Maddy Myers’ recent column for iMore, A salute to iOS gamers, or how to stop intimidating your non-gamer friends, comes at an interesting time. Because it’s an issue I’ve been wrestling with myself for quite some time.

For almost a decade, I wrote a column for Macworld magazine called “The Game Room,” gently reminding our readers that Macs could be used to play games, and great games at that. Games have always been a central part of what I’ve used computers for. Over the years, I’ve found myself growing increasingly distant from gamer culture.

I’ve played computer and console games since I was a kid in the 1970s. I saw first-hand the rise of the home video game console market, and was part of the early hobbyist personal computer trend. Back in the old days, when we trudged uphill in snow to program BASIC on command lines to play Tic Tac Toe (get off my lawn).

Through many generations of game consoles, I’d be among those who would take time off from work to wait in the wee hours for the first day of sales; I remember doing so for my Sega Dreamcast; I remember excitedly opening my Xbox and my PlayStation 3 the same way. I bred that love for games in my kids, too, and we often used gaming as an excuse to play together, the same way other generations played (and still play) board and card games.

Now I’m in my mid-40s. As I’ve gotten older, my priorities have changed. I don’t have the leisure time I used to, and I don’t have the disposable income I used to. Those two things alone have dramatically affected my ability to get and enjoy games.

The other thing that’s changed is me. I no longer identify myself as a “gamer,” especially compared to my two boys — 19 and 14 respectively. (My daughter, in between the two boys, hasn’t really spent much time gaming.) As I recounted a few weeks ago, the 14 year old actually had me help him build a gaming PC, and the 19 year old spends most of his leisure time playing games with his friends online. Both of them are part of a culture I really don’t identify with anymore, partly because of age, partly because of shifting priorities.

Last year’s “GamerGate” controversy solidified that I wasn’t part of the “hardcore” gaming culture anymore. The violent reaction of a contingent of gamers against others looking for less marginalization struck me as a particularly immature, unacceptable reaction that I wanted no part of.

But mostly it’s about time. More specifically, it’s about how I spend my free time. The funny thing is that I probably spend as much, if not more time playing games now than I did when I was younger. But the way I spend that time is different.

Rather than grabbing hours during nights and weekends to master hardcore action games, in-depth strategy titles and adventure games that take hours to explore, I spend minutes here and there. That lends itself to a lot more play of casual titles, which usually sit on my iPhone or my iPad, rather than the computer.

There’s no question that as the smartphone market has exploded, so has the casual game market. And casual game makers are finding new and innovative ways to grab our attention all the time.

Some of the games I play most frequently are, by the measure of most “serious” gamers, utterly banal: Games like Hay Day, the Farmville-style task management game from the people who make Clash of Clans. But it’s a game I can get in and out of easily while waiting for an appointment to start. Trivia Crack has proven itself to be fun for the same reason: Easy to spend a minute on here or there, collaborative, but not overly demanding of time or resources. Even runners like Yak Dash have found their way onto my phone; fun time-wasters that I can spend a minute or two with here and there, then get out of and not think about again until I’m ready to play.

I still love well-crafted, involved and detailed games, especially ones that make it to the Mac. And I still plan to examine them critically and report on the business, because it’s still of enormous interest to me (and to my readers as well, I presume). But I no longer identify as a gamer the same way I used to. I’ve moved on. And I’m not sure that being a “gamer” even matters anymore, in the scheme of things. Games have become so interwoven into most of our daily experience, aren’t most of us gamers these days?

The iPhone 6 Plus has an amazing 5.5-inch 1080p display, but while bigger is better for apps and the web, bigger can also be harder to use one-handed. With a smaller display, it’s easier to balance the phone and reach your thumb all the way up and across, from corner to corner. With a larger display, you may need to shift your grip more and maybe even bring the interface elements to you.

1. Put your best hand forward

Just because you’re right or left handed, doesn’t mean that hand will be the best one to hold your phone. Some people prefer using their dominant hand, others want to keep it free for other things. For example, I prefer using my iPhone with my right hand, even though I’m left handed. Spend some time using your iPhone in both hands and figure out which one is easier for you.

That’ll be the hand you use for the rest of these tips.

2. Grip higher

Most of us have learned to grip the iPhone at the bottom. Now that the iPhone 6 Plus is here, however, it pays to grip it higher. Teach yourself to bring your hand up so it rests slightly below the middle of the phone. This way you can still reach the bottom but your thumb can also reach closer to the top.

3. Optimize your apps

Now that you know what hand is best for you, pick up your iPhone 6 Plus and fan your thumb across the screen. That’s the sweet spot — the area that’s easiest for you to reach. And that’s where you should arrange all your most-used apps. So, for example, if you’re holding your iPhone in your left hand, the bottom left is where you’ll want to cluster your go-to apps.

4. Reach for Reachability

For apps, buttons, and other elements that aren’t in the sweet spot, there’s Reachability, which brings the entire interface halfway down the display. Since it’s new, it won’t be habitual. If you make a conscious effort to use it, however, you can make it a reflex. Any time you find yourself straining to reach the top of the screen, don’t use your other hand, practice using Reachability instead.

• How to better use the iPhone 6 an 6 Plus one-handed with Reachability

5. The slide

Once you get better at using your iPhone 6 Plus one handed, The balance will click and you’ll get better at shifting your grip around as well. In other words, you’ll get better at relaxing your hand, letting your iPhone slide a bit higher or lower, and then tightening your grip again. It’ll let you expand your up-and-down each, and the area where you can hit apps and buttons.

6. The turn

What the slide does for up-and-down, the turn does for side-to-side. By resting the side of your iPhone 6 Plus on your palm, a turn of your wrist lets your thumb reach the previously unreachable — even without Reachability. You’ll still need the previous tips from time to time, but with the slide and the turn, you’ll need them less often.

7. The pinky plank

Extreme situations call for extreme grips. Once you’ve mastered the slide and the turn, you can go for gold with the pinky plank. When you need to reach something on the extreme opposite of the screen, balance your iPhone 6 Plus on your pinky, and then reach your finger all the way up and across. It gives you both stability and flexibility.

8. The case for cases

Some people find the iPhone 6 Plus slippery. If you’re one of them, it’ll make one-handed use more stressful and perhaps even more accident prone. To compensate for it, you can use a case. You’ll want one that’s got some grip, but not one that restricts your grip. That means thin and smooth.

• Apple iPhone Leather Case – $49.00 – Order now
• Case-Mate Tough Air Case – $24.95 – Order now
• Case-Mate Naked Tough Case – $24.95 – Order Now

Your tips

The iPhone 6 Plus has an incredible display but its size makes using it one handed a challenge. These are some of the tips that I used to make myself as productive as possible with my iPhone 6 Plus when I need to use it one handed. With some practice and attention, it’s surprising just how good anyone can get.

If you’re using an iPhone 6 Plus one-handed, let me know how you’re doing, and more importantly — let me know your tips!

The Nokia Lumia 520 has been a great success story for Windows Phone and despite aging now, it’s still a popular little device. Microsoft is giving you the chance to grab one right now for the ridiculously low price of just $29 through its official eBay store.

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 documents reveal new changes in a future update

All eyes are on Windows 10 for phone these days, even for Microsoft, who have shifted development to focus on the new OS. Reports going back to April 2014 note that Windows Phone 8.1 was to have at least two GDR (General Distribution Release) updates over its lifespan. Windows Phone 8.1.1 came out last year, but the fate of GDR2 (8.1.2) or Update 2 was not so clear.

Now, Microsoft has published documents on Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 dated January 28, 2015. Usually, such information is put behind a firewall and is limited to manufacturing partners only – that is, these docs do not reflect consumer-facing features and may be hidden again.

App shortcuts are great, but can quickly overwhelm your homescreens

There are a few important settings in the Google Play Store app on your phone or tablet. Settings that keep the kids (or yourself) from making random in-app purchases, or content filtering for folks who want to sort mature-rated apps out of the store. But there is one setting that you need to look at before you do anything else — the one that adds a shortcut to your homescreen for each and every app you install from Google Play.

If your iPhone 5c won’t charge, the problem could be one of two things; the battery or the Lightning dock itself. If you’re experiencing other symptoms such as headphone jack issues, or dock accessories not working when plugged in, the Lightning dock is more than likely the culprit. Luckily, a DIY repair to replace the Lightning dock entirely isn’t too time or labor intensive, and it’ll cost you a fraction of what a new iPhone would!

What you need to replace an iPhone 5c dock assembly

You’ll need some tools and parts in order to repair your iPhone 5c. If you’re in the United States or Canada, we highly recommend checking out eTech Parts as we’ve had lots of good experiences with them and know their customer service is out of this world. All the links below will route you to the direct item you need on eTech’s site.

• Replacement Lightning dock assembly – Buy now
• Suction cup – Buy now
• 5-point security screwdriver – Buy now
• Standard #000 Phillips screwdriver – Buy now
• Spudger tool – Buy now
• Razor blade – Buy Now
• iSesamo Opening tool (not necessary but awesome for prying up cables and getting under adhesive) – Buy Now

1. Power off your iPhone 5c

Before performing any repair on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch you should always remember to power it off. Simply hold down on the Power button until you see Slide to Power off. One you’re sure your iPhone is turned off, proceed to the next section.

2. Remove the two security screws on both sides of the dock connector

There are two security screws that secure the screen to the frame and they sit on each side of the dock connector. Use your 5-point security screwdriver to remove them. They are both the same size so it’s okay if you mix them up.

3. Remove the display assembly

1. Place your suction cup slightly above the Home button assembly and secure it to the screen.
   
2. Holding the iPhone in place with one hand, gently pull upwards on the suction cup until you free the bottom of the screen. You should now be able to use your fingers to slowly raise up the screen and expose where the front assembly is connected to the logic board.
3. Remove the four screws holding down the shield that covers the display cables. To do this, use your #000 screwdriver. These screws are different sizes so make sure you keep them organized in a way you can remember for re-assembly.
   
4. Once all four screws are removed, carefully remove the shield and set it aside.
   
5. Now use your spudger tool in order to remove the three cables shown in the image below.
   
6. The display assembly should now be free from the body of the phone. Go ahead and set the display assembly aside.

4. Disconnect the battery

We don’t need to completely remove the battery for this repair but it’s always a good idea to disconnect the battery before removing and replacing internal components in order to prevent a short from occurring.

1. Remove the two screws holding down the battery cable using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.
   
2. Gently lift the battery shield out of your iPhone 5c and carefully set it aside.
   
3. Use your spudger tool to carefully pry up the battery cable.
   
4. That’s it. We don’t need to go any further. Just remember to keep track of the shield and what order the two screws came out.

5. Remove the loud speaker assembly

1. Start by carefully peeling up the adhesive shown in the photos below using your pry tool or iSesamo opening tool taking care not to tear it. This cable works in conjunction with your home button. It does not come completely out. You only want it to be detached from the speaker enclosure.
   
2. Now remove the three screws shown in the photo below using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.
   
3. Disconnect the small circular gold connector using your spudger tool. This is located under where you disconnected the battery. Pay attention to the adhesive that is holding it down. It’s quite easy to break but take your time so you don’t break the cable itself.
   
4. The speaker enclosure can now be lifted out of your iPhone 5c. Just take care not to snag the dock, logic board or any cables while removing it. The photo below shows the best way to grab hold of the speaker assembly.
   

6. Replace the Lightning dock assembly

1. Start by using your spudger tool to disconnect the single cable that connects the dock to the logic board. It is above where the battery connector is located.
   
2. Use your #000 Phillips screwdriver to remove the remaining 4 screws that hold the dock in place. They are outlined below.
   
3. The dock is now ready to be peeled out. The only thing holding it in now is adhesive. The easiest place to start is by peeling where the cable connects to the board. Once you get to the actual dock, use your spudger tool, or iSesamo opening tool which is what I prefer, in order to break the foam adhesive around the Lightning connector.
   
4. Use your pry tool or any opening tool in order to pop off the rubber gasket that sits next to the headphone jack. It doesn’t come off completely. You just need to pop it away from the frame.
   
5. Use your pry tool or iSesamo opening tool in order to break the adhesive around the headphone jack, which is also part of the dock assembly. You may need to use a finger on your other hand to work it up and around the battery.
   
6. Now use your opening tool to remove the rest of the adhesive under the dock assembly, taking care not to tear anything. The dock should now come free from your iPhone 5c.
   
7. Check out your old dock compared to your new one and make sure they look exactly the same. Peel off any adhesive backing on the new dock. This is also a good time to remove any old adhesive from inside the frame of your iPhone.
   
8. Start by lining up the headphone jack and Lightning dock assembly with the screw holes. You can also lay the adhesive on the right side of the dock at this time and re-connect the cable to the logic board to ensure a good fit.
   
9. Once you’re confident the dock is lined up, replace the four screws you removed earlier using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.
   
10. Now is a good time to plug in a charging cable and a pair of headphones to ensure a good fit. If you can’t push one or the other in all the way (or both), the dock is lined up incorrectly and needs to be repositioned. Better to figure this out now instead of when you have reassembled your entire iPhone.
    
11. If everything is lined up and looks good, you can move on to putting the loud speaker back in.

7. Put back the loud speaker assembly

1. There are contacts on the dock assembly that must make contact with the loud speaker for it to function. Take note of those below and make sure you position your speaker accordingly.
   
2. Once the speaker assembly is lined up, replace the three screws you removed earlier in order to secure it down.
   
3. Replace the gold connector you removed earlier.
   

8. Re-connect the battery

1. Re-connect the battery cable that you pried up earlier.
   
2. Replace the battery cable shield.
   
3. Replace the two screws holding the battery cable down using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.
   

9. Re-connect the display assembly

1. Carefully reconnect the three cables running from the display assembly to the logic board.
   
2. Reposition the metal shield that sits over the three cables and replace the four screws that hold it in place, remembering where each one came from — they are all different sizes.
   
3. Line up the top of the screen carefully and make note of the teeth that line up to the top of your iPhone 5c’s frame. Once the top of the display is lined up, carefully snap down the remainder by moving your fingers along the edge.

10. Replace the security screws on each side of the dock connector

Once you are confident that the display is seated correctly again, use your security screwdriver in order to replace the two screws on either side of the dock connector.

11. Test the new Lightning dock assembly

After you’re iPhone 5c is fully assembled, turn it back on. Here’s some things you should do in order to fully test the new Lightning dock:

• Ensure your iPhone 5c charges as it should
• Play music through the headphones
• Test volume control and skip track functions through the headphones
• Test the loud speaker since we removed it by either taking a call on speaker phone or playing music over the loud speaker
• Ensure your iPhone 5c does not get too warm when charging it, if it does, remove the replacement dock immediately and have it replaced

If all of the above checks out okay, you’re good to go!

You’ll also want to check out:

• How to replace your broken iPhone screen: The ultimate guide
• How to replace your iPhone battery: The ultimate guide
• All DIY repairs

Having been excited by it since that Tuesday announcement at CES in January, this past week saw me finally take possession of my very own, 2015 Dell XPS 13. It’s getting a lot of attention, both press and consumer, and the minute you lay your eyes on it it’s easy to see why. At the time of ordering, UK buyers were pretty restricted to which models were available, we had a choice of different spec Intel Core i7 versions and nothing more. It’s got a little better, since, with the addition of an i5 model, but it’s the i7 that I’ve got here.

Our own Daniel Rubino has already talked about and used the non-touch, i5 model, but now we’re moving on to the range topper. We’ll have more coverage in the weeks to come, but before all of that, here’s a few quick thoughts after 72 hours using it.