iOS Tips: Multiple Wallpapers, iBook Navigation & App Price Tracking
Reader-Submitted Tech Tips: Windows, iOS, and App Savings
Each week, we review and publish the helpful suggestions received from our readers. This installment focuses on streamlining your Windows 7 experience, navigating iBooks efficiently, and monitoring app price drops.
Windows 7: Rotating Wallpapers
A frequently requested tip involves configuring Windows 7 to cycle through a collection of wallpapers. This allows for a dynamic desktop background without manual adjustments.
The process is straightforward and can be personalized to suit individual preferences. Users can select a folder containing their desired images, and Windows 7 will automatically rotate them at a specified interval.
iBook Navigation: Swift Page Turning
Readers have shared a technique for faster navigation within iBooks. This method significantly improves the reading experience, particularly for lengthy documents.
By utilizing a specific gesture or keyboard shortcut, users can quickly flip through pages, reducing the time spent on manual scrolling. This is especially useful for academic texts or novels.
App Price Tracking: Staying Informed
Another popular tip concerns tracking the prices of applications. Many apps experience periodic sales, and staying informed can lead to significant savings.
Several applications and online services are available that monitor app prices and notify users when desired titles are discounted. This ensures you don't miss out on valuable deals.
Staying informed about these tools and techniques can enhance your overall digital experience and potentially save you money.
Utilizing Multiple Wallpaper Images on Windows 7
Instead of relying on external software to cycle through wallpapers, HTG reader Abhijeet shared a tutorial detailing a remarkably straightforward wallpaper rotation method.
Setting Up the Rotation
A simple process allows for automatic wallpaper changes. Select the desired collection of images, then right-click on the group.
From the context menu, choose the option "Set as desktop background."
Automatic Cycling
When multiple images are selected, Windows automatically configures them to rotate on a daily basis.
For a more frequent change, adjustments can be made within the Slideshow settings, accessible through the Desktop Background menu.
This represents a resourceful and often overlooked technique for dynamically updating background images without the need for additional third-party applications.
Appreciation is extended to Abhijeet for bringing this efficient solution to our attention.
Effortless iBook Page Turning with a Simple Swipe
A reader, Anthony, has shared a useful technique for navigating within Apple’s iBook application.
Discovering a Hidden iBook Feature
Anthony finds the iPad a suitable device for reading, despite the absence of an e-ink display. He previously experienced frustration with the lack of a quick way to move between sections of an ebook.
However, he recently discovered a built-in iBook feature that addresses this issue. By tapping the screen to reveal the navigation controls, a dotted line becomes visible at the screen’s bottom edge.
How to Quickly Navigate iBooks
Swiping along this dotted line allows for rapid page turning and efficient navigation throughout the ebook. This enables users to quickly jump to any desired page.
This functionality can be easily missed, as it isn't immediately obvious. The ability to swiftly navigate is particularly advantageous when compared to devices like the Kindle.
Comparing iBook Navigation to E-Ink Readers
While e-ink screens, such as those found on the Kindle, offer a distinct reading experience, they don’t always provide the same level of fluidity when jumping between different parts of a book.
Anthony’s tip offers a convenient solution for iBook users seeking a faster and more intuitive way to navigate their digital reading material. Thanks to Anthony for sharing this helpful discovery!
Monitoring Price Changes for iOS Applications
Greg has outlined a method for identifying discounted and free applications.
AppShopper: A Price Tracking Solution
He initially found AppShopper earlier in the year as a means to avoid missing out on favorable app deals. Previously, he often discovered sales after they had concluded.
AppShopper allows users to create wish lists of desired applications.
The service then sends notifications when the price of an app on the list decreases.
- Users can receive push notifications directly on their mobile devices.
- This ensures they are immediately informed of price drops.
Since utilizing AppShopper and building a wishlist, Greg reports acquiring numerous applications for free or at a price of $0.99.
These apps originally had prices of $5 or higher.
Seeking an Android Equivalent
Greg notes that he has not yet discovered a comparable service for Android devices.
He welcomes recommendations for Android app price tracking tools.
Additional Resources
AppShopper is considered a valuable tool, with its dedicated application providing an added benefit.
For Android users, the price change section within AppBrain appears to be the most promising option currently available.
Further suggestions for Android-specific resources are encouraged.
Share Your Tips
Readers are invited to submit their own helpful tips via email to tips@howtogeek.com.
Selected submissions may be featured on the website’s homepage.