iPhone: Make Voice Control More Useful
Since the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone has had the ability to dial a number or contact, start playing an artist or album in the iPod, and numerous other commands via Voice Control. After playing around with my new iPhone 4, I've learned a couple of tricks on making Voice Control work better for me.
Activate Voice Control
iPhone 4: Camera Shutter Won't Open
As you may have seen on my brief iPhone 4 review, I ran into a little problem with the iPhone's camera shutter not opening. After a lot of investigation, I tried several methods to try and remedy the problem; I would recommend trying these steps (in order) if you run into the same issue:
- Force Quitting the Camera App: Open the camera app, then hold the "lock/hold" button on the iPhone until you see "slide to power off." Release the hold button, then hold the home button until the app quits. Try opening the camera app again to see if the shutter opens.
iPhone 4
I finally got my new iPhone.
I've had it pre-ordered since the day after pre-ordering began (I had tried day-of, but I couldn't get my order through); it finally showed up at my door yesterday afternoon (the FedEx guy even said "Congratulations" when he delivered it).
I Won an iPod Shuffle
A couple of months ago I won a Deals Plus Giveaway. Well, I finally received it today.
Graphic: 5,000 Views Later
A few weeks ago I made a post pertaining to the recently released iOS 4.0 update for iPhone 3G and 3GS (as well as iPod Touch 2G and up): I gave my two-cents on how to speed up the iPhone 3G. After I wrote that, I posted the link at 3 or 4 Apple-related sites. It's amazing how much traffic that brought in.
Cornish Hen a' Grillin'
The other day, Joy and I were at Best Choice Market in downtown Ludington; as we were browsing their interesting selection of food, we found a cornish hen. I decided to get it and try it out.
I ended up making a rub out of some seasonings, let it sit overnight and marinate, then grilled it the next day. Honestly, it is probably one of the best things I've ever eaten.
Renting Tip: Use of a Security Deposit
A lot of people in my age bracket tend to be renters of some sort; whether it's at an apartment complex or renting a room/house from a landlord, there's a lot that goes into the contract we sign to start our lease.
Something we almost always have to put down is a security deposit. However, a lot of us don't know everything the security deposit can be used for, or more importantly, what it can't be used for.
Tread Lightly
I've gotten a few responses on one of my latest tweets from followers and Facebookers regarding our downstairs neighbors. If you thought that was bad enough, wait until you hear the full story…
Joy and I moved in to our apartment at the end of April/beginning of May. It was one of the newer apartments available on the top floor (we liked the idea of cathedral-style ceilings). After a few weeks of moving and getting everything settled, we felt like we made our home. Then the complaints started.
Site Revisions Coming Soon
In the quest to deliver more interesting content, I have decided to change a couple of aspects regarding my site. Starting later today, I will be moving away from the "blog + portfolio" version of my site to something more "stream-oriented."
I plan on setting up different "streams" that you can subscribe to. For instance, if you are only interested in my photography, you can just follow that. If you want to see everything tech-related, you can follow that. Or, if you're hardcore, which you should be, you can follow the entire site (please, pick that option).
Apple, You're Too Good To Me
I had ordered a replacement Mighty Mouse last year to replace the one that came with my 2006 iMac C2D. Over the last few months the middle mouse button hasn't been working, which is really odd considering that the scroll ball was still fine. I called Apple a couple of months ago to see if they would be able to do a ship-and-replace on the mouse, but sadly were unable to do that since the mouse was purchased separately from a computer (apparently, that is an Apple Care service).
It wasn't a huge deal for me, I visit the nearest Apple Store on a semi-regular basis and would just bring it in when I had the chance. Well, this past weekend I was in Grand Rapids for Jafax (photos soon) with my mom and sister, and had to stop at the Apple Store to pickup my sister's Mac Mini (it was taken in for a fan replacement). I brought along my defective Mighty Mouse, hoping they would have a replacement in stock. After picking up the computer, I showed the Apple representative my mouse and explained the situation. He said he would go to the back and see if there were any Mighty Mice in stock.