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Apple to repair iPhone 7s with 'no service' bug for free
Today Apple announced it's launching a repair program for a "small percentage" of iPhone 7 owners who are affected by a "no service" issue. Late last year MacRumors said Apple was investigating the problem and appeared ready to replace affected devices, which would display "No service" in their status bar even when cell signal was clearly available. The cause of the problem is apparently a failed component on the logic board, and Apple says affected units (with model #s A1660, A1679, and A1780) extend through its entire production run from September 2016 until now.
Google mobile saves searches if your connection drops
It may be 2017, but there are still lots of areas where cellular data doesn't reach. Like underground on the subway or in the middle of a rural lake, for instance. Google wants to make sure that lack of coverage doesn't hurt your curiosity, though. A new update to the Google app on Android will save your search for when a data connection reappears.
Bid adieu to 'Airplane Mode' on European airlines
Want to continue that scintillating game of Words with Friends throughout the entire flight? Well, that might soon be a possibility if you're flying in European airspace. Late last year, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had decided to permit personal electronics like smartphones and tablets to remain on during takeoff and landing as long as it was in "Airplane Mode." Now, even that restriction has been lifted. Yep, the EASA has deemed "Airplane Mode" no longer necessary, thus allowing for true "gate-to-gate" electronics use. Of course, even if the EASA permits it, each airline will still have to take an assessment test to make sure it won't negatively affect aircraft communications. Turning off Airplane Mode is still a no-no for US flights, though most airlines do let you use your gadgets during takeoff and landing thanks to last year's FAA ruling. Maybe if Airplane Mode becomes unnecessary some day, we'll rename it to something that makes more sense, like "The Mode that Doesn't Suck Up All Your Battery." [Image credit: pouwerkerk/Flickr]
Would adding 'Car Mode' to the iPhone prevent texting while driving?
Texting while driving is an insanely dangerous habit that, despite the best efforts of many different groups, shows little sign of slowing. We're already used to having to using our iPhones in "Airplane Mode" when taking to the skies, so would a "Car Mode" be a viable tool for curbing dangerous texting habits? As Fast Company reports, a pair of designers -- Joey Cofone and Michael Vanderbyl -- have come up with a concept for how such a feature -- of which there are already versions on the Moto X and certain Windows Phones -- would work and look on the iPhone. The theoretical mode would activate as soon as it senses your vehicle's Bluetooth system (if your car doesn't have Bluetooth, I guess you're out of luck). It connects to your vehicle for GPS navigation and other common features, but if you happen to receive a text message during your drive it will be collected and held until you shut your vehicle off. If you text someone while their device is in Car Mode, you'll be told that they cannot read messages at the moment. So what do you think? Would such a feature help or would chronic text addicts just disable it and resume their dangerous practice?
Japan court rules Apple did not infringe two Samsung patents
In the latest scuffle between Apple and Samsung, a Tokyo court has ruled that the iPhone 4 and 4S do not infringe on two of Sammy's patents. According to The Asahi Shimbun, a decision on September 14th found Apple had not violated a patent related to app downloads, as Samsung's method is different. A dispute regarding flight / airplane mode also went in Cupertino's favor on October 11th, because the technology in question was regarded by the court as incremental. Only one case against Apple remains undecided in Japan -- for a patent on using "homescreen space" -- but, as usual, don't expect that to be the last chapter in the neverending story.
iPad 101: Conserving your 3G data use
Since I brought home my 3G + Wi-Fi iPad a little over a week ago, I've been running in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi enabled to avoid using cellular data. Otherwise I kept getting a prompt (shown here) asking me if I wanted to setup an account, which I didn't want to do. Fortunately, there is another way. Go into the Settings application and tap on "Cellular Data." This brings up an on/off switch for Cellular Data and Data Roaming. Turn both "off" and you will not be prompted to sign up for a data plan when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Airplane mode disables not only the cellular data, but also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the GPS. If you are only trying to avoid using cellular data, there's no need to use Airplane Mode. If you have upgraded your iPhone to iOS 4 then you also have the ability to disable cellular data under Settings » General » Network » Cellular Data, which may come in handy if you have a metered account with AT&T.
