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What’s next for iOS this 2020Apple’s WWDC — and their scheduled preview of iOS 14 and other OS iterations — is just a few weeks away. But if you want to know some of the juicier things their next-gen operating systems have in store for you right now, then read on. Nifty app tweaks Apple is developing new features for […]

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05 Jun, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020june5apple_b, activity, apple, apple store, apple tv, apple watch, augmented reality, bmw, carkey, clips, find my, health, ibeacon, icloud keychain, imessage, ios 14, iPad, ipados 14, iPhone category
What’s next for iOS this 2020

Apple’s WWDC — and their scheduled preview of iOS 14 and other OS iterations — is just a few weeks away. But if you want to know some of the juicier things their next-gen operating systems have in store for you right now, then read on.

Nifty app tweaks

Apple is developing new features for some of its prominent apps, and these tweaks may just make the cut come September.

Messages

  • Mention will let users tag people with the @ symbol, just like in Slack. This will also allow users to mute conversations but receive push notifications whenever they are directly mentioned.
  • Mark as unread will allow users to highlight messages so they would not forget requests or tasks and get back to these at a later time.
  • Retract will enable users to delete messages they’ve sent, with the deletion action visible to both sender and recipient.

Activity

  • Kids mode on the watchOS 7 will track movement time instead of calories burned. This is because the first metric is deemed healthier to track (from a mental health perspective) for children.

Health

  • Sleep tracking will grant users the ability to set sleep goals and receive tips for improving slumber.

Find My

  • A new notification feature will let users receive alerts when someone does not arrive at an expected place and time. For example, parents would be notified if their child does not make it home on time.

New features

CarKey

This will let users pair their iPhone and/or Apple Watch with their NFC-enabled vehicles. They can then lock, unlock, and start their ride with their Apple device instead of the car’s physical key. The electronic keys will be kept in the Wallet app, and “duplicates” can be shared with friends and family via the Messages app. Based on the leaked screenshots and code of the feature in development, BMW might be the first brand that CarKey works with.

iCloud Keychain features

In development are:

  • A way to store two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, which would purportedly allow the Keychain to generate its own codes and let the user forgo the need to use a separate 2FA app
  • Password reuse warnings that remind users to create different passwords for different accounts

Clips

Codenamed “Clips,” this feature will let users interact with certain content in third-party apps without having to download those apps. By scanning a QR code that’s linked to an app, the user opens a floating card that contains the interactive content. The card gives users the option to download the app, or open the app if it’s already installed.

New apps

Fitness app

This new app, which is expected to be named “Fit” or “Fitness” once released, will allow users to download from a wide library of fitness videos and receive help for completing workout activities. Activities include core exercises, strength training, stretching, yoga, dance, and running, among others.

This standalone app will coexist with the Activity app and will be available on iOS 14, tvOS 14, and watchOS 7. This means that you can sync your fitness routines across many Apple devices — i.e., you can watch workout videos on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, and track your progress on your Apple Watch.

As of this writing, it appears that Apple won’t charge users anything for workout routines, though whether the app and its functionalities would end up on the final versions of the OSs remains to be seen this September.

Augmented reality app

This app would grant users access to information and experiences by triggering QR code tags or iBeacon transmitters (i.e., IoT devices that activate apps in nearby mobile devices) that are placed in specific spots or items in a certain location. For instance, if a user is in an Apple Store, they can check the QR code tag of a particular device to receive information about that device.

New tech is amazing! To take advantage of the latest that IT has to offer, schedule a consultation with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Boosting home Wi-Fi with wireless repeaters and access pointsFast, reliable Wi-Fi is a business necessity, whether you’re working in an office or at home. Now that more and more people are working remotely, having good home Wi-Fi is more important than ever. A wireless repeater device and additional access points may just be what you need to ensure a stable and lightning-fast wireless […]

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03 Jun, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020june03hardware_b, access point, ethernet, Hardware, home network, modem, router, wi-fi, wireless network, wireless repeater category
Boosting home Wi-Fi with wireless repeaters and access points

Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is a business necessity, whether you’re working in an office or at home. Now that more and more people are working remotely, having good home Wi-Fi is more important than ever. A wireless repeater device and additional access points may just be what you need to ensure a stable and lightning-fast wireless connection throughout your home.

Both wireless repeaters and access points are simple and inexpensive, and getting either or both of these devices can improve your home Wi-Fi.

Wireless repeaters are devices that extend the limited reach that Wi-Fi routers tend to have, especially in structures with thick walls and multiple floors. They receive a signal from a Wi-Fi router and rebroadcast it as a new network. This new network is an extension of the main network, enabling the signal from your router to be transmitted over long distances or to the other side of obstructions, such as a wall, post, or ductwork.

On the other hand, access points are devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a network. Your router at home is actually an access point, and while most access points have built-in routers, others have to be connected to a router. Access points are usually hardwired to network switches or modems.

Getting started

But before you go out and buy these devices, conduct a survey of the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home first. This will help you map out where to place repeaters and access points to maximize your Wi-Fi connection. This involves:

  • Determining the reach of your router. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app such as NetSpot, Wifi Analyzer, or OpenSignal.
  • Locating dead zones, or areas that don’t get a Wi-Fi signal, in your house. This can usually be solved by moving your router or modem to an area where the signal is better.
  • Checking for obstructions (walls, furniture, plastics, water, etc.) and sources of interference (baby monitors, microwave ovens, radios, etc.). Any of these may be blocking or slowing down your Wi-Fi connection.

Based on your analysis, identify the best places to put the repeater and access point. For instance, if your router is in the living room and you can’t get a good signal in your bedroom down the hall, place the access point outside the living room and the repeater in the bedroom. The signal will be extended by the access point and picked up by the repeater, which will then broadcast it to nearby devices. Note that wireless repeaters must be set up in areas where the signal is poor, not in dead zones.

Setting up wireless repeaters and access points

Most brands and models of wireless repeaters and access points follow the same setup process.

Wireless repeaters

  1. Choose a location free from obstructions that can block signals from your Wi-Fi router.
  2. Plug the repeater into a power outlet.
  3. Using an Ethernet cable, connect the repeater directly to a computer. You can also connect the computer to the repeater’s wireless network.
  4. On your computer, enter your Wi-Fi network’s password.
  5. Any other steps to setting up your wireless repeater should be in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Access points

  1. Choose a location free from obstructions that can block signals from your Wi-Fi router.
  2. Turn off your router or modem and computer. Connect your access point to your router or modem and to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
  3. Turn on your router or modem, and plug the access point into an electrical outlet.
  4. Turn on your computer, and start enjoying better Wi-Fi performance.
  5. Any other steps to setting up your access point should be in the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also change optional and advanced router settings by connecting to your router using the IP address provided in the manual, or either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

If you need more information about setting up and getting the most out of your wireless network, whether at home or in the office, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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What’s the difference between VoIP and VoLTE?Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for quite some time. Businesses today prefer VoIP telephony systems over old landline phone system because the former has more features that are useful for day-to-day operations. But slowly gaining buzz is Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE). What is this new technology, and why is it gaining […]

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01 Jun, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020june1voip_b, communication tools, one-stop solution, voice calls, voice data, voice over internet protocols, voice over long term evolution, voice over lte, VoIP, volte category
What’s the difference between VoIP and VoLTE?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for quite some time. Businesses today prefer VoIP telephony systems over old landline phone system because the former has more features that are useful for day-to-day operations. But slowly gaining buzz is Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE). What is this new technology, and why is it gaining popularity?

To know the difference between VoIP and VoLTE, let’s first examine the older of the two technologies.

What is VoIP?

Unlike analog telephones that use phone cables, VoIP uses the internet to transmit voice calls. VoIP calls can be made using laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, and even old handsets fitted with appropriate converters.

VoIP also supports a range of call features such as voice messaging, call forwarding, SMS text messaging, fax transmission, voicemail, and a host of other services. For businesses, VoIP is a convenient one-stop solution for all their communication needs that will not cost them an arm and a leg.

However, VoIP was introduced at a time when the world was still using 2G and 3G networks for mobile devices. The years since then saw major improvements in network connectivity. The arrival of 4G or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) meant faster and better connectivity.

What is VoLTE?

Unlike VoIP, VoLTE uses 4G LTE network to transmit voice calls. And there’s a difference to how VoLTE transmits voice calls. To illustrate, here’s a very simplified analogy:

VoIP is a steam train data carrier chugging along on a steel-and-wood railway that’s your 2G/3G internet connection. The train is loaded with various data: voice, email and text, photo, video, music, and many more.

VoLTE is a Japanese Maglev bullet train data carrier that uses magnetic forces to levitate (thus “maglev”) the train a few inches off the electromagnetic track that’s your 4G internet connection. With zero friction, the train moves at astonishing speeds. What’s more, VoLTE does not pack all data into one train. Instead, each kind of data has a dedicated train all to itself — voice calls on one train, email on another, video packets on another, and so forth. This means faster transmission and better quality voice calls and video chats.

However, don’t think that VoLTE is merely a pumped-up version of VoIP. Instead, think of VoLTE as building on the gains of VoIP technology.

What is the difference between VoIP and VoLTE?

VoLTE is a recent standard for wireless, high-speed communication; in fact, as of this writing, VoLTE is available for mobile devices only. The following enumerates how VoLTE is different from VoIP, and why it’s an improvement over the latter.

#1 VoLTE uses a different network than VoIP

VoIP uses a web-based network such as 3G or Wi-Fi to transmit voice data. On the other hand, VoLTE uses 4G LTE network to transmit voice data. 4G LTE has a broader bandwidth and faster speeds, which means...

#2 VoLTE offers better quality of voice calls

VoLTE first gained prominence because of its superior voice calls. Its high-definition (HD) audio quality is excellent, with lags, drops, jitters and disturbances mostly eliminated. However, there is a catch: caller and receiver must both be using VoLTE phones and transmitting in an area with 4G LTE to experience HD calls.

#3 VoLTE allows simultaneous voice calls and data usage

In the case of some smartphones, it’s not possible to make a call while browsing the web. You need to drop one in order to perform the other. With VoLTE, you can talk and run data apps concurrently.

#4 VoLTE prioritizes voice calls

Both VoIP and VoLTE send voice data packets over the internet along with other data usage transmissions. But while VoIP sends packets on a first come, first served basis, VoLTE prioritizes voice data.

#5 VoLTE eliminates per-minute billing of voice calls

Voice calls used to be charged per minute, but with VoLTE, voice calls are the same as any data transmission. Plus, because it’s difficult to figure out how much data you use for a voice call than it is to count the number of minutes in a call, then the days of voice-minutes billings are numbered.

#6 VoLTE allows for longer battery life, more efficient consumption

With VoLTE, phones need not switch between 2G, 3G, and 4G networks during calls. This extends the battery life, so users need not recharge often.

#7 VoLTE currently has limited support

For now, not all smartphone brands and models support VoLTE technology. And there are still places in the United States where LTE is unavailable. But experts believe that this will rapidly change soon.

Want to learn more about VoLTE and how it can boost your business’s productivity? Call our IT experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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What’s new with Microsoft’s update channelsCompanies that use Microsoft 365 usually want the latest features of the productivity suite's apps. However, not all companies want to receive updates at the same cadence. Whether you prefer to receive new app features ASAP or get them only once a month, there’s a way to customize your preferences, thanks to Microsoft’s update channels. […]

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29 May, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020may29office_b, microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, microsoft update channels, Office, productivity suite category
What’s new with Microsoft’s update channels

Companies that use Microsoft 365 usually want the latest features of the productivity suite's apps. However, not all companies want to receive updates at the same cadence. Whether you prefer to receive new app features ASAP or get them only once a month, there’s a way to customize your preferences, thanks to Microsoft’s update channels.

New update channel: Microsoft Enterprise Channel

The new Microsoft Enterprise Channel is for organizations that prefer to get updates on a predictable schedule. With this update channel, users can receive new features and patches on the second Tuesday of every month, which Microsoft famously calls Patch Tuesdays.

This update channel is ideal for companies with IT departments that want to reduce the burden of updating systems at irregular intervals. This will allow them to have a fixed schedule of downloading the latest productivity features, system improvements, and essential security patches.

Recommended update channel: Current Channel

Current Channel is great for companies that want to receive feature updates as soon as they become available. New Office features are released at least two or three times a month, so those that choose Current Channel will get them immediately.

The same applies to non-security updates such as reliability and performance improvements, which are also released two to three times a month. As standard, security updates will be released on Patch Tuesdays, and are therefore released on a fixed schedule.

Those who are only about to install Microsoft 365 apps will be on Current Channel by default. That means they’ll get feature updates, security updates, quality updates, and bug fixes whenever they’re ready, and can expect to receive two to three updates every month.

Option for less frequent updates: Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel

This option is for organizations that require a longer period to receive new features. This especially applies to those that use devices that must undergo extensive testing before receiving new features, perhaps to comply with governmental and regulatory authorities or for other unique reasons.

Under this update channel, organizations receive feature updates twice annually: in January and July, on the second Tuesday of the month. Security updates are still sent once a month, on Patch Tuesdays, similar to Microsoft Enterprise Channel and Current Channel.

Updates to existing update channels

Another important change is the new names of the Microsoft 365 update channels. Organizations can choose from the following options: Current, Monthly, or Semi-Annual (formerly Insider, Monthly, and Semi-Annual). In addition, testing channels previously labeled Targeted have been renamed Preview.

It’s important to select the right update channel for your organization to keep system updates streamlined and IT workflows uninterrupted. Choosing an update channel also depends on the user preferences of your business — whether they’d rather use the latest versions of their apps or would be fine to wait — as well as your business’s rules on compliance.

To learn more about Microsoft’s update channels, specifically, how to know which one’s best for your company and how to optimize your productivity apps, call our IT and software experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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