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iPad 2: Is It Still Worth Buying? is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.

The iPad 2 is coming up on its three-year anniversary next month, and Apple is actually still actively selling the legacy tablet in its store, but rumor has it that the company is thinking about finally giving it the boot at some point this year, officially discontinuing it in order to make room for another entry-level iPad.

It certainly seems that Apple wants the older tablet on the way out, as well as a handful of retailers who are trying to get rid of iPad 2 inventory. Walmart, for instance, is discounting the iPad 2 by knocking off $100 and marking it at $299, which is really good price for an iPad, even if it’s three years old.

However, the original iPad mini costs the same $299, and just $100 will get you the even more impressive iPad mini with Retina display, which is rocking way better internals and the obvious high-resolution display. However, for those that want a full-size iPad without spending an arm and a leg will probably consider the iPad 2, but should they? Let’s look at some pros and cons.

The iPad 2 Is Cheap

If you want to buy an iPad on the cheap, the iPad 2 is about the cheapest you can go and still get a fairly good experience. The $299 sale at Walmart is about the best price you’ll get for a brand-new model, while used versions sell for a little over $200 on eBay or Craigslist. You can’t really get any better than that for a full-sized iPad.

Otherwise, Apple sells the iPad 2 for $399 regularly, which is the same price as the iPad mini with Retina display. One comes with a larger display, but the other comes with improved performance, which brings us to our second point.

The iPad 2 Is Slow

The iPad 2 is a great for everyday usage, like checking email, browsing the web, reading, etc., but if you’re wanting to do any mobile gaming or something that requires a lot of processing power, don’t count on the iPad 2 to deliver the performance that you might need.

We’ve talked with several iPad users who are still rocking the iPad 2 (most of whom are casual users) and they’re having no problems with the performance of the tablet, even running the new iOS 7. So simple tasks can still very much be initiated on the iPad 2, making the tablet a good and cheap solution for everyday consumers, but for those wanting a little power, you might want to look at newer models.

It’s Great if You Still Rely on 30-Pin

Consumers were genuinely upset when Apple introduced a new connector on the iPhone when it launched the iPhone 5 back in September 2012. This meant that users would eventually need to replace their crop of 30-pin connectors. However, there are still some folks stuck in the legacy days, whether they still have an older iPhone or an iPod, some people just may not want to part with their 30-pin cables just yet.

This makes the iPad 2 a great choice for those kind of users, and if they just need a cheap tablet without all of the performance gimmicks, then it’s a win-win situation. Of course, eventually, Apple users will need to succumb to the fact that one day they’ll need to finally upgrade to the new Lightning connector, but luddites like to ride it out until the very end, usually.

Don’t Expect Future Software Updates

Perhaps one of the biggest downsides of getting the iPad 2 now is that you probably won’t see any future support for the tablet from Apple. iOS 7 is probably the last iOS version that iPad 2 users will get. Granted, iOS 7.1 may still be headed to the older slate, but we can pretty much guarantee that iOS 8 won’t make it.

Although, we are glad to see iOS 7 on the iPad 2, since it’s the first complete overhaul of iOS that Apple has done. Considering that iOS 8 will most likely only be an update including a few new features, the progress from iOS 7 to iOS 8 probably won’t be as dramatic as was the progression from iOS 6 to iOS 7. Still, for those who are wanting the latest software updates and features will most likely want to get a newer model.

iPad 2: Is It Still Worth Buying? is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.

How To Always Get Walking Directions on iOS Maps is a post by Kevin Purcell from Gotta Be Mobile.

The Maps app in iOS 7 on iPhone or iPad defaults to giving directions for drivers, but many people who don’t drive or who live in large cities where they almost always walk, will prefer walking directions. We’ll show users how to change the Maps app to offer walking directions on iOS maps by default.

What’s the difference? In many spots users can walk places where they can’t drive and vice versa. For example, someone could go down a walkway that connects two streets in a big city but they can’t drive that route. There might also be a road that doesn’t allow pedestrians due to safety concerns. In this case, the app won’t offer that road as part of the directions.

Changing to Walking Directions by Default

Before opening Maps, fire up the Settings app. Slide the screen down till the Maps app shows in the Settings list. It’s in the fourth section of the list.

Tap on the Maps app. Slide the screen down to the last section with two options. By default a check mark shows up next to Driving. Tap on Walking and from then on the app will default to Walking directions.

Walking and Driving Directions Give Different Results

We did a test to see how this affects directions. Getting from the 42nd Street Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, NY to Rockefeller Center, about 12 blocks away, offers two different sets of directions based on walking or driving mode.

Notice that the driving directions take a person one of three possible ways seen below, none of which matches the walking directions shown in the second image below.

The walking directions take a straight shot down 42nd Street and another straight shot down 5th Ave as shown below. That’s because walking this route works better on foot, while driving one of the above possible routes works best in a car.

Other Maps App Settings

Notice in the Settings of the iPhone Maps app that users can change a few other things. The top section in the Maps settings lets users pick the volume of the voice the app uses to announce direction. It ranges from No Voice to Loud. There’s also an option for miles or kilometers. Finally, users can set labels to always show in English, even if the person’s travelling internationally.

How To Always Get Walking Directions on iOS Maps is a post by Kevin Purcell from Gotta Be Mobile.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Release: 10 Things the U.S. Can Expect is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

In just a few short days, we should have our Samsung Galaxy S5 launch, a launch that should produce not only the device itself but also a Galaxy S5 release date for consumers interested in the company’s brand new flagship smartphone. With that in mind, we want to take a look at what we expect from the release date in the United States.

Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors started as early as June of last year. An Android-centric blog called Android Geeks broke a story about how the Galaxy S5 would come with a brand new design comprised of metal rather than plastic. And while that was one of the first Galaxy S5 rumors, it certainly wasn’t the last.

For months, Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors have been raging in an attempt to piece together Samsung’s upcoming flagship ahead of its actual launch. We’ve heard rumors suggest that it will have a large, powerful display. We’ve seen leaks point to a powerful processor, Android 4.4.2 KitKat, and a new look for TouchWiz. And we’ve heard that the device, after all of this time, is extremely close to the surface.

Earlier this year, Samsung issued invites to a Unpacked 5 Episode 1 launch event in Barcelona, Spain, set for February 24th. While the company isn’t saying what will be announced there, all roads lead to the Samsung Galaxy S5.

It’s there that we’ll finally see the high-res display, the powerful processor, Android 4.4.2 KitKat, and the device’s brand new UI. And it’s also where we’ll likely hear about the ever-so-important Galaxy S5 release date. Ahead of February 24th, we want to offer our own expectations for prospective U.S. buyers, buyers who are anxiously awaiting Samsung’s Next Big Thing.

Release Date Announcements After Launch, Not At Launch

If we’re talking about Galaxy S5 release expectations in the United States, well, then we need to start with the release date itself. We’ve been through all four of the major Galaxy S releases in the United States and we can say that while there is some unpredictability, there are some things that change very little.

While Samsung used to leave release dates up to rumors and guesswork, the company now offers specific details on stage during its launch events. Even for the United States. In the case of the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4, we heard about very specific release windows that consumers could count on.

The company left the specific dates to U.S. carriers themselves and those carriers confirmed dates when they were ready to. In the case of the Galaxy S4, it took a few weeks. With the Galaxy Note 3, it was only a few days before we had most of our release dates down. We expect similar from the Galaxy S5 release.

We can see Samsung taking the stage, announcing vague Galaxy S5 release windows, and leaving the specific dates to carriers. With that in mind, we expect the Galaxy S5 release dates for the United States to trickle out in the days and weeks after launch day, not on launch day itself.

Sign Up Pages Before Release

We expect U.S. carriers, like German carrier O2, to offer a sign up page where their customers can input their email address to learn about official Galaxy S5 details, directly from the carrier itself. These sign up pages might not benefit hardcore smartphone enthusiasts who read about devices on a daily basis but they do help to keep casual customers informed.

Carriers almost always release these sign up pages ahead of launch and with the Galaxy Note 3, we even saw the Verizon sign up page confirm specific dates for the pre-order. Look for carriers to use these in the early goings as they attempt to pull customers in.

Major Carriers First, Smaller Carriers Within Weeks

We expect the Samsung Galaxy S5 release to go like all of Samsung’s other major smartphone releases. The major U.S. carriers should get the first Galaxy S5 release dates, they typically come about a month or two after Samsung announces a device, and smaller regional and pre-paid carriers should see the Galaxy S5 land later on.

Smaller carriers have closed the gap between the major release dates and their release dates but consumers should still expect carriers like C Spire and Cricket to be behind the curve when it comes to timing. It should only be a matter of days, or at the very least, weeks before we see smaller carriers get the Galaxy S5.

Release Dates Within Days of Each Other

Another thing that we expect to happen from the Samsung Galaxy S5 release in the U.S. is a small cluster of release dates from major carriers. What we mean by that is this.

We typically see one carrier kick things off, AT&T is a likely bet with its deep connections with Samsung, and then the others follow shortly afterward. The Galaxy Note 3 release dates all took place within a few days of each other while last year’s Verizon Galaxy S4 was the black sheep. The others were released in close proximity to one another.

This should happen with the Galaxy S5 as carriers look to take away advantages from their competitors.

Some Kind of Exclusive

When it comes to major Samsung Galaxy releases, we almost always see some carrier get some kind of exclusive. Whether that’s an exclusive color to add to their lineup, an exclusive device like the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4, or exclusive storage variants like the 32GB AT&T and Verizon Galaxy S4′s, there is always something unique.

It’s hard to expect anything different from the Samsung Galaxy S5. We expect there to be some type of exclusive whether it’s a device, a color, a storage option or perhaps, even an early release date. There will be something that sets at least one of the Galaxy S5 models apart, we just don’t know what that exclusive, or exclusives, will be just yet.

Widespread Availability

Expect the Samsung Galaxy S5 to be available in a number of different places once its release date arrives. The Galaxy S5 should come to the usual suspects including carrier online portals and physical retail locations but U.S. consumers should also expect it to arrive at places like Amazon, Best Buy, and Wirefly.

We would be shocked if other large retailers like Walmart and RadioShack were left out of the mix as well. This is a big name device, as big as the iPhone, and we all know Samsung loves to flood the market with its devices. So expect the Galaxy S5 to be available at all of the big name places and then some.

Instant Price Cuts

There are already those that are calling for consumers to avoid the Galaxy S5 at launch due to research that suggests that the device will drop in price, significantly, in the weeks and months after it arrives. We’re not going to go that far but we do encourage Galaxy S5 buyers to take a look around once the device is released.

The U.S. Samsung Galaxy S5 release date will likely bring deals of close to 25% off on a contract.

Historically, we have seen retailers like Amazon and Wirefly offer instant, day one discounts over the on-contract price tags through carriers like AT&T and Verizon. We’re not talking steep $100 discounts, but we are talking $20 to $30 discounts right off the bat. Those prices might even be offered with a pre-order.

This is an Android phone, it’s one that will be available on a ton of carriers, and it’s one that will need to compete against the likes of the iPhone 5s. Look for price to play a big role in that and expect instant Galaxy S5 price cuts on day one.

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2

Consumers in the United States should expect the Galaxy S5 to be paired with at least one other release. While nothing is set in stone, multiple reports, including one from the The New York Times, suggest that the Galaxy S5 will be joined by a brand new Samsung Galaxy Gear 2.

It’s not entirely clear what the new Galaxy Gear will entail though rumors point to a flexible OLED display, something that could deliver a brand new design.

The Galaxy Gear features a bulky display area that some users found too large and not fashionable enough despite multiple color options and finishes. A flexible OLED display might pair up with flexible battery technology to let Samsung deliver a thinner more fashionable Galaxy Gear 2 with the Galaxy S5.

Galaxy S5 Accessory Barrage

Prepare for a barrage of Samsung Galaxy S5 accessories, not just from Samsung, but third-party manufacturers as well. Again, nothing is confirmed, but we have found a ton of placeholders for upcoming Galaxy S5 accessories that should arrive in and around the time that the Galaxy S5 touches down.

This is a flagship smartphone and it will get the flagship treatment from accessory manufacturers. Expect there to be an ample selection of cases, sleeves and more once the device arrives in the U.S.

More Galaxy S5 Releases

Finally, expect Samsung to release other Galaxy S5 branded products. Rumor has it, the company will be coming out with a new Galaxy S5 Zoom and Galaxy S5 Active to replace the Galaxy S4 Zoom and Galaxy S4 Active that are currently on shelves. Details are extremely scarce at this point but more Galaxy S5 releases seem likely.

The company has shown a willingness to capitalize on its big brand names, last year we saw devices like the Galaxy S4 Mini, Zoom and Active, and this year, the company will deliver a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo that uses the Galaxy Note brand as a launch pad.

While these devices probably won’t get announced alongside the Galaxy S5, there is a very good chance that we’ll see them arrive in the weeks after its release.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Release: 10 Things the U.S. Can Expect is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

iOS 7.1 Release Poised to Fix 5 Big iOS 7 Problems is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

The iOS 7.1 release is weeks away according to the latest rumors. Thanks to the iOS 7.1 beta program developers are already using the new software and we know many iOS 7 problems that iOS 7.1 will fix.

iPhone and iPad users continue to complain about iOS 7 problems that appeared in September and with various iOS 7.0.x updates in the past several months, hoping for the iOS 7.1 release to fix big and small issues.

Apple promised an update is in the works to fix what many iPhone users would describe as the iOS 7 problem, a random crash that leaves the phone unusable for 10 seconds to a minute while it reboots part of the device, but that’s not all.

Conflicting reports suggest the iOS 7.1 release date is set for February or March. At this point it’s not clear exactly when it will arrive, but it can’t come soon enough for many users.

Here is a look at the biggest iOS 7 problems that the iOS 7.1 release should fix based on Apple’s announcements and the developer betas.

iOS 7 Crash Issue is Gone

Apple publicly promised to fix the iOS 7 crash issue that shows users a black or white screen and prevents them from using the iPhone for up to a minute. Unlike some crashing issues we’ve seen in the past this is a major iOS 7 problem that can strike while on a call, trying to take a photo or just browsing the web. It is a big problem for Apple and is frustrating many regular iPhone owners that have not seen this much crashing before.

The biggest iOS 7.1 fix is to crashing issues.

For users that are on the iOS 7.1 beta, the crashes are almost gone and the small number of crashes that do happen can be chalked up to beta issues rather than a continuation of the iOS 7 crash bug.

iOS 7 Performance on iPad and iPhone

Apple is pushing iOS 7 performance in the right direction with the iOS 7.1 release. Users with older iPads often complain about lag and other slow performance issues on iOS 7. With the iOS 7.1 release Apple is bringing a faster, ore streamlined version of iOS 7 that should help users with older hardware enjoy a better experience.

Apple is speeding up the animations on iOS 7.1 which delivers a much better experience for users on older hardware. The iPad 3 does not run iOS 7 very well for many users, but iOS 7.1 helps deliver a better user experience.

Consistent Design in iOS 7 & iOS 7.1

The iOS 7.1 release will bring the a small number of visual changes to iOS 7, making for a more consistent overall look while using the iPhone or iPad. The average user may not notice all of them, but critics were quick to point out parts of the iOS 7 update that did not match the new look completely.

The iOS 7.1 update will bring a few more visual changes.

Apple changed the look of the following features, screens and functions.

• Incoming Call Screen


• Phone App Buttons


• Easier Control of Motion on Backgrounds


• New Shut Down Screen


• New buttons in the Music App

There are various other small iOS 7.1 update design changes that offer a new look and better fit in with iOS 7′s design. Don’t expect a complete overhaul to the look of iOS 7, just an experience that feels more complete.

Location Tracking

iOS 7 did not allow apps that a user kills to continue tracking location in the background. To some users this may be a good thing, but to users counting on an app’s ability to track the phone’s location no matter what it is a problem.

Life360 is a location tracking app that allows families to track and share location information with each other. After the iOS 7 update arrived the team found that it was possible for a user to kill an app and not realize that the service could no longer track location information. The CEO of Life360 sent an email to Tim Cook on behalf of his company and other Apple developers and VentureBeat reports that Apple is adding the needed functionality back in iOS 7.1 as of the iOS 7.1 beta released earlier this month.

A Better Keyboard

The iOS 7.1 keyboard is a step up from the iOS 7 keyboard thanks to more contrast and several other key changes. Apple does not allow third-party keyboards on the iPhone for the main keyboard, which makes these changes even more important.

The keyboard is improved in iOS 7.1

In addition to changing the contrast to make it easier to see the keys and the space between them Apple changes the shift and delete keys for easier use. If you routinely hit the delete key when you don’t want to on iOS 7 or can’t tell if the shift key is on, you are not alone. The iOS 7.1 keyboard is much easier to use.

iOS 7.1 Release Poised to Fix 5 Big iOS 7 Problems is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.