Category: Uncategorized

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons are a little bit difficult in stock Android. You can’t change them natively, so you’ll need a third-party tool along with an icon pack in order to do it. Once you have everything ready, it’s not terribly difficult to switch up your icons. Here’s how to change icons on your phone on Android.How to change app icons individually

Changing icons individually isn’t a difficult task. However, most Android phones don’t have this capability natively. For most folks, you’ll need a third-party launcher like Niagara, Action Launcher, Lawnchair, or something similar. We have a list of the best launchers if you need suggestions.

The below tutorial uses Nova Launcher, but really should work for any third-party launcher.

  1. Install the icon pack of your choosing along with Nova Launcher.
  2. Set up your Nova Launcher home screen as needed.
  3. Once ready, find the app icon on your home screen you want to change.
  4. Long press the app and tap the pencil icon.
  5. Tap the icon image on the left side of the window.
  6. Select your icon pack.
  7. Finally, select the icon you want.
  8. Once finished, press the Done button.

We use a third-party launcher in the tutorial above, but you can also use a shortcut maker app from the Google Play Store to theme individual icons if you’re using your stock launcher. However, the ones we tested add an extra shortcut graphic to the icon, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

How to change all of the app icons with an icon pack

It is much faster and much easier to simply apply a whole icon pack. Unlike the previous method, you’ll want a third-party launcher for this. Once again, we’ll use Nova Launcher for this example, but any launcher with icon pack support should be able to do this.

  1. Install Nova Launcher, set it up, and install the icon pack of your choice.
  2. On your home screen, long-press a blank spot and tap Settings.
  3. Navigate to Look & feel.
  4. Tap Icon style.
  5. Next, tap Icon theme and select your icon pack.
  6. When you return to the home screen, your icons will be themed with the whole icon pack.

Most icon packs also have the ability to apply themselves, provided that you have a phone or a launcher installed that can take it. Typically, you can open the icon pack once downloaded, find the apply button, and apply it directly from the icon pack app.How to theme icons with Material You

Starting with Android 12, Material You has been the design language of Android. One of the benefits of that is the ability to theme icons. The icons change color based on your wallpaper, and it’s all handled in the Wallpapers and style section of your phone.

  1. Long press a blank space on your home screen and select Wallpaper and style.
  2. Find the Themed icons option and tick it on.
  3. That’s it. When you return to your home screen.
  4. On some devices, like Samsung, you may need to manually navigate to the color palette section before you find the themed icons option.

This isn’t a hardcore theme, but it does match the icons to your wallpaper, color palette, and whether or not you have dark mode enabled. It’s a quick and dirty way to match your icons immediately.How to change icons on a Samsung phone

Samsung users have an extra way to get icon packs without third-party apps. You can browse and purchase icon packs in the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store. These work with Samsung’s One UI launcher, so there is no need for a different launcher. You can even use icon packs from the Google Play Store using Good Lock’s Theme Park module. We’ll show you how to do both.

Samsung Theme Store

  1. Long press a blank space on your home screen and select the Themes option.
  2. Once the Theme Store opens, select the Icons option at the bottom.
  3. Find and download whatever icon pack you want.
  4. Once done, tap Menu at the bottom right, then My Stuff at the top left. Select Icons from the row along the top.
  5. Select the icon pack you want to install.
  6. Tap the Apply button.
  7. Once done, your icons will be themed.

Remember that Samsung Theme Store icon packs don’t theme every icon in your app drawer. Thus, this is not the best option.

Good Lock via Theme Park

Good Lock is not available on all Samsung phones in all regions.

  1. Download Good Lock along with the Theme Park extension from the Samsung Galaxy Store.
  2. Open Theme Park and navigate to the Icon tab.
  3. Hit the Create New button. This takes you to the main icon-theming screen in Theme Park.
  4. Using the options, select your general icon shape, icon color, and tray color.
  5. Optionally, you can click where it says Icon pack and select a third-party icon pack.
  6. Finally, to change individual icons, tap the 3-dot menu button at the top right corner and select Change icons.
  7. Select the icon you want to change, and then select the icon you want to change it to.
  8. Once you’re done configuring, go back to the aforementioned main icon-theming screen and tap the Save button at the top right corner next to the 3-dot button.
  9. Enter a name for your new, custom icon pack.
  10. Once done, you can apply the icon pack directly through Theme Park or through the Samsung theme store.

Theme Park has a bit of a learning curve, so take your time when you first go in there and familiarize yourself with its various functions. It’s quite powerful once you get used to it.

How to open Control Center on your iPhone without swiping from top: 4 easier ways

You shouldn’t have to perform finger gymnastics just to adjust your screen brightness. Try these alternative ways to open Control Center – no stretching required.

Do me a favor: Grab your iPhone and try opening Control Center one-handed. Bet you can’t, or at least it isn’t easy.

It’s a shame, because that’s where Apple tucks all its quick toggles — from Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode to screen brightness and orientation lock. You’d think these iPhone settings would be easy to reach with one hand, but nope. As screen sizes have ballooned to 7 inches, swiping down from that top-right corner often feels like a literal stretch (especially if you’re juggling coffee or keys).

Fortunately, there are simple workarounds beyond the standard swipe that let you easily and quickly open Control Center.

How to launch Control Center (without swiping from top)

Here are four methods — you just need an iPhone running the latest version of iOS. 1. Reachability

Shift the screen down to your thumb

Reachability is an iOS feature that shifts the top half of your iPhone screen to within your thumb’s reach, making it much easier to tap the Control Center. To use Reachability, simply swipe down along the bottom edge of your display. This built-in gesture works anywhere you can swipe — whether you’re on the home screen or in an app. But you might need to enable it first. 

To enable Reachability, open Settings, then go to Accessibility > Touch, and toggle on Reachability.

To use Reachability on iPhone:

  • With your phone in one hand, swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen.
  • Tap the Control Center area in the top right, which should now be within reach.
  • Swipe up on the bottom edge again (or tap a blank area at the top) to return to full screen.

2. Back Tap

Double- or triple-tap your iPhone’s back

Have you heard of Back Tap? It’s a virtual button on the back of your iPhone. Once enabled, you can summon iOS features — including Control Center — with two or three quick taps. To enable Back Tap, open Settings and go to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, then choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, and assign Control Center.

To use Back Tap on iPhone:

  • Hold your iPhone like you normally would. 
  • Tap the back of the phone twice (or thrice).
  • If you’ve setup Control Center, it should instantly slide down.
  • The best part? Back Tap works even with a case on your iPhone. And you can use it anywhere, whether you’re on the home screen, scrolling TikTok, lurking in Instagram, or using any other app.

3. Home-screen shortcut

Create a home screen icon for Control Center

Old habits die hard, and tapping icons on the home screen is one of them. It’s a visual cue we use every day. 

If you want to turn Control Center into a home screen icon (essentially bookmarking it), all you need is Apple‘s Shortcuts app. Don’t worry — it’s not complicated and takes just a few seconds to set up.

To create your shortcut, open the Shortcuts app, tap the + button, search for and add the Show Control Center action, then hit Done. Back in the All Shortcuts view, tap the ••• on your shortcut, open its top dropdown menu, choose Add to Home Screen, and — if you like — customize the name, symbol, and color before tapping Add.

To use your home-screen shortcut on iPhone:

  • From any home-screen page, tap your new Control Center icon.
  • If you’re in another app, swipe to your home screen first and then tap your new Control Center icon.

4. Action button

Press your Action Button to toggle Control Center

OK this last one is exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and 16 models with a physical Action button. Basically, with a press, it can run a shortcut and open things — like Control Center. 

To change what the Action button does, you’ll repeat some of the steps above. Open the Shortcuts app, select your Control Center shortcut, and edit the action from Show to Toggle (so it both opens and closes). Now, configure the Action Button: Go to Settings > Action Button, select Shortcut, and choose Control Center.

To use the Action button on your iPhone:

  • Press the side button once.
  • If set up, Control Center will slide down or disappear immediately.
  • By default, the Action button is set to silent mode. But you can access that setting in the Control Center.

What is Control Center?

Control Center is the iPhone‘s quick-access panel for settings like brightness, volume, connectivity options, media controls, and more. It’s all in one place and highly customizable, so you can choose what appears there. On newer iPhones without a Home button, swipe down from the top right of your screen to open it. Don’t swipe from the top left — that opens Notification Center.Do these workarounds work on all iPhones?

Reachability, Back Tap, and Home Screen shortcuts require iOS 14 or later.

The Action Button option is exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models.

Can you combine methods?

Sure. There’s no harm in using all of them, and it’s handy to have multiple options for different scenarios.

Apple Face ID not working? Here’s how to fix it

Every recent iPhone, except the iPhone SE, and some iPads use Face ID as the biometric authentication option instead of a fingerprint scanner. It’s easy to set up Face ID on your iPhone or iPad, and you can use it to unlock your phone, sign in to apps, confirm Apple Pay transactions, autofill passwords, and more. Face ID is a quick and convenient security step on your device, but only when it works. Some users face problems with Face ID not working, but there are ways to solve the issue. If Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad, here’s what you can try to fix it.

QUICK ANSWER

To fix Apple Face ID not working, go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and check the various settings. Ensure that you’ve enabled Face ID for Apple services and third-party apps. You can also add an alternate appearance, train Face ID to work with glasses and masks, or reset Face ID and go through the setup process again. Don’t forget to update the device’s software, and simply restarting it might be enough if Face ID isn’t working because of a software glitch. Your only option is to send the device for repair if Face ID isn’t working because of a hardware issue.Why is my Apple Face ID not working?

Unless your iPhone or iPad has physical damage from an accidental bump or drop, Face ID not working is likely because of a software issue. If it is physical damage, your only option is to send the device in for repair. If your Face ID isn’t working, you’ll see error messages like “Face ID not available” or “Face ID has been disabled.” Other signs to look for include needing multiple attempts to unlock your phone and if you see a prompt to enter a passcode.

There are a few instances where the device may disable Face ID. The feature will stop working after five unsuccessful scans. You may need to enter your passcode if you’ve just turned on or restarted the device or if the device hasn’t been unlocked in more than 48 hours. Face ID will also not work if you’re on the Emergency SOS screen or if you’ve entered the device into Lost mode using the Find My app.

However, Face ID may also not work if there is an issue with the settings, something is blocking the TrueDepth camera, if you’re wearing a mask, the software isn’t updated, and general software bugs and glitches. There are some quick troubleshooting steps you can try, which should fix the problem if it is a software issue.How to fix Face ID not working

Check Face ID settings

There might be an issue with the Face ID settings, especially if it isn’t working with third-party applications. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and ensure that Face ID is enabled for the available features. You can enable Face ID to unlock the device and for Apple services like iTunes, the App Store, Wallet, Apple Pay, and Password Autofill.

If you’re having problems using Face ID with third-party apps, go to Settings > Face ID and passcode > Other apps and toggle on the apps you want to use with Face ID.Ensure that nothing is blocking the TrueDepth camera

Your iPhone or iPad uses the front-facing TrueDepth camera for Face ID. You might have to clean smudges and debris from the screen to prevent them from blocking the camera. A shattered screen, scratched screen protector, and some thick and ultra-rugged iPhone cases might also block a part of the sensor and impact Face ID functionality. If the device detects something blocking the TrueDepth camera, you will get a “camera covered” error message.Avoid blocking your face

Face ID is designed for full-face recognition and works best with an unblocked view of your eyes, nose, and mouth. There shouldn’t be a problem using Face ID while wearing hats, scarves, glasses, and sunglasses. However, polarized sunglasses won’t work, so you’ll have to remove them and try again.

While Face ID should work in most instances, it may have trouble recognizing you if you frequently change your glasses, grow facial hair, or if there’s any drastic shift in appearance. In this case, you should set up an “alternate appearance.” Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and tap on Set up and alternate appearance. On the Face ID and passcode page, you will also find the option to “Add glasses.” You can add up to four pairs of glasses.

You can set up Face ID to work with a mask if you have an iPhone 12or newer device running iOS 15.4 or later. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and enable Face ID with a mask. Go through the Face ID setup process again with a mask on. Face ID will work if you’re wearing a mask and glasses. But it won’t with sunglasses since the “with mask” option requires a clear view of your eyes and the area around them.Check your phone hardware

A known TrueDepth camera issue might stop Face ID from working. You will likely have to send your device for repair if you see an error that says, “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled.” To check your device’s hardware, go to Settings > General > About > Parts and service history.

You will find the option for TrueDepth camera on an iPhone 12 or newer. If everything is working as expected, it should say “genuine Apple part.” But if there’s a problem, you’ll see an “unknown part” error or “Face ID issue detected.” Try updating the device to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS to see if the problem goes away. However, your only option might be to get the device repaired.Hold the device correctly

Using Face ID is almost second nature for iPhone and iPad users. But there is a correct way of holding the device to ensure that the feature works correctly. You can use Face ID in portrait and landscape orientations on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 running iOS 16 and any iPad that supports the feature. If you have an older iPhone, you will have to use it in portrait orientation. Make sure that the device is within arm’s length (10-20 inches) and that you are facing the camera.Restart your device and reset your Face ID

If Face ID is not working because of a software bug, restarting your iPhone or iPad may be enough to fix the problem. If nothing works, it’s best to reset your Face ID and set it up again. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and tap Reset Face ID. Then select Set up Face ID and go through the setup process again.

Which type of battery for smartphone is better: Li-Ion or LiPo ?

Did you ever think about why your phone works at all?
Probably not. But, if you think about it, all portable gadgets rely on a battery to keep ticking – and some have better battery life than others. That’s why we’re going to take a peek at what keeps your phone ticking and why some batteries do better than others.

On the basis of chemistry used for ions carrying electrolyte material, Lithium battery can be classified into Lithium ion and lithium Polymer.

Lithium ion battery uses liquid lithium ion as electrolyte while lithium polymer use solid or gelatin like polymers as electrolyte.

Lithium ion batteries have high energy density and cost less than lithium polymer. Lithium polymer batteries are light weight and have improved safety . However their cost is high (30% average) as compared to lithium ion. Also the the energy density of Li-Polymer battery compared to Li-Ion Batteries is quite less. Lithium ion batteries tend to lose charge with ageing even when not used, while Li- Polymer batteries retain charge for a longer period even while ageing.

This flow chart will clear the doubts:

Lithium Ion Battery vs. Lithium Polymer Battery

Lithium polymer is more advanced but still have its own pros and cons and Lithium ion may be old but upgrading everyday with technology . so, we cannot say that lithium ion or lithium polymer is best for smartphone battery.

Considering the requirements of the smart phone in terms of weight, shape, size, energy density, usage etc , we have to decide, which is best in the case.

Why we need a polymer lithium-ion battery ?

Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion) is widely used in the communication and electronics industries as a high-efficiency energy carrier, especially for personal communication tools such as mobile phones and PDAs. It was first widely used in Japan after commercialization in 1992. Especially with the use of mobile phone communication tools, lithium batteries are gradually accepted by the majority of users due to their advantages of light weight, large capacity and environmental protection.

However, in the past ten years, with the rapid development of communication technology, mobile phone color screen technology, MMS technology, Bluetooth technology and camera technology have appeared successively, which puts higher requirements on the capacity, volume, weight and electrochemical performance of the battery. Traditional liquid lithium batteries have become increasingly unable to adapt to new demands. The emergence of a new polymer lithium-ion battery (Li-Polymer) caters to this demand. Polymer lithium battery is a third-generation lithium-ion battery developed on the basis of the original steel shell and aluminum shell battery. It is lighter, thinner and has higher energy density. It is accepted by domestic and foreign communication terminal manufacturers and design companies.

The fundamental difference between a polymer lithium-ion battery and a liquid lithium-ion battery is that the electrolytes used in the two are different. The electrolyte of a lithium polymer battery is solid in appearance and is called a polymer solid electrolyte. This electrolyte is a type of polymer material which is in a solid state but which dissolves the supporting electrolyte like a liquid and can undergo ion migration. Liquid lithium, as the name suggests, electrolytes are liquid. Due to the fluidity of liquids, changes in external environmental factors such as high temperatures have a greater impact than polymer lithium-ion batteries.

A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.

They are common in home electronics. They are one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries for portable electronics, with a high energy density, tiny memory effect and low self-discharge. They are used in military, battery electric vehicle, and aerospace applications.

A lithium polymer battery, or more correctly lithium-ion polymer battery is a rechargeable battery of lithium-ion technology using a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid one.

These batteries provide a higher specific energy than other lithium battery types and are being used in applications where weight is a critical feature — like tablet computers, cellular telephone handsets, or radio-controlled aircraft.

Although the lithium-polymer battery is sleeker and thinner, lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density and cost less to manufacture.

Finally, with new chemicals and such being added to these batteries often, who knows which will come out on top in the long run.

How to Turn Live Photo into Video: A Complete Guide

In the digital age, capturing life’s precious moments has become easier than ever. Live photos, a feature first introduced by Apple and subsequently adopted by various Android phone brands, bring images to life with a few seconds of motion and sound. Thus, making it desirable for people to learn how to turn live photo into video 2025.What Is a Live Photo?

Live photo is a multimedia feature that combines a static image with a brief video clip and audio recording. When you snap a Live photo, it captures 1.5 seconds of footage before and after the still shot, effectively preserving the essence of the moment. This unique blend of photo and video brings a dynamic touch to your gallery, making your memories more vivid and engaging. This will want people to know how to make a live photo a video.

This dynamic combination creates an interactive experience, allowing you to rekindle the moment by simply pressing the photo for a long time. Whether it’s a smile, a gentle breeze, or laughter shared with loved ones, live photos preserve the essence of the moment and add an extra touch of magic to your photo gallery.Why Convert Live Photos to Video?

While live photos are captivating, converting them into videos opens a realm of creative possibilities. By transforming Live photos into videos, you can add more context, merge multiple Live photos into a seamless story, and share them on various platforms that might not support Live photos. Moreover, videos are more versatile, allowing you to apply filters, edit, and share in a format familiar to a broader audience.

Plus, Live photos help you get the perfect shot while saving you time and storage space instead of taking multiple photos back-to-back.

How to Take Live Photo on HONOR Phone

Taking live photos on your HONOR phone is a breeze, here are the steps to capture this amazing feature on your device. Let’s take HONOR 90 as an example:

Follow these steps:

• Open the camera app on your HONOR 90 phone.

• Ensure the “Photo” mode is selected.

• Look for the “Live photo” icon on the screen (usually represented by a concentric circle or a stylized Live photo text).

• Next, tap the tiny circle icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. A message letting you know that moving pictures are enabled will appear as it turns orange or blue.

Note: Switch to the front camera and choose the Photo mode if you want to capture moving images.

• Frame your shot and press the shutter button to capture the Live photo.

• When taking a moving picture, tap on the shutter icon while keeping the phone as steady as you can for a few seconds.

How to Turn Live Photo into Video on HONOR Phone

Converting your cherished Live photos into videos on HONOR devices can be achieved through various methods, including using dedicated apps or built-in features. In this section, you will learn how to save a live photo as a video. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Method 1: Using HONOR Gallery App

• Open the HONOR Gallery app on your device.

• Find the Live photo you wish to convert into a video.

• Open the Live photo, and you’ll see options like “Edit,” “Share,” and “More.”

• Tap on “Edit” and look for a “Convert to Video” or “Save as Video” option.

• Select the video quality you prefer (e.g., 720p or 1080p) and save the video to your gallery.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

• Head to your app store and search for “live photo to Video Converter.”

• Install a reliable app of your choice.

• Open the app and grant necessary permissions to access your gallery.

• Select the Live photo you want to convert and choose the video format (MP4, GIF, etc.).

• Tap “Convert,” and the app will process the Live photo into a video.

With the above steps, you can create videos from your Live Photos without any hassle on your HONOR device. You can easily share your memories with those you love through social media platforms or any other media-sharing platforms.

t’s important to note that live photo videos may take up more storage space than regular photos, so be sure to check your device’s storage capacity before creating too many videos.

Conclusion

Live photos add a touch of enchantment to the world of photography, freezing moments in time and animating them with life. With Android brands like HONOR offering this feature, users can capture and cherish their memories like never before. Additionally, by converting Live photos into videos, the possibilities for creativity and sharing become endless.

So, experiment with the methods as to how to turn live photo into video as mentioned in this article and get on a journey of transforming your live photos into delightful videos that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Are Magnets Bad for Phones?

Magnets have long existed in the smartphone and accessory industry. But magnetic accessories weren’t much seen back then. After Apple introduced the iPhone 12 with built-in magnets in 2022, magnetic phone accessories quickly gained popularity. But the question remains: Are magnets bad for phones?

The simple answer is that the average household magnet will not cause substantial interference. Scientific studies and real-life tests indicate that magnets used in everyday magnetic accessories, such as magnetic car phone holders and magnetic chargers, are unlikely to cause any significant damage. So, it’s totally fine to use magnetic accessories. How to Safely Use Magnets with Phones

With such importance placed on magnets in phones and daily accessories, it’s crucial to know how to protect them from potential harm. 

Essential Dos and Don’ts for Using Magnets with Phones

Let’s start with the dos. Magnets can be beneficial when used with phones in the right way. 

Magnetic phone cases are usually safe, as are magnetic phone mounts and wallets. These magnets are generally designed to have minimal interference with the device’s functionality. 

However, it’s important to be aware of the don’ts when it comes to using magnets with phones. Don’t place strong magnets near your phone. Magnets can interfere with the operation of the phone’s internal components and potentially cause irreparable damage. So, steer clear of placing your phone directly on magnetic surfaces or attaching powerful magnets directly to the phone itself.

Choosing Compatible & Certified Magnetic Accessories

Compatible and certified magnetic accessories undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not interfere with the phone‘s functionality. These accessories are specifically designed with shielding materials or accurate magnet placement to protect the phone from potential damage and malfunctions. 

To determine if a magnetic accessory is compatible and certified, look for reputable brands that adhere to industry standards and regulations. Check for certifications such as the MFi (Made for iPhone) certification or Qi standard. Reading product reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can also help you make an informed decision.Using Proper Magnets

Magnetic phone cases and accessories use magnets to stick your phone in a place for a convenient hands-free experience or stable wireless charging. That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean the stronger the magnetic force is, the better. 

Just ensure your phone won’t fall off when you use those magnetic accessories. For instance, using a magnetic phone mount in your car can provide a hands-free solution for navigation and answering calls. Your car mount should be strong enough to keep your device in place even on bumpy roads. Over-strong magnets will make pulling your phone from the mount difficult and may even cause interference with the device’s performance.  

Proper Mounting Techniques: Placement & Alignment for Optimal Security

When it comes to mounting your phone, first consider placement. 

Choose a location that offers easy access without obstructing your view in a car. Place the mount on the dashboard or air vents for easy reach and minimal distractions while driving. If you want to install the mount on the windshield, make sure it’s not against the local rules. Check out more tips on selecting the best car mount here. 

Also, ensure your phone is aligned properly. The biggest upside of magnetic mounts is that they auto align with your phone. When you move your phone over the mount, it automatically clicks into place. Sometimes, you may need to move it around a bit to hear the “click”. Additionally, some car mounts can be adjustable, allowing you to position your phone at the most comfortable angle.  

9 out of 10 phone users have low-battery anxiety

How often have you searched for a solution to charge your phone?

A recent survey by LG of thousands of people found “Low Battery Anxiety,” a term they used to explain the behavior of people who change their everyday lives to accommodate their dying battery. The survey found that 9 out of 10 people “felt panic” when their phone battery drops to 20% or lower.

More data has emerged that suggests the fear of being without a fully charged mobile phone is a growing problem. This type of anxiety  even has a name – nomophobia (NO MObile PHone phoBIA).

We once lived happy, productive lives without smartphones – but we now live in a digital world. Every day people rely on their phones for important documents, information, and even access to work, events, restaurants, and other facilities. 

Five symptoms of low battery anxiety determined by LG

  1. Asking a total stranger to charge their smartphone
  2. Arguing with a significant other or romantic interest because of unanswered calls or texts 
  3. Ordering something at a bar or restaurant just to use their power outlet 
  4. Secretly ‘borrowing’ someone else’s charger 
  5. Owning three or more smartphone charging cables

We conducted our survey.

We asked users: “Do you worry about your phone dying when you are out and about?”

Answers to choose from: Somewhat worried, Worried, and Stressed.

The most interesting insight is the difference between female and male responses.

-Responded Stressed: 59% female, 36% Male, 5% Nonbinary

-Stressed and Worried replies make up 51% of responses from Females while only 40% from Males.

Females are more worried about their phones dying.

This comment from one of our female users explains why:

“Thought of being without a phone after 6 pm is horrifying. What if I’m in an emergency and need to call an Uber to leave?”Why should businesses care?

Anxiety and discomfort go hand in hand, so it makes sense that companies should try to reduce stress for customers and employees wherever possible, ensuring they have a positive experience and are productive.What impact could low battery anxiety have on customer experience?

A customer struggling to relax because they are worried if they have enough power left in their phone to navigate unlikely to enjoy their experience, and may even remember their journey (and your company) negatively. 

A dead cell phone battery at an entertainment venue could potentially ruin the entire experience: 

  • Paperless ticketing
  • Taking photos and recording videos
  • Posting to social media
  • Texting and calling
  • Paying for merchandise, food & drink(Apple Pay, Venmo etc.)
  • Accessing ride share Uber & Lyft

How to pair an Apple Watch with your iPhone

The Apple Watch and the iPhone are made for each other and both augment the functions of the other. Regardless of which Apple Watch model you own — the brand new Apple Watch Series 10, last year’s Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch SE, or an older model — you’ll need to pair it with your iPhone.

Setting up your Apple Watch to work with your iPhone is just the beginning. For more ways to benefit from your watch, have a look at our guides covering the essential Apple Watch tips, the best Apple Watch faces, and the best Apple Watch apps, which promise to make your watch as integral to your life as your phone.

Before you get started, make sure that both your Apple Watch and your iPhone are updated to the latest version of their respective operating systems. Right now, that would be iOS 15 and WatchOS 8. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and make sure both your watch and phone are fully charged or plug them in to replenish the charge as you pair. The pairing process is virtually identical in iOS 13 and WatchOS 6, iOS 14 and WatchOS 7, and iOS 15 and WatchOS 8.

  • You can use the latest WatchOS 8 with Apple Watch Series 3 or later and pair it with an iPhone 6S or later running iOS 15. The setup assistants on your iPhone and Apple Watch work together to help you pair and set up your Apple Watch.
  • Start by strapping the watch onto your wrist and then press and hold the side button (the one underneath the Digital Crown) until you see the Apple logo appear.
  • Move your iPhone near to your Apple Watch and observe the welcome pairing screen on your iPhone, and tap Continue.
  • Easier still, just launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap Pair New Watch.
  • Tap the Start Pairing button, and at the prompt, place your iPhone above the watch so that your Apple Watch appears in the viewfinder. This pairs the devices and you will see an alert that confirms the pairing.
  • If you already had a watch paired on this device, you may see a screen prompting you to either restore your watch from a backup or set it up as a new watch.
  • Tap the wrist you will wear the watch on (left or right) and the location preference of the crown (top or bottom).
  • Agree to the terms and conditions and decide whether you want to share information with Apple.
  • Create or wait on a passcode. If you intend to use Apple Pay, you will need to set up a passcode.
  • Choose whether to update your watch automatically or manually and whether to enable SOS and fall detection. If your Health app designates you as 65 or older, the fall detection feature will be enabled by default.
  • You can choose to install all apps at pairing or wait to choose which specific apps you want. You can always delete individual apps later.
  • Wait a few minutes for the setup to complete and for the two devices to sync, and after that’s done, you’ll see a welcome screen.
  • If your Apple Watch features cell service, you can activate the cellular service on your Apple Watch now or later in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. While cell service is not available everywhere, your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same cellular carrier to set up and run it.

Pair multiple watches with your iPhone

You can pair more than one watch with your iPhone, but only one watch can be active on your phone at any specific time. The WatchOS platform doesn’t support wearing two watches at once, nor does it support the simultaneous sharing of watches between multiple users. Not all carriers support multiple, active cellular plans at the same time, so make sure your carrier supports the feature. The steps are very similar to the pairing procedure above. There are slight differences between iOS 13 and WatchOS 6 and iOS 14 and WatchOS 7, including the ability to set up separate watches for various family members. The interface for iOS 15  and WatchOS 8 is virtually identical to the previous version.

Apple launches iPhone 16e and ditches home button

Revamped entry-level iPhone is last to exchange touch ID home button for face ID, modern design – and a price hike

Apple has put the final nail in the coffin of the home button after 18 years with the release of the new iPhone 16e.

The lowest-cost new iPhone replaces the 2022 iPhone SE, which was the last Apple product standing with the touch ID button, finishing off its drawn-out demise, which started with the iPhone X back in 2017.

The iPhone 16e costs £599 (€709/$599/A$999) and offers a modern iPhone experience similar to the regular iPhone 15 and latest iPhone 16 but with a few bells and whistles removed to reach a slightly lower price. It replaces the previously cheapest available £599 iPhone 14 and £429 iPhone SE in Apple’s lineup, and thus marks a considerable price increase for the cheapest new iPhone when it ships on 28 February.

The new iPhone has an aluminium frame, glass front and back and an 15.4cm (6.1in) OLED screen, relegating the old-school iPhone design, with its chunky forehead and chins, to history. But the 16e is only available in black or white and has the older, notch-style cutout at the top of the screen from the iPhone 14, not the newer pill-shaped dynamic island design used by the rest of the iPhone lineup. The notch contains the face ID sensor that replaces the touch ID system for unlocking the phone and authenticating payment.

The phone starts with 128GB of storage and has Apple’s latest A18 chip, which enables the firm’s various AI tools, to bring the cheapest iPhone up to par with the rest of the line. It has 5G powered by a new Apple modem for the first time, emergency satellite messaging, charges via USB-C and has an action button instead of the mute switch in the side.

But the phone has only a single 48-megapixel camera on the back instead of the double or triple cameras of other iPhones, and lacks the recently added camera control button on the side.

Despite a sizable price hike over the outgoing iPhone SE, Apple will be hoping this beefed-up lower cost model can recapture some of the mid-range smartphone market and improve slumping sales in countries such as China. It may also help in moving a greater share of iPhone users on to devices capable of receiving Apple intelligence features, on which the firm has bet big to catch up to rivals such as Google’s Gemini on Pixel and Samsung devices.

9 Tips to Avoid Phone Addiction and Reduce Unnecessary Stress

If you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone, it might be time to implement some mindful phone usage habits.

Our phones provide instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. But with this constant connection comes the risk of phone addiction and the negative impact it can have on our mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that excessive phone usage can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as sleep disturbances and poor physical health.

So, how can we avoid phone addiction and reduce stress while still being able to enjoy the benefits of our devices?

Here are some tips to help you practice mindful phone usage and create a healthy balance:

1. Set boundaries for phone usage and stick to them. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless scrolling and notifications, but it’s important to set limits for ourselves. This can mean turning off notifications during certain times of the day, or setting aside specific times for phone usage. By creating these boundaries, we can prevent our phones from taking over our lives.

2. Use apps to track and limit phone usage. There are several apps available that can help you track and limit your phone usage. By seeing the data on your phone usage, you can become more aware of your habits and make changes to create a healthier balance.

3. Take breaks from your phone regularly. It’s important to give ourselves a break from the constant stimulation of our phones. This can be as simple as leaving your phone in another room for a few hours, or going for a walk without it. Taking a break from our phones can help us to relax, be more present in the moment, and engage in other activities that bring us joy and relaxation.

4. Create phone-free zones in your home. Choose certain areas in your home as phone-free zones, such as the bedroom or dining room. This will allow you to create boundaries and have designated times and places to disconnect from your phone.

5. Practice mindfulness when using your phone. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaging with what you’re doing. This can be difficult when using our phones, as we tend to multitask and constantly switch between apps and notifications. By practicing mindfulness while using our phones, we can focus on one task at a time and be more present in our interactions with others.

6. Unfollow accounts that cause stress or anxiety. Social media can be a great source of connection and inspiration, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. It’s important to curate our feeds to create a positive and stress-free environment. This can mean unfollowing accounts that make us feel negative or inadequate. Follow accounts that bring us joy and positivity.

7. Use your phone for self-care. Instead of using your phone as a constant source of distraction or entertainment, try using it as a tool for self-care. There are many apps and resources available for mindfulness and relaxation, such as meditation and yoga apps.

8. Disconnect from social media before bedtime. The blue light emitted by our phone screens can disrupt our sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep. To ensure a good night’s rest, it’s a good idea to disconnect from social media and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, try reading a book or listening to calming music to help you wind down.

9. Remember that it’s okay to disconnect sometimes. It’s important to give ourselves a break from technology and disconnect from our phones and other devices. This can be as simple as turning off our phones for a few hours, or going on a digital detox for a day or more. Taking a break from technology can be incredibly refreshing and help us recharge both physically and mentally.

Do you recharge yourself as much as you recharge your phone?

It’s easy to get caught up in the constant connectedness of our devices. Remember that our own well-being is as important as the well-being of our phones.

In conclusion, it’s important to use our phones mindfully to avoid causing unnecessary stress or disruption in our lives. By implementing mindful phone usage habits, we can reduce stress and live more balanced lives. Take breaks from your phone, unplug, and recharge yourself to enjoy a stress-free life.