What Can iPhone Really Do

One thing that makes the iPhone so great is the long list of things you can do with it beyond making and receiving phone calls. In a previous article we talked about the applications from a general perspective. However, we’ll go into more detail in this article.

Each application has a corresponding icon that will be displayed on the touch screen. In order to access that particular application plus all of its settings, you’ll need to tap on the icon to open it.

As a review, here’s a list of all the application icons you will have:

• Phone
  This icon is what you’ll use to make calls, access your address book, listen to your voice mail, and view the most recent callers.
• Mail
  The mail icon is the one that has an envelope on it. Go here to access the capability to send, receive, and store emails. It interacts well with most email platforms systems such as Yahoo and Gmail as well as most privately hosted email accounts.
• Safari
  The Safari icon is noticeable because it depicts the face of a compass. This is Apple’s internet browser. Go here to access the World Wide Web and view various web pages.
• iPod
  Your iPhone can also serve as your iPod. Click on this icon, which depicts an iPod against an orange background, in order to access this portion of the iPhone so you can listen to music with the same quality as your iPod MP3 player.
• Text messaging
  In order to send text messages, click the green icon that says “SMS” on it. You can only send messages to people who are able to send “SMS” text messages on their phone.
• Calendar
  This icon allows you to view your iPhone’s calendar function. Your computer can interact with it so you can better keep track of your appointments.
• Photos
  The photo icon has a picture of a flower on it. This is where you click if you want to handle the pictures that are in storage on your phone. You can also set the photos up to be part of your wallpaper.
• Camera
  Tap on the camera icon in order to handle all things related to the camera. It is in this section you can take pictures, email them to people, etc.
• YouTube
  The iPhone is set up with a special section for YouTube where you can search for and view videos from the site. This icon looks like a television screen.
• Stocks
  If you have a stock portfolio and like to keep track of the progress of your stocks, you can do so from this section of the phone. The icon is a graph pictured on a blue background.
• Maps
  This icon lets you view maps of different areas and get driving directions. You can also access information such as hotels and restaurants in that area.
• Weather
  Get an up to date weather report by tapping on this icon. It is noticeable because there is a picture of a sun against a blue background.
• Clock
  The clock section of the iPhone lets you view the time as well as set the alarm. You can have multiple alarms set at once if needed.
• Calculator
  This can perform basic functions such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Very handy if you need to do something simple such as calculate a tip while in a restaurant.
• Notes
  This is similar to the notepad function on the computer. You can place to-do lists, reminders, grocery lists, etc on it. The icon looks like a sheet of yellow, lined note paper.
• Settings
  The settings icon is where you go to access all of the iPhone settings. You can change the background, ring tone, add a password, and more.
• iTunes
  This is where you go to access iTunes online. Search for songs, download music, etc. You can use the iPhone as an iPod so the fact that you can access iTunes makes it very convenient.                     

For a detailed listing of what all of these look like, your best bet is to familiarize them on your iPhone and read the manual with the iPhone as well.

Also, if you have any questions concerning a function that is listed here, and we haven’t covered it in a later chapter, your manual could have details on that function.

TEXT MESSAGING WITH THE IPHONE

Over the past few years, text messaging has become an important part of owning a cell phone. It can be quick and easy and certainly less disruptive to text a friend instead of calling them live.

If you have a tendency to send a lot of text messages, this is something to consider when finding a coverage plan for your iPhone. Some plans may charge you on a per text basis. Others may include a flat rate to send and receive unlimited text messages. If you’re not sure which plan you need, you could always get the minimum to begin with and then upgrade later if your usage warrants it.

You can send anyone a text message as long as they have a phone that is enabled with SMS. Just tap on the green and white SMS text icon. Note that if you have text messages in your inbox, you’ll see a number on the upper right side of the icon.

Tap the proper icon once you’re in the screen to draft your and then tap the Send button to send it. You can also tap the icon with the plus sign on it to add a friend’s number from your friends list.  And, you can also send a text message to multiple people at once, just as with traditional e-mail.

USING THE CALENDAR

The iPhone has a calendar function which allows you to keep track of your appointments and events. To access this section, tap on the calendar icon which presents a 9 against a white background and Thursday on the upper portion of the icon. If you can’t find it, consult your manual.

You can enter information into the calendar a few different ways. The first is that you can load it directly from your computer. In the second, you can input the information directly into the iPhone. Once the events are added, you can edit, delete, add more, etc.

In order to add the events directly from your computer you’ll need to synch it. To do this, first plug in the cable. One end will attach to the iPhone, the other to your USB port. You’ll need to set the calendar setting to “sync the calendars” automatically when you plug the cable in. If this setting is in place, your computer and iPhone will be able to communicate.

If an event is particularly important, you can set it to give off a particular sound when the event is coming due. You can choose an alarm setting, a ring tone, or one of the default sounds the iPhone comes with.

USING THE PHOTOS AND CAMERA APPLICATIONS

The iPhone not only has a camera, it has a section where you can view the photos as well. In fact, you can use the iPhone to communicate back and forth with your computer and access pictures that are on your hard drive. You can also move pictures that you had taken with the iPhone onto your computer.

In order to access the section where you can view photos, tap on the icon with a flower on it. If you want to take pictures, tap on the icon with the camera.

To update the pictures automatically from your computer, or to take them off of the iPhone, all you need to do is sync iTunes on the automatic setting. To do this you need either the software iPhoto 4.0.3 or later, Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or later, or Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 or later.

Taking pictures is also fairly simple. Just tap on the camera icon, point the camera at the object, and tap again. The camera itself is on the back of the iPhone. You can view the picture automatically on the display.

The iPhone has multiple features with pictures including:

• delete pictures,
• view them at a later date,
• zoom in and out,
• view a slide show,
• email pictures to people,
• use picture as desktop wallpaper;  
• and assign a unique photo to someone who is on your address or contact list.

Your manual also has in depth information helping you to perform the above functions with ease.

USING YOUTUBE ON THE IPHONE

YouTube.com is an online community filled with people who want to share their videos with the world. The site is set up to allow people to set up a friends list, bookmark their favorite videos, rate videos, and make comments as well as view videos by category.

The iPhone is set up automatically to be able to access this site. You can access the site using the YouTube application icon which looks like a television set. The iPhone will not only let you view videos, but it will enable you to do all of the things you can do on the site. Just tap the icon to get started.

You can browse the videos using a variety of different methods. You can view the top rated videos, browse your favorites, go through your history, perform a search, and more.

Once you find a video that you want to watch, just tap directly on it. It will then download to your iPhone and immediately begin playing. There are controls for each video that will let you stop it, go back, control the volume, bookmark it, and more.

KEEPING TRACK OF THE STOCK MARKET ON THE IPHONE

If you invest in the stock market and find that you need to keep track of it throughout the day, this is a handy feature. The icon depicts a white graph against a blue background. Just tap on it to get started.

You can customize the stock reader to keep track of only the symbols that you care about. For example, if you invest in an individual stock and want to track its progress or a certain fund, you can add it to the reader.

To do this, just tap on the lower-case “i” and then the plus symbol to access the section you’ll need. From there, just search for what you need and click on it when you find it. Your stock is added.

Once you have a list of stocks and funds, you can do several things with them. You can delete them if you don’t need them any longer, choose to display certain locations, and change the order. For example, if you are more interested in tracking one stock over the other, you can change the order so that the most important one is at the top of your list.

THE BASICS OF USING MAPS

This is a handy feature for the iPhone. It isn’t quite a GPS because it doesn’t interact with a satellite and it can’t register exactly where you are but it is the next best thing. In order to access this feature tap on the application icon that depicts a portion of a map, including a sign for an interstate. If you need clarification, consult your iPhone official manual but it’s quite simple.

Here are all of the things the map application can give you access to:

• Street maps
  Choose an area and access maps for that area.
• Satellite photos
  View certain things, such as buildings and different areas, with satellite imagery.
• Driving directions
  This is especially useful if you’re lost or need to find out where you need to go.
• Traffic information
  This feature is only available in certain areas but can help you plan alternate routes.
• Businesses
  Find information on specific businesses using this function. Just click find a location in the directions section to get started.

If you need to find a location, the map application has a search function. Just type the name of the information you need such as a certain town name and you can access that information. When you tap on the section that says “search”, it will automatically bring up the keyboard so you can enter the information.

Once you access a certain map, you can actually zoom in and out and view it from different angles. In addition, you can also scroll to another portion of the map because all of it may not be accessible on the screen.

In order to get driving directions, all you need to do is tap on the portion of the menu that says “directions” and enter the relevant information. It will ask you for the start location and the end location. You may also be able to specify the exact route.

KEEPING TRACK OF THE WEATHER

The iPhone has the capability to give you summaries and updates about the weather. The weather application icon depicts a giant sun against a blue background.

All you need to do to get started is tap the icon and enter the name of the city you need the weather report for. If you find that you search for a particular city often, you can save it for easy access. You can view a six day forecast in this screen.

USING THE CLOCK

The iPhone also comes with a clock feature, which can be accessed by tapping on the icon that looks like a clock. It’s neat because not only can you tell time where you are, but you can also access the time in various time zones throughout the world. In order to access this feature, tap World Clock and follow the instructions.

Another important feature of this section is the alarm clock. The advantage to using your iPhone for your alarm, as opposed to a regular alarm clock, is that you can save multiple alarm events and have them go off at different times. To access this portion of it just tap Alarm and follow the instructions.

The Clock section also has a stop watch. Just tap on stop watch to get to that area. There’s also a timer which you can get to by tapping timer and following the instructions. There’s also a sleep timer as well.

As you can see, the iPhone has the ability to do a lot. Even if you only do the most basic things such as write emails, surf the net, make calls, and write text messages, you’re still getting a lot out of the phone.

USING THE BASIC CALCULATOR

The iPhone comes equipped with a simple calculator that can perform basic functions such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. To get to this section, just tap on the icon that corresponds with the calculator which has the symbols for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing on it.

After you tap the icon, just follow the instructions and make your calculations. It also has a memory function that you can use. It works similar to the regular memory function on a regular calculator. You just need to tap on the screen.

USING THE NOTES FEATURE

Similar to the notepad on your computer, the iPhone also has a notes function. The difference is, you can not only read and write the notes but also read them. Just tap on the icon that depicts a sheet of yellow, lined notebook paper to get started. Once you get into the screen, you can click on the Plus button for more options.

THE SETTINGS ON THE IPHONE

When you first purchase your iPhone, choose a plan, and activate it, it’s ready to use as long as you are happy with the default settings. However, the phone comes equipped with different settings and modes that will help you get more out of your iPhone.

What follows is more information concerning the iPhone. Just tap on the Settings application icon to get started.

Airplane Mode

The iPhone has what’s known as an airplane mode. When flying on an airplane, airlines do not allow you to have any of the wireless features enabled on your wireless devices. Since it’s a phone and then some, the iPhone can work without the wireless if you want to do something like use the calculator, write notes, or take pictures.

To do this, just tap the settings icon. From there, you can turn the mode on. You’ll be able to tell if you were successful in turning it on because you’ll see an airplane icon on your phone. That way, you can still do any of the non-wireless related functions that your phone is capable of.

Enabling WiFi

Yes, you can set your iPhone up to access the internet through your cell plan. However, it is also capable of using external WiFi networks that you can encounter in places such as airports, coffee shops, and even someone’s house. Wherever there is a wireless network, you can have your iPhone access the internet that way.

From the settings icon, just select “Turn WiFi On” and follow the instructions. You can then join an existing WiFi network. You can also set the phone up to join a network automatically, ignore certain networks, or join a password protected network as well.

Miscellaneous Settings

• Monitor Stats
  There are also some settings that are important to the iPhone. If you are on a plan where you need to closely monitor your statistics, for example, you can do so from the “Usage” option in the Settings section.
• Change Ring Tones
  You can also change the ring tone and sounds settings by choosing the “ringtones” option and the “sounds” option. You can also make volume adjustments as needed.
• Brightness Level
  If you want to change the screen’s level of brightness, just select “brightness” from the settings. Once you tap your finger on “Screen Brightness” all you need to do is use your finger to drag on the slider and adjust it. You can also set the iPhone to adjust the screen brightness automatically.
• Set the Wallpaper
  You can also change the wallpaper on your iPhone. There are some default pictures that you can use, or you can add your own picture. Just tap on “select wallpaper” and follow the instructions.
• Bluetooth
  The iPhone also supports blue tooth technology. In order to do access the portion of the iPhone where you can turn blue tooth on or off, just select “General” and then “Network” and follow the instructions.

EXTREMELY VERSATILE TECHNOLOGY

As you can see, the iPhone is extremely versatile. In addition to the basic functions most cell phones can do nowadays, such as text messaging, the ability to make phone calls, and email, the iPhone can do a lot more than that.

In the following chapters, we’ll talk about other functions of the iPhone in much greater detail.