Fix iPhone Battery Issues by Downgrading to iOS 6.0.1

Many users are reporting a much faster battery drain on the iPhone after upgrading to iOS 6.0.2, Apple’s recent software update poised to fix Wi-Fi connectivity issues. To gain back some battery life, I recommend downgrading to iOS 6.0.1 until Apple resolves the battery drain issue. Here’s how to do it:

1) Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed.

2) Download the iOS 6.0.1 IPSW for your device from this website: http://osxdaily.com/2012/11/01/ios-6-0-1-direct-download-links/

The IPSW file must match your exact model, even down to the carrier (GSM vs. CDMA). Otherwise, this process will not work. The IPSW file will take a while to download since it is very large.

3) While the IPSW is downloading, back up your device to your computer, especially if you regularly back up to iCloud. Backing up to your computer will make the process much simpler and faster. Connect your device to iTunes, change the back up option to back up to the computer, and complete a backup.

4) When the IPSW file is finished downloading, connect your device to iTunes. On Windows, press and hold the “shift” key and click the “Restore” option. On Mac, press and hold the “option” key and click the “Restore” option.

A browse box will open. Browse for the location that the IPSW downloaded, click the IPSW file and click “Open”.

5) Follow the steps in iTunes to confirm the restore. The restore should take 5-15 minutes.

6) When the restore is finished, iTunes will ask if you want to set up the device as a new device or restore it from a backup. Choose to restore it from the backup that you just created. Allow iTunes to restore the devices settings. The time will vary depending on how much data you had on your device.

7) When this restore is finished, sync your device to the computer over a USB connection. This will allow iTunes to transfer all of your apps back to their original location on the device.

When the process is complete, the device should be no different than it was before the restore, except for the fact that you are now running iOS 6.0.1 instead of iOS 6.0.2!

More iPhone 5 videos: http://goo.gl/AEiII

Set up Wi-Fi in Windows 8

With all of the user interface changes in Windows 8, some common tasks may feel unfamiliar.  For example, the network settings panel has been redesigned.  To see what the settings panel looks like now, watch our next video in the Windows 8 series, “Set up Wi-Fi in Windows 8“.

Stay tuned for more Windows 8 how-to and demonstration videos.  Leave a comment to share your thoughts on Windows 8.

Windows 8 Bootup Speed is FAST

A common complaint among Windows users is the slow bootup speed.  Windows 8 seems to drastically improve bootup speed.  In my tests, Windows 8 fully boots up and logs in all in under 30 seconds.  Granted, bootup time will vary from PC to PC and will grow slower as more apps and programs are installed.  However, under 30 seconds is pretty good for a developer preview.

Watch the corresponding video to see Windows 8 boot up.  Follow our Windows 8 series for more Windows 8 content and sneak peaks.

Are you impressed with the Windows 8 bootup time?  Let us know by leaving a comment.

Windows 8 Lock Screen

One of the most beautiful improvements in Windows 8 is the lock screen.  Go ahead, lock your computer.  What does the lock screen look like?  I would bet almost anything that it doesn’t look as beautiful as the Windows 8 lock screen.  To experience this for yourself, watch the corresponding video, part of our Windows 8 series.

Let us know what you think about the lock screen in Windows 8 by leaving a comment.

Dual Monitors in Windows 8

With the redesigned interface in Windows 8, one could wonder how the next Windows upgrade would handle dual monitors.  We previously discussed how to multitask in Windows 8, which is somewhat similar to this topic.  However, the way that Windows 8 handles an extra display is very smart.  To see for yourself, watch the attached video.

You might also be interested in our other Windows 8 videos, as we continue this series aimed to give you an informed view of Windows 8 before it is released to the public.

What are your impressions?  Leave a comment to share.