Microsoft Kills Windows 9…Full Speed Ahead for Windows 10

In a move that few saw coming, the newest version of the Windows Operating System will be named, “Windows 10.”  Windows 9 was the next logical name, but it will never be used. The reason Microsoft gave was, “Windows 7 8 (ate) Windows 9.” Cute, but not the right answer. The real reason, according to management, is that the new Windows is so revolutionary that it needs to be a jump ahead of 9.

Actually I think the #9 is so close to 8, that they really wanted to distance themselves from any confusion about the version. But is it revolutionary? In a way yes, and in another way no. What they have done is bring back enough of the Windows 7 interface so those users who didn’t go to Windows 8 will be able to use Windows 10 right away.

But, it is different from 7 in so many ways. First, the operating system will detect what kind of computer or tablet or phone you are using and set up the interface accordingly. It will determine that if you have a keyboard and mouse, you will see the desktop. If no keyboard, it will figure out you are on a touch system and you will see an interface similar to Windows 8. And, the Start Menu is back, but with some major improvements. Take a look at the stories below and you will see some photos of the new interface.

This may be the final iteration of the Windows Operating System. By that I mean you will no longer see a new Windows every two to three years. Rather, the company will make small incremental changes on a continual basis…similar to what they are doing with Office 365 and what Adobe does with Photoshop. I think it makes good sense.

On the downside, we will not see Windows 10 in April as was predicted. Rather it will come out probably in late summer or early fall of 2013. The demonstration today was focused on Enterprises, Microsoft’s most important customers, revenue-wise. Very early next year, they will demonstrate the new additions for consumers, and in April we will see what they mean about “Universal Apps”…all apps will now run in all devices. Sounds interesting. We will have more on Windows 10 in the near future…but it definitely looks promising.

In an update on a story I ran last time, Apple stated that the revised update for iOS would be released in a few days. About two hours after I published the blog, the revised iOS showed up on my tablet and phone. They got it out fast, but they needed to.

From here on in, I leave the rest of this blog to you…so enjoy. -JRC

 

Technology News and Opinions

Windows 10 is the official name for Microsoft's next version of Windows

Described as Microsoft's "most comprehensive platform ever," Windows 10 will offer a tailored experience for all hardware across a single platform family. And developers can build universal apps that will work everywhere. Here's how Microsoft describes its ambitious goal:

Hands-on with Microsoft's new Windows 10: UI changes that look great at first blush

My first experience with Windows 8 inspired bafflement and frustration. But I walked away from my first few minutes with Windows 10 with a sense of jealousy. It looks like a significant improvement, and I want it on my PC right now.

New MSN Goes Live on Windows, Windows Phone and Web

The biggest change is on the web, where you'll find a completely new, Azure-hosted MSN web portal. Now, over 425 million regular visitors to MSN.com will be able to access this new site version, with links to favorite services.

Apple faces billions in fines in tax avoidance probe

European investigators are set to accuse Apple of receiving "illegal state aid" in Ireland for more than 20 years.

Russia orders Google, Facebook and Twitter to comply with local storage and censorship laws

The U.S. firms have reportedly been told they must store Russians’ local data and metadata on Russian soil, and abide by the same restrictions on free speech to which traditional Russian media must adhere. If they don’t play ball, they may be blocked in the country.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Outlook organization tips: 5 ways to tame the email pile

Adopting these five simple practices will make diving into your inbox less painful—and far less time consuming.

Which Browser is Best? Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Internet Explorer

After several years as top dog, Google Chrome has finally been unseated by a familiar favorite that's been quietly rebuilding its appeal over the last several versions.

Try This Alternative File Manager And Explorer For Windows. It's Free.

Because Windows Explorer is just a program like any other, you can use a different one if you prefer. One such program is XYPlorer, which is currently in its 10th year of production.

Prioritize Your Email with Computer Message Log Labels

If you use your inbox as a to do list, you'll need a good system for keeping track of your tasks and prioritizing them

Keep any application 'always on top' in Windows

Want to keep one window as your focus, but the application doesn't have an option for always on top? Check out this tip on how to use the always on top functionality with any software.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Clear Your Browser History on Android

This article shows you how to clear your browsing history in Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Dolphin on your Android device.

Add a floating app collection to your Android tablet

Using your Android tablet for more than entertainment? Check out Multitasking, a single app that can add the functionality of multiple floating apps to your device.

How to Use Widgets on an iPhone or iPad With iOS 8

iPhones and iPads can now use widgets thanks to iOS 8. In fact, you probably already have some widgets installed — they’re all just disabled by default. Here’s how to enable and use those widgets you already have.

How to Turbocharge Your iOS 8 Web-Surfing Experience

There's something for everyone in this version. Even if you're not quite ready to trade up to the iPhone 6, iOS 8 will make it seem like you have a new phone again.

AT&T doubles data on high-end plans, starting at 15GB tier

The doubled data is part of a limited promotion, but customers who sign up keep that data for as long as they're on the plan

iOS 8 Keeps Surprising Me

Last night I was sitting on the couch and my iPhone rang…it was a few feet away from me at the time. I was about to get up to get it when my iPad also started ringing. As it was right next to me I answered it. Kind of surprised me since I am not connected to Verizon on my iPad.

But then I remembered the new feature of iOS 8 that if any Apple device is in proximity to your iPhone, it will also be able to take and make phone calls. So I carried on a 1/2 hour conversation with my son on my iPad. Worked just great.

Another thing I noticed is that SIRI works much faster now. Before, if you were using Messenger, you would speak and when you finished, Siri would chew on it for a few seconds, then it would appear on the screen. Now, with iOS 8, the words appear on the screen as I say them. Love it…as I hardly ever type anymore…I just dictate my message. 

Last week, I re-published CNet’s, “The Complete Guide to iOS 8.” It is a great collection of stories on most every new aspect of iOS 8…and if you have recently upgraded your Apple device, you need to go through it and learn all the iOS 8 secrets. That is what I did. 

Next week, we get our first look at the new Windows 9 that is expected to be out in April. You bet I will be covering it here.

But before then, there are plenty of interesting articles here to keep you busy. Have fun! -JRC    

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple pulls iOS 8.0.1 update, after killing cell service, Touch ID

Less than a week after the initial release of iOS 8, Apple issues the first update for the platform. After it inadvertently introduced a number of new issues, it was pulled.

Apple to release iOS 8.0.2 in the 'next few days'

After its decision to pull iOS 8.0.1 yesterday, Apple is now advising users to roll back to version 8.0 of the operating system. A new update is in the works but no date announced for its release

Microsoft plays on iOS 8 issues by doubling free OneDrive space to 30GB

Apple released its iOS 8 update earlier this week, but a number of iPhone and iPad owners ran into problems with the amount of free storage required to install the latest operating system. Microsoft is taking advantage of these issues by doubling its free OneDrive storage to 30GB.

For camera makers, hope lies in pricey devices for the few

As smartphones replace point-and-shoots, companies from Nikon to Fujifilm are scrambling to build premium product lines. That's great news for photo enthusiasts.

'Bigger than Heartbleed': Bash bug could leave IT systems in shellshock

Just months after Heartbleed made waves across the Internet, a new security flaw known as the Bash bug is threatening to compromise everything from major servers to connected cameras.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Laptop vs. tablets: how they compare for true productivity

We looked at more than 700 tablets and 2,000 laptops, digging into the specs that make a difference, like RAM and storage, display size, battery, and connectivity.

5 ways to access and control your PC remotely

Your PC isn't really stuck at home. You can access the desktop, your files, and even gaming horsepower on the go. You can turn on your PC from halfway around the world!

7 Tips for Safe Online Banking

Online banking is just as convenient for the bad guys as it is for you. They don't need guns, masks, or getaway cars to rob your online account, just a cracked password. These tips can help you protect your cash.

How to Use Technology to Get Through Your Reading List

The internet is full of brilliant articles you haven't read. So is your read-it-later app of choice, whether it's Pocket, Readability, Instapaper or any other. Here's how to finally tackle that reading list, with a little help from technology.

The 6 essential Windows software programs for any PC

Here is a list of the barest minimum that anyone with a Windows PC really, absolutely must have

 

Mobile Computing

Eight questions to ask before you buy your next smartphone

Wireless providers in the United States make it easy to pay more than you should for a smartphone and an accompanying data plan. Here are eight questions you can ask (and answer) to make sure you get the best possible deal.

Why You Don’t Need an Expensive Smartphone Anymore

If you have the money to spend — or if you’re going to be locked into a long contract anyway — expensive smartphones still have value. They’ll have the sharpest screens, fastest hardware, and newest features. But they aren’t mandatory to get a good smartphone experience anymore.

MoboRobo is a Powerful Desktop Manager for Android and iOS Devices

Windows: Unlike iTunes for iOS devices, there is no official desktop client to manage Android phones and tablets. MoboRobo is as good as any you can hope for, and it works with iPhones and iPads too.

How to Quickly Access your Most-Used Android Apps

What is the best way to arrange your favorite apps on the home screen so that the apps you use most often are easily accessible? There are apps that can help.

31 ways to improve your iPhone's battery life

Apple's latest iPhones pack as much power in as their predecessors, but not even nearly as much as their nearest competitors. By tweaking iOS 8, you can improve your iPhone's battery life considerably. Here's how

What to Do if Your iPad Stops Working

If the Genius Bar is booked, or you want to fix it yourself, try these tips first.

What To Do When its 98 Outside and You Are Bored

I’ll tell you what I did yesterday to solve this dilemma. First I got into my car and turned on the A/C. Then drove several miles northeast to our one and only Apple Store. The reason: of course to see the new iPhones.

One can look at all the pretty on-line pictures and read all the interesting articles, but until you hold one in your hand and play with it, you really don’t have a good idea what it is all about…and that is what I did.

I took out my iPhone 5 and held it up against both the new models. Before entering the store, I was leaning toward getting the 5.5” Six Plus model…and after comparing both models to my current phone, there is no doubt I want the big one. The 4.7” model was not all that much larger than my 4” iPhone 5, at least to my eyes.

The 6+ is definitely quite a bit larger. And having owned a large smartphone before, this is definitely the model for me. I have read so many articles about the new phones and what other people preferred that I came to the conclusion that any phone is an individual preference. While I want the 6+, many others may think it too big. All I can say is try them both out for yourself. Or maybe you prefer an Android phone. Whatever the case, get what pleases you.

I watched movie previews on both phones and the screens on both are sharp as a tack. The 6+ has better camera features including anti-shake…and a good camera is important to me. One word of warning…the back of each phone is slick and can easily fall out of your hand. So, if you buy one, be sure to get a case right away.

Last time, I didn’t feature any articles on Android. In this edition, you will find several articles on both Android and iOS. See below. Enjoy. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Home Depot breach exposes a whopping 56M credit cards

The hardware chain says it has eliminated all malware from its systems after a massive hack put tens of millions of customers' data at risk.

Google Now's latest trick is finding you a cheaper flight

Poking around on Google Flights for a trip will drop a card into the search giant's digital assistant now and will alert you when prices change based on your recent destination or itinerary searches.

Microsoft offers free Office 365 directly to students

To get the software for free, head to the Office 365 for Students website and enter a valid school-provided email address.

Where do the most people go for TV online? YouTube

A Magid survey found more people report going to Google's video site to watch television shows than Netflix or Hulu.

Google Abandons Google+ Sign-Up Requirement for New Google Accounts

This is a pretty big step for the search giant, as Google had been mandating this Google+ account creation for the better part of 2.5 years or so—since January 2012.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Androids Apps Coming to Chromebooks

Look out, Windows! With Google starting to bring over a million Android apps to Chromebooks, the Windows PC is going to face a real challenge.

Symantec releases simplified Norton Security line of Products

Hands-on: Buying Norton for your PC or Mac just got a lot simpler. The product has a rich set of features and the threat protection is excellent.

Three warning signs that email is malicious

Here are three basic tip-offs you can look for to figure out whether you're looking at an email with dishonest intentions. They're hardly an exhaustive list, but more often than not one of these tips will save you from getting suckered.

Apple releases iCloud Drive for Windows PCs

Beyond file syncing, iCloud Drive also offers a feature that lets you sync your bookmarks in Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome with Safari for iOS. You can also integrate iCloud mail, contacts, calendars, and tasks with Outlook 2007 or later.

What to Do if Your Laptop Is Plugged In but Not Charging

If your laptop is plugged in but isn't getting any juice, follow these easy steps to troubleshoot the problem.

 

Mobile Computing - Android

How to run Android apps in Chrome

What if you could run any Android app you wanted? And what if all you needed was a Chrome browser? That would be pretty awesome. Luckily it’s not just something we can dream about. Thanks to some clever hackers it’s really possible. Here’s how you can do it!

How to transfer your data from Android to your new iPhone

Are you making the change from Android to iPhone? Here is how to make the transition to your new iPhone easier

Android Toolkit - Must Have Apps for your Android Phone

This is an extensive list of some of the best Android apps for your phone and maybe your tablet that will help you be more efficient and productive.

10 Android features that still make it better than iOS 8

Apple's new iOS 8 may have blatantly appropriated some of Android's marquee features—like the Notifications panel and support for third-party keyboards—but it still misses some of what Android users love about the mobile operating system

Google to encrypt data on new version of Android by default

Encryption has been optional since 2011, but Android L, due out later this year, will include activation procedures for automatic encryption.

 

Mobile Computing – iOS

You can charge your iPhone 6 faster by using your iPad charger

Here’s a simple trick to charge your iPhone battery faster: The latest iPhones have the ability to draw 2.1A of current, and with the right charger the iPhone 6 can fill up to 90% battery life in about two hours.

How to Set Up Family Sharing in iOS 8

Apple users can now share iTunes and App Store purchases with up to six people. Here's how to do it.

11 Tips to Keep iOS 8 From Destroying Your Battery Life

While iOS 8 comes with plenty of advantages, upgrading to a new operating system is never without its drawbacks. Maybe battery life just ain't quite what you'd want it to be, but we've got some tips to squeeze the most out of that sucker and stay juiced all day long.

How to master Messages in iOS 8

iOS 8 brings great new changes to the mobile version of the Messages app, some of which might not be immediately apparent. Here’s a look at the new features and how best to use them.

The Best iPad Tips and Tricks [Updated for iOS 7 and iOS 8]

If you are new to the iOS 7 or iOS 8, check out this article which can be helpful for using an iPad or iPad mini with the new version installed.

iOS 8 Rules the Day

I got lucky! I somehow managed to update both my iPhone and iPad to iOS 8 yesterday. As it was the first day of its release, I didn’t expect to get right in to get it, but I did. Do I like it? Yes, I think I do. But I really haven’t had the time to give it a thorough workout…AND it is the most radical update to the Apple Ecosystem ever. There is a lot to learn.

One good thing Apple did was put an application in iOS 8 that offers tips on new features. And I have included a few articles below that offer even more comprehensive information on the new system (sorry Android users…there are no stories for you in the “Mobile Computing” section today. I will make it up to you, I promise).

I did experiment with some of the camera’s new features and I like them. And the iCloud update seems to work well. I took a picture on the iPhone and it showed up right away on my iPad.

To my surprise, Apple also included a new Podcast app that I didn’t know about. Too bad for me as I purchased a Podcast app called “Overcast” that I really like. I used it on my recent 6 week trip.

Well, I will let you read on from here to see if there is anything you really like. Hope you have a great weekend. – JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon unveils new Kindles; updates Fire HD, Fire HDX tablets

The retail turned mobile giant unveiled a number of updated products: two new e-readers, a sub-$100 tablet of superb quality, a high-end premium tablet, and even one for kids.

Why the U.S. needs better privacy laws, now!

Microsoft recently published an open letter to President Obama, condemning some government surveillance techniques and calling for federal data-privacy legislation. While some industry heavyweights such as Amazon, Twitter, and Google would probably prefer fewer privacy rules, Microsoft weighs in on the side of consumers.

Verizon May Launch Have-It-Your-Way Internet TV

Perhaps the most promising for TV fans weary of paying for channels they don't use, a la carte services apparently will be a key part of the future offerings.

Facebook Will Try to Stop Showing You Old, Irrelevant Posts

Facebook just announced its latest plan to fix Newsfeed, promising to show more timely content. Out with the old, in with the relevant and new. It looks like the change was spurred by everyone complaining when old crap kept popping to the top of their Newsfeeds.

Microsoft Lays Off 2,100 Employees

In July, Microsoft announced plans to cut 18,000 jobs by the end of the fiscal year, marking the biggest reduction in its history. The first stage of those layoffs totaled about 13,000 employees, many of which were Nokia employees.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

20 Excel Tips for Becoming a Spreadsheet Pro

One thing almost every Excel user has in common: not knowing enough. There are so many ways to slice and dice numbers, give that data a new look, and more, it's impossible to recount them all.

9 Pandora Tips for 'Thumbs Up' Music Streaming

There are some features many users ignore or don't know exist. We've put together some tips and tricks so you can get the most out of your Pandora listening experience.

Why you don't need long, complex passwords

These days, hackers steal passwords wholesale, not one by one, which is why you can ignore outdated password practices.

How to keep your computer awake without touching the mouse

Or the keyboard. If you're tired of Windows dimming the screen or going to sleep without permission, try this.

Hybrid Hard Drives Explained: Why You Might Want One Instead of an SSD

Hybrid hard drives promise some of the performance of a solid-state drive with the capacity of a mechanical drive. They’re bigger than an SSD and faster than a plain-old mechanical drive.

 

Mobile Computing

The complete guide to iOS 8

iOS 8 looks to be one of the most feature-packed updates to Apple's mobile platform since the launch of the App Store. Learn how to use it with our comprehensive guides.

Apple iPhone 6 review

I've been using the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus side by side for a week, and I can tell you this: both of Apple's new iPhones have better, big displays. And both make the iPhone 5S' screen seem small.

25 Things You Can Do On iOS 8 That You Couldn't Do On iOS 7

Load up iOS 8 and you might not notice the difference straight away, but there are plenty of little tweaks and changes behind the scenes. Here are 25 different things you can do on your device that you couldn't do yesterday.

How to get the most money for your old iPhone

With the impending launch of the iPhone 6 you might be wondering what to do with your old device. Don't let your old iPhone depreciate while it sits on a shelf, here's how to sell it for top dollar.

Get to know iOS 8: New Camera tricks and a major overhaul of Photos

Apple’s iOS 8 packs in a ton of new photo-taking and editing features for its photography-loving user base, all the while keeping it easy for beginning iOS shutterbugs.

Back Home Safe and Sound…Did I Miss Something?

After three days of grueling driving through 6 states, I am back in Tucson. The trip was much longer than it should have been as roads were closed because of flash floods and washed-out highways…so had to do a lot of backtracking and detours. And I wasn’t alone: cars, RV’s, and thousands of trucks were forced to drive on two-lane roads through Nevada, so the going was very slow. But, I finally made it home. Now, I understand we are going to be hammered again with rain and winds, remnants of tropical storm Odile. Heavy rains and flash floods…the fun never ends.

While I was somewhere in Southern Idaho, Apple decided to hold their big event to announce the new, larger iPhones, as well as the new Apple Watch, and Apple Pay. In addition, they announced the release date for iOS 8, the operating system used by iPads and iPhones…and that just happens to be tomorrow! Am really looking forward to that.

As for the iPhone, I think I am going to go for the big one…but, no rush as my contract isn’t up till late December. As for the Apple watch…it won’t be out till next year and I could care less. And we shall see how Apple Pay unfolds in the future. There are stories here covering all these new toys.

And we will get our first look at the new Windows 9 on Sept. 30. It is only a preview and they are aiming this preview at the Enterprise customers as that is the source of the majority of their income. They are really trying to woo these guys back into the Windows fold as 99% of the Enterprise businesses wanted nothing to do with Windows 8. Regardless, much of what we see on that date will apply to us home and small business users, so pay attention. Look for Windows 9 to show up in April.

There are a lot of good articles in this edition so let’s get to it! - JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft invites media to meet the next version of Windows

Microsoft will show off some of the enterprise-focused Windows Threshold features at an invitation-only event in San Francisco on September 30.

Windows Threshold screenshot leaks: What's there, what's not

A leaked build of what Microsoft might distribute as its soon-to-be-released Windows Threshold Enterprise Tech Preview (aka Windows 9) provides a snapshot of the next version of Windows.

Apple's new iPhones, Watches, and apps

Apple announced a bushel of new products: not one but two iPhone 6s, three Apple Watches, iOS 8, Apple Pay, and assorted other apps. Here's what you need to know about the goods.

Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus preorders top 4M in first 24 hours

Apple says it hit a record in the first day of sales. However, it confirms demand outstripped initial preorder supplies, so some customers will receive their new iPhones as late as October.

Apple Pay – How it Will Change the Way We Buy

Apple Pay is an entirely new system which has the potential to revolutionize the world of mobile payments. There is going to be a transition period while the iPhone 6 is adopted because it is the only generation of iPhone that will work with Apple Pay.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Revives My Maps So You Can Create and Share Custom Maps

Google unleashed a new, overhauled version of its well-loved (and little known) custom maps tool, called My Maps. It's pretty powerful and cool. With it, you can create a trip itinerary, note hotspots in any location, and otherwise personalize Google Maps.

Personalize the Windows 7 Start menu

You can do a lot with the Windows 7 Start menu. You can put your favorite programs front and center. You can replace big, easy-to-hit icons with smaller ones that take less real estate, and you can control the behavior of clicking on Documents or Music.

6 Ways to Actually Use 1 TB of Cloud Storage

The cloud storage wars are heating up. Microsoft now offers 1 TB of cloud storage along with Office 365, and both Dropbox and Google are offering 1 TB at just $10 per month. But the real reason companies are offering so much storage is because they know most users will never actually use anything near 1 TB of storage. Here’s how you actually could.

Here's what Apple's iCloud Drive will cost you, compared with its competition

With a new cloud storage service coming soon from Apple, it's time to see how all the top services compare on price and storage.

12 Hidden Firefox Functions for Browsing Like a Boss

You may be familiar with the many third-party extensions and add-ons that can amplify Firefox's functionality, however there are a lot of little tricks already baked in to the software that you may not be using.

 

Mobile Computing

The 18 Most Important Features in iOS 8

What's in iOS 8 that will change the mobile life of your everyday iPhone and iPad user? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Here are the most important changes coming in iOS 8, based on what Apple revealed at WWDC and reports about the beta software.

PadGadget’s iPad Tips: How to Update to iOS 8

On Wednesday, Apple will make iOS 8 available to the public for download. Thanks to a few technology tweaks a few years ago, Apple has made it possible for users to simply tap “Download” in order to update their devices to iOS 8. However, nothing ever goes as smoothly as that.

15 Essential Apps for Every Photographer's Smartphone

"Photographers, however, should not get caught up just using their phone as a camera; there are apps that can help you plan shoots, get model releases signed, add GPS data to your photos and much more. "

How to Switch Among Open Apps on Your Android Device

When you run an app on your Android device, you can minimize it and return to the home screen easily by touching or pressing the Home button. However, what if you want to quickly get to an open app from within a another open app?

How to improve battery life on any mobile device

Poor battery life is a problem that affects all mobile users. This guide could help you better understand what is draining your battery.

On My Laptop, Chrome Stinks While Internet Explorer Soars

Never in my life did I expect Internet Explorer to be the fastest browser on my computer. But it is. I am still on vacation and have had ample opportunity to play with my laptop. As mentioned here before, I don’t love this laptop. It is running Windows 8.1 with all the updates, but I just think the hardware is too slow. By the way, Windows 8.1 with updates is much better than the original Windows 8 and is very usable.

Back to the topic at hand. I always install Chrome and Firefox on all my computers. Of course, Internet Explorer comes standard with every version of Windows. In everyday use on my Windows 8.1 laptop, IE speeds are absolutely amazing. It is definitely the fastest browser of the three. Firefox runs well but is still a bit slower than IE.

As for Chrome, it is so slow as to be unusable. In fact, it is so bad that I uninstalled it. Now, just to be clear, I am not running any scientific tests here. I am just going from site to site and watching the browsers do their stuff. I do know that Chrome works well on my Windows 7 desktop computer. I still use Firefox on that computer as my main browser. I have ignored IE on my desktop computer but I think that I might re-evaluate it when I get back to Tucson.

As for this week’s tech news, Apple has officially set Sept. 9 as the date it announces all its new products. I look forward to it but won’t be able to watch it as I will be traveling. Damn!

There are some good tips and tricks in both the computer and mobile sections of this edition. Hopefully you will find something that will interest you. So read on and enjoy. –JCR

PS: As I will be traveling on an extended road trip later this week, there will be no blogs for the next two weeks. Sorry about that…but will be back to normal soon.

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple iPhone 6 event officially set for Sept. 9

Invites from the Cupertino, Calif., electronics giant give almost no hints, saying "wish we could say more." But the general consensus is that Apple will unveil its next smartphone.

Four 4K TV facts you must know

A standard 1080p TV bought in the next few years will remain perfectly viable for as long as you own it. Sure, it might not be able to play the most cutting-edge 4K content at 4K resolution, but you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway.

Microsoft reissues flawed Windows security update

A new version of MS14-045 has been pushed to Windows Update and the Download Center. Microsoft strongly recommends that users uninstall the old version first.

Chrome's Faster, More Stable 64-Bit Builds Now Available on Windows

If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can now download a 64-bit capable version of Chrome that includes better performance, security, and stability.

Microsoft's Windows 9: Much ado about little, given cloud shift

Windows 9 will be important---if only to put Windows 8 to bed---but could be the last of Microsoft's big bang OS releases if CEO Satya Nadella's cloud-centric plan works out well.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Create a Strong Password (and Remember It)

“Be sure to use a strong password” is advice we all constantly see online. Here’s how to create a strong password — and, more importantly, how to actually remember it.

Pixlr, a Great Online Photo Editor, Is Now Free on the Desktop

If you haven't tried out Autodesk's fabulous Pixlr, a capable photo editor in the browser, you should. It's good. And now, it's available as a free desktop program for Mac and Windows.

Ten Top Windows Tips

Here is a selection of ten of the all-time most popular Windows tips. All of these have been viewed at least 100,000 times

Five ways to improve battery life on Windows

Having battery life problems on your Windows 8.1 laptop? These tips will help you squeeze the most juice out of your battery.

The Windows Maintenance Challenge: Part 2

Can commercial, third-party maintenance software outperform Windows’ built-in, free tools? This is the conclusion of a two-part series that will help you determine which PC maintenance tools — free or paid — yield the best results on your specific system.

 

Mobile Computing

These are the best messaging apps on iOS

Thankfully, there are plenty of free and good alternatives to iMessage. Some are more secure, some have more features, and none of them is owned by Facebook. Let's take a look at what's available and how these very different messaging apps compare on a number of key features.

The best Android clipboard apps

The open and modular nature of Google's platform provides you with some cool third-party options. All it takes is a few apps to power up your Android clipboard so you can be more productive than ever before.

Health in iOS 8: Explained

Health is the name for a new, built-in Apple app coming with iOS 8. It serves as both a repository for all the health-related data accumulated by your iPhone, your apps, and your accessories, and a dashboard to help you make better, more visual sense of it.

Google's News & Weather App Gets A Massive 2.0 Update

The 2.0 release, years in the making, is now available for most Android 4.0+ devices.

Verizon set to launch voice-over-LTE service nationwide

The VoLTE network, which will provide high-definition voice service and a new Skype-like video chat service, will debut for consumers in the coming weeks.