Giants Win, Microsoft Releases Band, CurrentC Hacked!

My favorite baseball team, the SF Giants, won the World Series last night, for the 3rd time in 5 years. Next to this, all other stories in this edition pale in comparison. Just kidding!!

If you read the last edition you may remember my stories about Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and their rival, CurrentC… a terminal pay system backed by some of the largest retailers in the country. I told you how clunky it is to use and how insecure it is…and that it is not even in full operation until next year. Here is an update:

The CurrentC data files have been hacked already! Unauthorized third parties obtained the e-mail addresses of current users and those who signed up for the beta program. In addition, one Midwest grocery store chain who is part of the CurrentC plan, has activated their NFC terminals to accept Apple Pay, a violation of their contract with the MCX, the company in charge of CurrentC. Let the dominos fall where they may. CurrentC is dead in the water before it even really starts!

You can find CurrentC in the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store as a Beta program requiring a special invitation. Those people who have used it give it a one-star rating, the worse you can get.

As for Microsoft, they surprised the world with their announcement of Microsoft Band, a combination smartwatch and fitness band. To me, it looks better than the Google smartwatches.  And it is only $199 (compared to $349 for an Apple Watch. Many of its health monitoring features work with iOS, Android, and of course, Windows Phones. However there are some features that only work with Windows Phone. It looks interesting and we will follow its progress.

Microsoft also increased their OneDrive cloud storage capacity from one Terabyte to unlimited for all Office 365 users. A pretty good deal, to say the least. You can spend $10 a month for unlimited storage and get a 5 user license for Microsoft Office. That is a great deal!!!

So there are plenty of good stories, tips and tricks to keep you occupied in this edition, so you better get started. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Band is a game changer

We’ve had the PC, and the smartphone, and then the tablet. Now we are entering a new era, that of the wearable. And Microsoft’s sudden and rather dramatic entrance into the market with the Band is set to be a game changer. It’s a fitness band and a smartwatch and its only $200.

Retailer-Backed Apple Pay Rival CurrentC Has Been Hacked, Testers’ Email Addresses Stolen

Within the last 36 hours, MCX says it learned that unauthorized third parties obtained the email addresses of some of its CurrentC pilot program participants and other individuals who had expressed interest in the app.

White House hit by "sustained" cyber attack, hackers breach unclassified network

Defensive measures taken by the White House’s cybersecurity team to contain the intrusion have resulted in temporary disruption for some services, according to internal memos leaked to the press.

Brazil Is Keeping Its Promise to Avoid the U.S. Internet

Brazil was not bluffing last year, when it said that it wanted to disconnect from the United States-controlled internet due to the NSA's obscenely invasive surveillance tactics.

Tim Cook: iPod classic was discontinued due to unavailability of parts, engineering a new version wasn’t worth it

According to the executive, some parts needed to manufacture the device were no longer available, and the cost of engineering a new version that didn’t require those parts wasn’t worth the effort due to low user demand.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Adds Unlimited OneDrive Storage To All Office 365 Accounts

Microsoft announced that all Office 365 accounts will come with unlimited OneDrive storage. Gone are the 1 terabyte caps that were recently introduced. If you pay for Office, your storage is free.

3 ways to make your Gmail account safer

Here's a quick breakdown of how to make the most important fixes to secure you web mail, for users of Google's Gmail.

11 free tools to protect your online activity from surveillance

To better protect yourself against unwanted intrusion, here are 11 tools (presented in no particular order) to help you encrypt data, block intrusive trackers or remain altogether anonymous on the web.

How Inbox by Gmail Works, and How to Use It for More Productive Email

If you're new to Inbox or just confused about what it does and how it works, here's what we've found after a week of using it as a daily driver.

The Secret Powers of Chrome's Address Bar

Chrome's address bar doesn't do much at a glance. Type in a URL and you're taken to a web site. But it can do a lot more if you know how to use it. You can actually do a ton with it though, so let's dig into some of the better tricks.

 

Mobile Computing

Google updates Play Books app to make reading non-fiction easier

The new version for Android devices brings three new features that make it easier to read textbooks, cookbooks, travel guides and more.

The Best Microsoft Apps For...Android?

Ecosystem lock in is a rampant problem in the mobile industry, with every manufacturer preferring its own platform at the expense of others. Every so often there are exceptions, though. Like this collection of apps Microsoft made for Android, of all platforms.

Download Over $100 In Premium Android Apps For Free Today

Amazon's Android Appstore is back with another terrific promotion for Halloween. From now until November 1, you can get 39 different paid Android apps absolutely free, with no strings attached.

Latest Skype for iPhone update adds new photo features and more

Microsoft has announced a new version of Skype for the iPhone that adds a number of new features and improvements, including a way to save or delete photos in its chat UI.

How to free up storage space on your iPhone or iPad with iCloud Photo Library

iCloud Photo Library gives you the option to only keep storage optimized copies of your photos and videos if you choose in order to save storage space. For some people, that could mean a few gigabytes of extra storage. All you've got to do is change some settings!

Apple Pay vs. Greedy Retailers…The War has Begun

This new and unexpected war began last Friday, when CVC Pharmacy discovered that their point-of-sale systems accepts Apple Pay, a new digital wallet service that allows users to pay for goods using certain Apple devices that communicate with point of sale systems using near field communication (NFC) antennas.

CVC and Rite Aid began disconnecting Apple Pay from their terminals. Why? The most likely explanation is because they and several other giant retailers have formed a consortium called the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), which is building a rival system called CurrentC. It won’t be in operation until next year and their contracts call for exclusivity by retailers.

The purpose of MCX is to avoid paying transaction fees to Visa and MasterCard. Their app, when it is up and running next year, will only connect to your debit account. Those retailers behind CurrentC include Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, Best Buy, Gap, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Sears. CurrentC will be accepted at 110,000 merchant locations in the U.S. But, will people use it?

If you read the articles below, you will discover why CurrentC is a terrible, clunky, insecure system designed to help retailers save bank fees and track your purchases. Apple Pay is a safe and secure system that does not allow retailers to see your credit card or track your purchases.

But here is the joker in the deck…by next October, retailers will be required to have point-of-sale terminals that work with the new EMV chip-and-pin security standard for credit cards. Those terminals usually also have NFC built in so they can work with Apple Pay and Google Wallet. However, they aren't automatically enabled to work with NFC. Is it really in retailers' interest to block customers from using mobile wallet services other than their own clunky system?

This new war will only be decided by us consumers. If we use Apple Pay or Google Wallet to pay for our purchases where accepted…and only use our bank cards and credit cards at MCX retailers, they will eventually have to back down. While Apple Pay is only available at the moment on iPhone 6 models, it will grow. Apple reports that over 1 million users activated Apple Pay on their new iPhones in the first week. And most current Android phones have the Google Wallet app.

Story #4 below is actually a short video that explains the differences in the three main NFC apps. Our first three stories give you an in-depth look at CurrentC so you can better understand it.

While is a special edition on smart phone payment systems, there is still plenty of interesting tech news along with our usual good tips for using your computers and mobile devices. I hope all this is useful for you. -JRC

 

Special Reports: Paying With Your Smart Phone

How Corporate Greed Is Trying to Kill Apple Pay

When Apple Pay launched last week, it was a huge step towards the pay-with-your-phone future that's been in the works for years. But a few big retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and CVS want to blow the whole thing up and replace it with something much worse, because they don't care about you at all.

CVS begins disabling NFC terminals in stores to cut off Apple Pay support in favor of ‘CurrentC’

CurrentC, is, quite frankly, a horrible attempt at creating a mobile payment system that doesn’t rely on technology like NFC (which Apple doesn’t allow third-parties to access at this time), and instead uses a complex system of—I kid you not—QR codes.

CurrentC Is The Big Retailers’ Clunky Attempt To Kill Apple Pay And Credit Card Fees

Thanks to research shared with TechCrunch by Stanford student and developer sleuth Andrew Aude, we have more details on MCX’s plan and a closer look at the CurrentC app.

Apple Pay vs. Google Wallet vs. PayPal

A short, concise video that explains the difference between the 3 mobile NFC payment services. Very informative.

Why Apple Pay Is the Most Secure Payment Platform on the Planet

But before we herald it as the future of mobile payments — requiring just a tap of your thumb at checkout to pay for items — is it secure to use?

 

Tech News and Opinions

Feds: AT&T misled millions on 'unlimited' data plans

The FTC claims AT&T began throttling unlimited customers in 2011, lowering data speeds by as much as 90%. The regulator believes at least 3.5 million customers have been throttled. It also noted that AT&T had received thousands of complaints over its data speed.

Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast vs. Roku Streaming Stick: Battle of the sticks

Ready for more comparisons than you can shake a stick at? Ranging in price from $35 to $50, these three HDMI streaming sticks all offer Netflix...and diverge from there. Stick with this roundup for all the details.

Google goes beyond two-step verification with new USB Security Key

Can you be sure that some sophisticated phisher hasn't spoofed a site to trick you into handing over your one-off code? No, you can't, and that's why Google's decided to ratchet up the security of two-step verification (2SV) even tighter.

From Clutter to Paperless in 5 Steps

The key to going paperless is in thinking of it as a full-scale change, rather than a one-time project. These steps will help steer you toward a paper-free existence.

Watch out, HBO: CBS launches standalone Web TV service

CBS fires up its own digital subscription service called All Access for $5.99 a month, offering the ability to stream local CBS stations live in 14 big US markets plus a library of its shows.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

This Free File Converter Even Handles Multiple Zip Formats

If you're a regular and frequent computer user, you'll need to use a file conversion utility. However, most of us don't need to convert files very often, so such a feature is generally best done online instead of via an installable program. Unless the data you're converting is particularly sensitive, of course.

Back up your PC's files for free with these 3 tools

Regular backups are often the only thing that can save your bacon when a hard drive failure or otherwise catastrophic PC meltdown occurs. If your files go poof, they're gone forever unless you've safely stashed copies elsewhere.

How to See a List of Your Recently Opened Files in Windows

Whether you need to check what files were recently opened on your computer for backup reasons or if you want to see what someone else was opening on your computer, the OSFV tool comes in handy.

How to fill out a PDF form without software

Need to add text to a PDF that doesn't support editing? No problem -- and no extra software required.

Tools to Help You Write a Novel in 30 Days

November is National Novel Writing Month; here's the best software to help you write 50,000 words in 30 days.

 

Mobile Computing

What Is iCloud Drive & How Does It Work?

"iCloud Drive is one of several ways to store, sync, and update data between your Apple (and even Windows) devices. Apple has now updated its cloud storage system to make it more visible and accessible to users and third-party developers. It’s time to see how iCloud Drive works.

How to use Apple’s Continuity, iCloud Drive and AirDrop to share files with yourself

It’s like sharing for one; Apple refers to it as continuity. With the latest OS X Yosemite and iOS 8.1 updates, Apple has greatly improved how you can save and share your files across multiple devices.

The 15 Best Productivity Apps for Getting Things Done

Whatever your day consists of, these apps will help you get more done, faster.

Google on Android Lollipop security: Set it and forget it

Google's lead security engineer on Android thinks you shouldn't have to be a tech whiz to keep your phone secure.

Use Google Maps and GPS offline on your Android device

The Android version of Google Maps offers a way to download maps for later use, but it’s limited. In case it meets your needs, I’ll tell you about it. Then I’ll recommend a much more powerful app.

Apple, Google, & Microsoft Work to Make Our Lives Better

My headline may sound facetious, but it is not. Today’s Big Three tech companies are adding some marvelous innovations to their major products that will insure better security and ease-of-use. And I applaud them for that.

First, Microsoft is adding several security enhancements to Windows 10 that will make identity theft and privacy intrusion a bit harder. Among them is two factor authentication for every device you own. This will help protect users against phishing attacks and database breaches. For more on this and other enhancements, read story #1.

Meanwhile, Apple this week introduced Apple Pay…a simple way to use your credit cards with using them. It is quite ingenious and very easy to use. It has caught on with both banks and retailers in a big way. You just point your iPhone 6 at a credit machine and push the button. That button recognizes your fingerprint so only you can do this. Android has a similar app but it took Apple to really get this technology adopted nationwide. I will be getting my iPhone 6+ in December and am excited about implementing Apple Pay in my life. See our first story in the Mobile Computing Section to learn more. 

Google’s newest app, called “Inbox” is not about security…but rather about making e-mail easier and better to use.  Just announced today, the app and web service is completely separate from Gmail, and it seeks to change how your emails are organized. Early reviews say it absolutely succeeds. At the present time, you have to apply for an invitation to try it out. Read more about it in story #2.

I hope you have a great weekend! - JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Details Windows 10 Security Enhancements

Microsoft says it is actively addressing modern security threats in Windows 10. It will strengthen identity protection and access control, information protection, and threat resistance.

Using Google Inbox: this feels like the future of email

My favorite thing about Inbox, Google's radical new email app for Android, iOS, and the web, is that it's perfectly happy to have you use your email as a to-do list. This new app from Google may turn out to be a real winner.

Dish loses 7 channels in contract dispute with Turner Broadcasting

Dish's 14 million customers lose access to CNN, Turner Classic Movies and a handful of others as companies fail to negotiate new distribution deal.

Microsoft officially lays Nokia name to rest, embraces 'Lumia' for Windows Phones

Microsoft clearly feels the need to simplify its smartphone branding, and the Nokia brand is just one casualty. The company has also stopped using “Windows Phone” in its advertising, instead favoring just “Windows” even before merging the two operating systems in Windows 10.

Opinion: Amazon is doing the world a favor by crushing book publishers

Here's a little real talk about the book publishing industry — it adds almost no value, it is going to be wiped off the face of the earth soon, and writers and readers will be better off for it.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Avoid typos: Disable the Caps Lock key

Simply download disable-caps-lock-key.zip, open it, and drag the folder inside to another location on your hard drive. That folder will contain four .reg files, each of which will alter the Registry in a different way.

Stop typing and start dictating documents in Windows

All you need is a microphone for your PC and Microsoft Word to take the stress off your hands and start using your voice. Here's how.

Protecting yourself from POODLE attacks

No, this isn’t about Fluffy gone rogue. To keep our online browsing safe, we rely heavily security protocols — the “S” in HTTPS. But a new exploit — POODLE — shows that commonly used security protocols aren’t as secure as we thought; websites and browsers will both need an upgrade.

18 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

Google Maps (and its cousin Google Earth) remain powerful and versatile tools—and most of us are only scratching at the surface of what they have to offer.

Nine Shortcuts to Speed up Internet Browsing that You May Not Know

All the common browsers have a number of shortcuts but some are not as well-known as others. Here are nine helpful browser hot keys and shortcuts that you may not be aware of.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Use Apple Pay

Apple Pay turns your iPhone into a virtual credit card. We tried it out and have the details on how to get started.

Dark Sky is the best weather app for iOS 8

There are a lot of weather apps out there to choose from, and I’ve tried a lot of them. But in terms of features, design, and actual usefulness, none comes close to being as good as Dark Sky.

How to Try Out Apple's New Photo Storage Service Now

Assuming you've taken the plunge and upgraded your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iOS 8.1 then you'll see a new option appear on the Photos & Camera page of the Settings app. Tap the toggle switch next to iCloud Photo Library (Beta) and you're good to go.

Google Android 5.0 Preview

The release, which comes nearly one year after 4.4 KitKat, ushers in a brand-new design throughout the operating system, enhanced notifications, changes to multitasking and a handful of other features.

Android 5.0 will be made available to consumers on November 3

Wondering when you’ll be able to find out what a bugdroid-flavored lollipop tastes like? Thankfully, we now know that that date is just a couple of weeks away.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play Store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. Here are some that do.

I’ve Seen the new iMac 5K Retina…and it is Stunning!

Last week, Apple announced the arrival of their latest iMac computer…the Apple iMac Retina Computer with 5K display. This morning, I spent 1/2 hour at our local Apple Store testing it. All I can say is WOW! It is amazing, but it better be as the price is $2,500. The store was very crowded as usual, but for reasons known only to God, no one but me was interested in this revolutionary new computer. So I got to play and explore without interruption.

The iMac has always been the computer of choice for graphic artists and professional photographers. I have always loved their monitors and felt they were the best available. But they only work with MAC computers. But this new monitor is far superior to any other monitor in the Apple line. 

I am sure you have heard of the new 4K TV’s just now coming on the market. Well this computer has 5K resolution! As a serious photographer, I was most interested in seeing how photos were rendered. I was also able to compare it to the 21” and 27” standard Apple computers. Fortunately all 3 computers had the same photographs on them so I was able to do some in-depth comparisons of the same photographs. You definitely can see a big difference.

The quality of the images I saw were amazing…many were taken with high quality Nikon and Canon cameras, but I saw several done with iPhone cameras that were rendered just a good as a the pro cameras. If your camera doesn’t take great photos, don’t buy this computer. If all you do is browse the web and send e-mails, you don’t need this computer. 

In addition to the high quality resolution, the new iMac is definitely very fast…even faster than the current models, at least to my eyes. But, at that $2500 price, it better be! 

Sadly, I can’t afford this machine right now, but darn, it was sure fun to see it at work.

We’ve got Windows and more Apple news today as well as tips for your desktop and laptop computers…and more good info for all your phones and tablets. So let’s go! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft delivers first update to its Windows 10 Technical Preview

Microsoft has made available for download several new Windows 10 features to those running the Windows 10 Technical preview release.

Windows 10: The votes are pouring in for these 10 features

With the Windows 10 Technical Preview, Microsoft wants to know what you want before the OS ships, and it's provided a feedback mechanism: The Windows Feature Suggestion Box. And the votes are pouring in. The following 10 features have the most votes so far

Apple Removes All Bose Products From Its Retail And Online Stores

In addition to the Apple Online Store, reports have come in that Apple Retail Stores have also fashioned the removal of Bose products from its shelves and well, the inventory too.

Apple Pay, new features roll out as iOS 8.1 released for iPhones, iPads

The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system is out, and so is its wireless payments system, Apple Pay, designed for the latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Here Are All The Places That Accept Apple Pay

Apple Pay connects with your credit and debit cards and allows you to make payments by touching your phone to an NFC-enabled terminal, and holding your thumb to the fingerprint sensor, called Touch ID, to authenticate your purchase.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Use Google Keep for Frustration-Free Note-Taking

One of the biggest obstacles to keeping digital notes and to-do lists (beyond getting used to not using pen and paper), is finding an app you like. Google Keep is free, lightweight, easy-to-use, and might just be the notes app you’ve been seeking.

Never Download a Driver-Updating Utility; They’re Worse Than Useless

Never download a driver-updating utility. Like PC-cleaning programs, they try to charge you money for a service you don’t need. They do this by scaring you with threats of blue screens and system problems.

Beware: Never Download “Codecs” or “Players” To Watch Videos Online

If a website asks you to download a “codec,” “player,” or “browser update” to play a video, run the other way. You don’t actually need to download this sort of thing — the website is trying to infect your computer with malware.

Here is the redesigned iTunes 12

The most notable change in the software is its refreshed interface, which features flatter UI elements, greater space between buttons, and other iOS 7-esque design language. Personally, I am not sure if I like it.

Secure Your Online Accounts By Removing Third-Party App Access

You should regularly check your lists of connected services on the websites you use and remove services you no longer use.

 

Mobile Computing

The 10 best iPhone apps with iOS 8 Notification Center widgets

Home screen widgets offer a variety of additional functionality, namely access to zero-touch information that is updated automatically without any effort needed on the user’s part.

New iOS 8.1 features you need to know

"iOS 8.1 is now available to the public. This major update is packed with new features that bring harmony to your workflow. Instant Hotspot and SMS Relay connect your iPhone like never before, and there are a few other sweet new features you probably haven't heard about yet.

Essential security apps for your smartphone and tablet

Mobile gadgets are a bit harder to crack than the average computer. So hackers have to be even sneakier and use malicious apps, hidden Wi-Fi attacks or simply walk off with your gadget. Here are three steps you need to take now so you’re not their next victim.

How to Restart your Android Phone in Safe Mode

You can restart or reboot your Android phone in Safe Mode to determine if any of your recently downloaded apps are causing the device to freeze or restart.

Google's redesigned Gmail app supports Yahoo and Outlook accounts

Gmail for Android has traditionally supported just Google’s own mail service, but it looks like the search giant wants to help Android users manage all of their mail from within its Gmail app.

Google Tries to Spoil Apple’s Big Announcements

It was Apple’s big day today, but they were unexpectedly usurped by Google. Late yesterday, Google issued a press release announcing the new Nexus 6” phone, the 9” Nexus 9 tablet, and the release of the latest Android version…5.0, nicknamed “Lollipop.” Both new Nexus devices will come equipped with Lollipop. If you have an Android phone, see story #2 in the Mobile Computing section to see if and when you will get Lollipop. Obviously Google tried to steal Apple’s thunder, but they probably didn’t succeed.

Here is a quick summary of what Apple announced today:

• Apple Pay will be here on Monday and will be available in many stores
• The new iPad Air 2 is 18% thinner than the iPad air and faster
• The iPad Mini 3 is new but has few changes other than Touch ID
• A brand new 27” iMac with gorgeous Retina screen and faster processor
• A new Mac Mini that is faster and $100 cheaper
• The new Mac Operating System, “Yosemite” is available now
• iOS 8.1 update will be available on Monday

Apple Pay is going to be a big deal someday, but it will take awhile. Right now only iPhone 6 models will have it. I find that a little disappointing as I currently own an iPhone 5. The Apple Pay program allows you to pay a retailer without using your credit card. No one will see your card or be able to hijack it. Touch ID on the phone insures only you can use it to pay.

The new iPads add Touch ID and some additional speed. The Air 2 is also thinner. As for the new MAC, it is gorgeous with the 27” Retina Screen, but is $700 more than the current model. No Retina screen was announced for the 21” Mac. Actually I have always been very impressed with the MAC screens, but am looking forward to seeing the new one.

Our first two stories gives all the details of the new Apple and Google Android products. So…let’s get going. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

iPad Air 2, iMac Retina 5K, iPad Mini 3 and more: Here's everything Apple announced

Today's event wasn't quite as buzzy as the iPhone 6 launch, but Apple rolled out new hardware and more that you're going to want to know about.

Google unveils Nexus 9 tablet, Nexus 6 phone and - surprise - an Android TV player

The products will serve as the showcase devices for the latest version of Android, Lollipop, until now nicknamed Android "L."

Tablet Sales Growth Plummets In 2014 As Android Smartphones Continue To Soar

Gartner has published figures that underscore the challenge in the market for devices like iPads against the ineluctable rise of the cheaper, and ultimately more easily replaceable, smartphone.

Breakthrough batteries last 20 years, charge 70 percent in two minutes

A battery that lasts 20 years could dramatically change how long people hang on to their smartphones, especially with the mobile industry’s recent trend of decoupling hardware fees from services subscriptions

Samsung expects to sell devices capable of 4.6Gbps Wi-Fi next year

The Korean giant said it has overcome the issues with 60GHz 802.11ad Wi-Fi, and the standard is now commercially viable.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

When to buy a flash drive, an external hard drive, or an external SSD

Use an external hard drive for backup. Use a flash drive or an SSD if you want to move files from one computer to another and a network isn’t practical.

17 Tricks to Master Microsoft PowerPoint

This collection of tips is all about the vagaries of the powerful PowerPoint software itself. It's meant for those with a grasp of the basics and beyond who are looking for that extra little goose to get the most out of the program.

How to safely test-drive Windows 10 — step by step

As with any product that’s still in development, running Windows 10 Technical Preview has risks. The safest and easiest way to install and work with the preview of the next Windows is within a virtual machine — here’s how.

How to prepare your Mac for OS X 10.10 Yosemite

Before you upgrade your Mac to Yosemite, you need to make sure your machine is up to the task. We present a quick, four-point checklist to help you make the proper preparations.

The 4 Best Alternatives to uTorrent on Windows

Remember when uTorrent was great? The upstart BitTorrent client was super-lightweight and trounced other popular BitTorrent clients. But that was long ago, before BitTorrent, Inc. bought uTorrent and crammed it full of junkware and scammy advertisements.

 

Mobile Computing

Google Android 5.0 Lollipop Preview

The release, which comes nearly one year after 4.4 KitKat, ushers in a brand-new design throughout the operating system, enhanced notifications, changes to how you multitask, and handful of other features.

When and where to get Android 5.0 Lollipop

Find out when your device will be updated to the latest version of Android.

Wikipedia for Android Reveals Articles Based on Your Location

You’ll now see a new ‘Nearby’ feature in the main menu, which takes you to articles on the myriad of buildings, parks, museums and everything else that happens to have a Wikipedia entry in your vicinity.

Tip of the Day: Easily Add Up To 20 Widgets to Your iPhone or iPad

Normally widgets are associated with apps that you already have installed on your device. You simply tap on the green button to add a widget. Vidget (free) is different. Instead of being an app such as ESPN Sport Center with an associated widget, its sole function is to let you easily add a bunch of widgets to your Today screen, with about 20 different widgets currently available.

How to secure your iPhone with iOS 8 password managers and Touch ID

Until recently, you had to choose between the convenience of Apple’s own security enhancements native to iOS and the power and added sophistication possible with modern password managers. iOS 8 finally changes all of that.

Problems at DropBox Might Signal the End

If you are not familiar with DropBox, it was one of the earliest cloud storage companies. It has been around for several years, but now has heavy competition from Microsoft, Amazon, Google and even Apple. But their early entry into the cloud along with loyal users has saved them…possibly until now.

First, hackers claim to have broken into their computers and stolen 7 million passwords. The hackers have even published a sample of their stolen passwords on the Net and are demanding a ransom from DropBox. DropBox has denied it has been hacked, saying the passwords were stolen from third-party services.

Whatever the case, unless they are paid the ransom, the hackers will release files and photos onto the Net. This may get nasty…but it isn’t DropBox’s only problem.

Several DropBox users report having their files deleted from the Cloud. When users log into their accounts, the files also start disappearing from their computers. I know this, because it happened to me a few years ago. I was an early DropBox user and one day, about 90% of my files disappeared. There was no rhyme or reason to the deletions. It was just random file deletions, but it spread across my entire computer system including backups.

But, because I am such a backup freak, I had other copies that were not erased and I wound up restoring all the missing files. I immediately discontinued the service and have never returned. I am sure that several of their current clients will do the same. You can read all about these issues in our first two stories.

But there is more to DropBox’s problems than just the current issues. Mainly it’s the competition. DropBox currently offers on 2GB of free storage, while Microsoft’s OneDrive offers 15GB for free…same for Google Drive. Amazon also offers 15GB for free while Box users can get 10GB.

DropBox now offers 1TB of storage for $10 a month. That is good, except that same $10 with Microsoft will get you 1TB of storage AND a 5 user license for all Office 365 programs. That is a great deal and one I took advantage of. In fact, almost all cloud services offer better deals than DropBox. So all this is why I think the end of DropBox is near. 

Anyway, its Patch Tuesday for Windows users and this one is a big one, so make sure you get patched. Thursday is the big Apple show for the new iPads and probably a whole lot more. The next edition will cover this in depth, so stay tuned. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Hackers hold 7 million Dropbox passwords ransom

Dropbox denies it has been compromised as hackers leak hundreds of passwords online, promising to release almost 7 million more if they're paid for the information

Dropbox Has Deleted a Bunch of User Files From the Cloud

Bad news for some people who use Dropbox: The company has confirmed that a bug in some older version of its dekstop app has deleted user files from the cloud.

US spying scandal will 'break the Internet,' says Google's Schmidt

US government surveillance is destroying the digital economy, a roundtable of execs from Google, Microsoft, Facebook and other tech companies tell Sen. Ron Wyden.

Kmart hacked - payment systems compromised by malware

It's not proving to be a good year for US retailers, and it's just got worse. Kmart announced on Friday that it had detected a serious security breach involving its store payment data system, and that since at least early September debit and credit card numbers used at the retailer's bricks-and-mortar stores had been stolen.

Microsoft updates Windows, IE, Office in busy Patch Tuesday

A total of 24 vulnerabilities, many severe and a few being exploited in the wild, have been revealed and patched.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Crapware Finds a New Way to Trick Users to Install Browser Extensions

As usual, this starts by making the huge mistake of going to Download.com and downloading some freeware. Anybody that makes the mistake of clicking Accept all the way through the installer will end up with a much slower computer full of crapware and sadness

Get Google Now reminders for multiple calendars

Want to get reminders for events that aren't on your primary Google calendar? Check out these tips for troubleshooting which events appear in Google Now on Android.

Three easy ways to create a collaborative photo album

Special events like holidays, weddings, and school reunions just beg to be captured in pictures—but organizing photos from friends and family after the event can be a pain. t doesn't have to be! Here are three easy ways to collect everybody's photos and share them with all participants after your get-together is over.

Favorite Windows desktop utilities

Who says the Windows desktop is dead? These are the six essential utilities I install on every new Windows PC, and they work with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or even the Windows 10 Technical Preview.

7 things you didn’t know your Web browser could do

There are a lot of myths about browsers. Today, I want to help you get the most out of your browser with a few simple tricks you really need to know.

 

Mobile Computing

The 3 apps you need to use your Android phone anonymously

A new suite of programs allows users to anonymize every app they run, giving them the kind of strong protection needed to maintain real privacy. Here are the three apps you should download right now.

Top 10 Android app updates this week

We’ve found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to find the ones that are actually being updated by the developers rather than selecting the apps with the most installs.

Top 5 most popular Android apps from last week

These are new apps that are getting a lot of activity.

iOS 8: Voice Messages

The iMessage app in iOS 8 makes it easy to send a quick voice message to a contact. All it takes is a quick tap-and-hold on the microphone button to start recording a voice message. Letting go of the button lets me preview the message before I send it off.

45 Awesome Widgets for iOS 8

With increasing number of third party apps adding this feature as well as stand-alone apps for widget for specific purposes, here are a number of them that the author has been using or trying out throughout the weeks.

A Little Bit of This and a Whole Lot of That

I watched an interesting video podcast today that told me more about the next amazing camera I am going to purchase. I already have a fantastic Sony mirror-less DSLR, and a Nikon DSLR…and my iPhone 5 which is also very good. But this amazing camera  takes fantastic photos, incredible panoramas, regular and slow motion video and more. If I had any doubts about buying this camera, they were erased today. I was blown away with the quality.

So what is it? Why it’s the iPhone 6+. According to one tech journalist who spent a couple of long days trying it out, the picture quality is far superior to any of the iPhone 5 cameras. That is high praise indeed. I gotta get me one of those!!!

Last time, I told you the credible rumor that Apple will hold a big event on 10/16. It is now a fact. It is a week from today and you can bet that my Thursday edition will cover it in full.

The reports from people using the technical preview version of Windows 10 continues to be good to excellent. And they have not seen most of it yet. Much more to come. Too bad we have to wait 9 months before it is finished and available. You can sign up  get the tech preview if don’t want to wait, but you should only use it on a spare computer.

Last week I told you how the NFL has banned players wearing headphones other than Bose while on camera. Well, on Sunday, a player wore a pair of Beats headphone to his press conference. He was fined $10,000 by the NFL. Ridiculous! Two other players who committed dirty hits on opponents were only fine $8,000. What is really stupid about this, besides the obvious, is that Bose headphones are far superior to Beats. Money rules!

And speaking of football and money, I loved the story of the Michigan students who marched en mass to the home of the University President. They were not demanding the firing of the coach (that will probably happen at the end of this season),  but rather the corporatization of college football. They feel Michigan football has forgotten that the game is for the students and fans, not the big money interests. Hooray for them!

And once again speaking of big money, what happens when giant telecommunication companies are given monopolies on broadband Internet connections? Why America comes in #14 ranked in the world in Internet speeds. No competition means we are standing still. We should be #1. See story #1. 

So lets move forward with the rest of the tech news and tips for this day. Hope you have a great weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

U.S. Broadband Speed Ranking: We're No. 14! We're No. 14!

Akamai’s "State of the Internet" report for the first quarter of 2014 revealed a sorry fact: Compared to other nations, the United States can’t cut the mustard when it comes to broadband speeds. This is a national disgrace!

Apple invites media for October 16 event: New iPads, Yosemite, Apple Pay on deck

Apple has a little more to share after its iPhone launch in September. We're expecting the final bits that complete the company's next-generation of products, and more.

Windows 10 hack confirms desktop notification center

Notifications have become a key feature on other operating systems such as iOS, Android and Mac OS X, and it's one area where Microsoft is behind. In Windows 8, notifications only appear as one-time pop-ups. It seems likely that this will change as Microsoft continues its operating system overhaul with Windows 10.

Microsoft Research leaves Silicon Valley

There was a time when Microsoft was a monopoly and would throw together a team to build a product specifically to compete in a newly realized software market, but those days are over.

Coming this holiday to Best Buy and Target: The internet of things

The stores will contain more than 100 smart home products, including the Peq hub, Nest and Honeywell thermostats, Dropcam cameras, Hue lights and many other brands large and small.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

6 Great Windows 10 Features You Can Get Today on Windows 7 or 8

Windows 10 contains some great new features. if you’re a Windows 8 user, you may be tempted to upgrade just to have your desktop work better. But you can get many of Windows 10′s features without upgrading.

Automate your morning programs with Windows Task Scheduler

One of the best parts of owning a PC isn't downloading videos, sending email, or playing games. If you ask me, the best tool for your computer is automation. Get it to do some of the mundane things you need to get done in the day or that make your work life just a little bit easier.

Three free tools that reveal your PC's deepest details (including product keys)

Sometimes you need to dive deep and really find out nitty-gritty details about what's going on inside your computer, most often to aid with troubleshooting efforts or determine whether or not its time to upgrade your hardware

How to stop autoloading programs in Windows 7 and Windows 8

Most Windows PCs load way too many programs at boot time. These definitely slow the boot process. Some remain running and can slow Windows. And some may cause conflicts and instability, although that’s rare.

Understanding Windows 7 Startup

The goal of this article is to make Windows startup more easily understood by the average user. This article will be most useful to confident users because it provides clarity and detail that is quite difficult to find elsewhere.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft debuts Xim photo-sharing app

Microsoft Research's FUSE Labs has built a free app that allows users to share photos across devices in a Snapchat-like way. Currently only for Android and Windows phones. iOS supposedly coming soon.

Awesome new Google Now feature helps you keep track of your bills

Google is expanding its bill reminder chops in Google Now with a handy new feature. Whenever you want to see which bills you've paid or need to pay, you can just call up Google Now on your phone or tablet by saying "OK Google" and then say "show me my bills" or "my bills due this week.

5 ways to take charge of your smartphone's home screen

If the only change you’ve made to your iPhone or Android phone’s home screen is to swap out the wallpaper and rearrange a few icons, you’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible.

8 Apps That Save You Money On Your Groceries

Here is a list of many apps that not only tell you where to find savings, but actually pay you back for buying groceries, including staples like milk and bread.

Does Your iPhone 6 Really Need a Screen Protector?

So essentially, your iPhone 6′s display already comes with a screen protector of sorts, but many users feel that they need that extra protection for added piece-of-mind. But do you really need one?

HP Does the Splits…Chase Gets Hacked

For once, the tech news is quite active and interesting. All the tech news stories included here are worth the read…along with some good tech tips.  So what are you waiting for…let’s get to it! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

EU snags Amazon as tax deal probe widens

The move follows similar probes announced last month into US tech icon Apple in Ireland, coffee-shop chain Starbucks in the Netherlands, and the financial arm of Italian automaker Fiat, also in Luxembourg like Amazon.

Hewlett-Packard to split into two companies

The US firm will separate its better-performing computer and printer business from its corporate hardware and services operations.

Chase Bank Hacked, Info Stolen for 83 Million Accounts

JPMorgan Chase & Co has revealed the scope of a data breach that affects 83 million households and small business accounts. There's good news and there's bad news.

Redbox Instant to shut down October 7

Shutting down the streaming-video service ends a partnership between Verizon and Redbox parent company Outerwall

NFL bans Beats headphones during broadcasts after push from Bose

The NFL has banned players and coaches from wearing any brand of headphones — other than Bose — during televised interviews and other on-camera appearances.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Email Basics: POP3 is Outdated; Please Switch to IMAP Today

POP3 vs. IMAP is a choice you make when you use an email client to access your mail. That email client is often a desktop program on Windows, Mac, or Linux, but it can also be a smartphone or tablet app

Google's Software Removal Tool Removes Crapware, Resets Your Browser

"he company has released a tool that helps combat the problem by scanning for bad software and (optionally) resetting your browser if it's misbehaving.

All about drive letters and drive names

In the Windows world, drives can be identified by their names (such as "Windows7_OS") and their drive letters (such as "C:"). The important thing to remember is that Windows really only cares about the drive letter. That has to be unique; you can't have two drives labeled E: on the same computer.

How to Find The Best Wi-Fi Channel For Your Router on Any Operating System

Choosing the best Wi-Fi channel on your router helps to reduce interference and improve your WI-Fi signal. These tools will help you identify the least congested Wi-Fi channel in your area.

Getting started with canned responses in Gmail

Learn how to save responses to email that can help save time and maintain connections by quickly getting back to your contacts.

 

Mobil Computing

4 fast note-taking tips for Android and iPhone

The key, of course, is jotting down those brilliant thoughts before they disappear in a puff of neural smoke. Here are some speedy ways to record strokes of genius on your iPhone or Android phone—and ideally, without having to unlock your handset.

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play Store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. We’ve shown in the past that this community can discover great apps and propel them to new heights. Here is the current batch.

New App Store Section: Apps For Health

Apple has now launched a dedicated store section that aims to make finding these “Health”-enabled apps – easier. The new section, called “Apps for Health,” for the first time collects all of the apps that are currently taking advantage of the latest APIs included within Apple’s HealthKit, and showcases them to iOS users.

Apple said to host second fall event for iPad on October 16

The reported event follows a splashy affair a month ago, when Apple showed off its newest iPhones and the Apple Watch. But it'll be more low-key.

32 iOS 8 Tips Every Apple Fan Should Know

iOS has a ton of new features and tricks under the hood, things the average user may never notice or care about. But power users of the iPhone—those of us who exploit that pocket computer as a lifeline to the office and home—will benefit highly by mastering them.

More on Windows 10

About an hour after I posted my last blog, Microsoft released the video of their Windows 10 media briefing held earlier in the day. Why they couldn’t broadcast it live is beyond me. Whatever the reason, I got a much better idea what the new Windows it all about. I wish I could have seen it before I wrote Tuesday’s blog. I think the new Windows show a great deal of promise and the video confirms that. I am anxious to learn more about it as it unfolds over the next few months.

If you would like to see the 39 minute video of the demo, just click here. If you only want to spend a few minutes, take a look at story #2. It is an 8 minute video showing how Windows 10 works. You can also open story #1 to see pictures of it. But watching a video is the best way to go.

There are more stories here that cover much more than Windows, so take a look at everything. Thanks. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 in pictures: A new Start menu puts focus back on the desktop

Multiple desktops and new application views make Windows 10 more PC-friendly.

Detailed Windows 10 Tour in just 8 Minutes!

Take a detailed tour of many of the new features in the Windows 10 Technical Preview released today! Don't like Windows 8? Perhaps you prefer Windows XP or Windows 7? You're going to dig Windows 10, it's great for both laptops and tablets.

U.S. Police Are Giving Away Keylogging Software as a 'Safety' Measure

In investigating ComputerCOP, we also discovered misleading marketing material, including a letter of endorsement purportedly from the U.S. Department of Treasury, which has now issued a fraud alert over the document.

What It's Like To Use North Korea's Internet

Even the country's 2 million mobile phone subscribers can't see outside the borders of Kwangmyong and Koryolink 3G.

Sprint doubles AT&T's double-the-data wireless promotion

Under new CEO Marcelo Claure, Sprint is keeping the pressure on its larger competitors and going directly after AT&T.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Dandy Dozen of Free Windows Programs that I Install on Every New PC

Do you have some favorite free applications and utilities that you wouldn’t do without? Most active PC users have a list of favorite programs and here is my selection. I put these on every new PC I get.

Need help? Microsoft Stores offer free tech support, PC tune-ups, malware removal

If you live near a Microsoft Store some of the peskiest PC problems can now be fixed in-person for free. Microsoft's retail locations recently started offering their Windows-focused answer to Apple's Genius Bar: the Answer Des

Two-Factor Authentication: Who Has It and How to Set It Up

Mmany Internet services, a number of which have felt the pinch of being hacked, are embracing two-factor authentication for their users.

How to use Microsoft Word's works cited tools: Sources, footnotes, and more

This guide will show you how to build perfect in-line citations, footnotes, endnotes, and a references page quickly and easily. Roll up your sleeves.

Computer repair: Prepare your PC for a trip to the shop

Your computer contains important information, much of it private. The people who will repair it may need to alter Windows, which generally requires access to your password-protected administrator account. They're probably honest, but you can't count on that.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple Is Bringing Back 'Camera Roll'

Apple customers freaked out last month over a change in Apple's new mobile operating system, iOS 8. Now, it looks like Apple has listened to the feedback.

5 Apps You Should Sync to Apple Health

Apple is showing off about two dozen apps via an "Apps for Health" section on App Store. But here are a few you might want to consider downloading and integrating with Health.

100 Best Apps For iPhone And Android

There are over 1.3 million apps in Apple's App Store, and another 1.3 million in Google's Play store, so finding your next app can be overwhelming. We live and breathe apps for a living, so we've sifted through them to tell you which are the best

Top 10 must-have Android apps for road trips

What are some of the best Android apps available for drivers and those on the go?

Top Android device, accessory, and app deals for Today

We've dug up some solid deals on apps, accessories, smartphones, and tablets. If there's something you've been wanting to get your hands on, check out the list below.