Having some trouble with your iOS device showing up in iTunes? This week, we'll help you fix that. We'll also look at alternatives to the short sync and docking cable that Apple supplies with your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and we'll wrap things up with a tip on how to add the amusing Emoji icons to your text messaging.
If you attach your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to your Mac and it isn't recognized or it doesn't show up under the iTunes devices list, there are several things you can do to try to fix it. These fixes apply even if you see an error message stating that iTunes cannot recognize your iOS device.
The fix for this problem can be found in an Apple support article TS3540. It documents the 20 steps you need to perform to resolve this issue on your Mac. The entire process is of a moderate level of difficulty so if you are not comfortable doing them you might need to ask a friend for help.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
The original Apple charging cable is a bit on the short end, but there's a solution if you're seeking it. If you just need a longer sync cable, Griffin Technologies has a 3 Meter USB to Dock Cable that retails about $40.
If you have a clock radio or speakers with a dock connector made for the iPhone or iPod touch and are in need of an adapter, the folks at CableJive offer a Dock Extender cable that ranges from 2-ft for $25 to to 6-ft for $32.
If you have more than one iOS device, Cablejive offers a duaLink Sync Splitter cable for $26 that solves this problem.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Download the universal app Emoji Free [iTunes link]. Once it is installed, launch it and follow the simple instructions it gives you to include emoticons with all of your text messages and notes.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
The release of iOS 4.3 offered a new feature for iPad users. They can now control the screen orientation lock on their iPads using the sliding switch on the right hand side of the device. However, this doesn't work that way by default. The default setting for this switch controls mute.
To change this, launch the settings app, tap General and then locate the option that allows you to change the function of the side switch. Tap Lock Rotation (or select Mute to switch it back to the default).
At the bottom of the screen, there will be an icon indicating the function of the side switch.
Compatibility: iPad.
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