Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Lag Issues Run Deep Down to the Core of Apple Intelligence

People that have bought the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are experiencing issues with the performance of Siri and the iOS 16 operating system, saying that it is "lagging." Some users have weighed in on the Apple Community forum about problems they are experiencing.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Siri Becomes 'Deeply Integrated' into Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple shared from its website how integrated Siri is with its latest models on its website that with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max:

"Siri becomes more deeply integrated into the system experience and gets a brand-new design with an elegant glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when active. With richer language-understanding capabilities, communicating with Siri is more natural and flexible. Siri follows along when users stumble over their words, and maintains context from one request to the next. Users can type to Siri at any time, and switch fluidly between text and voice as they accelerate everyday tasks. Siri also now has extensive product knowledge to answer thousands of questions about features on iPhone and other Apple devices."

Is Apple Intelligence Slowing Down the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Apple promotes Apple Intelligence on the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max as being something fancy that delivers speed based on their description below.

 Apple shared from its website the following about Apple Intelligence:

"Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 lineup harnesses the power of Apple silicon and Apple-built generative models to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. Apple Intelligence maintains the privacy and security of user data with Private Cloud Compute. This groundbreaking approach provides the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers — an extraordinary step forward for privacy in artificial intelligence. Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update, with the first set of features rolling out next month in U.S. English for most regions around the world."

Apple Intelligence on the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max may not deliver the speed until some of the bugs are worked out of the software. Some iPhone owners are experiencing the opposite of what Apple is describing. Keep reading to see what some people are experiencing lag with slow processing speed.

Why is Apple Intelligence Lagging for iPhone 16 Pro Max? 

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max users have been disappointed with the performance of their new phones.

Antoni_k posted a message on the Apple Community website about issues he is having with his new iPhone 16 Pro Max.

He wrote: 

"I recently bought an iPhone 16 Pro Max and it is almost impossible to use. When I want to take a picture the phone constantly goes back to lock or appears a circle of death. In addition, when I want to search for something that starts with the letter "s" in "Siri suggestion" my iPhone but not only because my iPad also starts to lag. IOS 16 is currently impossible to use smoothly and effectively. Should I do something about my iPhone cameras or wait for the next update?"

Another iPhone 16 Pro Max user 'chrisbettura' posted on the community forum how disappointed he is with the iPhone 16 Pro Max with this response:

"AMEN! My iPhone 14 Pro was way faster, Siri dictation is so dang slow. I’m losing my mind. I feel like I’ve been warped back to the iPhone 3G.!! All that money for a phone that’s slower and lags worse than models that came out 15 years ago, are you kidding me? This is what I was waiting for. Shame on you, Apple., also not cool to play tricks on everybody regarding Apple Intelligence, knowing that it was not available, but to to the phone as the key reason to go out and buy one.

I have owned every single iPhone since the very first one and have been a loyal Apple owner for all products since it’s inception, if that age is me, oh well, but I’m very disappointed in the performance of this phone!!!"

What do you think? Do you own an iPhone 16 Max Pro? Are you experiencing any of these issues?

If so, please share your experience in the comments.

Google and Apple Have a 'Secret Deal' That Keeps Google Search as the Default Search Engine: How to Change this on Your iPhone

Google and Apple have a secret deal that affects iPhone users. Google pays Apple billions of dollars every year to be the default search engine on the iPhone. This secret agreement helps Google dominate the online search market and make more money from advertising. The money Google pays helps Apple fund its product development and innovation.

iPhone users: Have you ever wondered why Google Search is the default search engine on the iPhone?

That's because they have a secret deal.

Google pays Apple billions each year to keep it the default search engine.

Business Insider reported that Google paid Apple up to $15 billion in their secret deal, which is also why Apple walked away from meetings to potentially make DuckDuckGo a default search engine on Apple products. This amount would account for about one-fifth of Apple's annual income worldwide.

CNBC reported that Google paid multiple companies $26.3 billion in 2021 to keep Google Search as the default search engine on mobile phones and web browsers. This number includes the amount it paid to Apple.

Not everyone wants Google to be their default search engine.

It is public knowledge that Google tracks online behavior, uses personal data, and influences search results. Other search engines offer more privacy, security, and even social good.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in 2020. The lawsuit claims Google has unlawfully maintained its monopoly in the online search market by entering into exclusive agreements with Apple and other device makers to prevent them from using other search engines. The lawsuit claims Apple received between $8 to $15 billion.

The DOJ complaint stated:

“Google pays billions of dollars each year to distributors—including popular-device manufacturers such as Apple, LG, Motorola, and Samsung; major U.S. wireless carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon; and browser developers such as Mozilla, Opera, and UCWeb—to secure default status for its general search engine and, in many cases, to specifically prohibit Google’s counterparties from dealing with Google’s competitors.”

How to Change the Default Search Engine on Your iPhone

Here’s how you can change Google Search from your default on your iPhone it in a few steps:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone and tap Safari
• Tap Search Engine
• Choose the search engine you want to use from the list. You can choose to stick with Google or go with Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo and Ecosia
• Close the Settings app and open Safari. You will see that your new search engine is now the default

Sources:

Feiner, Lauren. "Google paid $26 billion in 2021 to become the default search engine on browsers and phones." CNBC. 27 October 2023.

Apple iPhone 13 Issues and Problems Reported

iPhone 13 issues and problems

iPhone 13 Users are reporting Touchscreen issues

Many iPhone 13 users have reported intermittent touch issues on their brand new device, where it is unresponsive to touch, after the latest iOS 15 update that arrived in late September, resulting in some parts of the touchscreen not responding at all. Most reports of this issue are directly affecting the iPhone 13.

Source: News.com.au

Apple iPhone ProMotion fast refresh rates not working

Problem: The ProMotion displays on both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max were designed to increase their refresh rate up to 120 Hz when the experience calls for a smoother frame rate. But many iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max users have reported that some third-party apps are not utilizing the 120 Hz faster refresh rate. One app, in particular, is the Apollo Reddit app (9to5Mac report). It is important to know that some apps use a combination of 60 Hz refresh rate for animations and 120 Hz for scrolling and full-screen transitions.

Solution: App makers need to flag their software with a declaration that they can support 120 Hz. Apple plans to make this a requirement to app developers. Apple then plans to fix a bug related to their Core Animation tools, which will resolve an issue with animations. Apple plans to fix this with a software update.

Did you know?

The company TechInsights disassembled an iPhone 13 Pro and estimated that it costs around $570 USD to manufacture the iPhone 13 Pro based on the hardware inside.

iPhone X Error: iPhone Activation Server Temporarily Unavailable

iPhone X 10th Anniversary Edition

Users Cannot Activate the iPhone X: Server Temporarily Unavailable

Numerous reports indicate that customers that purchased the new iPhone X are having trouble activating their phones. MSN reports that this is affecting AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon users.

The error message that they are receiving is: "The activation server is temporarily unavailable."

There is an Apple discussion board for this issue. On there it states there a user that reported getting this message:

"Your iPhone could not be activated because the activation server is temporarily unavailable. Try connecting your iPhone to iTunes to activate it, or try again in a couple of minutes. If this problem persists, contact Apple Support at: apple.com/support."

See the following message from @dasmart on Twitter:

Next is what Apple suggests if you are experiencing this issue on your iPhone X. Keep in mind this is a standard type of troubleshoot message, much like "rebooting your PC" or "power cycling your modem"

More importantly, the true solution to this problem (other than contacting Apple Support) is to wait. Once Apple is aware of the issue, they work hard to resolve the issue, and will eventually get the server up and running again. They do not want dissatisfied customers leaving bad feedback on social media.

Let's see what the other blogs are saying.

iGeeksBlog suggests doing the following:
1. Wait
2. Restart
3. Lock/Unlock SIM Status
4. Wifi/Network Issues
5. iTunes
6. Restore
7. Talk to your Carrier/Apple Care
Source: iGeeksblog

Same Message Received on Older iPhones 

Apple Stack Exchange revealed a similar message to a user, that reported a problem 4 years ago. They state:

"My iPhone 5 that has been running iOS 7 since beta 1 suddenly wants to be activated. When locked, it shows me my wallpaper. After sliding to unlock, it asks for my passcode. When I enter it, it takes me straight to the 'Activate iPhone' page - like it wants to be set up."

The message that this user received was the following:
"Your iPhone could not be activated because the activation server is temporarily unavailable. Try connecting your iPhone to iTunes to activate it, or try again in a couple of minutes."

Apple Stack Exchange Identifies the Problem for the iPhone 5

The two major causes of this are:
1. Network related - change the network used to connect
2. iOS related - something is amiss with the code signing / provisioning

The most likely cause of software is a beta. Apple disables the iOS betas soon after the release happens. If you never manually installed the official release, this can happen. If not, consider backing up your device after checking a couple networks and reinstalling.

iPhone 5 will stop working on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 if you don't update the Software

Digital Trends reports that the iPhone 5 will stop working on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 if you do not update its software with the latest iOS update.

Other older models, such as the iPhone 4, iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPad 3rd generation devices will also be affected and will need to be updated also.

Apple Pay and iPhone 6 Utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC)

iPhone 6 has near field communication feature

Apple CEO Tim Cook made the iPhone 6 announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014

The Apple iPhone 6 uses near field communication, or NFC, allowing iPhone users to use the proprietary Apple Pay to buy things with their phone, rather than have to pull out a real wallet. The actual NFC sensor is located at the top of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. However, if you keep reading, it is suggested that the Apple Watch may also contain a near field communication sensor, which allows all versions of the iPhone 5 to be NFC capable. So don't throw out your iPhone 5 just yet. Just do the smart thing, and read a review on the iPhone 6.

Major Credit Card Companies are on Board with Apple Pay NFC

The four biggest American credit cards are all on board to work with Apple Pay for near field communication payments. These are: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. These credit cards can be added to one's iPhone Passbook app, as easily as taking a picture of the front. After you do this, your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus is NFC ready.

Review: If the iPhone 6 Plus is Lost or Stolen...

If you lose your iPhone, there is no need for concern. By using the Find My iPhone service, you can easily deactivate your NFC payments feature. A good iPhone 6 review pointed this out.

How does Apple Pay on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus work?

When you check out with Apple Pay, your iPhone sends a one-time payment authorization number, plus a security code.

Is Apple Pay a secure form of near field communication payment?

Yes. With Apple Pay, the user must press their finger onto the iPhone 6 or Apple Watch fingerprint sensor to authorize a transaction.

Apple Users with Previous iPhone Models Concerned about Apple Pay 

Are you worried that your iPhone won't be able to do Apple Pay?

Apple says that the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, and iPhone 5C will be able to use Apple Pay, with one caveat - you must first buy an Apple Watch. (Source: 9TO5Mac review article)

So, either way, Apple is going to get you to buy a product if you want to pay with NFC. You can buy an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or an Apple Watch. It's your choice.

Apple iPhone 11 Error Messages

iPhone 11 Error: "Important Display Message"

Please be aware, the iPhone 11 will display an error message that says, "Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display" if the screen has been replace with non-genuine parts.

Apple says: "Only technician who have completed Apple service training and who use Apple genuine parts should replace iPhone displays."

Repairs are becoming increasingly difficult by third-party repair shops.

iPhone 11 error message

"This accessory may not be supported" iPhone error

Have you received the following error message when charging your iPhone:

“This accessory may not be supported.”

This message has been seen by millions of iPhone owners that buy a third-party phone charger. This could include car kits for charging iPhones that are not official Apple products.

Third-party iPhone charging cords could trigger the error message in your iPhone: “This accessory may not be supported.”

iPhone USB charger

Keep in mind that it has been reported that even after receiving this error message, a person can still charge their iPhone successfully.

Troubleshooting with a Third-Party iPhone Power Cord

It has also been reported that an iPhone charger saying the error message “This accessory may not be supported” may not charge your iPhone properly. In fact, it may show the lightning bolt next to your battery on your iPhone screen, but you could be losing battery life despite it showing that it is charging.

In this case, you would need to unplug the third-party iPhone charger and attempt to plug it in to actually get it to charge. This has happened as well. Simply unplugging the USB from the computer, and replugging it in can get the iPhone to start charging properly.

Should I Buy an official Apple Power Cord or a Third-party charger?

It is always best to buy brand-sponsored accessories because your success rate will be much higher. However, it is understandable that one doesn’t want to pay a lot of money for Apple accessories. Hence, the third-party iPhone USB cord.

If you buy an iPhone USB cord from a third-party, it is recommended that you do some research, and read customer reviews to see if there are any compatibility flaws with the product.

Image credit: Flickr Creative Commons; by IntelFreePress

Why iPhone Apps Request Access to Use Microphone in iOS 7

Adobe AIR would like access to your iPhone microphone

In the new iOS 7, Apple added a permission request for apps that want to use the microphone.

Why do apps need to use the microphone?
Why do apps want to use the microphone?
Why do apps need to access my iPhone microphone?
Why do apps invade on my privacy by accessing the microphone?

Those are excellent questions.

Some Apple iPhone Apps That Request to Use the Microphone:

1. Adobe AIR
2. Google Maps
3. Waze
4. Blitz Brigade 
5. Shazam
6. Skype
7. Snapchat
8. YouTube
9. Discovery
10. Songpop
11. Square (credit card reader)

Is There a Logical Reason for Requesting Microphone Access?

Some Apple apps would seem more logical to need microphone access than others. If you need sound input in order to execute commands, it would seem logical. For other apps that have no sound input built into the functionality, granting access to the iPhone microphone seems rather invasive to one's privacy.

If the app does not deal with sound input for executing a command within the app, there is a possibility that it requests microphone access because the developer was leaving the microphone access open on purpose for future functionality. If that isn't the case, it could be asking because the developer did not turn off this feature in error, or lastly, because an app really wants to collect sound data from you.

One app developer, Color (in a 2011 article), stated that it used the microphone to find out when several poeple were in a room to gather "social" data. 

Are you okay with that?

Apple iOS 7 now asks your permission before granting apps access to your microphone. Thank you iOS 7, for respecting our privacy.

How to Manually Disable iPhone Apps From Using Your Microphone

Go to Settings -> Privacy -> Microphone. In this settings screen, you can go through each app and turn off the microphone access to any app that should not need to access your iPhone microphone.

Paranoid People Beware

If you are a paranoid person, then the only way to be sure that your iPhone (or smartphone) isn't spying on you is to turn it off completely when you are not using it. This may seem a little extreme, but it is really the only way you can be guaranteed that your privacy is respected.

Read more about the iPhone in the following blog post:

iPhone error message: This accessory may not be supported.

 

RAD Soldiers Strategy Game Review for iPhone and Google Chrome

RAD Soldiers by WarChest

RAD Soldiers is a free-to-play turn-based Strategy game for both iPhone and Google Chrome.

RAD Soldiers Video Game Review

Each squad of weapon carrying fighters has a Captain, who has the power to call in air-strikes and radio down medical supplies or an item called "Less Harma Pharma" which reduces the damage taken by a soldier.

This game is perfect for the video gamer that likes strategy, and has both campaign modes and an online multiplayer mode.

Each soldier has a unique special ability that can be performed, which makes this strategy game interesting.

RAD Soldiers for iPhone

RAD Soldiers for iPhone is obviously on a smaller scale. The loading time on an iPhone 4 takes a few minutes, and if you are toggling between online multiplayer matches, the loading time can become annoying.

The other annoying thing about RAD Soldiers on iPhone is that it is easy to mispoke the screen, or for your finger poke to not register and then the move is not accepted. After having this happen a lot, it can get frustrating.

If you don't mind the load time and the mis-pokes, then play RAD on your iPhone.

RAD Soldiers for Google Chrome

RAD Soldiers for Google Chrome can be downloaded from the Google Chrome store. If you are playing in several multiplayer matches at once, it loads much quicker on Google Chrome.

There are no loading time issues (other than on boot up) for RAD on Google Chrome. It is much easier to play with a mouse than poking spaces on an iPhone screen.

Tips for Getting RAD bucks

RAD bucks are the in-game currency. There are many ways to earn RAD bucks. 

Here are some tips:

1. Add a friend from an online multiplayer match. This will get you one bonus RAD buck.
2. Win an online multiplayer match. This will get you one courtesy RAD buck.
3. Level up. Each time you level up, you get a RAD buck
4. Beat a campaign mode stage. This will get you one RAD buck.

Locked Air Drops

When playing in Campaign mode on Google Chrome, you may notice some locked crates falling from the sky. RAD gives you three keys for free. There are bonus items you would otherwise have to buy given in the locked crates. After you use up your three free keys, then you have to pay to buy more.

Expansion Maps

Expansion maps are offered in RAD in exchange for either RAD bucks or for payment in real currency. The downside to the free-to-play part is that the cheapest expansion map costs 45 RAD bucks. This means if you are saving RAD bucks, you better save them for an expansion map, since you can purchase recruits with coins, and coins can be won in online multiplayer.

Just by observation, I would like to see more cities and campaigns available to unlock, and some for only 20 something RAD bucks.

Overall Rating for RAD Soldiers

Overall, I give RAD a thumbs up for being an awesome free-to-play strategy video game for both iPhone and Google Chrome. What is even more awesome is that you can log in from either and your account is automatically synced. You can pick up from your iPhone if you want to play on the go.

As long as there is more unlockable content to work towards, then this video game will keep your attention.

Z.Love's Stamp of Approval

Get Adobe Flash on iPhone Without Jailbreak

iPhone with Adobe Flash: Don't Jailbreak Me

Everybody wants to know how to get Adobe Flash for their Apple iPhone.

I tried playing a Facebook game on my iPhone, but received a message that I first needed to download Adobe Flash before I could play it. What a bummer!

Can my Apple iPhone Run Flash Without a Jailbreak?

Unfortunately, the main methods to get flash on your iPhone described online involve jailbreaking your iPhone. On top of that, it is not Adobe Flash, but a custom version called Frash, (which is Flash 10.1) by Comex.

Frash can be downloaded here, but again, your phone must be jailbroken first.

Disclaimer: Z.Love's Entertainment Blog does not endorse jailbreaking iPhones.

Is there a way to download Adobe Flash without jailbreaking your iPhone?

Answer: Yes. There is a way to run flash on the iPhone via two apps. One of them works well.

Photon Flash Player icon

Photon Flash Player for the iPhone costs $3.99 in the App Store. This app has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars for satisfied users.

Z.Love's Blog Recommends Photon Flash Player [and was not paid to say this].

Skyfire Web Browser also claims to run flash. It costs $2.99 in the App Store, but has many bad reviews from people that say "do not waste your money on this."

The Apple iPhone in a World Without Adobe Flash

Apparently, Apple predicted that they would rule the future -- a future without Adobe Flash. Until Adobe Flash is willing to fork over big bucks, they will have to stick with other smart phones. I would argue that the iPhone needs to be smarter.

Many blogs and websites on this very subject argue that flash is mainly used in banner ads, and perhaps our online experience (via an iPhone) is better without having to see all the flash-based ads in cyberspace.

Is Apple justified in not allowing Adobe Flash on their precious iPhone?

I think it was just a power play. "Let's Keep This Thing Proprietary and Make Tons of Money" sort of thing.

Image credit: Flickr Creative Commons; by William Hook

iPhone App Review: Indestructible by Glu Games

Indestructible iPhone App

Indestructible by Glu Games is a car combat iPhone game with both a single player campaign, and multiplayer features.

To play multiplayer, you must either be connected to Wi-Fi or have a network connection that is fast enough for your iPhone.

Indestructible Single Player Campaign

I have played the Single Player Campaign for Indestructible. It is a lot of fun. It is fairly easy to take on the horde, which are many weak vehicles at once. You must face computer opponents, and there are quite a few. The single player campaign starts to get hard at the point where it says that computer players are now using Tier 2 weapons. At that point, you start to really get challenged. I got to the point where I face Dozer, the bulldozer. I defeated him 1 time, and I needed to defeat him 3 times to win.

At this point, I realized that I needed a Tier 2 weapon, or a better car.

So I started playing the Multiplayer regularly to save up for a Tier 2 weapon for the default vehicle.

Indestructible Multiplayer Mode

The Multiplayer Mode for Indestructible is fun to play. Each time you play, you get both silver points and influence points. Silver allows you to save up for things like weapons and cars. Influence points allow you to move up to the next level. The next level after the default is silver, and then gold level for influence. Your Influence level simply shares if you have been playing for a while.

I managed to save up 16,000 silver and bought a Tier 2 kinetic weapon. It slightly knocks back an enemy car. I played multiplayer with this new weapon and determined that I just wasted 16,000 silver because now I have to start from the beginning to save up all over again.

Indestructible iPhone car combat game

There are four types of Multiplayer modes you can play: Team Deathmatch, Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Capture the Charge.

Does This Game Keep my Attention?

The problem with Indestructible by Glu Games is that you have to save up so much silver to buy vehicles and weapons. The next car is 7,500 silver, and then there is a cadillac, and then the next two vehicles cost 25,000 silver. Once you spend your silver, then you have to start back from the beginning.

After every match it shows how much you earned. There is a small place on the screen that says "Permanently Double your XP and Silver." If you click on it, it asks if you want to pay a one time fee of $2.99 to permanently double your XP and Silver. I chose not to.

Indestructible by Glu Games is fun to play, but there is too big of a hurdle to get items and cars if you are unwilling to pay money to get gold.

I will not pay for gold, therefore my time is over for playing this game. 

While it has a fun factor to it, I am not willing to pay out any money to play this iPhone car combat game. 

If you are like me, don't waste your time playing this game just to come to the same conclusion.

The iTunes Preview Page for this game can be viewed here.

iPhone App Review: Field Agent

Field Agent App icon

Field Agent App on iPhone

Field Agent is a great iPhone app to have, but it requires one major thing: TIME.

Once you download the app, you click on the orange app icon with a white tie. The Field Agent app will launch and then load jobs for your area.

I have noticed that many new jobs are populated and ready for Saturday.

Field Agent Experience:

After getting a list of jobs on the iPhone app, I decided to go down to Publix (grocery store) and attempt to complete some of the many assignments. When you select an assignment, it will give you an abbreviated title for the Product, and then will provide a suggested location for the product in the description area.

Field Agent App Job listings

I found that many jobs were being added on this Saturday morning. Many jobs would only last for a few minutes and then it would disappear, and new jobs would populate.

I didn’t accept the jobs unless I knew that I could complete the assignment. The app warns that it may be difficult to cancel the job once accepted, but it is quite easy to cancel a job assignment. The only downside may be that it hurts your agent completion score in the app.

Conclusion:

What I found using the Field Agent app for specific grocery stores is that the items you are searching for may not be found at your local store. I was searching for items like cheese and beef jerky, and the UPC codes before and after this particular UPC were there, but the 10-digit UPC code was not in stock. That was frustrating.

Then, when I actually found one that was in stock, the bottled water did not list the ingredients or allergy warnings, which were required photos.

So the one item that was in stock, I took two pictures: one of the UPC, and one of the fronts of the package. The assignment required 4 pictures, including the allergy warning, and ingredient listing.

I submitted this assignment, and gave this explanation, but later received an email from Field Agent saying that my submission was denied.

I searched for at least 10 products in the job section, successfully found one, and that one submission was denied. This turned out to be quite a frustrating attempt to complete jobs with Field Agent.

But note that I have successfully completed one Field Agent assignment, taking a photo of the soft drink section at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart tasks seem to be easier to accomplish.

The Field Agent iPhone App sounds cool in theory, but not all jobs are easy to find in grocery stores, and for an hour’s worth of time, you may only accomplish one task for $6.50.

Are you worth more than $6.50 an hour?

The reality is that Field Agent is not an easy way to make money. Don't expect to make a living off of it, and don't expect consistent job assignments. Cool app, but not an income reality.

Here is the bottom line on Field Agent. In theory, its a great app. It would be cool if a person could actually make a little money from it. The sad reality is that Field Agent often makes requirements for a completion that are impossible. You end up wasting your time. Too many pictures are rejected. They tell you to go to a location and take a picture of a display that is non-existent. Then you get the dreaded email from the support worker to your email saying they reject your submission because the picture isn't what they wanted. They need to let you take several pictures and they pick what they want.

Field Agent has wasted my time on several occasions when I though I would actually get a completion.

Top 10 Ways to Identify if a Celebrity is in it for the Money



Chuck Norris standing next to Chug Norris in World of Warcraft

 Top 10 Ways to Identify If a Celebrity is in it for the Money:
1) The celebrity will be the Spokesman for World of Warcraft, despite not knowing what World of Warcraft is. Chuck Norris & Mr. T

2) The celebrity stamps her approval on fitness machines that don’t work. Suzanne Somers & Tony Little

3) The celebrity promotes cleanses and diets that don’t work. Suzanne Somers & Ashton Kutcher

4) The celebrity will do Zaxby’s commercials. Kathy Griffin, Jerry Rice, Rachel Dratch

5) The celebrity is for breaking the final installment up into two parts. Harry Potter & Twilight

6) The celebrity will do private concerts for wealthy 16 year olds at their birthday parties. 50 Cent

7) The celebrity starts his own energy drink or cologne. 50 Cent & Justin Bieber

8) The celebrity makes a movie to sell a toy or board game for an influential corporation. G.I. Joe & Battleship

9) The celebrity is for making a movie for the sole reason to sell a trilogy box set. Transformers & Men in Black

10) The celebrity will do an iPhone commercial. Samuel L. Jackson & John Malkovich

Battleship Movie created from board game

If you find yourself doing things that you wouldn't normally do in exchange for a paycheck, then you qualify to be "in it for the money."

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being an actor in Hollywood, and wanting to get a paycheck. The problem is when a person is willing to endorse things that they haven't tried, wouldn't ever use, and are only doing it for the paycheck.

Would Justin Bieber wear his own perfume line?  Of course not.

Someone probably walked up to him and said, "Hey Justin, I know how we can make a ton of money off of a bunch of your female teenage fans." and he was probably like, "I'm all in. Make me some dough!"

That would be an example of doing something just for the money.

Now 50 Cent was recently interviewed by Oprah, and said how his energy drink Street King has allowed him to go to Africa and take on a cause such as ending world hunger. His initial motive may have not been to do this charity, but now he is able to take on this cause, which is a noble move.

The movie Battleship probably should have never happened. The last Harry Potter and Twilight split up into two movies seemes a little unnecessary. Although in  Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, I thought the movie was ending on three separate occasions. The first pseudo ending, I stood up to leave. But wait! There's more. Then there was the 2nd pseudo ending, I stood up again. It kept going, and going, and going. Will this movie ever end?

Please whatever you do, wrap up a movie once, put a nice bow on it and end it. Don't make it into two parts for the money, and certainly don't make three "almost" endings. That is just despicable. They should have left some of that behind on the cutting room floor.

Now consider reading "5 Things You Should Do When You Find Money That Isn't Yours"

The Pocket Projector and SlingPlayer are Entertainment "Must Haves" for the iPhone

Brookstone's Pocket Projector for iPhone 4

Of all the accessory devices I've seen for the iPhone 4, this is one of the coolest ones I've seen so far.

The Pocket Projector will play video from your iPhone onto any surface, and perfect for users that want to take their movies "on the road."

I am totally impressed with this gadget for the iPhone 4. This is the perfect gift for any Entertainment Geek or Movie Buff in your life.

If you want to see it in action, watch the Youtube video here.

Buy yours for $229.99 on the Brookstone website, and enter the code SHIP99 for free shipping. Sweet deal!

This is the perfect device to take all of your favorite movies with you, and share them with your friends.

SlingPlayer app on the iPhone

One more awesome device for any Entertainment techie, is the SlingPlayer for the iPhone, by Slingbox. The SlingPlayer allows you to watch TV anywhere you can connect to Wi-Fi or access to 3G wireless service.

SlingPlayer costs $29.99 and can be seen on the Slingbox website here.

This is one more great Entertainment app for anyone who wants to keep current on their favorite TV shows.

If you use either of these iPhone products, feel free to comment about them below.