iPhone Do Not Disturb While Driving

iPhone Do Not Disturb While Driving

Create a Driving Focus. Configure the Driving Focus. Enable the Driving Focus to come on automatically or manually. Drive and not receive notifications from your iPhone while driving.

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Create Driving Focus

A Focus is an Apple feature that allows you to customize your devices and silence calls and notifications. You can turn in on and off in the Control Center or by telling Siri “Hey Siri, enable my Driving Focus“.

Go to your iPhone Settings > Focus and click on the + sign in the upper right hand corner to create a Focus for driving it you haven’t already done so.

Create Focus
Create Focus

What do you want to focus on?

Tap the Driving Focus.

Scroll down and click on Customize Focus.

Customize Driving Focus

You have the following options to configure:

  • People – who you want to allow to notify you and who you want to silence notifications from
  • Auto-Reply – who you want to auto-reply to and what you want to say
  • Customize screen – choose a lock screen to turn on to help limit distractions
  • While driving – when to activate Driving Focus; either automatically, when connected to car bluetooth or manually

People

By default no one is allowed to notify you when Driving Focus is on.

You can specify who to silent notifications from and who you want to allow notifications from.

Driving Focus notifications
Driving Focus notifications

You also have the option of choosing who to allow calls from: Everybody, Allowed People Only, Favorites, Contacts Only.

The other option is to Allow Repeated Calls or not. If enabled, then the second call from the same person within three minutes will not be silenced.

In my mumble opinion, allowing someone to notify you while you have the Driving Focus on defeats the purpose of having the Driving Focus.

Auto-Reply

Auto-Reply gives you the option to send a pre-typed message to either:

  • No One
  • Recents
  • Favorites
  • All Contacts

Below that you can specify a message to send. The default message is “I’m driving with Focus turned on. I’ll see your message whenI get where I’m going.”

If you do send an auto-reply message, the person who is trying to notify you will choose to notify you anyway if send “urgent” as an additional message.

Customize screen

This is where you get to choose a lock screen for yourself when you are in Driving Focus. The intention is to help minimize distractions. Choose wisely.

This is an option where you can pick a Lock Screen you already have created or a new one.

While Driving

Choose how Driving Focus is turned on.

  • Automatically – automatically activated based on motion detected
  • When Connected to Car Bluetooth
  • Manually – manually from the Control Center… or “Hey Siri, enable Driving Focus”
  • Activate With CarPlay – will be turned on automatically when connected to CarPlay.
Hey Siri, turn on Driving Focus
“Hey Siri, turn on Driving Focus”

Top 6 Brain-Boosting Apps for iPhone Users

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your mind sharp and agile is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to improve your memory, boost your concentration, or enhance your problem-solving skills, brain games can be a fun and effective way to achieve your cognitive goals. With a plethora of brain training apps available, iPhone users have access to some of the best tools right at their fingertips. Here are the top 6 brain-boosting apps that promise to enhance your cognitive abilities and keep your mind in top shape.

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Lumosity

Description: Lumosity is one of the most well-known brain training apps, offering a variety of games designed to enhance cognitive skills such as memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem-solving.

Key Features:

  • Over 40 games for cognitive training
  • Personalized tracking and training insights
  • Daily challenges and progress tracking

Download Here

Lumosity
Lumosity

Elevate

Description: Elevate focuses on improving cognitive skills like focus, processing speed, and comprehension through personalized training programs. It includes over 40 games tailored to enhance various cognitive abilities.

Key Features:

  • Customizable training programs
  • Detailed performance tracking
  • Adaptive difficulty progression

Download Here

Elevate
Elevate

Peak

Description: Peak offers a wide range of mini-games aimed at improving mental agility, concentration, problem-solving skills, and emotional control. It provides personalized brain workouts to help users track and improve their cognitive functions.

Key Features:

  • 40+ games developed by neuroscientists
  • Personalized training plans
  • Performance and progress tracking

Download Here

Peak
Peak

Memorado

Description: Memorado offers games designed to improve memory, concentration, and reaction time. It includes over 420 levels across 14 different games, with personalized statistics to track progress.

Key Features:

  • 14 games with 420+ levels
  • Personalized training statistics
  • Additional meditation sessions for relaxation

Download Here

Memorado
Memorado

BrainHQ

Description: BrainHQ provides a series of scientifically designed exercises to improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, brain speed, and people skills. The app adjusts to your performance to ensure continuous cognitive challenge.

Key Features:

  • 29 exercises with personalized adjustment
  • Progress tracking and performance analysis
  • Developed by neuroscientists

Download Here

BrainHQ
BrainHQ

NeuroNation

Description: NeuroNation offers personalized brain training with scientifically developed exercises aimed at improving memory, attention, and logical thinking. The app includes detailed performance tracking and regular updates with new exercises.

Key Features:

  • 27 exercises with 250 levels
  • Personalized training plans
  • Regularly updated content

Download Here

NeuroNation
NeuroNation

Conclusion

Staying mentally sharp doesn’t have to be a chore. With these top 6 brain-boosting apps for iPhone, you can challenge your mind, track your progress, and enjoy a variety of fun and engaging games. From personalized training programs to scientifically designed exercises, these apps offer something for everyone. Download one (or all!) of these apps today and start your journey towards better cognitive health and improved mental agility. Your brain will thank you!

iPhone Email Reply Attach Photo

iPhone Email Reply Attach Photo

Open the Photo App. Copy the photo you want to include in an email replay. Reply to the email. Paste in the photo.

Do it in that order, thank me later 👍

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Get The Photo

Go to the Photo App and find the photo you want to include. Click the box with an up arrow in the bottom left corner. Copy the photo.

Or, you could also take a photo and copy from there.

Copy photo
Copy photo

Reply To The Email

If you are using the Gmail app on your iPhone, tap the arrow icon near the bottom of the screen.

Tap Reply or Reply All.

Email reply

Paste The Photo In The Email

Type your reply and…

Tap in the email where you would like the photo to be.

Choose Paste and the photo will appear in the location you tapped.

Send the email!

Edit email
Edit email

6 Must-Have Apps For iPhone Users

As technology continues to evolve, it brings with it tools and applications that can significantly enhance the daily lives of elder iPhone users. From staying connected with loved ones to managing health and safety, the right apps can make a world of difference. In this article, we have curated a list of six must-have apps that are designed to cater to the unique needs of seniors. These apps are not only user-friendly but also offer features that promote independence, well-being, and peace of mind.

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Magnifying Glass + Flashlight

Magnifying Glass + Flashlight
Magnifying Glass + Flashlight

Pill Reminder by Medisafe

  • Description: A medication management app that helps seniors keep track of their medication schedules, dosages, and reminders.
  • Link: Medisafe on the App Store
Pill Reminder
Pill Reminder

FaceTime

  • Description: Built-in on iPhones, FaceTime allows elders to stay connected with family and friends through video calls.
  • Link: FaceTime is pre-installed on iPhones.
FaceTime
FaceTime

Libby, by OverDrive

  • Description: An app that lets users borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local library, making it easy for seniors to read or listen to books.
  • Link: Libby on the App Store
Libby, by OverDrive
Libby

Emergency: SOS

  • Description: A safety feature built into iPhones that allows seniors to quickly call for help and alert emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
  • Link: Emergency: SOS is a built-in feature on iPhones.
Emergency: SOS
Emergency: SOS

Apple Health

  • Description: This built-in app tracks health metrics, such as steps taken, heart rate, and other important data, helping seniors monitor their health.
  • Link: Apple Health is pre-installed on iPhones.
Apple Health
Apple Health

Conclusion

Embracing technology can open up new avenues for staying connected, staying healthy, and staying safe. The six apps highlighted in this article are essential tools that can help elder iPhone users navigate their daily routines with greater ease and confidence. Whether it’s through video calls with family, managing medications, or ensuring safety in emergencies, these apps provide invaluable support. By incorporating these must-have apps into their daily lives, seniors can enjoy a more enriched and empowered experience with their iPhones.

How To Spot A Scam Email

How To Spot A Scam Email

Check who sent the email, check who received the email, check what the email is about (hint: money).

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Spam Versus Scam Email

There is a difference. Spam email is unwanted but not necessarily trying to get something from you – at least not directly. A scam email is both unwanted and trying to get something from you.

Here is an example of a scam email.

scam email
Scam email

I am calling this a scam email because it is unwanted and they want something. In this case, they want you to call them.

On the surface it might not seem like it.

My first thought when seeing this email (which I found in the Spam folder – thank you Yahoo), was “I didn’t pay $538.38 for Norton Antivirus”.

The logical thing to do is want to find out out this.

Conveniently, there is a phone number listed that you can call. How nice – not!

I can almost guarantee that if I call that number, there is someone on the other end of the phone just waiting to scam me.

Likely they will want to know my bank account number…


Here is an example of a spam email.

spam email
Spam email

Why am I calling this a spam email?

Even though the sending email looks right and my email address is right, I did not sign up to receive information from a congressman from New York.

Check Who Sent The Email

Getting back to the first scam email. Notice that the email is from someone named Cristina Lopez with the email address abdullahinasiru6443@gmail.com.

In theory, this email was sent regarding payment to Norton Antivirus.

Don’t you think that the email would be from an email address that includes norton and not from gmail?

That is the first thing to check – does the email sender look legitimate.

In this case, no, I would not expect this to be sent from a free gmail address.

Check Who Received The Email

Obviously the email was sent to you – but is that what shows up in the email address?

Check that your email address shows up in the To: field.

In this case, my correct email address is used. I can’t use this as a way to determine that this is a scam or spam email address.

Also, they referenced my name correctly. Again, can’t use this as a way to determine that this specific email is bad.

Check What The Email Is About

Sometime these scam or spam emails are not very clear on their purpose.

Check if money is mentioned – directly or indirectly.

In this case, money was mentioned, specifically that I had paid a certain amount. Of course, this catches my attention because I don’t recall making a payment to Norton AntiVirus for 5 years of support service.

If I thought this was a legitimate email I likely would call the number in the email.

Spam Folders

Still, it is a good idea to occasionally review the emails in the spam folder to verify them. If you find an email in your spam folder that should not be there, you can mark it as not spam and the system will learn from that going forward.

Most major email service providers do a good job identifying spam emails and filtering them out of your primary inbox.

Spam / Scam Email Examples

Scam email
Scam email

This is a scam email. Look at the email address used to send this email (hotmail.com), the email did use my correct email address – so that doesn’t identify this, the subject matter is about money.

Even though the email does not directly ask for money – not yet at least. It does ask for personal information… I could imagine they might use that information to apply for a loan using your credentials.

Lets be honest with ourselves – do you think MRS ESTHER GYAN is going to send your 500,000.00 British Pounds?

PayPal Scam Email

Paypal scam email
PayPal scam email

Fortunately, these don’t show up anymore. Maybe PayPal has figured out how to block these from even being sent. The last time I received an email like this was 7 July 2020.

This is a difficult one to spot as a scam. The giveaway is the email address: vets@pinevalleyanimalhospital.com. If this was legitimate, you should expect the email to come from paypal.com.

The scam is that the sender wants you to click the “Login now” button.

That takes you to a page that looks like the PayPal website, but it is not.

If you enter in your PayPal email and password, what happens next is the sender has your login credentials that they will use to login to your PayPal account and do what they will.

Note well: the pinevalleyanimalhospital.com is a legitimate site. Whoever sent this email is simply using that address as the sending email to give themselves a sense of legitimacy.

PayPal scam email
PayPal scam email

Just like the other example, a PayPal scam email intended to get your PayPal login credentials from you.

This time, a little bit easier to identify with the email address: mysender-rvayrp4p@5nqvy43g.eahf5

The scam is to click the “Confirm Now” button and get your login credentials.

7 Basic Troubleshooting Tips for iPhone Users

Knowing basic troubleshooting tips for your iPhone can save you time and frustration. Here are some common issues you might encounter and simple steps to resolve them.

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1. iPhone Frozen or Unresponsive

Description: Your iPhone screen is frozen and not responding to touch or button presses.

Solution: Force Restart Your iPhone:

  • iPhone 8 and later:
    1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
    2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
    3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
    1. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button.
    2. Continue holding until you see the Apple logo.
  • iPhone 6s and earlier:
    1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button.
    2. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

Explanation: Force restarting your iPhone will refresh the system and clear any temporary issues without affecting your data. This is often the quickest way to resolve a frozen iPhone.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Problems

Description: Your iPhone cannot connect to Wi-Fi or the connection is unstable.

Solution: Fix Wi-Fi Issues:

  1. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on in Settings.
  2. Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect:
    • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
    • Tap the info icon (i) next to the network name.
    • Select “Forget This Network” and then reconnect.
  3. Restart your router.
  4. Reset Network Settings:
    • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
    • Note: This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Explanation: These steps help to refresh your connection and resolve any network conflicts.

3. Battery Draining Quickly

Description: Your iPhone’s battery life is significantly shorter than expected.

Solution: Optimize Battery Life:

  1. Check battery health in Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
  2. Enable Low Power Mode:
    • Go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
  3. Identify battery-draining apps:
    • Go to Settings > Battery and check the Battery Usage by app.
  4. Adjust settings for better battery life:
    • Lower screen brightness.
    • Turn off Background App Refresh (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).

Explanation: Monitoring battery health and managing settings can help extend battery life.

4. Apps Crashing or Not Opening

Description: Apps frequently crash or fail to open.

Solution: Refresh App

  1. Close and reopen the app:
    • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
    • Swipe up on the app to close it.
  2. Check for app updates in the App Store.
  3. Restart your iPhone.
  4. Reinstall the problematic app:
    • Delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store.

Explanation: These steps refresh the app and can resolve most common issues.

5. No Sound or Low Volume

Description: There is no sound during calls, media playback, or volume is too low.

Solution: Restore Sound and Volume:

  1. Ensure volume is turned up and silent mode is off:
    • Use the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone.
    • Check the silent switch above the volume buttons.
  2. Check sound settings:
    • Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
  3. Clean speaker and microphone openings:
    • Use a soft brush to remove any debris.
  4. Restart your iPhone.

Explanation: Simple checks and cleaning can often resolve sound issues.

6. iPhone Won’t Charge

Description: Your iPhone does not charge when connected to power.

Solution: Check and ensure all components are clean

  1. Check the charging cable and adapter for damage.
  2. Clean the charging port:
    • Use a toothpick or small brush to remove any debris.
  3. Try a different cable and power source.
  4. Force restart the iPhone while connected to power.

Explanation: Ensuring all components are clean and undamaged can help identify the cause of charging problems.

7. Cannot Download or Update Apps

Description: Unable to download or update apps from the App Store.

Solution: Check internet connection

  1. Check internet connection.
  2. Ensure there’s enough storage space:
    • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  3. Sign out and back into the App Store:
    • Go to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.
    • Sign back in.
  4. Restart your iPhone.
  5. Update iOS to the latest version:
    • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Explanation: These steps address common issues with app downloads and updates.

Conclusion

Understanding these basic troubleshooting tips can empower you to resolve common iPhone issues on your own. Trying these simple steps can save you time and help you maintain the smooth operation of your device. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.

iPhone Side By Side Photos

iPhone Side by Side Photos

You don’t need to use the Apple Shortcuts app to merge two iPhone photos into one when there is a website that will do it for you: Side By Side Photos.

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Go To Side By Side Photos

Go to Side By Side Photos. Tap to upload two photos. Not one, not three – exactly two photos that you want to merge into one photo.

Highly recommend your choose from the Photo Library.

iPhone side by side photos
iPhone side by side photos

Select Two Photos

Best to pick two photos that were taken in vertical mode, not in landscape (horizontal) mode.

Yes, it will work to have both photos in landscape mode, but the combination of the two will result in a photo that is very wide and very short which makes it difficult to see all the details.

Photo vertical versus landscape
Photo vertical versus landscape

Even more important is to combine photos are that both in vertical mode and not a combination of vertical and landscape mode.

It will look weird if you combine vertical mode and landscape mode photos – trust me on this one.

Photos in vertical mode only
Photos in vertical mode only

Shuffle Images

You can tap and drag one photo to the other photo’s location.

Once the photo is in the location you want, let go of the photo and the two photos will swap location.

Drag and drop photo
Drag and drop photo

Submit

When you are ready, click Submit to generate the image that merges the two photos together.

It will likely take 10-15 seconds to generate the final image. You will notice the Submit button will say “Loading…” until it completes.

You also have the option of click Reset to start over. This will take you back to the start were you can select two photos again.

Image loading
Image loading

Save Image

Once the photos have been merged into one photo, you can Download it to your device.

If you are using an iPhone, my suggestion is to tap and hold the photo until the options show up.

  • Share…
  • Save to Photos
  • Copy
  • Copy Subject
  • Look Up

Recommend Save to Photos.

Side by side photo share
Side by side photo share

Emergency Tips for Saving Battery When You’re Low on Power

When your iPhone’s battery is running low and you need it to last a bit longer, it’s important to know a few simple tricks to conserve power. These easy-to-follow tips will help you extend your battery life, especially in emergencies. Let’s dive into five practical tips designed with elder users in mind.

For easier monitoring, you can learn how to show the battery percentage here!

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Enable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces background activity and lowers screen brightness to save battery.

How to Enable Low Power Mode:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Battery.
  3. Toggle the switch next to Low Power Mode.

Alternatively:

  • Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
  • Tap the battery icon to enable Low Power Mode.

Reduce Screen Brightness

Lowering your screen brightness can significantly conserve battery life.

How to Reduce Screen Brightness:

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center.
  2. Use the brightness slider to lower the screen brightness.

Or:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Display & Brightness.
  3. Adjust the brightness slider to the left to reduce brightness.

Close Unused Apps

Background apps can drain your battery quickly. Closing them can help save power.

How to Close Unused Apps:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher.
  2. Swipe left or right to find the apps you want to close.
  3. Swipe up on the app previews to close them.

Turn Off Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background, consuming battery.

How to Turn Off Background App Refresh:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Select Background App Refresh.
  4. Tap on Background App Refresh again and select Off to disable it for all apps.
  5. Alternatively, you can choose Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data and turn off individual apps.

Disable Location Services

Location Services use a lot of battery power by constantly tracking your location.

How to Disable Location Services:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Privacy.
  3. Select Location Services.
  4. Toggle the switch at the top to turn off Location Services for all apps.

Or:

  • Scroll down to see a list of apps and turn off Location Services for specific apps by toggling the switches next to each app.

Conclusion


By following these simple tips, you can make your iPhone battery last longer when it matters most. Familiarize yourself with these settings now, so you’re prepared for any situation where you need to save power. Remember, every little bit helps when you’re running low on battery!

iPhone Shake To Undo

iPhone Shake To Undo

Made a mistake while typing or editing text on your iPhone and want to fix it fast? Then shake (rattle and roll) your iPhone to undo it. 😁

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Made A Mistake

You are typing a text message or creating an email and… whoops, you made a mistake and want to delete everything you typed.

iPhone typing mistake
iPhone typing mistake

Undo

Tap Undo.

Note well that undoing erases everything you typed. Not just the last word.

iPhone correction

5 Ways To Spot Spam Email/Message

In today’s digital age, spam emails and messages are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it more challenging to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent communications. Whether it’s a phishing attempt, a scam, or just unwanted junk mail, knowing how to spot spam can protect you from identity theft, financial loss, and other cyber threats. Here are some key ways to identify spam messages and ensure your inbox remains secure.

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Check the Sender’s Email Address

Look for Generic Greetings

Generic Greeting
  • Legitimate companies usually address you by your name. Spam messages often use generic greetings such as “Dear Customer,” “Dear User,” or “Hello Friend.” For example, an email from your bank will typically start with your full name, whereas a spam message might start with “Dear Valued Customer.”

Examine the Content for Poor Grammar and Spelling

  • Professional emails from legitimate companies are typically well-written. Be wary of messages with poor grammar, awkward phrasing, or spelling errors, as these are common indicators of a scam. For instance, an email saying “Your acount has ben suspended. Pleese click here to reactivate” is likely a scam.

Beware of Urgent or Threatening Language

  • Spammers often try to create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt immediate action. Phrases like “Immediate Action Required,” “Your Account Will Be Closed,” or “You Have Won a Prize” are red flags. Legitimate businesses do not usually demand immediate action in this manner. For example, an email stating, “Your account will be suspended in 24 hours if you don’t verify your information now!” is likely a scam.
Fast Action
  • Hover over any links in the email to see the actual URL. If the link does not match the supposed destination or looks suspicious, do not click on it. Spammers often use links that lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personal information. For example, a link that claims to be from your bank but actually leads to “http://scamwebsite.com/login” is a phishing attempt.
Phishing Link

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to spam messages and emails. However, identifying spam is just the first step. To take your security to the next level, it’s essential to block these messages from reaching you in the first place. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to block spam messages and keep your inbox clean and secure.