Posted by: glasskeys | 04/16/2011

How to view free podcast videos on the iPad & iPhone.

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Many people I have met that own iPads are unaware of the vast selection of free video podcasts that are available on the iTunes store. Today’s tip will show you how to explore the universe of video podcast content available on iTunes.

Start by opening the iTunes application, then tap the podcast button at the bottom of the screen. You may then use the Search function at the top right of the screen to search for podcasts of a particular type. After you select a podcast, the price will be listed along with the title for each episode. The video podcast we have picked is free (most are), so tap the grey button to select, then tap the green Get Episode button to commence the podcast download.

After the podcast is finished downloading, close iTunes and open the Videos application. Tap the Podcasts button at the top centre of the screen, then tap the podcast video you wish to view. Whilst viewing the video, the screen may be tapped to show the standard video controls or you may tap the blue Done button to return to the video selection screen.

To delete a video, tap and hold a video and the “circled X” button will appear. Tap the circle and a dialog will appear confirming the decision the delete the video.

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Posted in iPad, iPad Tips, iPhone, iPhone Tips | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Posted by: glasskeys | 04/15/2011

An approach on how to fix iOS 4.3.2 update sync errors.

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The iOS 4.3.2 update is now available for all versions of the iPad and the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. This update caused a bit of problems for Yours Truly however. Whilst performing the update on my first generation iPad, I encountered the dread cannot sync error message multiple times. I clicked the link present on the error dialog and was directed to this page.

After performing the recommended action of disconnecting and reconnecting my iPad with no success, and also tired of restarting my Mac after receiving this message the Nth time, I decided to leave my iPad connected and clicked the Sync button to try a different approach. Inexplicably, my iPad began the sync process and I also decided to let iTunes transfer all purchases whether I wanted them transferred or not. After the sync process finished with no errors, I once again clicked the Update button and was successfully able to update to iOS version 4.3.2.

Hopefully this course of action will work for you if you encounter this annoying error message.

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/12/2011

How to convert DivX AVI video to MP4 to view on the iPhone.

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Today’s quick tip will show you how to use free tools to convert AVI video files to a format viewable on the iPhone using your Mac.

First CTRL-click and save this test DivX movie to your local machine. Next download ffmpegX and its required binaries by following the instructions on this page — if you have Mac OS X 10.6 this tool will also work on your system.

After installation, drag an AVI file to the ffmpegX application and use the settings in the screenshots above to convert the video to MP4 format. After the MP4 video file is created, drag the file to iTunes Movies folder, connect your iPhone and tick the name of the video in the Movie tab, then click the Apply button.

After ejecting your iPhone, you will be able to watch your converted movie by opening the iPod application and tapping the movie in the Videos area as normal. Enjoy your converted video!

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/11/2011

Convert and view movies on the Nook Color: Step-by-step instructions

This tutorial will show you how to convert legally purchased DVD content to watch on your Nook Color. Although the solution as presented will only work on Mac OS X — there are many free and open source solutions available on the Windows platform to rip your purchased DVD content.

Two free prerequisites will be needed installed before starting. The first is an application called VLC and the second is called Handbrake which is the actual program used to convert and rip content from a DVD.

According to the Handbrake Wiki page: “Handbrake cannot at present encode from DRM-encrypted videos purchased from iTunes or found on DVD or Blu-Raydiscs. However, if VLC is installed under a Unix-based system, encrypted DVDs can be read as well.”

Because Mac OS X is a Unix based OS, this explains the need for VLC. Download and install VLC first, then do the same for Handbrake.
Read More…

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/09/2011

Update…

I have been working on two new posts & they both have taken longer to finish than I initially anticipated. The first tutorial will explain how to view your purchased DVD content on the Nook, and the second will be a related topic on how to accomplish this for the iPhone and iPad. Both tutorials will show how to do this using free and open source software — I see many people taken advantage of by purveyors of video conversion software for the Nook, iPad and iPhone. So look for the Nook post tomorrow (10 April 2011).

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/08/2011

How to set Auto-Correction, Spell Check, & Caps Lock on the iPad & iPhone.

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Today’s quick tip shows how to change the following settings on the iPad and iPhone:
     • Auto-Capitalization
     • Auto-Correction
     • Check Spelling
     • Enable Caps Lock
     • “.” Shortcut

Open Settings, select the General category, then tap Keyboard and the toggle switches for the settings above will be visible. One aspect of these settings you should be made aware of is that Check Spelling can only be used if the Auto-Correction switch is toggled to the On position.

I turn Auto-Correction off on my iPhone, as I like to abbreviate in text messages, yet love using the feature on the iPad. The “.” Shortcut I find useful on both devices, (insertion of a period followed by space) if the space bar is tapped twice.

Also necessary for my sanity is the Caps Lock switch toggled ON. This permits Shift key double-taps to turn on Caps Lock mode. After double-taps the Shift key turns a blue colour indicating Caps Lock is on. Tapping the Shift key once again halts Caps Lock mode enabling resumption of normal behaviour.

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Posted in iPad, iPad Tips, iPhone, iPhone Tips | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: glasskeys | 04/07/2011

New Triad iPad and tablet user group meet-up: Saturday, 7 May 2011

Tablet user group meet-up.

Tablet user group meet-up.

A new Triad iPad & tablet computer user group meet-up has been scheduled for Saturday, 7 May 2011.

All tablet users (iPad, Android, Microsoft based tablets, etc.) or those interested in tablets are welcome to attend.

If you are new to the world of tablets (tabs), or considering getting one yourself and have questions you are also welcome to attend our meet-up.

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/06/2011

How to set wallpaper on the Nook Color: Step-by-step instructions.

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To set your own wallpaper on the Nook Color, tap the first thumbnail above to view full-sized screenshots and descriptions of each step of the process.

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/05/2011

How to add or remove photo albums and events to an iPad or iPhone.

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Recently I was asked by a friend on how to prevent a photo album from appearing on her iPad, which led me to believe others are having the same problem -and- gave me a great incentive to write this tip. If you are experiencing this issue yourself you can easily use the following steps to help customise the albums and events that appear on your iPad or iPhone also.

Attach your iDevice to your computer and open iTunes, making sure the correct iPad or iPhone is selected in the Devices section. Click the Photos tab, then check the Sync Photos from iPhoto box. Ensure that the Selected albums and events, and automatically include option is set to No Events. Tick item(s) in both the Albums and/or Events to select only the image collections you wish to appear on your iPad or iPhone. When finished selecting photo albums and events, click the Apply button to push the new image settings to your device.

Finally, be sure to unmount or eject the device before physically disconnecting it from your computer.

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Posted by: glasskeys | 04/04/2011

How to stop iPhoto opening after attaching an iPad or iPhone to your PC.

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If you are like me and have been driven mad by iPhoto opening each and every time you attach your iPad or iPhone to your home computer — read on, because it is actually very simple to turn off.

On your home computer open the iPhoto application (icon pictured above), then select Preferences under the iPhoto Menu. After the Preference window opens, select the first tab named General and find the Connecting camera opens drop-down near the bottom of the window. Change this option from iPhoto to No application, close the Preferences window. Right-click your iPad or iPhone in the Devices section so you may safely unmount before physically disconnecting these devices from your computer. You may still use iPhoto to download photos from your iPad or iPhone — done by attaching and opening iPhoto manually — but you can now decide to do this at a time when it is more convenient for you.

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Posted in iPad, iPad Tips, iPhone, iPhone Tips | Tags: , , , ,

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