Amazon Prime Membership Raised to $119

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon to raise Prime membership in US to $119 from $99

The 20 percent price hike goes into effect May 11 and hits existing customers' renewals on June 16.

The Best USB Charging Stations For Families

We’ve got more gadgets than ever and now even our kids are getting in on the gadget game. All those gadgets need charging and these charging stations make it simple to park a whole pile of them in one place to charge.

802.11ax Wi-Fi is faster, but most people should wait to buy into it

The latest Wi-Fi standard makes home networks faster, especially for video streaming.

A paranoid's guide to the internet

Are you a savvy surfer, or trapped in a mental underground bunker of your own making?

How to avoid tech support scams

Scammers are getting craftier, according to a new report. Follow these tips to keep your money and identity safe.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to make the most of the new Gmail

Google's Gmail major rewrite introduces many new, useful features. Here's how to use the Gmail improvements, which are ready now.

The 2018 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 is how.

5 things to know about Google's new Tasks app

Finally, Google has a dedicated to-do app that integrates with Gmail.

Gigabit Ethernet vs. Fast Ethernet: What’s the Difference?

Not all Ethernet is created equal. It’s important to understand the difference between them and which one you should choose.

iTunes Is Now in the Microsoft Store

Sick of Apple’s update tool bugging you in Windows, but want to keep iTunes around just in case? Good news: you can now download iTunes on the Microsoft Store and get your updates that way.

Mobil Computing

Opera Touch keeps your phone and PC in perfect browsing sync

Opera's big announcement that has been teased for weeks is something that unifies your browsing on your phone and your PC.

How to Hide Files on Any Phone or Computer

If you’ve got something you want to hide away, then you’ve got plenty of options on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS

4 tech accessories that can transform an old iPad into a new laptop computer

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

8 Passcode Tips for Keeping Hackers & Law Enforcement Out of Your iPhone for Good

A four- or six- digit number code isn't strong enough for the password-cracking weapons of today, so you should definitely consider making your passcode stronger.

Best new apps for iPhone and iPad

What are the hottest new apps on the App Store right now? These!

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Our weekly look at the new and best Android apps with fewer than 100,000 installs.

The Last Days of Net Neutrality

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality is pretty much dead. Here's what that means.

As we prepare for net neutrality to take its last gasp of air, here's a reminder about what its loss means for you.

Windows warning: Tech-support scammers are ramping up attacks, says Microsoft

Windows 10 security won't protect you from tech-support scammers' lies and trickery.

Netflix, Amazon, and major studios try to shut down $20-per-month TV service

The lawsuit was filed against the company behind Set TV, which sells a $20-per-month TV service with more than 500 channels.

Amazon Key In-Car delivers right to your car’s trunk

The online retailer's newest shipping option rolls out in 37 US cities. Will Prime shoppers be convinced of its convenience?

How to create private Alexa skills without code

Amazon's Alexa Skills Blueprints let anyone with an Alexa device make household skills.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Is Sunsetting OneNote 2016: Here's What You Need To Know

Microsoft is sunsetting OneNote 2016 and gently pushing users to OneNote for Windows 10.

Chrome 66 rolls out: Autoplay video silenced by default plus 62 bugs fixed

Chrome 66 mutes audio on autoplay video by default unless a user tends to watch video on a site with sound on.

Best Windows backup software 2018

The best programs for keeping your data and Windows safely backed up.

Six Tips to Help Save Yourself from Poor Computer Posture

Sitting on its own isn’t inherently bad, but if you work at a computer, sitting for hours every day is ultimately hard on your body. Here are some simple tips you can do to help, though.

Manage, save and invest your money with these apps

New to managing money? Apps and tools like Mint, Toshl Finance and YNAB can help you save for what’s important.

Mobile Computing

7 ways to control your Android from a PC

Doing this, one can download files, log into your home network, and even stream AAA PC games from a cafe, using a handful of apps!

Best Microsoft apps for Android

Microsoft apps have come a long way on Android.

These are the best Android apps of 2018 nominated for a Google Play Award

Here are all of the nominated apps, divided up by category — there are nine categories in total, and five nominees for each one.

Dropbox for iPad updated with tons of great features

The latest version of Dropbox allows iPad users to move files around with a fingertip. It also works better with long file names.

How to learn to draw with iPad and Apple Pencil

Whether you've drawn many things or this is your first digital sketching tool, make the most of your Apple Pencil with these tips.

How to download and install iOS 11.3.1 on your iPhone or iPad

iOS 11.3.1 fixes a bug that cropped up that may have caused the display of your iPhone 8 to become unresponsive if your device received a third-party screen replacement. Update now!

A 6” iPhone for $550? That’s the Rumor!

Tech News and Opinions

Rumor: Apple could sell a 6.1-inch iPhone for $550

A more affordable iPhone may be heading our way: Apple is rumored to be releasing a 6.1-inch iPhone in the fall priced as low as $550.

The Amazon stat long kept under wraps is revealed: Prime has over 100 million subscribers

In 2017, Amazon shipped more than 5 billion items with Prime worldwide, Bezos wrote, and Prime gained more new members than in any previous year.

Microsoft Office 2019 kills off OneNote desktop app in favor of Windows 10 version

Microsoft is replacing the desktop version of OneNote with the Windows 10 version in Office 2019, along with making the entire Office 2019 standalone suite only work on Windows 10.

What It's Like to Live in America Without Broadband Internet

In every single state, a portion of the population doesn’t have access to broadband, and some have no access to the internet at all.

Facebook to follow Europe's strict, new GDPR privacy law

The company says it will extend new privacy protections to all users, even those who live outside the EU.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

What to Do With Your Old Laptop

Instead of letting it sit idle in your home, why not try one of these four options?

Chromebook Buyer's Guide

You've decided on Chromebook. Now you just have to choose which one fits your needs best.

Best Android apps for your Chromebook

An injection of over 1,000,000 Android apps does a great job filling in the holes in Chrome.

How to Upgrade Your Computer With a New Drive

Thankfully, replacing your old-and-busted drive with a brand-new drive is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

How to Create the Perfect Facebook Cover Photo

Your Facebook profile says a lot about you. It’s likely your most visible online presence, so it’s worth making it look good. Here’s how to pick a great cover photo.

Mobile Computing

The best to-do apps

Sometimes your phone's built-in to-do list isn't enough.

How To Reset Your Passcode on Your iOS 11 Device

Reports indicate that it takes over a month to crack an iPhone with an 8-digit passcode, or over 13 years to unlock an iPhone with a 10-digit passcode. So, it’s time to change your passcode.

How to change the Siri voice on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, or HomePod

Many people only know the default voice of Siri. Follow along as we walk you through how to change both the accent and gender of Siri.

How to create custom vibration pattern ringtones for iPhone

iOS offers a myriad of ways to customize your iPhone and it can be easy to look past some handy options. Follow along for how to create custom vibration patterns for phone calls.

Security updates: Your Android phone may be hiding them from you

Android brands can definitely do a better job of delivering security updates, but did you know that your phone manufacturer might be hiding patches from you?

Best ways to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Android

With the games being broadcast by NBC Sports in the U.S. and on Rogers Sportsnet up in Canada, you have options whether you're a cable subscriber or a cord cutter.

Windows 2018 Spring Update is Delayed

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft reveals why the Spring Creators Update has been delayed

The update was causing 'blue screen of death' errors, which cause Windows to become unresponsive and display a blue error screen, on enough PCs to warrant the delay.

Broadband advisor picked by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai arrested on fraud charges

Elizabeth Pierce allegedly tricked investors into pouring $250 million into a fiber optic scheme by forging revenue agreements

After bashing Amazon deals, Trump orders investigation of U.S. Postal Service

President says that USPS is “losing many billions of dollars a year, while charging Amazon and others so little to deliver their packages, making Amazon richer and the Post Office dumber and poorer?”

Facebook confirms it can track you even if you delete your account

Facebook has shed more light on how it tracks people around the web, and confirmed once and for all that it does indeed keep tabs on people who don’t even use the social network.

Google's astounding new search tool will answer any question by reading thousands of books

Type a question into "Talk to Books," and AI-powered tool will scan every sentence in 100,000 volumes in Google Books and generate a list of likely responses with the pertinent passage bolded.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Apps to Keep Windows 10 Organized

Welcome to Spring Cleaning Week, wherein we clear the cobwebs of winter and set the stage for sunny days ahead. Let’s clean things up, shall we?

How to Remove Facebook from Your Life (And Why That’s Nearly Impossible)

If you want to rid yourself of Facebook, I’m going to tell you how, but you probably won’t do it.

This is the new Gmail design

A new sidebar includes Google Calendar alongside messages

Why You Should Always Install 64-bit Windows

The 64-bit version of Windows is also known as the “x64” version of Windows, while the 32-bit version is also known as the “x86” version.

How To Upgrade Or Replace Your PC’s RAM

Adding memory is one of the easier ways to boost your PC’s performance. There are a few things to check before spending your money, though, so let’s talk about them.

Mobile Computing

The Best Ways to Automatically Back Up the Photos on Your Smartphone

You probably capture lots of important moments with your phone, so you also need to make sure you’re keeping those moments backed up.

Another reason to quit Facebook: It's still a battery hog

The Facebook app continues to consume more power than most. There are two possible workarounds.

11 Tips for Working on the iPad

From keyboard recommendations and shortcuts to gestures and Siri, here are all the little tricks I use to get work done on my iPad Pro on a daily basis.

The New Cheap iPad Is All the iPad You Need

Review: It’s good. It’s not great! But it’s probably all the iPad you need.

Android’s trust problem isn’t getting better

Your phone’s manufacturer may be lying to you about the security of your Android device. In fact, it appears that almost all of them do.

Is your Android phone a 'toxic hellstew' of vulnerabilities? There's an app to help you find out

Just because Android tells you it's patched and everything is safe doesn't mean it is. But there's an app to help you determine if you're being told the truth.

Some Privacy News and Tips You Need to Know

Tech News and Opinions

Zuckerberg made it clear he doesn’t care about users

Based on his testimony, the Facebook CEO puts users last during a crisis. On Facebook, Zuckerberg gets privacy, you get nothing.

The Facebook Debacle Proves It’s High Time for Stronger Privacy Laws

Opinion: Let’s force Facebook to reveal exactly how its algorithm works so there’s greater transparency and accountability.

When will Microsoft end support for your version of Windows or Office?

"Set it and forget it" is no longer an option for software. For Windows 10, the support clock runs out sooner than you might expect. Here's what you need to know.

Apple HomePods sales are tanking, report says

HomePod sales are apparently so bad Apple Stores have a stockpile of unsold inventory and have recently cut orders. JRC: No surprise as the product is way overpriced and vastly underpowered.

Amazon drops first-gen Ring doorbell price to $100 after closing acquisition

Amazon purchased Ring in February for more than $1 billion, and the deal formally closed today.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 privacy guide: How to take control

Where do you draw the line on personal privacy? The right options are different for everyone. In this guide, I show you which privacy settings help you create the right balance of privacy and convenience in Windows 10.

How to Manage Your Google Privacy Settings

Before you do anything, visit privacy.google.com—it spells out exactly what data Google is collecting and what it does with that data.

Adjust these Facebook privacy settings to protect your personal data

Facebook has rolled out new settings to appease users after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Here's what you need to know.

5 tips to prepare your PC for Windows 10 Spring Creators Update

It's time to get your computer ready for Microsoft's next big update to Windows 10.

 How to free up Google Drive space

Need more space in your Gmail inbox? Time to clear out Google Drive.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.3 update breaks iPhone 8 devices with third party-repaired screens

Software update disables touchscreen on £700-plus smartphones that have not had their screens repaired by Apple

How to enable ‘Calls on Other Devices’ like iPad or Mac

With Calls on Other Devices, you’ll be able to take and receive phone calls even when your iPhone is not nearby, or even powered on.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch

Wi-Fi calling is a nifty feature that allows you to make phone calls on your iPhone even when it doesn’t have any cellular connectivity

If You Want to Use A Phone as Your Main PC, You Should Buy Android

More and more people are moving towards a one-device-life, with smartphones taking center stage. If you’ve considered such a move yourself, you should look hard at an Android phone. Here’s why.

It's time to factory reset your Android phone

If you've had your phone for a while, you may notice it isn't running as smoothly as the day you purchased it.

30 Android apps with dark themes that are easy on the eyes

Dark themes are much easier on your eyes, especially in low-light conditions, and can take a bit of stress off the batteries in phones or tablets with OLED displays.

Lots of Great How-To’s In This Edition

Tech News and Opinions

Twitter closed 1.2 million accounts for terrorist content

The company said in its twelfth and latest transparency report that 1.2 million accounts were suspended since August 2015 up until December 2017.

Under Armour says data breach affected about 150 million accounts

The investigation indicates that affected information may include usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords.

What Is Fuchsia, Google’s New Operating System?

Fuchsia a totally new operating system, currently in the very early stages of development at Google. How does it differ from Android and Chrome, and might it replace either one?

Oregon becomes second state to enact net neutrality law

Law prohibits state agencies from doing business with ISPs that don't agree to treat all traffic on the internet equally.

Chrome and Firefox support a new standard for password-free logins

One small step towards a world without phishing

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Here's how to know if your Facebook data was breached

Were you one of the potentially 87 million Facebook users affected by the Cambridge Analytica data incident? You'll be able to find out soon enough.

How To Upgrade and Install a New Power Supply for Your PC

Since the power supply is directly connected to multiple components, it’s a rather involved procedure. Let’s break it down.

Avoid Windows 10 crapware: How to get rid of Candy Crush and all the rest

If you're staring at that assortment of apps on a PC and thinking it looks a lot like crapware, I'm not going to argue with you.

How to Transfer Photos From an iPhone to a PC

You don’t need any special software to transfer photos and videos from an iPhone to a Windows PC. You don’t even need iTunes. All you need is the Lightning-to-USB cable you use for charging.

Microsoft adds file protection and email encryption to Office 365

They're part of a new set of tools to guard users against cybercrime.

Mobile Computing

8 Essential Apps Made For The Modern Driver

From navigation apps to apps that help you find where cheap(er) gas is, these are our favorite digital friends for the motoring enthusiast.

How to take your smartphone photos to the next level

Reviews often rate phone camera quality. But should they really be looking at what pictures we take with those phones once they're in our pockets?

Get The Most Out Of Your Kindle iOS App

The Kindle app has other useful functions you might not know about. Things like creating flashcards to help you study, importing free classic books to read, and saving articles to read offline later.

How to Make Song Volume Consistent on iPhone

Let's get started learning how to enable Sound Check on your iPhone to level out the volume throughout your listening experience.

iPhone battery life bad after installing iOS 11.3? Here's what you can do

Installing a new iOS update can hit your battery life hard. Here's how you can make things better. (Updated for iOS 11.3)

Most Secure Android Phone in 2018

A phone you want to use can also keep your data safe — and it comes in two sizes to fit everyone.

The Facebook Scandal Just Won’t Go Away!

Tech News and Opinions

Facebook says Cambridge Analytica fiasco worse than we thought

Until now, it was reported that 50 million people's data had been co-opted from the social network. Facebook said today it's 87 million.

Mark Zuckerberg to testify at Congress on Cambridge Analytica, privacy

The social network's chief will head to Washington to appear before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to answer questions about privacy and user data.

Facebook takes down Russia-linked pages to stop election interference

CEO Mark Zuckerberg says in a post that one Russian agency has "tried to manipulate people in the US, Europe, and Russia -- and we don't want them on Facebook anywhere in the world."

YouTube TV and Roku: Why your cable box and TiVo days are numbered

Is YouTube TV the service that finally delivers quality, performance, and features to rival a dedicated set top cable TV box? That depends on what you expect. But we'll tell you this: it's close.

Alexa 101: What you should know about Amazon's AI assistant

Curious about Amazon's virtual voice assistant, Alexa? Here's a quick rundown.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft is adding ransomware protection to its OneDrive cloud storage

Microsoft is marketing the Files Restore feature as a good way to protect against ransomware attacks that lock files on a local PC, and often try to delete copies that are stored in synced folders

What's new in Windows 10 version 1803, the Spring Creators Update

The latest Windows 10 feature update includes the first public release of the Timeline feature as well as dozens of smaller enhancements to the Windows 10 user experience. Here's what you can expect.

Quitting Facebook? Download your data before you go

Thankfully, Facebook makes it easy to download your data. So easy, in fact, that it's worth doing even if you aren't planning on deleting your Facebook account just to see what information Facebook has collected about you.

Best Windows File Explorer Tips and Tricks for Windows 10

File Explorer remains the most underused application on Windows 10, but there are so many things you can do with it. Here are some of the best File Explorer Tips and Tricks for managing your files.

How To Upgrade To A New PC Case

So you’ve found a sweet new case for your PC, brimming with LEDs and fan cutouts and acrylic windows all over. Now you’ve just got to get all the guts from your current PC inside of it. Here’s how.

Mobile Computing

The Best Baseball Apps to Follow the MLB 2018 Season

Download the best baseball apps to keep up with the latest MLB news for the 2018 season, watch and listen to live games, join a fantasy baseball league, and even play a ballgame on your phone against cyborgs and robots.

5 Great Phone Apps For Keeping Your Passwords Secure

It’s important to have different passwords for every site or service you use, but tracking all those passwords is a pain (so most people don’t bother). These handy apps will help you create, organize, and use super secure passwords.

Here are 15 temporarily free and 29 on-sale apps for Android

The headline says it all. But you better move quickly.

Apple: What Reviewers Are Saying About the New $329 iPad

As for the new iPad, meanwhile, reviewers like it—but note that it’s more of an update than a new product, so you may not really “need” this.

iOS 11.3: Should you install it now or wait?

A new -- and pretty big -- update to iOS is out. Should you make the leap and update or should you sit back and wait a few weeks for the bug fixes to drop?

How to take iPhone photos with just your voice

Siri can be a helpful camera assistant.

Speed Up Your Internet and Protect Your Privacy…Free!

Tech News and Opinions

Breaking News: Three injured, suspected shooter dead at YouTube HQ

Three people were injured and a suspected shooter was found dead inside YouTube's headquarters, according to San Bruno Police, after an active emergency erupted in the Silicon Valley community.

Zuckerberg Tells Vox It Will Take ‘A Few Years’ to Fix Facebook

Zuckerberg is trying to steer Facebook through one of its worst public crises, after revelations that Cambridge Analytica, obtained the private data of some 50 million Facebook users for Donald Trump's campaign.

Apple is moving on from Intel because Intel isn't moving anywhere

Bloomberg this week made public something that should already have been apparent to tech industry observers: Apple is planning to replace Intel processors in Mac computers with its own chips starting sometime around 2020.

Microsoft Is Officially Not the Windows Company Anymore

What was once the sun is now just another outlying moon.

Evoluent Reduced Reach Right-Hand Keyboard review: A possible cure for mouse-arm strain

Evoluent’s Reduced Reach Right-Hand Keyboard solves a problem righties might not have realized they had.

Opinion: Why Apple should fire Siri and hire Cortana

Does anyone really like using this laughable excuse for a voice interface? There is a better choice -- and it comes from a natural partner that everyone is overlooking.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 privacy DNS is real: here's how to use it

Setting your computer to use this DNS is admittedly not exactly easy, but it is not hard either. But you only have to do it once and forget about it and you don’t even have to install anything. JRC: Highly Recommended.

Windows 10 Timeline: How to use use Microsoft's new organizational tool

Coming in a few days: Windows 10’s Timeline feature helps answer the question: what was I working on? This handy, optional feature can track what documents and Web pages you’ve been working on over the past weeks and months.

Best Windows 10 apps of March 2018

From bringing together Android and Windows 10 to giving you some serious video editing power, these are the best Windows 10 apps of March 2018.

How to Make Sure a Chrome Extension is Safe Before Installing It

The problem is that some of these extensions can also steal data, watch your every move, or worse. Here’s how to make sure an extension is safe before installing it.

Facebook users can now delete third-party apps in bulk

Previously, you had to remove them individually. The bulk removal tool is available now on both mobile and desktop.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.3 is available now. Here are the best new features

Apple's update brings fixes for Apple's battery snafu, new Animoji, AR upgrades and more.

How to Know If Someone Blocked Your Number on iPhone

Let's go over the clues that calls and messages from your iPhone are being blocked.

iPhone Virus Warnings: How to Get Rid of Fake Security Alerts on Your iPhone

If you fall for it, your iPhone can be infected with malware, or you may be tricked into giving away personal data over the phone.

6 new uses for your old iPad

Getting a new tablet? Before you sell the old one, consider putting to use in other ways.

10 new and notable Android apps from the last week (3/27/18 - 4/2/18)

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous week or so.

Best Large Screen (Phablet) Android Phone in 2018

Categories: Best features; best for battery; best with a stylus, and best overall.