Samsung's Galaxy S7 could look almost exactly like the Galaxy S6

Samsung will likely unveil its next flagship Android smartphone, the Galaxy S7, at Mobile World Congress next month, but we may already know what it looks like.

Surprise, surprise: It'll look very similar to the Galaxy S6, if newly leaked press images of the unreleased phone, from the well-connected Evan Blass (@evleaks), are to be believed.


SEE ALSO: How to Transfer Messages from Old Samsung to New Samsung Phone

Writing for VentureBeat, Blass reports the GS7 will indeed come in two screen sizes. The 5.1-inch model will have a flat screen and the larger 5.5-inch model "S7 Edge" will have the curved screen that we saw on the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+.

The displays will stick with the same Super AMOLED panels with QuadHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution; the screens are said to have an "always on" feature that will let you look at glanceable content without sucking up too much power. Interestingly, Blass makes no mention of apressure-sensitive screen as previously rumored.









As previously reported, the GS7 will come with Samsung's Exynos 8 8890 octa-core processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor will be available in some regions), 4GB of RAM and two storage capacities (32GB and 64GB). The batteries will remain non-replaceable — 3,000mAh on the GS7 and 3,600mAh on the S7 Edge; the phones will both support fast wireless charging.

The phone will have a 12-megapixel back camera with a faster f/1.7 aperture lens; the camera module is said to be flush with the back and no longer protruding out. The front camera will be a 5-megapixel selfie camera — same as on the GS6.

Blass also confirms the return of the microSD card slot for storage expansion (supports cards up to 200GB) and IP67 dust and water-resistance.

Source: Mashable

You can follow Syncios on Twitter, Facebook for more tips and tricks. Recommend: if you would like to backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch data to the PC, just go here to learn more. Simply download the free version and have a try, it can transfer data between iOS device and PC freely and easily.

Apple to introduce new iPad Air in March, rumor says

Not only will Apple introduce a new, 4-inch version of the iPhone this March, it will also show off a new iPad — at least according to a new report by 9to5Mac.

The details are fuzzy as always, but Apple should be showing off a new iPad Air — most likely called the iPad Air 3 — as well as some new Apple Watch models with the new iPhone.

See Also: How to Transfer Music from Old iPad to the New iPad?

The iPad Air 3 will have a 9.7-inch screen (just like the current one), and it might come with a rear-facing LED flash, improved sound quality, and support Apple Pencil.

The new Apple Watch models, according to 9to5Mac's sources, will mean new wristbands added to the line-up.

Finally, Apple is expected to release several software updates, including a new version of iOS — iOS 9.3 — and WatchOS 2.2.

As for the 4-inch iPhone that'll be the star of the March show, it should come with an iPhone 6/6S-like metal design, Apple's A9 processor, better cameras and an NFC chip.

Absolutely none of the above has been confirmed in any way by Apple, so we'll have to wait till March to see how much of it is true.

Update: On Thursday, Digitimes quoted unnamed chain supply sources saying the new iPad Air will indeed come in March, and will have a 4K resolution, 4GB of RAM and improved battery life. This info, just like the report above, remains unconfirmed by Apple.

Source: Mashable

iPhone 7 Plus rumored to have two rear-facing cameras

The iPhone is already known for having one of the best smartphone cameras on the market, but imagine the power of having not one but two rear-facing cameras to capture the shot you want.

While we're about eight months away from the probable launch of the iPhone 7, the rumor mill is currently cooking up a doozy: the larger model of the next-generation iPhone, believed to be the iPhone 7 Plus, will come with a dual-camera system on the back of the device, according to MacRumors.


The report cites KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who believes there will be two versions of the iPhone 7 Plus, one with a single rear-racing camera and another with two.

Although two rear cameras may seem unnecessary, the cameras would work together to create one photo. The additional camera could also be used to potentially capture 3D video and allow for better software tricks, including refocusing features found on the Lytro camera.

The cameras would also use imaging algorithms obtained by Apple in last year's acquisition of Israeli camera company LinX Imaging. Integrating this type of technology could potentially remove the need for a protruding camera lens and offer better sensitivity to light, according to the report.

Kuo also said there will be an enhanced optical zoom function coming to the iPhone 7 Plus.

Apple continues to look for ways to improve its camera capabilities, so a drastic approach like this wouldn't be too much of a surprise. However, most of the iPhone camera upgrades occur during the "S" cycle of device launches, which happens every two years. The last S cycle — in which we saw the launch of the iPhone 6S — debuted just this past fall.

Source: Mashable

You can follow Syncios on Twitter, Facebook for more tips and tricks.
Recommend: if you would like to backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch data to the PC, just go here to learn more. Simply download the free version and have a try, it can transfer data between iOS device and PC freely and easily.
 

How to Add Checklists to Notes in iOS & OS X

Notes app includes a variety of enhanced features for iOS and OS X users, but one that is particularly useful is the ability to make checklists easily in the app. As you probably guessed, the checklists are interactive, so you can check things off your own created lists or notes easily to help you keep track of progress or tallies, essentially turning a regular note into a To Do list.


Whatever you intend to use the checklists feature for, it’s easy and a welcome addition to Notes for Mac and on iPhone and iPad. Assuming you’re using iCloud Notes, the checklist will even sync between Mac and iOS as well. Here’s how to use it for both platforms:

Create a Checklist in Notes for iOS

1. Open Notes app and create a new note (you can place a checklist into an existing note too)
2. Tap the (+) plus button hovering above the iOS keyboard then tap on the little circle around a check icon in the corner
3. Type your checklist items, hitting return once to create a new checklist item, and hitting return twice to end the checklist

You can place a checklist in Notes for iOS amongst other items added to notes, whether that’s pictures and images that have been inserted or your own drawings made in the app.

How to Make a Checklist in Notes for Mac OS X

1. Open Notes app and either create a new note or select an existing one
2. Click the (V) circle checkbox button in the apps toolbar to insert a checklist
3. Add checklist items by typing and hitting return, hit return twice to exit and stop creating additional checklist items

Just like in iOS these can be inserted just about anywhere with any notes, and they’re interactive too.

Assuming you have iCloud enabled with Notes, your iCloud Notes with checklists and other changes will quickly sync between any Macs, iPhones, and iPads using the same Apple ID.

A useful and welcome feature for list makers on both OS X and iOS, whether it’s for tracking getting things done, shopping, preparation, or otherwise.

Source: OSXDaily

You can follow Syncios on Twitter, Facebook for more tips and tricks. Recommend: if you would like to backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch data to the PC, just go here to learn more. Simply download the free version and have a try, it can transfer data between iOS device and PC freely and easily.
 

Spotify introduces video for its phone apps

Finally, music streaming service Spotify is jumping into the 21st century by adding video — but only on its mobile apps.

The streaming music service is set to begin integrating video clips into its Android app in the coming days and iOS not long after that.

Spotify users have awaited video since May 2015, when Spotify announced that it would be expanding beyond music and into the digital video space with a variety of partners including ESPN, Comedy Central, VICE News and many others.

See also: Apple Music VS Spotify

Spotify Most Popular Songs in 2014 and 2015

The move was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed to Mashable by Spotify,

The videos will be short and contextual, with some partners making original content for Spotify. The launch is a turning point for a company that has at time struggled to turn a profit despite rising subscriber totals.





The U.S., U.K., Germany and Sweden will be the four launch markets for video, which will be accessible by both paid subscribers and unpaid members.

That means Spotify will be pushing out video to a big chunk of its 75 million active users, 20 million of whom pay for the service — but notably without ads, at least for now.

It may just be a matter of time. Paid subscribers generate the bulk of Spotify's revenue — 92% by one research firm's estimates. Spotify has long said its model relies on converting unpaid users to subscribers.

Video necessarily won't change Spotify's model, but it could ease the company's reliance on subscribers. Video is among the most lucrative online advertising formats, and one that Spotify has not yet tapped.

Source: Mashable

Return of the 4-inch iPhone? Rumor hints at March launch

Thought the days of the 4-inch Apple iPhone were gone? Not so fast.

The Cupertino, California, electronics giant might be working on such a phone for a March unveiling, according to a report Friday from tech blog 9to5Mac, which has built a reputation for reliably breaking Apple news. The model could be called the iPhone 5SE.

While Apple has met customer demand for larger screens in its iPhone 6 and 6S series, selling a smaller-screen phone would appeal to fans of more petite models. As Apple's main profit maker, keeping the iPhone fresh is imperative to a strong sales forecast. In a product marketplace where stalwart brands like Samsung and HTC struggle for steady growth, Apple continues to post a profit quarter after quarter.

Separately, 9to5Mac also reported that Apple is preparing to unveil new band styles for its Apple Watch in March, alongside a new version of the watch software. The second-generation Apple Watch design is said to be slated for the same month.

Apple declined to comment.

Here's what 9to5Mac says is coming:

Smaller, 4-inch iPhone

• March launch event
• Upgrades 4-inch iPhone 5S
• Would include curved glass edges like iPhone 6 phones
• Same 8-megapixel, 1.2-megapixel cameras as iPhone 6
• Support for Apple Pay, Live Photos
• No pressure-sensitive 3D Touch display
• Uses iPhone 6 processors (A8, M8)
• Colors: Silver, space gray, rose gold
• Pricing: Same as current iPhone 5S (varies by region)
• Could sell late March or April

New Apple Watch styles

• March launch
• New band styles, new materials
• Watch software update (currently in beta)
• Full redesign by the end of 2016

More iPads on the horizon

• New iPads code-named "iPad 6,3" and "6,4" could arrive in November

Source: Cnet

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How to secure the Notes app on iOS 9.3

Apple recently announced the preview of an upcoming iOS update. Included in the future iOS 9.3 update, Apple is adding features such as Night Shift which it claims will help you fall asleep easier despite staring at your screen after sunset.

Additional features such as allowing multiple user accounts on a single iPad, CarPlay enhancements and (finally) the ability to password protect personal musings in the Notes app can also found in the update.

Adding the option to protect a note -- perhaps containing a bank account number, health information or even just a daily diary -- feels like it should have been in the Notes app from day one. Alas, it wasn't, but Apple is intent on fixing that.

Keep in mind that in order to lock a note right now, you'll have to be using either the developer or public beta preview of iOS 9.3. You can learn more about the risks of running a beta version of an OS on your device, as well as where to sign up if you feel like living on the technological edge by visiting Apple's beta page.



For those already on iOS 9.3, or those about to take the plunge, here's what you need to do to secure a note in the Notes app.

• First, start by selecting a note you'd like to lock down with a password or Touch ID.
• Tap on the share button in the upper-right hand corner.
• Select Password Protect Note from the list of options.

If this is the first time you've selected this option, you'll have to enter a password and a password hint. Notice the warning just below the password section: You cannot access any secured notes on non-iOS 9.3 or Mac OS X 10.11.4 (also in beta) devices. If you'd like to use Touch ID in addition to a password, leave the switch in the On position.

Alternatively, you can set up or change your Notes password by launching the Settings app on your iOS device, then going to Notes > Password Protection. This is also where you'd go if you want to change the password for your Notes.

With a password set, the next time you select Password Protect Note from the share menu, the note will be placed behind your password. You can identify which notes are protected when viewing the list of notes in your account thanks to a lock icon placed just below the title.

Source: Cnet

How to Save Deleted Photos on the iPhone

It can be easy to delete a photo from your iPhone that you actually needed to save. Deleting photos is one of the fastest ways to free up storage space and people are sometimes too aggressive in pruning old photos.

If you've deleted a photo that you need to hold onto, you may be worried that it's gone forever. Not necessarily. Depending on a number of factors, you can save deleted photos on your iPhone.

Here are a few options of how to do this.

How to Save Deleted Photos on the iPhone

Apple knows that we all accidentally delete photos sometimes, so it built a feature into the iOS to help us out. The Recently Deleted Photos album stores your deleted photos for 30 days, giving you time to restore them before they're gone for good.

You need to be running iOS 8 or higher in order to use this feature, but if you are, follow these steps to save deleted photos:

1. Tap the Photos app to launch it
2. On the Albums screen scroll down to the bottom. TapRecently Deleted
3. This photo album contains all the photos you've deleted in the last 30 days. It shows each photo and lists the number of days that remain until it will be permanently deleted
4. Tap Select in the top right corner
5. Tap the photo or photos you want to save. A checkmark appears on each selected photo
6. Tap Recover in the bottom right corner (alternatively, you can tap Delete in the bottom left if you want to delete the photo right away)
7. In the pop-up menu, tap Recover Photo
8. The photo is removed from Recently Deleted Photos and is added back to your Camera Roll and any other albums it was a part of.

Other Options to Recover Deleted Photos

The steps outlined above are great if you've got iOS 8 or higher and deleted the photo you want to save less than 30 days ago. But you've still got a couple of options even if your situation doesn't meet one of those requirements.

These options are less of a sure thing than the first approach, but if you're desperate, they might work.
Desktop Photo Programs—If you sync the photos from your iPhone to a desktop photo management program like Photos on the Mac, you may have a copy of the photo you want. In this case, search the program for the photo. If you find it, you can add it back to your iPhone by syncing it, emailing or texting it to yourself and then saving it to Photos.
Third-Party Recovery Tools—There are a ton of third-party programs that let you dig into the filesystem of your iPhone to find hidden files, browse "deleted" files that are still hanging around, or even comb through your old backups.

Because there are dozens of these programs, their quality can be hard to analyze. Your best bet is to spend some time with your favorite search engine, finding programs and reading reviews. Most of these programs are paid, but some may be free.

Here we recommended Syncios Data recovery:

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iOS 9.2.1 Released for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

Apple has released iOS 9.2.1 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The small update arrives as build 13D15 and includes bug fixes and security updates, but does not appear to include any new features or changes.

The over the air update weighs in between 100MB and 300MB depending on the iOS device being installed on.
Installing iOS 9.2.1 Update

The easiest way to install iOS 9.2.1 is through the OTA mechanism in iOS. Always backup before installing a software update:
Back up the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, then go to “Settings” and to “General”
Under “Software Update” find iOS 9.2.1 Update and choose to Download and Install



Installation requires at least 500mb of available space on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, the update process can take a while but will reboot itself when complete.

Release notes accompanying iOS 9.2.1 are brief, accompanying the download as follows:


This update contains security updates and bug fixes, including a fix for an issue that could prevent the completion of app installation when using an MDM server.

Users can also choose to update iOS by connecting their device to a computer with iTunes and using the update feature offered in the iTunes application, or by using IPSW files available below.
iOS 9.2.1 IPSW Direct Download Links

Users who prefer to install iOS updates through IPSW firmware files can find their respective version below. For best results, right-click and choose “save as”, being sure the file has a .ipsw file extension. These files are served directly from Apple.com servers:

iOS 9.2.1 for iPhone

• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 5s (CDMA)
• iPhone 5s (GSM)
• iPhone 5 (CDMA)
• iPhone 5 (GSM)
• iPhone 5c (CDMA)
• iPhone 5c (GSM)
• iPhone 4s

iOS 9.2.1 for iPad

• iPad Pro
• iPad Pro (Cellular)
• iPad Air 2 (6th gen)
• iPad Air 2 (6th gen Cellular)
• iPad Air (5th gen Cellular)
• iPad Air (5th gen)
• iPad Air (5th gen China model 4,3)
• iPad 4 (CDMA)
• iPad 4 (GSM)
• iPad 4
• iPad Mini (CDMA)
• iPad Mini (GSM)
• iPad Mini (2,5)
• iPad Mini 2 (Cellular)
• iPad Mini 2 (4,4)
• iPad Mini 2 (China)
• iPad Mini 3 (China)
• iPad Mini 3 (4,7)
• iPad Mini 3 (Cellular)
• iPad Mini 4 (5,3)
• iPad Mini 4 (Cellular)
• iPad 3 Wi-Fi (3rd gen)
• iPad 3 (Cellular GSM)
• iPad 3 (Cellular CDMA)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi (2,4)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi (2,1)
• iPad 2 (GSM)
• iPad 2 (CDMA)

iOS 9.2.1 for iPod Touch

• iPod touch (5th-gen)
• iPod touch (6th-gen)

Separately, Mac users can find OS X 10.11.3 update for El Capitan, along with security updates for Mavericks & Yosemite users.

Source: OSXDaily

Read more:

How to Jailbreak iPhone 6/6s, iOS 9 or iOS 9.0.2 ?

WhatsApp kills $1 subscription fee

If a dollar saved is a dollar earned, WhatsApp users can make themselves a quick buck in 2016.

The popular messaging app on Monday killed its $1 subscription fee, which converts to 70p or AU$1.45, making its service free to all users globally. In the past WhatsApp has been free to use for the first year, following which the nominal fee has been charged on annual basis. But no more.

"As we've grown, we've found that this approach hasn't worked well," the company explained in a blog post. "Many WhatsApp users don't have a debit or credit card number and they worried they'd lose access to their friends and family after their first year."

WhatsApp is one of several messaging apps, along with the likes of Viber, WeChat and Line, that flourished in the wake of 3G Internet access becoming almost ubiquitous. After it was bought by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion, the service continued to grow, and with 900 million users worldwide it currently leads the pack.

Its next challenge will be to keep up with its competitors, which are starting to integrate third-party services into their apps, particularly banking and money transfer. This could ultimately open up new revenue streams for WhatsApp, although these third-party business partnerships are uncharted territory for messaging apps.

The company categorically said it will not be replacing the subscription fee with third-party ads, a common method used to make free apps profitable. Instead, it says, it will introduce new ways for you to communicate with businesses and organisations that you want to hear from. These interactions could be with your bank about recent transactions, or with an airline about a delayed flight.

It's the same approach parent company Facebook is using with its own Facebook Messenger application, which in December started letting users book an Uber directly through the app.

WhatsApp said it will be testing tools to this effect later this year, although speaking at DLD in Munich, the company's CEO and founder Jan Koum admitted "we haven't written a single line of code yet," Re/code reports.

Source: Cnet

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How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages On iPhone

How to downgrade from iOS 9.3 back to iOS 9.2

If you decide the iOS 9.3 public beta just isn't for you, you can downgrade back to iOS 9.2.

The iOS 9.3 public beta is a way to try out the next iteration of iPhone and iPad software. But it may not be for you, at least not right now. If you downloaded the iOS 9.3 public beta but now you want to go back to the current version, iOS 9.2, that fine. You can always try iOS 9.3 again later, or wait for the final release this spring. What's more, downgrading is easy, all you need is iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC, and to follow the steps below!

How to put your iPhone and iPad into recovery mode

There's no button tap to revert your device back to iOS 9.3. So, to get started, you'll need to put your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into recovery mode. That lets iTunes take over.

1. Turn off your iPhone or iPad. (Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until Slide to power off appears, the slide.)
2. Plug your USB to Lightning cable (or USB to 30-pin Dock cable for older devices) into your computer.
3. Hold down—and keep holding down—the Home button on your iPhone or iPad.
4. Plug your USB to Lightning cable (or USB to 30-pin Dock cable for older devices) into your iPhone or iPad.
5. Continue holding down the Home button until the connect to iTunes screen comes up.

If, for some reason, Recovery Mode doesn't work, you can also try putting your iPhone or iPad into DFU mode. Device Firmware Update mode is a little trickier to get into, but will often force a restore even when nothing else works.

How to downgrade to iOS 9.2 on your iPhone or iPad

If iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC doesn't launch automatically, launch it manually. iTunes will detect your device in recovery mode and ask you what you want to do.

1. Click Restore on the iTunes popup.
2. Click Restore and Update to confirm.
3. Click Next on the iOS 9.2 Software Updater.
4. Click Agree to accept the Terms and Conditions and start downloading iOS 9.2. 

If your device reboots to iOS 9.3 before the download is complete, simply repeat the steps above and put it back into Recovery Mode. Once the download is complete, iTunes will restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iOS 9.2.

How to restore your archived iOS 9.3 backup to your iPhone or iPad

Once your device is restore, it'll have a clean copy of iOS 9.2. To get your data back, you'll need to restore from a previous backup. If you've been running iOS 9.3 for more than a day, your standard iCloud or iTunes backup will likely be iOS 9.3-based and may not restore properly to an iOS 9.2 device (we're testing this now). That's where the archived backup you made prior to installing the iOS 9.3 public beta comes in...

1. Select Restore from this backup in iTunes.
2. Choose the archived backup you made before installing the iOS 9.3 public beta.

Once the restore is completed, your iPhone or iPad should be back to where it was before you installed the iOS 9.3 public beta. If you've made any major changes since then, and they don't sync back some other way, you may have to repeat them to get back to exactly where you were before downgrading.

Source: iMore

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• How to Recover Data from Water Damaged iPhone
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How to stop Microsoft's annoying Windows 10 upgrade notifications

Windows 7 and 8 loyalists rejoice. Microsoft has released detailed instructions to turn off the insistent notifications about upgrading your operating system to Windows 10.

The process itself is pretty complicated, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and copy in some code. Don't be worried if you don't know exactly what you're doing though; Microsoft holds your hand in a clear and concise step-by-step tutorial. You're going to have to open up the Registry Editor on your computer and add in the code provided by Windows, but the guide makes it pretty clear by detailing exactly what to do.

Windows 10 was released as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and 8.1 owners in July this year, and Microsoft hasn't stopped pushing it. The new OS hasn't had a lot of early adopters since it came out, and still hovers between 10-20% of Windows web traffic, according to web traffic-tracking company GoSquared.

Windows 10 came after the poor reception of Windows 8, which reimagined Windows as a tile-based stream of applications with an option to switch to the more standard desktop home screen. There was a general aversion to the tile start screen, which was meant to cater to both tablet and desktop users, and ultimately fell short on both ends. Other design updates disregarded Windows conventions, which led to a lot of frustration from users. Windows 8, which launched in October 2012, has been roughly in line with Windows 10 traffic numbers.

Windows 7 still leads the pack with a typical share of over 50%, which is probably why Microsoft has been pushing so hard for the Windows 10 upgrade.

If you're on the opposite end of the Windows spectrum and need reminders to upgrade out of Windows 8.1, Microsoft has provided a similar guide to turn the notifications on. It is located just under the guide to disable them.

Source: Mashable

You can follow Syncios on Twitter, Facebook for more tips and tricks.
Recommend: if you would like to backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch data to the PC, just go here to learn more. Simply download the free version and have a try, it can transfer data between iOS device and PC freely and easily.
 

Fix Constant Apple ID Verification Password Pop-Ups on iPhone & iPad

Some iPhone and iPad users have discovered their devices keep asking them repeatedly for their Apple ID to be verified with a password. If you have this issue, this Apple ID password verification pop-up appears at random but frequently, and you’ll see it appear anytime you reboot the device on the lock screen, and often when unlocking the device after a period of going unused.

There are actually two different pop-ups you may encounter with this issue in iOS, the wording is either“Apple ID Verification – Enter the password for (Apple ID) in Settings”or “Apple ID Password – The password for (Apple ID) needs to be updated.” in both cases, you’ll have an option to go to “Settings” and to “Sign In”.

So, what’s going on, and how do you fix the constant Apple ID verification request?

Constant iOS Apple ID Password Verification Pop-Up Alert Fix

Resolving the continuous Apple ID password verification request is usually by doing the following:

1. When you see the Apple ID Verification pop-up message, choose “Settings”
2. Sign into the Apple ID with the password for the account as usual, this will make the message go away temporarily
3. Next, back up the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iCloud and iTunes, you need to backup the device because you likely need to update iOS software
4. Open the Settings app and go to “General” followed by “Software Update”, install any software updates that are waiting available – If you’re already on the latest version of iOS and there are no software updates available skip this step, reboot the device, and go to the next
5. When the device boots back up, go back to “Settings”, then to “iCloud” and tap on the Apple ID username and email address, then sign in to iCloud when requested
6. Exit out of Settings, you shouldn’t see the Apple ID verification pop-up again

A bit of jumping around, a possible iOS update, a reboot, and multiple logins for the same Apple ID and iCloud account, but for most users this resolves the issue. Contrary to some other reports on discussion boards, you do not need to log out or change the Apple ID to resolve the issue, simply verifying the password and rebooting is usually enough.

If you reboot the device after this, you should no longer see the lock-screen error message requesting Apple ID password verification.



Of course, you can just ignore the pop-ups and nothing seems to change, though if you don’t login to the Apple ID then your device won’t be backing up to iCloud and you’ll see a “last backup could not be completed” error message until the issue is resolved.

Quite a few users have experienced this frustrating issue as shown in various Apple discussion threads, another similar issue exists with some versions of iOS with constant iCloud backup password requests in the form of a pop-up. Both of these are likely a bug that will be sorted out in a future iOS version, so be sure to keep iOS updated (or consider to use automatic iOS update if you regularly procrastinate). Nevertheless, if your iPhone keeps asking for your Apple ID password and verification, now you at least know how to fix it.

By the way, Mac users may also find that iCloud in OS X is asking for the password randomly with Messages, FaceTime, or iCloud usage, and if you encounter the issue on one device, chances seem to be that you’ll encounter it on another soon after as well.

Source: OSXDaily

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Apple iOS 9.3 will be all about education

iOS 9.3 may be Apple's most targeted release yet. While there are sure to be bug fixes, performance enhancements and other random feature updates, it appears the biggest changes will be all geared toward education.

Apple offered a sneak peek at the upcoming version of iOS in a new web page. It states, "With the iOS 9.3 beta, you’ll find a preview of new features that will make it even easier for schools to put devices where they’ll have the greatest impact — in the hands of students."

The company's classrom focus is nothing new. Last year, none other than Apple CEO Tim Cook participated in an Apple Store hour of code program with students from a New York City grade school. Each of the youngsters was handed an iPad mini running Code.org's coding course.

These updates, however, go further, and point toward Apple making a more concerted effort to take on Google's expanding position in school districts and grade schools across the country. Many of them currently use Google Apps for Education (which includes Gmail, Google docs and, sometimes, Chromebooks).

Apple's new education-focused iOS update will offer new ways to log into Apple iPads, including an easier way to share one device across multiple students. Each student still gets a personalized experience.

The update may also simplify login for younger students — teachers will be able to input students’ photos so they only have to select their own picture to log in to their account. When they do log back in, the iPad will help them pick up exactly where they left off.

School administrators will gain a new tool, Apple School Manager, for centralized management of all deployed iPads, including the ability to centrally manage distributed Apple IDs.

For teachers, they'll be able to monitor kids' work on the iPads through a new Classroom app. They'll also be able to globally launch work, like a quiz, across all the iPads in their classroom and push student work from the iPad to a TV connected to an Apple TV.

Schools still need to adopt Apple hardware before they can take advantage of these tools, but as Cook, told us late last year, Apple's trying to help in that regard, too:

"What we’re trying to do is facilitate that... we selected 120 schools around the U.S. that are the most needy schools... and we’re working personally with them not just to bring in products, but bring in our people there, as well, to help teachers,” said Cook.

The developer beta for iOS 9.3 (and watchOS 2.2) launched on Monday. Public betas should go out later in the week. No timeline yet for the full release.

Source: Mashable

You can follow Syncios on Twitter, Facebook for more tips and tricks. Recommend: if you would like to backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch data to the PC, just go here to learn more. Simply download the free version and have a try, it can transfer data between iOS device and PC freely and easily.

New iOS 9.3 feature will make reading at night easier on your eyes

Attention, night owls: Apple will soon be making it easier for you to use your devices at night.

The upcoming iOS 9.3 update will include a new feature called "Night Shift" that will change the colors of the light emitted by your iPhone or iPad's display, based on the time of day.


The feature uses your current location and the clock on your iPhone or iPad to figure out what time the sun sets, and will automatically "shift the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum," according to Apple.

The idea is very similar to f.lux, a popular Mac and Windows app that changes your display's lighting based on the time of day. When it starts to get dark outside, the app gradually makes the colors warmer to reduce eye strain. That app has been downloaded more than 15 million times, according to the company.

Despite its popularity, the company hasn't been able to release an official iOS app because Apple doesn't allow developers to access those features on the iPhone (though there is an app for phones that have been jailbroken). The company did briefly find a way around this restriction last year, when it released a version that users of non-jailbroken iPhone could download outside of the App Store.

Soon after it was released, Apple removed the download, saying it violated its Developer Program Agreement.

Studies have shown that using smartphones, tablets and other devices with lit screens before bed can interfere with sleep, but changing the color tone of your display from a harsh, blue-tinged light to a warmer color can, at least, make nighttime browsing significantly easier on the eyes.

The update has only just been seeded to developers, so it will likely be at least a few weeks before it officially makes it way into iOS. If you really can't wait to try it out, though, you can get an early when the public beta for iOS 9.3 rolls out — with the usual caveats that beta software can be unstable and shouldn't be used on a primary device.

Source: Mashable

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Workarounds for Safari Not Opening t.co Short Links from Twitter

Many users have notice that Safari on the Mac (and some on iOS) has trouble opening t.co short links coming from Twitter, both in the Twitter app and for Twitter on the web . While not all Mac OS X and iOS users experience this issue, those who do find it frustrating as any t.co link will either refuse to load, time out as the blue progress bar stops moving, or throw a “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error message, claiming the server or page isn’t responding.

Rather than give up on opening the t.co links, there are a few workarounds that will allow you to view them anyway in Safari for OS X and iOS.


By the way, this same set of workarounds applies to loading many other short links as well, though we’re focusing on the Twitter specific shortened t.co links here since those can be reliably problematic for some users.

Workaround #1: Reload the t.co URL a Few Times

The simplest workaround is simply to reload the t.co short link several times until the link eventually responds and loads as expected. Typically this takes multiple attempts, and I’ve gotten into the routine of hitting Command+L followed by Return in four to five quick successions to get the t.co short link to finally load from Twitter into Safari. Tedious, sure, but it works.

Workaround #2: Remove the “https” from the URL

For whatever reason, removing the https:// prefix and using simply http:// often will allow the t.co short link to work in Safari.

It’s helpful to have the full URL shown in the Safari address bar if you’re going to use this trick.

Workaround #3: Remove Cache & History

Clearing cache and history usually works to get the t.co links to load in Safari.

On the Mac, clearing history is easy, just pull down the “Safari” menu and choose “Clear History”.

Meanwhile on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, clearing history and cache is done with the iOS Settings app.

I’m not a big fan of this approach because it tends to only work to load t.co links for about a day, and also because clearing history in Safari on the Mac also clears it on your connected Macs and iOS devices, which is not always desirable.

Workaround #4: Use Chrome or Firefox

Yup, using a different web browser works to open the t.co short links from Twitter just fine. For Mac users, changing the default web browser to an alternative is one option, otherwise just get in the habit of opening Twitter links in Chrome or Firefox.

Why would a link work in Chrome and Firefox but not Safari? Who knows for certain, but it does, suggesting there may be an issue with how Safari handles some specific short links.

This is widely reported on Apple forums and Twitter support and is certainly not a new issue, though with more people using Twitter it’s likely encountered more now than when it first started appearing four years ago… because it hasn’t been remedied in four years it’s hard to imagine it getting priority now, so it’s likely best to just use a workaround if you encounter the t.co loading errors in Safari.

Would it be a mistake for Apple to remove the headphone jack on the iPhone 7?

Rumors continue to percolate that Apple will drop the 3.5mm headphone jack in its next iPhone to help slim down the device. But is it a good idea?

About a month ago, a rumor got started that Apple was planning to do away with the 3.5mm headphone on the iPhone 7, likely to be released this fall, and would steer people toward using wireless headphones or wired headphones that connect via the remaining Lightning port.

The Japanese blog Macotakara was the publication behind the rumor, and it created a bit of a stir because after all, every smartphone out there has a 3.5mm headphone jack and it’d be a big deal if Apple suddenly decided to ditch it.

Well, the rumor grew a few more legs today when the Chinese site Anzhuo wrote that supply chain sources had confirmed that the 3.5mm port would be removed on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and that Apple would make a wireless version of its EarPods and perhaps bundle them with the next iPhones. Naturally, there’s no way to confirm any of this — Apple isn’t commenting on it — but it’s certainly worth pondering the possibility that it could happen.

These sites claim that the reason behind the removal of the headphone jack is a space-saving measure that would allow Apple to make the new iPhones even thinner. This wouldn’t be the first time Apple has removed once-standard ports or accessories from its devices. For example, it killed the DVD disc drive in its PCs and more recently, replaced the standard USB ports with a new, forward-thinking USB Type-C port in its superslim and light 12-inch MacBook.

If Apple does indeed remove the 3.5mm jack, it could make a lot of people unhappy. I personally use a lot of wireless headphones, but I also like to be able to plug in my wired ‘phones, which typically sound better than wireless models. I have a couple pairs of Philips Lightning headphones in the office, and frankly I don’t use them much, though they do sound good.
By Lightning headphone I mean the headphone uses a cable that plugs directly into the Lightning port on the iPhone, creating a digital rather than an analog connection. What are the benefits? Well, not only are you getting a direct digital connection, but the headphones can draw juice from your device to power components in the headphone, which could include an internal DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and amplifier that bypass the internal DAC of the iPhone and/or active noise-cancellation circuitry.

The only problem is you can’t charge your phone when you have a Lightning headphone using the port (potentially, I suppose, your headphone could be used to charge your phone). Also, it’s unclear how you’d connect an analog headphone to the Lightning port. Some sort of adapter would be required and knowing Apple, if said adapter wasn’t included with your new iPhone, it’d be a $30 accessory.

Reference: Cnet

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OS X 10.11.3 Beta 2 Available for Testing

Apple has released the second beta build of OS X 10.11.3 for users in both public and developer Mac beta testing programs. The new build arrives as 15D13b and presumably focuses on bug fixes and feature improvements, it’s unlikely that any new features are to be included.

Mac users currently participating in the respective beta testing programs and running a prior OS X beta build can find the latest OS X 10.11.3 beta 2 download available from the Mac App Store in the Software Update section.

Anyone can enroll to participate in the public beta program, but it’s generally not advised for most users as beta system software is buggier and less reliable than stable releases. The developer beta build is the same version, but only available to users who are registered with Apple as an official Apple Developer, which also allows them to gain access to iOS beta releases.



For those who enjoy beta testing system software, Apple has also released iOS 9.2.1 beta 2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

There is no known public launch timeline for OS X 10.11.3 but typically Apple goes through multiple beta releases before offering a final version to the general public.

Source: OSXDaily

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How to Stop iOS Software Update Notifications Reminders

The latest versions of iOS automatically remind users, frequently, to install whatever awaiting version of iOS is available for their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. While you can postpone the software update 24 hours or choose to install it automatically in the middle of the night, often times users don’t want to install the update at all for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, you’ll be reminded again to install the iOS software update until you do. But can you stop iOS software update notifications and reminders from constantly popping up on your iPhone or iPad?

The answer is; sort of. This is probably not what you’re wanting to hear, but there isn’t a perfect way to stop iOS software updates from pestering you about an available update. The good news is there are several methods to get iOS update reminders from constantly appearing on your device, each takes a different approach, from postponing the update, to removing it, to giving in and updating, to even blocking the update server.

Option 1: Punt the iOS Update for 24 Hours

When you see the iOS Software Update reminder, choose “Later” and then choose “Remind Me Later” – don’t worry, it will remind you later. Again. And again.



If you take this route, get used to pressing “Later” and “Remind Me Later” repeatedly, as in 24 hours you’ll be asked about it again. And 24 hours later, again. And another 24 hours later, you can go through the process yet again, until you either give in or move along with another of the options below.

Option 2: Delete the iOS Update & Avoid Wi-Fi

The best way to stop being nagged about impending iOS updates available is to delete the iOS update from the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, and then avoid wi-fi. Deleting the available iOS update from the device will stop the update reminder from appearing, but you have to disconnect from wi-fi and avoid wireless networks because the moment your device is unattended and back on wi-fi… the iOS update will download itself again and start pestering you again. This is less than desirable particularly for those with limited broadband bandwidth, but Apple really wants you to update that iOS device to the latest available version.

1. Open the Settings app and go to “General”
2. Choose “Storage & iCloud Usage”
3. Go to “Manage Storage”
4. Locate the iOS software update that is nagging you and tap on it
5. Tap on “Delete Update” and confirm that you want to delete the update*
6. Disconnect from wi-fi to avoid the software update downloading itself again



* This deletes the available iOS update which stops the iOS update from popping up every day, however, the moment you’re on a sustained wi-fi connection for a while the iOS update will download itself again automatically and start sending pop-ups to install it again. Don’t worry, you won’t lose the ability to install the iOS update, you can download it again yourself by going to Settings > Software Update, or just join wi-fi and leave the device unattended and it will download automatically without prompting.

Now that the update has been removed from the iOS device, you’ll want to avoid wi-fi, otherwise the update will just download itself at the next chance it gets. Typically this happens after the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is on wi-fi and it hasn’t been used in a while, similar to how iCloud automatically backs up.

Option 3: Accept and Install the Update

Another approach is to just give in and submit to the iOS software update installation. Whether or not this is acceptable to you may depend on a variety of things, like what your opinion of a particular iOS update is, whether you’re able to troubleshoot a potentially failed iOS install, whether you’re busy or not, and perhaps even principle. On the plus side, you’ll be on the latest version of iOS by doing so.

As always, if you decide to give into the nagging install notifications and install the software update, always back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch beforehand.
Option 4: Blocking the Apple Software Update Domains on a Router / Gateway

The last option is to block the update domains on whatever router or gateway the iOS devices are using to connect to the internet. This is a rather dramatic approach and can lead to many unintended issues, plus it will stop the ability to download any software update from Apple at all entirely for all devices through the network until it’s reversed. Because there is no way of preventing software updates through settings however, this is the approach that many managed enterprise and educational facilities take with iOS devices.

For those who want to go this route, preventing access to the following domains does the trick:

appldnld.apple.com
mesu.apple.com

Each router and gateway is different, so you’ll have to set this up on your own.

Again, if you do this, no device on the network will be able to install any update from Apple at all, nor check for available updates. Don’t do this unless you know exactly what you’re doing and why, it’s truly only an option for advanced users, network administrators, and sysadmins who need to manage devices on their own without the constant update reminders.

–

Really the best thing to do is just to install the software updates if you don’t mind doing so. Nonetheless, that’s not always an option. For example, I’m traveling, and I don’t have the time to deal with a software update, the necessary backups, and potential restores from an update gone awry.

While modern versions of iOS are particularly aggressive with reminding you repeatedly about available iOS updates, the Mac has taken on a similar approach and will nag about OS X updates as well. Fortunately, the Mac has a bit more control forgetting software updates to stop bothering you in OS X, or you can just turn on endless Do Not Disturb mode as a workaround for handling relentless notification harassment in OS X. Perhaps a similar approach will be available to iOS at some point, or better yet, a settings option to stop the iOS auto-update and auto-download behavior entirely.

Source: OSXDaily

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How to Download Ringtone to iPhone Freely

Colorful new Apple iPhone 6c renders show us what the anticipated munchkin might look like

If you’ve been keeping an ear close to the ground, you have most probably heard the recurring rumors that Cupertinians are poised to release a compact new handset in early 2016, which might or might not be called the Apple iPhone 6c. The device is expected to feature the design language of the 6th-gen iPod Touch; it is expected to boast a 4-inch display and an aluminum build in the exterior. Still, we shouldn’t rule out a smaller-sized iPhone 6/6s lookalike. We expect the iPhone 6c munchkin to have a specs sheet reminiscent of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, like an Apple A8 chipset, an 8MP iSight camera and a 1.3MP FaceTime one, as well as a single gig of RAM. Make sure to check out our extensive rumor review for the iPhone 6c for additional info about the handset.

Let’s get back to the design now. We are not holding our breaths for any surprises in this department and seem to have a pretty good idea what the iPhone 6c might look like. Render artists do, too – a flurry of rather good-looking 3D renders and concepts have already made the rounds, visualizing the rumor mill’s speculations.

The most recent collection of appealing new 3D renders of the iPhone 6c seems to be one of the best ones we’ve seen in a long time. Created by Ferry Passchier, these new renders for the compact iOS handset are envisioning it as a scaled-down conveyor of the well-known iPhone 6/6s design language. We expect it to employ a way more diverse color palette in comparison with the bigger topdogs in Apple’s arsenal, similar to the iPhone 5c. Ferry Passchier has put his faith into the five iPod Touch-like color options we currently have plus an additional one — iPhone 5-esque space gray, silver, gold, rose gold (which is a stranger to the iPod line as of now), dark pink, and dark blue.

We might not have to wait for too long to witness the debut of the iPhone 6c – rumor has it that it will be introduced sometime in March 2016, alongside the second-gen Apple Watch. Well, we’ll wait and see.

Reference: iPhonearena

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Use Your Nose to Interact with iPhone & Apple Watch

Did you know you can use your nose to control the touch screen on iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch? While many iPhone users have discovered the nose trick to unlock their device, open apps, and perform functions in iOS, but who really nose (knows, nose, get it? OK show me the door) how many Apple Watch users do too?

Well, now that you’re aware that nosing your Apple Watch or other iOS device is possible, give it a try, or at least have it in the back of your mind for the next time you’re in such a situation. The nose works to control on screen actions, whether replying to messages, starting and stopping a timer, or just about anything else, and it works surprisingly well, which is particularly helpful when your hands are tied up, busy, or are dirty and soiled. This is largely the basis of a sort of funny Wall Street Journal article (the source of the picture below) which discusses the alternative Hands-Free method of using your own nose to interact with Apple Watch. In fact, the WSJ references a survey where nearly 50% of 10,000 Apple Watch users surveyed say they have interacted with their Watch by using their nose, and another quarter plan to try it. While that number sounds pretty high, it’s not too surprising, as we mentioned the nose method a few winters ago when discussing taking a picture hands-free in cold weather and many others have discovered the nose as a pointing device as well.




Using 3D Touch (once called Force Touch) is a little bit more challenging with your nose since you have to press against the screen particularly hard and may give yourself a sneeze in the process, but indeed the nose-based force click works as well as simple tapping functions.

A stylus, pointing device, toes, fingers, and the nose are not the only options out there. The venerated Wall Street Journal notes that some have discovered using the elbow works as well, though it’s obviously less precise, and our enterprising friend over at MacKungFu found that one can use, uhh, well, some specific other body parts as well, though that’s probably not the best of choices for obvious reasons. I’ve even seen a person use their tongue once, but maybe they were trying to lick ice cream off their iPhone screen, I didn’t ask, because did I really want to know?

Me personally? I use the nose trick sometimes when I have to for both iPhone and Apple Watch, but I think I’ll stick with Hey Siri whenever I can for either device.

Thanks to our friends up North at iPhoneInCanada for the fun find. A bit goofy, but seriously, it works.

Source: OSXDaily

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