Stop texting while driving
Q. Kim, I want an iPhone app I can put on my twin sons' phones to prevent texting while driving. I've searched on your site but can't find one. I don't want to prevent them from using their phones when my wife and I are driving, but I am scared to death when they are driving on their own. Any suggestions? Thanks!
-Steve, from Indianapolis, IN, listens to my station on WIBC 93.1 FM.
A. Thank you so much for asking this question, Steve. I take any chance I can to talk about how dangerous texting while driving can be. It's a life-threatening issue that affects more and more people every day.
I've received many heartbreaking stories from listeners who lost loved ones in distracted-driving accidents. Sometimes, those loved ones weren't even the ones texting!
Unfortunately, you can't keep your loved ones safe from other people's bad decisions. You can, however, make sure they aren't the ones making bad decisions.
The easiest solution is to install an app on your teen's phone. Take a look at Mobiloc, Textecution or DriveSafely. These use GPS and the phone's accelerometer to determine the car's speed. Blocking kicks in when the car reaches 10 mph.
Of course, these apps will require your child's cooperation. Mobiloc has a Passenger mode that the child can use to bypass the blocking. DriveSafely can read incoming texts out loud, which can still be distracting.
For more-comprehensive text blocking, you'll need a hardware-based solution, such as CellControl. Unfortunately, not many of these systems work with the iPhone.
Some apps, such as Siri on the iPhone 4S and its rivals, allow you to send texts by speaking. While this may be okay in an emergency, it's really best if your children avoid using the phone whenever they are behind the wheel. There is no message that can't wait a few minutes.
Unfortunately, no blocking system is perfect. That's why the best ways to prevent dangerous behavior is to talk with your children. Texting is second nature to them, so they may not think twice about how dangerous it can be. Make sure they know how to behave safely on the road before it's too late.
You have to take any steps you can to make sure your child never texts while driving. Here are some more tips to help you.
Talking to your kids about issues like texting while driving can be tough. I'll help you talk to them about using technology safely.
If your children won't listen to you, maybe they will listen to others. This powerful video is a must-see for all drivers.
On the road isn't the only place you need to protect your children. Find out how to secure your home Internet to keep them safe from predators.
Free voice calls and text messages
AVAILABLE FOR
Want to cut your cellphone bill in half? This app can help by offering free voice calls and text messaging.
LINE: Free Calls and Messages has no limits on the amount of messages you send, or how long you talk.
There are also fun bells and whistles to enjoy in the app as well. You can send messages with emoticons, colorful icons, stickers, photos and location information.
This app will use up your data plan, so I recommend using it mostly with Wi-Fi.
Cost: Free
Links:
Q. I'm fed up with typing on my smartphone screen, Kim. I have big hands and I either hit the wrong keys or type too slowly to do any good. Even when I had a phone with a physical keyboard, I wasn't the best at typing. I thought the larger screen on the iPhone 5 would help, but it hasn't. Is there any way I can fix this? Thanks so much for everything you do!
-Brendon, from Springfield, IL, listens to my national radio show on WMAY 970 AM.
A. Smartphones with slide-out keyboards have gone the way of the dinosaur. As mobile gadgets race to be thinner and lighter, I don't see them making a comeback, Brendon.
Sadly, even smartphones with large screens aren't easy for everyone to type on. I see people struggling to type on tablets, too.
A person who can type 60 words a minute or more on a regular keyboard pokes away once you give them a touch screen! It's a definite obstacle to even casual use.
There is hope, however. With the right apps and practice, you can type like a pro on any touch-screen gadget you have. If you share these ideas with all your friends, we can put an end to mobile typos for good!
A simple fix to the problem is to download a better keyboard. There are dozens of apps that offer more customizable, user-friendly keyboards to replace your smartphone's default option. Big Finger Keyboard is a good option for iOS users.
I should point out that most Android phones come with a keyboard called Swype. Instead of typing, you move your finger from letter to letter and Swype uses the pattern to tell what word you're typing.
If you want to give it a try, but it isn't installed, you can download it here. It isn't available for iOS at this time.
Swype is very effective once you're used to it, however not everyone cares for it. If you aren't a fan of Swype, try SwiftKey.
If you're after more precision, a stylus can help you type more accurately, if not all that fast. I sell an inexpensive one in my store.
Both Android and iOS have built-in speech-to-text features that allow you to talk instead of type. Click here to learn more about those options.
There are other built-in options that make typing easier, too. For example, tap and hold any field of text to bring up a menu with text-editing options. Here, you perform tasks like cut, copy and paste.
Another cool trick is text expansion. Text expansion lets you put in an abbreviation that will automatically convert to the full word or phrase - like "sys" for "see you soon"! Turn any phrase you type often into a shortcut.
You can turn text expansion on in iOS 5 and later by going to Settings>>General>>Keyboard and selecting "Add New Shortcut." Android users don't have it built in, but there is a free app called Textspansion that adds the feature.
All these tips can speed up your typing, but they won't actually improve your typing prowess. There are a few mobile typing tutors like Type It! and TapTyping, but these can improve your skills only so much.
Instead of trying to improve how you type, try changing the way you type. Since your thumb is your biggest finger, the tried-and-true "two thumbs" method of typing might not be good for you, Brendon.
See if it's more comfortable to hold your phone loosely in your hands and type with both index fingers. Though most people think two hands are faster, one hand might be easier for you. Try supporting the phone with one hand and typing with the index and middle finger of the other.
Though one method may feel natural, try several before you settle on one. Switching things up can actually improve your dexterity. Once you find one you like, practice until you're typing up a storm.
There might still be a few things standing in the way to fast surfing on your mobile gadget. Speed things up with these helpful tips.
A slow smartphone will keep you from getting things done quickly. Use these simple tips to speed up your smartphone.
Just like your computer, downloading a new browser can speed things up. This free browser works on Android and iOS.
A smartphone virus can bring your fast surfing to a screeching halt. Protect your gadget with these security apps.
On-the-go traffic, weather, safety alerts and more
AVAILABLE FOR
Smartphones are a great way to keep an eye on traffic, the weather and deals at local stores. Of course, you need an app for each of those.
Or you can download the Ping4alerts! app. It keeps track of your location and gives you relevant local information. For example, it will notify you in the event of a public safety alert, school closings, traffic and weather advisories, power outages and other noteworthy events.
You can also opt in to receive deal notifications with offers and coupons from local businesses.
This app works wherever you go, which makes it a great travel companion.
Cost: Free
Links:



