10 Things You Can Control With Your iPhone

It can be hard to keep up with technological advances. So many neat gadgets, so little time! On the other hand, it's important to get the most out of your gadgets (especially the ones you already own). Not only does knowledge equate to power, but in this case knowing about technology is also fun, cool, and practical. Staying abreast of technology options can save time,
money, and create convenience.



Smartphones, in particular, are becoming more and more sophisticated with a broader range
of abilities. Apple's iPhone is one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. Developers
have created thousands of amazing apps for the iPhone. Some of the best apps are widgets that
allow an iPhone or iPod Touch to be used as a remote control. Let's look at 10 things you can
control with your iPhone.

VLC or Boxee.

The Video LAN client, a popular, free media player application, can be controlled using
your iPhone. Just download the free VLC Remote app (or buy a premium version). If you have
Boxee, use your iPhone as a remote for this as well.

Xbox.

The iPhone can be used as a remote control for the Xbox Media Center. Watch movies on your
Mac the easy way—with a remote! You'll need to download the XBMC Remote app.

iTunes.

This practical and free remote app (launched with the original iPhone and App Store) allows
you to control iTunes from Wi-Fi range. You'll be able to adjust the volume, pause, or find a
different song all from the comfort of your bed or from another room in the house. Other apps
will control home stereo systems.

Apple TV.

The same free app that works with iTunes will also work to control Apple TV's box—a much
better alternative than the plastic remote that comes with Apple TV.

Auto Security.

In addition to entertainment options, the iPhone has many other practical capabilities. Keep an
eye on your car or truck from a distance using your iPhone as a security monitoring camera by
downloading one of the many monitoring apps from the App Store.

Home Security.

The best way to keep burglars out is to keep them guessing. Home automation apps allow you
to use your iPhone to lock and unlock doors, and adjust the lighting throughout the house from
afar.

Presentations.

The iPhone can be used for business purposes. Use your iPhone to remotely control business
presentations. Most apps are only $0.99!

Computer.

Your iPhone or iPod Touch can be used as a wireless trackpad and keyboard using an app like
the Air Mouse Pro by Mobile Mouse Pro.

VNC.

Virtual network computing (VNC) lets you view and control desktop software remotely.

Photoshop.

Last but not least, Adobe Photoshop can be controlled via a toolbar on your iPhone.

With so many outstanding free apps, it's easy to take advantage of technology. Apple's constant
record of innovation means plenty of options for your iPhone now and in the future.

Guest post by @mrscathypierce. Cathy Pierce is a business professional turned stay-at-home mom. She loves her kids, good TV and the Web.

Making Your Eco Mark with Your Mobile and Broadband

With so much emphasis today on mobile phone technology and service, increasingly better phones and better services for them, it’s important that we learn how to use our mobile phones in a way that is environmentally responsible and careful. As mobile technology becomes more and more a part of our lives, we are responsible to make sure that we are doing as little damage as possible to our planet when using this technology or discarding older models.

There are many ways to be green about our mobile phone use. Some of them will be more plausible for your situation and personality, others less so. Do what you can even if it seems like very little. If everyone does their part, no matter how small, not only will the world be a better place, but it will last for a lot longer as well. Here are some tips for greener mobile and broadband technology use.



Recycle!
That’s right; we’ll start off with a no brainer. When your phone becomes old or you just have to have that new gadget recently released in stores, recycle the one you won’t be using anymore. This doesn’t have to mean giving it away to a homeless person or melting it down for parts. Recycling your old phone could involve good, hard cash! Try looking up your model on Envirofone to see how much it would be worth if you put it back on the market. Reselling your phone is just as green a way to recycle it as any, and the benefits can be even greener.

Alternatively, if there’s a problem with your SIM card or you need to change your number for some reason, see if you can keep your old handset and buy only a new SIM card. This cuts down on your consumption of raw materials and is a great, environmentally conscious way to save money.

Energy Monitoring
Monitor your use of energy with a website such as Electricity Monitor. You can compare products and choose the ones that use the least energy and allow you to leave as tiny a carbon footprint as possible. If your mobile phone uses too much energy, find out if you can cut the amount down a bit by changing your settings, or see if you can afford to invest in a mobile phone that uses less energy.

Green Apps
Really, apps for your smartphone that will somehow make you greener? Ranging from ideas and tips for a greener lifestyle and directories of the most environmentally conscious businesses in your area to product scanners to help you check the environmental impact of any product before buying it, green apps can be an essential way to make your lifestyle more environmentally healthy. There is also an app to help you avoid overcharging your smartphone, which could lead to unnecessary energy usage, and an app to help you become a better, more environmentally conscious driver. There is a full list of Green Apps over at Techcrunch.

Supplier Scrutiny
Do a bit of research on the various service providers available in your area to see which ones have the best record of concern for the environment. The best way to reward green companies is with your business and, although this may sometimes even cost a little more than sticking with the polluting conglomerate monopolies of the world, the peace of mind that you get in exchange, along with the knowledge that you are doing your part to save the planet, will be more than worth the extra expense.

Better Broadband
Find partnerships and businesses offering broadband services that donate part of their proceeds to charity. You can find one of our top overall picks at www.greenmobile.co.uk. Companies that are environmentally conscious not only donate a portion of their proceeds to green charities but also find ways to cut down their energy usage and provide quality services with the least amount of damage as possible done to nature. Many of these offer packages that include a pledge from their company to donate a certain amount to saving the environment. Some also offer on their website helpful tips for lessening your impact on the environment, recycling programs, information about their charity programs, lists of awards they have won, and more.

Guest post by James Helliwell of Broadband Expert

Signing Up For The 3G iPad Service Information

The iPad prelaunch was a rousing success as far as Apple is concerned. Some 91,000 iPads were pre-ordered on the first day, and market analysts are estimating that Apple will see as much as 500,000 iPads pre-ordered before April 3rd. This coming after they aired their first commercial during the Oscars. If some weren’t interested in an iPad before you saw that commercial, likely their opinion changed pretty quickly. Apple does a good job of polishing their commercials as much as they do their devices. Needless to say, iPad case and accessory makers are frothing at the mouth over this new devices potential.

Along with the launch of the iPad pre-order, Apple also let leak more information about their 3G iPad tablets and how the data service would work. Apparently the 3G iPad tablets aren’t going to be available until later in April. The Wi-Fi on the iPad will support 802.11n for optimal performance. There will be two 3G broadband plans available through AT&T, one allowing up to 250 MB of data for $14.99 and the other allowing unlimited data for $29.99. Apple has made it as easy as pie to spend your money on the service as well- you will be able to sign up for the service directly on your iPad with an easy sign up screen in your preferences. There appears to be no contract necessary so you can cancel at any time, so if you will need more data because you will be traveling, just upgrade your account or enroll on the go. Customers who have the limited plan will get alerts when their allotted credit has 20%, 10%, and 0% remaining. In addition to getting the 3G service users will also get access to AT&T’s 20,000 other Wi-Fi hotspots.

For that price, even we are considering getting a 3G enabled iPad. We’ve tried using our iPhone as a complete replacement for a laptop computer while on the go, and it almost (but not quite) fills that gap. However, Apple’s new tablet has a real possibility of replacing a laptop completely when traveling and on the go, all you need are a couple additional accessories for the iPad like a bluetooth keyboard and iPad stand or cover. If you live a jet set life and are often on the go, then this gem is going to be a real life saver!

Contributed by our friends at iPad Accessories who are the premier source for iPad accessory information on the web. Check out their latest post on the Best Accessories For iPad you will want to think about buying to accompany your newest gem!