I had difficulty connecting to AT&T - for data not phone calls - and all my iCloud files disappeared - but magically reappeared a short time later. I don't know what caused the connectivity problem but I'm certain the iCloud file situation is related to the fact that Apple is working feverishly to make the mobile iOS and desktop Mac OS work better together. iCloud (renamed iCloud Drive) in particular will be a major step up from the current version and will become a general purpose sharing repository instead of a place to store Apple documents. iCloud is already capable of allowing Macs, PCs and iOS devices to view, share and edit presentations, spreadsheets and word processing documents. The looming battle between iCloud, Microsoft Office 365 and Google Docs is going to be very interesting.

Here are a few highlights -
• The new camera is wonderful and will likely be judged among the best available. It's "only" 8MP but anything over 5 is pretty much useless except for professionals - and they will still use DSLRs anyway.
• Upgraded Siri now shows your words as you speak so you don't have to wait till you stop to see the translation.
• Widgets have long been a staple in Android devices and they are now in iOS.
• Airdrop is a great way to transfer files among Apple devices on the same wi-fi network.
• The included Health app is the first step in incorporating a variety of fitness and health features into the Apple ecosystem - but some of the screens are ugly!
• You can answer your iPhone on your iPad in case the iPhone is ringing in a closet somewhere or out in the car. You can also make calls from your iPad. You're gonna' love this one! You set this up in Facetime settings.
• The scandal of bendable iPhones (known through its short life as "bendgate") turned out to be a hoax that was dismissed after Consumer Reports tested several popular phones and said they were all about the same strength.
• Most people including Apple were surprised how popular the larger iPhone is and they have now ramped up production of that model. Apple could sell 70 million of the two models before the end of the year. They've sold 20 million already.
• And finally, the look and feel are Apple through and through. Upgradng from a 4 or 4s is a no brainer.

Hidden dangers in new auto infotainment systems.
According to this study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Utah, the new voice activated systems in modern cars are too complex and more distracting than hands free phones. One reason is they are not perfect so they may misunderstand a voice command and contact the wrong person, locate the wrong restaurant or make other mistakes. This causes the driver to focus on correcting the problem instead of the traffic ahead. More than one friend has complained about the complexity of the high tech in their cars.

Looking for a new phone - here's one place to start
There are a lot of smartphones out there but Samsung and Apple get most of the press. If you want to do a wider search this page is a good place to start. And if your looking for a low cost alternative to Samsung and Apple, the new Moto X by Motorla is a good choice according to cNet.

Have you heard about Google Glass lately - me neither
The much hyped combination computer/camera you wear on your glasses got a lot of press a year ago. But after thousands of "Explorers" paid $1,500 for the privilege of being first, the product has almost disappeared from the face(s) of the earth. Here's what (often abrasive) PC World pundit John Dvorak has to say about this maybe not so great idea. And finally, if you want a good laugh check out this Daily Show Glass review - scroll to the bottom to see the video after a short ad.