Lots of errata to cover this day. First, Amazon’s big one day Prime Day sale. As you can see by the headline of our first story, it was a big success…and it really was a big, big sale. Tons of items, all on sale in this one day blockbuster. I only bought one item: a 750 GB, $200 SSD drive. Bottom line, I saved $90 on it. That is a really good deal!
Second, the big Pokémon Go privacy fiasco. This game was a huge overnight success with millions of people downloading and playing the game. It is a augmented reality game meant to be played in various location around the country…some of them highly inappropriate… such as Holocaust Museum and the 9-1-1 Memorial. If you see groups of people looking at their cell phones someplace, they are probably playing Pokémon.
But the biggest problem with the game is the invasion of your privacy. Originally, when you downloaded it, you gave it permission to access all your Google information like contacts, e-mail, photos, and other information that you may wish to keep private. The Pokémon people say it has been fixed, but I would not count on it. If you must play it, make sure you get the latest version to protect some of your privacy. Personally, I wouldn’t touch the game with a 10 foot pool. I have no interest in it and the privacy issues are scary. Be warned!
Finally, some good news. Audible, the company that lends audio books (over 250,000 of them) for a monthly fee, has added “Channels” to its lineup. Channels offer more bite-size content from original content producers, as well as recordings of news stores from NYT, WSJ, The Washington Post and others. You can choose from fictional short stories in different genres, non-fiction like history, or news stories.
If you are an Audible subscriber ($14.95 a month), Channels is free. Otherwise it is $4.95 a month. I was a beta tester for Channels and I can tell you it is wonderful. I have listened to various stories and quite a bit of news. I love Audible and regularly listen to books of my choice…great for driving. Channels is a marvelous addition.
I am tired of writing so I will let you read all the news that is fit to print plus some great how-to’s for your computers and mobile devices. Have a great weekend! –JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Amazon's Prime Day breaks single-day sales record
On an otherwise typical Tuesday in July, Amazon pulled off the biggest single day of sales in its more than 20 years of doing business, outdoing all previous Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
iOS version of Pokémon Go is a possible privacy train wreck
Niantic has confirmed in a statement that the Pokémon Go app requests more permissions than it needs but that it has not accessed any user information.
Senator Al Franken issues letter asking Niantic to clarify privacy concerns on Pokémon Go
Although one of the most glaring issues was fixed in an update issued earlier today, this statement comes with a longer and more detailed list on clarification of how the data is being used.
Microsoft is Bringing Skype to Linux, Chromebook and Chrome Web Browser
If you’re feeling a little frosty this morning, it might be because hell just froze over.
Audible’s new Channels audio content subscription service is a bet on a voice-powered future
Amazon-owned Audible announced a new service called Channels, one that differs from its typical audiobook business in offering more bite-size content from original content producers, as well as recordings of news stores from NYT, WSJ, The Washington Post and others.
Computer Tips and Tricks
Firefox will get overhaul in bid to get you interested again
The newest version of the browser includes technology designed to speed it up and lock it down.
How to Show the Control Panel and Recycle Bin in the Windows File Explorer Navigation Pane
A quick setting change can make your navigation pane look a bit more like the traditional tree you’d see in an Open/Save As dialog box, with a few normally hidden folders–like the Control Panel and Recycle Bin–to the view as a bonus.
3 alternatives if you don't want to enter a password on your Windows machine
You boot your PC; you enter your password. You come back from a break; you enter your password. You open your laptop; you enter your password. Let's make this easier.
17 Tricks to Master Google Photos
Read this for all the little tricks that will allow you to get the most out of your account.
How to Use Virtual Desktops in Windows 10
Virtual desktops were finally added as a built-in feature in Windows 10. If you open a lot of programs at once, this feature allows you to keep them organized.
Mobile Computing
OK, Google: 160 valuable voice commands for Android
This diverse collection of voice commands will turn your phone into a powerful personal concierge -- no tipping required.
The Superbook is a $99 laptop shell for your Android phone
The Superbook is a 11.6-inch laptop shell allows your Android smartphone to run a desktop-like operating system.
10 new Android apps worth checking out
The weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs.
How to use Snapchat
We’re not going to sugar coat it: Snapchat can be confusing as hell. The app is so different from other social networks, those coming from Instagram or Facebook may find it extremely daunting, especially if you’re just starting out.
iPhone Camera: The Ultimate Guide
The built-in Camera app for iPhone and iPad lets you take amazing photos, panoramas, bursts, time-lapses, videos, slo-mos, and more!
The best iPhone widgets 2016
We've collected the 10 best apps that use widgets creatively to keep you up to date and entertained — all from your iPhone's lock screen.
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