Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Countdown Begins for the End of Free Upgrade

Windows 10 upgrade prompt

It’s not like we haven’t told you this repeatedly for the last 11 months, but just wanted to warn you that Microsoft is going to bug you about it one last time. If you already upgraded like me, you won’t be seeing this. Thank God for that. So you have 24 days left before Microsoft stops bugging you…less if you upgrade.

And while the clock runs for for the end of the free upgrade, the countdown is also running for the release date of the Windows Anniversary Edition on August 2. I think that is exciting…well maybe just a little exciting. But, that is just me. I am also excited about the release of the new MAC-OS and the new iOS for Apple phones and tablets in a couple of months.

Around that same time, Apple will tell us about the new iPhone 7. Now I do find that exciting as I will be able to upgrade to this year. However, some of the rumors going on make me a little cautious. The one rumor that might be a deal killer is the possibility of doing away with the headphone jack to make way for new lightning port headphones. Talk about creating a solution to a non-existent problem!

The other rumor I heard today was that they will do away with the 16 GB memory option and go with 32 GB as the starting point. That is good. But they will also do away with the 64 GB option which is bad. I have the 64 GB memory chip in my current iPhone and have over half of it unused. For me, that means 32 GB would be too small and 128 GB would be too big.

As I said, these are only rumors right now. Apple keeps their secrets very well, even better than the CIA or NSA. We shall have to wait until September to find out the truth. What is not a rumor is all the stories, tips and tricks that are included in this edition. So why don’t you get to it. -JRC   

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft goes full-screen for final Windows 10 upgrade nag

The software giant is preparing one last push to convince people to upgrade to Windows 10. Will you do it?

 

Apple to offer U.S. iPhone-users easy opt-in for national organ donor registry

The move comes shortly after the U.S. government vowed to reduce waiting times for organ transplants, noting that a person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes, while 22 people die waiting every day.

 

Walmart now lets customers pay with its app at many stores across the US

The service is getting close to reaching nationwide availability.

 

Android N is now Android Nougat

Nougat is the latest dessert-themed version of Android, due out later this summer. The announcement comes after the company said at I/O last month that users could submit suggestions for the name online.

 

The FBI recommends not to indict Hillary Clinton for email misconduct

Despite the significant evidence and serious nature of the misconduct, the Bureau ultimately decided that a prosecution would not be appropriate.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Get Google to Quit Tracking You

Where you go, Google goes. If you have location services turned on, then Google Maps has keeps track of every step you (and your smartphone) take.

 

Soon you'll be able to Cast tabs from Chrome without an extension

Users will also be able to right click on a page and click Cast, which will be faster for just about everyone.

 

What to expect from the Windows 10 Anniversary Update

The unconventional evolution of Windows 10 continues with the upcoming release of the Anniversary Update, version 1607. It's not just a service pack. Here's what's new.

 

How to turn an old Wi-Fi router into an access point

Instead of getting rid of that old and busted Wi-Fi router, you can use it instead to extend the Wi-Fi coverage of your home. Here's how.

 

Five ways to delete yourself from the internet

Finally ready to get off the grid? It's not quite as simple as it should be, but here are a few easy-to-follow steps that will at the very least point you in the right direction.

 

Mobile Computing

The Best Unlocked Phones of 2016

Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that come with new smartphones? Check out the 10 best unlocked handsets we've tested. As low as $150.

 

Millions of Android devices have flawed full disk encryption

Hackers can use brute force to break into tens of millions of Android devices using full disk encryption, thanks to a series of security issues linked specifically to Android kernel flaws and Qualcomm processors.

 

PSA: Encrypt Your PC, Phone, and Tablet Now. You’ll Regret It Later If You Don’t

If your device is encrypted, almost no one will be able to access the data within–as long as you have a good password or screen lock

 

FaceTime: The ultimate guide

How do you use FaceTime to make audio and video calls to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac?

 

How to Type a Period on the iPhone Keyboard with Only the Space Bar

It turns out there’s a super fast shortcut for typing a period that brought me an irrational amount of joy.

 

How to Set Default Apps on Android

The good news is that getting to where you need to be starts in the same place on basically every Android device out here: Settings.

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