Our techs at Mr Phix, the replacement screen experts, bring you these 10 must have iPhone apps you need to download today. Let’s face it, Apps make our lives so much easier. Truth is that it is hard to imagine how we lived so long without them (and our smartphones)
While there are millions of applications you can download, some of them are more useful and needed than others. This is even more applicable now that many apps use up so much resources on your phone. Choosing the right apps can make your phone run smoother without having it lag or slowed down. These are the top 10 must have iPhone apps.
1 – Sleep Cycle
The Sleep Cycle app can do wonders for your sleeping and waking patterns. This app, which is also an alarm clock, keeps track of your sleep patterns. It then uses them to wake you during light sleep stages. Waking up during light sleep is the best since it allows you to wake up easier and quicker as opposed to waking up from a deep sleep or dream state. Sleep cycle alarm clock can end up improving your productivity, punctuality and overall sleep.
2 – Waze
If you drive then Waze is for you. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are constantly on the road or just for a short trip, Waze can help you. Unlike other apps which only have maps, this app knows how fast you are driving and ends up redirecting you around traffic. Waze will also let you know when there’s been an accident up ahead, red-light cameras, construction and even police.
3 – BillGuard
Think of the BillGuard app as a person who will go over your credit card statements with a fine-tooth comb without charging you for their services. The app will immediately alert you if there are any unwanted or questionable charges. Best of all, BillGuard makes it easy to go over your finances. Any charges for services or products you may not have known you were being charged for or requested, BillGuard will flag it and alert you.
4 – Uber
Even if you own a vehicle, sooner or later you will need a cab. The Uber app can make getting a ride very easy. Many people often do not see cabs when they need one. However, with the Uber app that is not a problem since they will come to you and pick you up. anywhere you choose. Best of all, in most cases you will end up getting a better deal than a regular taxi. Still, during high demand season or holidays, prices will surge significantly so you should be aware as they can go up as much as ten times the regular going rates.
5 – Pocket
With so much to read on the Internet these days, most of us never have enough time to do so. The Pocket App allows you to store the articles you might find interesting during the day and save them for reading later. Best of all, Pocket will save all of your articles. videos, events or other interesting news so you can access them without having to be online or even a cell signal.
6 – Dropbox
If you are on the go and you need to bring your files with you, then Dropbox is the app you need. You can add files to your favs which allows off-line and fast viewing of them later on. You can also easily upload videos and photos to Dropbox and then share them freely with family and friends. Dropbox also lets you easily move your files from your phone to your computer or other devices quickly and easily.
7 – Swiftkey
For those that are constantly texting or writing, the Swiftkey app is for you. The Swiftkey keyboard adapts to your unique tapping style as you use it, memorizes and learns how you type. By doing so, the app helps you make less typos and allows you to type and text much faster than a traditional keyboard.
8 – 1Password
Let’s be honest, all of us have forgotten at least one password at one time or another. With the 1Password app, that can all change. These days where online security matters so much, the yourname123 passwords are no longer an option. This means that you need stronger passwords for all of your accounts. Still, creating stronger passwords means you are more likely to forget them. 1Password creates these stronger passwords and remembers them for you.
9 – Genius Scan
We all remember how bulky scanners used to be. However, with the Genius Scan app, that is no longer true since your phone can now be a scanner. This app allows you to scan documents and exports them back in either PDF of JPEG files. Keep in mind though that you cannot really scan everything unless you purchase the complete app for $7.00. Still, if you need to scan many files then the Genius Scan app is worth it.
10 – Spotify or Rdio
Here are 2 of the best apps for music lovers who want to take advantage of streaming services. Spotify or Rdio allow you to access your friends lists of music they are listening to so you can discover new music. You also have a radio option as well as smart stations. If you are going on a long trip then you can download a few gigs of music via WiFi and save them. This way you can listen to them later on without being charged by your phone company.
We hope you have enjoyed this list of the 10 must have iPhone apps. While you do not need to have all of them on your phone, every user should download at least one of them. This all varies of course depending on your needs. Remember, if you have any problems with your cell phone screens such as a cracked or damaged one, Mr Phix can replace it in 20 minutes or less. Our repair stores have the highest ratings from users of any other in the Wilmington, NC area because we do it right.
Nintendo is attempting to make a huge turn around after having their stock drop about 5.75%.
What is the key to bring Nintendo back to life? A new game console called the Nintendo Switch.
The Switch, Nintendo’s latest and greatest game console is considered to be a hybrid console. According to Business Insider a “hybrid” console means that you can play in on a television or take it with you out and about, what ever suits your needs.
Nintendo fans, of course, are curious about what this new console has to offer. One feature that the Switch will bringing to the table. Here is basically, how the system works…
The Switch can be used as either a remote control and console or it can be used as a hand held tablet for gaming. The system costs about $299, before taxes, reported Business Insider, but also comes in two different bundles. One bundle features a blue and red Joy-Con, which is one of the main parts of the system. You may also purchase a bundle with traditional gray Joy-Con.
The system comes with a “Joy-Con Grip” and also a Nintendo Switch Dock. What makes this gaming system different is its ability to adapt to your needs. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con bits can detach themselves from the “Joy-Con Grip” and connect to the Switch tablet, for on the go game play.
The “Joy-Con Grip” is used for more traditional game play but can also be transformed into a more mobile gaming system, providing the best of both worlds to those who love one or the other.
Another benefit to the Nintendo Switch?
The parts inside each package or bundle can be purchased separately. For example, if you need another Joy-Con you can absolutely buy it, according to Business Insider. For further information on individual purchasing, check out Nintendo’s website, as they break it all down for their consumers.
Many are excited that Nintendo is returning to a more traditional gaming style, especially after the Wii and Wii U. The “Joy-Con Grip” is designed very similarly to that of other gaming systems with two analog sticks and the traditional four buttons on each side, Business Insider explained. The controller also features shoulder buttons and triggers, much like other “traditional” gaming consoles.
However, if you are not a fan of the Switch set up, you can purchase a controller much like that of other game consoles. The controller looks incredibly similar to Nintendo’s GameCube. The bad news is that this controller does not come with the system, it is sold separately for about $70 dollars.
Nintendo presented the device to the public a few days ago and made sure to demonstrate how the system can last up to 6 ½ hours when removed from the dock. For now, Nintendo is releasing only red and blue Joy-Cons outside of the typical gray color.
However, one feature I think is going to really impress frequent gamers is the “share” feature that the Switch offers.
This button allows the user to capture screenshots of game play and also record video that can be shared with others, which tend to be a pretty popular activity. You can share your photos and videos directly from the Switch to social media. Business Insider reported, that it is uncertain if the console can also stream games live like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Some of the games you can expect to see available for the Switch include:
A new Mario Kart game
“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”
FIFA soccer
“Super Mario Odyssey”
“Sonic Mania”
Make sure you stay tuned for this console that is set to be released on March 3th, 2017. So, far I have found that a lot of people are pretty excited about and hopefully, Nintendo won’t disappoint.
If you have a tablet, computer. laptop or mobile device with any problems or issues then you should bring it or you can even ship it to Mr Phix, the screen replacement experts in Wilmington, NC. It doesn’t matter if your iPhone or Samsung cell phone’s screen is smashed, trashed or shattered or if your computer has a virus, you need data recovery or other PC problems. Once one of the professional technicians in any of Mr Phix stores gets their hands on your device, they will be returned back to you in pristine, like new conditions. In the event that you cannot bring your devices to one of our stores, you can ship it and we will send it back to you the same day when possible.
When Screens Break!
You know how easy it is for your kids or someone to drop or hit your iPad or tablet. In an instant, your precious device’s screen is broken or cracked. To most people, this may seem like the end of the tablet or device. However, Mr phix can do their magic and, in many cases, have your Devices repaired in less than 20 minutes. That’s not the best of all, though. The best thing out of having your mobile or tablet repaired by us is that we offer a lifetime guarantee on all the work done. That’s right; a lifetime guaranteed. No other store can dare make such an offer. However, Mr Phix does.
Why Lifetime Guarantee?
There are numerous reasons as to why we do so. One, Mr phix uses the highest quality parts in all of the repairs they perform. This means that rather than replace your cracked screen with a cheap screen replacement which will eventually get damaged again, Mr Phix uses the highest name brands replacement parts. These are the same replacement parts that Apple and Samsung use themselves.
Second, Mr phix and their team of expert techs know what it means to have your screen broken or cracked or have a device with a problem. They understand how important your device are to you since they contain important banking information, files, videos and other valuable data. We will make sure that all that data is never compromised, lost or damaged during our repairs.
Your Device Matters To Mr Phix
Lastly, Mr phix wants to give each and every customer a piece of mind once they leave our stores. Even if it means taking a loss or not making that much profit if something ever goes wrong. Our customers satisfaction is paramount to us. Thus the reasons why Mr Phix offers such a great guarantee on all the work done. Perhaps you have trouble with your computer or laptop too due a virus or something else. Whatever the reason, we can repair them as well since we have more than fifteen years in the repair business. So remember, if you got device issues, Mr Phix can fix it… and guarantee it for life!
Here is a very helpful guide to avoid backlight problems after the glass replacement of your iPhone.
When preparing to add LOCA onto a cleaned iPhone LCD make sure that you remove the working backlight and apply a non working backlight. This will ensure you do not have LOCA bleed through and ruin your working backlight. Remove the backlight using a soldering iron to remove the 3 prongs that attach the backlight to the LCD cable. Make sure you keep the electrical tape tab that covers the 3 connections and reapply it when you put the good backlight back on. If you leave the backlight connection exposed you have a high probability of shorting the connection on the frame of the iPhone. This can cause backlight problems, such as strobing and potentially short the backlight fuse or coil which are both advanced logic board soldering.
Before Applying the clean backlight
Before you apply the clean backlight you Must blow the excess LOCA glue out from the edges of the LCD screen and the flex cables at the top of the LCD assembly. I use a compressor with a fine tip and blow the glue out from every angle. Then place the cleaned screen under the UV lamp again to cure any residual glue on the back side as well. I highly recommend cleaning the surfaces with Pure Isopropyl Alcohol or Pure Acetone. Be VERY gentle when cleaning or lifting or moving the LCD flex cables as they are extremely delicate and can be easily damaged leaving all of your separation process utterly worthless.
When re-soldering the connection on to the cable make sure that all connections line up with their solder otherwise you could also cause a backlight problems and strobing.
Make sure you keep the electrical tape tab that covers the 3 connections and reapply it when you put the good backlight back on. Otherwise you will short your backlight out and cause strobing. When re-soldering the connection on to the LCD cable make sure that all connections line up with their solder otherwise you could also cause a short and strobing.
You better watch out what you say to your devices, they might be able to put you behind bars. In Arkansas, a man by the name of James Bates, might be facing time in prison if his Amazon Echo holds information in regards to why a man was found dead in his hot tub.
Crazy to think that a device could potentially hold evidence to a high stakes murder case. However, Amazon is not handing over the information with ease. This brings us back to the continued argument over American privacy and needed information for investigations.
How it Works
The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that is activated by the sound of her name, Alexa. The Echo has the ability to play music, read you the news and connect to other devices that you own. However, she is always listening for her name, so she can properly respond to your request.
Amazon has those recordings stored away and prosecutors believe that Bates’ Echo may hold key evidence in regards to the murder investigation. However, many are stating that this is violation of Bates’ privacy, thus Amazon is withholding the recordings until further legal action is taken.
This isn’t the first time that devices have been used against their owners. The 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California revolved around Apple when the FBI was seeking information from the shooter’s cell phone. Another case in Georgia, required prosecutors seek information from texts, Reddit posts and Google searches, reported CNN.
Questions about Privacy
This brings to question if anything is really private anymore? We use all kinds of devices that carry important personal information. According to CNN’s article, many claim that devices such as the Echo, Google Home or Siri should have different rules and regulations when it comes to personal privacy. However, other sources claim that requesting a device to do something is no different than typing something into your web browser.
The prosecutor involved with the case has attempted to obtain the information from the Echo two separate times but has been declined for both requests. While those involved with the case are still pressing the subject, Amazon claims it will not budge until further notice.
All the way around this raises eyebrows in regards to customer privacy and what can be collected by the devices we use. CNN even reported that The Electronic Privacy Information has voiced concerns about “always on” devices. As time goes on, we will have to seek solutions to these changes in technology. What is a violation of privacy and what is not?
For more about “Amazon Echo or Murder Investigator?”, here is my source…
We all know the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Well, 81 year old Masako Wakamiya is proving that is not the case. Wakamiya just recently created her own iPhone app. According to CNN, Masako Wakamiya felt making this app was necessary after noticing a shortage of “fun” apps for people in her age group.
She stated to CNN, “We easily lose games when playing against young people, since our finger movements can’t match their speed”. Wakamiya, a retired banker reached out to others to create games for the elderly, with no success. Therefore, she decided to do something about it herself.
However, Wakamiya has not always been a technology guru. She first learned how to use computers at age sixty and remembers that they were not as “user friendly” then as they are now. Once she got everything set up, she was ready to go. She joined a “silver club” reported CNN, which focuses on how to use the internet and connect seniors online.
Her new iOS game is based on Hinamatsuri or Doll’s Day, which is a traditional festival in Japan that is celebrated in March. The game displays ornamental dolls that need to be decorated and organized for the festival.
Wakamiya now gives computer lessons and blogs regularly. She also was able to write her own PC textbooks due to the available material being “too boring”, reported CNN. Hinadan was her first app but most likely will not be her last. She stated to CNN, “I have lots of ideas and want to create new apps, but my programming skills are poor. I need more time to develop them”.
To read the original CNN article on the 81-year-old creates new app, check out the link below.
These small changes will drastically affect the daily life of your iPhone battery
1. The Background Refresh App – You will find that making changes to this new App could be the most effective way to save battery life. However, refresh feature is an enemy for draining your battery, not only that, the default setting in IOS 7 is set to “ON”. Furthermore, background refresh allows apps to run silent in background and will refresh continuously when connected to Wi-Fi or your precious Data Network; not only using battery life, but also using your data plan as well. You can easily stop the feature by going to:
Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Here, you can turn off the entire function or just chose app that you don’t need to automatically refresh them by sliding the switch to off “green”
2. Automatic Updating – iOS 7 will automatically download new updates for all installed apps whenever they’re ready without prompting you to visit the App Store to do it yourself. However, app is helpful, but will use battery and can be disabled.
Settings > iTunes and Apple Store and uncheck the “Updates” option.
3. Turn down the Auto Brightness – As always this is a well known way to save battery life on any device including iOS 7. Go to:
Control Center or visit Settings > Wallpapers & Brightness and disable Auto-Brightness and decrease the settings manually.
4. Spotlight Search Function – Apple internal search functionality (called Spotlight) is available from any screen by wiping down not at the top but below the top, but because of that it is constantly indexing new data, and draining your battery. However, you can stop it from indexing all of your apps, settings, and data by going to:
Settings > General > Spotlight Search and disable what you don’t need, for instance events and podcasts.
5. Dynamic Backgrounds – The new dynamic or animated backgrounds are a cool new feature but use battery life’
Settings > Wallpapers & Backgrounds> select a static background.
6. Turn Off Bluetooth – Simple if you don’t use it disable it
Settings > Bluetooth > and there you go.
7. Location-Tracking Apps – iOS camera, Google Maps, Twitter, and Facebook to name a few— are tracking your location at all times. However, you can turn off Location Services completely
(Settings > Privacy > Location Services) or disable certain apps individually.
We strongly recommend the individual option, However, we never recommend disabling important location-based functions such as Find My Phone in case its ever lost or stolen. Look in
System Services option under Location Services will reveal other app features that are unnecessarily using battery life, including “Popular Near Me” and “Frequent Locations.”
8. Parallax – It is a feature that makes images or wallpaper seem as though they are moving behind the stationery apps. However, it does use battery life and resources. Additionally, users have complained that it makes them dizzy too. It is simple to disable:
Settings > General > Accessibility and click Reduce Motion to “on.”
9. Double Click Home Button – By double clicking the home button, you will see all the “running” apps and you can swipe them upward to close or “force quit”. Furthermore, you then likely you will be surprised to see what is running.
10. Turn-Off Wi-Fi – Our Wi-Fi reception is faster than 3g or even 4g but if you are not in an area where you have a trusted network or have an available service to connect to iOS7 will continuously search for available networks in range using battery and system resources. Furthermore, to disable Wi-Fi visit:
Settings > Wi-Fi > Slide to Off
These are 10 Easy Ways to Save iPhone Battery Life on iOS8 that will undoubtedly help increase battery life during your day. Additionally, if you know of any other helpful battery savers please comment so we can add them to the list.
Screen Time for Kids: Should parents limit children’s daily use of digital technology – computers, laptops, TV? The Department of Health screen time recommendations limit the amount of screen time for kids based on the age range of the child. No more than 1 hour a day for children aged 2 to Continue reading “Screen Time for Kids”→
Back glass damage is one of the most common issues we see in iPhones. It looks bad, feels worse, and can even interfere with your phone’s performance. However, ...
