Tech Speak For The Creek

by Brian Zabroski

Back in my single days, I was convinced that I was the only single person. After awhile, I began to realize there were a lot of single people. I was just picky. OK, topic for another day. For the longest time, I was convinced I was the only person whose iPhone battery would die multiple times per day. After awhile, I began to realize there were a lot of people with this issue.

The Apple Store advised that my battery had been over-charged due to being plugged in for too many hours. The replacement was $180 or I could buy a new phone. Wait a second, the phone died because the settings were out of control. Since I didn’t trust the phone to survive during a night out at dinner, I charged it all day. Then, I’m told the battery was over-charged. You know what was over-charged? Me! I’m not alone.

I do not use my iPhone5s any differently from the previous version. I run the same apps, use it the same amount of time, but the battery actually lasts! It doesn’t seem right. The consumer is bearing the cost of bad software that caused a drain on the battery. Now Apple benefits because the consumer is upgrading out of a necessity rather than out of a preference. I’m not sure why there hasn’t been a backlash.

What can you do? Visit the Apple Store. The Geniuses can test your battery. File a complaint with Apple. If you are covered with a warranty, pursue a replacement. Our friends over the pond have a few tips for iOS 7.1: http://goo.gl/ugG55s.

And yes, I’ll probably upgrade to the iPhone6 when it arrives later this year. I’m a glutton for pain.

Text | Serenity Now!

I don’t have all of the answers, although Toddler App is convinced that I do. Why can’t we mark texts as unread or keep as new? Yes, Android users, you’re probably laughing because there is an app, Unread. Or, I can jailbreak the iPhone, which I just don’t enjoy doing anymore. A text arrives, it is viewed, but it isn’t returned immediately [insert the multi-tasking reason here]. Then, Mom calls and asks why I haven’t responded to her text. First, it still blows my mind that my Mom texts before calling.

The issue is, text message responses are often not immediate. Is there a solution? If so, share it with me. Mark Cuban is promoting his Cyber Dust text app, which displays the text and disappears 24 seconds later (it took me a few minutes to catch the basketball reference). This sure doesn’t solve my challenge, but this app is trending. I tried Later, an app for scheduling text messages, however it acts as a scheduler. It doesn’t allow me to mark a text as new. Although, it has the ability to schedule tweets, if you’re looking to generate some social messaging.

Cool Apps

Red Stamp… app for creating and sending greeting cards from your device | Pampers Rewards… OK, this may be just us, but I’m certain there are others that collect the tiny rewards sticker on each diaper bag. I’m not sure what I will earn when I cash in the points, but the app sure makes entering the rewards ID an easy process | HealthyOut… Based on your GPS location, this app provides the healthy items and their nutritional view at restaurants near you. Strange that the shakes at Smashburger didn’t show up. | Toy Story: Smash It!… an app I downloaded for Toddler App, but find myself playing the game more than he does. Less calories than beer, I guess.

Can’t believe Summer is almost over!

Do you have a favorite app you’d like to share? Contact Brian at brian@brianzabro ski.com, on Twitter @BrianZab or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/brianzab.

Brian, a Corporate Account Executive with NetSuite, has spent nearly 20 years in the telecommunications and software industry. Businesses use NetSuite software to run and manage all of their business applications. It’s web-based, so businesses can access their information from anywhere; It’s flexible, which allows the software to be customized for their business; and, it is built on a single platform, which businesses appreciate since they can often eliminate multiple software solutions. Trending companies, such as Box, GoPro, FitBit and Dropbox use this software to run their business. Reach out to Brian to learn how your business can benefit with this software.

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