Some say you can’t use an iPad to teach coding in the classroom. An app is proving that theory wrong one young learner at a time.
Jeff Butts
Jeff Butts is a seasoned tech aficionado with deep roots in the Apple ecosystem. Starting his journey in the early 1980s by experimenting with hardware, Jeff has always been driven by a desire to get the most out of technological devices. His expertise has led him to prominent roles in the industry, including a nearly three-year stint as a Reporter at AppAdvice and an impressive seven-year tenure as a Writer/Editor for Byrnes Publishing, LLC. More recently, Jeff lent his technical insights to HotHardware, Inc. as a Tech Editor. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to providing valuable content, Jeff continues to be a trusted voice for readers keen on Apple products and innovations.
Articles by Jeff Butts
Check Out Your iPhone's User Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran to the iPhone or a complete newbie, it’s nice to have some documentation to check out. This helps you learn all the features on iOS. It’s especially helpful when a major upgrade comes out, and things work differently. I’m looking at you, Safari. As luck would have it, your iPhone’s user guide is just waiting for you in iOS. One need only know where to look. In this case, just open your Bookmarks in Safari, and you’ll find it there. The current version of the iPhone’s user guide covers new features in iOS 15, setting up your iPhone, the basics of iOS, and quite a bit more. Yes, there’s even an entry on customizing Safari’s layout so you can return the tabs and search bar to the top of the screen. Another entry in the iPhone User Guide help you manage your security and privacy. You can also learn about using your iPhone with iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, and PC. There’s a ton more useful information, so be sure to at least give it a glance.
China's Cryptocurrency Ban Affects Bitcoin and Others
China’s recent all-out cryptocurrency ban sent prices tumbling. Bitcoin and others have already regained some lost ground, though.
How to Schedule Your Mac to Reboot
There are plenty of times when you could benefit from a fresh start on your Mac. Let’s look at how to schedule your Mac to reboot.
How to Maximize Focus Mode on iOS 15
The new Focus Mode options in iOS 15 offer a lot of customization to the retired Do Not Disturb feature. Let’s walk through setting them up.
EU’s Mobile Charging Port Law Won’t Stifle Innovation
Cupertino continues to insist the European Commission’s proposed charging port law will stifle innovation. Is this true, or just rebellion?
GridRaster Using XR to Improve USAF Aircraft Maintenance
GridRaster’s contract with the US Air Force will streamline many aircraft maintenance tasks. The tools can be also used for other missions, such as flight training and simulations.
FaceTime SharePlay and More in iOS 15.1 Beta
The highly anticipated FaceTime SharePlay feature is back in the first iOS 15.1 beta. That’s not all that Cupertino has added, though.
Adding COVID-19 Vaccination Records to Apple Health
With iOS 15, you can easily store COVID-19 vaccination records on your iPhone. Just scan the QR code, and the information is in Apple Health.
Apple Releases iOS 15.1 Developer Beta
Just a day after releasing the latest version of its operating system, Apple has the first iOS 15.1 developer beta ready for testing.
Demystifying T-Mobile’s New “5G UC" Icon
If you noticed your iPhone 12 suddenly showing a “5G UC” icon, that’s actually a good thing. Jeff Butts explains what it means.
EU Wants Phones to Use USB-C Chargers by 2024
A proposal to force all smartphone manufacturers to adopt USB-C chargers is on the table. It’s expected to take effect no earlier than 2024.
Get the Vaccine or Get Tested More Often, Apple Says
Coinciding with the Biden administration’s “Get the Vaccine” push, unvaccinated Apple employees will face more frequent COVID-19 testing.
Jay Z Makes Huge Investment in Smart Home Tech
Rapper, songwriter, businessman Jay-Z has reportedly made a huge investment in smart home tech recently. Through Marcy Venture Partners, Jay-Z sent $110 million into Wyze Labs’ coffers. That brings the smart home device maker’s total funding to date to $146 million. The smart home tech company, founded in 2017 by Amazon veterans, has more than 300 employees. The work Wyze is doing with AI and camera technology will definitely. benefit from the extra cash.
“We are doubling down and investing heavily to build world-class artificial intelligence into our camera products,” Wyze co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Crosby told GeekWire in a recent piece. “Just in the last year, our AI team has built person detection, vehicle detection, package detection and pet detection into our cameras. “Right now we have AI features in the works that we truly think will be game-changing for any camera, let alone one that costs less than $36.”
Delivery Date for iPhone 13 Models Slips to October
Those who jumped fast at pre-ordering their iPhone 13 models should get their new phones soon. Those who have yet to order will have to wait.
How To Use FaceTime With Android and More
FaceTime has always been an iPhone-only app. That’s still true, but as of iOS 15, there is a way to use FaceTime with Android.
Apple Moves More Devices from Lightning to USB-C
As Cupertino releases new and refreshed Apple products, the company also moves closer to switching from Lightning to USB-C altogether.
The DIY Raspberry Pi Automatic Guitar Tuner
First of all, “music is notably mathematical” is a brilliant pun. Second of all, this project is a brilliant merger of Maker DIY tech and music, especially since the gadget actually turns the pegs for you to tune your guitar strings. This Raspberry Pi project is based on Band Industries’ Roadie 3 automatic tuner. I love the fact that Jean-Gilles not only provides the instructions and source code for the project, but also the 3D printing files.
Music is notably mathematical, so it should come as no surprise that many makers turn to creating their own Raspberry Pi-based solutions for musical problems. Today we’ve got a sharp, problem-solving creation to share from maker Guyrandy Jean-Gilles. Tired of twisting his pegs, Jean-Gilles opted to develop his own Raspberry Pi Pico-powered automatic guitar tuner.
TP-Link Introduces Tri-band Gaming Wi-Fi Router
If someone’s gaming is bogging down your wireless network, TP-Link has the answer. Its gaming Wi-Fi router has a dedicated band for them
Apple Announces the iPhone 13 Lineup
At its “California Streaming” event, Apple introduced the latest model of its smartphone lineup, the iPhone 13.
Apple Fires Whistleblower Employee
An Apple whistleblower employee fighting against workplace safety issues faced intimidation, retaliation, and then termination.
Coming Soon to an Apple Store Near You: More 24-Inch iMac Colors
Soon, you won’t need to order online to purchase the more unusual iMac colors. They are coming to Apple retail stores after Sept. 14.
What to Expect from the iPhone 13 Announcement
The iPhone 13 announcement is just days away. Here’s what we expect to hear about the new phone at Apple’s “California Streaming” event.
MacOS Monterey Adds Memoji to Mac Lock Screen
Big Sur gave us Memoji in Messages on our Macs. In Monterey, we can even put our Memoji on our Mac’s lock screen. Jeff Butts walks you through making that happen.