Thursday, September 18, 2014

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.

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