Following in from last week, here are 10 more top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Use QuickPath for Faster Typing

When you’re in a hurry and need to type out messages or emails with one hand, the QuickPath feature can be a real time-saver. Instead of tapping each key individually, simply swipe your finger across the keyboard to form words. This intuitive method allows you to glide from one letter to the next without lifting your finger, speeding up your typing and making it easier to compose messages on the go.

2. Capture Entire Web Pages with Full-Page Screenshots

Sometimes, you need to save more than just what’s visible on your screen. Whether you’re documenting a long article or capturing detailed web content, the full-page screenshot feature in Safari is invaluable. After taking a regular screenshot, tap the preview thumbnail, then select “Full Page” at the top of the screen. This will capture the entire length of the webpage, allowing you to scroll through and save it as a PDF. You can even crop the content to focus on specific sections before saving or sharing it.

3. Record Your Screen Without Background Noise

When creating a screen recording for a presentation or tutorial, you might not want to capture background noise or your voice. You can easily disable the microphone during a screen recording session by accessing the Control Centre, long-pressing the Screen Recording button, and toggling the microphone off. This feature is particularly useful for creating clean, professional recordings that you can voiceover later if needed.

4. Ensure Your Apps Are Always Up-to-Date

Keeping your apps up-to-date is essential for maintaining security and accessing new features. While your iPhone can automatically update apps, you can also manually force updates to ensure you’re running the latest versions. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and swipe down to refresh the update list. If updates are available, tap “Update All” to bring all your apps up to date. This proactive approach helps you avoid bugs and ensures optimal performance.

5. Make Calls with Your iPad Using Wi-Fi Calling

If your iPhone is out of reach or charging, you can still make and receive calls using your iPad. By enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone, this feature extends to other Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. This allows your iPad to use your iPhone’s connection to the internet for calls, making it a versatile tool when you’re multitasking or working across multiple devices.

6. Switch to Your Preferred Default Apps

If you prefer using third-party apps like Chrome for browsing or Gmail for email, you can set them as your iPhone’s default apps. This means that links and email addresses will automatically open in your preferred apps instead of Safari or Mail. To change your default apps, go to Settings, find the app you want to set as default (e.g., Chrome or Gmail), and choose “Default Browser App” or “Default Mail App.” This simple adjustment aligns your iPhone with your workflow preferences.

7. Back Tap for Quick Access to Functions

The Back Tap feature on your iPhone lets you assign quick actions to a double or triple tap on the back of your device. This can be a real time-saver for functions you use frequently, such as taking a screenshot, activating Siri, or locking the screen. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, and choose the actions you want to trigger with each tap pattern. This feature adds a new layer of convenience to your daily iPhone usage.

8. Free Up Space by Offloading Unused Apps

If your iPhone’s storage is getting tight, consider enabling the “Offload Unused Apps” feature. This automatically removes apps you haven’t used in a while, freeing up valuable space while preserving your data. The next time you reinstall the app, all your data will be intact. To activate this feature, go to Settings > App Store, and toggle on Offload Unused Apps. This is especially useful for heavy apps like games that take up a lot of space but aren’t used daily.

9. Teach Siri to Pronounce Names Correctly

If Siri mispronounces names or struggles to recognise certain contacts, you can teach her the correct pronunciation. Simply say, “Hey Siri, learn how to pronounce [name],” and Siri will guide you through the process of correcting her pronunciation. This feature ensures that voice commands and dictations are more accurate, making your interactions with Siri more effective and frustration-free.

10. Retrieve Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords

If you’ve connected to a Wi-Fi network in the past but can’t remember the password, your iPhone can help. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and then tap to reveal the password. This is especially handy when you need to connect another device to the same network or share the password with a colleague. No more guessing or searching through old notes for passwords!

These 10 top tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks this summer, and beyond.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this article, we’ve gathered together 10 top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Voice Commands with Google Assistant 

Boost your productivity by using Google Assistant’s voice commands to perform tasks hands-free, whether you’re driving, multitasking, or simply looking for a quicker way to get things done.

Activate Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or by pressing and holding the home button. If you haven’t set up Google Assistant yet, you’ll be prompted to do so by following the on-screen instructions. Once activated, you can use voice commands for various tasks. For example, say “Hey Google, send a text to Pete saying I’m running late,” or “Hey Google, set a timer for 5 minutes.” You can also ask it to search the web, navigate to a location, or even control smart home devices. To make sure Google Assistant is always ready, you can enable “Hey Google” detection in the Assistant settings under “Voice Match.”

2. Encrypt Your Data 

Protecting sensitive business data is crucial, especially if your device is lost or stolen. Encrypting your data can therefore ensure that even if someone gains physical access to your device, they won’t be able to read your files without the decryption key.

To check if your device is already encrypted, go to “Settings,” tap on “Security,” and look for an option like “Encrypt phone” or “Encryption & credentials.” If your device isn’t encrypted, select “Encrypt phone” (or “Encrypt tablet”) and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to power, as the encryption process can take an hour or more. Once completed, your data will be protected, and you’ll need your PIN, pattern, or password to decrypt it each time you turn on your device.

3. Backup Regularly 

Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss in case of a device failure, loss, or accidental deletion.

To back up your Android device, go to “Settings,” select “System,” and then tap on “Backup.” Ensure that “Back up to Google Drive” is turned on. Here, you can see which data is being backed up, including app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS text messages. To customise what gets backed up, tap on “Account” to select the Google account where backups should be stored, then tap on the various categories to enable or disable specific backups. You can also manually back up your data by tapping “Back up now.”

 4. Clean Up With Smart Manager 

Keeping your device running smoothly and efficiently is vital, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or numerous apps. Smart Manager helps you optimise your device’s performance by clearing unnecessary files and managing resources.

Open the “Smart Manager” or “Device care” app from your settings. If your device doesn’t have this app, you can find similar options under “Settings” > “Storage” or “Battery.” In the app, you’ll see options to clean up storage, optimise RAM, and manage your battery life. Tap on each section to view recommendations for cleanup or optimisation. For example, under “Storage,” you can delete unnecessary files, clear cache, and uninstall unused apps. Under “Battery,” you can check battery usage by app and enable power-saving modes.

5. Reduce Battery Drain 

Battery life is a common concern, especially for business users who rely on their devices throughout the day. Reducing battery drain ensures your device lasts longer between charges.

Go to “Settings,” tap on “Battery,” then select “Battery Saver” or “Power saving mode.” You can enable this feature to automatically turn on when your battery reaches a certain level, or activate it manually whenever needed. Also, you can optimise your battery usage by making a few changes such as adjusting screen brightness, turning off location services, and limiting background data for specific apps. In the “Battery” settings, you can also see which apps are consuming the most power and take action, such as disabling or uninstalling power-hungry apps.

6. Plan Events and Tasks Using Calendar 

Staying organised is key to managing a busy schedule and using your Android’s Calendar app can help you keep track of meetings, deadlines, and personal tasks.

Open the “Calendar” app that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. Tap the “+” button or “Create” to add a new event. Fill in the details like the event title, time, date, location, and any guests you’d like to invite. Set a reminder by choosing how far in advance you’d like to be notified. You can also create recurring events by tapping on “Does not repeat” and selecting the frequency. To sync your calendar with your work or personal accounts, go to “Settings” within the Calendar app, select “Manage accounts,” and add any additional accounts you want to sync.

7. Chatting Using ‘Google Meet’ 

Effective communication is essential in business, and alt hough you may have tried Zoom or WhatsApp, you may not know that Google Meet is a really reliable platform for video conferencing and collaboration.

First, however, you’ll need to download and open the “Google Meet” app, sign in with your Google account, and tap “New meeting” to start a session. You can schedule a meeting in advance using the “Schedule in Google Calendar” option, or start an instant meeting. To invite others, tap on “Share invite” and send the meeting link through email, chat, or any other communication app. When joining a meeting, you can control your microphone and camera, and share your screen to present documents or slides. Make sure to test your audio and video settings before starting a meeting to ensure everything runs smoothly.

8. Smart Lock To Stay Secure

Wherever you are this summer, constantly unlocking your device can be tedious, especially in a secure environment. Smart Lock allows your device to stay unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to certain devices.

Go to “Settings,” select “Security,” then “Smart Lock.” You’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password to access Smart Lock settings. Once inside, you can choose from different options like “On-body detection,” which keeps your device unlocked while you’re carrying it, “Trusted Places” that unlock your device when you’re at a specified location (e.g. home or office), and “Trusted devices” that keep your phone unlocked when connected to a specific Bluetooth device like your car or smartwatch. Set up the options that best suit your needs to reduce the hassle of repeatedly unlocking your device.

9. Use Focus Mode to Minimise Distractions 

In a busy work environment, staying focused is crucial. With this in mind, Android’s Focus Mode can help you minimise distractions by pausing apps that might interrupt your workflow, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

To enable Focus Mode, go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” then tap on “Focus Mode.” You’ll see a list of apps that you can pause. Select the apps that tend to distract you the most. Once you’ve selected the apps, you can turn on Focus Mode immediately or schedule it for certain times of the day. When Focus Mode is active, the selected apps will be greyed out and won’t send notifications, helping you maintain your focus. You can also set up “Take a break” intervals if you need a quick break from Focus Mode.

10. Need To Multi-Task? Use Multi-Window 

Multitasking can be a challenge but it’s often necessary in business, and the Multi-Window feature lets you run two apps side by side, making it easier to juggle tasks like referencing documents while emailing.

To use Android’s Multi-Window feature, start by opening the first app you want to use. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the recent apps menu (on some devices, this might be a button press). Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview and select “Open in split-screen view.” You’ll then be prompted to choose a second app from the list of recently opened apps or your app drawer. Once selected, both apps will display simultaneously on your screen, with a divider that you can drag to resize the windows as needed. This feature is ideal for comparing data, responding to messages while referencing documents, or watching a video while taking notes.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

These Android tips are designed to enhance your efficiency and make your business life a little easier. By incorporating these tricks into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your Android device. Stay tuned for next week where we’ll have 10 more top summer Android tips for you.

A team of 20 team global scientists have published research findings showing that “twisted single-walled carbon nanotube ropes” can store three times more energy per unit mass than advanced lithium-ion batteries.

The Search For New Energy Sources 

The research team, which includes members from the University of Maryland- Baltimore County (UMBC) and its Centre for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST) set out to look at new energy sources to help meet the net-zero objective needed by the next-generation. As the researchers noted: “Energy acquisition in itself is not enough, and an environmentally compatible approach for efficient energy storage during times of high demand is presently the top-ranking priority for humankind.” 

Twisted Carbon Nanotubes 

The researchers discovered that a twisted rope composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) “possesses the remarkable ability to reversibly store nanomechanical energy”. In fact, these ropes (wrapped in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers) were found to be able to store over 10,000 times more energy than steel springs and three times more energy than the best lithium-ion batteries.

Also, unlike chemical and electrochemical energy carriers, the nanomechanical energy stored in a SWCNT rope was found to be very safe, even in harsh conditions, with the energy not depleting over time and remaining accessible in a wide temperature range (from −60 to +100°C).

In addition to being able to store vast amounts of energy, SWCNTs are 100 times stronger and five times stiffer than steel at a fraction of its weight, with unparalleled mechanical toughness. They are also easy to manufacture!

Applications 

With the SWCNT rope samples investigated in the research being “miniscule”, the researchers have suggested their current use could be for microscale energy storage in hydro and wind power and in small devices. However, advances in SWCNT spinning could make them suitable for other applications, but further research would be required, e.g. to make ropes with greater energy storage.

That said, with their high energy storage capacity, safety, and stability across a wide temperature range, it’s possible that SWCNTs could be used in future to power things such as medical devices and implants safely within the human body. They could also conceivably be used to enhance wearable electronics, support sensors in harsh environments, and perhaps be used in advanced space technologies. It’s understood that one of the first uses of the twisted carbon nanotubes is as an energy source for a prototype sensor that the CAST team is developing.

Exciting Discovery 

Although energy has been stored in mechanical coil springs to power devices such as watches and toys for many years, the SWCNTs developed by the researchers have dramatically increased the amount of energy that can be stored in a tiny, coiled structure.

For this reason, Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain, from CAST, a lead researcher on the work, said: “This research shows twisted carbon nanotubes have great potential for mechanical energy storage, and we are excited to share the news with the world.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The breakthrough in twisted single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ropes presents a transformative opportunity for businesses across various sectors. The ability of SWCNT ropes to store three times more energy per unit mass than advanced lithium-ion batteries and 10,000 times more than steel springs signifies a substantial leap in energy storage technology. This innovation offers a pathway to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, aligning with global net-zero objectives.

For companies involved in renewable energy, SWCNT ropes could revolutionise microscale energy storage, particularly in hydro and wind power applications. Their high energy-density and stability across a wide temperature range ensure consistent performance and safety, even in harsh environments. This makes them a reliable option for remote or extreme condition deployments, enhancing the resilience and efficiency of renewable energy systems.

In the healthcare sector, the application of SWCNT ropes in powering medical devices and implants opens up new possibilities. Their compact size and high energy capacity make them ideal for long-lasting, safe energy storage in medical technologies, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for frequent interventions.

The electronics industry can also benefit from the integration of SWCNT ropes into wearable devices. Their lightweight and flexible nature, coupled with significant energy storage capabilities, can lead to the development of more advanced, longer-lasting wearable technology, enhancing user experience and device functionality.

Also, the aerospace and defence industries could leverage the unparalleled mechanical toughness and energy density of SWCNT ropes for powering sensors and other critical components in space and military technologies. The ability to maintain performance across a broad temperature range further suggests their suitability for such demanding applications.

The discovery of twisted carbon nanotube ropes, therefore, represents a significant advancement in energy storage technology, offering numerous applications across various industries. Businesses that invest in this technology early on could gain a competitive edge by developing innovative, energy-efficient products and solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy sources.

The Snipping Tool in Windows provides advanced screenshot options, allowing you to capture different parts of your screen and even annotate the captures. Here’s how to use it:

– To open the Snipping Tool, Press Win + S and type Snipping Tool, then open the app.

– To take a screenshot, click on ‘New’ (and ‘Mode’) to choose the snip type (Rectangular, Free-form, Window, or Full-screen).

– Capture the desired area of your screen.

– Use the provided tools to annotate your screenshot.

– Save the screenshot to your desired location.

Four years on from Google being sued by the US Department of Justice over its control of about 90 per cent of the online search market, a US judge has ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly on its online search and the associated advertising.

Building and Defending a Search Monopoly 

Following a ten-week trial, in a 277-page opinion, US District Judge Amit Mehta, said: “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.” Following this landmark ruling, the judge laid out his reasons for finding Google guilty of violating antitrust laws through building and defending a monopoly. He highlighted how Google had spent spending billions of dollars to secure exclusive agreements with developers, carriers, and equipment makers to be the default search engine. For example, the judge said Google had done this using:

– Exclusive agreements. Google spent billions of dollars to secure agreements with phone/device manufacturers, carriers, and browser developers to make Google the default search engine on various platforms. As the judge put it, “The default is extremely valuable real estate. Because many users simply stick to searching with the default, Google receives billions of queries every day through those access points.” Underlying this is the basic assertion by the judge that if Google search were not the default (which it paid to be), or there was another search engine as the default, users would not end up using Google.

– These deals by Google effectively locked-out competitors (with much smaller budgets) from gaining market share in the search engine industry. For example, Google paid billions of dollars annually to Apple, Samsung, Mozilla, and others (typically paying a massive £7.8bn a year) to be pre-installed as the default search engine across platforms (see below).

– Pre-Installation on devices. Google ensured that its search engine was pre-installed and set as the default on a wide array of devices, including mobile phones, through agreements that required manufacturers to do so in exchange for access to the Google Play Store and other Google services. This strategy helped to reinforce Google’s dominant position by making it very difficult for consumers to switch to alternative search engines, thereby shutting out competitors and limiting choice.

– Restricting competitors. The judge’s ruling also highlighted how Google restricted competitors from gaining traction, i.e. by preventing other search engines from being easily accessible or discoverable on devices that carried Google as the default option. These tactics were seen as deliberately designed to suppress competition.

– Manipulating market outcomes. Judge Mehta also pointed out that Google’s extensive financial resources and strategic partnerships enabled it to manipulate market outcomes in its favour, thereby further entrenching its monopoly power. The judge argued that by maintaining control over key distribution channels, Google was able to secure and sustain its dominance in the market.

Dominance 

The level of dominance Google has achieved is made clear at the beginning of the Judge’s ruling statement where he highlighted how Google’s dominance has gone unchallenged for well over a decade. For example, the statement highlights how, in 2009, “80 per cent of all search queries in the United States already went through Google” and by 2020, “it was nearly 90 per cent, and even higher on mobile devices at almost 95 per cent”. The statement also illustrated the gulf between Google and its competitors, saying “The second-place search engine, Microsoft’s Bing, sees roughly 6 per cent of all search queries—84 per cent fewer than Google”. 

Money Spent On Agreements Vs Finacial Return 

The recent case has exposed how Google maintained its monopoly by spending billions on exclusive agreements to be the default search engine on devices and browsers but did so because the returns from its search advertising would be so much greater.

For example, the payments it made included both direct deals with companies like Apple and revenue-sharing arrangements that incentivised partners to prioritise Google over others. The financial return for Google came through its highly profitable search advertising model. In short, by ensuring it was the default option, Google maximised the volume of searches conducted on its platform, leading to a vast number of ad impressions and clicks (seeing and clicking on the ads shown on its search engine results pages.

The revenues from search advertising significantly outweighed the costs of these agreements, making this strategy extremely profitable for Google. This was a key aspect of the judge’s reasoning, illustrating how Google’s investments in maintaining its monopoly paid off financially.

Search Innovation Has Suffered 

In ruling that Google acted to build a monopoly to the point that “There is no genuine ‘competition for the contract.’ Google has no true competitor”, the judge also highlighted how this situation may have affected the evolution of search. For example, the judge made the point “The distribution agreements have caused a third key anticompetitive effect: They have reduced the incentive to invest and innovate in search.” 

Win For The People? 

The US Justice Department, which brought the case against Google, was clearly happy that the outcome was not just a victory for its Antitrust Division, but as Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “This victory against Google is an historic win for the American people”. Mr Garland also made the point that “No company – no matter how large or influential – is above the law” and that “This landmark decision holds Google accountable. It paves the path for innovation for generations to come and protects access to information for all Americans.” 

Defence 

Some of the key arguments put forward by Google’s lawyers in its defence centered around:

– Google’s innovation and competition. For example, Google emphasised that it faces significant competition from other tech companies including Amazon and TikTok, which serve different user needs. They argued that the company’s success is due to its continuous innovation and improvements in search quality, i.e. making it legitimately the best search engine, not simply anticompetitive behavior.

– Consumer benefits. It was also argued that the agreements Google made to be the default search engine actually benefited consumers by providing a superior search experience. They argued that these practices led to better products and services for users.

– Lawful agreements. The defence contended that the agreements Google secured with device manufacturers and other partners were lawful business practices, common in competitive markets. They insisted that these contracts were not designed to stifle competition but were part of standard industry practices.

It’s worth noting also that even the judge appeared to acknowledge at least Google’s efforts over the years to reach its dominant position, saying: “Google has not achieved market dominance by happenstance. It has hired thousands of highly skilled engineers, innovated consistently, and made shrewd business decisions. The result is the industry’s highest quality search engine, which has earned Google the trust of hundreds of millions of daily users.” 

Structural Relief 

The outcome of the judge’s ruling that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly on its online search is that it could pave the way for ‘structural’ remedies in the future, i.e. ‘structural relief’, especially if Google’s anticompetitive practices are not curbed through other means.

In antitrust law, structural relief essentially refers to remedies that involve altering the structure of a company to restore competitive conditions in a market. This could, for example, include breaking up a company into smaller entities, divesting certain business units, or making changes to the company’s ownership or operations to reduce its market power. It should be noted, however, that Judge Amit Mehta, did not immediately mandate such measures in this case.

What Now? 

Google is, of course, expected to appeal the ruling. The legal process has already taken several years, and the appeal is likely to extend the case further.  However, following the ruling, what structural relief could actually mean for Google and its Search could include:

– Breaking Up Google as we know it. This most extreme option could involve splitting Google into separate entities, such as divesting the search engine from other services like Android and YouTube.

– Ending default agreements. Google may be prevented from paying companies like Apple to be the default search engine, possibly encouraging the development of rival search engines.

– Introducing user choice screens. One interesting idea is that users may end up being presented with a choice of search engines when setting up devices.

These changes could impact both Google’s market dominance and user experience, although significant shifts like this (and the appeal) are likely to take quite some time.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

This monumental ruling against Google appears to mark a pivotal moment not just for the tech giant but for the entire digital ecosystem. For Google, the immediate future involves navigating legal appeals while potentially reassessing its business strategies that have long hinged on securing default positions across devices and platforms. Should structural remedies be enforced, Google’s operations could undergo significant transformations, possibly leading to a more fragmented corporate structure and altering how its services are integrated across products.

For competitors, this ruling could open a gateway to previously inaccessible markets. For example, search engines like Microsoft’s Bing, DuckDuckGo and other emerging players may now stand a chance to gain traction, especially if default agreements are dismantled. This could invigorate innovation in search technologies, offering diverse experiences and features that cater to varied user preferences. The potential for increased competition might also drive down advertising costs, presenting new opportunities for businesses to diversify their digital marketing strategies.

Companies that had agreements with Google, such as device manufacturers and browser developers, may now find themselves at a crossroads. The lucrative deals that once ensured Google’s default presence could be scrutinised or prohibited, compelling these companies to reevaluate their partnerships and possibly explore collaborations with alternative search providers. This shift could foster a more competitive bidding environment, benefiting these companies through diversified revenue streams and partnerships.

The market, in response, may now be poised for a renaissance of competition and innovation. The dismantling of monopolistic practices may lead to a more leveled playing field, perhaps encouraging the emergence of niche search services tailored to specific industries or user needs. This diversification could stimulate advancements in search algorithms, user interfaces, and integration with other digital services.

For businesses that rely heavily on search engine marketing, this ruling could have far-reaching implications. As the dominance of Google faces potential dilution, companies may need to adapt their SEM strategies to account for a broader array of platforms. This could mean diversifying ad spend across multiple search engines, learning to navigate different advertising ecosystems, and potentially even adjusting key performance indicators (KPIs) as new competitors enter the market.

The potential increase in competition among search engines might lead to more competitive advertising rates, which could be advantageous for businesses looking to optimise their SEM budgets. However, this could also introduce complexity, requiring businesses to manage and optimise campaigns across several platforms rather than focusing solely on Google. The need for specialised knowledge in multiple search engine algorithms and advertising models will likely increase, necessitating further investment in digital marketing expertise.