iOS 10 is here! Here is how to update your device and get all those new features! 

The first things you'll want to do before updating your iPhone or iPad is to back it up! Why risk losing your data?! Things do sometimes go wrong and you may need to restore your iDevice from a backup. So... BACKUP FIRST!

If you have an iCloud backup that backs up everything, that's great, but if do you have a PC or Mac, I'd still strongly recommend backing up your device in iTunes.

Now, if you've never connected your device to iTunes before, check out this link to the Apple guide on backing up your device, first.

To backup your device and then update to the latest version of iOS, simply:

1. Plug your iPhone or iPad into your computer, then open the iTunes application.

2. Select your iPhone or iPad when it appears in iTunes.

If you want to backup your Health and Activity data, you will need to encrypt your backup.

3. Then, simply click, "Back Up Now" and wait for the backup to complete.

4. Next, you could update your device in iTunes by clicking "Check For Update", or you can eject your device and perform the update over the air!

On your iPhone or iPad, open the 'Setting' app.

Then tap 'General'.

Then 'Software Update', and follow the prompts.

Your device will download the update, then begin to install. Wait for it to complete and then you are all set and will be running the latest version of iOS!

Since 2011 the @Apple handle on Twitter has gone unused. That is, until now! Apple has recently activated their Twitter account, just in time for their September 7th Media Keynote Event.

Apple has uploaded their logo in Black on a white background as their profile picture and have gone with their bokeh Apple logo photography that they used on their media invite, for their cover photo. 

While Apple has not officially tweeted anything yet to their 229K (and counting) followers, they do have a sponsored tweet, as seen below, that if you retweet, Apple will remind you to watch their Keynote on September 7th, before the event.     

September 7 at 10 a.m. PT
Watch the event on https://t.co/yLa2e4Xr2R.
RT for a reminder on event day. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/e9MHNkLeoi

� Apple (@Apple) September 2, 2016

Before the iPhone 7 is released, I thought it would be interesting to see what prices are like these days for an iPhone 6s 64GB on a 24 month contract. And wow, prices just keep going up, don't they? They seem to be getting more expensive every year! Can't wait to see how more they go up for the iPhone 7.

In this post, I'm going to be comparing the big four Australian telecommunication companies; Optus, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone, and Telstra, to see which one offers me the best plan at the lowest cost.

The criteria will be; plan cost, and value between calls, text, and most importantly, data! I am not comparing how supposedly great their coverage is or how bad their customer service is. I am assuming for this that you are in a city / suburban area, so coverage isn't a problem. Also I'm not looking at if the customer wants to upgrade again next year. This will be assuming that you plan to keep the iPhone for 24 months. Also I will not be including any extra benefits like data exclusions to Spotify or a 6 Month Apple Music membership, etc...

First important part to this, is to work out what an iPhone 6s 64GB sells for (brand new from Apple) today. And that is $1,229.00. Over the course of 24 months the price would divide to $51.21 per month.  This is important for when we compare phone payment costs to the plan itself.

First up, lets look at

Optus:

At Optus, I could go on the $84 iPhone plan (a $40 plan plus $44 phone payments) and receive 1GB of Data and Unlimited Calls and Text in Australia. 

Or, their recommended plan of $91 per month ($65 plan, $26 for the iPhone) and receive 3.5GB of Data, Unlimited Calls and Text, and also get 150 minutes of International Calls. 

However, if I buy the iPhone outright from Apple, I could go on a 12 month Optus Sim Only plan, pay $30 per month and get Unlimited Calls and Text and 1.5GB of Data, and only pay the equivalent of $81.21 per month. That's $2.79 cheaper per month ($66.96 over 24 months and the difference of 12,000GB more data).

Or better yet, how about their $40 Sim Only Plan (for 12 months) which'll get me the same Unlimited Calls and Text, but a huge 8GB of data! And 300 minutes of International Calls. Total per month with our outright iPhone 6s payment divided, equals $91.21 per month. Extra 21 cents per month for and extra 4.5GB of data a month? Worth it!

Optus summary: Buy the iPhone outright and get a Sim-Only plan for 12 months! It'll be better value.


Next up, the network that uses the Optus Network, so is pretty much the same as going with Optus;


Virgin Mobile:

At Virgin mobile their cheapest iPhone 6s 64GB plan is $67 ($30 plan plus $37 for phone). But, they only give you $300 worth of calls and a measly 300MB of data. We already have Optus to compare with, so lets look at a higher plan.

$76 per month! Unlimited Calls and Text within Australia and 1GB of Data. This is the equivalent plan to Optus's $84 plan. Which means, Virgin Mobile, the company that uses the Optus Network remember, is $8 cheaper per month. $192 cheaper over the length of your contract, for the same plan!

Lets go even higher, we want to find the equivalent (cost) plan to the Optus $91 plan. And that'd be Virgin mobiles $90 plan. It includes Unlimited Calls and Text within Australia and 6GB of Data! That's 2.5GB more than Optus, per month.

What about their Sim-Only plans? $40 will get you 7GB, Unlimited Calls and Text and $200 worth of standard international calls. Throw in another $10 to get 10GB Data, and $300 of international. Compared to Optus? The Sim Only plans seem a little more worth it from Optus.

Virgin Mobile Summary: If you were to get a iPhone and Plan, Virgin Mobile has cheaper plans and offers better value for your money than Optus.


Vodafone:

Over at Vodafone you can get the iPhone 6s 64GB for $96 per month, which includes "Infinite" standard national calls and text and 6GB Data.  Since this plan is already more expensive with little difference to the Virgin mobile $90 plan - we shall move on!

By the way, their SIM Only plan, less value on Data than Optus.

Vodafone Summary: More expensive than Virgin mobile, however still more Data than Optus gives for at the similar price, unless you go on a SIM only plan from Optus, which then Optus offers a better deal.



Lastly,


Telstra:

Telstra didn't have a great year, with a few network dropouts that lasted hours! Lets see how their plans compare.

On the Telstra Network, they'll give you a iPhone 6s 64GB starting from $95 per month with 1GB Data and $550 "talk time"...

Should I really even bother going on? ...Fine. What do they recommend?

Their "L" plan (I guess that stands for 'large' or it could be 'loser'), includes Unlimited Talk, Text and MMS, and 8GB of data for...

$121 per month.

Go **** yourselves!

Telstra Summary: Stay the **** away from Telstra, unless you want to be ripped off, in my opinion!



Conclusion:

I really hope the Australian telecommunication companies see this post and create some better and more competitive plans for the iPhone 7. And not just use it as an excuse to raise the price even more.

So who won this? Definitely the mobile companies. 'Cause the customers ain't, that's for sure!

But, really, from these calculations, the best deal for a iPhone 6s 64GB and a Plan together (today, September 1st 2016) was with Virgin Mobile on their $76 or $90 plan, depending on how much data you'd like.

But more surprisingly, the best solution would be to buy the iPhone 6s 64GB outright and go on the Optus SIM Only $40 plan for 12 months. It gets you unlimited calls and text, and 8GB of Data for a combine cost equalling $91.21 per month (over 24 months).

My message to the phone companies, firstly, well done for ripping us all off. Now;

To Optus: Why is Virgin Mobile's contract plans cheaper than yours! They use your network! Why should I choose you over Virgin Mobile?

To Virgin Mobile: Well done on offering competitive prices.

To Vodafone: You guys are still around? I thought you went out of business. Lower your prices.

To Telstra: I think I summed up my thoughts on you above, but I don't care how great you think your network coverage is, for someone who lives in city areas, it doesn't matter! I've had no issues with other companies I've used. You are well overpriced! I don't know why anyone would choose to give you money!

For everyone else, thanks for reading, if you liked this piece or maybe learned something, please share! And leave a comment below on which company are you with and why.

The invites are out! Apple will hold a Keynote Media Event on September 7th at 10 a.m. PDT at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California. The event is most likely to announce the iPhone 7! 

Apple will be live streaming the event on their website and on Apple TV. 

There are sometimes when you just don't want someone to follow you on Instagram anymore. Maybe you've outgrown your friendship with them, maybe you had a fight, maybe it's an ex-partner, or maybe you never liked them and only let them follow you out of feeling like you had too. Whatever the reason, you just don't want them to see your photos and videos anymore, but you don't really want to block them. You just don't want them to follow you. So how do you do this? Instagram doesn't have a 'force this person to unfollow me' button... Never fear! There is a trick you can do. And after you've done this, it'd almost seem like they unfollowed you!

Okay, so the title is a little misleading and that is because you have to block them. But wait! Don't hit that back button yet! Hear me out! The trick is still coming! Okay, ready for it? Just simply block the person and then unblock them. Whaaaat! Let me explain if you don't get it yet.

When you block someone on Instagram, they'll no longer be able to see your feed or search for your name. But they can still find you either on the desktop Instagram website, if they know your username, or on a mutual friends profile. But, even if they did, they won't be able to re-follow you. Now, if you think this is a little extreme, just unblock them after blocking them. It'll still cause the following connection between you two to break, but they will still afterwards be able to search for you on Instagram. It'll just appear as if they no longer follow you. Now, of course this means that they can try re-adding you again, if they don't 'get the message'. And they might question why all of a sudden 'they stopped' following you. So... maybe it's still best just to leave them blocked.

Now, in case you've never blocked anyone on Instagram before (lucky you), here's how to do so:

Step 1. Open the Instagram app. Obviously.

Step 2. Find and view their Profile Page. You can either search for their name, go through your follower list, likes on a photo, etc...

Step 3. In the top right hand corner, tap the 'three dots' button.

Step 4. Tap 'Block User' and then confirm.

Step 5. If you wish to then unblock them, while you're still on their page, tap the 'three dots' button again, and this time tap 'Unblock User' and confirm.


-> Download Instagram from the iOS App Store. 


Got an iOS or MacOS question that you want answered? Follow and tweet me on Twitter and your question just might get answered on this site! And maybe on Twitter, too.  

Digital rendering of a Deep Blue iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus by Martin Hajek. 

One of the most interesting rumors about the next iPhone (presumably called the iPhone 7) is it's colors! There has been a rumor that Apple will add a Deep Blue color option for the iPhone 7, along side the Rose Gold, Gold, and Silver, therefore possibly replacing the Space-Gray iPhone model.

First of all, there is no way Apple would replace their top selling iPhone color, secondly, this rumor even took itself back and said that the new color is actually "Space-Black", a much darker version of the current Space-Gray. I don't know if they are colorblind or not, but I think it would be hard to mistake a blue for black/dark gray.

The second part of this rumor of the 'Deep Blue' iPhone 7, is the latest photos published not to long ago of an alleged working iPhone 7 Plus in this new color scheme by tech.ifeng.com.

Is it actually a real working iPhone 7 Plus, or just another mockup like the hundreds going around the web? Lets analyze the photos and find out once and for all!

If you want to see the photos in question, you can view them here: Alleged iPhone 7 Plus in Deep Blue. It is not the image above, that's a digital rendering.

In Photo 1 - we see the backside of this new alleged iPhone 7 Plus in this unusual color. I wouldn't even call it 'Deep Blue'. It's not that 'deep' at all, if you ask me. I will say, as far as mockups go, this iPhone looks pretty good. It even has the right camera flash on the back. Most others you find all have a single yellow flash. This one shows the correct dual colored flash.

Photo 4 - shows a closer image of the back of this "iPhone". I notice that the antenna lines shown here are white. Now, the blue-ish color isn't deep and is more on the light side, however, I doubt Apple would add white lines on a blue iPhone with a Black front screen.

The Dual-Camera, microphone, and camera flash do look about right. As far as we know.  I'll give them that. The Apple logo on the other hand... If you zoom into the image, you'll notice its imperfections. And it's biggest tell, the Apple logo doesn't fit flush, the aluminum case sits above the Apple logo. If you run your finger over your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S, you'll notice just how tight the Apple logo fits onto the aluminum case. Photo 6 also shows off how the Apple logo doesn't match against the current iPhone 6S Plus.

Photo 10 and 11 - The Volume keys and Silent Switch color doesn't match. Also a clear tell that this iPhone is not real, The Lighting Port and screws are black. With white antenna lines? Jony Ive should be fired for this! There is no way that would happen. Unless this was some Frankenstein built iPhone from spare parts of other iPhone's and the black pieces are from the Space-Black iPhone 7. ...What? One could dream!

Photo 13 - Again, the Sleep/Wake button color doesn't match the rest of the iPhone! Sim card tray has some bubbling around the hole.

Photo 14 - Shows the "iPhone" running iOS 10. Photoshop? Still image? Or maybe this is a custom built iPhone, with the back changed? Also, what's with the front facing camera? it's barely visible! It actually doesn't even look to be there! Maybe it's just a bad photo? Or Apple's really made that camera stealthy.

To sum this all up, I am calling the iPhone 7 Plus in the photos linked above, fake! This is clearly a mockup and not a real iPhone 7 Plus. So what does this mean about the possibility of a Deep Blue colored iPhone? As of this point, it's unlikely to happen, at least, we have nothing but rumors to support the claim.

If you want to know what other rumors about the iPhone 7 may be real or fake, check out my previous post - iPhone 7 Rumors Roundup: What's Likely & Unlikely To Be Real.

Got an iOS question that you want answered? Follow and tweet me on Twitter and your question just might get answered on this site! And maybe on Twitter too.  

With so many iPhone 7 rumors going around, I thought I'd roundup the best by giving my opinion on what I believe is likely to be true and which rumors are likely to be false!

What makes my opinion worth reading? Well, nothing really. So come back here after the event and make fun of just how wrong I was. Or see how many of my prediction were actually right and how awesome I really am! My guess is, I'll still be more accurate than most Analyst's opinion.

This is a fun game that you can play along with as well in the comments. So let's begin!

iPhone 7 Rumors Roundup: 

Alleged working #iPhone7 testing stage unit... https://t.co/GuYXXHjCDw pic.twitter.com/Eg1tQ0VRFt

� Steve Hemmerstoffer (@stagueve) August 4, 2016

Alleged working iPhone 7 testing unit reposted on Twitter by Steve Hemmerstoffer, a renowned leaker and the editor of Nowhereelse.fr. 

There will be a new iPhone released this September. 
LIKELY - Apple has released new iPhone's every year in September for quite some years now.


The next iPhone will be called the iPhone 7. 
LIKELY - I think Apple will continue with the naming pattern they have been using, even though the iPhone 7 may not feature much of a redesign, at least until next year, which will be the iPhone's 10th anniversary! What will it be named? iPhone 10? iPhone X? Or just maybe, iPhone?


The iPhone 7 will keep a very similar design to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S.
LIKELY - First of all, let's remember something - it's a phone. There's only so much that you can change. The front of the iPhone has looked the same since the original iPhone, despite some minor changes, like the addition of a FaceTime camera, better and bigger screens, and the Touch ID button. Apple likes their minimal designs and they are unlikely to radically change just so it's different. All design changes are for reasons, to make the iPhone better. So, yes, this years design is likely to be more of an evolution of the iPhone 6 design, not a total change. It may seem boring, but hey, you were probably just gonna slap some case on it anyway.






Apple will remove the Headphone-jack on the iPhone 7. 
LIKELY -  Unfortunately, all signs point to this being a reality. It may frustrate those who have third-party headphones, or use headphones while charging their iPhone, but lets at least hope there is a good reason for the change! If Apple removed the Headphone-jack for no gain to the user, then by all means be mad.


The iPhone 7 will feature Stereo Speakers.
UNLIKELY - There's isn't even much of a benefit of having two speakers that close to each other. It would be a waste to replace the Headphone-jack to make room for another speaker. Now, what about those extra holes, you ask? That other side will probably contain your microphone and that's all. The rest will just be for symmetry.


The iPhone 7 will have a Deep Blue color option. 
UNLIKELY - This rumor even took itself back and was replaced with the next.


The iPhone 7 will have a new dark Space-Black Color Option. 
UNLIKELY - While a new color option could help boost sales, Apple has been getting lighter with their Space-Gray color option ever since it replaced the Slate color on the iPhone 5, most likely due to the color scratching easily. While Apple could of bettered their anodizing techniques, there just hasn't been enough real leaks to support this new color rumor. But, I really hope I'm wrong on this one!


Apple will replace the 16GB entry level iPhone 7 with a 32GB Model. 
LIKELY - I think it's about time. The 16GB iPhone just doesn't have enough space to store much at all. With 4K video recording (or even 1080p), 12 megapixel photos, and app sizes growing, users would run out of space real quick! 32GB is a much more reasonable entry level. Although, I still wouldn't recommend getting anything less than the 64GB.


The iPhone 7 will be more Water-Resistant.  
LIKELY - I wouldn't go as far as saying the new iPhone will be water-proof, remember there is still an open port, i.e.: the Lightning Port, which will even warn you in iOS 10 if you plug in a moist cable. However, I believe Apple will make the iPhone 7 more splash-proof.


The iPhone 7 will have a Larger Protruding Camera. 
LIKELY - As the iPhone 7 will feature a better camera, and Apple loves to make their products as thin as possible, that unfortunately means that the camera will protrude out. Lets just hope for the design sacrifice, that these photos are almost SLR worthy.


The iPhone 7 Plus will have a Dual-Camera Lens.
LIKELY - All rumors are pointing towards the iPhone 7 Plus continuing to be Apple's flagship iPhone, and this new iPhone will feature a Dual Camera. Other than the ability to take better pictures and maybe refocus photos after the fact, it's unknown what other capabilities the dual-lens may provide. 3D? Doubtful.


The iPhone 7 will have a Flush, Pressure-Sensitive Home Button.
PARTLY UNLIKELY - Unfortunately, at least for now, the Home Button is here to stay, keeping those larger top and bottom bezels. And while Apple could make the Home Button pressure-sensitive like they have done with the MacBooks, I believe that it will still be a separate part, and will not be flush to the iPhone's front glass screen. One reason; accessibility. This would be problematic for some, eg: the blind, if they couldn't feel where the home button was. Apple would at least need to leave the ring around the button.


The iPhone 7 will feature Higher Quality Displays; 1080p for the iPhone 7 and 2K for the iPhone 7 Plus.
UNLIKELY - I seriously doubt Apple will change screen resolutions at this point in time. Changing screen resolutions could create problems for all apps and their graphics and plus, since Apple is rumored to change to a OLED screen in 2017, it'd be more likely, that's when we may see a resolution bump.


The iPhone 7 will come in Three Models: 7, Plus, and Pro.
UNLIKELY - The 'iPhone Plus' is looking to be the 'iPhone Pro'. So unless the confusion is with a name change, I believe Apple will stick to the two different sizes for the 7, with the larger model having extra benefits, eg: the dual-camera.


The 2017 10th Anniversary iPhone will be so much more awesome and feature a total redesign made of all glass and feature a curved screen like the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, with a new higher resolution OLED display and you might as well wait for next years iPhone.
SOMEWHAT LIKELY - While yes, Apple have patents for a curved glass display with digital buttons [1] [2] that'd replace the existing physical ones, that doesn't necessarily mean that will be seeing this technology anytime soon, or even ever. There are rumors saying that Foxconn has been working on creating an all-glass case, but remember, Apple creates all sorts of models, and then would choose the best to go with. At this time, we don't know if Apple will stick to a 'S' model iPhone for 2017, or break their current trend because it will be the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. I'm sure Apple will want to go all out and create the best iPhone they can for the 10th and maybe play catch up to their competitors - so it is very possible that next years iPhone will be 'the one to buy' and not this years.


Should You Upgrade To The iPhone 7?
Apple hasn't even announced this years new iPhone yet! At this point it's all rumors. Yes, in previous years, we have known a lot about the new iPhone before it was announced, like this year, but lets wait anyway!

I'd say if you have the iPhone 5S or earlier, then yes, you should upgrade. If you have the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S, it's a tough call. Unless your happy with upgrading again next year, if the 10th anniversary iPhone is heaps better and features that redesign that everyone is waiting for. If you have the iPhone 6S, I doubt they'll be a need for you to upgrade this year.

If you have the iPhone 6, if what you really want is that redesign and OLED screen, then maybe hold onto your iPhone for another year. But it is a risk, because if next year they announce the iPhone 7S and it has the same design again and possibly the same LCD screen ... �\_(?)_/�

Got an iOS question that you want answered? Follow and tweet me on Twitter and your question just might get answered on this site! And maybe on Twitter too.  

How to evolve Eevee in iOS and Android game 'Pok�mon GO' to the evolution of your choice.

The trick: Rename Eevee to "Sparky" for Jolteon, "Rainer" for Vaporeon, and "Pyro" for Flareon.
Note: some players have reported that this trick will only work once for each evolution!

For more iOS tips, tricks & tutorials, subscribe to the Apps Reviewed YouTube Channel! Thanks!

If you've been hunting for Pok�mon in the real world with the new hugely popular app, 'Pok�mon GO' for iOS and Android, you'll know how frustrating it can be to locate the nearby ones around you.

Referred by some as the 'three step bug', sometimes Pok�mon are shown on the nearby map, that simply aren't even there. 

Thanks to Pok�mon GO's API, there are now websites and apps that can help you find the exact locations of the little Pocket Monsters! 

Available on iOS and Android, PokeWhere by Vylar will become your must have Pok�mon GO companion app.

"PokeWhere is a Pokemon finder for the mobile game Pokemon Go that uses the most advanced API to give you the most accurate real time info about the Pokemon near you. The real time info is then displayed to you on the map with the exact locations of the Pokemon that have spawned near you. With PokeWhere you will never miss a beat and catch all the Pokemons.

PokeWhere is very simple to use all you have to do is press the my location button, which will bring you to where you are on the map and the Pokemons around you will show up, that's all. It will refresh as you walk. Now all you have to do now is start catching them all, it is as simple as that!" 

This app does work! It's NOT some user submitted app and because PokeWhere is in real-time, you'll know that the Pok�mon are actually there to be caught! You can even move the map around, re-pin, and do some location scouting. 

While this app is a must have for all Pok�mon Trainers, unfortunately it doesn't have the ability to search for particular Pok�mon and show you there closest location. That would be a great useful feature that hopefully someone can create. But in the meantime, download PokeWhere and find the Pok�mon near you! 

> PokeWhere is FREE to download - available for iPhone and Android phones. 

UPDATE: The company behind the game, Niantic, has disabled the ability for these live radar trackers to work. Unfortunately this app and others alike, do not work anymore.  


Got an iOS or MacOS question that you want answered? Follow and tweet me on Twitter and your question just might get answered on this site! And maybe on Twitter, too.  

To evolve a Pokemon in 'Pokemon Go' you need a certain amount of 'Candy' for that particular Pokemon. You can obtain more candy by catching the same Pokemon (or one of its other evolutions) multiple times. When you have enough candy, tap the "evolve" button. 

Pok�mon GO, the much anticipated virtual reality GPS game by Niantic, Inc. is now available to download in select countries (including; Australia and New Zealand) from the App Store and Google Play Store! U.S. Players, hang on!

Pok�mon GO is the game that'll actually make you get up and move around, if you want to play. I know, doesn't really sound like their target audience, am I right? The game uses your GPS location to track your position and place certain Pok�mon and other locations that you'll be familiar with from the games the TV series; like a Pok� Gym or Pok� Shop, around you in various nearby locations.

In the game, you'll be able to catch Pok�mon, evolve Pok�mon, hatch eggs, take on Gym battles, and much more...

Here is a quick first look walk-through of setting up 'Pok�mon GO' for the first time! 

The first thing you'll be presented with is a sign up page! The only way you can sign up is with a Google account.

Next, the game tells you to "...be alert at all times." And to be aware of your surroundings. You know, because you'll never know where they'll place that rare Pok�mon ...it could be in your neighbors house, in the middle of the ocean, or some other location that you'd need to trespass on.

Then you are presented with the almighty Terms and Conditions! There is also a little check box asking permission to send you emails about the game.

After accepting the Terms and Conditions, the game introduction begins!

We meet Professor Willow, an old guy with really good hair for his age, who tells you that the world is inhabited with creatures known as Pok�mon ...that only your smartphone camera can see. Professor Willow then asks you for your help in his research, but it's really more of a rhetorical question, because you can't say "no!".

Your mission; find and collect Pok�mon from everywhere!

Next up, it's time to create your character! You can choose whether "your style" is either a male or female. Which is lucky, because I am one of those.

Then, it's time to customize your avatar! You can customize your skin, hair, and eye color. Then customize your clothing. While there isn't a lot of item choices, you can pick and choose from a few different color options.

Once done customizing your character, it's time to catch your first Pok�mon! Professor Willow gives you your first lot of Pok� Balls to help you catch one.

Right nearby, luckily there is three Pok�mon to choose from. A Charmander, a Bulbasaur and the best one of course, Squirtle. The game will then ask you to give it permission to access your camera, so it can show you your surroundings through your phones screen. You can switch this off at anytime.

Now it's time to catch your first Pok�mon! Just swipe the Pok� Ball on the screen to your target and wait for the ball to seal the deal.

After catching the Pok�mon you get a few stats.

Now, after catching a Pok�mon, Professor Willow asks you something he really should of asked you a lot earlier - your name. Kind of rude, but anyway. Now you'll go through the painful process of picking a username that hasn't already be taken!

Time to Walk! The game tells you that to move your avatar, you'll need to walk / move around in the real world!

Now is the moment when you realize that this is as far as you can really go with this game, without going for a drive or a long walk...

Well that's the set up process for Pok�mon GO! To play the game you will need to move around a lot! I don't know if this game would be great for kids - while it's great because it make you get up and move, it'll make them go to various locations and they'll either try alone, which you wouldn't want, or nag their parents to take them for a drive to who knows where! For adults who grew up with the original Pok�mon games and TV series - you can now quit your job and travel the world to become that Pok�Master that you've always dreamed of becoming!

Have you downloaded the game, yet? Let me know what you think of Pok�mon GO, in the comments!

Pok�mon GO is available to download for FREE (with in-app purchases available) from the App Store.

-> Download Pok�mon GO from the App Store. 

Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is nearly here! The annual event held by Apple in San Francisco, California, is the time of the year when Apple allows thousands of developers from all around the world to meet with Apple engineers and attend workshops.

Apple kick starts the event with a Keynote presentation that announces what to come from Apple later in the year, relating to software updates. 

This year, Apple is expected to unveil the latest (work-in-progress) updates to iOS, OS X, WatchOS and more... 

Apple will live stream the event on their website and on Apple TV, on June 13th at 10 a.m. PDT. 

If you'd like to watch the Keynote event with commentary from some of the best in tech, I'd recommend you check out TWiT.TV live coverage of the event. 

Instagram is rolling out an update today which features a revamped icon and interface.

The app has gained a new simpler colorful icon and has ditched it's user interface's old color scheme for a 'white and black' one - to add more emphasis on the photos.

"Today we�re introducing a new look. You�ll see an updated icon and app design for Instagram. Inspired by the previous app icon, the new one represents a simpler camera and the rainbow lives on in gradient form. 

We�ve made improvements to how the Instagram app looks on the inside as well. The simpler design puts more focus on your photos and videos without changing how you navigate the app." - Instagram Blog.

There is also icon updates for Instagram's other apps; Layout, Boomerang and Hyperlapse.

What do you think of the new icon and interface colors? Do you give it a heart? Let us know in the comments.


> Instagram (version: 8.0) is available for download for free from the App Store. 

The Opera Browser has added a free VPN (virtual private network) service, built directly into their web browser.

Currently available on the Opera Developer Build, the VPN service provided by SurfEasy Inc. creates an encrypted tunnel from the users computer directly to the VPN server at the switch of a button. 

A VPN service is also used to shield a users real IP address allowing them to bypass firewalls, enhance privacy on public Wi-Fi, and access blocked content. Eg: region blocked content. 

Opera's free VPN can currently change your IP address's location to mimic either Canada, Germany, or the United States. 

How to Enable Free VPN Service in Opera Browser (Developer Build): 

1. Download and install the Opera Browser Developer Build. Then open the browser, if it doesn't automatically open. 

2. Click "Opera Developer" in the Mac Menu bar, and then click "Preferences."

3. Under the VPN heading, check on "Enable VPN". 

4. Now open a new tab and navigate to a website.     

5. In the address bar, click the VPN button, then switch it to on. Then select the country you wish to mimic the geo-location of. 

You can read more about the Opera Browser and the addition of the VPN service, on their blog. 

A quick unboxing of the brand new iPad Pro 9.7 inch in Space-Gray. Stay tuned for a full review and comparison video to the iPad Air 2 in the coming days! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated!

A new Instagram update has appeared in the App Store, version 7.19 on iOS. While the notes added with the update just talk about the previous added feature of video views, others fear that this update includes much worse - the dreaded new algorithm newsfeed that'll change your timeline from being chronological to what Instagram thinks you'll like best. Pretty much the same crap that Facebook does. 

While personally, I haven't seen the new algorithm take effect, there are some other noteworthy things about this Instagram update. 

Let's start with the good. Instagram has added a new line under usernames of those you don't follow in following and follower lists that'll tell you if anyone you know also follows this person. That a feature that can come in handy. 

Now onto the bad. This update could include the new algorithm, I'm not quite certain. Let me know in the comments if you've already seen the changes take effect. Although Instagram probably doesn't need an app update to change this. But here are some other reasons why you might not want to update so quickly.

It seems users are stuck logged in to their accounts! That's right, once you login and add an account, you can't log out without deleting the entire app off your device. You might say, 'but why would you want to log out?', yeah, true, but since Instagram has added the ability to have multiple accounts that are easily changeable from within the app, removing the log out button seems well let's just say, dumb. Also missing, along with the sign out of accounts buttons is the 'Clear search history' button. 

So, if you haven't already installed the latest Instagram update, maybe hold off for now?

UPDATE: The newest Instagram update (version 7.19.1) has fixed the issues mentioned in this post. 

A new feature in iOS 9.3 is the ability to password protect your Notes. This password is not linked to your iOS passcode that you use to unlock your device, however you could always use the same pin I guess, if you're worried about forgetting the password. The password you set will be the same for all notes that you choose to lock. 

How To Password Protect Notes in iOS 9.3:

1. Open the Notes app. 

2. Create a new note, or find an existing one. 

3. Now, on the note you wish to lock, tap the Share button.

4. Now tap, "Lock Note."

5. Enter a password and choose whether or not to also allow Touch ID to unlock, and tap "Done". Important! if you forget the password - you will lose access to the note! 

6.  Now tap the lock symbol to lock the note. One thing to keep in mind is, the notes heading or first line will still be visible. 

7. To view a locked note, tap the note, then "View Note", and unlock.

8. To Remove a lock, tap the Share button, then "Remove Lock". 

How To Reset Your Notes Password in iOS 9.3:

1. Open Settings app.  

2. Tap "Notes."

3. Tap "Password".

4. If you remember the previous password, you can choose to "Change Password" or you can choose, "Reset Password". *Note: you can reset the password, however previous locked notes will remain locked with the previous password. 

5. To reset or remove password from future notes, tap "Reset Password." 

6. Enter you devices passcode. 

7. Confirm Reset.

8. If you don't want to set a new password, simple press "Cancel" on the 'Set Password' screen.

If you start an iOS over-the-air update, that is, a update straight from your iPhone or iPad, from Settings > Software Update, and then need to stop the update before it's done downloading - follow these steps: 

1. Open "Settings" app.  

2. Tap "General." 

3. Tap "Storage & iCloud Usage." 

4. Under Storage heading, tap "Manage Storage."  

5. A list will populate. Find "iOS X.X" on the list, and tap on it. 

6. Now, tap "Delete Update", then again on the pop-up menu to confirm. 

7. To re-download the update, go back to Settings > General > Software Update.    

Ads are annoying. Everyone hates them and for good reason. A lot of websites mistreat ads, they place them everywhere, they are intrusive, and often flashing, and telling you that you've won a price that you really haven't. And ads can even contain malware! There has been many cases where adware (or worse) has snuck into advertisement, even on major websites.  

Many people know of AdBlock Plus, but there's another great extension that may be even better!

uBlock Origin (unrelated to ublock.org) by gorhill; the founder and original author of uBlock, is a efficient ad blocker that is easy on your computers CPU and memory resources.

With all ready over 3 million users on Google Chrome, uBlock Origin is easy to use and comes pre-packed with the best filters including: EasyList, Peter Lowe�s Ad server list, EasyPrivacy and known Malware domains.

When compared to ABP, you can view a efficiency comparison, here.

uBlock Origin is free and open source with public license (GPLv3).

Wanna know more about uBlock Origin? Check out this podcast with security expert, Steve Gibson from TWiT.TV (about 1:21:50 into episode).


> View and Download uBlock Origin for Google Chrome

> View and Download uBlock Origin for Mozilla Firefox

Apple held a Media Event today in Cupertino.  Here are my live key notes of what was announced!

For full details, be sure to check Apple.com

--

40 years in 40 seconds video plays. Apple turns 40 on April 1st 2016.

Tim Cook talks about privacy and encryption.

Lisa Jackson, head of environment on stage. Talks about Apple's goal to become 100% renewable. At the moment 93% of Apple offices run on renewable energy. Also talks about recycling and reusing iPhone's.

Health: Jeff Williams talks about ResearchKit.
Apple launching CareKit - available in April.

Apple Watch: Top selling smartwatch in the world. New Apple Watch bands! Woven Nylon. Apple Watch price drops to starting from $299.

Apple TV: Talk about apps. tvOS - update: folders, photo library & live photos,  dictation, Siri for App Store. tvOS 9.2 available today.

iPhone: New 4-inch. Called iPhone SE. Includes Rose Gold finish color option. Looks like iPhone 5s. A9 64-bit chip, M9 co-processor. Same CPU performance as iPhone 6s. 12-megapixel iSight Camera. Battery improvements. Includes features like Live Photos and Retina Flash. Capture 4K video. Touch ID. Price starts from $399 (16GB). Orders from March 24th - available March 31st.

iOS 9.3: new Night Shift color mode to make screen warmer looking which might make you sleep better at night. Notes: Passcode protect. Heath: app suggestions. Top stories in News. Apple Music in Car Play. iPad in the classroom improvements in iOS 9.3. iOS 9.3 available today!

iPad: Customers love the iPad Pro. New 9.7 inch iPad Pro! 40% less reflective. 25% brighter than iPad Air 2. 25% greater color saturation. True color tone display. 4-speakers. Twice volume of iPad Air 2. A9X 64-bit chip. M9 co-processor. Smart keyboard for 9.7 inch display. Pencil. Other accessories include: Lightning SD card reader, USB Camera reader. 12 megapixel iSight camera. 4K video recording. True tone flash on iPad! Live photos. Now also in Rose Gold. $599 for 32GB, $749 - 128GB, $899 - 256GB (New option) - Wi-Fi models. Order from March 24, ships on March 31.

Apple is holding a media event today (March 21st) at 10 a.m. PDT. 

It's been rumored that Apple will announce a new smaller size 4-inch-iPhone with the internals of an iPhone 6 or 6s. A new 9.7 inch iPad Pro. Possibly new Apple Watch bands, and possibly the release of iOS 9.3. 

Apple will live stream the event from their website and on Apple TV. Check Apple's Event page for more details. 

Twitter Logo.

When it was announced, there was a out-roar from angry Twitter users who claimed that the new algorithmic timeline would be the end of Twitter. At first, the option was launch as an opt-in feature - but now, it seems that Twitter has switched on the new "best Tweets first" timeline for all users.

'Best Tweets first', is the Tweets that Twitter believes that you will care about the most and would likely engage with. When you login or open the app, these 'best Tweets' will be shown at the top of your timeline feed regardless of when they were posted.

For more detailed information about Twitter's timeline, click here.


How To Switch Off The New "Show me the best Tweets first" Algorithmic Timeline:

on iOS:

1. On your profile tab, tap the settings gear icon and select "Settings."

2. Select the account you want to change.

3. Under Timeline, tap "Timeline personalization."

4. Switch off "Show me the best Tweets first".


On Desktop / Laptop:

1. On the Twitter navigation bar, click your profile image, then select "Settings."

2. On The Account Settings page, scroll down to the Timeline under the Content heading.

3. Uncheck, "Show me the best Tweets first", then click "Save changes" and re-enter your password.

The debate over encryption, right to privacy and security is a tricky one. On one hand - of course we all want our personal details, bank information, passwords, and other important and personal data kept safe and away from hackers. But we also want to stop the bad guys. But lowering our own security cannot be the way to do so. 

Whether it's on a phone, computer, or on one of Apple's apps, a third-party made app, to an app made in another country - if bad guys want to use encryption, they'll find a way. And creating 'a key for under the doormat' is only going to make technology more unsafe for the everyday person.   

If you side with Apple on this debate and want to show your support - check out these #iSideWithApple and #TeamApple t-shirts and hoodies available to buy now. 

> View on Graphic Tees Collection's Spreadshirt store. 

MONIT by Tildeslash is a FREE app in the Mac App Store that all Mac users should install - it's awesome.

What MONIT provides is a widget for Notification Center that shows you performance data about your Mac in a nice design - filled with heaps of infomation.

In the widget, you can see info for your Mac's; CPU, Memory, Disk, Battery, and Network. By clicking on a topic you can then drill down into even more stats and details about your system.

In CPU; you can view; CPU usage percentages in user, sys, and idle and more...

Memory; gives you stats about how much is wired, active, compressed and free. You can also view physical memory, memory used, and more...

Disk; provides you with quick access to hard-drive stats, and how much is used and free.

Battery; view stats about how much time you have remaining on current charge. You can view your Mac's batteries Health percentage and the condition, age, cycle count, temperature, voltage, amperage, and capacity.

In Network; you can view your Mac's and Internet's download and upload speeds, IP address, Wi-Fi name, and total uploaded and downloaded figures.  


MONIT is a cool tool for Mac users. A great way to quickly view performance stats about your Mac - recommend for all users. And did I mention - it's free!


-> View MONIT on the Mac App Store.