How to create a custom reminders list in iOS 6 and use Siri to add items to that list

This is a short tutorial on how to add a custom reminders list in the Reminders App on your iPhone, iPad (Mini), or iPod Touch in iOS 6. Once you have created your custom list, you can ask Siri to add items to that list. Watch Tutorial

Quick Photo Tip: Tap and hold on the screen for 3 seconds to lock focus (AF) and exposure (AE)

One of the features in the camera app that I use all the time is the AE/AF Lock. This is where the focus and exposure settings lock in even if you point your device at a different location. For example, sometimes if I am trying to take a photo of someone or something where the object is off center, the camera will automatically focus on the background but I want it to focus on the foreground. There is a simple way to remedy this. Here is how: 1. Open up the camera app. Point the camera directly at the foreground Continue Reading →

The best hidden secret about Siri – How to edit mistakes

Siri is the personal digital assistant that Apple introduced in iOS 5 and the iPhone 4S. Since then, Siri has been expanded to include the iPhone 5, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Mini, and the new iPod Touch. The most amazing aspect of using Siri is that you can talk in normal language (for the most part). You can ask Siri things like, “Will it rain today?” And, the interpreted response will include the weather forecast for the day. Siri can also send text messages and emails for you. All you need to do is say, “Send a message to Continue Reading →

Create custom vibration alerts for incoming calls on your iPhone in iOS 6

iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5

With iOS 6, Apple introduced custom vibration alerts. This not only allows you to select one of 8 built in vibration variations, but it also allows you to create your own. I am often in meetings where I need to have my iPhone on vibrate only. I do this by flipping the little switch on the left side of the iPhone to reveal a little red line. Up until iOS 6, I was unable to distinguish between the various incoming calls I was receiving. Now, I have a custom vibration alert set up for when my wife calls. That way, Continue Reading →

Hard reset your iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch every couple weeks to maintain speed of device

All computers and smartphones benefit from a restart periodically. Your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch are no different. I would recommend doing a hard reset every couple of weeks. It is simple and only takes about 30-60 seconds. Here is how: 1. Navigate to the Home Screen (your first page of apps) and then double tap the “Home Button”. This will bring up the multi-tasking tray at the bottom of the screen revealing all of your recently used apps. Tap and hold on the first app in the list till it starts to shake. A little red minus with a Continue Reading →

Access open tabs in Safari from other devices using iCloud in iOS 6

One of the features that Apple introduced in iOS 6 and Mac OS X Mountain Lion is tab syncing in Safari between multiple devices. This means that at any point, you can see any of the tabs that you have open on all of your devices. For me, I have a Macbook, an iPhone 4S, and an iPad. At any point, I can access the tabs open on any of these devices. Here is how: 1. Make sure that all your devices are updated and that Safari on your Mac is running the most recent version. 2. Make sure that Continue Reading →

Quick Tip: Pinch to zoom when using Camera App on iPhone, iPad (Mini), and iPod Touch

If you find yourself in a place where you need to zoom in when taking a photo, you can simply place your thumb and a finger on your iPhone or iPad screen when in the Camera app. Then, with your thumb and finger still on the screen slowly spread them apart. The subject of the photo will get bigger as you zoom in. Keep in mind, this is a digital zoom meaning that the more you zoom in, the less you will get in photo resolution (your photo will become slightly pixelated). To zoom out, simply reverse the process. Alternatively, Continue Reading →

Quick Tip: Access full screen mode in Safari with iPhone running iOS 6

The Safari app in iOS 6 has a special feature that allows you enter full-screen mode. This will make both the top bar (with the web address) and the bottom bar (with the navigation controls) disappear. It is an immersive web experience (if there is such a thing on a 3.5″ or 4″ screen :). To activate this feature, simply turn your iPhone on its side so that it is in landscape mode. Once you do this, you will notice that there is a little button in the bottom right corner with 2 arrows pointing outward. Just tap this button Continue Reading →

Turn on Kid’s Mode (Guided Access) on your iPhone, iPad (Mini) and iPod Touch in iOS 6

Have you ever wanted to let your kids, grandkids, or someone else’s kids play with your iPhone or iPad? Have you ever come back later to find that this wonderful little person ended up sending random texts to people in your contacts list, deleting photos, and other things you didn’t want to happen? Well, there is a solution to that. It is called “Guided Access.” I have renamed this Kid’s Mode or Child Mode because that’s what I use it for. Kid’s Mode locks your device into one app and disables the Home Button, On/Off Button, and Volume Buttons. This Continue Reading →

Silence an incoming call on the iPhone in iOS 6

This button on the iPhone can be pressed to silence the ring/vibration on an incoming call

There are 2 ways to silence the ringer on an incoming call on an iPhone. The first way is to push either the volume up/down on the side of the phone or the On/Off button on the top of the phone. This will also stop the vibration of the phone if the ringer has been turned off. This is especially helpful if you have forgotten to silence your phone when in a meeting. You can also send an incoming call straight to voicemail if you push the On/Off button twice. For other ways to respond to an incoming call, see Continue Reading →