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iOS 18 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

How To: Put your Apple iPod or iPhone into DFU mode

If you own an Apple iPod or iPhone, and you want to unbrick it, you'll need to prepare the device first. This video will show you how to put your Apple iPod or iPhone into DFU mode, which means Device Firmware Update. You'll need to attach the Apple device to your computer for iTunes. If you're looking to jailbreak the iPod, this will help you get to that step.

How To: Repair an HP iPAQ RX3100, 3400 or 3700 PDA

Need a quick repair job for your HP iPAQ Pocket PC RX3100, 3115, 3400, 3415, 3417, 3700, or 3715? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to disassemble the phone after it's been damaged. You'll see exactly how to take it apart, then simply reverse the instructions to put the HP iPAQ RX3100, 3115, 3400, 3415, 3417, 3700, or 3715 back together.

How To: Build a simple Van de Graaff generator

Want to build a Van de Graaf electrostatic generator? Who doesn't! This video tutorial will show you how. To follow along at home, you'll need the following items: a rubber band–the longer the better–, a small motor, a small glass object like a Christmas tree light, and some type of plastic roller. For simple, step-by-step instructions, watch this Van de Graaf-buildin' how-to.

How To: Build the stands for the gantry table for a CNC router

A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or electronics, but be warned, these machines are inherently dangerous, so wear the proper protection and use common sense. At the very least, read the instructions and precautions on every tool you use.

How To: Build a simple contact microphone for $2

Looking to go electric on the cheap? In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to make a contact microphone out of a Piezo Transducer, available for $2 from Radioshack (part #273073A). You'll also need some sort of audio connector, which can either be salvaged from old electronics or bought from Radioshack as well. This video also covers how to make shock mount for the mic out of scrap styrofoam. Amplify most anything with this how-to.

How To: Hack a WiFi USB Adapter for Better Reception

This video tutorial demonstrates a simple hack for improving the WiFi reception of a USB adapter. To replicate this hack yourself, you'll need the following materials: (1) a WiFi USB adapter, (2) a USB extension cable, (3) a metal strainer, and (4) a pair of scissors. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on improving your WiFi adapter's signal levels, watch this how-to video.

How To: Make a high-tech spy stethoscope

A stethoscope, often considered the symbol of a doctor's profession, but also used by safe-crackers and auto mechanics to hear sounds that otherwise couldn't be heard. Well, it's time to make a high-tech electronic spy stethoscope with Kip Kay in this gadget video tutorial, for only twenty-five bucks! You can hear and record heartbeats with this spy gadget, or even listen through walls!

How To: Take apart an Etch a Sketch

Before I built the mechanics for my laser cutter I was planning on using the etch a sketch since the pulleys where already there. I accidentally cut the wires while taking it apart, so I made it from scratch (much bigger too). But I figured I'd post this in case you want a small laser cutter and need to learn how to take apart an etch a sketch. It was a bit tricky. The tought part was trying to take off the case. What you need to do is to pry the red off of the black, not the other way around.

How To: Focus Profiles Will Change How You Use Your iPhone — Here's How to Set Them Up for Distraction-Free Experiences

There's a powerful tool on your iPhone that can fine-tune your iOS experience based on what you're doing and when, and it's completely customizable. With it, you can control what notifications appear or are silenced, who can call you, which Home Screen pages you want to view, the Lock Screens you can pick from, and more. And you can automate it based on a variety of triggers.

How To: View Podcast Transcripts on Your iPhone to View, Search, and Navigate the Audio

Apple's Podcasts app just got a big feature: transcripts. Before, you had to rely on third-party services or the off chance that podcast creators posted transcription links to each of their episodes. Now, you can view, read, and search show transcripts directly in Podcasts, whether uploaded from the creators or automatically generated by Apple.

How To: Your iPhone Just Got 118 More Emoji — Here Are All the New Characters and Variations

There are now more emoji on your iPhone's keyboard that you can send as reactions or stickers or insert wherever else you use emoji — and it's about time. It's been nearly a year since the last emoji update for iOS, and we only received support for 31 new ones then. The new iOS 17 software update brings almost four times as many.

How To: Your iPhone Can Help Keep Clutter from Piling Up in Mail and Messages — Here's How

Many of your accounts online likely require two-factor authentication (2FA) or two-step verification (2SV) to confirm your identity when logging in, and there's a good chance the second factor or step for each is a one-time email or SMS verification code. If you get a lot of email and SMS codes, it can clutter your Mail and Messages apps with junk if you don't delete the messages after signing in.

How To: Turn Your iPhone into a Samsung Galaxy S24 or Z Fold 5

Are you thinking of switching from an iPhone to an Android phone? Before you make a permanent change from Apple to the other side, it's good to try out the other ecosystem and see if it makes sense for you. If you can't get your hands on an Android phone to try it out, you can simulate Android right on your iPhone. You can even see what a foldable smartphone feels like!

How To: Your iPhone's Messages App Has 22 New Must-Try Features — And You Probably Didn't Know About Half of Them

Your iPhone's Messages app has some impressive new features and changes with iOS 17, and you've probably already noticed some of them just by using the updated app. But there are less apparent features, even hidden ones, that have likely eluded you that you're going to want to know about. There are even some new Messages features yet to be officially released.