AWT supporter Javier Vilanova had a great idea this morning in our patrons-only Slack chat: “In the interest of getting closer to the readers, a survey post asking what we want from an Apple focussed news org in this day and age.”
You asked, we listened. Here’s a short poll that will be open for one week, and we’d love to have your input on which of the following content types you’d like to see more of. If your favorite choice isn’t here, please leave a comment after the post and we’ll take your input into account.
iCracked, an on-demand smartphone repair and trade-in service, will actually send an “iTech” directly to your home or office to pick up your Apple smartphone and give you some moolah right on the spot.The company reportedly has 3,000 iTechs trained and standing by to buy back phones. iCracked says the value of an iPhone goes down by 5% every month.
Gazelle, an electronics buyback service, is offering up to US$481 cash for old iPhones. In fact, between now and Sept. 9, the company is running a “Best Price Guarantee” that not only offers up to $481 cash for old iPhones, but a promise to beat any competitive trade-in offer from Apple or its four major iPhone wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint).
College life can be hectic. Classes, your social life, fitting into someplace new are all challenges that students face. There are poor decisions to be made, too. During the winter semester of my sophomore year I decided to take an 8:00 AM swimming class. Walking to a pool at 7:30 AM on a December morning is a good time to reassess your life choices.
Fortunately, Siri is here to make things easier. From dictation to location-awareness to grabbing a late-night pizza, Apple’s digital assistant has got you covered. Here’s how Siri can make your school day easier.
Dictate notes between classes
Every year you have that pair of classes that require a brisk, cross-campus walk. Use that time to dictate some notes to Siri. Simply press your iPhone’s Home button and say, “Take notes.” Continue dictating and Siri will listen attentively, transcribing your notes in Apple’s Notes app.
Siri can help you find notes, too. Simply tell it, “Find my note about [word].” It will search through the big mess and pull up just what you need.
Create location-based reminders on campus
This is far and away my favorite feature of iOS. Location-based reminders don’t get enough press and that’s too bad. Use this feature to your advantage while on campus. For instance, perhaps you must remember to visit a professor’s office hours at some point in the day. Tell Siri, “Remind me to call Dr. Johnson when I leave here.” Now, when classes end at the Liberal Arts center, you’ll be prompted to make that appointment.
Find pizza shops, ATMs, laundromats, etc.
I’ll never forget being dropped off in Boston for my first day at Berklee College of Music. I didn’t know a single soul and definitely felt like a stranger in a strange land. I could have used Siri to find a bank machine, someplace to eat, a Laundromat and so much more by just asking “Siri, I need an ATM” for example. For incoming out-of-town freshman, this could be quite useful.
Get a hand with research
Now, the Internet isn’t necessarily the best source of research information, but it can be a good supplement. Siri can help you get started with “Google [topic]” or “Wolfram [topic],” to focus on those two providers.
Quickly keep in touch with roommates and friends
If you’re like me and major in “Running Late,” this will help. Siri interprets “tell” as “send a text message.” That means, as you’re dashing across campus, you can simply say, “Tell Janie I’m running late” and Siri will fire off that next. Now get a move on; Janie is waiting.
Call mom!
Mom misses you. Have Siri to prompt you to call her at regular intervals by saying, “Remind me to call mom every Sunday.” After all, you still want to use her washer and dryer when you go back home, right? Better stay on her good side.
Photo Credit: CthulhuWho1 (Will Hart) via Compfight cc
