Probably the least desirable option is to create an app specifically for your website. This is appropriate only in certain cases. When your website uses large applications, like a flash program, it is better to design a lighter version that mobile devices will run easier. For websites where the main content is text based articles, however, apps often leave out features from the website without really providing any advantages. Most mobile browsers are good enough to display the full website.

Mobile Responsive Design

The better option, in general, is what’s called mobile responsive design. Mobile responsive design has become really popular recently, and despite being considered a bit of a design fad by some designers, is a very effective technique. The idea behind mobile responsive design is that website templates are designed to scale easily across many screen sizes. Here are some major things to consider when using mobile responsive design:

• Simplify your column structure. On larger screens, websites can easily have 3 or more columns of content, but this doesn’t work well on a narrow iPhone screen. Design your site with just a few columns that can be stacked on top of each other on small screens. For a traditional three column layout, for example, the left navigation on a computer screen would be at the top of an iPhone screen, the center column of content would come next, and then the computer’s right column of extra links and other features would be at the bottom of the page on an iPhone, because it is least important.

• One of the most important features of a website for users on iPad or iPhone touch screens is to have large navigation buttons. When lots of links are crammed together in a small space, it’s easy to bump the wrong link. Help mobile users by making your site’s navigation touch-friendly.

• Pay attention to column width. Setting your column at large, defined widths can make it difficult for many users to see because their browser will only zoom in to the width of the paragraph. Instead try using scalable column widths.

  There are many more factors to consider in using mobile responsive design, but these will get you started. This technique makes your website easily accessible by users on iPads, iPhones, or any other mobile device, and will ensure you’re not losing potential traffic.

This article was written by Aubrey Phelps, a writer for Data Center Utah. In her spare time, she goes hiking in Utah and spends time with family.

1: Web MD Mobile

This invaluable app is ideal for parents who need to quickly research illnesses and symptoms – as we all know, children can switch from being fully active and healthy to suddenly complaining of stomach pains or ear ache, and it’s hard to know when to call a doctor. This app will take you through questions based on your child’s symptoms, will tell you what action to take and help advise on possible treatments too.

2: Amazon

Amazon is the ultimate mega-store, selling everything from children’s bedroom furniture to gardening tools, electronics and tableware. This app is superb for busy Moms on the go – if you get a last minute invitation to a child’s birthday party then check out this app for an incredible choice of toys, games and books. Or if you’ve got a few spare moments (as unlikely as that sounds!) why not set up wish lists for your childrens’ birthday or Christmas presents?

3: Family Fun Craft Finder

If you’re wondering how to keep your kids occupied during vacations or on a rainy day, then check out this app for a fab range of craft activities. You can search by age, project type or occasion, and you can add all the craft supplies you’ll need to an instant shopping list.

4: Weather Bug Elite

As a Mom you’ll need to know what the weather is likely to be doing so you can plan how many layers to put your kids in and decide whether you’re going to opt for a picnic in the park or a cinema trip! This app will give you a full week’s overview of the weather plus hourly forecasts and live images of local weather.

5: Dinner Spinner

Trying to give your family a varied menu and encouraging your children to try new food is one of the greatest challenges of parenthood! It’s so easy to get stuck with a few core meals, so try out this app and search through thousands of fantastic recipes. There are different search functions and all recipes are reviewed by users, and once you click on a particular recipe you’ll see a list of ingredients and easy to use instructions.

6: iReward Chart

We all know that reward charts do a great job in motivating your children by rewarding good behaviour with stickers and ultimately a present or prize too! But not everyone wants to have their kitchen walls covered with stickers and charts, so check out this fantastic app which lets you set up lists of tasks and chores for your child, and they can tap stars when they’ve finished and watch them add up. This app also suggests some great rewards for your children too.

7: Kitchen Calculator Pro

This app is ideal for all Moms who get confused with all the different measurements you’ll find in recipes – it lists all the usual kitchen measurements that you could ever need and will save you tons of time when you’re cooking in a rush.

8: Mom Maps

A wonderful app that tells you all about what’s going on for kids in your local neighbourhood – parks, museums, playgrounds and much more. Using your phone’s location you’ll be able to find out more about these attractions by clicking on the map to see instant visitor information and reviews.

9: Grocery IQ

This app is an absolute must to make sure that your grocery shopping is cost effective and efficient – its features include list sharing with a favourites list for items you buy every week, coupons and a barcode scanner. Your lists will also update automatically so you can keep track of your shopping while on the go.

10: eBay Mobile

The biggest virtual second-hand store on the planet! Whether you need to find porcelain animals, 70’s flares, dolls house furniture or a first edition book, eBay offers an exceptional range of products all at great second-hand prices. This app gives you quick and easy access to your account and lets you bid on items when you’re on the go. It will also send notification messages about items you’re watching or bidding on.

These fantastic iPhone Apps are a lifesaver for busy Moms and will save so much time, helping you to keep family life running smoothly and giving you a well-earned chance to rest and relax!

Did you recently get a new iPhone? Well, you’ve come to the right place because there could be a lot to process upon getting such a gorgeously designed device. And most certainly, one of the top priorities you’ll probably have in setting up your iPhone is to find and get the best apps. There are thousands upon thousands of applications available on the iPhone market, but to make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of a few must have apps for your iPhone according to veteran iPhone users:

1. Gmail

Now, who doesn’t have a Gmail account these days? So, there’s no better way to access your account but through Google’s official application. It actually supports access to multiple accounts and can even hook you up to many links like your YouTube account as well. Gmail also allows you to get push messages but you will need to setup via the Microsoft Exchange setup.

2. Flipboard

This is basically the first magazine of the new century. It includes a mixture of different articles, viral videos and even links from Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. It’s actually one good way to know what’s going on in the world without becoming overwhelmed by boring old texts because it features all sorts of media. Flipboard aggregates all the latest stories in a clean easy to use on an app. You can also add your own sources for news with one of the best news reading interfaces out there.

3. Instagram

Instagram, if you haven’t heard of it before, allows users to edit and share their photos with just a few clicks. There are quite a few filter options that you can apply to your photos to give it a cool, vintage, or artsy feel, if you so wish. Instagram is an incredibly popular social media platform and is also very easy-to-use, so you’d be crazy not to take advantage of your iPhone camera with this app. So, now you can share your photos to multiple social networking sites without a hassle.

4. Instapaper

This is a very nice application for readers who don’t really have much time to read. This allows users to quickly send thing they want to read at a later period to Instapaper. It comes with a variety of text options to make your reading pleasurable. Also, it can regularly send out unread articles to your tablet apps, if you already have one. Add your friends from twitter and Facebook. There are also 50 filters that you can apply to your photos and share on social networks.

5. Fantastical

This is a great app to create events that is more attractive and streamlined than other Calendar apps. With this application, you can just type in your event, add, and you’re done. You will no longer need the fields, sliders and even the dials like in the Calendar app.

6. Network Operator Apps

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could monitor your mobile usage? You could easily check at a touch of an app on how much minutes, texts and data you have used. Most large networks now have released their own App to monitor not just usage but also get help and support. Some of the apps also allow you to find the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots and also contact support or go straight to the forums for help.

You can also check for the latest price plans; if you are on an iPhone SIM only and your monthly usage increases you can easily check the next tariff which is most suitable. You are also able to check your latest bill too online.

Some of the popular network apps which allow you to stay in control of your app are, My Vodafone app, MYO2APP and myAT&T app, check them out today.

feature image via: apps400.com

The app itself is great and is way superior to any older voice based applications Apple came up with before. It has already been used by thousands into their day to day life, many times just for fun but some times it proves itself useful too.

Let’s take a look at some of the cool ways you should be using Siri in your everyday life and what it can do.

Siri’s Functions

Ask Siri to Wake You Up

If you’re down and just want to crash, you will hate to set the alarm by going to options, setting the time and so on? Well, Siri got you covered. Just hold on to it and say like “Wake me up at 9:30” and you are on! This is much more convenient than manually setting individual alarms on your phone’s alarm settings, and this works particularly great with power naps like wake me in 30 minutes, or in 2 hours etc.

Hate to type? Have Siri lend some help

Typing can be a hectic thing to do, especially on the small screens and if you are on the road and looking for directions, it can be worse. Siri is an effective and easy shortcut to Google Maps and a single question to her can set you free from all this. For example, “Siri, do you know the way to Vegas?” And yes, saying your question in the form of a song works great too!

Sending texts are also easy. Just say “siri, text my dad and let him know am not coming home tonight” and there you have an SMS sent! You can do it in style too with placing the phone to your ears, and the side walkers will think as if you were talking to your personal assistant! Well, didn’t you?

Love playing random songs? Tell Siri to play one for you

I know most of us like to scroll through our music library and play songs around. But doing it again and again can be hectic sometimes, especially if the list is large. I never imagined anything could stop me from this scrolling thing but Siri did. Just say, “Siri, play a random song” and she is on it. Do it every time and each time you will get a new one. I know that’s quite a small thing but still it’s cool.

Wake Up To A Quick Weather Forecast

Unless you’re a recluse, chances are that in the morning you’re definitely interested in knowing what the day’s weather will be like without having to go to the window of your house or switching the weather TV channel. Simply asking a question to Siri, as simple as “What’s the weather today?”, and she can tell you in real time.

What else?

There are many other small and simple things you can use Siri for in your everyday life that simply streamline functions that you normally do into quicker tasks, like sending tweets, setting a reminder, and even settling an argument (she has got some real knowledge)! Playing music can be fun too by simply saying the name of the play list, song, artist or album.

So – is it really worth using everyday?

As previously mentioned, Siri truly is one of Apple’s most innovative creations to date, breaking the mold of intelligent design, and for some, it is definitely worth using in everyday life. Siri’s functionality is not only simple, but really innovative and amazingly fun to use. But having said that, like everything else in the world of technology, there is one small problem that might arise after prolonged use: Siri surely is useful as far as you are within its functionality level, and so far as you don’t have a thick non-native English accent. As soon you enter outside it, or speak with too strong an accent, you’ll run into inquiries that Siri just simply cannot respond to or comprehend, which can be really annoying and in some ways renders Siri to be virtually useless function. However, all in all, Siri can still be a handy feature to stick to for quick access to your phone and for some useful functions on the go!

The Supported Devices:

Siri is supported by almost all latest apple devices like iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3^rd gen) & iPod touch (5^th gen). It’s a cloud-based service and requires internet connection to use and access it.

The final verdict:

There are many positive and at the same time negative remarks circulating over the internet about this app. Sure it has certain set of functionality and cannot do “everything” for you but still it surely is useful to do many smaller things that you can do quickly with this great feature.
Using it everyday may depend on your lifestyle and how you live your day to day life. For example, for a busy person on the go, it can send texts, remind of the important dates, works, appointments, and even locate stores in a nearby area! So if these simple yet to some level, important things matter to you, Siri is definitely a tool for your everyday life!

Author Bio:
This article was provided by James Weaser – software creater and gadget geek. Now James is working on free dvd burning software project.

iOS 1.0 Debut: January 2007

On January 7, 2007, Steve Jobs took the stage at MacWorld 2007 and made an announcement that shook the mobile phone industry. The very first iPhone was introduced on June 29, 2007 and was available in either 4gb or 8gb size. It ran on very first iOS 1.0. Although the first iPhone was unable to run third party applications, Apple was able to reinvent the industry by developing a mobile device with such features as a mobile search engine, iPod capabilities, maps, and a visual voicemail system.

iOS 2.0 Debut: July 2008

The following summer, Apple announced and released the iOS 2.0 on the iPhone 3G and opened the infamous App Store and GPS system. At the time of its release, there were over 500 third party applications available for download including mobile games for the iPhone and downloadable music. The combination of this and the faster 3G networking propelled the iPhone ahead of the competition. Within a year, the App Store had over 35,000 iPhone apps in the App Store, with 1,000,000,000 app downloads. Apple also introduced the iPod touch, a non-network handheld device that ran the iOS 2.0.

iPhone 3GS

iOS 3.0 Debut: June 2009

The iOS 3.0 was announced with the arrival of the iPhone 3Gs (the ‘s’ stands for speed) in June of 2009. With faster speeds across the board and the availability of a 32 GB phone, the new operating system was only the beginning of the perks of this generation of iPhone. The iOS 3.0 marked the introduction of push notifications, video recording, landscaped keyboards, cut/copy/paste, voice control, and much more. The iOS 3.0 revolutionized the iPhone and paved the way for what was next to come. April 3, 2010. Enter the iPad. The iPad is a line of tablet computers that run on the Apple operating system. The iOS 3.2 was released to help transition the iPad into Apple’s line of products. Applications, music, movies, and more could all be synced to multiple devices using iTunes.

iOS 4.0 Debut: April 2010

Apple realized there is much at stake in the mobile smart phone industry. Competition with the Android had been fierce, each trying to get ahead of the other. The iPhone lacked specific key features that many other smart phones had, such as Bluetooth capabilities, multitasking, and design customization. In order for Apple to catch up to their Android competition, they released the iOS 4.0 in April 2010. One major criticism of the iPhone is the lack of ability to customize the appearance and interface to the user’s preference. The iOS 4.0 took strides toward improving this by implementing wallpaper and background customization as well as introducing folder organization of applications. One of the headlining capabilities of the iOS 4.0 was the introduction of FaceTime video chatting, which allowed users on Wi-Fi networks to communication visually with one another using their front-facing cameras.

Siri

iOS 5.0: October 2011

“What can I help you with?” says Siri, the intelligent personal assistant robot designed by Apple. Siri was the headlining integral software application that was released with the iOS 5.0 in October 2011. Siri responds to voice activated questions and has access to other Apple developed applications on the iPhone, such as Safari, navigation, and the iCalendar. The iOS 5.0 also released computer-free updating through Wi-Fi, which allows users to sync their Apple devices without the use of iTunes for the first time. Apple also released the iCloud system, which allows for users to virtually connect all of their Apple devices using a Wi-Fi storage system. For example, you can take a picture with your iPhone and you can immediately pull the picture up on your Macbook.

iOS 6.0: September 2012

The latest Apple operating system was released in September 2012. The iOS 6.0 removed the integral Google Maps application and replaced it with Apple Maps, stirring controversy. The replacement app received bad reviews from users and critics alike. Other issues include higher data plan usage, decreased signal strength and battery life. However, certain improvements were made to the overall user interface. Siri’s capabilities were improved to include creating reservations with restaurants, launching third party applications, as well as tweeting or creating Facebook updates hands-free.

Much has changed in the 6 short years of Apple’s iOS development. The growth of Apple’s iPhones and other smart phones continue to shock and amaze people around the world. Just when you think they have done it all, the next generation of digital surprises arrives and the lines of customers wrap around the store itching to get their hands on what these companies have come up with next.

Amazon.com

If you’re at all interested in online commerce or do any shopping online, you are certainly well aware of the variety and quality of products Amazon carries, including but not limited to technology, computers, and gadgets. The site truly lives up to it’s brand of providing everything you’d need, from “A to Z”. That said, Amazon is one of our top picks among the best places to buy a used iPhone. You can choose to buy from Amazon-backed sellers or independent sellers, and on top of that, Amazon’s transparent buyer/seller rating options help you understand what item you are buying, what condition it’s in, and how reliable the seller is that you are potentially buying from.

Gamestop.com

From it’s name, you probably wouldn’t immediately guess that you could buy used iPhones from Gamestop. Gamestop is one of the quintessential, if not the only quintessential retail store that specializes in games and gaming related products. However, not only can you buy used iPhones at Gamestop, but also buy other Apple products and sell your own used Apple products such as iPod, iPod touch, iPod shuffle, etc. Since Gamestop operates as actual retail stores, buying a used iPhone from Gamestop might be a better option for some, who’d like to see the iPhone they’re buying before purchasing.

eBay.com

Nowadays there are countless online marketplaces for buying and selling goods, but we all have to admit that the king of all online marketplaces is eBay, and for that reason we have to admit that eBay is one of the top places to buy a used iPhone. With millions of longtime, established as well as new eBay sellers, you’re bound to be able to find the type of used iPhone you want at a price you’re happy (bidding) about.

Powermax.com

Powermax is a great online computer and gadget retailer, in our opinion, because it specializes in Apple Products. From new Macs, pre-owned Macs and special value Macs, as well as a wide-range of Macintosh products, Powermax prides itself on giving quality service and ensuring a quality product, which is a huge plus in our book, especially when you’re talking about used electronics. Some additional bonuses of looking to Powermax for a quality used iPhone is that it’s a site that’s been doing business for over 25 years and it routinely gives free shipping on orders over $100. Definitely worth a look if you’re on the market for a used iPhone, or any other Apple product, and don’t want to go to the big box retailers.

image source: usediphone.net

Finding iPhone Parts

The parts to customize your iPhone are definitely available on the market for you to find yourself. Many people don’t take their device apart in the first place because they fear that they will not be able to track down the parts that they need. This fear, however, is based on a total misconception. Many companies on the web specialize in selling the parts needed to swap the outer casing. In fact, many of these firms sell replacement parts for just about any part of the phone (or tablet) that is broken. These firms know which repairs are the most common so they bulk order components.

The Tools To Use

Many people don’t open their devices because they simply don’t have the tools to work on small electronics. While this is a fair concern to have, this should not deter the average consumer because many of the aforementioned types of firms that sell the repair components also sell various kits full of the tools that one will need to perform the procedure. The tool kit that comes with most swap kits is very cost effective and also easy to use. The iPhone 5 color swap has never been cheaper, or easier, for the average phone owner to do without the aid of professional assistance and from the comfort of his or her own home!

Reasons for iPhone Customization

Some people want an iPhone 5 color swap or the iPhone 5 digitizer replacement because their outer case or digitizer is cracked or damaged, and some people want one because they’ve simply grown tired with the current color of their phone. It doesn’t matter what the reason is, performing the swap is quick, easy, and cost effective when one finds the right kit from one of the many internet retailers that specialize in this service. A broken screen, and many other types of damage, is also easily repaired through the use of such a service. Never before has customizing your mobile device, or tablet, been easier and cheaper!