Kibbles & Bytes Blog

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  • Apple AirPort Time Capsule

    Backups are something I know I could be a lot better about. I have all sorts of stuff on my computer, as I am sure you do, and that stuff is all stored on the hard drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) depending on which one you have in your machine.

    As I know first hand from my time as a Small Dog tech sometimes the HDD/SSD fails, or the computer fails, or files get corrupted. Sometimes the computer gets physically damaged or stolen. And sometimes you just delete files accidentally. A good data backup will make all of those scenarios seem a whole lot less painful because you’ll have all that stuff on your computer somewhere else other than just your computer. What kinds of stuff? All the stuff on that computer you care about, including, but not limited to: programs, files, documents, data, photos, movies, music, pictures, work, saved web pages, bookmarks, applications…all sorts of stuff!

    My dad raised me to look out for my little sisters and they are more than capable of taking care of themselves, but they had a blind spot with regards to data backups. A few years ago I bought each of them an external drive for their Macs. This was so they could have a second copy of their data from their computers. This is all done with a built-in program that comes standard on every Mac and goes back a few years: “*Time Machine.*”:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427 There was one problem with this brilliant plan, though. It required them to plug in the backup drive and let it do it’s work. If it’s been a while, this might take a while. Hours sometimes and maybe even many hours! That kind of thing just further discourages one from updating their backup if it’s been a while

    I will admit, I am as bad as anyone else when it comes to just plugging in a drive to do a backup. Currently I have up-to-date backups, but this couldn’t have been truthfully stated a week ago. Evidently that process of plugging in an external drive and letting Time Machine do it’s thing is too much to ask for the sake of data security and the peace of mind that comes with it.

    This is no longer a problem for me and my family thanks to Apple’s AirPort Time Capsule. I’ve replaced my Wi-Fi router with this device. It’s got a built-in 2TB HDD (and also comes in a 3TB size) which is more than sufficient space for a backup of my machine and both of my sisters’ machines. The best part is that it will automatically start doing a backup as long as they are connected to the Wi-Fi network. So every time they’re home with their computers, and Wi-Fi is turned on, their computers do a full Time Machine backup to the Time Capsule.

    “*Click here to buy yourself peace of mind with the Apple Time Capsule!*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search?search=time+capsule

  • Top Ten iOS Passcodes to Avoid Using

    Four years ago, an app that would lock the phone and take a picture of the offender when an incorrect passcode was used called “*Big Brother Camera Security*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/big-brother-camera-security/id384761367?mt=8&at=11lb7k was released on the App Store. Daniel Amitay was the developer, and in the app’s early days he logged 200,000 passcodes anonymously, and found some interesting data regarding the passcodes people used.

    The most interesting find from all this was that a substantial amount of the passcodes used were of the 1990s, suggesting younger users setting it to their birth year, or parents using their child’s birth year. Trying all of the years in the 1990s has a good probability of getting you into a locked iOS device. ??(editor’s note: Don’t break into someone’s device!)??

    Also frequently used were patterns. Anything that makes a shape on the keypad, or a common word, should be avoided (5683, the 6th most commonly used passcode, spells LOVE).

    Below are the top ten used (usage out of 200,000 in parentheses):

    * 1234 (8,884)
    * 0000 (5,246)
    * 2580 (4,753)
    * 1111 (3,262)
    * 5555 (1,774)
    * 5683 (1,425)
    * 0852 (1,221)
    * 2222 (1,139)
    * 1212 (944)
    * 1998 (882)

    It’s also advisable to write down the passcode somewhere. We see iOS devices on a daily basis with a lost passcode and the only resolution is erasing the device and starting over. This means if one forgets one’s passcode, all the data is lost.

  • Prior to last Tuesday, when Apple announced the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (as well as the long rumored Apple Watch), I could hear myself repeating the phrase: “You’re not going to upgrade, you’re not going to upgrade, you’re not going to upgrade.” The idea being, if I repeated it long enough, I could convince myself to save a few bucks and make do with my iPhone 4S for a little longer. And then Tuesday came along and yes, I pre-ordered an iPhone 6 as soon as possible. And I was not the only one to do so, as first day pre-orders came in at over 4 million, breaking previous records.

    But it wasn’t the larger screen size, the faster processor, the new and faster Wi-Fi protocol support, or the 240fps slow-mo camera that made me take the plunge. It was the well timed offers from the major cellular companies that made the financial burden of a new phone affordable. In fact, if you own a 4, 4S, 5, 5C, or 5S, most major carriers will offer at least $200 trade-in credit towards the purchase of an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, as long as you sign up for or renew a contract. This essentially gives you a free 16GB iPhone 6.

    So, if you’re itching for a new phone and you’re eligible for a new contract, check out your options with your carrier sooner than later, as offers will only last so long. As for today’s articles, we’ll make sure your new phone has a secure passcode, talk about the advantages of a Time Capsule for your backup needs, and give an update from the Service Department in South Burlington

    _Mike D_

    “miked@smalldog.com”:mailto:miked@smalldog.com

  • **Our sincerest apologies for the extra email today, we initially sent last week’s issue of Tech Tails by accident. We’re in the doghouse now! This is the correct issue for Tuesday, September 16th, 2014.**

  • All of a sudden my iPhone 5s seems so old and clunky and I haven’t even seen the new iPhone 6 in person yet. Well, Emily and I have a lot to talk about on “*Small Dog Speaks,*”:http://www.smalldog.com/sdspeaks our weekly radio call-in show on WDEV here in Vermont. Listen in sometime or just give us a call to say hello. We are on live 1-2 pm every Thursday (unless we get pre-empted by the Red Sox).

    Thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

    Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,

    _Don & Mike_

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  • $10 off All iPhone 5/5C/5S Cases over $19.99

    Save $10 on all iPhone 5/5C/5S cases over $19.99!

    Please enter this coupon code when you check out: *casecase5327*

    “*See all of our iPhone 5/5C/5S cases here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/category/iPhone_Accessories/Cases

  • Help Is Just a Tap Away

    Long time Kibbles readers and other Small Dog aficionados know that our slogan is “Always By Your Side.” This is, of course, a metaphor that describes our commitment to customer service, not a threat that we are going to follow you around wherever you go.

    However, now we can literally be “Always In Your Pocket” thanks to our Consulting app for iOS.

    “*Consulting by Small Dog Electronics*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/consulting-by-small-dog-electronics/id796998322?mt=8&at=11lb7k is a *free* app that gives you an easy way to request assistance on the go. If you are having trouble with your email, can’t figure out how to sync your devices, are experiencing the spinning beach ball of doom, or have any other problem or question help is just a couple of taps away.

    When you open the app, you will be asked to describe what we can help you with. Tap “Next” and you will be taken to a page to provide your contact information. We have made this as easy as possible by allowing you to choose a contact card from your Contacts to auto-fill the form or fill in the information manually. Choose whether you would like an emailed copy of your request and tap “Submit.” You can then sit back and relax because a member of our customer service team will be in touch ASAP to schedule an in-store or on-site visit to assist you with your issues.

    This app is compatible with any iDevice running iOS 6 or later. The current release is Version 1.0, so please let us know if you have any suggestions for improvements or additional features.

    “*Download it here!*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/consulting-by-small-dog-electronics/id796998322?mt=8&at=11lb7k

  • Apple Announces New Products

    *iOS 8*

    Apple has announced that iOS 8, the newest operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, will be released on September 19th.

    iOS 8 comes with big updates to apps you use every day, like Messages and Photos. A whole new way to share content with your family. And exciting new connections between apps and between devices. All that and more make iOS 8 the biggest iOS release ever.

    Some of the great new features include: Quickly find and edit the photos you take. Add your voice right in a text message. Let your health and fitness apps communicate with each other, with your trainer, and even with your doctor. You’ll have new keyboard options and even more ways to share your content. And you’ll be able to use iCloud and Touch ID in ways you never have before.

    “*See more about iOS 8 here.*”:http://www.apple.com/ios/

    *Apple Watch*

    The world of wearable technology is ever growing and Apple is getting into the mix with the incredible new Apple Watch!

    It’s an incredibly accurate timepiece. A device that helps you stay on schedule, in touch, and headed in the right direction. And a health and fitness companion that never stops thinking of ways for you to be more active and fit. Apple Watch is all these things. Which makes it so much more than just a watch. But precisely what a watch should be!

    We are very excited about this ground breaking new product that will be available in early 2015. We are not currently taking any orders and do not have pricing or availability as of this time. We promise to keep you informed via our newsletters, website and social media as we learn more.

    “*See more about the Apple Watch here.*”:http://www.apple.com/watch/

    *iPhone 6 and 6 Plus*

    Apple has also announced the new iPhone 6 and for the first time is releasing a second iPhone in a larger size: the iPhone 6 Plus.

    The iPhone 6 isn’t simply bigger — it’s better in every way. Larger, yet dramatically thinner. More powerful, but remarkably power efficient. With a smooth metal surface that seamlessly meets the new Retina HD display. It’s one continuous form where hardware and software function in perfect unison, creating a new generation of iPhone that’s better by any measure.

    Small Dog Electronics will be carrying all of the accessories you need for your new iPhone. We will be sure to let you know about all of the great products we will be carrying to complement the newest members of the iPhone family.

    “*See more about the iPhone 6 here.*”:http://www.apple.com/iphone/

  • _Dear Friends,_

    Autumn is really in the air as the trees are beginning to change colors and the ridge lines have hints of orange and brown. Apples are replacing sweet corn at the farm stands and I hear geese honking their way south. It is one of my favorite times of the year even though it is the harbinger of a winter to come.

    Tuesday, I managed to go home to watch Tim Cook’s keynote on the Apple TV. I will talk some about the event and the announcements and I am sure that Mike will give you more details below ??(editor’s note: I will!).?? The streaming video of the event had some glitches in the beginning, including frequent freeze-ups and an audible second audio stream in Chinese. I was keeping track of the event on some of the blog sites as well as reloading on my Mac and Apple TV. Fortunately, that cleared up about halfway through. Of course, that was enough for Samsung to quickly cough up a commercial poking fun at Apple for video stream failure.

    That glitch does not tarnish the very significant announcements at this special event with the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Pay and of course the Watch. Apple seems to be ready to switch out the “i” for “” which is a smart move even if it takes three keys to make that Apple logo (Shift-Option-K). I am impressed with all three of the new announcements from Apple and I think that they do answer the question of whether Apple can innovate after Steve Jobs.

    I never wear a watch. I pride myself on being able to guess the time within a reasonable margin of error or simply look at any of the myriad of electronics devices that surround my life. But the Watch is something very different and I am just going to have to check it out. It is clearly a companion piece to the iPhone but adds some interesting features, specifically its emphasis on health tracking, Pay and quick communications with friends. I am sure that ultimately HomeKit features will also be incorporated so that you can open your door, turn out your lights, and adjust your thermostat just by wearing the watch.

    With the watch not being released until early 2015, there is time for Apple to fine-tune the features. While there have not been any official indications, rumors say that the battery life is about a day long so it will need to be charged each night and I know Apple would like that to be better and some question as to just how water resistant the watch will be. I really think that the biometric sensors and integration to iPhone, HealthKit and HomeKit will make this new product category a huge success.

    I think that the most significant announcement, however, may be Pay, the new electronic payment system. Apple has already lined up some big players to support the system, like Macy’s, McDonald’s, Target, and many more. Also, with their alliance with American Express, VISA and MasterCard, I think there will be widespread acceptance and this may be a big threat to other electronic payment systems such as Paypal. Even our behind-the-scenes electronic credit card processor, Cybersource, has indicated that they will be supporting Pay. We have some development work to do within our database but we are committed to taking this form of payment in our stores and website as soon as possible. While Apple will undoubtedly make some money via transaction fees, it is more likely that they will sell quite a few more iPhone 6 and Watch as a result of this new secure way to pay.

    Ah, the iPhone 6! While I was sort of rueing the notion of a larger iPhone (I like the size of my iPhone 5s just fine) I think that the slimness of the new iPhone 6 and the new features make it a very compelling buy. Yes, I’ll be getting one. The iPhone 6 Plus adds some more landscape, digital image stabilization and a bigger battery and while the battery and better camera action is interesting, I think the iPhone 6 will serve my needs best. But, there are an awful lot of folks that want that really big iPhone and now the 6 Plus is there to fit the bill. I love the new feature that allows you to make voice calls over WiFi using your own phone number and how it will seamlessly transition to VoLTE. I wonder if this will also allow you to receive calls over WiFi which would mean we could eliminate the microcells that we have at home and here at the office.

    The combination of the Apple A8 and M8 processors provide 64-bit power that is simply unmatched in any other phone. In addition to the M8 motion chip it also incorporates a barometer which senses air pressure to determine elevation. So, as you move, you can keep track of the elevation you have gained. It can even measure stairs climbed or hills conquered. The accelerometer and gyroscope combine to make the iPhone 6 a powerful exercise and health tool.

    Another milestone quietly came with the announcements on Tuesday when Apple discontinued the iPod Classic. The last click-wheel spinning hard drive iPod is gone with its 160 GB capacity. I still have one that I primarily use in my shop but they are gone now. Interestingly, Apple also bumped the storage up on the iPhones to a maximum of 128 GB which is plenty for most music libraries.

  • I am riding to Maine this week to put a small dent in the lobster population and hang out by the ocean for a couple days. It looks like good motorcycling weather. Speaking of motorcycles, the KillaJoule electric motorcycle “*set the land speed record for electric motorcycles at over 241 mph.*”:http://gm-volt.com/2014/09/02/several-records-set-for-electric-sidecar-building-eva-hakansson/ It also was the fastest time ever for a motorcycle with a sidecar (regardless of fuel). It was also the fastest time ever for a woman rider. Eva Håkannson’s homemade electric motorcyle is one fast machine! My eHippo electric bike got up to 70 mph once.

    Have an awesome weekend and thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes!

    Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,

    _Don & Mike_

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