Apple Computer's iPhones are ubiquitous nowadays. The iPod touch is also quite popular. These devices are intuitive and fun, but not all its features are obvious. Here is a collection of tidbits that you might find helpful.

Last Updated: 7 Mar 2010

The Home Button

This button gets you to your home screen(s) with the on-screen buttons for your installed apps. But it can also do other things for you.

• On the Lock Screen: Double-press to show the media player (iPod) controls.
• On the Home Screen: Double-press to show your Phone Favorites.
• On a supplemental Home Screen: Press to jump to the first Home Screen.
• One the first Home Screen: Press to show the Spotlight search utility.
• Press and hold: Calls up the voice command feature.

Screen Navigation

Jump to the top of a long page: Tap the applications title bar at the very top of the screen. This works for most applications.

Interface Tweaks

Show Percentage of Battery Life: Go to Settings>General>Usage, then turn On Battery Percentage.

Delete a Message or File

Not-So-Obvious Delete Method: Located the individual file or email message in a listing. Swipe your finger to the left to expose the Delete button. Note that this might not work in all applications.

Remove Air Bubbles from OtterBox Defender

About the only complaint anyone can lodge against OtterBox is that its screen protector can develop air bubbles between it and the iPhone screen. Some people call them watermarks, but those annoying air bubbles are unsightly and easily curable. Here are the steps.

1. Disassemble the OtterBox Defender and remove the iPhone.
2. Thoroughly clean the iPhone screen and the inner side of the screen protector. I find that microfiber cloths work very well.
3. Ensure the powder container is closed. Vigorously shake the container for about 15 seconds. This creates a “cloud” of powder within the container.
4. Tap the dispenser lid to have the powder clumps fall away from the lid.
5. Open the dispenser lid and hold the inner side of the screen protector over the lid. About 2 or 3 inches should work.
6. Gently but quickly squeeze container so that the “puff” contacts the screen protector. Remember: If you see the puff, then you’ve likely applied too much to the protector.
7. Without touching the screen protector, check for powder spots. If you see any, then repeat steps 2 through 6.
8. Once you’re satisfied with the powder application, place the protector over the iPhone to test it. You should not see any powder and you should be able to press firmly on any part of the protector without it sticking to the iPhone screen. If either of these tests fails, then repeat steps 2 through 8.
9. Reassemble the OtterBox Defender case. And you’re done.