It is estimated that one billion people will own smartphones by 2016, according to a recent report by the research company Forrester. In addition, the Pew Research Center said the share of U.S. adults who own tablets nearly doubled (from 10% to 19%) during this year’s holiday gift-giving period between mid-December 2011 and early January 2012.

Verizon Wireless provides free in-store and online wireless workshops to smartphone and tablet users — no matter his or her service provider. Verizon is the only wireless carrier approved to conduct Apple workshops. Covering topics like extending battery life, setting up email and buying apps, Verizon’s Wireless Workshops discuss everything users want to know but have not had time to figure out independently.

And whether users are newbies to the smartphone world, upgrading or switching to new devices, or looking for more information about specific operating systems, the Workshops provide answers to virtually any question.

Topics covered in the Workshops include, but are not limited to:
— Accessories: Learn about different accessories and ways they can maximize productivity.
— Tablets: Obtain general information about tablets and how they can benefit every lifestyle.
— Tips and Tricks: Learn everything from how to copy and paste text to setting a ringtone.
— The Basics: For the wireless newbie, learn how to turn it on and off, how to enter contacts and how to send text messages.
— Q&A with Wireless Experts: Gain direct access to the experts and ask away.

The lineup of online and in-store workshops is routinely updated and expanded to include the newest devices such as the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung, Spectrum by LG, and DROID 4 by Motorola.

To learn more about Verizon Wireless Workshops, visit www.verizonwireless.com/workshops.

Matt Myftiu can be reached at matt.myftiu@oakpress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MattMyftiu and check out the Facebook page OPTechTime.