Continuity and Handoff

Use Continuity to connect your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. Continuity lets you seamlessly move between your iOS devices and your Mac, or use them together.

Continuity features include Handoff, iPhone Cellular Calls, SMS, and Instant Hotspot. For example, you can start an email or document on your iPhone and pick up where you left off on your iPad. Or you can use your iPad or Mac to make and receive phone calls through your iPhone.

Handoff

With Handoff, you can start a document, email, or message on one device and pick up where you left off from another device. Handoff works with Apple apps like Mail, Safari, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Some third-party apps are also compatible.

Set up Handoff

• Check that you're signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID on all of your devices.
• Turn on Bluetooth on all of your devices and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Make sure that your devices are near each other.

Use Handoff

• On one of your devices, open a compatible app, like Mail or Pages.
• Use the app to start a task, like writing an email or a document.
• Then you can switch to a different iOS device or Mac.
• If you switch to a Mac, you can press Command-Tab to pick up where you left off, or you can click the app icon in your Dock.

Recovery Mode - Device Locked with Passcode

Device off and not connected to computer. Press and hold home button and insert USB (Lightning Connector Cable) to device. Keep holding home button until you see the Apple logo first, then the iTunes logo and USB Cable.

On Your Computer, in iTunes you will see:

"There is a problem with the iPhone/iPad/iPod that requires it to be updated or restored." Click "Restore" Click "Restore and Update" Click "Next" Click "Agree"

You'll see "Extracting Software" and "Waiting for iPhone" at the top of iTunes.

Depending on the speed of your Internet connection your device can be erased in 15-20 minutes or it can take over an hour.

You will also see:

• iPhone/iPad/iPod Recovery Mode
• iTunes is restoring the software on this iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch.

As you're going through the setup process on your device, do not restore from a backup because you will be restoring the same passcode (same problem) you previously had. If you didn't have a problem with an unknown passcode it's OK to restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup.

If you feel you had software or compatibility issues with your device, it's best to set it up as a new device rather than restore from a backup.

iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case

The Smart Battery Case is engineered specifically for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 to give you even longer battery life and protection.

The soft microfiber lining on the inside helps protect your iPhone, while the soft elastomer hinge design makes it easy to put the case on and take it off again. On the outside, the silky, soft-touch finish of the silicone exterior feels great in your hand.

Charge your iPhone and battery case simultaneously for increased talk time up to 25 hours, Internet use up to 18 hours on LTE, and even longer audio and video playback. With the Smart Battery Case on, the intelligent battery status is displayed on the iPhone Lock screen and in Notification Center, so you know exactly how much charge you have left.

The battery case supports Lightning accessories, such as the Lightning to USB Cable (included with your iPhone) and works with the iPhone Lightning Dock (sold separately). Choose from two complementary colors.

If Your iPad/iPhone is Not Charging

If you find that your iDevice battery is not charging, unplug it and try these steps given below:

• Check out the connector at the bottom of your device. Make sure it is cleaned.
• If using a USB power adapter, you must ensure it is perfectly plugged in and power outlet is working properly. If you are trying to connect your device to any laptop or computer, you must ensure it is on and can charge your device.You might require a USB power adapter and plug it into a power outlet if you want to charge your iPad.
• For a change, give a try to different USB cable, power adapter or port.
• Connect your device to power again and wait for up to 30 minutes.
• If your iPhone/iPad is still not charging, restart it while it is plugged in.

Try using alternative USB adapters and cables, and if possible, try using the genuine Apple charger that came with your iPad. It should be noted that when plugged in to a desktop computer or a laptop, your iPad does not charge if you are actively using it – look for the text “not charging” right beside the battery icon in the upper right portion of your screen. In this situation, your iPad only charges when your Apple device is idle, or when the screen is turned off.

If changing to a different USB adapter resulted in successful charging of your iPad, congratulations, the problem is just in the power source, which is a lot better than having to replace your iPad itself. In this case, be sure to check out our previous list of best USB adpaters for your iPad, and a “charger shootout” between some chargers from notable brands to find out which one charges your iPad fastest.

Now flipping it to the other side of the coin, if you’ve already tried other USB adapters and your iPad still does not charge, I don’t mean to scare you, but we’ve got a problem here. You first would want to verify if the problem is in your Apple device itself.

How to determine?

If you’ve got another iPad hanging around or know someone who does, try borrowing one for a second and try charging it with your gear. If their iPad charges using the same charger and your unit does not, we have verified that the problem could very much be in your unit itself. Don’t give up just yet, there may still be hope for your iPad.

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (ME918LL/A)

• Ultrafast 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Reach data rates of up to 1.3 Gbps
• Simultaneous dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi support
• New 6.6-inch height with smaller 3.85-inch base
• 6 antennas located at the top allows for a faster and more powerful connection
• Easy setup with Macs and iOS devices. Please note: This product is a Router ONLY and requires a modem to operate.
• Easy Wi-Fi setup using iPhone, iPad, or Mac: Connect your DSL or cable modem to AirPort Express and create your new wireless network in just a few taps from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. If you're using OS X Lion, use the built-in AirPort Utility on your Mac. Setup is just as fast and just as easy.
• Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n: AirPort Express lets Wi-Fi-enabled devices connect to your network on the 2.4GHzand 5GHz wireless bands. Which means every connected device automatically uses the best band available for the fastest possible performance.
• AirPlay takes the music from the iTunes library on your computer or iOS device and sends it wirelessly to any connected stereo or speakers in your home (audio cable sold separately). Play music on one set of speakers - or if you have more than one AirPort Express connected to speakers, play your music from iTunes on all of them at the same time.
• Print wirelessly from any room: On the back of AirPort Express is a USB port that's made for your printer. Just plug it in and instantly, it's like having a printer in every room. And since AirPort Express works with Mac and PC, everyone in the house can take advantage of one centrally available printer
• Compatibility and security: AirPort Express is compatible with devices using the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n specifications. So no matter what Wi-Fi device you're using, it will work with AirPort Express. AirPort Express also features a built-in firewall to protect your network from malicious Internet attacks.100-240V AC, 50-60Hz. Input current: 0.2 amp

iOS 9 New 6-digit Passcode

Apple rolled out its new iOS 9 operating system Wednesday and with that comes a big security upgrade.

The new operating system will now automatically default to a six digit PIN to unlock your device, instead of just a four digit PIN. While this might seem like a small change, it actually makes breaking into your iPhone a lot more difficult.

With a four digit PIN, there are a possible 10,000 combinations. But with a six digit code, there are 1 million possible combos, making it a lot tougher for someone to crack your security code.

If you want to increase the security on your device, or perhaps change back to a four-digit code, this is what you'll need to do.

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Find and select Touch ID & Passcode.
3. Enter your current PIN code if/when prompted.
4. Find and select Change Passcode.
5. Enter your current code again.
6. Enter a new, six-digit code (twice).

Notice there's a link titled Passcode Options (see image to right) just above the number pad when you're entering the passcode. Tapping on this will allow you to create an alphanumeric code, custom numeric code or toggle between a four-and-six-digit passcode.

You're done. Press the home button to exit the Settings app. The next time you're prompted for a passcode, remember to enter all six numbers.

from Apple Tech Insider / Cnet.com

iCloud and iTunes Backups

With a Wi-Fi network connection, you can make a backup of your device using iCloud. You don’t need to plug your device into a computer or even be at home to back up with iCloud.

iCloud backups include nearly all data and settings stored on your device. Previous purchases may be unavailable if they have been refunded or are no longer available in the store.

iCloud backups DO include:

• Purchased music, movies, TV shows, apps, and books
• Photos and videos in your Camera Roll
• Device settings
• App data
• Home screen and app organization
• Messages - iMessage, SMS - Short Message Service and MMS - Multimedia Messaging Service
• Ringtones
• Visual Voicemail

iCloud backups DO NOT include:

• Data that's already stored in the cloud, like contacts, calendars, notes, My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library.
• Data stored in other cloud services, like Gmail and Exchange mail.
• Apple Pay information and settings.
• Touch ID settings.
• Content you didn't get directly from iTunes, App, or iBooks Stores, like imported MP3s, videos, or CDs iTunes in the Cloud and App Store content (If it's still available in the iTunes, App, or iBooks Store, you can tap to re-download your already purchased content).

Backup using iCloud or iTunes

iTunes backups

From your Mac or PC, you can make a backup of your device in iTunes. Syncing your device with your computer isn't the same as making a backup.

iTunes backup includes nearly all of your device's data and settings.

iTunes backup doesn't include:

• Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to iBooks (You can back up this content using Transfer Purchases in iTunes.)
• Content synced from iTunes, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
• Photos already stored in the cloud, like My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library
• Touch ID settings
• Apple Pay information and settings
• Activity, Health, and Keychain data (To back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup in iTunes.)

iTunes will back up the following information

• Contacts* and Contact Favorites (regularly sync contacts to a computer or cloud service such as iCloud to back them up).
• App Store Application data including in-app purchases (except the Application itself, its tmp and Caches folder).
• Application settings, preferences, and data, including documents.
• Autofill for webpages.
• CalDAV and subscribed calendar accounts.
• Calendar accounts.
• Calendar events.
• Call history.
• Camera Roll (Photos, screenshots, images saved, and videos taken. Videos greater than 2 GB are backed up with iOS 4.0 and later). Note: For devices without a camera, Camera Roll is called Saved Photos.
• Game Center account.
• Home screen arrangement.
• In-app purchases.
• Keychain (this includes email account passwords, Wi-Fi passwords, and passwords you enter into websites and some other applications. If you encrypt the backup with iOS 4 and later, you can transfer the keychain information to the new device. With an unencrypted backup, you can restore the keychain only to the same iOS device. If you are restoring to a new device with an unencrypted backup, you will need to enter these passwords again).
• List of External Sync Sources (MobileMe, Exchange ActiveSync).
• Location service preferences for apps and websites you have allowed to use your location.
• Mail accounts (mail messages are not backed up).
• Installed Profiles. When restoring a backup to a different device, installed configuration profiles are not restored (such as accounts, restrictions, or anything which can be specified through an installed profile.) Any accounts or settings that are not associated with an installed profile will still be restored.
• Map bookmarks, recent searches, and the current location displayed in Maps.
• Microsoft Exchange account configurations.
• Network settings (saved Wi-Fi hotspots, VPN settings, network preferences).
• Nike + iPod saved workouts and settings.
• Notes.
• Offline web application cache/database.
• Paired Bluetooth devices (which can only be used if restored to the same phone that did the backup).
• Safari bookmarks, cookies, history, offline data, and currently open pages.
• Saved suggestion corrections (these are saved automatically as you reject suggested corrections).
• Messages (iMessage and carrier SMS or MMS pictures and videos).
• Trusted hosts that have certificates that cannot be verified.
• Voice memos.
• Voicemail token. (This is not the voicemail password, but is used for validation when connecting. This is only restored to a phone with the same phone number on the SIM card).
• Wallpapers.
• Web clips.
• YouTube bookmarks and history.

* Your contacts are part of the backup to preserve recent calls and favorites lists. Back up your contacts to a supported personal information manager (PIM), iCloud, or another cloud-based service to avoid any potential contact data loss.

Where iTunes backups are stored on your computer

The folder where your backup data are stored varies depending on the computer's operating system. Make sure the backup folder is included in your periodic data-backup routine.

iTunes places the backup files in the following places:

• Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
• Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
  Note: To quickly access the Application Data folder, click Start, and choose Run. Type %appdata% and click OK.
• Windows Vista and Windows 7: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
  Note: To quickly access the AppData folder, click Start. In the search bar, type %appdata% and press the Return key.

Backup using iCloud or iTunes
 

Back Up Your Computer to External Hard Disk

On Windows

• Get a backup drive. This can be just about any USB external hard drive, and you can get them at most electronics stores. Try to get one that has twice as much space as your computer, so you have room for multiple backups and so you have room for all the data you might get in the future.
• When you first plug it in, Windows will actually ask you if you want to use it as a backup. Tell it that you do. If you don't get this prompt, you can just go to the Start Menu, type "backup" in the search box, and hit Backup and Restore.
• From there, click the "Set Up Backup" button. Pick the external drive you plugged in and hit Next. Windows' default settings are probably fine, so you can just hit Next and the next screen too.
• On the last screen, hit "Save Settings and Run Backup". Windows will make its first backup of your drive, during which you don't want to turn off your computer. After that, it'll make regular backups in the background as you work—you don't need to deal with it again.

If you ever need to restore a file you lost, you can just go to the Start Menu, type in "backup", and go back to "Backup and Restore". You can hit the "Restore My Files" or "Restore Users Files" buttons to get those files back.

On a Mac

• Get a backup drive. This can be just about any USB external hard drive, and you can get them at most electronics stores. Try to get one that has twice as much space as your computer, so you have room for multiple backups and so you have room for all the data you might get in the future.
• When you plug in your drive, your Mac will ask you if you want to use that drive as a backup disk. Hit "Use as Backup Disk". If you don't get this prompt, you can always go to System Preferences > Time Machine to set it as a backup disk, too.
• From Time Machine's preferences, hit "Select Backup Disk" and choose your external drive.
• That's it! OS X will perform its first backup (during which you'll want to keep your computer on), and from then on it'll back up in the background with no work required on your part.

If you ever need to restore a file, just click on the Time Machine icon in your menu bar and hit "Enter Time Machine". From there, you can search through your old backups for the files you lost and restore them to your hard drive.

There is, of course, one downside to this method. While it'll save you if you accidentally delete a file or have hard drive issues, it won't save you if, say, you have a fire. For truly bulletproof backup, you'll want to back up all your data online, so you can get it back wherever you are (and whatever happens to your hardware).

Control Apple TV

You can use Apple Watch as a remote control for your Apple TV when you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Pair Apple Watch with Apple TV. If your iPhone has never joined the Wi-Fi network that Apple TV is on, join it now.

Then, open the Remote app on Apple Watch and tap Add Device. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Remotes, select your Apple Watch, then enter the passcode displayed on Apple Watch.
When the pairing icon appears next to Apple Watch, it’s ready to control Apple TV.

Control Apple TV. Make sure Apple TV is awake. Open the Remote app on Apple Watch, choose Apple TV, then swipe up, down, left, or right to move through Apple TV menu options. Tap to choose the selected item. Tap the Menu button to go back, or touch and hold it to return to the top menu. Tap the Play/Pause button to pause or resume playback.

Unpair and remove Apple TV. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Remotes, then select your Apple Watch under iOS Remotes to remove it. Then, open the Remote app on Apple Watch and, when the “lost connection” message appears, tap Remove.

Create Ringtones

To change the ringtone, follow these steps:

Ringtone for all calls

• From the Home screen, tap Settings.
• Tap Sounds.
• Tap Ringtone.
• Scroll to and tap the desired ringtone.
• Press the home button at the bottom of the device..

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Ringtone for calls from one contact

*** Note: You cannot assign a ringtone to contacts stored on the SIM card.

• From the home screen, tap Phone.
• Tap Contacts.
• Tap the contact you wish to change.
• Tap Edit.
• Tap Ringtone.
• Tap the desired ringtone.
• Tap Done.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Create a Ringtone:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Play the song from which you want to make your tone and note the start and stop times you want. The total time needs to be 30 seconds or less.
3. Select the song and press command-I, or right-click the song (2-finger click if you are using the trackpad) and select Get Info.
4. Select the Options tab and copy the Stop time to the clipboard or to another document. You will use this later to restore the original time to your song. Enter your chosen start and stop times for the tone and make sure they are clicked. Increase the Volume Adjustment if the song is not very loud (you may need to experiment with this). Click OK.
5. Right-click the song again, or select it and click File (in the top menu) –> Create New Version –> Create AAC Version. The menu may only show an option to Create MP3 Version, or some other format. If so, click iTunes (in the menu at the top of the screen) –> Preferences –> General. Where it says When a CD is inserted, click Import Settings, then under Import Using: select AAC Encoder and iTunes Plus for the setting and click OK.
6. After you create your new version it will appear as a duplicate track except the time will reflect your adjustment.
7. If you want to change the title, do it now. I tried changing the title after deleting it from iTunes (the next two steps), but when I brought it back in to iTunes, iTunes used the title it had had before.
8. Right-click the original song and restore the start and stop times to their original values. If you don’t, iTunes will only play the part you selected for the tone.
9. Right-click the short track you just created and select Show in Finder. Move the file to a location outside of the iTunes folder, such as the desktop, or a folder for your homemade ringtones.
10. Delete the track in iTunes.
11. In the folder where you have moved it, select the file and click on it again (don’t double-click) so you can edit the filename. Change the extension from .m4a to .m4r (and confirm when asked). If you don’t see the extension, make sure you are in Finder. Click Finder –> Preferences –> Advanced and check Show All File Extensions. Do not simply add an extension if you don’t see the current one.
12. In iTunes, click on File –> Add to Library (or press command-O) and find/select it there. Open your Tones library to see if it is there. If Tones is not an option in your Library selector button (upper left corner of the iTunes window), click iTunes –> Preferences –> General and check Tones in the Show selection.
13. Connect your iPhone to your computer and click the iPhone button in iTunes. Click the Tones button in the banner menu and check Sync Tones. Click All Tones or click Selected Tones and make sure the ones you want are checked.
14. Click on Apply at the bottom of the window to sync your phone.
15. When the your has synced (or “sunc”?), open it and tap Settings –> Sounds –> Ringtone, and your new tone should be there. Tap it and listen to see if it starts the way you want and is the correct volume. If everything is fine you can treat it like any other ringtone. Text tones, mail tones, individual ring-tones, etc., all access the same menu of sounds.
16. If you want to do it over, you can delete it from your phone the same way you would delete any song or tone. Go back to step 12, click Selected Tones, uncheck any tones you want to delete from your phone and click Apply to sync the phone again. Then delete that tone from iTunes on your computer.

Apple iPad Pro

Apple's new iPad Pro is powered by a 64-bit A9X processor that delivers up to 1.6 times faster performance over the iPad Air 2, with up to twice as fast graphics. Apple also says the tablet is faster than 80% of portable PCs shipped in the last 12 months.

Apple's website notes the underlying technology behind the iPad Pro's desktop-class performance is a new storage controller that increases read and write speeds so that large files, such as 4K videos or RAW photos imported from an HD camera, can be opened much quicker.


"The A9X chip is capable of processing data so quickly, it demanded a new memory architecture.

iPad Pro features a revamped storage controller that helps deliver performance better than some desktop computers. This increases read and write speeds, so you can quickly open even the largest files. Like the big 4K movie you just edited or all the RAW images you imported from your HD camera."

iPad Pro launches in November in Silver, Space Gray and Gold, starting at $799 for a 32GB Wi-Fi only model. A 128GB Wi-Fi only model will cost $949 and a Wi-Fi + LTE 128GB model will cost $1,079. A new Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard will launch alongside the tablet for $99 and $169 respectively.

Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil for New iPad Pro

At the "Hey Siri" special event, Apple announced two brand new accessories for the newly-announced iPad Pro. The Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil both allow iPad Pro users to have more tactile experiences for heavy-duty work that a touch-screen alone can't sustain, increasing productivity.

The Smart Keyboard comes built into a Smart Cover and uses the Smart Dome Switch from the MacBook, which means that the keys click down evenly from wherever you hit them. According to Apple, the keys offer the "accuracy, stability, and satisfying key feel of standard keyboards." The keys are covered by a soft, custom woven fabric and the entire keyboard itself is "easily foldable and can transform into a Smart Cover."

The Keyboard connects to the iPad Pro via a new magnetic port called the Smart Connector, which can transmit both data and power at the same time.

Because it connects directly to the iPad Pro, the Smart Keyboard does not require a separate battery, on/off switch, or Bluetooth pairing -- snap it on and it works automatically.

The Smart Keyboard works with the QuickType features in iOS 9, for quick access to word predictions and auto-correct.

The Apple Pencil is a stylus that's been designed from the ground up to work with the iPad Pro. The touch system of the iPad Pro was designed with the Apple Pencil in mind, for a dramatically reduced latency and impressive accuracy when used for activities like fine art illustration and detailed 3D design.

Sensors inside the Apple Pencil allow it to detect its position on the iPad Pro's screen, tilt, and force, enabling pressure sensitivity. It also calculates both angle and orientation to produce both broad or shaded strokes, and it's precise enough that artists can touch a single pixel on the screen.

The Apple Pencil works with popular iOS apps like Mail, Notes, Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Office 365. The battery lasts for several hours and it's able to be recharged via the iPad Pro through a built-in Lightning connector.

Both the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard are sold separately from the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil will retail for $99, while the Smart Keyboard will retail for $169. Both accessories will be available for purchase in November alongside the iPad Pro.

from http://www.macrumors.com