The Tech That Didn’t Make The Cut For 2017

I don’t have anything to rant or rave about for this edition…only to wish you the happiest times for this holiday season. As I will be on the road for the rest of this year, this is the last edition until January…although I might be able to to do one edition next week, but no promises.

So until next time, take care of yourselves and enjoy life to its fullest.

Tech News and Opinions

In Memoriam: The Tech That Died in 2016

It isn't only celebrities who won't be joining us in 2017—we lost a lot of famous consumer technologies as well.

 

2016: The year Microsoft regained its mojo

2016 marked a turnaround for software stalwart Microsoft. Once again, it's a company worth following by IT leaders.

 

Are your family and friends safe?

Google's new personal safety app lets you know if close friends and family member are safe

 

FCC Republicans vow to gut net neutrality rules “as soon as possible”

The commissioners also they will tackle the entire net neutrality order shortly after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.

 

Hacked Yahoo Data Is for Sale on Dark Web

Yahoo still does not know who broke into its systems in 2013, how they got in or what they did with the data, the company said.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to delete or protect your Yahoo account

It's time to seriously consider deleting your Yahoo account. Can't? OK, here's what you can do to protect it.

Windows 10 Tip: How to edit holiday photos with the Microsoft Photos app

Today, we’re going to show you all the ways you can use the app to edit your holiday photos!

 

How to Use Sticky Notes as Reminders in Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can create and edit onscreen sticky notes that act as reminders. Here's how.

 

How to Upgrade to a Larger Hard Drive Without Reinstalling Windows

If you find that your old hard drive is bursting at the seams and you want to upgrade to a larger one, it’s really easy to do so without losing any of your data.

 

4 Windows Command Prompt tricks everyone should know

Fix your internet, examine your system's energy use, and more.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple Most Popular Apps of 2016

To mark the end of the year, Apple has released a list of 2016′s most popular downloads, ranking the top 10 apps in both the free and paid-for categories.

 

The 11 iPhone apps I can't live without

The author is pretty conservative when it comes to the apps on his phone: If he doesn’t use an app at least once a week, it gets axed. Here is his list of the handful of must-have apps.

 

Apple AirPods review: wireless that wows, earbuds that don't

If wireless is the future, AirPods will only get some of us there.

 

Google's search-savvy keyboard comes to Android

The company has released Gboard for its own phone platform, replacing the previous (and relatively plain) Google Keyboard app.

 

The 12 best Android apps released in 2016

From photo retouching to hopelessly addictive games and new ways to call and message friends, here are all the Android apps we couldn't live without in 2016

 

19 new and notable Android apps from the last 2 weeks

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Google Play Store or were spotted. Some exciting apps here!

Another Huge Yahoo Hack Revealed

This latest hack revelation happened three years ago, but we are just learning about it. The first revealed Yahoo hack was done two years ago and affected 500 million users. This one affected 1 billion users! This is a disgrace…not only the hack, but Yahoo hiding it  from the public for so long. They knew about both hacks not long after the breaches. 

Yahoo was recently purchased by Verizon, who is just learning of this latest breach in security. They will either demand a lower price or cancel the deal completely. Yahoo prices, of course, are tumbling on the stock market.

So what should you do about it? First cancel any Yahoo accounts you may have. Then carefully read our first two stories and follow their tips. Merry Christmas from Yahoo!

Besides the bad news, there is also some good news and some good tips for all your devices. So read on and enjoy. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo reveals new hack: ‘Unauthorized third party’ stole data from more than 1B accounts

The company states that the information stolen may include names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords, and — “in some cases” — encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.

 

Yahoo hack: Here's what you should do

The embattled tech company said it's notifying users who may have been affected by the breach and making them change their passwords. The problem is it happened all the way back in August 2013.

 

Artificial intelligence has a big year ahead

In 2017, AI won't just be for the nerdy companies. Machine learning can help with mortgage applications and bridge safety, too.

 

Trump tells tech leaders to call him directly if they need anything

President-elect Donald Trump hosted some of the technology industry’s top leaders at Trump Tower in New York and told them to contact him directly if he could help them with their problems.

Google Docs has a spam problem like iCloud Calendar, so why aren't we freaking out about it?

Opinion: Google simply isn't held to the same standard as Apple, and that's bad for all of us.

 

This Printable 2017 All-Inclusive Binder Gets You Organized for the New Year

This all-inclusive binder has everything you’ll need to organize your life for the new year, and it’s free to download and print.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The best OneNote 2016 tips: 10 ways anyone can get organized

Make the most of this versatile tool by setting up pages, notebooks, and sections.

 

The Best Password Managers of 2017

A password like "123456" or "monkey" is easy to remember, but it's also easy to crack. With the help of a password manager, you can have a unique and strong password for every secure website. We've evaluated two dozen to help you choose.

 

How to Undo Send in Outlook

Gmail makes it easy to stop an email from being delivered even after you hit Send. Outlook has similar options, but they're confusing. Here's how to set up this lifesaver in Microsoft's email client.

4 Windows Command Prompt tricks everyone should know

Fix your internet, examine your system's energy use, and more

 

4 Gmail Labs features you should be using

If you’re new to Gmail Labs, it’s the testing ground for Gmail’s more experimental features. The successful ones go on to become standard Gmail capabilities

 

Mobile Computing

9 travel hacks you'll wish you knew all along

Already taking a trip or just planning your next one? These tips will help you save time, money and sanity.

 

Photography tips for the holiday season!

Nowadays, there are dozens of opportunities available to snap some truly breathtaking and unique holiday snapshots; you just need to get creative with it!

 

The 5 best new iPhone features in iOS 10.2

There’s plenty more to iOS 10.2 than just new emoji, and in this post we’ll cover all of the best new features that just arrived on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch courtesy of iOS 10.2.

 

Apple launches Apple Support troubleshooting app for iPhone and iPad

Apple Support, Apple's latest app, collects help support documents, troubleshooting tips, and direct access to repair shops like Apple Stores in one place.

 

How to switch from iPhone to Android

We can help move your photos, contacts, calendars, mail, music, and messages over to their new home.

 

5 tricks to free up space on your Android phone

Is your microSD card not enough? Here are some quick ways to reclaim storage space.

AR and VR Will Be Big For Microsoft Next Year

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft has big plans for VR and AR in 2017

It's going to be an interesting year for Windows Holographic and HoloLens.

 

Microsoft has reclaimed its birthright: Windows 10 to overtake Windows 7 within a year

With devices more compelling than Apple's, a new partnership with Linux, and a very strong cloud strategy, Microsoft is back, and better than ever.

 

2016: The year Apple stumbled

And 2017 seems set to be an even tougher year for the Cupertino giant.

 

Google is searching for hardware love

The search giant is making a big push with consumer gadgets. Now comes the hard part: getting people to buy them.

 

Exploring the Most Popular Websites of the Last 20 Years

These sites can really give you some insight on the rises and falls of some of the biggest businesses in the Internet age.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The cheapskate's guide to buying a new PC or Mac

If you're patient and willing to do some research, you can save hundreds of dollars and get a more powerful configuration than you ever dreamed possible. Here's how.

 

Three tips for dealing with an unruly desktop

For anyone who just can't stop cluttering up their desktop, these tips are for you.

 

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Review & Rating

When it comes to online office suites, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides has the best balance of speed and power, and the best collaboration features, too.

 

How to Find Cover Art for Your iTunes Albums

Sometimes iTunes comes up empty when trying to track down cover art for one of your albums. But don't despair.

 

Does Brand Really Matter When Buying a Hard Drive?

When it comes to hard drives, everyone seems to have a horror story about one brand or another that failed them. But are some brands really more reliable than others?

 

Mobil Computing

Apple releases iOS 10.2 w/ new Features

Apple has released iOS 10.2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.2 includes several new features like Unicode 9.0 emoji, three new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus wallpapers, a new TV app, additional camera features, new Messages screen effects, and more.

 

Apple AirPods Are Now Available

AirPods are finally shipping. You can order from Apple.com or check out Apple Stores, resellers, or select carriers starting next week!

 

Microsoft's Cortana gets a simpler look on iOS and Android

The apps are faster than before, and a new Quick Actions section puts your most common requests front and center, such as reminders, meetings and weather summaries.

 

11 Secret Tricks, Hidden Gestures in Your Favorite iOS Apps

These platforms allow users to literally reach out and poke, pull, and prod the digital world.

 

Picky Chooses Your Best iPhone Photos and Auto-Enhances Them Too

Using artificial intelligence, Picky not only selects your best iPhone photos, but it’ll automatically touch them up for you too.

 

19 new and notable Android apps from the last 2 weeks

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Google Play Store or were spotted. Some exciting apps here!

Notes from the Field

Not a lot going on in the tech world, unless you count all the bargains on laptops and other devices going on right now. My inbox is flooded with them every day! I did take advantage of one deal back on Black Friday and bought myself a new laptop at a great price. I got the the new HP Spectre X360 laptop with an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD drive. It was one of those special Black Friday deals…$1,000…$400 off the regular price …just could not resist. Its one of those very thin and lightweight laptops with a touch screen that can also turn into a tablet. Boy is it fast! It should be with those specs. Am still playing with it so will give you a review in the future.

Have been wanting to get a new one for awhile as I am not happy with my MacBook Pro. I like the computer but  hate the keyboard…just could not get used to it. I am going to sell it for $900 which almost pays for the new one. Paid $1,450 for it last year. It’s like new and works perfectly as I did not use it all that much…and it comes with 2 years left on the Apple Care warranty. If you know anyone who might want it, let me know.

Am still working with DirecTV these days. It works perfectly on my computer, but have some occasional problems with it on the Chromecast. I look forward to it being available on the Roku. I think I will also try PlayStation Vue and Sling TV, as they offer a 7 and 14 day trials. They both work on my Roku. Will let you know what I find when I do it.

Well, that is it for me. You can take over from here and see what today’s blog has to offer. Have a great weekend!

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10's latest Insider Preview release introduces major improvements

The latest test build of Windows 10, build 14986, is a huge update for Windows 10. The build highly focuses on new features for Cortana. These new features will be part of the Windows Creator Update coming in March.

 

Amazon launches Amazon Go, a mind-blowing brick-and-mortar grocery store with no checkouts

To use the service, install the Amazon Go app, log in with your account credentials, and then simply put goods from the shelves in your bag and walk out.

 

Samsung scores unanimous Supreme Court win over Apple

The ruling reshapes the value of tech designs and could have ripple effects across the industry.

 

Apple official letter sounds like a self-driving Apple Car may be on the way

Just months after reports indicated that there was no Apple Car on the way, a new document is sure to stoke the fires of Apple fans' hopes that an Apple logo will grace an automobile in coming years.

 

The Top 100 Tech Products of 2016

This is the good stuff. From clever convertible laptops to the best printers and storage gear, these 100 products are the best of what to buy now—and in 2017.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Affinity Photo image editing app is now out for Windows

If you're looking for a much affordable alternative to Photoshop for Windows, you may want to check out this indie-made image editor.

 

Google Wifi review: Blanket your entire home with Wi-Fi

If you want to extend fast internet to every corner of your home, the Google Wifi is the best device to do it.

 

Excel Date & Time functions tutorial: EDATE, YEARFRAC, EOMONTH, NETWORKDAYS.INTL

Go back and forth in time with retirement dates, expiration dates and more.

 

How to adjust your AutoPlay settings in Windows 10

Control how AutoPlay responds to various removable media.

 

Google Photos tips and tricks

Google Photos has some powerful tools for tweaking and editing images...not all of them obvious

 

Mobile Computing

Making Technology Work For You, A Guide To The iPhone

Written for new users of the iPhone, read through this article to learn about how iPhones have helped develop this world into an unthinkable technologically advanced place.

 

Don't let free Wi-Fi wreck the holidays

Malls should just name their public Wi-Fi networks "Danger" and be done with it.

 

This Tool Can Help You Disappear from the Internet

"If you’re interested in downsizing your online footprint, a tool called Deseat.me could be a huge help – though it’s not quite a one-shot “unplug me” app."

 

Go to bed with the boring teacher from 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'

On Friday, an app will release the ultimate sleep-inducing story: a reading of the first chapter of Adam Smith's 1776 economics book The Wealth of Nations in a droning voice by everyone's favorite economics teacher, Ben Stein.

 

Make Your Smartphone Less Distracting by Switching Your Screen to Grayscale

If you find yourself overly-dependent on your smartphone, and can’t help but check it every few minutes for no reason, this simple tweak might make it easier to cut back.

DirecTV on my Big Screen TV…without a dish

As you might imagine, tech news is a little hard to come by during the holiday season. So, I will continue my mini review of the new DirecTV now application. When we last talked, I had it up and running on my iMac using the Safari Browser. It is still working well and with only a few very minor glitches, I have it running just the way I want. I found out you can select your favorite channels and only show them in the channel guide. Saves a lot of time when browsing as there are only a few channels out of the 100 that I care about.

My big project for the weekend was to get DirecTV on to my 50” TV using my Chromecast device. For those who don’t know, Chromecast is a device much like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon’s Fire TV. But the biggest difference between Chromecast and the others is your controls. The others all use remote controls…Chromecast uses your smartphone or a tablet.

You download an app to your phone/tablet, and it controls what is seen on the TV. It should have been easy, but it wasn’t. I could not get the iPhone or iPad to work with Chromecast and DirecTV, although they worked fine with other channels. Then I read article #1 below and found out that Chromecast with DirecTV only works with an Android device. Thanks for the heads-up, AT&T.

Thank goodness I have an inexpensive 8” Android tablet that I occasionally play around with. As soon as I downloaded the DirecTV app, everything worked almost perfectly. The picture quality is very good. I watched part of the Monday Night Football game on it without an issue. One of the best things about that game was very few commercials. I guess DirecTV has a license for the ESPN, but not their commercials. Fine with me!

Early in 2017, I will be able to use my Apple devices on Chromecast, but I will also be able to get DirecTV on my Roku device. I prefer the Roku to Chromecast so I look forward to that. For various reasons, I will probably keep DirecTV, at least for a while. One nice bonus for me is being able to see the Turner Movie Classics (TMC) channel again. A lot of great old movies shown without commercials. I have missed that channel.

The bottom line is DirecTV is a good deal for the money right now. But you should also check out Sling TV and PlayStation Vue to see if their services might fit your needs better. All three have their strengths and weaknesses…the most obvious being the DVR function only available on Vue…at least for now. Here is a link to a comparison chart that compares all three and what they offer.

Tech News and Opinions

DirecTV Now: everything you want to know

The author spent hours streaming AT&T’s new internet TV, and here’s what it’s like.

 

Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Android TV: All the apps and channels compared

The mainstream video streamers offer hundreds of entertainment apps, from DirecTV Now to Netflix to Nick Jr. to NBC News to NHL, and the list is growing all the time. Here's a big chart showing which of the top 75-odd apps are available on which device.

 

The new MacBook Pro may have some battery issues

Several owners of the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar have taken to Apple’s support forums and Twitter to complain that the battery inside the new machine doesn’t last nearly as long as advertised.

 

Report claims Galaxy Note 7 batteries exploded because they were too big

A new report says there wasn't sufficient clearance between the battery and its enclosure, and that 'aggressive design' led to the battery being squeezed.

 

The NFL will reportedly relax their social media rules so teams can post more GIFs and videos

In a memo from the NFL to all teams, the league outlined a new set of rules that should make it easier for teams to share content with fans on social media.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Turn on Cortana by Voice in Windows 10

Through Microsoft's "Hey Cortana" feature, you can get the attention of the voice assistant just by saying "Hey Cortana," and segue into your converation seamlessly.

 

Why you should start using Google Keep right away

Opinion: Artificial intelligence is transforming Google's yellow sticky note app into an indispensable peripheral to your own mind

 

Microsoft hopes your Windows PC can replace an Amazon Echo

A leaked Home Hub feature would let a shared computer stand in for smart speakers.

 

Everything you need to know about Windows 10 recovery drives

How to make one, and what you can do with it.

 

A new Chrome feature automatically mutes multiple tabs

An experimental new Chrome feature lets you focus on one noisy tab at a time.

 

Mobile Computing

The Best iPad Apps of 2016

These 50 apps will transform your iPad into the ultimate slate computer for work and play.

 

The 10 Best Messaging Apps for Android and iOS

Messaging apps have grown to provide rich services and interaction with others, from free text messaging, to voice and video calling, and even photo and file sharing.

 

Opinion: Never Ever (Ever) Download Android Apps Outside of Google Play

A strain of malware hit at least 1.3 million Android phones, stealing user data as part of a scheme to boost ad revenue. Called “Gooligan,” it got into those devices from an app that people downloaded outside the comfortable confines of the Google Play Store.

 

Microsoft adds more cloud storage options to Office apps on Android

Starting now, you have new storage options and a few more on on the way.

 

5 new tricks for Instagram addicts

Instagram has been rolling out monthly updates that are changing the way you can use the photo-sharing app, including a new live video option that's already available to some users.

 

10 best Reddit apps for Android

Reddit fancies itself as the front page of the Internet. For better or for worse, that’s pretty much what it is. It’s a large site with tons of topics and then tons of threads in each topic. With the right app, you can surf through your favorite subreddits pretty easily.

First Look at DirecTV Now over the Net

Well, I did it. Could not resist. I signed up the first day for the new DirecTV Now. The first seven days are free and after that it is $35 for 100 channels (an introductory offer, normally $60). Will I keep it? Right now, after less than 24 hours, I am leaning towards no. But here are my first impressions…and please remember my views apply only to me.

First thing I found out is it won’t work on a Firefox Browser. For now, it only works on Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari. I chose Safari as I have it on my MAC. So for now, I can only watch it on my computer. This weekend, I will hook it up on my seldom-used Chromecast so I can watch it on a regular TV.

Getting it up and running was not easy. There are no instructions on setup. Their website needs a great deal of work. One has to hunt around to find how to sign up. But I did find out early on, I had to first download Microsoft’s Silverlight software. Even then it would not work. Safari would not recognize Silverlight until I activated it…and I had to do some searching on the Net to find out how to do that as it is not obvious in the settings. That may or may not be true for other browsers.

But I did find out and finally got it up and running. Even then I could not watch any channels until I signed up and gave them my credit card info. And that was not easy to find either. But I finally did and I was finally active.

The quality is good on some channels, not so good on others. But until I see it on a regular TV, I will withhold judgement. I have only viewed a few channels so far and can see by looking at the list, I will never view most of them. So, like cable and satellite TV, I will pay for channels I will never view. But, still, $35 a month is a good deal.

They list a goodly portion of on-demand movies, mostly older films. But when I tried to view some of them, I discovered most are not commercial free. Some are even edited for time, so parts of the movie are missing. Not good. The same holds true for TV programs on demand.

For many years now, I have been watching movies and TV shows on my Roku…almost none of them have commercials. About the only thing I watch with commercials are sporting shows and events. I have thousands of choices of movies and TV shows on my Roku, none of which have commercials. I admit, I am spoiled. I will never watch a movie with commercials. 

Again, all my opinions were formed within 24 hours of signing up. I will watch more over the next few days (between football games) and set it up on my Chromecast. So will have more for you next week. I have included one negative review below as I have yet to find a good one. But its early days yet.

As usual, I have found some good tips and tricks for your electronic devices so I hope you find something of value. Have a good weekend. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Sorry Cord Cutters, DirecTV Now Is a Trap

Opinion: AT&T's new DirecTV Now plan transplants everything bad about cable into the cord-cutter world.

 

Netflix finally lets you download shows and movies to watch offline

You can finally take Netflix with you onto a plane or the subway. The company announced that it’s launching offline playback for “many of your favorite streaming series and movies.”

 

The end of the Apple dynasty?

Apple is misplaying the hand Steve Jobs left them, making themselves vulnerable to competition for the first time since iPod. The company has always been at least one step ahead of the competition in hardware advancements and software experience. That has all changed.

 

How to Contact Customer Support and Actually Get a Human

But there are still humans working in most of those companies’ customer service departments–you just have to know how to get to them. Here are a few easier ways to get what you want.

 

Amazon Aims To Tackle Counterfeiters in 2017

The regulations will target third-party sellers on the site, entities that Amazon cannot easily guarantee the quality of under existing policies yet often partners with under the “Fulfillment by Amazon” (FAB) setup.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

DIY: Extending WiFi throughout your house

You probably need (or at least want) Wi-Fi across your whole property, but making it happen can be daunting. Here's a rundown of the steps you need to take, along with some practical tips and alternative solutions.

 

Tips, tricks and shortcuts: Ed Bott makes Windows 10 work for you

Need help navigating Windows 10? Let Windows pro Ed Bott be your guide.

 

How to Make Windows Shut Down Faster

Windows PCs should shut down fairly quickly—unless there’s a problem causing a shutdown delay. Here’s how to make your computer shut down faster.

 

Photoshop Gets Updated for 2017

Adobe continues to improve the world's leading photo editing software; the 2017 update adds universal search, templates, and companion apps for several designing purposes.

 

How to Use All of Windows 10’s Backup and Recovery Tools

The latest version of Windows also includes way to back up and restore system images, wipe your computer to its default state, store files online, and make recovery drives you can use in case of emergency.

 

Mobil Computing

The Best File Managers for Android

When you need to side load an app or move a downloaded file, for example, you’re going to need a file manager. Here are our picks for the best that Android has to offer.

 

Find out if your Google account has been hacked

Check to see if your Android device has been hit by Gooligan and what to do if it has

 

Microsoft Clip Layer Brings Better Copy and Share Functionality to Android

A new Microsoft Garage project called Clip Layer promises to make it easier for Android users to “snip and share” almost anything that appears on their screen.

 

Protect Yourself With a Free VPN Service

Can't afford a premium VPN? That's no reason to leave your network traffic unprotected. Here's what you need to know about free VPN services.

 

Phones with the best battery life

If a long-life battery tops your list of phone needs, you can't do better than these. Did yours make the list?

DirecTV Comes to the Internet

Guess what? You may be able to cut your cable now and save money. DirecTV will now stream to the Internet starting tomorrow (Nov. 30)…and you can get 100 channels for only $35 for a short time. You can also add HBO and Cinemax for an additional $5 each. The good news is that price is good until you cancel your subscription.

Here is where you can currently stream it: iPhone, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV and PC/Mac. Roku compatibility will arrive later this year. If you are an AT&T customer,  DirecTV Now is “zero rated” for AT&T wireless customers, so regardless of how much time you spend streaming, that activity will have no impact on data usage for your monthly bill.

I must say that this offer looks pretty good. I am strongly considering it even though I don’t watch all that much TV. I suggest you scan the channel listings above and see what you think. This may be the video service cord cutters have been waiting for. More details should be available tomorrow.

But there is more exciting news and tech tips included here so take a look a see what you think. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

AT&T to launch DirecTV Now with $35 promo on Nov. 30

That $35 monthly price for more than 100 streaming channels is a temporary deal to lock you in, but anyone can add HBO for just $5.

 

Another Cyber Monday, another online sales record

Black Friday 2016's reign as the biggest US online sales day ever didn't last long. Three days to be exact.

 

Watch the latest drone video of Apple’s new $5 billion Cupertino campus - Recode

“It’s a little like a spaceship has landed,” said Steve Jobs.

 

What Is HDR (High Dynamic Range) for TVs?

Move over 4K. HDR is the latest television feature that could vastly improve what you watch. Here's what you need to know.

 

App abandonment is on the rise as consumers stick to the apps they know

According to Adobe, this trend toward app abandonment is also on the rise — with now five out of every 10 apps being used fewer than 10 times, and two out of every 10 apps being used only once.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 Tips to Speed Up Windows 10

Windows 10 is faster than the previous versions of Microsoft's OS, but you can still speed up your PC with our tricks.

 

A Few Tips for Integrating OneNote Into Your Life

Microsoft OneNote is the best note-taking solution in the world, and it’s available for free on every personal tech platform. You should use it. And here are a few tips for getting started.

 

How to stop animated GIFs in Chrome and Firefox

GIFs are fun... in small doses. Here's how to gain some sanity amid all the animated madness.

 

When your Windows 10 login password fails, you need a recovery drive

You just need to turn back the clock a bit.

 

How to customize Windows 10 colors

Microsoft has hidden the Windows 10 color mixer; here's how to find it!

 

Mobile Computing

The Best Shopping Apps to Compare Prices

These apps just might help you find the best prices for your Christmas shopping. Android and iOS.

 

Microsoft Solitaire and other games come to iOS and Android

Microsoft Solitaire Collection offers five of the best Solitaire card games – Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid and Tripeaks – all in one app.

 

How to make spammy calendar notifications go away

Spammers have unfortunately devised a new way to invade phones: calendar invitations. A rash of calendar spam has invaded iPhones in recent weeks as many people are getting a wave of calendar invitations from Chinese email addresses.

 

Best apps to watch TV on Android free

Here we present some of the best apps to watch TV on Android free. Watch Popular TV channels from the comfort of your favorite place, always with your Android phone.

 

13 Useful Android apps that everyone should install in your phone & tablet

The headline says it all!

Is Facebook News Worth Viewing?

My simple answer to my headline question is no. Let me amend that. My answer is Hell No! Facebook is the last place on earth I would go for news. And recent headlines about it publishing fake news stories should scare you away also. There are so many legitimate and decent places to find news of all kinds. Try Flipboard or Apple News. They both have stories about any subject you could ever want.

That’s enough of a rant for me. Because its Thanksgiving, this will be the only blog for this week. I will be traveling again for this holiday, but should be back in time for next week’s blogs. I hope you have a great holiday and, if you dare go shopping, I pray Black Friday and Cyber Monday will turn out well for you. Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

It's time to get rid of the Facebook "news feed," because it's not news

Opinion: Fake news didn't throw the election. It was a symptom, not a cause.

 

How to avoid getting conned by fake news sites

Here's how you can identify and avoid sites that just want to serve up ads next to outright falsehoods

 

The biggest tech turkeys of 2016

This year's most notable flops came from tech's heaviest hitters, proving that anyone -- from Samsung to Facebook to Apple -- can have a bad moment. Or two.

 

Upthere cloud service will scan & upload 1000 4×6 photos free if you try it before 2017

The company is partnering with ScanMyPhotos.com to give away 1000 free 4×6 photo scans for Upthere customers. The promotion starts now and runs through the end of the year. The deal even covers delivery.

 

Dangerous backdoor found in about 3 million Android smartphones, BLU affected the most

A dangerous rootkit has been discovered, with devices from US-based smartphone brand, BLU, being found to be among the most affected.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

 

How to Recover Software Product Keys From Any Computer, Even a Broken One

Product keys are becoming less and less common these days, but if you have a piece of software on your computer—and can’t find its product key—this simple program can help you extract it.

 

How to Build a Website

Need to establish an online presence for your business, but don't know where to begin? Our primer will show you exactly what you need to get up and running in no time

 

How to Use Your Google Calendar in the Windows 10 Calendar App

One of the new additions is the revamped Calendar app, which isn’t just more functional than its predecessor, it’s actually downright pleasurable to use. But what if you want your classic Google Calendar synced up with Microsoft’s internal app ecosystem?

 

How to Delete Your Gmail or Google Account

Maybe you haven’t actually used Gmail for years. Maybe you want to take a stand against Google in general. Whatever your reason, Google makes it surprisingly easy for you to delete your account.

 

How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for a Microsoft Account

Enabling 2FA for a Microsoft Account is relatively simple, and a smartphone application, email, or phone number can be used as the second form factor.

 

Mobile Computing

 

New 9 Best iPhone apps for weather

The headline says it all. Take a look.

 

How to set up automatic iCloud backups for your iPad

These few easy steps are so painless and important. Unfortunately, for some reason many iPad and iPhone owners fail to _ever_ backup their devices.

 

Working with Threads in iOS 10 Mail

In addition to presenting all of the messages in a single threaded view, in the Mail app now includes all of the messages in your entire mail account by default, rather than only those in the current mailbox or folder.

 

Top 5 most popular Android apps from last week: YouTube VR, PhotoScan

Read on for the five most popular Android apps from last week. These apps are ones that are most likely new and haven’t appeared in the top five list more than three times.

 

8 Android gestures that speed up everyday tasks

Navigating your way around a new Android device will get a lot easier once you’ve mastered a few handy touchscreen gestures.

 

4 apps that give your phone a free second number

Need a disposable phone number for better online privacy? Or for an effective way to juggle work and personal lines? This is easier, and cheaper, than you think.

More on PhotoScan

In the last edition, we told you about the new version of Google’s PhotoScan. In this edition, we have a review combined with a tutorial (in the Mobile Computing section) on how it works. I am impressed with this app and look forward to using it next week when I get back home. I have no photographs here to try it out. I think it might help a lot of us out with our shoe boxes filled with old photos.

Also in this edition, we have a list of some of the best Black Friday apps for your pads and phones. It might come in handy since Thanksgiving is almost upon us…plus there are some tips and tricks on how to use iOS and Android. And since I don’t have any earth shattering comments to make, why don’t I let you get started with your reading. Have a great weekend! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Takes on Fake News Issue

“From our perspective, there should just be no situation where fake news gets distributed”

 

With Apple now selling used iPhones, the new phone market may have peaked

It reflects both the maturing nature of the market and Apple’s desire to put the iPhone into the hands of more budget-constrained smartphone buyers while still making enviable margins.

 

When will Microsoft end support for your version of Windows or Office?

As we count down to the New Year, the support clock is ticking. Microsoft will pull the plug on Windows Vista in mere months and on Office 2007 in less than a year

New ransomware taps into social media accounts before demanding users to pay up

A new variant of ransomware has recently been seen in the wild, which searches for illegal content on the host computer, and then utilizes the victim's social media accounts in order to tailor its demands.

 

Seagate crams a massive 5TB into a portable hard drive

You probably can't fit it in your pocket, but this high capacity external hard drive won't weight down your backpack either.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

5 Ways to Email Better

These smart tools and services will make you the master of your email inbox. Worth a look!

How to Use and Tweak the Start Screen in Windows 10

Much maligned in Win 8, the Windows Start screen still exists, but it's undergone several much-needed improvements.

 

How to transfer your iPhone and iPad photos to Windows 10

Shunt your beautiful pictures from iPhone or iPad to your Windows PC with these simple steps.

 

Windows 10 Photos app adds inking and new filters for everyone on PC

A fresh update is rolling out to the Windows 10 Photos app for PC users, bringing along inking support and more. While this update has been in the oven since October for Insiders, it's now rolling out to everyone.

 

The Best Photo Editing Software of 2016

Whether you shoot with a smartphone camera or a DSLR, you probably have photos that need organizing and editing. Here's what you need to know to pick the right program, along with the top performers in our testing.

 

Mobile Computing

Google PhotoScan Review

Easily scans photos with a mobile device. Automatic glare removal, cropping, and rotation. For both iOS and Android

 

Black Friday deal apps

These apps will steer you toward major savings, over the holidays and year-round. For both iOS and Android.

 

Twitter introduces QR codes to make following users even easier

Twitter can create a link between an image and your account, making it easy for others to add you by simply pointing their smartphone cameras at the QR code.

 

5 things we learned about Snapchat Spectacles

If you've been following the Snapbot's progress around the US, it's already dropped off hundreds of pairs of Spectacles to people in California and Oklahoma.

 

30 Hidden Tips for Mastering iOS 10

These tips cover the best new features that aren't always obvious when first using Apple's new mobile OS.

 

Android Tips and Tricks

Discover ways to get the most out of your Android device

A Couple of Apps Worth Considering

Now that the election is over, and the news has settled back to a more normal pace, I want to point you to a couple of upgraded apps that are very good and might be of value. Both apps are listed in the Mobile Computing Section.

First is the upgraded Google Play Music. I’ve been using this app both on my iPhone and on my desktop computers for years. Here is what makes it special for me: I’ve been collecting music since I was in grade school. Thanks to modern technology, I now have over 15,000 songs. They are all stored in iTunes (both on MAC and Windows machines).

Here is where Google music comes in. Google will allow you to store your music, up to 20,000 songs, in the cloud for free. I have set up the desktop version of Google Music so every time I import new songs into iTunes, they are automatically sent up to the Google Cloud. And while I play the music on iTunes at home, I use Google Music to play music from the cloud using my iPhone connected to my car. Works like a dream! And it is all free. Yesterday I drove from Tucson to Yuma, playing my music all the way using Google Music. There are lots of other features in the app, so I suggest you might want to consider it. For iOS and Android.

The other app, also from Google, allows you quickly scan printed photos using your phone and automatically send them to Google Photos. I recently inherited hundreds and hundreds of family photos and they have been a bit of a pain to digitize. So I will be trying this app out when I get back home. For iOS and Android.

Well that is all from me. Now it is your turn. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo admits some employees knew of massive hack in 2014

An SEC filing reveals Yahoo is investigating what was known about the hack two years ago. That could have a big effect on the $4.8 billion Verizon deal.

 

Low-cost Android phones are secretly sending your messages and contacts to China

Security researchers have found preinstalled software in some Android phones that monitors a user's contacts, messages, and locations -- and every three days, sends that data to China, according to The New York Times

 

17 Netflix Tips to Boost Your Binge-Watching

Getting started is as easy as picking a show and pressing play. However, there are a few tricks that you can use to get the most out of your viewing experience.

 

The IoT security doomsday is lurking, but we cannot talk about it properly

Something needs to be done to stop the Internet of Things turning into the IoDDoS, but communication with lay people is all but impossibl

 

What Is the Dark Web?

And then there’s the “dark web”–hidden websites that won’t show up when you search Google, and can’t be accessed without special software

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

Microsoft is busy making Cortana more chatty and human-like

You will soon be able to Expect far more personalized greetings from the assistant

 

Upgrade to Windows 10 Free or Do a Clean Install using a Win 10 ISO File

If you missed the Windows 10 free upgrade period that ended July 29, don't worry. You can still get Windows 10 on your PC.

The Best Wireless Routers of 2016

The better your Wi-Fi router, the better the performance you'll see from your PC, phone, and other connected devices. Here are our top-rated routers, along with advice about shopping for one.

 

Caveat Emptor: USB-C cable compatibility and safety are turning into a nightmare

Here’s the problem, in a nutshell. While USB-C defines a common port, the cables that hook into that port can support a wide range of features and capabilities.

 

10 things every new Mac owner should know

So, you've finally jumped ship and entered the Apple ecosystem.Your new Mac is easy to set up and use. Make sure you know these important basics after you get started

 

Mobile Computing

These 5 apps make better phone calls than your phone app, and you probably already have them 

You probably have a bunch of apps on your phone right now that can make much better quality phone calls than the regular phone app.

 

Google Play Music is Getting a Major Refresh

This week, Google Play Music for Android, iOS and the web is getting a major refresh, with a new user experience and new personalization capabilities.

 

Best iPhone keyboard

Find out why Gboard is our favorite, why Wrio's finger-friendly keyboard and TouchPal's custom themes are worth a look, and how to find your third-party iOS keyboard once you've installed it.

 

Google makes Translate more accurate and sophisticated

Google has announced that it's launched the next step in making its translation services even better: Neural Machine Translation.

 

Google Unleashes PhotoScan App for Digitizing Prints, Adds New Editing Features to Photos App

A simple photo scanning app built on complex technology

President-Elect Trump…Never Saw That Coming

Were you as shocked as me to wake up Wednesday morning and see Donald Trump was to be our next President? Very few people in the world could have guessed this result. I didn’t think it was possible. But there it is.

I stay away from politics wherever possible in this blog, even though my background is well anchored in directing political campaigns. I told friends who were worried about Trump winning that it would never happen. My experience told me that he was working hard not to be elected with some of his outrageous antics. I guess campaign politics is now changed forever. This was a bloodless revolution by the majority of American voters. I pray it turns out well.  

In this edition, I will only focus on how the change in leadership in Washington affects the tech world. It is not pretty for Silicon Valley. A huge chunk of money was donated to the Clinton campaign from the tech industry. And, as a rule, winners of political campaigns do not favor those people who fund the losers. So there is some worry for the future throughout the tech industry.

But there is more here than politics and elections…a lot more. So take some time and see if you can find something that might make your computing life better. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

How the tech industry is reacting to Donald Trump's improbable election victory

Investors, founders, executives, and journalists have been chiming in on Twitter over the past day, with a common sentiment emerging: everyone must come together.

 

Tim Cook to Apple staff: We’ll ‘move forward together’ following Trump election win

Tim Cook has rallied staff at Apple following Donald Trump’s historic and controversial U.S. election win by reassuring them that the company will “move forward together” despite political divisions and tension.

 

Canadian immigration site crashes mid-election night

As the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency looms nearer, millions of Americans are looking to Canada for help.

 

Apple now sells refurbished iPhones -- with a new battery

Its used but spruced-up iPhones aren't heavily discounted from new models, but they do get a new battery and shell.

 

Google might have a master plan to solve Android's fragmentation issues

Google now talks about a new system that could “extend” Android’s functionality using shared libraries that OEMs would be forced to include in their Android installations.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

Microsoft is building a new to-do list app even though it already owns one

As with other such tools, it lets you create multiple lists, set reminders and sync your to-dos across your devices.

 

How to Fix Hard Drive Problems with Chkdsk in Windows 7, 8, and 10

Any time you have hard drive errors—or even strange behavior you might not at first associate with a hard drive—Check Disk can be a lifesaver. Here’s a full guide to using the Check Disk tool that comes with every version of Windows.

 

How to Set Your Facebook Account to Delete or Memorialize You Upon Your Death

Many questions come about when one ponders their final days. Where will we go? Is there really an afterlife? What will happen to my Facebook account?

 

The Best Antivirus Protection of 2016

Updated: Antivirus software is a must for every computer. Without it, you risk losing your personal information, your files, even the cash from your bank account. We've tested 46 utilities to help you pick the right one for your PC.

 

5 Tools You Need to Finally Go Paperless

Save trees and become more organized in the process with the help of these key apps and services.

 

Mobile Computing

 

Photoshop Express on iOS adds automated collages & Google Photos support

Adobe has updated its Photoshop Express app for iPhone and iPad to allow automatic creation of photo collages, and to add support for Google Photos.

 

Best Free iPhone Apps: 9 paid iOS apps on sale for free, Nov 8

These are paid iPhone and iPad apps that have been made available for free for a limited time by their developers. There is no way to tell how long they will be free

 

20 Secret iOS Shortcuts And Gestures You Probably Don’t Know

The title says it all. There are some good ones in this article.

 

Secure messaging apps

Check out which messengers do the most to protect you.

 

Updated: The 100 Best Android Apps of 2016

Whether you have a Pixel phone or an older Android tablet you want to spruce up, these are the apps that matter the most.

 

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here are some brand new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs which are pretty darn good.

The MacBook Outrage Continues

This story just won’t go away. According to one analyst, the new MacBook announcement was the tipping point for Apple enthusiasts to rise up and criticize Apple for taking an excellent product and making it worse. First, the prices went up a minimum of $300. Then, Apple did not use the latest Intel processors inside.

But the biggest complaint was over the use USB-C connectors. Why? Because you cannot connect existing devices to the computer without buying additional connectors and dongles. You cannot connect even the latest iPhone to the MacBook without a a special cable, much less hard drives, USB memory sticks or just about anything else.

I heard one super Apple fan say she ordered a new MacBook, then happily spent an additional $137 for connectors. That makes no sense to me.  Another outrage was over the removal of one of Apple’s greatest inventions: the magsafe power connector. If someone trip over that cable while charging a MacBook, it immediately disconnected from the laptop and prevented the computer from crashing on the floor.  

In response, Apple has cut prices on these cables and dongles. Big deal…I don’t want to have to carry these additional connectors when I take the laptop on the road…and neither do most laptop users.

Apple Music is terrible…the Apple Watch is solving a problem that doesn’t exist…and taking away the headphone jack on the latest iPhone. Unfortunately the Tim Cook era of Apple products just hasn’t met Apple’s own defining standards. Such a shame.

There is some good stuff in this edition that just may help you make your computing needs better. I do try hard to keep things positive here, but sometimes I just have to go on a rant. Take care, my friends. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple cuts prices on dongles after complaints

The news follows complaints from potential shoppers that the new MacBook Pro laptop isn't compatible with current device accessories.

 

The Biggest Design Mistakes Apple Has Made in the Past Two Years

Apple has lost its mojo. Their obsessive attention to detail seems to have slipped away.

 

Microsoft promises smaller Windows 10 upgrade

Second feature upgrade of 2017 will be issued as a delta rather than full install

 

Facebook is gearing up to serve ads on Apple TV and Roku

The social network will start showing video ads on apps that run on set-top boxes, including Apple TV and Roku.

 

Here we go again! Microsoft throws more ads into Windows 10

Apparently unhappy with the number of people using its Edge browser, the company is now trying to encourage people to switch from rivals by using popup ads to push Edge and Bing Rewards.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

What Windows laptops and software to consider if you don't want to get the new MacBook

The new MacBook Pro has been somewhat underwhelming critics and prospective buyers. They seem to be needlessly minimalistic and expensive, removing all the ports, bar four USB-C ports that don’t connect to any legacy Apple products

 

Never Lose a Photo Again: The Complete Guide to Bulletproof Photo Backups

With a little forethought and planning, there’s no reason to ever feel the heartbreak of losing even a single one of them to theft, broken devices, or disaster.

 

How to Stop Microsoft Edge’s Pop-up Notifications

Microsoft is now more aggressively pushing taskbar and action center ads for Microsoft Edge. These are just one of the many types of advertising in Windows 10. Here’s how to make Edge stop nagging you.

 

How to Prevent Your Computer From Waking Up Accidentally

What can you do if your PC keeps waking up on its own? Here’s how to figure out what’s waking it up, and how to prevent it.

 

Amazon Prime Is More than Free Shipping: Here Are All of Its Extra Features

Amazon Prime comes with a ton of features that you may not know about. Here are all the ways you can maximize the value of your Prime membership.

 

Mobile Computing

Google updates Gmail for iOS to be more like Inbox

"After almost four years, the Gmail app finally gets an update, plus Google Calendar adds Spotlight search support.

 

LastPass keeps your secrets for free, across PC and phone

The password manager's free version now syncs across platforms, giving you strong, secure passwords on all your devices for nothing.

 

UPDATED: The merits of using iCloud Drive on the iPad

With a simple internet connection I have access to my other iCloud synched devices via my browser window.

 

6 things you'll miss if you switch from iOS to Android

From iCloud photo sharing to the cursor's tiny magnifying glass, some of iOS's smallest touches are easy to overlook until they're gone.

3 handy apps for iOS-to-Android switchers

With the help of a trio of essential apps, though, I've solved my lingering calendar and Find My Friend problems, and I'm now sending and receiving text messages from my Mac with ease.

Apple vs Microsoft…I Was Right!

In the last edition, I detailed the new products that were announced last week by both Apple and Microsoft. And I made the provocative statement that, “Microsoft was miles ahead of Apple in innovation.”

Since then, the tech press, including blogs, new stories, editorials, and podcasts, has exploded on this theme, almost all agreeing with me. No, I wasn’t  the first to make the statement…it was just so obvious that it took on a life of it’s own. But it is always nice to have one’s opinions be validated.

Included below are three of the best stories that expound on Microsoft out-innovating Apple. So if you had thoughts about switching from Windows to a Mac, you might want to rethink your options. But this does not change the fact that my desktop MAC is the best Windows computer I have ever owned (thanks to Parallels)…nor does it make me want to give up my iOS devices. They are still the best.

In other stories below, I have focused on improving battery life for your laptops, Android devices, and your iOS devices. And their is an interesting story explaining USB-C which is now appearing on more and more laptops.  Plus, of course, there are other good stories and tips and tricks.

PS…there will not be another blog this week as I am travelling for the next few days. But I will be back next week as usual. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple just handed Microsoft the keys to the kingdom

Commentary: CNET's Sean Hollister was ready to buy a MacBook Pro. Now, he's one of many professionals who might pick -- or stick with -- Windows.

 

Admit it: Microsoft is now a braver, more innovative company than Apple

Opinion: Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft has been clawing its way to relevance with surprising speed.

 

Everything we wanted from Apple's MacBook Pro event but got denied

The event was cruelly disappointing to all the Apple faithful hoping against hope for new hardware. Here are all the other things we wanted — but got so viciously denied — during Apple’s MacBook Pro event.

 

Making Sense of AT&T’s Bid for Time Warner

A raft of consumer-protection groups are already girding for a fight. And media and telecommunication rivals are hinting that they are prepared to battle the deal in Washington.

 

Google’s New Privacy Policy Enables Ads to Follow You Everywhere

The company changed its privacy policy, inserting new language in it that says browsing habits “may be” combined with what the company learns from the use of Gmail and other products.

 

Microsoft not happy with Google disclosing major Windows bug

Web giant says no fix or advisory has been issued even though it reported the flaw 10 days ago.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

4 Windows 10 tools that will kickstart your productivity

Maximize screen real estate, segregate tasks, set reminders, and more with these tips.

 

5 reasons why your laptop is slow

Learn what might be ailing your laptop and how to speed it back up.

 

Use Windows 10's Battery Saver to squeeze more life out of your laptop

Settings for screen brightness, low-power mode and more will help you last longer on a charge.

 

How to Launch Windows Without Entering a Password

As long as you feel secure without the protection, you can easily dodge that Windows log-in password.

 

What Is USB-C? An Explainer

With Apple's popular MacBook Pro line and some new Windows machines as the latest converts, it's clear that the USB-C connector is here to stay. Here's why that's a good thing.

 

Mobile Computing

6 smart settings to make your Android phone anticipate your needs

There's no denying that our smartphones have made our lives so much easier. But if you're using an Android phone you might be leaving even more convenience on the table.

 

The Complete Guide to Improving Android Battery Life

Manually toggling connections, constantly adjusting brightness, and the like are basically all things of the past now—but there are still things you can do to maximize your handset’s battery life.

 

How to Maximize Battery Life on Your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch

So you got yourself a shiny new Apple device, but you’re so addicted that the battery is running out way too soon—what you need is a couple of tips to keep your battery running for as long as possible, and we’ve got them here.

 

How to Troubleshoot Bluetooth Problems on Your iPhone or iPad

Bluetooth can be a little finicky on its best of days. There are several possible points of failure between your iOS device and whatever accessory you’re connecting to. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.

 

What do You Really Need in your Carryon When Traveling?

When you hit the road, deciding what technology to bring can be a daunting exercise, while toting along extra gadgets can also be inconvenient and risky.

14 Google Maps tips and tricks

Google Maps is pretty straightforward. Search for a place, get directions and navigate. But if you dig beneath the surface, there are many overlooked and useful features that can help you navigate like a pro.

New Products from Microsoft and Apple. Whose are Better?

Over the last two days, Both Microsoft and Apple held big announcements. Both introduced new products, both updated old products. One thing was very clear to me…Microsoft is miles ahead of Apple in innovation!

Apple introduced their latest versions of the MacPro line of laptops. You can read the details below, but their big innovation was the Touch Bar. This replaces the F-Keys that have been on computers for years. The bar changes depending on the program that is running, and you can program your own icons. For instance, when writing a text message,you can see the emoji's running above. All well and good, but is it really a big innovation? And is it worth $300 more? That is the price increase for the same MacBook that I bought a year or so ago. For me, it is not. The Touch Bar is a nice innovation, but I can easily live without it.

On the other hand, Microsoft on Wednesday, showed off its new Surface Studio…a huge innovation in desktop computing. It has a 28” screen that works like a regular monitor, or folds almost flat down on the desk for drawing or other artistic endeavors. And besides using a keyboard and mouse, it also has a a small circular Surface Dial that works on or off the screen. When you put it on the screen, it offers an instant color dial you turn to change colors while working with a pen. It also performs other functions like erasing backwards or viewing previous versions of your work.

I was blown away by the creativity and engineering that went into this computer. It is not for most of us as it is $3,000, but design artists will snap it up as it is better than anything Apple or anyone else has to offer.

And speaking of creativity, Microsoft announced that the next upgrade to Windows 10 will be called The Creator’s Update. It will be out next Spring and will contain a new version of Paint called Paint 3D. They demonstrated how easy it is to create 3D images and use them in Word and PowerPoint. The purpose of the Creator’s Update is make us all more creative. More innovations are coming for Windows 10 as it is 5 months away. It will be free for Windows 10 users, of course.

It is plain to see that Microsoft is moving ahead with software and hardware innovations while Apple plugs along with few innovations, except perhaps in the iOS products…none of which were discussed today.

Below in the tech news section are articles talking about all the products that were introduced at each event, as well as two in-depth articles focusing on the two big products that I mentioned here. hope you find them informative. -JRC   

Tech News and Opinions

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and a TV app for Apple TV: Everything Apple just announced

The new versions of the MacBook Pro have an innovative new input touch strip, the Touch Bar.

 

The new MacBook Pro is here

The company showed off the newly refreshed version of the Pro, featuring, as leaks suggested, a secondary display between the keyboard and screen.

 

These are the 3 biggest announcements from Microsoft's Surface event

Surface Studio, Surface Book and new Windows 10 features abound.

 

Microsoft's big-screen Surface Studio is an engineering marvel

The company thinks that being able to immerse yourself in a display of this quality, size and capability will change how people work

 

What’s New in Windows 10’s Creators Update, Arriving Spring 2017

These include the big features that were announced at Microsoft’s October 26, 2016 event, though we’ve also included a list of smaller features they didn’t mention, but we know are coming.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Pocket makes it easier for avid readers to binge on the Web's best articles

Pocket, is introducing many new features to make it easier for people to find great stories to read in their browser.

 

Microsoft adds macro blocker to Office 2013 to stymie old-school attackers

Microsoft says it has added a malware-in-macros blocker to Office 2013 after customers demanded that it expand the feature beyond the latest version, Office 2016.

 

The Best Free Antivirus Protection of 2016

Even if you've upgraded to Windows 10, you shouldn't rely on Microsoft's built-in antivirus when the top-rated free utilities are so much more effective.

 

3 handy image tools you can use in File Explorer

File Explorer's Manage tab for photos has some quick-and-easy photo-management tools for Windows 8 and Windows 10 users.

 

How to pin the Recent Items folder to File Explorer in Windows 10

Access a comprehensive list of all your recent content.

 

Mobile Computing

Google Calendar 5.6.2 adds a Month view homescreen widget

Originally, the redesigned Google Calendar 5.0 annoyingly lacked a typical month view in its initial release for phones. Long since restored, Google Calendar is now finally adding a very useful Month homescreen widget.

 

Hundreds of Millions of People Are Using Smartphones You’ve Never Even Heard Of

"I love the screen on your Oppo R9, but have you seen the camera on my Vivo X7?"

 

This Android keyboard trick fixes bad autocorrect suggestions

Get rid of autocorrect's bad habits by taking out the trash.

 

Apple postpones the AirPods release date to ???

Originally, the new Apple AirPods were set to hit stores in October, but that's not going to happen.

 

How to Troubleshoot Bluetooth Problems on Your iPhone or iPad

Bluetooth can be a little finicky on its best of days. There are several possible points of failure between your iOS device and whatever accessory you’re connecting to. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.

 

Twitter is discontinuing Vine, but existing videos will live on for now

Twitter launched the Vine video sharing app in 2013, and it was a moderate success. Other apps added similar quick video features, but Vine never seemed like a high priority for Twitter.