iOS 7.1 is out, and Adam Engst examines its important visual and functional changes. Apple also updated the Apple TV and the Remote app with welcome interface improvements — Josh Centers has the details about those and Google’s updated Gmail app for iOS, which now supports background refresh for speedier email viewing. Speaking of email, Joe Kissell returns with a FlippedBITS column that delves into misconceptions about changing email addresses. Then Adam is back with a story about how he replaced the battery in his iPhone 5, a task that turned out to be harder than anticipated, and a look at how Apple has phased out support for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard — is it finally time to upgrade? Josh closes out the issue with a FunBITS column profiling the iOS game Ridiculous Fishing, which introduces shotguns and chainsaws to the popular pastime. Notable software releases this week include BBEdit 10.5.9 and TextWrangler 4.5.7, Dragon Dictate 4.0, Delicious Library 3.1.6, OmniOutliner 4.0.3, and Retrospect 11.
The first feature update to iOS 7 is now out. iOS 7.1 offers a number of changes that make the interface more visible, adds support for CarPlay, enhances iTunes Radio and Siri, and more. It should also eliminate annoying Home screen crashes, improve iPhone 4 performance, and make Touch ID more accurate.
The latest Apple TV update makes it easier to hide apps, and an update to Remote adds controls for iTunes Radio and purchased iTunes content. Josh Centers, author of “Take Control of Apple TV,” has the details.
Tired of waiting to see your mail in Gmail for iOS? The latest version of the app gets rid of the wait times in iOS 7.
Faced with an iPhone 5 that had become increasingly unreliable after installing iOS 7, particularly as the weather got colder, Adam Engst replaced its battery himself, a task that proved significantly more nerve-wracking than doing so for an iPhone 4.
It appears that Apple has pushed Snow Leopard off the back of the support truck, releasing the most recent security fixes only for Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks. Adam Engst explains what’s likely behind the decision and offers suggestions on what Snow Leopard users can do next.
Are you still using an AOL address, or one provided by your ISP? Do you share an email address with your spouse? Have you ever wished you could have a professional-looking email address in your own domain? In this installment of FlippedBITS, Joe Kissell looks at some common ways of using email accounts that are, shall we say, less than optimal, and explains how to improve your email image.
Ridiculous Fishing is an award-winning game that puts a whole new spin on fishing, adding chainsaws, machine guns, and bowling balls to the popular outdoor pastime.
Notable software releases this week include BBEdit 10.5.9 and TextWrangler 4.5.7, Dragon Dictate 4.0, Delicious Library 3.1.6, OmniOutliner 4.0.3, and Retrospect 11.
This week, Michael Cohen’s “Take Control of Pages” pre-book received a major update, Jean MacDonald left Smile for a higher calling, a mad genius learned to control his Mac with a smartwatch, Joe Kissell and Jeff Carlson both appeared on MacVoices, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer decided to retire, and Apple began rolling out its CarPlay automotive integration system.