Something for nothing from Apple

Anyone with an iOS device, and those new to Apple's iOS software, yes I'm looking at you, people-that-just-got-something-Apple-related for Christmas, should check out Apple's free app, 12 Days of Christmas.

Link to application on iTunes

Every day, following Christmas Day, there will be a free gift from Apple to you when you open the app on that day.
The first day (26th) was 2 remixed songs from Maroon 5 and a video, and the second day - today, the 27th, is a game called Score! which is a soccer (or football, depending where you're from) game.

The remaining 10 days are yet to be seen, but I'm sure there is something for everyone.

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My Wii U experience

So far, not good.

I bought a Wii U premium black edition last night with the copy included of Nintendo Land.

As I was setting it up the screen went blank, and then nothing happened for about 20 minutes, I turned the power off. Then turned it back on. Nothing happened. The Wii controller showed that it could not connect to the Wii, even though I could power the Wii up with the power button from the controller.

So with a little bit of technical knowledge on things like this, I left it off for about 20 minutes unplugged from the power cable, and also pulled the power cable out of the wall socket.

Turned it back on with no luck. The TV continued to show no signal on the HDMI port that it had previously been working on. So I got the component cable from my old Wii and plugged that in to my TV and new Wii U thinking that perhaps the HDMI port had become faulty on the Wii or the TV as the Wii showed that it was on by the blue light, and the fan spinning. Still nothing. I then tried all the HDMI ports on the tv and the AV plugs I had. Nothing.

All this time the Wii Controller would not reconnect to the Wii, even though it could power the main unit on.

So I took it back this morning to the shop I bought it from, and got an exchange for a new one.

The second unit I had more success with, though only for a short time. The unit powered on fine, connected to the TV and Wii Controller. I was able to play a little bit of Nintendo Land and set up a Mii. Then, midway through a game on Nintendo Land, the Wii just froze, along with the Wii Controller, and I couldn't do anything. So with history repeating itself a bit, I turned off the Wii again, pulled the plugs out and tried again. Twice. Both times the machine powered on, but I was met with the Wii U screen logo on both the control and the TV, and cannot get any further.

I called the Nintendo support people who took down my serial number and suggested I leave the power off for about 30 minutes from both the wall outlet, and pulling the power out of the machine from the back. The guy I spoke to strongly suggested to do a system update as I bought the wii from the initial launch period. He recommended to me to power it back on and if I get the same screen to take it back a second time for a third new machine, but in the event I could get it going to do a system update.

So this is where I am now as I eat my lunch writing this entry. I'll update the blog later with an update of what happens.

If you have the same experience, I'd recommend calling Nintendo for help or taking your unit back. There seems to be a major issue with the firmware on the new Wii U systems that are being sold on launch day. A disappointing time for Nintendo who are already struggling in the gaming industry.

Update: Looks like it won't go past that screen after waiting the 30 minutes, so I'm taking back to the shops now.

Update 2: The place I bought it from was surprised to see me a third time so they unboxed a new Wii for me, set it up and downloaded all the necessary updates, and tested a few games to make sure it worked. Took it home and it's fine, playing Super Mario Bros for Wii U now. Looks like the firmware update is the key to be the first thing that needs to be done when getting a new Wii setup.

Hope all of that helped. :)


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Beware of Whatsapp scammers

A few hours ago I got a text from an unknown number to me on a popular texting app on smartphones called WhatsApp. After a quick google of the country code it showed that the number originated from Thailand.

If you ever get unsolicited text messages from anyone it's always helpful to try and google the number to see if it shows up anywhere. I've included my screenshot below from when I got the message.

It's very import and you just delete the message straightaway and do not click any of the links inside the message. Clicking the links inside will take you to a website which shows to the sender that you have validated your number and displayed in interest. The scammer will then continually likely send you text messages and all call you in order to get information from you.

In this instance, the number that I got the message from was +66 86 643 2701

Just a warning to everyone to not click any links you may get a message from from this number or from any number that you don't recognise for that matter.

This is another friendly public service announcement :)

Windows 8: How to get the snipping tool back

If you've got Windows 8 and you used the snipping tool a lot in Windows 7 butyou can't find it in 8, you've come to the right place.

To get the snipping tool, go to Start by hitting the Windows key on your keyboard, or button if you're using a tablet. Then just start typing the word "snipping tool"

It's likely that before you even finish typing the two words the icon will appear. Click it, and away you go!

You can pin the snipping tool to the Start menu if you use it frequently by right-clicking the icon before you launch the program, and choosing "Pin to Start" down the bottom.

You can also do this with any application you use frequently. Just start typing the name if you don't see it, and pin it to the start menu. You can then rearrange your start menu as you like by dragging the tiles around to where you like them.

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Windows 8: How to access "My Computer"

I've recently upgraded my computer to Windows 8, and I am the sort of person who keeps all of their files in organised folders - sort of. Since the introduction of the new operating system from the team at Redmond, aka Microsoft, I've found that accessing these files is not easy to do like it used to be. Either I'm not taking the right steps, or the options just aren't immediately accessible.

I have found a solution that works in the interim. On the right, is a picture of the task bar, with the familiar icons (the first two anyway) that come as standard with a Windows 7 installation. As I upgraded from Windows 7, I am unsure if they are standard with Windows 8, but this guide is going on the assumption that you either upgraded from 7 or they are standard in 8.

Clicking the folder icon will bring up the "Libraries" window which shows your documents, pictures, videos etc. On the right is a navigation pane, which you can use to view different folders on your computer. You'll notice that there is the "Favourites" section up the top, then the Libraries section, then Homegroup and finally Computer. The "Computer" section is the one we are interested in for this guide.

Right clicking it will give you a number of options, look for the one that shows "Pin to Start".

This will create a tile in your start menu, which you can access from literally any program simply by hitting the Windows key on your keyboard.

You can move this tile around by clicking and dragging it to the desired location in your start menu screen, giving you instant access to your hard drive, devices and network locations attached to your computer.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post in the comments section below.

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