The Best New Phones from Mobile World Congress

Tech News and Opinions

MWC 2018: All the phones and gadgets announced so far

At Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, tech companies launch a slew of new phones, laptops and wearables. Here's the lowdown on all the top gadgets announced so far.

Best Products of 2018...So Far

Choosing the right device can be tricky, but we're here to help.

Running Windows 10? Here's how Microsoft plans to milk more profits out of its cash cow

PC sales are down. Windows licensing revenue is flat. In its financial disclosures, Microsoft says it's actively looking for new monetization opportunities. Here's where you're likely to be asked to pay up.

Homeland Security's tall order: A hacker-free election

Jeanette Manfra, the top cybersecurity official at DHS, tells about all the ways hackers can sow chaos in this year's primaries and midterm elections.

Apple confirms it now uses Google Cloud for iCloud services

Reports that Apple relied on Google’s cloud services surfaced in 2016 but were previously never confirmed.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

​What's really the fastest Windows 10 web browser today?

Every company is claiming their latest web browser is the fastest one yet. So, which one really is the fastest? I took them to the test bench -- and here's what I found.

Windows 10 tip: Search for any file by date

Finding the right file can be frustrating, especially if you have a large number of files in multiple subfolders. If you know approximately when that file was saved, though, you can narrow the search quickly.

How To Use Excel-Style Spreadsheets in Microsoft Word

When you want some rather easy number-crunching embedded in an otherwise ordinary text document, Microsoft Word has you covered.

How to Check if Your Password Has Been Stolen

Troy Hunt’s Have I Been Pwned website maintains a database of username and password combinations from public leaks.

Windows 10 tips and tricks you must try today

Windows is so commonplace, many of us don't realize that it is has special features that boost your computer's speed, stream media to multiple devices, share content with your family, and customizations to make it your own.

Mobile Computing

Hidden iPhone Hacks You Never Knew About

From charging the battery faster to taking a hands-free photo, these are the secret iPhone hacks you wish you knew sooner.

10 Quick Tips on iPhone Photography

Below you’ll find a few of those simple, yet less practiced, tips to taking better iPhone photos. Ready, set...click.

iOS Tips and Tricks: Using Split-View in Safari

It's one of those that, if you didn't know it was there, you very well might never notice it. Let's take a look at all of the ways you can trigger and use Safari Split-View.

6 things you should know about the new Google Pay app

Google's answer to Apple Pay and Venmo is here, squashed together in a single app. Find out what you can do -- and what you can't (yet).

How to get the Galaxy S9 wallpapers on your phone right now

The recently announced Samsung Galaxy S9 flagship comes with all new wallpapers. Here's how to get them on your phone now.

Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus: Hands-on with Samsung’s iPhone X fighters

Samsung's new super phones get variable aperture cameras and fix their fingerprint reader flaw for 2018. But they keep a familiar look and feel.

Mark Your Calendars…Net Neutrality Dies on April 23

Tech News and Opinions

FCC officially sets execution date for net neutrality

The action starts the clock for legal challenges and last-ditch congressional action to preserve the Obama-era regulations.

Ajit Pai’s Plan Will Take Broadband Away From Poor People

One of Pai’s first acts as chair was to chill competition and innovation in the Lifeline program.

Amazon Prime: 20 benefits every member gets

Here's a look at every single benefit included with Prime -- along with a few Amazon services you might think were included, but actually cost extra.

A major bug is forcing Microsoft to rebuild Skype for Windows

The fix will land with a new version of Skype, rather than a security update.

Microsoft Reveals Windows 10 on ARM Limitations

The ARM version of Windows 10 will run most things, but not everything and you may be disappointed.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 10

Programs that start up alongside Windows not only increase your total boot time, but they continue to run in the background and bog down your computer's performance.

Dashlane review: Why I switched from 1Password password manager

Dashlane tops 1Password in one key respect: a Security Dashboard that makes it dead easy to track your online security and update it as necessary.

How to register your own domain name

Reserve a website name before someone else beats you to it. JRC: I strongly recommend hover.com

Photoshop Without Photoshop: The Best Online Image Editors

None completely matches Photoshop's features, and some are definitely better than others.

Best Free File Manager software for Windows 10/8/7

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of File Explorer replacements that do the same job much better than Explorer itself.

Mobile Computing

Facebook Now Lets You Join Voice and Video Calls Already In Progress

If you want to start a voice or video chat with someone, it’s as easy as clicking a button. Adding a new person to that chat was less easy, until now.

Microsoft Launcher with Cortana is truly great on Android

While many of you have seen screenshots of Microsoft Launcher for Android, you may not have seen it all in action and today we change that.

Top Android apps for productivity: Get more done with your Android phone or tablet

Regardless of the manufacturer name on the back of your Android device, you can install any one of the following apps and use it as your primary means to surf the web, manage email, or keep tabs on your agenda.

Samsung set to overshadow LG, HTC, Huawei, Motorola at MWC

The S9 is the sole headliner of the Mobile World Congress trade show, with LG, Huawei and HTC among the big players holding back their best phones for later.

Use Makeovr to help build a custom Home screen on your iPhone

f you've ever wanted to exercise more control over your iPhone's Home screen, you can use a web app to gain that control.

Did Russia Interfere With Elections? Indictments say Yes

Tech News and Opinions

Russians indicted in special counsel Robert Mueller's probe

Special counsel Robert Mueller said a grand jury had indicted 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities for alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Inside North Korea’s Hacker Army

The regime in Pyongyang has sent hundreds of programmers to other countries. Their mission: Make money by any means necessary. Here's what their lives are like.

The US Air Force is upgrading all the PCs to Windows 10

As the end of support for older Windows versions is approaching, the Air Force is making their move to a more secure version of Windows.

18 Hidden Roku Tricks for Streaming Success

Whether you just got a Roku or you've had one for years, there's more to know beyond the basics of a Luke Cage marathon. We've put together 18 ways for you to get more out of your streaming device.

Samsung unveils world’s largest SSD with whopping 30TB of storage

It’s the most memory ever crammed into a 2.5-inch form factor — enough to store 5,700 full HD movies

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 Gmail extensions that can boost your productivity

These are some of the best Gmail extensions available, giving you the information, the tools and the ability to improve your productivity and make your life easier:

The ultimate guide to Gmail backup

Want to make sure you have a local or backup copy of all that mission-critical business and personal history in your Gmail archives? Here are some solutions.

Top tips and tricks to keep Windows 10 running smoothly

Here’s how to speed up Windows 10, keep it running smoothly, protect your privacy and more

How to Get the Most Out of Your Chromebook

Whether you’re a Chromebook veteran or a first-time buyer, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your machine.

How to stop websites from using your computer to mine Bitcoin (and more)

Some websites may use your computer to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero. Here's how to stop them.

Mobile Computing

Apple releases iOS 11.2.6 and macOS 10.13.3 supplemental updates

Apple has released new software updates to address the Telugu character bug that affected devices running the latest public version of Apple's software.

Apple says all new iOS apps must accommodate the iPhone X's notch

The rule comes into effect from April 2018 and concerns apps submitted from then onwards.

What you need to know about unlocked phones vs. locked phones

The US wireless market is more competitive than ever, which is great news for consumers.

9 things to consider when choosing a low-cost carrier

Thinking of ditching your Big Four provider in favor of something cheaper? Here's what you need to know first.

Microsoft releases Photos Companion app for Android and iOS

Photos Companion is a Microsoft Garage project and helps users transfer photos and videos to and from their Windows 10 PC.

Google Pay is the new Android Pay

And Google Wallet is now called Google Pay Send, for some reason

Windows 10: This Microsoft mobile app wirelessly transfers pics from Android, iOS

Windows 10 Photos now has a Photos Companion app for quickly moving files directly from mobile to PC.

Best Not To Be a Huawei Stockholder Right Now

Tech News and Opinions

Top FBI, CIA, and NSA officials all agree: Stay away from Huawei phones

When the CIA, FBI, and NSA reach the same conclusion, you should probably listen.

A major bug is forcing Microsoft to rebuild Skype for Windows

The fix will land with a new version of Skype, rather than a security update

VPN services 2018: The ultimate guide to protecting your data on the internet

Whether you're in the office or on the road, a VPN is still one of the best ways to protect yourself on the big, bad internet

Microsoft to add Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection support for Windows 7 this summer

Microsoft is adding Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 to the list of protected end-points covered by Windows Defender ATP, starting this summer.

Is Your Smart Home Smart Enough To Thwart Hackers?

More people are getting voice-activated speakers and other smart devices for convenience and security. But doing so could also be giving hackers a key to their homes.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to block web pop-ups, alerts, and autoplaying video

The most popular web browsers have settings that will help you silence the unwanted noise. And if they don't do the trick, you can employ third-party add-ons to take control.

Chrome's ad blocker will go live February 15, here's how it works

Websites will be evaluated using a sample of pages, and depending on how many violations are found, the site will be given one of three ratings - Passing, Warning, or Failing.

How to set up two monitors on your Windows PC

Any modern desktop or laptop PC has the graphics capability to run dual displays. All that’s required is a second monitor.

Windows 10 tip: How to capture and print Windows 10 screen

Windows 10 offers a wide range of built-in screen capture options. You can save the full screen, the active window, or a rectangular selection to a file or to the Clipboard for reuse in another app. Here are the keyboard shortcuts to memorize.

Microsoft Fixes 50 Vulnerabilities In February's Patch Tuesday Update

The software addressed as a part of the Patch Tuesday update are Windows OS, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Services and Web Apps.

Mobile Computing

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

The weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks below and see which ones you enjoy.

The 6 best Android lite apps for saving data, space and time on your device

Declutter your app experience without losing any of the core functionality.

15 Tips, Hacks and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Google Photos

Stop worrying about storage limits and scrolling endlessly to find old memories

Apple admits iOS is a mess, has a plan to make it better

Have you noticed how iOS has become buggier and less polished in recent years? Apple has noticed too, and is putting in place a plan to make things better.

Best iOS apps for 2018

Get more done with your iPhone or iPad with these excellent alternatives to the built-in apps Apple ships with iOS.

Latest iOS Apps news, reviews and features from the Apple experts

News, how tos and reviews of iOS Apps for iPad and iPhone. From MacWorld.

Progressive Web Apps…the Next Big Thing? For Sure!

Tech News and Opinions

What Are Progressive Web Apps?

Ever wish web apps behaved more like real apps? Progressive Web Apps are a new technology that’s aiming to make that happen.

Microsoft's Windows 10 Store is getting more Progressive Web Apps

They're hosted on servers and updated behind the scenes.

A Selection of Progressive Web Apps

Check out these examples of Progressive Web Apps. You might be amazed. JRC: I loved the Billings Gazette App

Microsoft makes it easier to preview Windows apps

Right now, a handful of Windows 10 apps have been opened up to let users see what's coming down the pipeline, regardless of their Insider status.

Microsoft to add new Windows 10 Home editions to its line-up

Microsoft has a plan to try to grow the consumer side of its Windows 10 PC business. More additions to its Home line-up and Windows 10 'S Mode' play a big role, a new report says.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How Do IP Addresses Work?

Every device connected to a network—computer, tablet, camera, whatever—needs a unique identifier so that other devices know how to reach it. In the world of TCP/IP networking, that identifier is the Internet Protocol (IP) address.

What is AI? Everything you need to know about Artificial Intelligence

An executive guide to artificial intelligence, from machine learning and general AI to neural networks

Vivaldi 1.14, First Take: A feature-rich, touch-friendly web browser Review

This is a web browser with some interesting features that might just be enough to draw you away from your current favourite.

New Opera 51 'far faster than Firefox Quantum 58'

Opera 51 brings speed improvements, Spectre mitigations, and a host of time-saving features.

How To Organize Your Cords

For just a few bucks you can rein that mess in though and make some sense of the cyberpunk sprawl lurking behind your TV or monitor.

Mobile Computing

5 incredible ways to use your smartphone's camera you never knew until now

Your phone’s camera is a powerful tool, capable of far more than regular picture-taking.

Verizon will lock phones despite FCC rules against it

Verizon says it will start locking its phones to prevent fraud, but the move will also stop customers from switching SIMs to use phones on other networks.

How to make any Android phone feel as fast as an iPhone

As smooth as Android flagship phones have become in recent years, Apple’s latest iPhones almost always beat the latest and greatest Android flagship phones in the “real-world speed tests.”

How to Spot (and Avoid) Fake Android Apps in the Play Store

Fake Android apps in the Play Store are a problem. People create listings designed to look exactly like popular apps, often using the same icon and name, to trick you into downloading it—then bombarding you with ads (or worse, malware).

Best free iPhone apps: Fantastic iOS apps that cost nothing

There are loads of superb iOS apps that cost nothing - so save your money and get downloading. Here's Macworld's guide to the 85 best free iPhone apps

iOS 11 Tips: 10 Essential iPhone And iPad Tricks

Here’s a look at some lesser-known tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of Apple’s recently released update.

France’s Super Radical Auto Texting Ban. U.S. Next?

Tech News and Opinions

France's new law bans texting in your car even when pulled over

France's highest court ruled drivers can no longer simply pull over to use their phones. Instead, they will have to park in a designated area, such as a garage or a private driveway, and turn off the vehicle's engine. Could this happen here?

Opinion: It’s time to stop trusting Google search already

As usual, Google promised to improve its search results, while the offending tweets disappeared. But telling Google to retrain its algorithms, as appropriate as that demand is, doesn’t solve the bigger issue: the search engine’s monopoly on truth.

A flaw in Hotspot Shield can expose VPN users, locations

The virtual private network says it provides a way to browse the web "anonymously and privately," but a security researcher has released code that could identify users' names and locations.

After a busy 2017, Alexa is still on top...and still evolving

Smart assistants had a huge year -- and none more so than Alexa. Here's a recap of the last 12 months and a look at where it might be headed next.

How to watch the Winter Olympics without cable

You don't need cable TV to watch NBC's 1,800 hours of Oympic coverage.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows security: We'll delete tools that bully you to buy upgrades

Cleaners and optimizers that try to scare PC users into paying for upgrades will be detected and removed.

How to Use Google Voice as a 'Burner' Number

If you create this burner number using Google Voice, you'll get new functionality like call forwarding and voicemail transcripts, and best of all, it's completely free.

How to Use Cortana in the Microsoft Edge Web Browser

This article is only intended for users running the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows operating systems.

Microsoft readies Progressive Web Apps for Windows 10 and the Microsoft Store

The company says it has indexed over 1.5 million PWAs, and will roll out a small selection of them in the Microsoft Store over the coming weeks.

What is a Windows 10 Theme?

A theme customizes your PC and makes using it a lot more fun.

Mobile Computing

Microsoft adds support for iOS Files app, drag and drop to OneDrive

Microsoft just added several new features for its Office and OneDrive iOS apps, including access to OneDrive through the Files app. Other additions feature drag and drop capabilities.

How to Use iCloud Keychain on Your iOS Devices

iCloud Keychain is a feature of your Apple account that you can use to keep your website login credentials, personal details, credit card details, and wireless network information up to date and available across all your Apple devices

How to Use Apple Clips

It allows you to take multiple short video clips and combine them together, add text or graphics easily and produce an end video super easily.

How to use guest mode on your Android phone

Don't want people to swipe through your stuff when they borrow your Android? Here's how to stop it.

5 awesome Android features you probably take for granted

It's easy to forget how much Android has evolved over the years. So here are some vivid reminders of how things used to be—and how good we currently have it.

How to Use the Quick Settings Menu on Android

The Android Quick Settings menu has been a powerful feature of Android since Android Jellybean. You can use this menu to perform all sorts of useful tasks without having to dig around in your phone apps.

Are Music CD’s on Their Way to Oblivion?

Tech News and Opinions

Best Buy will reportedly no longer sell CDs in its stores come July 1

Best Buy has alerted its music suppliers that it will be pulling CDs from its physical stores starting July 1. But, they will still keep vinyls stocked on its stores shelves for the next two years.

Amazon's Soaring Healthcare Ambition: The Promise and the Problem

What's needed is a way to bring costs down sharply so that whether it's funded by the state or paid for by individuals, quality healthcare becomes affordable.

Microsoft reveals Office 2019 will only run on Windows 10 PCs

The company revealed that only those PCs running the latest version of its OS will be able to run the upcoming Office 2019, The move won’t affect Office for Mac, which is a separate product.

Microsoft ditches Windows 10 S in favor of new ‘S Mode’

Microsoft is switching its approach to Windows 10 S, its new version of Windows that’s designed to compete with Chrome OS. Microsoft is planning a new “S Mode” for Windows 10 Home, Enterprise, and Pro.

iOS 11.3 makes App Store reviews much more useful

Apple’s upcoming iOS 11.3 update makes App Store reviews more useful by allowing them to be sorted. Users can cut through the clutter to find the most helpful reviews, the most critical reviews, and more.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Scan Multiple Pages To A Single PDF File

If your scanner didn't come with such software as standard, or if you would rather use something a little less "bloatware", then check out a really nice free program called NAPS.

What to Do When Your Hard Drive Fails

Mechanical hard drives in particular have moving parts that can (and eventually will) stop working. Even solid-state drives, which have no moving parts, can fail. Every drive has a limited lifespan before it kicks the bucket.

How to Opt Out of Targeted Ads Around the Web

You can probably assume as much by its name, but targeted advertising is a way for advertisers to target potential consumers based on a number of factors.

8 Ideas of What To Do With Your Vacation Photos

More often than not, those boatloads of vacation photos that you snapped end up going nowhere other than maybe scattered about on Facebook.

How to do a clean install of Windows 10

If your computer already runs Windows 10, the easiest way to refresh the machine is to reset it.

Mobile Computing

Chromebook vs. Android tablet: Which is best?

Sometimes, even the biggest smartphone isn't big enough. Mobile means more than just phones.

The 8 Best Cheap Android Phones, Ranked

Despite receiving only minor upgrades each year, flagship phones continue to grow in price. But not everyone wants to spend almost $1,000 on their next handset. Fortunately, you don’t have to.

5 awesome Android features you probably take for granted

t's easy to forget how much Android has evolved over the years. So here are some vivid reminders of how things used to be—and how good we currently have it.

How to Send Text Messages Using Your Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo has had calling and messaging capabilities for a while now, but you can finally send text messages from your Android phone via your Echo using Alexa.

The Best iPhone Apps Available Right Now (February 2018)

From dating apps to QR scanners, your phone is capable of nearly anything these days, and some apps just rise above the rest.

iOS 11 tips and tricks you might not know

Get the most out of your iPad and iPhone running iOS 11 by using these hidden features and productivity tweaks.

How to Watch the Super Bowl Every Way Possible

Tech News and Opinions

Super Bowl 2018: Start time, how to stream and more

In case you forgot, the New England Patriots will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52. Find out how you can watch the game live and for free.

US government investigates Apple over iPhone battery slowdowns

The US government is investigating whether Apple broke stock market rules over a software update that slowed down old iPhones when their batteries degraded.

California Senate OKs net neutrality law, gives FCC cold hard long stare

The bill forces internet service providers to follow the net neutrality rules that were approved by the Federal Communications Commission in 2015 but were torn up at the end of 2017.

Use this checklist if you’re doing your taxes yourself

Following these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes and ensure you keep as much of your own money in your pocket as possible.

Facebook Really Wants You to Come Back

The social network is getting aggressive with people who don’t log in often, working to keep up its engagement numbers.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

LibreOffice, the best office suite, gets even better with LibreOffice 6.0

LibreOffice is every bit as good as Microsoft Office and it's free to boot.

Best Windows 10 apps of January 2018

In January, I reviewed some great apps from the Microsoft Store, including a new arrival, an app that received a major update, and some familiar favorites.

How to set OneDrive as your default save location on Windows 10

Are you browsing to your OneDrive folder every time you want to save a file on Windows 10? If so, use these steps to change the default save location.

How to back up drivers in Windows

If you’re planning to upgrade Windows or reinstall it, it’s worth backing up your drivers so you don’t have to search for and download them again. Here’s how to back up drivers in Windows.

The best free backup software and services

Most free backup products are competent, if in some way limited.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.2 power user tips and tricks

Here's how to get the most from iOS 11.2 on your iPhone and iPad.

Microsoft adds support for iOS Files app, drag and drop to OneDrive

Microsoft has just added several new features for its Office and OneDrive iOS apps, including access to OneDrive through the Apple Files app.

Google is using AI to predict flight delays

You can also find out what you'll miss with 'basic' fares.

Microsoft Brings Cortana to Its Android Launcher

The latest beta for Microsoft Launcher on Android brings native Cortana integration, allowing users to use the smart assistant from within their phone’s launcher, without needing to actually launch the Cortana app.

Google removed over 700,000 malicious apps from the Play Store in 2017

There were quite a few reports of malicious Android apps all throughout last year, but new numbers from Google reveal that things could have been a lot worse.

Google Translate tips, tricks and features

Google Translate is so overflowing with features, you might not even realize everything it can do.