Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thank God March is Almost Here

I must admit I get tired listening and reading all talk about Apple vs. The FBI. It is definitely a big story and needs to be heard. On Thursday, March 26, the two sides will square off in court to present their arguments. But, don’t look for any decision until sometime in March. The wheels of justice grind ever so slow.

I shared my opinion about the brew-ha-ha in our last edition so I will refrain from any more rhetoric on the subject. However, our first three stories will give you more insight into the whole thing. 

In other news, the week-long Mobile World Conference wraps up at the end of the week. This is the largest mobile technology show in the world and there are many new phones, tablets and other devices being shown there. Apple and Microsoft are no-shows, as usual. So the phones being shown there are all Android. Story #4 will give you all the news that is fit to print about the show.

As I said in the headline, I am glad that March is almost upon us. Why? Because other big stories that don’t involve the courts and lawsuits will take place inside those 31 days. Both Apple and Microsoft have one each of their annual events taking place in March, and many new products, along with a few surprises, with be announced. As a user of both Microsoft and Apple products, I look forward to these shows with eager anticipation.

There are other good stories here, not to mention tips and tricks for all your techy gadgets. So have at it…and enjoy the upcoming weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple to argue First Amendment in iPhone encryption fight

To prevent the unlocking of an iPhone linked to the San Bernardino terrorist shootings, Apple's attorneys will assert that computer code should be protected as free speech.

 

Apple reportedly working to harden iOS security in response to FBI dispute

According to a new report, Apple is already hard at work on creating new security measures to further protect iOS devices from the type of workaround at issue in the company's current dispute with the FBI.

 

Rallies Take Place in Over 50 US Cities to Support Apple in FBI Case

Following on from limited protests in California last week, rallies extended from Albuquerque to Washington DC to support Apple's insistence that complying with the bureau's demands risked compromising the security of millions of users' data

 

Mobil World Congress 2016

Here are all the major products and stories coming out of this year's Mobil Congress going on in Barcelona, Spain. Lot of new phones and other devices.

 

Microsoft's new tally for Windows 10: 200 Million

The number includes not only personal computers and tablets, but also Xbox One video game consoles and smartphones now running a preview of Windows 10 Mobile.

Computer Tips and Tricks

Three easy ways to paste plain text into Word

Pasting formatted text from the web can often be a hassle—but not if you use these tricks.

 

Use voice commands to write and format text with Google Docs

Google Docs added voice typing last year, but you can now use it to edit and format your document.

 

Why You Should Upgrade Your Router (Even If You Have Older Gadgets)

Many people have the attitude that it doesn’t matter if their router is older because their phone, laptop, or other wireless gear isn’t cutting edge anyways. Even if you don’t have brand new tech toys you still benefit from upgrading a dated router.

 

Windows 10 telemetry secrets: Where, when, and why Microsoft collects your data

How does Windows 10 telemetry really work? It's not a state secret. I've gone through the documentation and sorted out the where, when, and why. If you're concerned about private documents accidentally leaving your network, you might want to turn the telemetry setting down.

 

10 ways to customize the taskbar in Windows 10

We were all excited to get the Start menu back in Windows 10, and we wasted no time in customizing it to the best of our abilities. But what about the poor, neglected taskbar, who never left us in the first place? Here's how to make the taskbar look pretty and work for you.

Mobil Computing

How to use iMessage for iPhone and iPad

iMessage lets you send text, pictures, videos, sound, location, and more—right from your iPhone and iPad!

 

8 Android voice commands that are actually really useful

Everyday Android tasks like setting an alarm or getting Google Maps directions are often easier to do with voice commands than by swiping and tapping.

 

Adobe brings Lightroom for Android up to par

Adobe released an update to Photoshop Lightroom for Android that puts the free image-editing and -organizing app on equal footing with the iOS version.

 

Morgan Freeman Waze GPS navigation system

Morgan Freeman is finally a GPS navigation voice. The actor will be lending his reassuring voice to Google’s app Waze. Well, for a limited time.

 

8 Android voice commands that are actually really useful

Everyday Android tasks like setting an alarm or getting Google Maps directions are often easier to do with voice commands than by swiping and tapping.

 

How to quickly rid your inbox of junk mail with a single iPhone app

If you’re looking for a better way to manage email subscriptions and junk mail, your life is about to get a whole lot better. Unroll.me is an iPhone app that lets you quickly triage and manage all your subscriptions in one place.

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