Sorry I am late getting this edition of Rants and Raves on to the Net. My plans were changed at the last minute and I wound up spending extra time in Yuma. But I am back in Tucson now and working hard to get my normal life back on track after 6 weeks on the road. But it was worth it.
The biggest news in the world of smartphones is, of course, the recall of all Samsung Galaxy Note 7’s. The reason: some of them have exploded. It’s a relatively small number compared to the 2.5 million phones sold. But the federal government, with the full cooperation of Samsung, has issued the official recall for all those phones.
Airlines are refusing to let passengers with the Galaxy Note use them on flights and banning them from being packed in suitcases. There are stories of exploding phones starting fires in cars and cafes and even in children’s hands. This is not good.
It’s too bad as the phone was widely reviewed as being an excellent product. Sales of all Samsung phones will undoubtedly suffer for the near future. If you take a Note phone into a cell phone carrier, they will not replace it with another Galaxy Note. You can get a new phone from a different manufacturer or your money back. For more info, see our first article.
It is widely expected that the chief beneficiary of all this will be Apple. Their new iPhone 7 is getting excellent reviews and costs about the same amount as the Galaxy Note 7…even without a standard headphone jack.
And speaking of Apple, I installed the new iOS10 system on my iPhone and iPad. There is a lot to it that I have yet to explore, but am slowly getting there. So far, I like it very much. I like the way they have improved the widgets page…a lot more useful widget and options. When you turn the phone on, swipe right and they will show up. I also love the the improvements to the Apple News App. I hope they will put News on the forthcoming MACOS update that will be released next week.
For more info on iOS 10, read the first article in our “Mobile Computing” section. I will keep exploring the new features and let you know. I think by next week, my life will return to normal and I can get these blogs out on a more consistent basis. Until then, enjoy what you find here. -JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Here's why Samsung Note 7 phones are catching fire
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could explode. Read this to satisfy your burning curiosity.
15 Hidden Roku Tricks for Streaming Success
Whether you're a cord cutter or not, you're probably going to want a streaming device for your TV, and Roku remains the most popular.
Amazon Prime tunes into Audible
A new perk for Prime members. The e-retailer's membership service now includes Audible's monthly service for short-form audio programs and a new rotating list of audiobooks.
Google has a Plan to Stop ISIS Recruits
How do you stop a potential ISIS recruit? With information. That's Google's new plan to stop potential recruits before they become radicalized.
Why US internet controls became a political battlefield
This article demystifies the controversy over an Obama administration plan to relinquish the last scraps of government control over the internet
Computer Tips and Tricks
The Best Web Browsers of 2016
With new browser options like Edge and Vivaldi, the Web has become a much more interesting place. Here's how the newbies stack up against your old favorites on features and performance.
Microsoft is finally bringing desktop apps to the Windows Store
The Windows Store has always been used as a way to push Microsoft's new universal apps. Now, third-party developers can easily bring their existing desktop apps and games over to the universal app platform.
Windows 10 tip: Squeeze hours of extra life from your laptop battery
The new Battery Saver feature is set to turn on automatically when your battery capacity dips below a preset level. But why wait? Turn this feature on manually to get the most out of your system when you're away from a power outlet.
Why Your PC Hasn’t Received Windows 10’s Anniversary Update Yet and How to Get It
Windows 10 is supposed to automatically update itself. But it might take weeks or longer for a big update like the Anniversary Update to reach your PC. Here’s why that happens–and how to skip the wait
3 tips for taking faster screenshots in Windows 10
The default method of taking screenshots in Windows 10 is clunky. Use these tips to take faster and more precise screenshots without the need for an overpriced app.
Mobile Computing
iOS 10: All the New Features, Tips and Guides
Own an iPhone or iPad? Bookmark this guide to everything new in iOS 10.
Five security settings in iOS 10 you should immediately change
These tweaks will lock down your iPhone or iPad to protect your privacy.
Google’s VR Cardboard Camera app is coming to iOS
The odds of you using Cardboard Camera, Google’s simple app for creating 360-degree VR images, just got significantly higher.
Apple Quietly Updates the iPad
Put simply, you will save $50 to $100 on any iPad. Because virtually all iPads—certainly all mainstream iPads—now offer double the storage for the same price. Which again, is effectively a price cut.
Updated: The 100 Best Android Apps of 2016
Whether you have a brand-new Samsung device or an older Android phone or tablet you just want to spruce up, these are the apps that matter.
Marshmallow market share grows, Nougat nowhere to be seen
Want to see how Android is so fragmented? Check out this list of market shares for each version of Android.
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