Phones

Podcast 019: Android today, or iPhone tomorrow?

by ben patterson May 18, 2012 phones

Shopping for a new smartphone? If so, you’ve got some pretty impressive-looking Android phones to choose from, including the gorgeous, 4.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S3 and the upcoming HTC Evo 4G LTE. But here’s the thing: there’s also a new iPhone—potentially with a bigger screen—waiting in the wings.

Tagged as: Android, iPhone

10 (more) iPhone tips you need to try

by ben patterson May 17, 2012 how-tos

So, my first dozen iPhone tricks weren’t enough for you? Get ready for 10 more tips that’ll help you organize your photos, keep your text messages private, stop your iPhone from auto-correcting your typing, and more.

Tagged as: iPhone

Android smartphone tip: When in doubt, tap the “Menu” key

by ben patterson May 15, 2012 how-tos

Ever get stumped while using your Android phone? Maybe you want to open a new browser window, or create a new email message, or shuffle your music … but you can’t find the right button on the screen, and before long, you feel your frustration level starting to rise.

Tagged as: Android

What are QR codes, and what are they for? (reader mail)

by ben patterson May 14, 2012 applications

Gail writes: So here goes. What are those boxy-looking, black-and-white squares that you see everywhere—the ones with all the little blocks inside? I’m starting to feel dumb for not knowing what they are.

Tagged as: Android, iPhone, QR codes, Reader mail

Podcast 018: The Mother’s Day show

by ben patterson May 11, 2012 desktops

Back in the day, our moms were dealing with microwave ovens, VCRs, and the very first personal computers. Today, they’re grappling with smartphones, Facebook, and video chat.

Tagged as: Facebook, Mother's Day

How to restore an iCloud backup that’s older than the most recent one (reader mail)

by ben patterson May 2, 2012 how-tos

Elba writes: I have a question. Does iCloud automatically back up to the last date it was backed up or does it give you the option of choosing a backup date? The reason I ask is because I deleted a contact on my iPhone, and was hoping iCloud would allows me to choose a backup [...]

Tagged as: iCloud, iPhone, Reader mail