Apple has acknowledged there is an issue with iMessage in iOS 7, reports the Wall Street Journal. After updating to the fresh OS, users have reported being unable to send messages. Although issues with sending messages are fairly common, the nature of the bug affecting iOS 7 users is particularly annoying as there’s very little feedback. When sending a message, the blue progress bar gets stuck just before completion, and will remain there until you reset iMessage, settings, or turn your phone on and off. There’s no feedback to let users know there’s a problem unless they’re in the relevant conversation within the Messages app.

Apple claims the issue only affects a “fraction of a percent” of iMessages users — anecdotally we’ve noticed the issue on more than five devices — and promises a fix is coming soon. The company says users experiencing problems should look towards the company’s troubleshooting documents or contact AppleCare, and apologizes “for any inconvenience this causes impacted users.”

It’s the era of the iPhone and no one can dispute that everyone covets the said device. With all its sleek features, anyone dreams it to be perfect. But as said, its perfection is only a dream due to problems that seem to ruin those iPhone fantasies. So here’s a helpful list on how to fix some of the top nightmares that users experience.

Turning Off

The easiest way to turn off an iPhone is to force it to do so. Just restart your phone by looking for the rectangular button on the top right side of the device called Sleep/Wake button, then press and hold it until the ‘slide to power off’ comes out.

Another way is to reset your phone. Just press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. When you see the ‘slide to power off’ option, hold the buttons past it.  Upon seeing the Apple icon, the phone will restart.

Turning On

To easily turn on your phone, connect it to a charger. If you’re sure that it’s charging, then you can easily turn it on. However, if screen goes black and doesn’t flash the charging battery image, there could be problem with your iPhone’s battery.

Charging

If you’ve witnessed a charging problem during the ‘turning on’ solution process, then perhaps you have to examine your battery closer. You can try charging it through a computer via USB. If the battery fails you quicker than before, you may try to update your iOS software in iTunes.

For easier process but with more sacrifice, you can take all necessary means to conserve battery life by turning off Bluetooth and other phone settings that take up most battery energy.

Connecting to Internet/ Wi-Fi

The simplest way to solve connection problems is to reset your phone. You can follow the steps mentioned above.

If it has a problem with a certain network, just go to Network settings and reset your choices. Turn your phone off then return your original settings.

Taking Pictures

There seem to be problems concerning the front-and-rear-facing cameras of the device especially the iPhone 4.

According to Apple, just check your restrictions by finding Settings, General, Restrictions and then switch On the Allow Camera option, or press the Disable Restrictions.

For other ways, you can turn off and on your phone or reset it. Or you can upgrade your iOS in iTunes.

Using the Home Button

With a necessary button such as this, an iPhone definitely needs to fix the problem concerning it. You can update the iOS software or restore the device in iTunes. Set your phone as a new iPhone to erase problematic phone settings.

Unfreezing the Touchscreen

Just like other iPhone problems, the easiest way to solve this is to reset your phone or do the turn off/turn on method. You also have the choice to update your software.

There are instances that your iPhone’s problem is actually the hardware. Some examples of these are a cracked screen and upgraded versions of iOS that do not suit an older model. Simply doing software upgrades and manual fixing by an amateur may lead to further problems. If this happens, then perhaps it’s time to visit the Apple store or a third party iphone 4 repair service like iFixandRepair.com. You can forgo your warranty rights or pay the staff for services that the warranty doesn’t cover.

But hey, at least you won’t have to fork over full price for a new phone!

Every smartphone has its downsides, but it doesn’t mean there is a way for you to live without them. Here are some of the problems several Android smartphone users encounter and how they can be resolved.

Apps are the main draw of smartphones, but some users have a problem uninstalling certain types of apps. This can be an issue for models that have limited space. For users using Android 2.2 and up, you can save more memory by going to Settings, then Applications, and then the All column. From there, press the Menu button and then choose “Sort by Size.” From there, you will see the largest apps placed above; you can then move them to your SD card on the next screen. Once you have clicked on “Move to SD Card,” your storage space will become larger. Another way to free up phone memory is by completely clearing out the storage space occupied by the biggest apps. However, that app will return to that space and you’ll end up having to adjust your preferences. But the latter is a quick fix for those in a hurry to install a smaller app. There is also a firmware that removes unremovable apps, i.e. media stores and carrier games.

Apps also tend to be tedious on the Market, as sorting through options requires several thumb scrolls. Thankfully the AppBrain web market can be installed on Android 2.2 phones for easier searching and manual sync-and-install or uninstall.

For phones that tend to freeze or hang at the main screen, there’s no need to panic or think about upgrading to a new model. Zeam is a launcher that lets your Android work with several customization tools and multi-finger gestures and will readily remedy the issue of frozen main screens. Another alternative is Launcherpro, an equally customizable program that is just as quick.

Accessing your SD card memory requires several steps: from plugging in the USB, installing a special software for Windows/Mac users for customized smartphones, to mounting and un-mounting the card itself into the laptop. On the plus side, there are several alternatives to these steps. First, there’s Awesome Drop, which lets you drop files into your phone. There’s also doubleTwist, a desktop software for both Mac and Windows that synchronizes all types media into and out of your phone. doubleTwist even includes wireless syncing for those who could do without the USB cable. Dropbox is another alternative for users who regularly transfer files to and from their laptops. There’s also SwiFTP, which turns the SD card into an FTP server that can work over WiFi. Another app worth installing is Auto Mount Your SD Card.

Battery life is an aspect many smartphones have yet to perfect. But there are apps that can maximize the life of your phone. Check out Locale, Tasker, or JuiceDefender.

There are several other Android issues that can be resolved with a few apps. Your smartphone can directly go to speakerphone once on your car dock using the Car Dock Speakerphone App. You can also save on battery by dimming soft buttons with the LEDs Hack app. Another program is CyanogenMod, which hides apps in the Drawer and makes your phone work faster.

Smartphones have become a necessity among today’s yuppies, students, and professionals. It is difficult to connect with the rest of your network or even access files for your job without a cellphone. Many smartphone models come at large price tags that not many can afford on a regular basis. Thankfully mobile carriers sell smartphone models at $200 to $300 off should you apply for a two-year long contract. The deal seems like a steal at fist, but within those two years, your phone could end up stolen or damaged under unexpected circumstances. The replacement model costs even more since the expense is completely unprepared for. This situation makes cell phone insurance seem like a worthy option. Unfortunately paying $7 a month for a possible accident is and never will be a practical decision.

Seven dollars a month may seem little, but the accumulated amount in two years ends up being wasted on a phone you might not even use. Fickle minds may opt to lose or damage their phones on purpose to make the most out of the phone insurance. This doesn’t happen as expected either, as there’s no guarantee you’ll get the same model or a brand new smartphone for less. Most insurance plans include a deductible amount that you end up paying for the replacement phone. The deductible price falls from $50 to $200 and payment doesn’t even assure you of a brand new version of your previous model. You end up paying for insurance for two years for nothing—no phone, no money return.

There are other back up plans you can opt for in case of phone loss or damage. Personal articles insurance policy lets you cover a smartphone for half the price of $84 a year. All you need to do is call up an insurance agent and inquire about a personal articles policy for a smartphone. Make sure you ask about the policy’s terms for a deductible. This plan usually doesn’t include a deductible payment, but it pays to ask. You should also ask what specific losses are covered by the plan and what type of accidents does the plan answer. Once your claim is approved, you will be given a check that covers the replacement of your phone.  Having the appropriate amount assures you of having a new model as replacement. Other plans replace it with another model that is valued at less due to depreciation. Double check with the company what type of replacement the policy will give.

Being careful with your smartphone is still the best way to avoid getting any type of insurance. Cell phone accidents can be avoided as long as you are on guard and take the necessary precautions. Nonetheless, some unforeseen situations still occur and you can end up losing a phone. Thankfully there are other alternatives to insurance that can prepare your for this loss. First, you can save up that $7 a month for yourself. This small amount, once accumulated, can end up giving you a second hand phone or end up as savings even while you still have the cell phone. In case of loss, it’s better to purchase a second hand phone. The cost is less but still serves the purpose.