Apple in the news...

Hi everybody! So how is "Apple in the News," actually news??? Well, I''m glad you asked! First of all, Apple has taken responsibility for the notorious "Error 53" problem - which many had been crying foul over for awhile now. Error 53 is a real bummer for some folks who have had their iPhone 5s, or 6/6s repaired and have had the home button replaced (fingerprint reader). When an IOS update came out the phone would lock up and be, essentially, unrecoverable - data too! We have been told a new update is on it's way that will remove this error. Those who have had to replace their iPhone will be getting reimbursed for their time and trouble - yea-y Apple!

More importantly though you may have heard about the FBI demanding that Apple provide a "back-door" to their highly secure IOS software because the San Bernadino terroist's favored iPhone's... Interestingly, no one - including CIA, Homeland Security, NSA etc can't seem to crack the code! Apple has declined to provide the "Key to the Corporation" and has until Friday to do so... I say, Key to the Corporation because that's exactly what they told the FBI. They have built an impenetrable system so that their customers data is safe and their own company remains at the top of the heap! What do you think about their decision? Comment below -

Finally, we have learned that iPad Air 3 and iPhone 6se (a similar offering to the 5c) will be released next month - and possibly a new Apple Watch? Stay tuned to Garage Talk for updates!

LG's "Feature" Phones...

LG has a couple of new phones that offer the buyer an ala carte approach to the features they want or need. Do you take a lot of pictures? There's a phone with enhanced camera features - just for you! The X-Cam, which is priced a lot less than the full featured G5. Is a Hi-Res screen high on your list for a smartphone? Then the X-Screen is for you - and the price again is just right! This is an interesting concept in marketing phones that hopefully won't spread them too thin. We repair a lot of LG phones here at Gadget Garage and look forward to seeing these new phones - and the LG G5, very soon...

http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/15/10995080/lg-x-cam-screen-series-release-date-price-specs

Galaxy s7 News

Waiting to upgrade to Samsung's latest and greatest? Well, the wait is (almost) over! February 27th, 2016 will mark the Big Day and they should be available shortly thereafter. At Gadget Garage we look forward to seeing all the new offerings and furthermore, we love to remind everyone that we will buy your well kept "old" smartphone when you do decide to upgrade!

Breaking News!!!! READ THIS...

You asked for it and we listened - and delivered!!!

Gadget Garage is now open from 10am - to 7pm SIX DAYS A WEEK! I know, right!?!

New Hours - MONDAY - SATURDAY 10:am to 7:00pm

Now you can come in for sales and repairs a whopping 14 MORE hours per week!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Water Damage? Let us help you out...

...That dreadful moment when gravity takes over and your prized mobil assistant hits the water with a stomach-wrenching, "Splash!" Of course your first response is to reach in and save your delicate device from a watery grave! But what you do NEXT could seal the deal for any hope of it working again. 

1. Call Gadget Garage! (701) 356-3763...on a friends phone - or your landline.
2. DO NOT continue using it! (Resist! Resist!)
3. If it has a removable battery (non Apple phones in general), remove it now.
4. Above all, DO NOT plug it in! (Again, resist!) You can try the bag of rice routine as it will act as a makeshift desiccant to absorb the offending liquid more rapidly than air drying...or you could just air dry it. 
5. Come on in and let our expert techs attempt a water recovery.

Happy New Year Everyone!

A new year and a new start to get ahead on your "Tech Life!" No kidding, how many of us have resisted the sometimes intimidating task of learning about all the features and requirements of modern Smartphones?!? One of the basics that you simply must address is Data Back-up! 

At Gadget Garage I hear it every day - usually a day too late!  Your phone gets dropped in the water, on the concrete or just quits working, and the desperate question emerges: Can you get my pictures back??? Not always, is my reluctant response. But, with a few simple steps - you can get your own pictures backed up - safe and sound.

Many people, myself included, prefer a "local copy" meaning: On MY Computer. This is very straightforward and most Smartphone manufacturers provide actual software that makes it as easy as "point n click." Another very popular method today is, "The Cloud." This is a little more dependable as the back-ups you allocate to The Cloud are themselves backed up, over and over at different places - sometimes around the world! The advantage of that is, if your computer dies and all your pics or contacts are on it, your data is safe to download again!

So, the short story is, no matter which way you decide to go, make 2016 the year you take control of your precious data!

Samsung users can download Smart Switch here http://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/

iPhone folks can simply turn on iCloud or for a local copy on your PC or Mac download iTunes if you don't already have it and plug your iPhone in and go to the Summary page where you'll see the option to back-up to iCloud or, "on my computer". Right next to that is the, "Back-up Now."

For most other models you can plug directly into your computer and access everything that way. As you can see, this is pretty straightforward stuff and is a Lot cheaper than expensive data recovery services - IF they can be used successfully! So go ahead and start backing up!