Tuesday, October 11, 2016

End of Story: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Now Officially Dead

Samsung Permanently Stops Producing Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone

You are probably as sick of this story as I am. But this should be the very last time it is mentioned here. Samsung has officially killed production on the Galaxy Note and issued a world-wide recall on this ill-fated smartphone. As you may recall, they were selling replacement models that had supposedly fixed the issues with the exploding batteries, but  more and more reports of explosions and fires with these replacement phones began to surface. One report even had a phone catching fire in a child’s hand while another story reported last week had an airplane evacuated when one caught fire. Not good.

So now, Samsung has killed it completely. Too bad…early review of this phone were quite good. There were even reports of some people not wanting to give it up after the first recall. But  now, to keep one would be just stupid. If you still have one, return it and get a different phone.

One interesting sub-story: The boxes that Samsung is sending out to people to send back their phones are supposedly fireproof.  The return kit includes three boxes and a static shielding bag. The Note 7 is supposed to be slipped into the bag and then enclosed in box after box. It's the outermost box that's most interesting: it's lined with ceramic fiber paper, which is capable of handling extreme heat. Only time will tell how bad Samsung’s smartphone reputations has been damaged.

There are some interesting stories and tech tips in this edition so why not get started now to see what I have put together.  -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

The Galaxy Note 7 is dead

Samsung ends production after issuing worldwide recall

 

Yahoo Mail makes it hard to leave, disables auto-forwarding

The company says it's just working to make the feature better, but angry users ready to ditch the beleaguered email service don't buy it.

 

Where's the bottom for Microsoft's Internet Explorer?

Losses continue to accumulate as another 33M users desert IE or Edge in September

 

US officially blames Russian government for election-related hacking

The US alleges that the Russian government compromised the emails of officials and institutions

 

Three More Law Firms Are Suing Apple for Ignoring iPhone 6 Plus 'Touch Disease'

There is increasing pressure on Apple to explain why it's ignored the fact that touchscreens on thousands of iPhone 6 Plus devices have stopped working, leaving consumers on the hook to replace devices that have a fundamental engineering flaw.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Back Up, Restore Your Documents in Windows 10

Using Windows 10's File History feature, you can tag specific folders so they're automatically backed up to an external location and recoverable in a pinch.

 

How to add your calendar events to the Google Maps app

Events added to your Google Calendar -- either manually or automatically via Gmail -- will be viewable in Google Maps for quick access to directions to your upcoming events.

 

How to Use and Tweak Your Windows 10 Lock Screen

The Lock screen may seem like an obstacle, but it offers helpful information and customization options.

 

Windows 10 Tip: Get Cortana Insights with Sticky Notes

With the Anniversary Update for Windows 10, Sticky Notes get a nice Ink-enabled update, but the biggest change, perhaps, is support for Cortana Insights, which lets you set reminders, call written phone numbers, send an email message, view web address, and more.

 

Need A Personal Information Manager? Here's A Free One

It's a Windows program which offers a really nice calendar, notepad and task list. There's even an email client built in.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Minimize Your Android Data Usage and Avoid Overage Charges

Increasingly sophisticated phones and data-hungry applications make it easier than ever to blow through your cellphone plan’s data cap. Read on as we show you how to manage your data use.

 

How to Add Pie Controls to Your Android Phone, No Root Required

If you’ve never used pie controls on your Android device before, you’re missing out. Pie controls are a unique way of quickly accessing your navigation keys and other shortcuts that don’t take up any space on your screen — you simply swipe in from the side to bring them up.

 

5 awesome Android widgets for a more useful home screen

Whether you're looking to speed-dial friends or quickly scan documents, these widgets will help you get stuff done.

 

How to Add Pie Controls to Your Android Phone, No Root Required

If you’ve never used pie controls on your Android device before, you’re missing out. Pie controls are a unique way of quickly accessing your navigation keys and other shortcuts that don’t take up any space on your screen — you simply swipe in from the side to bring them up.

 

iPhone and chill: Six sensational stress reducers!

Our lives can be stressful. Here's how your iPhone can help!

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