Let’s face it, we’re a long way from the ease of a Star Trek communicator, and we don’t have cool holodecks yet.  At Geek Squad we realize every year the things we use to talk to each other don’t seem to get simpler, but more and more complicated! 

“What does this button do  again?”

With a plethora of apps available for today’s digital devices, you can do so much more than just stay in touch.  Whether it’s a video chat with your Aunt on the other side of the country, a step-by-step instruction manual for cooking the perfect turkey, or keeping track of the calories to help get a head start on your New Year’s resolution, unlocking the full potential of your smartphone or tablet actually can help to reduce stress.

What do I need?

To take advantage of the latest mobile apps, all you’ll need is a smartphone or tablet! This can include any Android or Blackberry mobile device, or an iOS Apple device like an iPhone or iPad.  Before checking for the latest apps, you will also want to check to make sure you have the latest operating system updates for your phone.  With Android and Blackberry you can check for a ‘System Update’ from the settings menu on the phone.  With an iPad or iPhone all you need to do is connect it to your computer running iTunes.

What can I do?

While they aren’t quite up to StarTrek communication standards, your mobile device is surprisingly strong!  Ultimately, the possibilities are limited only by our creativity.  Here are a few holiday suggestions to maximize your device:

• Keep in touch with Auntie Muriel: Maybe a few relatives couldn’t make it to your house this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with them.  Many smartphones and tablet computers come with built in video cameras and apps that let you talk face to face with your long distance loved ones.  Apps such as Skype, FaceTime, and Google Talk are made to work with your smartphone or tablet to provide real-time video chat.  Maybe not Star Trek standards, but we are getting closer!  Skype and Google Talk are available for free on any device, and offer video chat.  FaceTime is available on Apple iOS and OSX devices

• Don’t burn the turkey:  Someday soon our ovens and microwaves will be able to intelligently connect to the internet, look up a recipe, and tell us how to cook it.  We’re not quite there yet, but your smartphone can fill in to help out in the kitchen!  Use the AllRecipes.com  Dinner Spinner app (iPhone and Android, free) to find the perfect side dish, and a timer app like the 5 in 1 Kitchen Timer (Blackberry, $1.99) to remind you when to thaw, baste, chop, and stir.  Try a “food” or “recipe” search in your AppStore or Marketplace on your device.  It will turn up a plethora of other great tools to help your kitchen projects stay on task!

• Count your calories:  The average person gains five pounds over the holidays.  We want to help you stay healthy this year, and get a head start on your resolution. We recommend using one of the many apps available for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry to count your calories and discover what’s really in the gravy.  Calorie Tracker for iPhone and MyFitnessPal for Android are just a couple of the many free apps available to help you track your intake.  Remember, it’s like golf.  Low score wins this game.

Whether you’re trying to perfect that holiday meal, stay in touch with the family, or keep an eye on your waist line we are here to help!  As always, Agents are standing by 24/7/365 at 1-800-GeekSquad and on Http://www.geeksquad.com to help combat techno stress.  Just don’t ask us how long to cook the turkey. It won’t end well for anyone involved.

-Agent Laura M.

Every day, Counter Intelligence Agent Laura M, of Precinct 329, heroically removes malware and saves the personal lives of computer users in Maple Grove, MN.  She has a vitamin D deficiency from playing too many video games.  She likes animals and books.

Steve’s impact on modern computing is incalculable. When you look at technology (MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, and laptop/desktops) in pop culture, hardly a segment of it doesn’t have Steve’s handwriting all over it.

Steve had a unique vision. It didn’t always buy him friends. He was a perfectionist in every sense of the word.  “Good enough” wasn’t in his lexicon — and aren’t we glad for that! He was an uncompromising visionary, and his vision & drive brought a true marriage of form and function together in Apple products that first delighted print and design professionals, and then the rest of the world.

Each Apple Keynote with Steve was a magical event, looked forward to with great anticipation. “What new piece of technological wizardry will he unveil now?”, we’d ask, sitting on the edge of our seats. And like the master showman that he was, Steve would spin it out like a well-crafted yarn — releasing tidbits slowly, bit by bit, until — with a final flourish — he’d unveil the final bit of magic. Whether it be a new iPod, new iPad, Macbook or the like, he did it with style — and the people voted with their pocketbooks, gobbling up the new technology and cementing his impact on the world.

The loss of Steve came like a blow yesterday. Yes, we all knew it would happen eventually — and when he stepped down as CEO, I figured it would be sooner rather than later. That still didn’t lessen the impact when I heard he was gone.

Steve: you walked the land as a giant. You showed us the power of true belief, what happens when you aren’t afraid to dream, and are willing to follow thought with action. You showed that it is possible to marry form and function, creative design and excellence in performance — all with class and style. You inspired a new generation of dreamers, and left your mark upon the land.

You will be remembered.

Farewell, Steve.

To install this patch, connect your iPhone to your computer. iTunes should auto detect your device and ask of you would like to update. Click yes. The process will take about 15 minutes or so to complete.

More information can be found at Apple’s website.