Look around the office at the mobile phones your colleagues are using. There is a good chance that the most common phone is Apple's iPhone. Known for its usability and sturdy build it is simply the favorite choice for many users. In early June, Apple introduced the latest version of the operating system for iPhone users - iOS 8. When it is pushed to devices in the fall, there will be a number of new features introduced, including an improved Notification Center.

About the iPhone's Notification Center

The Notification Center feature was introduced with the release of iOS 5 and is available on every Apple mobile device. The idea behind it is that it can show you an overview of alerts and updates from specific applications. On iPhones and iPads this is an area where all of the most important information can be accessed quickly.

You can access your Notifications Center by swiping down from the top of your screen. When it is open you will see three views:

• Today - Important information about the day, including upcoming calendar events, the weather, and other relevant information.
• All - All alerts, including emails, messages, and updates from apps like Twitter.
• Missed - Notifications that you have missed in the past 24 hours.

If you tap on any notification or alert, the app associated with it will be opened and allow you to view the content or update in full. For example, when you get a new email, Notification Center will alert you and show who it's from and even some of the content. Tapping on the message will open the Mail app, allowing you to interact with it directly from the main app.

For many users, this is among the most useful iOS features, but many have commented that it feels unfinished. Sure it provides a way to quickly access important information but it is largely static and limited in use. Apple aims to change this with the release of iOS 8.

Notification Center's iOS 8 update

When Apple introduced iOS 8 in early June, they announced that the Notifications Center will be getting widgets that will help make the Center even more functional - providing you with greater information all in one place. Those who have used an Android device before are likely well aware of widgets. These tiny versions of apps display useful information without having to open the app itself.

For example, on Android devices you can add an email widget to your main screen that allows you to read and reply to emails directly from your home screen without having to open the full version of the app.

Apple has decided to take another path with the implementation of widgets, instead baking them into the Notifications Center. With iOS 8, you will still be able to swipe down to access your Notifications Center, only now there will be way more information. In the example Apple demonstrated, there were widgets showing the latest scores of a baseball team and eBay auctions that you could bid on directly from the screen, without having to open the eBay app.

Of course this was just a demo, but you can bet that when iOS 8 is launched, you will start to see useful apps updated with widgets that you can add to Notification Center. If for example you use a note app like Evernote, there is a good chance that you will be able to create or edit a note in the Notification Center, without having to open the app itself.

It is clear that with the impending update, Apple is striving to implement a better and easier way for you to interact with your phone. For many business users this will mean less time having to open apps and search for the information they need. It will be interesting to see what business-oriented apps developers come up with next in terms of making the iPhone an even more effective business device.

Contact us today to learn more about the iPhone and how it can help improve your business.

When it comes to smartphones, users some pretty minimal requirements; primarily that they can not only make calls but connect to the Internet through a data connection. While the iPhone impressively delivers, there is another way devices can connect to the Internet - by tethering. The question many people have, is what tethering is and how you do it.

Tethering defined

Tethering, mobile devices is the act of connecting your phone to another phone or another device, so that the Internet or data connection can be shared. Your iPhone can either share its data connection with another device, or have that device share its connection with your phone, allowing you to go online.

USB connection

A USB connection allows you to connect directly to your laptop without draining your phone's battery. It is a way to connect securely and browse Web pages faster than other types of. However, It can drain your laptop’s battery since this connection instantly charges your iPhone.

USB also minimizes movement and device connection since you are plugged into your laptop and the wire won’t let you go anywhere too far. Be sure to bring your laptop’s charger and that you leave your phone somewhere safe should you need to step away from your computer. Tethering your device via USB connection promises a fast and secure connection.

Bluetooth connection

Bluetooth connection receives the slowest signal from an Internet modem by far. On the other hand, the wireless connection allows users to move freely and preserve battery life longer than with WiFi connection. The trade off here is better battery life at the expense of slower Internet speeds.

If you forgot your USB cable and can’t seem to connect through WiFi, then your last resort would be to connect through Bluetooth to connect to the Web, which is better than having no connection at all.

WiFi connection

Wireless LAN connection can be best set up through WiFi because it receives data speed far faster than Bluetooth. This ensures a faster connection and maximum mobility as the wireless connection enables you to move freely within the signal range.

The down side of WiFi, though, is its ability to empty your battery in the shortest time. This type of tethering can drain your battery faster than any other, so make sure that when you use your WiFi to connect to a hotspot, you are either fully charged or you bring your charger with you.

The ability to connect anywhere using another device can make your online life easier and more convenient. Through this, you can check important Web updates such as email, online documents, and access other Web data without having to pay through data plans.

Whichever option you choose in getting your device connected, what’s certain is the value you’ll get from it will outweigh its cost. Maximize your phone’s capabilities through tethering and say goodbye to your life offline.

When it comes to smartphones, users some pretty minimal requirements; primarily that they can not only make calls but connect to the Internet through a data connection. While the iPhone impressively delivers, there is another way devices can connect to the Internet - by tethering. The question many people have, is what tethering is and how you do it.

Tethering defined

Tethering, mobile devices is the act of connecting your phone to another phone or another device, so that the Internet or data connection can be shared. Your iPhone can either share its data connection with another device, or have that device share its connection with your phone, allowing you to go online.

USB connection

A USB connection allows you to connect directly to your laptop without draining your phone's battery. It is a way to connect securely and browse Web pages faster than other types of. However, It can drain your laptop’s battery since this connection instantly charges your iPhone.

USB also minimizes movement and device connection since you are plugged into your laptop and the wire won’t let you go anywhere too far. Be sure to bring your laptop’s charger and that you leave your phone somewhere safe should you need to step away from your computer. Tethering your device via USB connection promises a fast and secure connection.

Bluetooth connection

Bluetooth connection receives the slowest signal from an Internet modem by far. On the other hand, the wireless connection allows users to move freely and preserve battery life longer than with WiFi connection. The trade off here is better battery life at the expense of slower Internet speeds.

If you forgot your USB cable and can’t seem to connect through WiFi, then your last resort would be to connect through Bluetooth to connect to the Web, which is better than having no connection at all.

WiFi connection

Wireless LAN connection can be best set up through WiFi because it receives data speed far faster than Bluetooth. This ensures a faster connection and maximum mobility as the wireless connection enables you to move freely within the signal range.

The down side of WiFi, though, is its ability to empty your battery in the shortest time. This type of tethering can drain your battery faster than any other, so make sure that when you use your WiFi to connect to a hotspot, you are either fully charged or you bring your charger with you.

The ability to connect anywhere using another device can make your online life easier and more convenient. Through this, you can check important Web updates such as email, online documents, and access other Web data without having to pay through data plans.

Whichever option you choose in getting your device connected, what’s certain is the value you’ll get from it will outweigh its cost. Maximize your phone’s capabilities through tethering and say goodbye to your life offline.

Apple is the undisputed leader and trend-setter when it comes to consumer electronics. The company's iPhones have been instrumental in the massive success that the brand enjoys today with millions of units having been sold worldwide. Indeed, since its inception in 2007, the iPhone has built up a cult-like following with its enthusiasts always seeking out the newest model to show off. The problem here is that so many phones are then discarded. So before you cast away your old iPhone, here are some ways you can repurpose it.

Travel Phone: Escape roaming fees

If your work requires you to constantly travel out of the country, have your old iPhone unlocked to avoid paying roaming charges. Unlocked iPhones can easily be connected to a local network service, but you automatically lose the warranty. Well, this should not be a huge concern since your timeworn gadget will most likely be disposed of one way or another so it may as well save you money and let you keep in touch overseas. International roaming services can be amazingly expensive. Your old iPhone can help you save hundreds of dollars if unlocked and save you more than you'd make on a sale.

Multimedia Player: Music streaming and photography

Versatility is an intrinsic character of every iPhone. Its multimedia capabilities are stunning. And what's more, it can be used without a SIM card. If you don’t need a spare phone, you can use it for music streaming and creating playlists just like an iPod or for taking snaps of people and places.

If you don’t have enough cash to purchase a DSLR, your old iPhone can do wonders for you. The improved lens and displays of iPhone 4s, 5, 5c and 5s put the tools of a great photographer in your pocket. And there are numerous apps that can help you take pro shots using just your iPhone.

Sell: Make money out of it

Perhaps, this is the most common way to repurpose your old iPhone. Make easy money by selling it to someone you know or via online auction sites such as eBay or Amazon. There is a good market for this, especially if it is in good working condition and priced fairly.

When pricing, you may want to study the market place to find out what old phones are changing hands for. Evaluate the condition of your phone – memory, warranty, performance, etc. This will give you a better perspective on the minimum rate you would accept in exchange for your old iPhone.

Trade: Get something out of it

Check for trade promotions available online. You may find items that you want in exchange for your old iPhone. There are sites that offer gift cards or credit points that you can use to purchase a range of items that could be of more use than your spare phone.

Give: As a gift or donation

If the above-mentioned repurposing methods do not appeal to you, maybe it’s time that you make someone happy and gift your old iPhone. Perhaps a less tech-savvy officemate who's not upgraded for years, or a friend who has recently lost his or her mobile phone – that happens to all of us at some time or another after all. Another good idea is to hand it on to a local charity or business where it can do more good than sitting unused at home.

Of course, you can only give away your phone if it is in a good working condition. If the phone has reached the end of its useful life, then it may be better to get it recycled. After all, it's full of precious metals and chips that can be reused.

Participate in recycling programs

It’s always a good idea to participate in recycling programs. Instead of throwing your scratched and damaged iPhone, find a center that recycles old phones (or parts of them). They'll have better ideas about how to dispose or salvage the gadget. If you are lucky, you might even get a little extra cash out of it.

Your old iPhones deserve more than just being a space taker in an unused drawer. So put it to good use and see if the options above are something you might want to consider.

The Calendar application is one of the built-in features that comes installed on every iOS device, including the iPhone and iPad. It has the important basic functions that you need in a calendar, including adding events and the ability to share events. Syncing with other calendars is also possible. By default, Calendar is set to begin each week on Sunday, but this can actually be modified if needs be.

Why change the day your week starts on your calendar?

If you go into Calendar and note that your regional setting is set to United States, for example, you may notice that the day of the week starts on a Sunday. This is true even with other regional settings. While it is technically correct that Sunday is the beginning of the week, you may still want to change the day so that your week starts based on your native calendar or even when your work week begins.

Often people see Monday as the start of the week because it is usually the start of the working week. You might find it more convenient if this is also reflected in your calendar setup. Moreover, your calendar might appear more organized if your weekends are next to each other. With the default setting, Sunday and Saturday are on the left and right side, with the work week in between.

How to change the beginning of your work week

There are two ways to change the day that your week starts on Calendar. One method is changing the country in the regional setting and the other one is by changing your Calendar's date setting. However, take note that changing the regional setting will also affect other features in your device such as the time format and the number that appears on your screen when someone calls. If you don’t want to take any chances, it’s best to follow the calendar setting method.

Here’s how to change the day your week starts on your calendar setting:

1. Tap the Settings icon on your device.
2. Scroll to Mail, Contacts and Calendars then tap on it.
3. Go to Calendars and select Start Week On.
4. Tap your preferred option and Calendar will make that the start of your week.

If you would like to be a little different, you can change your regional settings by:

1. Going to Settings.
2. Choosing General.
3. Selecting International.
4. Tapping Regional Format.
5. Selecting the country or region of your choice

As mentioned, this may affect other features on your device, including the time and the way phone numbers are displayed. If you work with colleagues or clients from other regions, this might not be an issue for you.

If you have any questions about your devices and how you can use it in your business then get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgeable support team are happy to assist you.

It’s interesting how millions of people use iPhones and yet few are familiar with many of the features, such as taking screenshots for example. This feature, although a simple one, can be really useful in many ways. If you don’t know how to take screenshots using your iPhone and aren’t quite sure how you can benefit from it, then read on.

How exactly do I take screenshots on my iPhone?

To start taking screenshots just follow these simple steps:

1. Hold down the lock button at the top of your iPhone.
2. Double tap your home button as you hold the lock button down. You should see the device snap a picture of your screen.
3. Open your camera roll by going to the home screen and tapping on your photo gallery, and you should see the image there.

How are screenshots useful?

There are several benefits of taking screenshots, but here are just a few:

Product reviews

If you have a product, or are looking to share a review about one that you have downloaded to your phone, take a screenshot of it so that you can use this to greatly enhance your product reviews. This works best for something on your phone that can be hard to capture by a camera.

For example, if you own a product (like software or a mobile app) and your team put a lot of effort into improving its UX (user experience), simply describing it in text won’t justify how amazing your product really is. You can take screenshots of the open app so readers can better appreciate the qualities of your product.

Tutorials

Aside from videos, what better way to demonstrate tutorials than using screenshots and combining these with descriptive texts.

An example might be teaching an employee how to send an email on their iPhone. Can you imagine creating a tutorial on that with text alone? Imagine the difference if you have screenshots along with this texts.

Highlighting something

If you are reviewing a document or image on your phone and would like to highlight a problem or point that you see on the screen, try taking a screenshot and attaching it to an email where you describe what you are seeing and the changes. This helps the recipient visually see what you see and maybe even fix it.

Troubleshooting or showing errors.

Instead of writing down any problems you’re seeing on your iPhone and describing it to your support team through text, wouldn’t it be much better for both parties if you showed them a screenshot of the error?

Not only can this save time but it also zeroes out the chances of misinterpretations or false assumptions, since your support team can see the actual error themselves.

Contact us if you have any inquiries or even suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you.

The iPhone is a great tool for affording your business an advantage over your competitors when it comes to optimizing your business. Now, imagine pairing your iPhone with iPhone apps that can help increase your productivity and your business becomes a force to be reckoned with. The great news is that there are a ton of productivity apps available on iTunes at an affordable cost.

1. Apple Pages

Word processing apps are considered as a necessity nowadays, especially if you are away from the office on a regular basis. For $9.99, Apple Pages is perhaps the least expensive word processing app out there.

Like any other word processing software, this app lets you edit, format, update, and share your word documents easily across a multitude of Apple devices using iCloud. With Apple Pages, you can definitely save time in making and sharing documents.

2. Evernote

Evernote has become a favorite because of its capability to capture and store information in a very efficient manner.

Evernote allows you to take and save videos, images, websites, ideas, and just about anything you want to capture in the Web. Anything you capture is immediately synced to your other devices, so all your data is organized in a single location for easy viewing and retrieval.

What makes Evernote so popular is the fact that it can be downloaded for free from the App Store. You can also sign up for the business version that has extra collaboration features, along with extra features and enhanced functionality.

3. Dropbox

Ever dreamed of an online-storage platform where you can store and retrieve your files wherever and whenever you want? If so, then Dropbox is the perfect solution.

Dropbox lets you access and share files from other devices from your iPhone. This app is a great storage app because it lets you access your files even without an Internet connection. For many business owners, there is no need to carry a bulky external hard-drive because Dropbox gives at least 5GB free space for new users.

4. Wunderlist

Remembering a long list of things to do in a day can be rather annoying and stressful. Fortunately, there is Wunderlist, a project planning app that makes planning and listing more fun. It is actually a free cloud-sync task manager that allows you to organize your ideas and share them easily across different platforms.

You can list all the things you need to do for the next day and for the upcoming days or weeks. This app can definitely help by reminding you of the things you need to accomplish in a specific timeframe.

5. OmniFocus 2

This is a standalone app for your iPhone. OmniFocus 2 includes nifty features like voice notes and picture attachments, diagram making, and task searchability. The ‘forecast’ option lets you take a look at your daily and weekly tasks ahead at a glance. Productivity nerds will definitely like this app for the fact that the beauty of its interface matches its brains.

While it is a tad bit expensive at $19.99, it is probably the only task manager you need. With an easy to use interface and powerful features, it can do almost everything except run your business!

6. Bento

If you are on the lookout for an all-around organizational app for your business, check out Bento. This app offers 25 different database templates designed to fit many subjects, including event planning, project planning, and contact organizing. All the templates can be tweaked to your own liking.

Bento allows you to keep track of all of the things going on with your life. Everything in this app can be synced with other devices so that tracking progress in your daily tasks can be easily accessible.

If you’re looking to increase your productivity, then these iPhone apps will surely be a game changer for you. Not only will you be able to better organize your business and workflow more easily, you can also use these in organizing your personal activities.

Not what you’re looking for?

If you’re looking for more apps to help you with your business needs, then give us a call and we’ll give you a helping hand to find all the help you need.

When Apple released iOS 7 - the newest version of their popular mobile operating system - users responded with mixed reactions. However, now that it has been out for a while users have gotten used to it and the new features introduced. While the changes brought about by iOS 7 have been generally positive, the new calendar layout has been causing some confusion.

Here is an overview of how to easily get about in the new calendar app introduced in iOS 7.

Transition between weeks, months and years

When you open the calendar app you will automatically see a weekly view across the top, with events for that date listed below. This can be useful but many users also want to be able to see events on a monthly basis, or upcoming events in another week. Here are some tips to help you navigate your calendar:

1. Switch between weeks by flicking to the left (forward one week) or to the right (back one week) on the dates at the top of the screen.

2. Tap on the date at the top of the bar to switch to that date. If the day is in another week, swipe the week bar until you see the day and then tap on it. You can also switch to the previous or next day by swiping to the left (for next day) or to the right (for previous day).

3. To switch into a monthly view, press on the month at the top of the calendar and you will zoom out to a month view. You can switch months just like years, by flicking to the left or right.

4. To switch into the year view first tap on the month, and then the year at the top of the screen.

Can you see a list of all events?

A feature many users found useful in older versions of Calendar was the list view. By switching to this view, you can see your upcoming events in an easy to read list. At first glance, it appears that Apple has done away with this feature. While Apple did change the functionality of this feature, they didn't do away with it completely. It can still be accessed by tapping on the magnifying glass at the top-right of the screen. You will see the calendar zoom in and display only a list of events. You can't however change, add or modify events from this view. Instead you have to do this from the day or week view.

If you are looking to learn more about iOS 7 and how devices like the iPhone can be used in your business, please contact us today.

Apple has been one of the more popular companies of the past decade. It's hard to go anywhere these days without seeing an Apple device, or something related to this mega tech company. One of the reasons for this is their mobile products, which run on the popular iOS. In September, Apple introduced the latest version of the system - iOS 7 - which brought with it many changes.

Here is an overview of the new features and changes that were introduced when iOS 7 launched.

A totally new look If you've updated to iOS 7 you will already know that it looks different, with virtually nothing left from the older versions. The changes made include different icons, typeface (font) and even a new color scheme.

In general, Apple has gone with a bolder look with icons that stand out and are visually different from previous versions of iOS. This new look will take some time to get used to, but reports are that users who updated back in September seem to like it.

Control Center A feature missing from older versions of iOS is the ability to quickly access your phone's settings. iOS 7 solves this by introducing the Control Center, which can be accessed from anywhere by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

Control Center is where the most popular settings can be found and modified, and includes buttons to turn Wi-Fi on or off; set the brightness; turn on/off Airplane mode; change songs; and even access popular apps like the camera.

Multitasking Even though multitasking has been a feature in previous versions of iOS, it felt largely half baked. iOS 7 improves this by allowing you to quickly switch between open apps by sweeping your finger over the screen. You can close open apps by pressing on the image and flicking away from you.

Multitasking will also learn what your favorite apps are and keep them open in the background so they can be accessed quickly and easily. This has proven to be a helpful feature for business users who use multiple apps at the same time.

Notifications Center In iOS 7 the Notifications Center has been made even more useful. The biggest change being that your notifications are separated into three different views: Today, All and Missed. The Today view displays information like appointments, weather and other important tasks. The Missed view shows missed calls, texts, shares, etc.

AirDrop AirDrop has been a feature in the desktop version of Apple's Operating System for a couple of years, and is now available on devices running iOS 7. If you are unfamiliar with AirDrop, think of it as a program that allows you to share essentially anything in your phone with nearby users without being connected to the Internet.

If you store files on your phone or tablet you can now easily share files with other Apple device users without having to attach them to an email or upload to a cloud storage provider. One great way to use this is to store presentations on your iPad, and when you need a projector share your work with a computer (as long as it is a Mac) connected to a projector. No having to fumble with cords.

As with most iOS updates, some features may not be available on all products. If you are looking to learn more about iOS and how to use it in your business, please contact us today.

On September 10 Apple held their much awaited iPhone event. Heading into the event rumors were flying that there would be not one, but two iPhones introduced. These murmurings proved true, and Apple proudly announced two new iPhones - the 5s and 5c. This marks the first time Apple has launched two flagship phones, but the question is, "What exactly is the difference between the two?"

Below is an overview of the two different phones recently launched by Apple.

The iPhone 5c Some joke that the 'c' stands for 'cheap', and that's just what this phone is. Kind of. Here's what we know:

• Size - The 5c comes in at 4.90 inches tall by 2.33 inches wide. This means the device should have no problem fitting into pockets and using with one hand.
• Processor - The processor on the 5c is the same one found in the 2012 version of the iPhone 5, and should have more than enough power and memory to cover all user needs.
• Storage - There are two versions of the 5c, one with 16GB of storage and the other with 32GB of storage.
• Display - There is a 4 inch Retina display on this device, the same as the 2012 version of the iPhone 5c.
• Body - This is possibly the biggest change compared with other iPhones. The body of the 5c is made from plastic, and is in one piece - there are no seams or lines.
• Price - In the US, the 16GB 5c is USD$99 with a two year contract and the 32GB is USD$199 on a two year contract. If you buy the phone unlocked - without a plan, the 16GB model will cost you USD$549.

The iPhone 5s Does the 's' stand for 'supreme'? Maybe. This new device is Apple's high-end smartphone. Here's what we know:

• Size - The 5s is slightly smaller than the 5c, coming in at 5.87 inches tall and 2.31 inches wide. To many, this isn't a noticeable difference as both phones will fit into most pockets and fit comfortably in the hand.
• Processor - The 5s will get a new processor - the A7. This processor is supposedly two times faster than the one found in the 2012 model, which means it will be able to handle pretty much everything you can throw at it, and then some.
• Storage - There are three different versions of the 5s: One with 16GB of storage, one with 32GB and one with 64GB. Aside from the amount of storage, there are no other differences.
• Display - The display is the same as last year's model and that found in the 5c - a 4 inch Retina screen.
• Body - The body is similar to the 2012 version with a metallic body made from aluminium.
• Price - In the US, on a two year contract, the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB will cost USD$199, 299 and 399 respectively. If you want to buy the phone unlocked and not on contract, the cost is USD$649, $749 and $849 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions.

Which is better? It is hard to say which device is better. When compared purely on technical specifications, the 5s is the more impressive device. That being said, most small to medium businesses don't look solely at the tech specs, instead focusing on price and usability as well.

When it comes to price, the 5c - on contract - is hard to beat. It has more than enough processing power to handle nearly any task and usability should be the same as previous versions of the iPhone. The only worry is the actual durability - while Apple is known to produce high quality devices, the type of case used on the 5c is new, so whether this will be as durable as the 5s will remain to be seen. That being said, putting a case on it will likely negate any issues.

When can I get my hands on one? If you are looking for a new phone, pre-orders for the iPhone 5c started September 13, with first delivery scheduled for September 20. Knowing how popular Apple's products are, there may be a bit of a wait for delivery.

The 5s will be available to order from September 20, with first delivery likely being in late September to early October.

If you are looking to learn more about these devices, please contact us today to see how we can help.