Starbucks is revamping how customers can use their app. A new feature called My Starbucks Barista allows customers to place their orders by simply saying “I want a latte”. Not only can you order your morning cup of Joe this way but you can also pay for it as well, grab your cup and keep rolling with your day.
This new feature offered on the Starbucks app was announced on Monday, according to CNN. For now, My Starbucks Barista is only available to 1,000 people across the globe when it comes out this summer for iOS devices. However, don’t worry Android users, a version of My Starbucks Barista will be heading your way after the release of the iOS version, CNN reported.
However, Starbucks isn’t stopping there. They are also rolling out a new voice-ordering tool for Amazon’s Alexa. In order to get your caffeine fill all you have to do is say “Alexa, order my Starbucks” and it will place your order for you via the Starbucks app.
The hope of this new feature is to reduce the number of people waiting in line to pick up their coffee, which the app was original making a bigger problem, which of course discourages people from using it. The company aims to generate increased interest in the app by introducing the My Starbucks Barista feature.
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.
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.
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”→
