out the SIM card
- Without going to extremes, shake out any excess water and dry it with a clean, dry cloth
- If you do not have silica, put some rice into a bag, and place the device into the rice immediately after you have dried it off
- Search online for companies that do repairs on water-damaged iPhones, and contact them as soon as possible.
Don’t imagine that by putting your iPhone in a bag of rice, it will get perfectly dry and work as normal again, because it probably won’t.
Effects of Water Inside an iPhone
The thing is, even if there is just one drop of water left inside your iPhone, corrosion will set in very quickly, and damage your device beyond repair. The repair company that you send your iPhone to should have the expertise to remove any liquid or oil damage from your device, and get it working as good as new again.
If this proper process is not carried out on your iPhone, it will probably work for a while, but the features will start dying out one at a time, as corrosion takes over.
How to Fix Water Damaged iPhones
Make sure that you find a company that specializes in repairing water damaged iPhones, rather than taking it to the manufacturers, who will only replace your iPhone with a reconditioned one, at a price of about $200, and all the data from your old device will be gone for good.
Companies specializing in fixing iPhones damaged by water, on the other hand, will give your device a thorough checking and fix any problems that might be preventing your iPhone from operating normally. The best thing about such companies is that you can send your phone via mail to the company and after they fix it, they will send it back to you, making it a hassle-free process. The next time you accidentally drop your iPhone in water, just send it to us and we will fix it for you.
Smartphones are wonderful gadgets, but as the latest, sleekest designs tend to be made of glossy and glassy materials, they can easily get damaged. All too often, someone’s favorite device gets dropped and becomes scratched, or worse. When this happens, users are often unsure of what to do. Do you need to replace the whole device or are you able to get your smartphone’s glass repaired?
Smartphone Glass Repair vs. Replacing
The world we live in encourages us to replace any device that goes wrong. It is becoming more and more popular to throw away broken or even scratched iPhones in order to replace them with new ones. The problem is that this can be a very expensive process. Having to buy a new smartphone when you drop your current one is an expensive habit that can cost you hundreds of dollars each time.
Benefits of Smartphone Glass Repairs
- Smartphone glass repair is a viable alternative to replacing your device.
- Repairing your iPhone instead of replacing it can save you a lot of money.
- The repair turnaround time can be very fast.
- Sending your device away to get repaired is easy and can be done via the internet.
Doing It Yourself
It is certainly possible to save yet more money by doing the repair yourself. However, there are a few potential problems with this. The main issue is that many modern devices are assembled so that user servicing is nearly impossible. Apple’s iPhone displays are connected to the glass as a single unit, so you cannot just replace one or the other. However, if you are technically-minded and have experience repairing similar devices yourself, then it is definitely an option. You can get dedicated repair kits for specific applications and save some money compared to sending your phone away.
Key Points
- Do-it-yourself repairs require technical knowledge and great care.
- You can save more money by using the DIY option.
- Irreparable damage to the phone may result from a bad DIY repair attempt.
- Sending your phone away to be repaired guarantees an expert service.
- For most people, an expert repair job is the best solution by far.
Professional iPhone Repair Services
Smartphones are extremely sophisticated electronic devices. As a result, it is not surprising that the technology is very delicate. If your smartphone has unsightly scratches on the screen, poor touch sensitivity, odd colors or anything else, then it may need a smartphone glass repair service. The best thing about shipping your phone to be repaired by iFixYouri experts is that you can rest assured that your phone is being handled by professionals with years of experience.
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.
iPhones have become necessary items and many people cannot live without them. When you accidentally damage your iPhone, shipping it to a professional repair store like iFixYouri should be your top priority. You’ll need to know how to carefully pack and ship the device to avoid any further damage during its travel. iPhones are expensive and fairly delicate devices with numerous small parts that can chip, crack or break quite easily.
Packing and Shipping Your iPhone
It’s important to pack and ship your phone in such a way that even the most careless of handling will not ruin it. First, get a cardboard shipping box and packing materials. Bubble wrap is probably the best material, along with newspaper or other unwanted large sheets of paper. Remember to use packing tape and finish it all off with a shipping label.
The cardboard shipping box you use should comfortably accommodate your iPhone. The box should comfortably support at least an inch of packing material on all sides. Fill the first half of the box with the paper. Do not keep it neat. Crumple up that newspaper.
Wrapping the Package
Next, wrap your phone with several layers of bubble wrap. Make sure the phone is against the bubble side of the bubble wrap. Fold in the edges of the bubble wrap to protect the screen and casing from impacts. Then, lay the phone in the middle of the box and fill the rest of the box with crumpled newspaper.
Make sure the bubble wrap and crumpled newspaper form a dense layer between the edge of the box and the phone. You want the iPhone to fit snugly inside the box. If it’s loose there is a better chance it will slide around and become damaged during shipping.
Testing whether the Phone is Firmly in the Box
To test it, shake the box gently at first. Then, once you find that your iPhone stays completely immobile, shake it more violently. If it still stays immobile within the packing, it is good to go. Tape the top and the bottom of the box shut even if the bottom of the box is glued shut already. Then attach your shipping label.
Paperwork and Insurance
One very important part to keep in mind when you want to pack and ship your iPhone is the paperwork, which is generated as a result of sending it. This means all documentation on the package should be duplicated and kept. Any receipts must be kept including the receipts for the iPhone itself, for the shipping costs, and the tracking numbers.
It is also best if you put insurance on the package as well. If for any reason the phone is damaged then you can recoup your loses. Then keep the insurance number. Without that, you won’t be able to make a claim if the package goes missing or is damaged.
If you have treated yourself to an iPhone, one of the features that made it especially attractive to you would probably have been the way you could manipulate the visuals on the screen, by moving your fingers together and apart. The component that makes this enjoyable experience possible is the digitizer, which is firmly fixed to the screen. Unfortunately, this means that if your touchscreen gets broken or damaged, you will require iPhone digitizer replacement as well.
How iPhone Digitizer Replacement Works
The digitizer is like a thin plastic film attached to the screen. It is sensitive to your finger movements, and sends information about the position and movements of your fingers to the motherboard. The information you enter with your fingers is analog information, and it is converted by the digitizer into digital, or computer-readable, data. You can only actually see the digitizer if the screen is damaged.
Why You Might Need A Replacement
If the screen is damaged, it is usually the result of the phone being dropped, or knocking against something — a very common occurrence. However, it is possible that the digitizer itself can develop problems. Symptoms that could indicate that your digitizer needs replacing include:
- There is no response from your screen when you touch it.
- There is a response, but it is very slow.
- Some areas respond erratically, or not at all.
- Some applications seem to open unpredictably or randomly.
If you experience any of these problems, your digitizer is faulty and needs replacing — repair is not an option.
Whether the digitizer needs replacing because it is faulty in itself, or because the screen is damaged, it cannot be replaced by itself. Because it is fused to the screen, the two are in effect a single component, so you have to replace the screen as well. There are various ways to do this.
Ways To Perform iPhone Digitizer Replacement
You can try to do it yourself. There are a number of iPhone digitizer replacement kits on the market, and several instructional video clips online. However, most people find it very difficult to do this successfully, especially if the kits supply plastic rather than metal tools for prying the case apart. This can cause serious frustration, as well as damaging the casing. There is also the option of using Apple’s own repair service, though this costs up to $200 and has a lengthy wait time.
In fact, the most satisfactory way of obtaining an iPhone digitizer replacement is usually to find a reliable professional repair company. This is likely to be a lot cheaper than either using Apple’s service, or paying the deductible for your phone insurance. Make sure you choose a company that offers a warranty, lists prices on its website, and can guarantee a fast turnaround.
The Simple Truth
The chances of damaging your iPhone are actually pretty high. Once you have grown to depend on it, the inconvenience of being without it is immense. It is a smart idea to identify a reliable repair service in advance such as iFixYouri that specializes in matters such as iPhone digitizer replacement, just in case you need it.
You probably suspect by now that the LCD screen on your iPhone is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of your gadget. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens are commonly used in many electronic gadgets such as TVs and computer monitors.
The screen is made up of ultra-thin layers. Two of those layers are polarized panels, between which is a solution of liquid crystal – hence the name. Once light from another part of the iPhone is projected through these layers, the liquid crystal layer becomes colorized and produces the image that we see on the phone. Due to its design and material, the LCD screen is prone to damage and breakage.
LCD Screen Maintenance Tips
To extend the usable life of your iPhone and keep it in top shape, use these tips on care and maintenance:
Keep Your LCD Screen Clean
In most cases, an LCD screen will only require regular wipes to remove dust. If oil or grime gets on the surface of the phone, mix 1 part alcohol and 1 part distilled water and spray on a piece of chamois or flannel. Use this to wipe off the surface. Do not use ammonia-based cleaning products, window or glass cleaners, rough cloths or paper towels.
Use A Protective Screen Film
Screen film is thin and transparent with a stick-on side that can be applied on the surface of the screen. This will help protect it from the usual problems associated with regular wear-and-tear, such as scratches (which will also eliminate the need for LCD screen scratch repair). It can be peeled off and replaced with a new one every few months.
Avoid Dropping the Phone
If the polarized panels break, the liquid crystal solution will leak and cause a distortion on the screen. Keep the phone in a protective case and avoid carrying it around when not needed. The extra rubber, silicone or plastic barrier will help protect the surface against dents, dings and scratches. There are even cases that are designed to shield the iPhone against shock. These cases are usually enough to protect the device from low falls. These will not do much if you drop your phone from a considerable height.
Do not put the phone inside your pocket to prevent unnecessary pressure on the screen. Place it inside a bag or pouch or wear it on a belt for easy access.
What Happens If I Damage the Screen?
If the damage is extensive or affects the functionality of the iPhone, there is no other recourse but to have the LCD screen repaired or replaced by a professional service such as iFixYouri. Unless you have the expertise and experience, it is recommended that you never attempt to replace the screen yourself because you could do serious, irreparable damage (and, many of these damages may greatly outweigh the LCD screen repair cost). Besides, you could void the warranty if the coverage is still active. Have the experts work on the problem instead.
Rechargeable batteries may run for a long time but they do have a limited lifespan. iPhone batteries, for example, are good for roughly 400 charge cycles. Performance starts to degrade afterwards and owners will need an iPhone battery replacement in order to continue using the device when hopes of extending the iPhone battery life has been lost.
Sometimes a replacement is required much earlier, such as when the unit routinely fails to charge or runs out of power very quickly and such cases may require a iPhone battery replacement kit. Owners can also have their phones processed at Apple service centers. They could also opt to replace it themselves as spare batteries are available online at reasonable prices. The guide below offers simple instructions for DIY iPhone battery replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide to iPhone Battery Replacement
- Close all the apps and turn off the phone with a prolonged press of the power button. Swipe the red slider on the screen as instructed to complete the process. Wait for a few seconds before proceeding to the next step.
- Look down at the bottom of the device. For the iPhone 4 and 4S, there should be a tiny screw at both ends of the port. Use suitable screwdrivers to loosen them then keep them somewhere safe for easy retrieval later on.
- In order to lift the back plate, try to put some pressure on it and slide it down just a little bit until it gives way. Apply more downward pressure and increase surface contact if it proves hard to budge.
- The iPhone 4 battery is immediately visible when facing the back of the phone. It is held in place by a lone screw while the 4S uses a more secure dual arrangement. These will have to be taken out in order to get to the battery itself.
- Slowly lift up the connector at the lower left-hand corner of the battery with any slender tool that would fit in the tight space. Be sure not to scratch the areas surrounding it.
- Take the battery out by lifting the plastic tab attached to its side. This may prove challenging and require a good amount of force, but do it gradually so as not to upset nearby components.
- The new battery is ready to be inserted. Align the contacts and secure it with the screw that was removed earlier. Insert the back plate and tighten the screws at the bottom. Power up the phone and enjoy.
Things to Consider Regarding iPhone Battery Replacement
- When buying a new battery, be sure to get one for the right iPhone model. Those on the market all have slightly different shapes and connector placements so find a piece that fits.
- Having the right kind of tools is also important when trying to open the case. Household screwdrivers or a specifically tailored iPhone repair tool kit.
- The components are extremely small and packed densely so a good steady hand is ideal. Apply even pressure and never force anything on the device.
In Conclusion
iPhone battery replacement is a fairly uncomplicated task that owners may attempt when the situation calls for it. On the other hand, those who are uncomfortable about opening their phones or are unsure whether the battery is truly at fault can send their units to a repair shop such as iFixYouri for proper diagnosis and parts replacement.
An iPhone is the most expensive cell phone in the market. Therefore, when you buy an iPhone, you should do everything you can to protect it. The screen is particularly prone to scratches and other scuffs. Once essential form of protection is a screen protector. There are many screen protectors in the market, and naturally some will offer better protection than others. Listed below are some of the best iPhone protectors available today.
Skinomi TechSkin Screen Protector
This screen protector is made from clear urethane film which is actually the same film used to protect NASA space shuttles and military aircrafts. The best thing about this screen protector is that it has the ability to resist abrasion. Therefore, if you want value for your money, the skinomi protector should be your first choice.
Generiks Screen Protector
The Generiks screen protector features High Quality Anti-Glare Screen that is aggression-resistant, making it ideal for your iPhone. The best thing about this protector is that it is not as expensive as the others. Therefore, when you buy it, you will be getting quality at a cheaper price.
Premium Screen Protector
If features a 3-layer PET film which was designed for iPhone 4S. It effectively protects your natural screen from scratches and dust. The whole package includes a microfiber cleaning cloth and 3 bonus back films. This makes the premium screen protector a must have for anyone who still uses iPhone 4S.
Empire 5-pack Screen Protector
The Empire 5-pack is clear, thin and durable. It does not leave finger prints on your screen. The package includes a cleaning cloth and 5 screen protectors.
Halo Screen Protector
Halo screen protectors are highly-rated protectors in the market today. This can be attributed to the fact that these protectors offer a higher quality. They offer minimal screen bubbles, are easy to install and can be re-used. The pack includes 3 films to ensure that you have a spare at all times.
Iconic Screen Protecton
It not only protects your iPhone screen, but also reduces glare under strong light. In addition to that, it will not affect your screen’s interface.
Screen protectors will definitely protect your screen from scratches; however, when it comes to serious damage such as cracked screen or water damage, the screen protector will not be of any help. In such a case, you will have to take your iPhone to a repair store. At iFixYouri we specialize in repairing damaged iPads, iPhones, laptops and computers.
Perhaps you’re buying a new iPhone. Or perhaps your iPhone just stopped working. Or perhaps you were just trying to access your favorite app, and the device wouldn’t open it, again, and when you try open Safari to see what the problem is, the browser just won’t load, you just can’t take it anymore…
So you decide to destroy your iPhone.
The rash solution is to throw it against a wall in frustration. Or drop it from your 15th storey apartment. Or smash it with a hammer. But there are as many ways to wreak havoc on your iPhone as there are reasons for doing it. Let’s explore some methods, so you can decide how you’ll end the life of your (once) prized possession!
Quick Household Methods to Destroy Your iPhone
When you just need to get the job done.
iPhone vs. Truck
iPhone vs. Blender
iPhone vs. Boiling Water
iPhone vs. Drill
Creative Methods to Render Your iPhone Irreparable
Imaginative solutions to destroy an imaginative device.
iPhone vs. Giant Magnifying Glass
iPhone vs. Microwave Robot
Hi Tech Punishiment for an iPhone Behaving Badly
When you’ve got toys that are more powerful than the iPhone itself, why not use them against the little weeny device?
iPhone vs. Extreme Heat
iPhone vs. Lasers
Don’t Try This At Home… Unless You’re Mad
Safety first. New phone second.
iPhone vs. Hand Gun
iPhone vs. Angle Grinder
Who Doesn’t Love a Montage?
It Takes a Lickin’…
Testing the durability of a consumer product with entertaining methods isn’t a new phenomenon. Timex, the titan of watch manufacturers, popularized the slogan “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking”. Check out some of the vintage ads where they tested their claims.
While the iPhone does, at times, have the ability to continue functioning after it has been drilled or dropped in water, it is a pretty sensitive electronic device that can fail when it is simply knocked off of a coffee table, or dropped into a toilet.
Unless the phone has been obliterated, most of the common damage sustained by an iPhone can be repaired. What could be more convenient than sending your damaged device from anywhere in the States to the professional repair team at iFixYouri, who specialize in iPhone repair, and getting your baby shipped back to your hands like new?
Besides, it’s more fun to destroy a working iPhone…