Helpful iOS 9 Tips for Apple Enthusiast

You may find it hard to distinguish the difference between iOS 8 and iOS 9 at first glance, but if you look into it a little closer you'll find that the newest Apple software has a lot to offer. The new iOS 9 is loaded with a bunch of new apps, added features, and some cosmetic modifications that aim to make some major improvements on iOS 8.

Here are some of our favorite tips, tricks, and secret additions that will help you become an expert of Apple's latest operating system.

How to search

Simply swipe right on the home screen, and you'll get the new search screen. You can find Siri suggestions here based on your previous activity, so you may find contacts, news, or other information that you might be interested in. Apple has also added more natural language support into the search function, so you can easily phrase questions.

If you go to Settings, you'll also see that Apple added a search bar at the top, specifically for finding that baffling toggle without having to go through all those menus.

How to launch Siri hands-free

If you own a new iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus, you can now say "Hey Siri," anywhere at any time, and Siri will respond to you. Back in iOS 8, this was only possible if your iPhone is plugged in and charging. Unfortunately, users of iPhone 6 and below also had this experience. To enable this feature, go to Settings, then General. Now, go to Siri, and then toggle Hey Siri on. You'll do a quick spot of training to ensure that Siri only responds to your voice, and then you're all set.

Back to App

In an effort to improve app switching and multitasking, iOS 9 offers a very convenient way to move between several applications. For example, opening a link sent via Messages will take you to the URL, but instead of double-tapping to bring up the app-switcher, there will be an option to go Back to Messages found at the top left corner of the screen.

Group Notifications

Instead of viewing all your notifications in a purely sequential list, you now have the option to group notifications by app. This can be done by going to Settings, then Notifications, and then enableGroup by App. So, instead of searching for your most recent CNN updates within a giant unorganized list, your notifications will be grouped according to the app it relates to.

Disable Shake to Undo

Shake to Undo is a hidden feature in iOS 9 that lets you quickly delete the last few words typed with just a quick shake of your iPhone. There have been reports that it has been overly sensitive and the pop-up appears to be frustrating. Now, you can disable it altogether by going to Settings, then Accessibility. Next, go to Shake to Undo, and then toggle the slider to enable it.

Turn a video into a floating window (for iPads only)

As part of Apple's effort of integrating multitasking better into the iPad, iOS 9 enables you to turn a video into a floating window and have it show up even when you exit the app. This is perfect for catching up on some TV while you knock out an email, and it also works for FaceTime calls.

Currently, it only works with the native Videos app and some websites, just tap the icon above (furthest left on the video player) and prepare for a much enhanced multitasking. You can resize the window by pinching it or shut it down completely by hitting the X icon.

Here Are 6 New Google Drive Features You Might Find Useful

We all have come to love Google Drive apps because of their simplicity and ease of use. The new features Google has added to Docs, Sheets, and Slides are just in time for the start of the new school year. The good thing about it is you don't have to be a student in order to utilize these new useful features. Below are highlights on some of the newest features Google Drive is now offering in order to create powerful and more creative documents and presentations that will surely impress your professor, colleagues, or your boss.

Voice Typing

Google has been mastering voice recognition for some time now and those skills are now being introduced with voice typing in Google Docs. With this feature, you can now dictate instead of type, just by speaking what you want to write. Voice Typing by Google Docs currently supports 40 different languages.

Want to know how to use this feature? Open any document from Google Docs in the Chrome browser. Then head to Tools, then select Voice typing. Now, click on the microphone, and then start speaking for Google to transcribe what you are speaking, including punctuation marks. You may speak freely, but keep in mind that Google will censor profane language.

Research from Google Docs

The Google Drive Android app has a new Research tool for Docs that allows you to perform a search in Google without having to leave the document you are working on. This feature is helpful when it comes to finding and reading information, copying and pasting texts or phrases from online into your document, inserting images you have chosen from Google, as well as inserting links.

Research has been available on Google Drive's website, but this is the first time it's featured on the Android app.

Power Linking

If you need to add multiple links to your article or other document, the Power Linking feature is definitely faster than Research Tool in accomplishing that job. To use it, highlight the target text, then press [Control] + [K] or ⌘ + [K]. The search menu will then auto-suggest a link. If one of the suggestions given doesn't give you the results that you're looking for, change the text in the search box to more specifically match your target.

Create Charts in Sheets

Google Sheet now lets you create charts in no time and make you look like a data whiz that easily. If you want to try it out, select the Chart icon on the menu bar or choose Insert > Chart to bring up the chart editor box. Going to the Start tab, you can edit the range of cells and choose different layout settings. It also suggests some recommended charts based on the type of data you have. If none of those options suit your preference, you can click the More link and select from some other options. Afterwards, click on Insert to place the chart you have selected into your spreadsheet.

Map It

This is another powerful feature presented by Google Docs -- create a map out of location-based data. For example, if you have population data or other kinds of results from different countries, you can create a chart that will provide a better visualization of this. The data will need to include specific locations in the cells in order for the command to work. To use it, click the Charts tab and then select Map. Next, select the GeoMap option. Then in the Customize tab, you can change the colors that appear on your map. Trending data in Sheets can be represented by many different kinds of charts and methods. Once you have these two features down, you should be able to experiment and easily use any of the different options offered by this great feature.

Solve Groupwork Dillemas with Slides

Google Slides is neither similar to PowerPoint when it comes to template offerings nor with Keynote when it comes to visual elegance, but it can make your work a lot easier, especially if it's a group project. You can collaborate on a Google Slide the same way you would with Docs or Sheets.

You can even upload a PowerPoint file, convert it to a Slides presentation, and work anywhere you want. If you want to upload a PowerPoint presentation, locate the file on your computer and drag it to into the Drive interface. Select the box that converts the file to the proper Google format. When you have your Slides presentation started, you can then invite others to view and/or edit the presentation, if necessary.

You can even embed a presentation on a Google Site. In Sites, go to Insert > Drive > Presentation. Any user who navigates to your site have the ability to click through the slides directly from the webpage. To insert the presentation into your personal or company website, click File > Publish to the web... In the dialog box that appears, copy the HTML from the box labeled Embed code, and then paste it into the HTML of your website. Once done, click on OK.

This feature also works with other Google Drive files, giving you the option to easily display any of your projects to other users.

7 Voice-Activated Apps That Are Waiting for You to Speak Up

Voice recognition software is not rocket science and new anymore, but if you place this feature on a smartphone, it comes to life. Imagine the frustration it would eliminate by having this feature on your phone -- scrambling for a microphone and repeating yourself again and again. Voice recognition is now becoming large and popular nowadays because of the enhanced speech recognition capabilities of today's smartphone platforms, such as Google's Android and Apple iOS.

The need of integrating voice recognition has arised due to the increasing prevalence of laws restricting the use of mobile phones, especially when driving. Although Bluetooth can be found useful for drivers to talk hands-free, but sometimes people want to access email and text messages, too.

Luckily, there's a pool of apps that can provide such access and more. Below is a simple roundup of some of today's best voice-activated apps that are just waiting for your commands.

PromptSmart

The PromptSmart app is the very first voice recognition-enabled telemprompter app for iOS devices. It aims to be the "smartest teleprompter for the easiest public speaking experience." With the use of VoiceTrack voice recognition technology, PromptSmart promises to follow along with a speaker's voice, highlighting the appropriate text in real-time along with a speaker's natural pace. For scripted presentations, users can import a script from Box, Dropbox, Gmail, Google Drive or OneDrive, or just create your own within the app. Presentations can be customized with different text and background colors, font types and sizes.

PromptSmart is available for download at $9.99 at iTunes. The app's cost will increase to $14.99 once its early promotional period expires.

RunGo

With RunGo, you don't have to look for a running companion because the app lets you easily map out your run and then gives you voice navigation along the way, while letting you listen to your favorite music and take calls. Other great features that users can enjoy from this app includes -- a library of running routes, advanced voice navigation, route creator for planning your own routes, can work offline once routes are downloaded, and it requires no login.

Android and iOS users can download the RunGo app for free.

Selfie Assistant

Don't you wish your front camera has the same good resolution like the one at the back of your phone? But that's not the case. This is where Selfie Assistant comes in handy. This app guides you to take better shots with your phone's rear camera by talking you through a photo and letting you know how many people will be included in the shot when you can't see the front screen of your phone.

The Selfie Assistant is free for iOS users, but Android users can get another app that offers the same functionality.

Domino's

Want to take your ordering habits to a different level? If you don't want to type in your pizza order, check out the Domino's app. "Dom," the app's helpful voice-ordering assistant, is available for a variety of personalized ordering needs -- which includes taking out an order for carryout or delivery, handling saved Easy Orders, suggesting additions to a meal, and finding coupons for the best deals.

The app can be downloaded for free and is compatible on both iOS and Android platforms.

SideChef

Isn't it frustrating when you try to follow a recipe online from your phone or tablet, but then it turns off when your prep steps are too long or becomes messy when you try to swipe on the screen and your hands are messy with all those ingredients you're holding? Don't worry because SideChef is the perfect solution for your cooking/baking needs. The app speaks each step and then waits for you to say "Next," "Back," or "Repeat" before it performs the next action.

SideChef is free for download for both iOS and Android users.

iTranslate

This free app for iOS, Android, and Windows is a fast and easy to use tool with numerous languages built in and accurate translations. With iTranslate, you can select between lots of different dialects, choose a male or female voice, and even control the speech rate. The app is optimized for fast text input. Get suggestions while you're typing, turn your phone to the side, and use both hands for typing with the bigger landscape keyboard, or use its popular swipe gestures for quick copying and pasting. iTranslate can be a great addition to your next vacation, making it fast for you to translate conversations in real time for over 90 languages.

Comcast Xfinity X1 Remote

This app completely changes the dynamic of the traditional remote control, creating a whole new experience between TV and customers' devices. With the swipe of a finger, the Xfinity X1 Remoteapp transforms your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into personal entertainment assistants. Using motion and gesture controls, viewers can easily find what to watch on live TV and Xfinity on Demand. A simple shake of your device will pause programs on the TV. Filters and the device's keyboard find shows and movies faster than ever before. Plus, the app lets users interact on the TV with social media tools and apps, such as news, weather, sports, Facebook, Pandora, and Twitter.

The free app is compatible for both iOS and Android devices.

Ten Things You Need to Know About the New Moto 360 and Gear S2

The Moto 360 from Motorola and Gear S2 from Samsung are the freshest and latest smartwatches that were introduced during the IFA fair that took place in Berlin last September, 2015. If you're planning to get your hands on one of these latest wearable techs, it's good to find out a little bit more about each of them. So here are some facts you may want to know:

Do these smartwatches have different models?

Samsung and Motorola are providing more choices to its buyers. Motorola is offering four new variants of the Android Wear-based Moto 360: it has two case sizes, a Sport version with onboard GPS, and the other is for women. It also has onboard Wi-Fi. While Samsung's new line-up of smartwatches is Tizen-based and includes the Wi-Fi versions of the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic, as well as the 3G version of the Gear S2.

Can you customize these watches?

Yes you can, but Motorola offers more customization options than Samsung via the Moto Maker tool. With the Moto 360, you have the liberty to choose among different sizes, cases, bezels, and bands. Samsung will offer the Gear S2 with either a dark gray case with a dark gray band or a silver case with a white band.

What are the different resolutions and screen sizes?

All three Samsung models have a 1.2-inch screen with 360 x 360 pixel resolution. The Moto 360, on the other hand, have either a 1.56-inch screen with a 330 x 330 pixel resolution, or a 1.37-inch screen and 360 x 325 pixel resolution.

What's inside?

Inside the Moto 360 smartwatches are 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor from Qualcomm. Samsung's watches have to make do with an unnamed dual-core 1GHz processor. However, Samsung's Tizen OS shows to give good performance despite of the processor setback. The storage and RAM are the same for all Motorola and Samsung models: 512MB and 4GB, respectively.

Do they have improved battery life?

According to documentations, Samsung promises battery life of up to three days while Motorola claims that the large Moto 360 has a battery life of up to two days. Those claims have yet to be proven.

What kind of sensor features do they have?

The Samsung and Motorola smartwatches both tout an Accelerometer, Ambient Light, and Gyro. However, the Gear S2's 3G variant also has GPS support. The Samsung watch also supports Barometer and HTM, whereas the Moto 360 support Vibrations/Haptic engine.

What's the good thing about the Moto 360 Sport?

The Moto 360 Sport watch is developed to enable users to run without the need of bringing their smartphone because of its integrated GPS and a music player. The smartwatch also has an LCD display, combining a traditional backlit transmissive screen with a front-lit reflective technology. It has the ability to switch between the two as lighting conditions change.

What are the low points of getting the 3G version of the Gear S2?

Constant connectivity is gold, but in this case, it comes with a price. The 3G version of the Gear S2 has a shorter battery life, and it's bigger and heavier than the Wi-Fi version. As for the price, there is a big possibility that the price is higher; though this can be a good investment for people who don't have a smartphone.

How much will these smartwatches cost?

For the Moto 360, base prices range from US$299 to $429. If you want to get the bigger version, it cost $50 as does choosing a metal band. The rose gold or gold version of the Moto 360 variant for women has an extra $30 cost, while a double leather wrap costs an additional $10. The Moto 360 Sport will also have the same cost of $299. However, Samsung hasn't released the final pricing for its watches yet.

When is the shipping date?

The new Moto 360 models will be shipped starting this month, except for the Sport model, and can now be pre-ordered in the US with more countries to be followed soon. Also, there's still no announcement from Samsung as to when their Gear S2 smartwatches will start shipping.

5 Apps That You Will Find Useful in Your Mac's Menu Bar

The Mac's menu bar is the place where you can quickly access different functions on your machine. From here you can easily connect to various WiFi networks, check how much battery power you have left, adjust the volume control, and determine your iChat, Sync, and VPN status as well. One great thing about the menu bar is that it can be accessed no matter what application you are currently using. It also does not interrupt your work and lets you accomplish your task.

So below is a collection of apps that will make your Mac's menu bar even more useful and interesting.

Loading

The Loading app allows you to see what apps are currently accessing your network connection. This app with a sun's ray-like icon sits on your menu bar, which shows you all the apps that are currently or have recently used your network connection. This will help you determine which apps are using your bandwidth and uninstall them accordingly.

This is a great tool to help you easily identify the apps that are wasting your connection. The Loading app can be downloaded from its official website for free.

Clip Menu

Clip Menu is an app for Mac that extends the default clipboard limit to eight items instead of one. It keeps the most current eight items in it, and then you can paste them where you need it. This may be considered as an enhanced version of clipboard that most of us would be delighted to see in the next version of OS X.

You can get the Clip Menu app for free from its official website.

Ejector

Do you find the usual process of ejecting on a removable disk drive (right-clicking on it then selecting eject) from your Mac somewhat tiring or inconvenient? Well, the Ejector app can solve that trouble for you. Whenever you want to eject a drive on your Mac, simply click on the Ejector icon on your menu bar, then select the drive you wish to eject, and it will be safely ejected from your Mac. The app also gives you the option to eject all drives off your machine, which is convenient especially if you have multiple drives connected to your Mac and you don't have the time to eject each one individually.

The Ejector app is available for free on the MacUpdate website.

Tomighty

This is an app that lets you set a timer straight from your menu bar so you can monitor of how long your break was or how long you have been working on your machine. To use it, simply click on the app icon on the menu bar, select the break type, and then the timer will start. The timer will keep on counting until the time you have specified is up.

Tomighty can be downloaded for free from its official website.

Bartender

Bartender for Mac lets you organize the menu bar icons so that they are in good shape and do not overlap. It allows you to rearrange the menu bar icons, place them according to your preference, hide icons that you don't want to see, and so on. As for the functionality, this app does not affect how the app works even if you have modified your menu bar.

Try the Bartender app free of charge for four weeks, and then you can upgrade it to the paid version.