I know I promised to give you a review of DirecTV Now running on my new Amazon Fire Stick, but due to shipping errors, the Fire Stick only arrived a couple of days ago. So it wouldn’t be fair to give you a review with only two days of testing. So I will save the review until next week. However, here is a sneak peek: it is running great so far, both the service and the stick. More to come…
Our first two articles in this edition talk about Microsoft in 2016 and a look forward to what is coming this year. In a sense, Microsoft has risen from disaster under Steve Ballmer’s leadership to a very forward thinking, innovative company under Satya Nadella. The strides the company has made recently are almost mind-blowing!
In comparison, Apple seems to be stuck in the mud…no innovative products worth having, and nothing really to get excited about. More and more, Apple loyalists are complaining and criticizing what Apple is doing. Many, like myself, are moving away from Apple and moving back to Microsoft. While I love my big 27” iMac 5K Retina computer, I feel just the opposite towards my MacBook Pro. So, during the holidays I purchased an HP Spectre running Windows 10…and I love it. To be fair, I still love my iPad and iPhone.
I personally find myself objecting to Apple’s tactics of producing a new phone without a headphone jack and new MacBook Pro’s using only USB-C ports, thereby rendering all my external tech products useless without buying more cables…and of course, raising the prices. Forget it, Apple (PS: the MacBook’s do have a standard headphone jack…go figure).
Meanwhile, if you read our first two stories, you will see how Microsoft is moving forward with products people can use. Of course, the company and some its products are not without flaws, but the direction is mainly positive while Apple seems to be standing still…or even moving backward a bit. And while Microsoft is an open standards company producing products that work across many systems, Apple is a closed, gated community. And that may eventually bite them in the butt! We shall see.
I hope you find this edition useful and informative. -JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Looking back: In 2016, Microsoft became one of the most exciting companies in the tech world
It seems fair to say that few companies have come close to matching Microsoft in the sheer breadth and scale of its accomplishments over the last twelve months.
What we expect to see from Windows 10 in 2017
Keep in mind this isn't an all-inclusive list of everything that should show up in 2017. We're sure there will be a lot more things showing up in Windows 10 throughout 2017.
Shambling corpse of 3D TV finally falls down dead
None of their sets, not even high-end models such as their new OLED TVs, will be able to show 3D movies and TV shows.
Surprise: Google is still tinkering with Google+
Adding some features, bringing another back, and killing the old design layout
Netflix Crushed its Subscriber Growth Targets
Netflix had a huge beat on its Q4 subscriber growth numbers, both in the US and internationally, trouncing both Wall Street expectations and its own guidance.
Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks
How to get iCloud on Windows
For users who use a MAC and PC, Lucky for you, you can get iCloud on Windows so you can share photos, sync calendars, and access files between the platforms.
Windows 10 Start Menu Alternatives
The Windows 10 Start menu lacks at least one key feature compared to Windows 7: the ability to organize it. Here's how.
The Best Note-Taking Apps of 2017
Jot down thoughts, take pictures of things you want to remember, and keep it all at your fingertips, across your devices, with a top-rated note-taking app.
7 cool ways to reuse an old laptop
Breathe new life into your dusty relic of a portable PC.
How to Clean Up Your Messy Windows Context Menu
If you’ve ever found yourself right-clicking on something and wondering where all that junk came from, you’re not alone.
Mobile Computing
Verizon may have 'thousands' of Note 7 phones still in use
To persuade people to stop using the recalled handset, the carrier plans to reroute all non-911 outgoing calls to its customer service reps.
Google mobile saves searches if your connection drops
A new update to the Google app on Android will save your search for when a data connection reappears.
Samsung starts rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat to Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge
The user interface of the Quick Panel has been updated with a cleaner look, and the icons are now grouped to make them easier to find...among other improvements.
Cloud Storage on iOS: iCloud, OneDrive, and Dropbox
I haven’t come to a solid conclusion about which solution is perfect for me, but I now have enough to talk about the pros and cons of each service.
How to use iOS 10: 21 brilliant iOS 10 tips for iPhone & iPad owners
Apple's new iOS 10 operating system for iPad & iPhone is packed with new features. Here are 21 brilliant iOS 10 tips and secret features to help you get the most out of your updated device
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