Thursday, December 12, 2013

Keep Your Phone and Move to a New Carrier

With a bit of a push from consumer groups, the FCC, and even the White House, the 5 major cell phone carriers agreed to let users unlock their cell phones when their contracts are up so they can take their phones with them to a different carrier. It’s a bit complicated for now (what isn’t when it comes to cell phone carriers!) so read our first story to get the details.

In the last issue, there was a story titled, “Top 10 Underhyped Windows Apps.” The first app mentioned is called “WizMouse.” I installed it yesterday and I love it. It allows you to scroll in windows when you mouse over them, not just after you click on them. Heartily recommended.

There are lots of interesting stories, tips and tricks in this edition, so I will stop babbling and let you read them. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

U.S. carriers agree to new cellphone 'unlocking' policy

Major U.S. wireless carriers on Thursday pledged to make it easier for consumers to "unlock" their mobile phones for use on competitors' networks

Microsoft patches 4 zero-day vulnerabilities in major Patch Tuesday event

24 vulnerabilities in total are patched in the December round of updates, but four of them are already being exploited in the wild.

Microsoft adds lots of new features to Bing's Snapshot box

Microsoft has added new features to Snapshot, and today the company unveiled even more bits of information that can show up when users search for a topic in Bing.

Is Apple Dying Without Steve Jobs?

Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs and, since the iPad, there has been no spectacular product launch, only the usual stream of updates and improvements. His more conventional management practices are said to be counter innovative.

2013 in Review: Tech Turkeys of the year

And now, for your reading pleasure, the very worst from the tech world in 2013

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Antivirus for 2013

Which of the current antivirus tools is the one for you? PCMag sorts the best from the rest. Includes both free and paid versions

Microsoft Makes It Easier to Switch from Gmail to Outlook.com

What they're doing is providing a wizard-based interface for importing your Gmail contacts into Outlook.com and then configuring Outlook.com to be able to send email as if from Google.

How to Do a Clean Install of Windows Without Losing Your Files, Settings, and Tweaks

There's nothing like a fresh install of Windows to clear your mind, but it comes at a cost: you have to set everything up again, just the way you like it. Here's how to reinstall Windows, migrate your important settings, and leave the clutter behind.

Lifehacker Pack for Windows 2013: Our List of the Best Windows Apps

Windows has more great programs than we can count, but some are essential to just about every PC setup. In our fifth annual Lifehacker Pack for Windows, we're highlighting the must-have downloads for better productivity, communication, media management, and more.

Get a Refund If Amazon Drops the Price on an Item You Just Bought

Well, the good news is Amazon will refund you the difference—if you ask within the right timeframe.

 

Tablets and Smartphones

The first 6 things you need to do with your new Android tablet

After you've gone through the initial setup but before you begin actual normal use of your shiny new portable device, there are a few things -- six things, in fact -- you'll want to take care of.

Spotify now free on tablets and smartphones

Previously, free streaming was offered only on the desktop; users wanting to listen on a mobile device were required to take out a £10 monthly subscription.

18 Photography Apps Each Smartphone Photographer Should Consider

Thanks to ambitious app creators, we can trick out our smart phone cameras with a seemingly endless supply of options. From filtering and sharing, to editing and correcting, if there's something you want your smart phone camera to do, chances are there's an app for that.

Gas Buddy - Find the cheapest gas when you are traveling

Find the cheapest gas when you are on the road. An app is available for all smartphone brands. Everyone with a car and smartphone should have this app.

Rovio Releases ‘Angry Birds Go!’ Kart Racing Game for iPad and iPhone

Angry Birds Go! is a 3-D racing game that puts you behind the wheel in a soapbox derby as either the birds or pigs. Race as Red, Chuck, Terence, Stella, King Pig, Moustache Pig, and more.

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