Now We Know…The Big Windows 10 Update is August 2

Microsoft has announced that the Anniversary Update to Windows 10 will be released, as the headline says, August 2. This is a major update (originally codenamed Redstone 1) and will have many new features.One of the biggest features will be the addition of extensions (AKA Plugins) to the Edge Browser, finally making it usable. I look forward to trying that one out. Also there will be new enhancements to Cortana, the voice assistant now in Windows 10.

Microsoft plans are to update Windows twice a year, although this will be the only one for this year. The next update, AKA Redstone 2, will be in the Spring of next year. Beginning in  2017, Microsoft hopes to stick to its 2 upgrades per year schedule. Of course, these upgrades will all be free to Windows 10 users.

The Anniversary edition will arrive 4 days after the scheduled end of the free Windows 10 upgrade plan which ends on July 29. That is only one month away. So this news might give you pause to think about upgrading to Windows 10 before the free upgrade period ends…if you have not already done so. Microsoft has made it abundantly clear that it will not extend the free upgrade offer after July 29. 

Another big announcement this week comes from Evernote (see story #2). This wonderful note-taking and note collection software will limit the free service users to only using two devices to run the software. As it is cross-platform, I currently have mine on 6 devices, so will have to make a decision as to which devices to use. I admit I was a little miffed when I read that announcement, but then realized all my Evernote notes are also on the Web so I will still be able to access them from every device.

I can’t get real mad at them like some users as their service has been free for all these years.  But, they also raised the prices of their monthly paid services, which has ticked off some other folks. But remember, you can move all your notes to Microsoft’s OneNote which is free for everybody and performs the same services as Evernote on almost every platform.

I use OneNote for almost everything except saving Web pages as I think Evernote does a better job…and I will continue to do that. By the way, the cost of unlimited access to Evernote is now $70 a year. For that exact same money, you can get Office 365 which has all the office programs (including the deluxe OneNote) and one terabyte of free OneDrive storage. That seems like a no-brainer to me.

Let’s now see what else is in store for you in this edition of Rants and Raves. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft's Windows 10: Anniversary Update to hit August 2

Microsoft will release the next big update to Windows 10 on August 2 across the more than 350 million active devices where it is now running, and on other coming new PCs, phones, and more. That is 4 days after the end of the current free upgrade program.

 

Evernote Announces Price Hikes and Two-Device Limit for Free Users

Users of Evernote's free Basic plan will soon be limited to using the service on no more than two devices, such as a computer and a phone, two computers, or a phone and a tablet.

 

Microsoft Eases Transition from Evernote to OneNote

Microsoft now has a OneNote Importer utility that will import your Evernote-based notes into the software giant’s completely free Office-based solution.

 

IBM's Watson may provide a shortcut to treating cancer

The tech giant's cognitive computer system will help oncologists with the data-intensive work of identifying mutations in DNA and finding specific treatments.

 

Amazon Prime Day 2016 announced: 100,000 deals and “dramatically increased inventory”

It’s Black Friday in July all over again. Amazon just announced the second edition of Prime Day, its massive shopping event open exclusively to Prime subscribers.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Cheap Laptops of 2016

Your next PC doesn't have to cost a small fortune. Some of our favorite laptops ring up for well under $500.

 

Google's My Activity reveals just how much it knows about you

The addition to Google’s account settings, called My Activity, allows users to review everything that Google has tracked about their behaviour – across search, YouTube, Chrome, Android and everything else – and edit or delete it at each step.

 

Windows 10 Tutorial: How to reset your PC and keep your files

Windows 10 makes it easy to start over by letting you reset the operating system but keep your files and programs intact. Here is how to find and start this feature.

 

How to Make Windows Troubleshoot Your PC Problems for You

The Windows Control Panel includes a variety of “troubleshooters” designed to quickly diagnose and automatically solve various computer problems. Troubleshooters can’t fix everything, but they’re a great place to start if you encounter a problem with your computer.

 

How to Test Your Computer’s RAM for Problems

Is your computer unstable? There may be a problem with its RAM. To check, you can either use a hidden system tool included with Windows or download and boot a more advanced tool.

 

Mobile Computing

The Best Mobile Hotspots of 2016

Why rely on public hotspots for Wi-Fi when you can bring your own with you, wherever you go? Here's what you need to know to choose the right hotspot, along with the top-rated models available now.

 

Best free Android VPN

Last time we told you what to look for in Android VPN; today we have our top recommendation. Find out which free VPN offers the best combination of data cap, connection options, and user-friendly privacy policy.

 

How to update Android apps

So you've got loads of apps downloaded and installed on your Android smartphone or tablet but can't see how to update them. Find out in our how to update Android apps guide.

 

How to find out if you have the latest Android security patch

Software updates don't always guarantee you're up to speed with security. Here's where to look.

 

Disable three iOS features you likely use only by accident

Some features only get in the way. Learn how to disable two iPhone features and one iPad feature that you probably can do without.

 

How to set up and use the News app for iPhone and iPad

If you don't feel like getting the newspaper every day and prefer your news on the go, the News app for iPhone and iPad is there to keep you up-to-date on all the news that's important to you. Here's how to get started!

Just Say No…Now It’s Easy

You may have heard of people who were upgraded to Windows 10 without their permission…or it may have happened to you. And while Windows 10 is the best Windows ever, no one, including Microsoft, has the right to upgrade your computer without your permission.

The problem was that you did give your permission, without even knowing it! This is where Microsoft turned devious. You probably saw a pop-up Window similar to the one above that told you it was time to upgrade and that you can do it now or later this evening. Not much of a choice. If you saw that and said I don’t like those choices, you probably clicked the Red X in the upper right corner to get rid of the screen. When you did that, you gave Microsoft permission to upgrade your computer.

Now that is devious and just plain wrong! In January, Microsoft changed Windows 10 to a “Recommended Update.” They made no bones about it and publicly announced this change the previous October. Now, most of us have Windows set up to automatically update their computers with recommended and critical updates. By having it set up that way, you gave Microsoft permission to upgrade your computer. The devious part was not giving you more pop-up Windows telling you your computer was going to be upgraded with a chance to cancel the upgrade!

Most of us don’t think about the classifications of upgrades. Why should you? Yes, by allowing upgrades, we assume Microsoft will give us improvements, fixes, and mostly additional protection from data thieves. I don’t think anyone gave them the right to change your entire operating system without fair warning.

Microsoft took a lot of heat for these tactics and deservedly so. Now, with only a month left for the free upgrade, they will be using the above screen that gives you the right to just say NO!  Besides the criticism, Microsoft had to shell out $10,000 to settle a lawsuit over this very issue (see story #2). This new “say no” screen should have been used a few months ago.

There is more good information here, but from this point on, you have to take charge. PS: Just to be clear, by clicking on a link to read story, you are saying YES! -JRC   

Tech News and Opinions

 Microsoft to make saying no to Windows 10 update easier

Microsoft is changing the wording of its 'Get Windows 10' update prompt to make cancelling the free update easier and clearer.

Microsoft pays out $10,000 for automatic Windows 10 installation

Company withdraws appeal leaving it liable for $10,000 compensation judgment after botched automatic upgrade of travel agent’s computer

 

19 Things You Didn't Know Your Chromecast Could Do

While the ultraportable device is pretty much plug and play, there are a few tips and tricks that can make casting more magical. Check them out here.

 

Brexit campaign wipes its homepage amid accusations of false promises - CNET

Prominent Brexiters have been backtracking on key promises made during the EU referendum. Now the campaign's homepage has erased links to those claims

 

Opinion: 7 Reasons Why You Don't Need a Tablet Anymore

Early adopters of tablets often talk about how little use they have for these devices any more. For several, their tablets sit on the coffee table in the same position for days.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Roku puts your laptop in control of movie night

The updated Windows 10 app is ready for touchscreen, mouse or voice control.

 

Microsoft tweaks activation rules for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update

Microsoft this week announced a seemingly minor change to its activation process. Under the new rules, it should be easier to reactivate Windows on a PC after major hardware changes. But is there more to the story?

Google sharpens Maps, Earth with petabyte of crisp NASA satellite imagery

Google Earth and Maps now offer sharper images of the world, thanks to fresh data from NASA's newest Landsat satellite.

 

Is Your PC Running Smoothly? Make Sure with a System Diagnostics Report

The Performance Monitor is one of many useful tools buried deep in Windows. It can generate a System Diagnostics Report with information about problems and suggestions of how to fix them.

 

Your router isn't as fast as you think it is. Here's why.

Here is a good explanation of Wi-Fi speeds and how to manage your networking expectations.

 

Mobil Computing

The 7 things to delete first when your iPhone storage is full

To get back space on your phone, it means you'll need to get rid of some stuff. But don't worry — if you do it smart, you'll barely notice what you've deleted. Here are seven things things you should toss out if you need to free up even more space

 

5 Android shortcuts you'll wish you knew all along

While Android doesn't have keyboard shortcuts, these time-saving tips are the next best thing.

 

How to encrypt your iOS or Android device

Keep your personal data protected in a few easy steps.

 

Make slow-motion videos on a phone video

A short video on how to make slow motion videos with your smartphone.

 

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Plan

Carriers go out of their way to make it as difficult as possible to find straightforward prices or any plan on offer. This may help you get a handle on the best prices for you.

 

11 Secret Codes That Unlock Hidden Features on Your Phone

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)—sometimes known as "quick codes" or "feature codes"—is an extra-UI protocol, which allows people to use hidden features.

Sticking with Windows 7? Here is What You Need to Know

Check out our first article in the Computer Tips and Tricks section. It is for all you stubborn Windows 7 users who don’t want to upgrade to Windows 10. While I don’t necessarily agree with your decision, I completely understand. Why change when what you have works just fine. Upgrades can be scary. Will it all go well, or will there be problems? I upgraded 3 computers and one mobile device and I can tell you all four went well and they all still work perfectly.

If you decide to make the jump, be sure and do a complete backup…preferably a clone of your hard drive. That way, if you do have problems, you can wipe out the Windows 10 drive and restore your clone copy. I would also run a complete virus scan and clean out all the stuff you don’t want to keep prior to making the clone. I suggest using the Windows 7 Built-in Backup…its free since it already on your computer. I used it for years without any problems.

Many of you know I switched to a MAC as my main computer and mostly love it. Like Windows, it too has some issues that drive me a little crazy. But I also use Windows 10. I estimate that I use my MAC about 70% of the time and Windows 10 about 30%. I use Windows 10 mainly because there are some programs that are not available for the MAC.

For instance, I write this blog using a new version of Windows Live Writer on my desktop computer (last week I used it on my laptop as I was not home). There is not one blog application for the MAC that works this well. Another example: The Office 365 version of OneNote is far superior to the Office 365 OneNote application for the MAC. So I will happily keep using Windows for these two apps and a few others.

I bring all this up as there is only 36 days left in the free Windows 10 upgrade program. After that, it will cost $119 to upgrade. Of course, you can wait until you get a new computer sometime in the future. But be aware that Windows 7 is no longer available on new computers. So you are going to get Windows 10, one way or another. Personally, I think Windows 10 is the best Windows ever made. So I advise you to think strongly about upgrading for free before July 29.

PS: around the same time, there will be a major upgrade to Windows 10 with lots of new features, so keep that in mind also.

Plenty of other good tips and some interesting news in this edition see keep on reading…please. Thanks. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Senate rejects FBI bid for warrantless access to internet browsing histories

An amendment designed to allow the government warrantless access to internet browsing histories has been narrowly defeated in the Senate.

 

Opinion: Is It Time For Microsoft To Rebrand?

CEO Satya Nadella has been creating a new Microsoft...maybe its time for a new brand.

 

Being open source is killing Android

Once Google has released a new version, the OEMs and carriers are free to tinker with it to their heart's ontent. That results in fragmentation.

 

5G technology  gets a shot in the arm from the FCC

Chairman Tom Wheeler wants to make sure the US stays No. 1 in wireless. He's got a plan to free up additional spectrum for 5G wireless technology.

 

Amazon unveils all-new Kindle

Amazon's all-new Kindle is now 11 percent thinner and 16 percent lighter than the previous generation Kindle, making it easier to hold for longer. Priced at $79.95

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Sticking with Windows 7? 5 Things Every Stubborn Windows 7 User Should Do

Whatever your reason, you need to keep your security in mind if you’re sticking with Windows 7. Here are a few tips for anyone who hopes to stick with Microsoft’s most popular operating system.

 

The best paid VPN for Windows

Virtual private networks offer a number of advantages: secure Internet access, greater privacy when you're Web browsing, and access to geo-restricted content. We've tested paid VPN services to find out which one is worth your money.

 

Useful hidden features in Office 365

As you or your company keeps paying for it, Microsoft automatically adds cool new features. Here is a list of the best, little-known things you could do with the software.

 

Windows 10 tip: Look up your IP address quickly

You don't need to dig deep into Control Panel or use a command line to find your IP address. That information (IPv4 and IPv6) is in Task Manager, if you know where to look.

 

How to Run Any Program as a Background Service in Windows

If you’re like most Windows users, you have lots of great little utilities that run when you start Windows. While this works great for most apps, there are some that would be nice to start even before a user logs in to the PC.

 

Mobil Computing

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans You've Never Heard Of

There are a lot of smartphone options beyond the big four carriers in the US. If you're looking to save money, these lesser-known plans might be the ticket.

How to choose an Android VPN

How do you pick the trustworthy and useful VPNs out of a lineup of possibly shady characters?

 

The Best Android Phones of 2016

Apple's iPhone not up your alley? Here's how to find the right Google-powered alternative, along with our top-rated Android phones.

 

Snapseed 2.6 is rolling out now to iOS & Android

Often called the best photo editor for mobil devices, Google has announced that the latest version of its photo editor Snapseed is now rolling out to iOS and Android users. The latest version packs a slew of useful features.

 

Which iPhone lens is best? The Zeiss ExoLens looks like a winner.

The iPhone has one of the best smartphone cameras out there. The only thing holding it back? Its fixed lens.

 

12 Tips to Master Email on iOS

Sticking with the original Mail app isn't a bad thing, however. Whatever you use, take a look at what is unique—it may help you decide on exactly what app you want serving up your inbox.

Apple Now Paying Consumers for Price Fixing Scandal

If you read e-books, you may be getting a check or credit from Apple as part of its $400 million dollar settlement for price-fixing with major publishing companies. This clear-cut, long-running case of price fixing finally now comes to an end. The publishing companies involved all settled a long time ago. Apple held on saying they were innocent. An appellate court said otherwise and the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal.

So how much will you get? $6.93 for every book that a New York Times best seller and $1.57 for all other books. Not a lot to be sure, but I guess it is better than nothing. It is nice to know that Apple and the others all got caught trying to screw us. Oh, and by the way, the lawyers in the case get $50 million. I guess its better to be a lawyer than a book reader. Of course all this money is just a drop in the bucket for Apple.

There are other good stories here as well as some great tips and tricks for all your computing devices. So read on and enjoy. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Ebook Purchasers to Receive $400M from Apple in Price-Fixing Settlement

Attorneys representing the consumers argued that Apple inflated ebook prices 30 to 50% and participated in anticompetitive price-fixing with the publishing companies.

 

Microsoft shows how bad Chrome is for your laptop's battery

Microsoft has been busy conducting its own series of battery test experiments to prove what we already know: Chrome drains your battery.

 

Which browser is most popular on each major operating system?

New data from the U.S. Government Digital Analytics Program finally provides hard numbers about web usage. Here's a breakdown of which browsers are winning on the four most widely used desktop and mobile operating systems.

 

Apple ramps up privacy - now all iOS apps must encrypt web connections by year end

Apple is accelerating its push for encryption, mandating that all iOS apps enforce secure connections over the web by the end of 2016.

 

Surprise! The First Big Company With the Nerve to Get Into the Marijuana Business Is...Microsoft

Just a few days after buying LinkedIn, Microsoft announces new cloud-based pot compliance software.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

 

SSD vs. HDD: What's the Difference?

Do you like your storage plentiful and cheap, or do you like it fast and safe? Here's how to choose between a traditional hard drive and a solid-state drive in your next PC.

 

Clean PC: Microsoft's Refresh Windows Tool Can Help Make Windows 10 Crapware-Free

The Refresh Windows tool will be available from within Windows 10 going forward and will let users remove all of the crapware that comes with a new PC. Now that’s progress.

 

Siri vs. Cortana: How Siri showed up Cortana at Apple's WWDC demo

Apple isn't going to let Microsoft claim that it has the most productive digital assistant without a fight.

 

35 Tips Every Evernote User Must Know

Evernote is, quite simply, an online spot to store anything and everything you might find of interest, to read or utilize later. The more you add, the more useful it becomes.

 

Stop videos from autoplaying in your browser

When you go to a website to read an article, you want to read the article, not listen to a video.

 

Mobile Computing

Yahoo launches new Radar smart travel guide & assistant app for iPhone

Yahoo launched a new iOS app called ‘Radar’ that it says will act as a smart travel guide, offering up recommendations on points of interest and pulling in trip itineraries, reservations and other travel information.

 

Apple Maps in iOS 10 will watch you, even if you're using Google Maps

Apple appears to have a plan to make Apple Maps more compelling than Google Maps: let its software watch everything you do and offer to help whenever possible

 

The 7 best VR games for iPhone

No Android? No problem! There are plenty of cool VR games for iOS. All you need is a headset

 

Google adds 2-step verification approval prompt on Android devices

Starting today, you can approve account logins from a prompt on your authorized mobile device

 

How to take better photos with your Android phone

Take your Android photography to the next level with these tips and tricks for capturing masterpieces with your smartphone.

 

Android thieves beware: Google readies kill switch to remote-brick lost devices

A new brick function could provide a more thorough remote wipe than is currently possible on Android.

Court Stop Comcast &Others from Taking Control of the Net

The Internet, for now, shall remain neutral and open…not subject to the whims of profit hungry scumbags like Comcast, Time Warner, AT&T, and Century Link, to name a few. But, don’t worry, those guys will keep trying to increase their control and profits at our expense. Our first story will spell out all the details.

There is other news here also, but I will let you take over from here. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Court Upholds FCC's Net Neutrality Rules

An appeals court rejected a challenge to the FCC's open Internet order, handing the agency a major victory.

House lawmakers vote to reject ban on tech backdoors, warrantless spying on Americans

The bill would have also prevented the federal government from forcing tech companies to include surveillance "backdoors" in their products.

 

FBI has 411 million photos in its facial recognition system, and a federal watchdog isn't happy

The watchdog said it had "concerns regarding both the effectiveness of the technology" and the "protection of privacy and individual civil liberties.

 

Hidden iOS 10 features Apple didn’t show us

Apple’s first preview of iOS 10 was jam-packed with new features and improvements, but there are plenty that we didn’t get to hear about during the WWDC keynote. Here’s a long list of new things you can look forward to using this fall.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 tip: Stay organized using virtual desktops

You no longer need third-party software to use virtual desktops, now that this feature is included in Windows 10 as part of Task View. Here's how to create extra desktops and move open apps and windows between them.

 

Adding Features to Windows 10

Microsoft gives users the ability to turn off (or turn on) certain programs, apps and utilities that are not essential. Here is how to do it.

 

Microsoft fixes critical flaws in Windows, IE, Edge, and Office

Patches for more than 40 flaws are covered in 16 security bulletins, six of which rated critical

 

5 awesome Google Keep features you aren't using, but should

On the surface it's a stylish basic note taking app, but dig deeper and it ties into several other Google services, making it easier to get things done.

 

How to tell if you’re infected with malware

Picture this: you start your computer and wait. And wait. And wait some more. When your desktop finally shows its face, things don’t get any better.

 

Mobile Computing

17 Tricks to Using Your iPhone Like a Boss

Did you know you could actually correct Siri's pronunciation?​ Or charge your phone faster with a single button? Good tips here!

 

Tip of the Day: How to Receive AirDrop Files on Your iPhone

With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send and receive photos, videos, websites, locations, and more with nearby devices running on iOS 7 or later.

 

Verizon patches email flaw that exposed user accounts

The critical email flaw is the latest which places Verizon email accounts at risk.

 

Fastest Mobile Networks

PC Magazine traveled to 30 US cities to test data speeds on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. Find out which network is the best where you live.

 

How to easily root an Android device

Free utility KingoRoot makes it a snap to take total control of just about any Android smartphone. Here's how to use it.

Want the Latest Apple Updates? Patience is Required

Apple’s WDDC Keynote Address was all about the new Operating Systems for their watch, TV, Macs, and portable devices. Lots of great new features coming your way…in about 4 months. That’s right, everything Apple announced yesterday is all in the future. Sad, in a way, at least for our “we want it now” culture. But, never-the-less, there are some nice new features coming in the operating systems.

In Apple’s defense, this was a developers conference. Thousands of them came to San Francisco to hear all the news as it relates to them. And they were not disappointed. The biggest news for them was that Apple is finally opening up some of its closely held apps for developer input. That includes Siri, Apple Maps, Messages, and a few others. This is a major step and hopefully will eventually result in better products for us all in the future.

The one thing they never mentioned was iTunes. There were several stories before the conference that iTunes was going to be completely revamped which was a big deal for many, many folks, including myself. It was never mentioned.

By far, the biggest changes were for iOS 10. This is the OS that runs our iPhones and iPads. Several upgrades were demonstrated and some look exciting (but not overwhelming). For those of you interested in what happened yesterday, our first three stories will tell you a lot more. So enjoy. Be sure and check out our tips and tricks for computers and portable devices to see what you can do to make your computing better right now. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Everything Apple announced at WWDC 2016 in one handy list

This year’s keynote from Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference is a wrap – but if you missed it, here’s a recap of the important bits you need to know.

 

Apple's WWDC laundry list leaves us high and dry

From a new name for OS X to a revamped Apple Music, the company lays out a dizzying array of new features and improvements. But few stand out in an event that's all over the place.

 

What we didn't get at WWDC 2016

Apple announced a lot of new features at its developer's conference, but it failed to deliver some on our wish list. Here's what wasn't announce at WWDC 2016.

 

Microsoft to buy LinkedIn for $26.2B in cash, makes big move into enterprise social media

Microsoft has announced that it is acquiring LinkedIn, the social network for professionals with some 433 million users, for $26.2 billion, or $196 per share, in cash.

 

Microsoft Just Made the Xbox One a Lot Smaller

Xbox One S exists, and it’s the slimmer, svelter version of Microsoft’s console you’ve probably already read about.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Ultimate Guide to Google Photos

With unlimited photo backups, beautiful materialized applications across platforms and a web interface, this app is just perfect

 

How to get Windows 7's Start menu in Windows 10

Not everyone likes the new Windows 10 Start menu. The good news is you can replace it with something more traditional.

 

Facebook will delete your synced photos unless you download its Moments app

Facebook users are receiving an email from the social network asking them to download another of the company's apps if they wish to continue using a service that syncs their photos.

 

Clean up iTunes by hiding Apple Music

If you use iTunes but not Apple Music, you can simplify iTunes 12.4's interface by hiding all of the Apple Music-related buttons.

 

Windows 10's Microsoft Solitaire Collection is slowly becoming the game fans want

The game has been updating on a fairly regular basis recently with a lot of improvements to stability and more bug fixes.

 

Mobil Computing

How I cut my data usage in half on Android

The first step, of course, is poking around in Android's own data menu to see which apps were using the most data.

 

How to back up your precious photos while traveling abroad

Here is how you prevent phone thieves in foreign lands from stealing your vacation memories.

 

How to back up your iPad using iCloud or iTunes

Backing up your iPad is the most important habit you should try to keep with regard to routine maintenance of your device. It’s the first step in your line of defense before ever attempting any trouble-shooting measures.

 

How to Use the Self-Timer on Your iPhone's Camera

It's easy to put yourself in the picture using the self-timer on your iPhone's camera. The process is simple thanks to the timer icon located prominently at the top of your screen in the Camera app

 

How to travel with a Wi-Fi-only iPad

Get five travel tips to make the iPad the perfect travel companion.

 

News junkies get a new way to mainline headlines

Lumi uses magic background algorithms to offer you news stories that actually match your news reading habits. For Android and iOS.

I Was In A VR World…for 15 Minutes

Yes, that’s right. I put on a VR headset and was immediately immersed in a whole different world. How did this happen?

Well, last week one of my sightseeing stops was in Minneapolis…in fact, I was in the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the US. Let me tell you, this place is huge! It is so big that there are 3 roller coasters inside it, not to mention several other amusement park rides. And, oh yes, over 400 stores.

I decided to stop at the Apple Store to noodle around…and right directly across from it was a large Microsoft Store. And they were offering a free demonstration of the Vive VR headset. Of course I had to try it out. So I slipped the headset over my face, put on the earphones and grabbed the two hand controllers.

After doing some initial setup, including focusing, the Microsoft people turned on the 15 minute presentation. I immediately found myself underwater, standing on the deck of a sunken ship, watching all sorts of marine life swimming around me. I could physically turn  around and see this underwater world. Beautiful fish swam close to my face. Then, a giant whale paid me a close visit. That was amazing! He stayed for a couple of minutes before slowly swimming off.

The next demo was a drawing application. With the controllers, I could draw lines and circles in three dimensions, then walk into the depth of my drawing and look all around it. I should mention that a visual representative of the controllers was on the screen the whole time so I could see the correct buttons to push.

Finally, of course, came a game. Flying saucers came at me in all directions and I could fire laser canons at them using the controllers. It was all in 3 dimensions of course and seemed quite real, although I new it was a simulation. I managed to wipe out several saucers before I ran out of time.

All-in-all, it was quite exciting although it was easy to see we are only in the early days of the product. They will only get better. Will I buy one? Extremely doubtful. But it was sure fun trying it out. If you want to learn more about the Vive, be sure and read the interesting C-Net Review here. 

In other news, the big annual Apple World Wide Developers conference begins on Monday with the keynote address beginning at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Look for in-depth coverage here next week. Our first story offers a preview of the event.

I will let you take over from here. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple’s WWDC 2016: Siri, iOS 10, Apple Music, and what else to expect

WWDC is on Monday — and this year, Apple has more to talk about than ever. That's because WWDC is Apple's software show, and Apple now has four distinct operating systems to discuss: iOS, OS X, watchOS, and tvOS.

 

Apple Campus 2 June Update

Here is the latest aerial tour via drone of Apple's stunning new headquarters, Apple Campus 2. Photographed in high def video.

 

U.S. House bans Yahoo Mail, Google App Engine over malware concerns

The bans are in response of cybercriminals abusing those services to spread ransomware and malware

 

Yahoo publishes FBI's secret requests for user data

Company is the first to publicly acknowledge receiving National Security Letters based on reforms to the Patriot Act. The special subpoenas give government access to tons of user data without a judge's review.

 

More than 32 million Twitter credentials reportedly hacked

LeakedSource says it has a database of more than 32 million stolen Twitter credentials. Luckily, checking to see if you're affected is easy.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Extend Windows 10’s 30-Day Limit for Rolling Back to Windows 7 or 8.1

After that, Windows takes the option away from you. But there’s a way to extend this time limit at the cost of some disk space.

 

Stop Facebook tracking you across the web, change these settings

It takes less than a minute to opt-out of Facebook's new ads system.

 

Vivaldi 1.2 'Google-free' Chrome browser is out - with custom mouse gestures, smarter tabs

Vivaldi crams more customization features into its browser in the latest update, targeting tabs and mouse gestures. JRC: Vivaldi is now my default browser. Love it!

 

Why you should use the OneDrive app in Windows 10

The OneDrive Windows Store app for Windows 10 makes viewing offloaded files easier.

 

36 Gmail Tips That Will Help You Conquer Email

If Gmail is a huge part of your life, it's time you became a power user. These tips will get you there.

 

Mobil Computing

Using Google Now for iOS

You can still use the basic Google Now service on the iPhone, as long as it has been enabled.

 

People are keeping their old iPhones longer

Is it possible people like their iPhones a little too much?

 

The best budget Android phones you can buy right now

There are new smartphones hitting the market constantly, but which is the best buy when you’re trying to save a buck or two (or hundred)?

 

The best photo editing app for Android

The fast way to deal with photo issues right on your phone is Adobe's Photoshop Express app, available for Android, iOS, and Windows.

 

Managing Your Photo Collection in the Smart Phone Age

We need a way that all of us can see all of our photos in one place. Right now, it’s a mess. My proposal is this.

 

How to search Photos with Siri

You can search for photos by typing in places or dates, or you can search by telling Siri where and when you want to look for.

Back Home from the Greatest Spectacle in Racing

As promised, I am back from my trip from the Midwest. While I enjoyed myself thoroughly and had a busy, busy schedule, it is always good to be back home. I can’t tell you how special it was to spend three days at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 100th running of the Indy 500. That was amazing! No matter how big that track looks on TV, it is even bigger when you are there. Wow!. And those cars moving at around 220 mph…Double WOW! So glad I got to fill a life-long dream.

This trip actually took me through 4 states…Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. All four are absolutely beautiful this time of year…but the heat and humidity might spoil it all in the summer, and the bitter cold will definitely spoil it in the winter. So I saw them all at the exact right time of year.

Other highlights include a visit to Notre Dame, a day in Minneapolis, and a stay in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. While in Minneapolis, I saw both Target Field, home of the Twins, and the new football stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, now in the final stages of construction.  Let me tell you that is an amazing piece of architecture that you would never guess to be a football stadium. Another big WOW!. Also got to wander around the Mall of American…the biggest shopping mall in the US. Believe it or not, it houses 3 roller coasters, multiple other amusement park rides and 400+ stores. Its a big one! But as I said, glad to be home.

Doesn’t look like I missed much in the world of high tech…at least in major news stories. But I was still able to easily put together this newsletter with lots of good tips. If you use Windows 10, be sure and read the story about using a PIN number rather than a password to log on. I started using it before I left on vacation and it sure makes it easier to get started.

OK…enough from me. Take a look and see if I found anything useful for your needs. I bet I did! -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 usage continues to rise, but users say no to the Edge browser

The latest figures from multiple analytics firms show that usage of Windows 10 has doubled in the past six months, with as many as one in four Windows PCs running Microsoft's latest OS. But the default Windows 10 browser, Microsoft Edge, is struggling.

 

Google Demonstrates Why Bringing Android Apps to Chromebook is So Disruptive

The firm has released a video showing how these two platforms will work together. And this is bad news for Windows.

 

Verizon's 'Can you hear me now?' guy is back...with Sprint

Sprint nabs Verizon's former pitchman in what might be the ultimate troll move.

 

Why PCs roared back to life at Computex 2016

The PC's not just alive and kicking, but innovating like crazy.

 

Opinion: iOS, Android, and Windows too: Quit your bitching and upgrade already

Waiting until you have a catastrophic failure or a major security event to upgrade your system is never a best practice.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Add a PIN to Your Account in Windows 10

How to sign into Windows 10 with a PIN Number rather than a password.

 

5 ways to stop spam from invading your email

We're all sick of Nigerian scams, pseudo-sexy invitations, and click-for-malware buttons.

 

3 ways to recover an older version of an existing file

Sometimes, you need the day-before-yesterday's version of a file. Here's how to get it.

 

Home networking: Everything you need to know

Wi-Fi, access point, router, 802.11ac. Networking can be a pain! But it doesn't have to be if you know what you're doing. Then it's actually fun! This is where you start.

 

Home networking: Everything you need to know

Wi-Fi, access point, router, 802.11ac. Networking can be a pain! But it doesn't have to be if you know what you're doing. Then it's actually fun! This is where you start.

 

Mobile Computing

How to use Notes on iPhone and iPad: The ultimate guide

Notes lets you collect all your words, images, videos, links, lists, locations, and more, all in one place, and sync them across all your Apple devices

 

How to use Maps for iPhone and iPad: The Ultimate Guide

How do you find places, get directions, discover points of interest and nearby attractions, see the world in 3D and flyover the world's greatest landmarks? With Apple's built-in Maps app, that's how!

 

Cell phones and cancer: 9 things you should know right now

The debate over whether cell phone use is hazardous to your health isn't over, and it may never be.

 

Google Keyboard for Android update brings one-handed mode, new gestures, and more

"The addition of a one-handed mode will be welcomed by owners of large screened devices. You can quickly activate the one-handed mode by holding the comma button.

 

Android Central's top 5 picks for Computex 2016!

With Computex 2016 wrapped up, we've picked the best of the best Android-related gadgets you need to know about from this year's show.