Tag Archives: Smartphones

iOS, iPad, iPhone, Smartphones, Windows

Phone Link for iPhone users on Windows 11 Insider – Preview

Microsoft is rolling out a preview version of Phone Link for iPhone users for Windows Insider users with Windows 11.  Phone Link will allow you to pair your iPhone and Windows PC over Bluetooth in order to provide limited iPhone functions such as calls and messages on your computer.

The Phone Link app is available at the Windows App Store. Microsoft also has a list of known issues regarding Phone Link.

This is one of the new features that Microsoft is introducing with Windows 11 updates, including adding new AI-powered Bing to the Windows taskbar, video screen recording in Snipping Tool, and multiple tabs in Notepad.

Apple, iOS, iPhone, Smartphones

Apple announces release of iPhone 14 and iOS16

Apple released its new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro smartphones with eSIM cards and Emergency SOS via satellite.  Apple also released its new Watch Series 8, Watch SE, and Watch Ultra smartwatches.

iOS 16 is available on September 12, 2022 for download. This version makes the Fitness app all iPhone users, and includes messages and map changes. WatchOS 9 is also available on September 12 and has several new updates, including Compass and workout app changes.

Hardware, Smartphones

Wireless carriers shutting down 3G networks in 2022

A.T.&T. has shut down its 3G wireless network as of February 22, 2022.  T-Mobile will shut down its 3G network during the spring and summer of 2022, and Verizon has its 3G network shutdown date as December 31, 2022.

The FCC has more information and resources available at its 3G page. This transition may affect older smartphones, tablets, smart watches,  vehicle GPS and road assistance devices, alarm systems, and medical devices.  Some vehicles may also lose Automatic Crash Notification due to the 3G shutdown.

Apple, Hardware, iPhone, Smartphones

Apple Self Service Repair option

Apple has announced a new Self Service Repair for customers who want to repair their Apple devices with genuine Apple parts.   This program will be available in the U.S. starting in early 2022 and will first include iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 parts, with additional devices and service areas to be added later.

Update: Apple’s Self Repair program is now available as of April 2022. This includes a repair tool kit rental option. Self Service Repair is available for Mac notebooks starting August 23, 2022.  The Self Repair program is also now available in Europe.

Apple, Hardware, iPhone, Smartphones

Apple device repair programs for recent issues

Apple has reported that a small number of iPhone 11 models are experiencing issues with touch screen capability.   A free repair is available for phones with a valid serial number that are having this problem.

Apple also has a repair program for the small percentage of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models with sound issues.

Apple also has a repair program available for a small number of 13-inch MacBook Pro units with backlight display issues.

Apple is providing free repairs for users having sound issues with AirPods Pro.

Apple, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Smartphones

Apple releases new iPhone 12 smartphones and iPad Air

Apple announced the release of its new iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, and iPad Air devices.  These devices feature the new A14 Bionic chip  and the smartphones include 5G service.  These phones can be charged  with the MagSave wireless charger, but items such as credit cards and other magnetic cards must not be placed between the phone and charger.