Activate Siri on iPhone 5

Siri is the voiced based personal assistant available on almost all Apple products. If you get yourself an iPhone 5 you would need to turn on, activate or enable Siri -- before you can start asking questions. Once Siri is activated on your device, you can then have a lot of fun with this your one voiced-based-personal-assistant. You can ask Siri about the weather, which movies to watch over the weekend, driving directions and the possibility is limitless. Siri does not come turned on in auto mode, you would need to follow the below steps to set it up. On your iPhone 5 you can turn Siri on and off as you choose. One very handy time to have Siri is when you're driving. This way you can just speak your search request and Siri will answer you. How to activate Siri on iPhone 5.

How to activate, setup or configure Siri on the iPhone 5
All you need to do is to go to Settings > General > Siri. Repeat the process to turn Siri on or off.

Now that you have Siri setup, how to ask or use Siri.
Hold down the home button till you hear two quick beeps. A microphone icon will light up and you should see the question 'What can I help you with?' on your home screen. Tap on the microphone icon to begin speaking. If you have your headphones on you would need to hold the center button to talk to Siri. To use Siri with Bluetooth hold the call button to bring up Siri.

How to troubleshoot if Siri is not found under the settings option.
Try setting your region format to US. This is if you're in another part of the world. Siri will get turned on and you can begin using.

iPhone 6 and iOS 7 - in testing report suggests

The Next Web has begun reporting serious evidence that the iPhone might have a new version the iPhone 6 and the iOS might even get a new upgrade called iOS 7. How far this is true is left to be seen. Here are the reasons however that TNW use to prove it could actually be legitimate. Many app developers have started reporting that a new iPhone Identifier 'iPhone6,1 which runs on iOS 7. These developer logs which show among other things an IP address from Apple's Cupertino Campus for App requests. Which means the next iPhone and new iOS is in the works and could actually be ready for compatibility testing.

Even though OS and device data can be faked, the presence of the unique IP address says something else. Just because the IP address points back to Cupertino does not mean it's for real. Apple have been known to constantly push out new models of the iPhone and to keep upgrading the iOS. If however they are indeed testing a new iPhone - will it be called iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S is left to be seen. If a new iOS if rolled out will it be iOS 7. For now the rumor mills have started spinning and maybe Apple fans will be in for a surprise early with the release of the iPhone 6.
Source: The Next Web.

How to Film and share videos instantly with YouTube Capture for iPhone

Google has just released YouTube Capture for iPhone and iPod Touch. With this new iPhone App it just got a whole lot easier to capture video and film on your devise and share it on YouTube. Once you share it on YouTube you can then send your pals the link on Google+, Facebook and Twitter. The App by itself is very straightforward and easy to use. Once downloaded and launched you can begin filming and alternate between your front facing and rear facing camera. All you need to do is to touch on the capture icon and you're ready to go. If you have a shaky hand you can use YouTube's enhancements like stabilization to touch it up.

How to use YouTube Capture on your iPhone or iPod Touch.
1. You will need to download the app from iTunes store
2. Install it on your iPhone or iPod
3. Once installed click on capture to launch the app
4. The first time you launch it you will be presented with a brief tutorial
5. Once done you can either log in to your YouTube account or begin capturing film immediately and sign in later.
6. Rotate your phone to go into landscape mode
7. Tap the capture button to begin recording
8. The recording button turns into a timer
9. Tap the timer to finish

You're video is now ready to be uploaded to YouTube. Start uploading and close the App - you video will be uploaded silently in the background. You can then use YouTube's enhancements if you want to touch up your video.
Get YouTube Capture for iPhone here.

http://youtu.be/l0sOzdXce6o

Facebook Photo Sync iPhone and iPad [iOS 6]

You can now sync photos automatically from your iPhone or iPad to Facebook, you will need to be using iOS 6. Since the feature is available on iOS 6 -- if you have the Faecbook app installed on your iPhone or iPad then you should be ready to go and start right away. With this new feature you can sync you photos to Facebook and then choose to share them on your Timeline or send them privately. All photos get uploaded to a private album on Facebook, visible only to you. From here you can decide which ones to share and which ones to delete -- Facebook Photo Sync form iOS 6 is available now and comes with 2GB of free storage.



How to setup Facebook photo sync on an iPhone or iPad
1. On you phone or tablet launch Facebook and then tap on photos. Scrool down and if all is setup for you, you should see the new 'Sync photos' tab available.
2. Tap on it and you're ready to get started.
3. Your photos will begin to upload to Facebook into a new private album
4. On the website you can choose which photos to share by click the checkmark and then sharing on your Timeline.

How to change photo sync setting son the iPhone or iPad.
1. Open Facebook on your device tap on photos and then tap on Sync Photos and then on the gear icon to bring up the settings.

How to share synced photos on the web
1. Open Facebook
2. Click on Photos
3. Click on Synced from phone
4. Browse through your phones -- checkmark to share or drag to share a group of photos or send privately. Delete to get rid of photos.

Image courtesy of DigitialTrends

How to update Twitter and Facebook with Siri

How to update Twitter and Facebook with Siri. To be able to update your Twitter and Facebook using Siri you will need to have the latest iOS 6 on your Device. Once you get it you can send out Tweets by simply speaking them and Siri will update Twitter with your Tweets. We do have a guide on how to get the latest iOS 6 on your device. Once you got everything setup and ready, you can now launch Siri and start sending Tweets based on your voice-based dictation. Once Siri has been opened all you need to do is say 'Tweet' followed by your update. Once you update is ready Siri will send out your tweet to all your followers. You can also tag people if that person's Twitter name is in your contacts. This way you can mention your friends in your Tweets. 

Sending a Facebook status update is even simpler. Tell Siri 'Post to Facebook' and anything you say after Facebook will be used as your Status update. Once you message has been reviewed simple post and it get onto your Facebook status. We are sure there will be many other tips and tricks and if you do have some, please let us know in the comments section below. iOS 6 comes with such deep Facebook and Twitter integration that you can tweet from just about anywhere on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, like updating from your Photos etc.

iOS 6: How to download and install

iOS 6 has been released and you can now update your iPhone, iPad and iPod with the new operating system. If you want to know if your device is compatible with iOS 6, please check the image above, this is a screenshot from Apple and you can click on the image to enlarge. All iPhone 3GS and later can upgrade to iOS 6. All second generation iPad models and all iPod Touch models fourth generation and later can upgrade. So if you are ready to continue with the downloading and installing the new iOS 6, let's get started.

There are two ways to upgrade to iOS 6, Over the air and using iTunes.

1. Over the Air - Before you start it is advisable to sync your device to iTunes. You also need the latest version of iTunes on your device - iTunes 10.7 and you get can the latest download here. Also backup your data, nothing should go wrong but just in case. ON your device go to Settings > General > Software update. You should see iOS 6 and a download and install button below, tap it and agree to Apple's terms and conditions. Once downloaded onto your device - it will restart. Once your device comes on again, you will need to click on continue, sign-in with your Apple ID, enable location services - useful for Maps etc and your ready to go with iOS 6 on your device.

2. Update to iOS 6 via iTunes - make sure you'r using iTunes 10.7, now you can click on your device name under the Devices header on the left-hand corner. Under version tap on 'Check for update'. A pop-up will appear announcing the new iOS is ready for download and use. You can now tap the ' Download Only' button if you would download now and install later. Since it takes time to get it done and if you are in need of your phone choose only download now. If you have about an hour to space tap in the 'Download and Install' button. Once the download is complete keep your device connected until it restarts. Go through the start-up screens and then enter your Apple ID and password and you're ready to go.

An original post by

Sociolatte

Get the new YouTube App for iOS 6 and iPhone 5 [How-to]

Pre-orders of the iPhone 5 have already sold out and the iOS 6 is just days away from landing on people's phones. One thing that the new iPhone and iOS will not come with is the stock YouTube app. There are many reasons for this and the main one being the fierce competition between Google and Apple - a number of lawsuits persist between the two companies. Apple did announce that YouTube will come out with its own standalone app -- that is just what happened. Just days ahead of the release of iOS 6 YouTube launched its new stand-alone app in the app in the app store. The older stock version of YouTube available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod is something most users are familiar with. The new app however has added features and capabilities that make using it all the more better. 

Improved features found on the new YouTube app for iOS.
You can now browse channels you have subscribed to by swiping right from the left side of the screen.
New options for sharing videos with your Facebook and Google+ friends.
The search bar now comes with auto-suggestions and voice-search option.
Once you log-in using the pop-up screen you can design your YouTube homepage to display options that you want.
Subscribe button available below each video
You can play video both in-play and full-screen mode.
Get the new YouTube app for iOS here

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Sociolatte

How to send Skype pictures on iPad, iPhone Apps

Skype one of the most used apps both on the web and SmartPhones have updated their app. This was one of the most requested and missing features on the Skype App for iPhone, iPad and iPod. With Skype version 4.1 you can now send photos using your iPhone or iPad - with no size limitation on your photo. You can send and share photos already available on your phone or click a new one and share with all your Skype friends and contacts. The new feature is called: Photo Sharing for iOS. This also allows you to send large files and photos to friends without having to pay expensive MMS charges. This also bypasses the Email size of photos you can send, something that is imposed by email service providers. How to send Skype pictures on iPad, iPhone Apps.



How to share photos using Skype for iPhone or iPad.
1. You need to update the App to the latest version available for the iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on the name of a contact yo want to share a photo with. Make sure the contact is setup for Instant Messaging (IM)
3. Tap on the send photo button to choose from a photo already available or snap a  new one.
4. Compose your message and then click on the send button
5. You photo is sent if the person is online if not the photo gets sent once that person login to Skype. Your contacts can also send you photos in return

Another notable enhancement is that the new Skype for iOS is less of a drain on your battery. So you now log-in to Skype and keep it turned on for as long as you like.


Get Skype for iOS version 4.1 now

 

How to transfer data between iPhones

This is a quick tutorial oh how to transfer data between two iPhones. Data could mean contacts, Apps, photos and videos. So when you get a new iPhone you don't have to worry about loosing your data but you can take it with you and ensure all your favorite files are safe. Especially your contacts which are so important. The following guide will help you get all of this done using just a few taps.

How to transfer all your data between iPhones

1. You need to the latest version on iTunes on your PC.
2. Connect your old iPhone to your PC via the USB cable.
3. iTunes will automatically open
4. Under devices you should find your device
5. Right-click on your device and select backup
6. All your data will be backed-up now. Apart from music, apps and pictures not taken with your iPhone's camera
7. Once your data is packed up you can right-click again and this time choose transfer purchases.
8. Once done you can disconnect your old device and connect your new iPhone
9. Once connected select restore from backup
10. To ensure your apps are transferred click the Apps tab on top of your screen and tick Sync Apps.
11. You can do the same for music. Once done click on Apply.
12. You're done.

This is the method to transfer all your files from one iPhone to the other. You can transfer music, videos, text, Apps and all other files from one iPhone to the other.

 

Google Drive for iPad now available

Google Drive the cloud storage service from Google is finally available for the iPhone and iPad. The service lets you store your files and folders in the cloud and syncs all your storage devices together. So when you update or store a file on one of your devices that has Google Drive all the other devices of yours that have Google Drive, get updates automatically. There are however a few features that are not working currently in the iOS version of the App, that turns out to be quiet a disappointment. For now once you get the App on your iPhone or iPad, you will only be able to view photos and docs without the power to edit anything online. You will have to do this from your PC. 

So if there is no way of editing what might be the use of the App you might ask. Well, there are many uses. Especially if you are one of those people who have stored a lot of recipes on your Google Drive, you can now carry your iPhone or iPad to the kitchen for easy instructions use. You can also show all those pics you uploaded to Google Drive on your iOS device. The Android version of the App lets you do much more like editing and uploading new files and also the ability to share. The iOS version is sort of not fully functional in those terms but still useful. Also remember that will Google Drive you get 5MB of free storage. You can still share all your files with friends and therefore all those great pics can be shared right from the iOS version of the app. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.  

Google Drive for iPad

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Sociolatte

How to: iPhone HDR mode and how to shoot better photos

Image Credit: Webpronews

HDR or 'high dynamic range' photography is a simple concept. You use your iPhone's camera and enter HDR mode and start shooting. What happens is that every time you take a photo, three images are shot. Low, regular and high - these images are then combined to create one really cool image that seeks to capture the image in as close to reality as possible both in terms of lighting and the mood at that time. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S has HDR mode which you can make optimal use of to capture some amazing shots and impress all your friends with your photography skill. This is a brief guide to help you make the most of your iPhone's HDR photo capture mode. of course the most high-quality HDR photos are taken with dSLR cameras and then edited in programs like Photoshop.


How to turn on HDR mode on the iPhone
Currently available on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s. Head over to your camera > tap options  >  HDR on.


How to capture HDR images on the iPhone
Remember that 3 shots will be captured once you click so it's important for you to decide whether the photo is HDR worthy. This is because all three shots are not taken at once but one after the other. This means if your subject moves while the shot is being processed it's most likely you end up with people who look mutant and cars that look more like spaceships. So if you are ready for a HDR capture and confident about your subject, you're ready


Once your photo has been captured you will see two shots on your iPhone, one which is normal and the other will be the HDR photo. Swipe back and forth to see the difference.  


What is the kind of shot that best suits HDR photography
HDR is most suited for landscapes, nature, scenery, wildlife and cityscapes. HDR can also be used when taking photos inside your home - especially when the light is not so good. Using HDR will give you a shot that combines three photos, underexposed, normal and overexposed. This should come closest to the actual light condition that you're hoping to capture.  

An original post by

Sociolatte

How to use Facebook Full Site on your phone

The reason for this post is simple. If you use Facebook on your SmartPhone, iPhone, Android Phone or Tablet. You land on the mobile version of Facebook. The mobile version is quiet stripped down and you do not get the full Facebook experience like you would on a desktop. You can still however still have the full Facebook site experience on your phone with just a few steps. Also the App on the phone does not offer full functionality and sometime you just want to have all options available to you on your phone.


There are a couple of ways to access the full Facebook site on your phone

1. Type this address into your phone browser

 http://www.facebook.com/home.php
Remember home.php after Facebook.com

2. On the iPhone

Go to Facebook.com
Tap on more
Tap on 'Desktop Site'
Note: Avoid tapping the Facebook logo or your name as it will take you to the mobile version once again.

3. On your Android phone

Open Browser
Open Facebook
Tap on more
Tap on 'Desktop Site'


With this you will be able to full Facebook full site and not the mobile version on your phone.

An original post by

Sociolatte

Why does the new iPad not come with Siri

The new iPad ships on Friday sans Siri - The virtual assistant that was a major hit with the iPhone 4S. Siri now seems to also be in a bit of trouble with one man in New York suing Apple over Siri. The case has to do with the misrepresentation if Siri with the man claiming that Siri does not work as performed. Siri also does not have the amazing capability as portrayed by Apple ads. Siri apparently has gotten weaker over time and answers from Siri are clearly off the mark. This has been admitted by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, in an interview with the Daily Beast in January he said " I used to ask Siri, "What are the five biggest lakes in California?" and it would come back with the answer. Now it just misses. It gives me real estate listings. I used to ask, "What are the prime numbers greater than 87?" and it would answer. Now instead of getting prime numbers, I get listings for prime rib, or prime real estate. I have a lower success rate with Siri than I do with the voice built into the Android, and that bothers me". Siri might be in trouble and one of the reasons could be that her servers have so many requests that it is taking more time than ever before for Siri to contemplate the right answer. Siri however is still in beta and bugs can be expected.


So why does the new iPad not have Siri, when the personal assistant could have come out with some witty and funny answers. For one there is a utility difference between the iPhone and the iPad. The iPad is not one that your going to keep close at hand when your driving to ask for questions. That would be something smaller and much more easily accessible like the iPhone. Another reason could be that Siri is not ready for the iPad and maybe her servers need to be fixed to give her more breathing room. Siri to function properly needs a constant connection to the internet and Wi-Fi only iPads cannot really handle that. They are either connected to a local Wi-Fi hotpsot or using 3G and eating up bandwidth usage. 4G iPads can handle it but Wi-Fi only models might fail catastrophically with having a connection only periodically. These are a few reasons and there could me more. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

An original post by

Sociolatte

Apple is now the biggest company in history - $514,000,000,000.00

Apple's stock has continued to sore high above the earth and into deep space, closing on Monday at $552.00 a share. Apple's market cap now exceeds that of Exxon the no.2 company by more than a 100 billion. Apple's market cap over $514 billion,  Exxon's market cap - $403 billion. Apple products have always created waves and with the announcement of the new iPad last Wednesday things have started to look even more upwards. Everything about Apple seems to lead the company up up and away, the superman among all earth-bound companies. Check out these stats for the Decemeber quarter, Apple sold 37 million iPhone, 15.4 million iPads and 5.2 million Macs. All these numbers are really impressive and goes to show Apple's domination in markets it specializes in. 


Many competitors have emerged in the tablet market and many of them have successfully disappeared. Apple have always found a way to dominate the SmartPhone and Tablet market. The new iPad expected out on the 16th comes with something called Retina display. Making the iPad as some analyst speculate able to work in daylight. The screen has 1 million more pixels that a HDTV. This powerful rendering will most-probably come with the ability for users to take their iPad and work in broad-daylight. Siri of iPhone fame has been a popular hit among iPhone users from the time of launch. Apple keeps coming with innovations that give their products that must-have tag. The company has also announced AppleTV going on sale in the US this Friday which promises videos in full 1080p HD. Apple has reached the top has was reported to have more money in the bank than the US government. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 
Source: IBTimes

An original post by

Sociolatte

iOS 5.1: How to update your iPhone, iPad or iPod

Image Credit: Apple

Apple releases iOS 5.1 and with it, have hopefully fixed the reception and battery issues faced by the iPhone 4S. With this newest update to iOS  - Apple have highlighted a few of the features that make this OS a must have on your Apple gadget. Some of the highlights are that Japan will get a Japanese Siri, face detection on the camera now shows all faces detected, addresses bugs affecting battery life, fixes the issue of audio call drops for outgoing calls.


How to update your device to iOS 5.1
1. Ensure you're using the latest version of iTunes.
2. Using your USB cable connect your device to your computer
3. After iTunes opens, select your device from under devices
4. Click 'check for update' in the summary pane and this will check for all available updates
5. Once an update is found, iTunes prompts you to download and install the update. While the download and installation process is happening do not disconnect your device.
You can also update your device using Wi-Fi, Go to Settings > General > Software Update. iOS will automatically check for available updates.
Note: Backup your device before updating and support can be found here. 
Source: Apple Support

An original post by

Sociolatte

iPhoto for iPhone and iPad

iPhoto seems to really be in the new now. It is also trending on Twitter as 'iPhoto'. With the release of the new iPad which is simple known as 'New iPad' Apple seeks to be the leader in the tablet and smartphone market and the new iPad announcement also saw Apple making similar announcements about some of the iOS App and particularly ones from iLife and iWork suites. iPhoto for iOS is an all-new app which lets you play with photos with your fingertips. Some of the feature of the new iPhoto app for the iPhone and iPad are


Smart Browsing: Finds similar photos automatically and quickly makes comparisons. 
Multi-touch editing: Now easier than ever to edit photos, use this to change the color of the skies in your photos. Features a new drag-and-drop features for photo editing
Brushes: Use your fingertip to make photo adjustments like removing red-eye and paint photo adjustments
Professional quality effects: The app has also the amazing effects to give your photos a professional look. 
Photo Journals: Gives you a hole new touch and feel to share and the ability to share your stories in a new way as a beautiful photo journal. 


The App is now available in the iTunes store and costs $4.99. Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2 Wi-Fi, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G.Requires iOS 5.1 or later.
iPhoto for iPad and iPhone

An original post by

Sociolatte

Pinterest: How to pin on an iPhone

Image credit: simplythenest.com

Pinterest is the hot new social network that lets you pin images an videos on a board for other people to view. If you haven't tried it as yet you are missing out on something. We have a guide to help you get started which you can find here. Ok, once you get started you can then surf the web and pin all those amazing images you find onto your boards and let other users find and share your pins. You can really become famous if you have a lot of users who repin your pins and follow your boards. There are images for everyone out there and since it's user generated this is a great place for communities with similar interests.


How to create a pin on your iPhone.
Pinterest does have an iPhone app but creating a pin on your iPhone once downloaded can prove a bit of a challenge. There is however help at hand if you do need a solution. The blog Simply The Nest has a solution it might not be the best but it's sure to work. The solution has to do with adding a little bit of code to one of your bookmarks and then getting it to work. It works quiet fine and for those of you who are used to pinning on the web, it works just the same. Download Pinterest for the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad here. 
Help on creating a pin on your iPhone from Simply The Nest

An original post by

Sociolatte

How to compare the size of SmartPhones before you buy

There is a wide range of SmartPhones available today for you in the market. Each phone comes with its unique screen-size and features. Some phones have bigger and wider screens and different resolutions. Some are clearer that the other. There are a whole lot of phones out there. So how do you check the actual size of each phone before going to a retail store and holding it in your hands. Versusio is a web app that helps you do just that. Once you compare once phone against the other you might still want to get a realistic feel of how big the phone would actually be if you were holding it in your hands.


 There is a link called 'Show original size', clicking this link will put an American express credit card in between both phones and you can adjust till you get the real-life size. In addition to giving you a look and feel of the phone size the web app also gives you the pro and cons of each smartphone. So you can compare the Samsung Galaxy Note against the iPhone 4S 64GB or LG Optimus 3D P920 vs. Motorola DROID RAZR, RIM BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 vs. Nokia Lumia 800, Motorola Defy Plus vs. Sony Ericsson Xperia active,  Nokia Asha 303 vs. Samsung Galaxy ACE S5830, HTC EVO 3D vs. Nokia Lumia 800, Samsung Galaxy S II I9100 vs. Apple iPhone 4 16GB and HTC Desire vs. HTC EVO 3D. Each of these comparisons also show you the reasons that one phone might be better that the other and highlights the features that are noteworthy about each phone. 
Versusio

An original post by

Sociolatte

Get Facebook Timeline on your iPhone or iPod now

The Facebook App for your iOS devices has been updated with the new Facebook Timeline. So you can now grab an iPhone or iPad and go tinker and play with it now. The new version of the Facebook App for the iPhone and iPod is know as 4.1 and comes with a few upgrades and features.


So what's new with the new Facebook App for the iPhone and iPod
1. If you have enabled Timeline it is now available on your iPhone and iPod
2. An update for the iPad is promised in the near future. Not yet available for your iPad.
3. Access to friend's lists, subscribers and subscriptions.
4. Facebook promises better photo viewing and faster performance.


You can get the iPhone App available on iTunes now. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

SkyDrive now available for the iPhone and iPad

Image: SkyDrive

SkyDrive the file storage cloud from Microsoft is now available on your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The service which has been available to all Windows Desktop users and Windows phone users for sometime now transitions and comes to all iPhone users. With this new App you can do the following:


1. Login to the service and create folders
2. Upload images, videos and other files from your PC or Mac and access them on your phone
3. Files you upload from your PC, phone or mac are stored securely and will be then available whenever you launch the app on your iPhone ot iPad.
4. You can access files shared by other users with you
5. Upload all your photos and your videos to Microsoft SkyDrive and have them stored for free.
6. SkyDrive offers 25 GB of free personal storage 


If you already use Hotmail, Messenger or Xbox live you already have a SkyDrive account. If not you can head on over to SkyDrive and create a free account.


SkyDrive on the Web. 
Download the App on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch here. 
Launching an app like this makes a lot of sense since there are so many Windows users who also love their iPhones. Cloud-storage is all the big rage and this app just makes things easier.

An original post by

Sociolatte