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6 Tips for Better Pictures with Your Smartphone

The best photographs have nothing to do with the filter that you choose. They start with a great original picture file. So how can you elevate your Instagram game? Try these smartphone camera tips:

Turn on Grid Lines.

How? On an iPhone, go to general settings, then select “Photo & Camera” then switch the “grid” option on. On an Android, you’ll want to go to the camera app, and select settings in there to scroll down and find the “grid lines” options to turn it on. Camera grid lines are usually built on the law of thirds, with two lines horizontal and two vertical across the screen. It will divide any image you take into nine parts. The idea here is that if you can center points of interest in the intersecting points, or along the lines, then you can create a picture with immediately more visual appeal.

Use Better Lighting.

Lighting is always an essential component of a good shot, but that’s especially true with your smartphone camera, which doesn’t have the ability to filter bright light or balance the levels. You may not even be able to focus on the part of the image that you want to capture if your lighting is off. Avoid having the biggest light source directly behind who or what you’re photographing, and if people are standing in front of a window, consider closing the curtains or blinds. The best lighting will come from the side, or be evenly filtered from different angles.

Tap to Focus.

Every smartphone camera allows you to define your focal point by tapping it on your screen. If you’ve ever taken a picture in an area with a huge contrast in illumination, you’ve probably discovered this for yourself. Tap in the dark area, and the image will alter to view things in that dark area, even though the bright parts of the image will be over-exposed. Tap on the bright part, and the shadows will be too dark to even see.

Avoid the Digital Zoom.

Your tiny smartphone camera lens doesn’t actually zoom. In order to create the “zoom” effect, your camera app simply magnifies the area that you want to zoom in on as much as possible. This lowers the quality of your image greatly. Instead of using the zoom function, get closer whenever possible.

Get a Smartphone Lens Attachment.

Bypass the limitations of your smartphone’s camera with an attachment. These attach magnetically and can be easily switched out or removed. However, they can also make a big difference in what you’re able to do on your phone with pictures. Wide angle lenses can help you make the most of a beautiful panorama, or you can get effective micro shots and zoom in better with an ultra-magnifying lens.

Download another Camera App.

That’s right, you don’t have to be limited to the app that comes standard with your phone. There are other options out there, which may provide better filtering and focusing options. Think about trying ProShot or VCSO Camera.

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Eight Tips to Protect Your Android Screen

Touchscreen smartphones are built to resist scratches and are sturdy enough to beat standard wear. But these large screens are also susceptible to damage. If you have an Android phone or tablet and wish to protect your android screen, here are some neat tips for you.Mind the medium of touch

1. Mind the medium of touch

It is important that you use the right medium to manipulate the screen. Use your fingers and stylus only. While some devices may allow use of pencils on touch screens, most android screens should not be subjected to other media.

2. Avoid the ‘old tap’

You do not need to tap the phone when it stops working. The method is as outdate as the gadgets that needed it. Smartphone and android screens do not need taps to function. Consult a repair specialist instead.

3. No excess sunlight

While sunlight does not burn the screen in an instant, you should not expose your screen to extended sunlight. It may damage the sensitivity of the screen.

4. Electrically charged objects

The sudden flow of electricity between two devices may disrupt operations for a while or longer. Do not place the smartphone near an electrically charged device. A sudden upsurge in electrostatic charge can be detrimental to the android screen.

5. Steady operation

This is a rather underused tip. You should not leave the phone idle for long periods. When the gadget stays idle, the screen may be subject to internal burn-in. A lock-screen timeout that sets the screen on after a period of idleness could be of help.

6. Careful cleaning

Do not ever use detergent to clean the android screen. Most smartphone screens are not compatible with everyday soap solutions either. Use a spectacle cleaning cloth to clean the screen gently. If at all you need to use a solution, use ones that are custom built for smartphone screens.

7. Screen protectors

Most people are aware of the efficacy and necessity of screen protectors. They are available for a fraction of the cost of a new android screen and you should be smart enough to spend early on. While screen protectors are available in a variety of qualities, the tempered glass protectors are best crack resistors.

8. Phone covers

The use of a good cover can prove vital for the smartphone. If you drop the phone often, use covers that shield both faces of the phone. These covers are generally known as flip covers and offer superior protection to android screens.

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How To Back Up Your Iphone Data Just In Case

While technology is amazing, we all know that sometimes it fails us. Most people have been in that place where your computer or cell phone either breaks or crashes, and they are left crying into their pillow at night because they have lost all of their important contacts, sentimental pictures, and more. Backing up a your iPhone is just as important as backing up your computer, probably even more important as it gets put in more situations a day where all of your information could be lost.

So how do you back up your iPhone to make sure that this doesn’t happen to you? There are a few easy steps that will keep you safe against any frustrating situation.

How To Back Up Your Iphone

Backing up an iPhone is easy! We can thank Apple for that. They have made sure to streamline the process in a way that anybody can do it. Backing up your iPhone will keep your data, contacts, photos, and app information safe and sound and accessbile from any device.

Here are the five easy steps:
  • First, make sure that your device is connected to a wifi network.
  • Find your settings, and then click on “iCloud”.
  • Click on “Backup”.
  • Click “Back Up Now”.
  • To double check that it finished click “Settings” > “iCloud” > “Storage” > “Manage Storage” and select your device.

By backing up your cell phone to iCloud, you are basically copying all of the information to an external hard drive that can be accessed from any other device as long as you have the log in information. Once setting this up, your phone will automatically sync all information to your iCloud when you are connected to wifi and constantly back up your iPhone. If your phone breaks, you can now access all of this information from your computer. If you get a new iPhone, you will also be able to open your iCloud on that device and copy all of the previous information onto your new phone.

Apple makes it so easy that there is no excuse to not back up your iPhone! You will thank yourself later when you drop it in some water and still get to access all of your information the next day.

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Steps to Easy Battery Replacement in iPhones

The iPhone that you love to flaunt would prove futile a gadget had the battery not been in it. Given how the battery is crucial to the functioning of any cell phone, the power and quality should be checked prior to installing one. Most importantly, it is pointless to expect batteries to offer lifelong service, which means battery replacement is a must. Besides, there are a host of issues like damaged button, microphone or camera replacement, broken screen and the like that iPhone users have become accustomed to, all of which requires immediate repair.

Essential tools to do the trick

Having said that battery replacement is a common affair for iPhones, one needs to be wary of how to go about it. If knocking the door of service centers is what is on the mind, then there are plenty of specialists waiting to be approached. However, many take the route to getting their own tools and battery. It’s advisable to get in touch with experts for technical skills are required to accomplish the job. In fact, at the time of buying such tools and the battery itself, only top quality items made from premium materials must be chosen and that is best determined by professionals. Why run the risk of spending one’s hard-earned money in something that fails to prove compatible with the iPhone?

Replacing the battery

In general, battery replacement in iPhones can be done in the following steps:

  • Purchasing the necessary battery kit.
  • The kit has a hex head screwdriver to remove two screws from the phone’s base.
  • Attaching the suction cup the screen’s bottom and removing the screen from the casing.
  • The lid must not be lifted more than 90 degrees as the other end stays attached.
  • With the help of the screwdriver, the small plate can be removed.
  • The battery cable connector must be detached.
  • Now a new battery can be inserted and connected to the battery terminal.
  • The metal clip must be reinstalled and the casing closed.
Need for replacement programs

Thanks to Apple support for the company knows that few iPhone devices manufactured at a certain time experience short battery life or needs frequent charging. Their battery replacement program for some of these devices are conducted free of charge. There are plenty of service options to choose from and the phone is examined to verify if it’s eligible for the program. But few restrictions are present and one must gain an idea before enrolling for the service.

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Recycling & Reusing Old Electronics

Now that the holidays have past and people have gotten used to their new devices, it’s time to consider what to do with the old ones. Tossing old electronics in the trash is terrible for the environment and completely unnecessary because there are much better alternatives for disposing of unwanted devices.

Before doing anything else with an old device be sure your personal information is removed. Once you’re sure it’s cleared, you can choose the best option depending on the condition, age, and potential of the device.

1. First

You have the option to reuse it. Is there a child or younger sibling who has always wanted your device? What about a less tech-savvy friend who has been asking advice on electronics? Give them your gently used one. Many electronics that get replaced are still in good, working condition and can be re-gifted to someone else. This can give those who are interested but unsure if they actually want a device the option to test it out and see if it’s for them. It could also be used as the designated kid-device if you have children who constantly ask to play games or watch videos. An old phone is a great toy for toddlers, although it’s best to remove the battery because even phones without a calling plan can make an emergency 911 call.

2.Second

You can repurpose it. Keep an old phone in a vehicle with a car charger so you can call for emergency assistance if there’s ever a need and your regular phone is dead or forgotten. An old tablet can become a digital picture frame: upload pictures or videos, turn on the slideshow, add some velcro to the back and hang it on the wall. There are apps that can be downloaded to turn your old tablet into a remote control. Load an old tablet or phone with songs and keep it in the car as a music player.

3.Third

You can sell it. Amazon will buy many used devices and pay with Amazon gift cards. Gazelle is a national company that will buy used phones and computers for cash. Other possibilities are eBay, Craigslist, or a local Facebook seller’s page.

4.Lastly

You can recycle it. If a device is broken beyond repair, old enough that no one else wants it, or just past its usefulness, you have a responsibility to dispose of it properly. Most devices are not safe to simply throw in the trash, due to substances like lead, mercury, and lithium that are used in making the device and its battery. Instead of just tossing it in the trash, give it to one of many places that take old devices and dispose of them. Options include electronic stores like Best Buy, wireless providers, some grocery stores like Whole Foods, even some public libraries have cell phone & small electronics recycling bins. If none of these options are available in your area, a local recycling center can also take old electronics.

Whatever you decide to do, please remember to be responsible when disposing of old devices and don’t simply throw them in the trash.

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How To Back Up An Android Just In Case

Unfortunately, it his harder to back up an Android than it is to back up an Iphone. There are a series of steps that you must follow in order to back up all elements of your smart phone. However, if you do not have the patience for this you do have the option to pay for an all in one service such as My Backup Pro to have everything in one place.

Here are the free steps to backing up your Android:

Data

You can back up your data the old fashioned way on a computer through connecting it by a USB. After connection, access your phones folders and copy to your computers. Since this is manual, you will have to update it every once in a while by going in and recreating the same procedure.

Photos

To back up your photos, you will need an app such as Photobucket, which allows for 10GB of free storage.

  • Download the app and open it.
  • Create a Photobucket account or sign up with Facebook.
  • Click on “Menu” > “Settings” > “Upload Settings”.
  • Make sure to click on “Auto Backup” box so all current and future pictures will be saved.
Google

With Google, you can back up important things such as your contacts, calendar, phone settings, app data, and wifi passwords. However, it won’t work for all of your information.

  • Click on “Settings” in your phone.
  • Click “Backup and Reset”.
  • Make sure that you click on both “Back up my date” and “Automatic restore”. This way it will back up data and automatically restore it when something like an app is downloaded again.
  • Click “Backup Account”.
  • Add your Google account.
  • Go back to “Settings” > “Account” > “Google” and choose all the data in which you would like the backup to apply.
SMS and Call Logs

If you wish to back up your SMS and Call Logs you can use an app such as SMS Backup + App. This app allows you to create a copy of all of this information and restore onto any new Android phone.

  • Download the app and open it.
  • Click “Connect” and add your personal Gmail account.
  • Click on box that says “Auto Backup” to back up anything new in the future.
  • Click “Backup” to copy and store any current information.
  • If your phone is broken, lost, or stolen and you get a new one, simply download the app on the new phone and sign in. Then, click “Restore” and you will have all of your SMS and Call log information!

If you ever have any problems with a broken phone, contact SmartFix for help.