Apple Mirrors Windows 8 Phone?

It looks to me that Apple has moved closer to Microsoft’s design with it's just announed iO7. Apple's upcoming new operating system looks in many ways to have duplicated some of the design elements of Microsoft's Windows phone. Microsoft is working hard to become a serious player in the mobile market. And recent market data suggest that, Windows Phone has grown from about 3% to about 6% in market share. This may seem small, however in a world where Android and Apple dominate and considering where Microsoft was only a year ago there is reason to hope that we won't be forced to live in a mobile world controlled by only two mobile operating systems.

Even if Microsoft could take some weird pride in the fact that Apple may have actually copied elements of their design there can be no resting on their laurels. Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system in many ways is superior to Apple and Android, and Apple's new iO7 demonstrates that clearly.

However Microsoft must continue improving it's App store if there is any hope of hitting double digits in market share. The shame of it is that many of the Windows 8 Phone apps when compared directly to Android or Apple really shine and stand-out. However I hope that Microsoft can grow it's App store.... and soon.

Microsoft is also obviously aware of this "app problem' because it has been rumored that they (Microsoft) have been offering $100,000 or more to companies that will build Windows Phone apps. All told, Microsoft has 145,000 apps and games today. That includes 48 of the top 50 most downloaded, though it still lacks versions of some very popular services such as Sirius Radio, Tivo, LogmeIn, Pinterest and Instagram. If Microsoft is truly offering financial compenstation to software vendors it demonstrates that they (Microsoft) are indeed serious about remaining in the mobile game for a long time.... which is good news for everyone. Yes even for those still attached to their Apple or Android. This is because the result of Microsoft remaining in the game will force competition and that in turn inspires innovation.

How to Set Up Multiple Email Signatures in iOS 6

Today I was asked if you can have multiple signatures on your IPhone & IPad. The good news is that yes you can, as long as you have upgraded your Apple device to iOS 6. This upgrade was made available earlier last year, so hopefully you have already completed the upgrade.

Before iOS 6, you were allowed only one common signature that appeared on each email account. Other then deleteing and adding a new email signature for each email message there was really no other way to deal with multiple email accounts.

With the new iOS each of your accounts can have it's own distinct signature. Isn't technology womderful! So, your work email can give all your professional information while you're personal account can have more of a personal signature.

Here's how to set it up:

Go to Settings on your home screen, select Mail, Contacts, Calendars. Scroll way down until you see the Signature option. Tap on it and you'll see the options shows in the image below.

All Accounts will enable one signature to be sent from all your email accounts. Tap Per Account and each of your accounts will pop up, allowing you to create personalized signatures for each of them. (see image below)

Now, when you send an email, iOS 6 will automatically know which account it's coming from and apply the correct signature.

Apple's Lightening Strikes Again

Everyone here knows about my thoughts regarding Apple's iPhone5 and the new "lightening cable" it sports. In addition to the limited supply of available cables some users are now reportably experiencing troubles getting the USB end of the cables to unplug from their computers and other devices. Now I myself have not experienced this but I only used mine for about 3 days before boxing it and going back to the 4S.

CNET reports that several people describe problems getting the cables out of the USB ports on their computers, with some going so far as to break out pliers and even take their machines into one of Apple's retail stores to get the cable unplugged.

While USB is a standard spec, manufacturers can have design variations. I have seen this myself from time to time on USB devices.

AppleCare support reportably stated that "they were aware of the problem" and providing replacement cables to those with any issues. It's unclear whether those cables differ from the ones available at launch.

As I reported in an earlier post "lightning" is Apple's new plug technology, which replaces the 30-pin adapters that date back to early iPods. Its key benefit is the smaller iPhone connector, which is 80 percent smaller than the previous connector. Users can also plug it in with either side up. I have experienced this and it really is a nice advantage. No more trying to figure what is up and what is down. Despite these benefits, the new technology will present a costly change for people who have multiple cables just like me that they use in their car, home and at work. Apple includes one out of the box with its latest iPhone but additional cables are probably weeks out from being available.

In addition reports are being made that Apple has placed a "chip" in this cable which will either greatly reduce or remove the ability for outside manufactures to provide less expensive cables. I am not really happy about this and I am keeping hope alive that this report is untrue.

iPhone 5 in Storage

Why would anyone be lucky enough to have an iPhone 5 delivered on the first day available and then only switch back to the iPhone 4S? Here is why.

Apple blundered if you as me. Now don't get me wrong. I loved the iPhone5 and I look forward to using it in the near future. However in my long IT career I have never seen this. A smartphone released with no ability to purchase powering accessories. That's right. With the iPhone 5 you cannot presently purchase lightening cables (the new cable), car kits or even external power supplies. You get the one cable in the box and you are expected to carry that with you at all times if you want to charge your phone through the day.

I am not afraid to say this. Believe it or not. I am a very busy person and normally the battery on my smartphone is under 50% by lunch time. I need the ability to charge my phone at several places every day. One "lightening cable" is simply not enough. To make matters worse there is not a release date for these power accessories or cables until "sometime in October".

With all this in mind, my very awesome iPhone 5 with 4G (LT) service, a bigger screen, faster processor and superior camera went back into it's box until Apple decides to make available power and cabling accessories.

If you need powering options wait a bit until these accessories are available before upgrading to the new iPhone. Otherwise you may be sitting at home writing a silly somewhat angry blog article as opposed to watching the Monday Night Football pre-game show!

iOS6 Alert

This evening I upgraded 2 iPads and a iPhone4S to iOS6. All went well until after the updates. Afterward I could not get any of the devices to connect to my wonderful wireless network. After troubleshooting this I was able to finally fix the issue by completing the following tasks.

1. Rebooting my Verizon Fios router.

2. "Forgetting the Network" on my apple devices.

3. Connect to the wireless network again.

This may not happen to you after upgrading to iOS6 but if it does give this a try.

My iOS6 Update

As I predicted at about 1pm I was able to download the new Iphone iOS this afternoon. After selecting "Settings", "General" and finally "Software Update" I was notified that iOS6 was indeed available.

Crossing my fingers I then selected "Download and Install".

I was glad to see that you are then reminded to plug your phone into a power source for the install, which I of course did.

The update process took about 60 minutes. Your best bet during this upgrade is just to walk away and leave your iPhone in peace so it can get the job done. Once the update has been completed you will be prompted for some information. Simply select the defaults and move forward. Afterward you will be back at your main screen. You will see an additional icon on the screen, "Passbook". I have no experience with this new app but I will explore it soon. You will also notice that the iTunes store has been given a facelift.

I am sure there will be plenty of app updates in the next several weeks as app developers hustle to catch up with iOS6. Make sure you update your iPhone and iPad today.... and good luck.

Apple's iOS6 Arrives

Tomorrow Apple releases the updated operating system iOS6 for the iPhone and iPad. This operating system is the backbone of the upcoming Iphone5 but is also available for the previous iPhone models and iPads starting tomorrow.

Here are some of the reported enhancements as I understand it at this time.

A New YouTube- If you enjoy YouTube be aware that YouTube is now longer a native part of the OS. This means you will need to download the YouTube app from the app store. Ironically from what I understand the new YouTube app is a big improvement from the native version.

Apple's New Maps- Getting around with your iPhone will be an experience by itself now, with spoken directions and turn-by-turn navigation, real-time crowdsourced traffic updates, Quick routes and re-routing options, Yelp-powered details on nearby businesses and more. One of the highlights of this feature would be Flyover, a 3D rendition of buildings and major landmarks for a close-up interactive 3D view of cities around the world.

A Smarter Siri- Siri is now savvy in sports stats, restaurant reviews and rotten tomatoes (imdb movie ratings). You can make reservations with Siri through the OpenTable app, and check out movie schedules and ratings. Have a lot of apps to sift through, look up and launch? Launch it the new way by asking Siri to launch the app for you. With the iOS6, you can even dictate your posts for release on Facebook and Twitter.

An Integrated Facebook- It’s easier than ever to share on Facebook with the new iOS6. Share photos and locations straight from your device and get your updates about what’s happening on Facebook in your contact and Calendar. Profile information will be integrated into Calendar so you won’t get to miss a thing, especially since you now get notifications for both Facebook and Twitter updates from the notification center.

Passbook App- Tickets, boarding passes, movie tickets and store cards are things of the pass. Scan in your details to get on that plane, into that cinema or that concert and keep constant tabs on your store card balance all from your iOS devices.

Improved FaceTime- Phone numbers and Apple IDs are unified in iOS 6 and FaceTime is now cellular, so if someone calls you via your phone number on FaceTime, you can answer on your iOS device or on your Mac. Messages sent to your iOS device also updates in real-time to your iPad and Mac.

Enhanced Phone App - Yes It Appears Apple Even Worked on on the Phone Itself- Never miss a call again. Reply to missed or declined calls with a canned message, or add a reminder to yourself to call back at a better time. There is also a ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode that can be scheduled to let you regain some of your sleep time.

How To Get iOS6?

You can upgrade your devices "over the air" which means you do not need to plug your device into your PC. However be sure to back up your device in Itunes beforehand and make sure your battery is fully charged.

To get it go to "Settings", "General" and choose "Software Update". The update should be available about mid-day (EST) on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Good Luck.

Apple Users Beware

During December's Security Training I was asked why "Apple products" don't get viruses. I noted that one of the primary reasons was simply that the market share of Apple vs. PC was very small in comparison and hackers usually choose to spend their programming time on the biggest audience possible. Hackers want the biggest bang for all of their hard and evil work. The below article which appeared recently at Spamnews.com covers the growing threat to Apple products in general. The morale of this story is use common sense and protect your information, regardless if you are a PC user or an Apple user.

According to McAfee the security vendor, which recently released a research study, Mac OS is in more danger of Apple Trojans and botnets because users tend to have low knowledge of how to keep new Apple tools secured, which leads them into the danger of identity theft. Current.com published this on January 10, 2011.

Moreover, there are other threats to Mac OS, according to the security company like botnets' rising operations, increasing hacktivism, and growing networks of online television that can cause businesses to lose secret data in case they're targeted.

In its security alert, Michael Sentonas, Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific states that while Mac users earlier were immune from hackers' assaults, they're currently being increasingly targeted through Apple products. Smartcompany published this on January 11, 2011.

Sentonas further states that it's being observed that both business and home users are increasingly using the Mac operating system and with the OS' growing market share, it's quite expected that distributors of malicious programs will begin considering focusing their attacks on this platform. The CTO cautions that Mac users can't just take for granted that they'll be safe from attacks, hence they must embrace anti-virus applications while maintaining it up-to-date.

Additionally he states that his company on average is spotting some 60,000 fresh malware items daily. And with this amount being huge, there's greater requirement of user awareness about this problem.

Moreover, McAfee further cautions that security risk is growing during 2011 since every minute about 3,000 shortened URLs are created. The company in its 2011 Threat Predictions Report forecasts that there'll be more danger with URL-condensing utilities on social-networking websites. Also it forecasts that hackers on social-networking websites will increasingly concentrate on geo-location utilities like Gowalla, Foursquare as well as Facebook Places, which trace users' whereabouts and also publish them.

Eventually, McAfee notes that still other threats such as viruses from personal contacts, or malware camouflaged as genuine files and e-mails will all become more advanced thereby effectively deceive unsuspecting users during 2011. Besides, botnets will keep on using unlimited stolen bandwidth along with computing power across the world, the company adds.