When I first saw an Apple watch my first thought was Dick Tracy had it right all along. (If you don’t know who Dick Tracy is, look him up) If you have an Apple Watch then you know it works with your iPhone. It took me a bit of time to figure out all the nuances of using them together and one day I was sitting in a meeting at work when my watch started ringing with a phone call.  I tried to play it cool and look around to see who had left their phone turned on while I frantically tried to stop the ringing. At that moment I realized I didn’t have it all figured out. So here are the simple t ..read more

There several different ways you can make phone calls using iOS 11. Some even work on older versions of iPhones. The first method is Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Wi-Fi calling can be very useful if you need to make a call in an area with little or no cellular coverage, or if you are using an iPad that doesn’t have a data plan.  This will work on iPhones version 5c or later on a supported carrier. Check here if you want a list of supported carriers. Even easier, if Wi-Fi calling is available, you will see the Wi-Fi symbol after your carrier name in the status bar. To make it work, turn on Wi-Fi calling i ..read more

iOS 11 has lots of new features. In this blog entry I’m going to discuss the new Files App, FaceTime photos, and the Do Not Disturb While Driving features. A new folder, named Files, has been added in iOS 11 and is available on all your iOS devices. iOS 11 Files App Use this app to access all of your documents, even those stored in iCloud Drive or other third-party storage providers. The Do Not Disturb Notification is designed to prevent notifications and texts from distracting you when you are driving.  To turn it on select Settings > Do Not Disturb. It is a helpful safety feat ..read more

I love the new features in iOS 11 and I plan to cover several of them in my next few blog entries.  The Customizable Control Center for iPhone and iPad is one of my favorites. To get to the Control Center, slide up from the bottom.  Use touch to access any one element.  To add or remove items go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. Customizable Control Center One of the best items in the Control Center is the lock screen option. (see arrow) Now you can use lock screen on a single app and it will stay that way, rather than reformatting your whole phone layou ..read more

WHAT IS VPN? If you aren’t sure if a VPN is something technical or a rock band, then the following info is for you. Rather than connect directly to the internet, a  VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows you to connect to the internet via a server run by a VPN provider. You still have to have an internet service provider, VPN is an extra layer on top of that. All data traveling between your computer, phone or tablet, and this “VPN server” is securely encrypted. As a result of this setup, VPNs: Provide privacy by hiding your internet activity from your ISP (and gov ..read more

Company:  Totallee URL:  totalleecase.com Price:  $29 Sizes:  iPhone 6, 6 plus, 7, and 7 plus Color:  black Weight:  0.1 oz Thickness:  0.02 inches Warranty:  2 years I really like this case.  It has a sophisticated look and feel.  It will fit with any charging stand you might prefer because of the thinness.  It is a “formed” type of case and yet it is made completely of lambskin leather. There is just enough fold around the case edges that sit on the front of the case to provide minimal protection to your phone. I tested it on an iPhone ..read more

This tip is for OS X. If you find yourself sending emails with the same content over and over, create a template.  Open Mail, click on New Message and enter the subject. Enter the From email address, and create the message. Don’t include any salutation, but leave a space for it if you plan on using one. Sample Template Select Save as Stationary from the file menu. A window will open asking you to name your new stationary. It also tells you that your new stationary (template) will be saved to the Custom section of the stationary picker. To use your template, open Mail and select ..read more

First of all, I hate that I had to go back to work. It really cramps my blogging time, but I do it when I can. You have a private spelling directory on your Mac into which you can save unusual spellings or words that you use frequently. For instance, I always have to add Gravley to mine because spell check has a tendency to change it to gravely. Spell check uses the New Oxford American Dictionary as its spell check source. When Spell check thinks a word is misspelled, it will underline it in red.  To add that word to your private directory, just right click and select Learn Spelling. If y ..read more

Review:  Memory Cleaner X, Version 2.0.5 Developer:  Nektony https://nektony.com Cost:  Free (Available From the Apple Store) Works With: Mac running OS X 10.8 or greater What It Does:  Allows user to clear inactive RAM and free up space on your computer. Rating:  Five out of five stars. Memory Cleaner X Logo  I am very impressed with this app. It is made by Nektony which also makes App Uninstaller, an app that I have used for several years. Memory Cleaner X check for duplicates, junk, very old material, and unused applications. When you give it the go ahead, it c ..read more

Product: LifeGrip LED Vase/Table Lamp Location: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6BON7D Price:  $20.99 Package Contents:  Vase Lamp, Micro USB cable, and small instruction manual. Size:  4.7 x 4.7 x 5.8 inches. Features: Touch sensor  control with three options (high light, soft light, and graded light). Built-in rechargeable battery. 11.8 oz (350ml) vase capacity that holds water for live plants. Works for artificial plants as well. Charges with USB cable White shade and base. Vase looks golden when lighted. Comments: This is cute, but practical p ..read more