More iOS 7 hacks are starting to make the Internet rounds. We’re not going to attempt impressing and wowing you with something you didn’t know before. Instead, we’re going to pick out the seven additions to iPhone and iPad’s young software that have helped us become a lot more productive. You may know about some of these. You may not. The point is: each will help you get a lot more out of your day.
1. Block This Caller.
If there was a way to do it on previous versions, we’re unaware. The “Block This Caller” feature was a godsend for those of us who work for ourselves, yet have family members that don’t seem to understand that, yes-it’s-still-a-real-job. Getting to this hack is very simple. Access the phone app at the bottom of your screen. Find the caller you wish to Block, click the Information button to the right, and boom, you’re there.
2. Swipe Browsing.
Previous versions of iOS forced you to hit the back button. Swipe browsing allows you to move back of forward with just a flick of the thumb. It also works in most third-party apps. Just swipe your thumb left-to-right to go back and right-to-left to go forward. This feature cuts down significantly on research time.
3. Swipe For Texting Timestamps.
Ticked off that you can’t see when a certain text message was sent? Well, you’re not looking hard enough. If you’re in the SMS application, just open the thread you wish to view and swipe right-to-left. A timestamp for each message will appear.
4. Using The Compass As A Level.
Want to know if that picture is straight? Just go to the Compass app, navigate to its second page, and that’s where you’ll find it. Why would you want to use an iPhone when you could just use a regular level? As Slate’s Will Oremus points out: “Why would anyone need a fancy level when you could just use a good old-fashioned iPhone?”
5. Continuous Shooting Mode.
Open the camera on your iPhone, then in camera mode, press and hold the Shutter button that you normally use on-screen to take a single pic. This will enter what is called “Burst Mode,” where you capture several images in a few seconds (or however long you’re holding it down). If you’ve got a family member or work associate who always blinks in pictures, you’re bound to get one useable selection.
6. Improved Do Not Disturb.
In Settings, go to the Do Not Disturb feature. This will allow you to set times where your phone won’t bother you with annoying calls in the middle of a project. You can schedule and make exceptions in case there are any folks that you really, really need to hear from, but in our experience, there are very few emergencies.
7. Siri Alarm Set.
Need a power nap in the middle of the day before you can move on to that huge project. Just call up Siri and say, “Siri, wake me up in 24 minutes.” She will automatically calculate and set the alarm time in less than two seconds. No more navigating through the utilities in your phone and setting up manually. And you can get some much-needed R&R before the next wave of crap hits your to-do list.
In Summary
These iOS 7 hacks are hardly exhaustive, but they should help you to get a little more out of your day, whether you are working for self or trying to get more done on the job. Which of these iOS 7 hacks are your favorites, and which ones have helped you that we didn’t include here? Share your thoughts and views in our comments section below!
