MacMost: Archives

Switching between apps is different in iOS 7 compared to earlier versions of iOS. You can now easily bring up a list of currently running and recently used apps, and flip through the list. Then you can jump to one. You can also use this list to quit an app. A second method exists to force-quit a stubborn app.

iOS 7 arrived right on schedule yesterday. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users were able to download and install the new operating system. In addition, scores of popular apps issued updates to take advantage of new iOS 7 features, or to simply match the design of the new OS.
The release is a precursor to new iPhone hardware, due in stores tomorrow morning. Many of those wanting an iPhone 5C were able to pre-order the device, but the iPhone 5S is only available in the store and online starting tomorrow morning.
Mac users weren’t left out yesterday as the new version of iTunes released not only brings iOS 7 compatibility, but also the new iTunes Radio service to Mac users. iTunes radio, now available across most of Apple’s devices, lets you listen to streaming music based on a song, artist or genre.

“I wish my iPad had a real keyboard.”
“I wish my MacBook had a touchscreen.”

iOS 7 is a big departure from previous versions of iOS, with a very different look and feel. Besides new icons, the look of many of the major apps has been flattened to simpler text on white backgrounds. Have a look at iOS 7 and some specific features like wallpapers and searching.

Using the developer tools built into Safari, you can see how long it take to load a web page, and which elements of the page may be holding things up. Developers can use this tool to optimize their web sites.

You can obtain fonts from a variety of sources: retail packages, clipart web sites, font web sites and the Mac App Store. In most cases, you end up with a file that contains the font and need to install it. Just double-clicking on the file will launch the Font Book app on your Mac and you can install that font, and manage the rest of your fonts using this app.

Apple announced two new iPhone models this week, both of which will be available on Sept. 20 in the USA and many other countries. The iPhone 5s is the successor to the iPhone 5 with a faster A7 processor and a fingerprint scanner built into the Home button. The iPhone 5c is a lower-cost plastic version without the new processor or fingerprint scanner.
Both new iPhones will come in a variety of colors and Apple is producing a series of color cases as well. Pre-orders for the iPhone 5c will start tomorrow, but those who want an iPhone 5s will have to wait in line on the 20th. You can see our report on the new iPhones at http://macmost.com/e-916.
In addition to the new hardware, the new iPhones will come with iOS 7, the new version of Apple’s mobile operating system. Two days earlier, on Sept. 18, iOS 7 will be available as a free upgrade for those who own recent generations iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models.

“How about gold coins? Or gems? Or magic game tokens?”
“I told you sir, we only accept real money, not iPhone game currency.”

Apple introduced two new iPhone models today. The iPhone 5c is a plastic version with similar specifications to the old iPhone 5, but at a lower price. The iPhone 5s features an aluminum body with a new processor, camera and Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Each are available in a variety of colors and color cases will also be offered. The new models will be in stores on Sept. 20.

Built into System Preferences is a tool that lets you color calibrate your Mac's display. This can help the colors you see on your Mac's screen match the colors you then get on printouts and when looking at real-world objects. Even if you are not a graphics professional, it may be a good idea to calibrate your screen so images you see online more closely match the real world.

When setting up and event in Calendar, you would normally assign a time. But what if you travel between time zones? You'll need to enable Calendar's time zone support feature. Then you need to consider questions like, do you set the event for the current time zone, or the one where you will be when the event takes place?

Apple has officially announced a special media event for Sept. 10. Rumors have pointed to this date for the announcement of a new iPhone model. Typical of Apple invitations, no indication of what will actually be announced has been given, save for the message: “This should brighten everyone’s day.”
Rumor sites are pretty much unanimous that a new iPhone 5s will be announced, and perhaps a cheaper plastic iPhone 5c. Some say that the new iPhones will then appear in stores on Sept. 20. Other rumors mention new iPad models, new iMacs, new MacBooks, and even a new Apple TV model.
A good portion of the event will most likely focus on iOS 7, the new iPhone operating system. It should launch with the new iPhone, and become available to other recent iPhone models at approximately the same time. iOS 7 for the iPad may also come at the same time, or could wait until a new iPad model is released.
Apple is holding a second event ten hours later in Beijing, China. This could simply be a time-zone-friendly way for Apple to directly address media in China, or it could signify a special product for the Chinese market. While most believe that a cheaper iPhone 5c would be sold internationally, some think it could be a special model meant for the Chinese market only.
Apple announced last week a new program that lets iPhone users trade in their old iPhone for partial credit toward a new one. The program is expected to be implemented across most Apple Stores this month. You can trade in your old iPhone for a gift card that must be used immediately for the purchase of a new iPhone with contract. The amount depends on the specifications and condition of the old iPhone.

“So now I only date women who have a iPhone. That way we can share apps.”

There are many apps that come with your Mac that you can use in school. The Dictionary app is more than just a way to look up definitions. You can also use it to browse and search the world's largest encyclopedia. The Grapher and Calculator apps come in useful, and the free Google Maps app can help with geography. But perhaps the most useful educational app is iTunes because of access to thousands of free lessons through iTunes U.

There are a variety of buttons and keyboard shortcuts that you can use to quickly create, close and navigate between tabs. How some of these work depends on your Safari preference settings. If you use tabs and multiple windows, these tips should help you optimize your web viewing.

You may be surprised at how much you can do with the controls on your EarPods with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. In addition to pausing music and changing the volume, you can also rewind and fast forward. You can also answer and refuse calls and activate Siri. You can even take a picture.

Apple launched a new support web site this week at getsupport.apple.com with an easy-to-use interface that leads to multiple ways to get help with Mac, iOS, iTunes and other products and services.
The site starts the process by asking users what type of product they are using. Then narrows down the type of problem with simple choices. The user is then given a choice of talking to someone on the phone, scheduling a call, using online chat, or making an appointment at an Apple Store. Apple Knowledge Base articles are also listed at the bottom of the screen.
The new site is being rolled out day-by-day around the world, so not everyone has access to it yet, and not all services, like phone support, are available everywhere.
This change was rumored previously, and may only be the first of many changes to the way Apple offers support. Some sources believe that Apple will soon change its AppleCare extended warranty program to be a per-user service, rather than a per-product service.

“My parents bought me a new iPad for school.”
“Which class do you use it for?”
“Angry Birds 101, mostly.”

I often hear myths and misconceptions about Macs in the comments and questions I get at MacMost. Here are some of the most common ones I see.

When you add a Google Gmail account to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can get email, calendar and notes syncing, but not contacts. To add contacts, you need to add the Google account a second time, as a CardDAV account. Then you can see your Google contacts in your Contacts app.