Thursday, February 28, 2019

Meet the New Windows Office App–Its Free!

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Tech News and Opinions

Apple to combine iPhone, iPad, and Mac apps by 2021, says Bloomberg

Apple already revealed part of this work, codenamed Marzipan, last year at the company’s Worldwide Developer Conference. Apple has started bringing iOS versions of Home, Stocks, News, and Voice Memo apps to macOS 10.14 Mojave.

Windows 10: New study shows Home edition users are baffled by updates

How annoying are Windows 10's automatic updates? In a new study, a group of UK researchers report that users of Home edition experience unexpected restarts and inconsistent installation times, caused by inappropriate defaults and inadequate notice of pending updates.

Galaxy S10, Galaxy Fold launch: 5 phones, smartwatches, new headphones and more

Here are all the official details about Samsung's much-hyped new Galaxy Fold, its raft of Galaxy S10 models, and all the new accessories that go with them.

NASA Celebrates Earth's Incredible Natural Beauty With Free Photo Book

If you ever need reminding just how incredible and unique Earth really is, then bury yourself in this wonderful treat from NASA that shows our planet in all its natural glory.

Gain access to an entire library with 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for $1

Amazon is offering new subscribers a 3-month Kindle Unlimited Trial for only $0.99 right now. This service usually costs $9.99 per month.


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft launches new Office app for Windows 10

It’s a free app that will be preinstalled with Windows 10 or downloaded from the Microsoft Store, and you don’t need an Office 365 subscription to use it.

What’s New in Chrome 73, Arriving March 12

Chrome 73 is set to hit the stable channel on March 12, 2019. Google’s new browser update features the beginnings of a built-in dark mode, tab grouping, media key support, and more picture-in-picture powers.

Microsoft’s new Chrome extension lets you resume browsing across Windows 10 devices

Microsoft has released its own official Chrome extension for Windows Timeline. Dubbed Web Activities, the extension will sync and show your Chrome browsing history across Windows 10 devices so you can use the built-in Timeline viewer.

How to Transfer a Windows 10 License to Another Computer

If you’ve ever built a computer and purchased a Windows license, you probably don’t want to buy another license for your next one. With the slmgr command, it’s possible to deactivate your old PC and then activate a new one.

Download Coloring Pages From Over 100 Museums

Along with three previous annual collections, there are now 396 PDF coloring books you can print out. Here are some of our favorites.

How to use Google Drive cloud storage in a desktop web browser

This service's web app has a lot of utility, if you know where to look.


Mobile Computing – All Versions

How to free up space on your phone with Google Photos' unlimited backup service

f you shoot a lot of pictures and videos on your phone, it’s all too easy to run out of space. Thankfully, the Google Photos can help: it offers unlimited photo storage in the cloud – both for iOS and Android devices

Samsung Galaxy S10E vs. iPhone XR: comparison, specs, how to choose

On specs alone, the Galaxy S10E looks like a contender. But as always, your choice of operating system will probably trump specs.

How to stop Facebook from tracking your location

Facebook is notorious for capturing user data to create profiles that advertisers can target. You can stop the Facebook mobile app from tracking your location completely, or allow it to do so only when you’re using the app.

Why you should be excited for foldable phones — and why you shouldn't

You have a couple of months to think about whether you want to spend roughly $2,000 on this baby.

The 5 best weather apps with the most accurate forecast

The best weather apps can help with everything from forecasts and weather alerts to traffic and health-related updates.


Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How To Connect Your iPhone or iPad to Your TV

Your iOS devices are great media players, but sometimes you want to watch on a big screen. Here's how to connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV.

Apple reveals how to be an expert photographer through these neat tricks

Got yourself the latest iPhone and want to learn how to fully utilize the camera and photo features? You're going to like what Apple just released on their YouTube channel.

Get the Most Out of Your Kindle iOS App

The Kindle app lets you read your ebooks purchased on Amazon, of course, but it has other useful functions you might not know about

How to use iCloud.com to access mail, contacts, calendars, photos, and more

iCloud.com lets you connect to your iCloud services from any web browser. Here's how you can use it.

How to Scan Documents on an iPhone Using the Notes App

You can scan documents using the Notes app! That's right — you can scan and save important documents such as checks, legal documents, and photos


Mobile Computing – Android Only

It’s finally here: New free app lets you use iMessage on Android

Third-party developers have been working for so long to find a usable way to bring iMessage to Android, but they’ve all failed… until now.

Brave Browser uses 35% less power than Chrome for Android

The advantage comes through blocking ads, and the test was on ad-heavy websites.

Microsoft brings some of its Hololens smarts to Android

Hololens 2 may be right around the corner, but before then Microsoft is giving Android users a spin on its Mixed Reality platform.

Everything Samsung announced at its Galaxy Unpacked 2019 launch event

Samsung’s much-anticipated Galaxy Unpacked 2019 event came and went, and although we had a good idea in advance of what to expect, we now know for sure what the Korean tech titan has been cooking up.

Folding Screens, 5G Phones, and AR Advances Unveiled at MWC 2019

This is the most interesting tech at this year's big mobile showcase in Spain, including folding phones, 5G handsets, and almost-notchless wonders.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Tips for Your Home/Office from Marie Kondo

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Tech News and Opinions

How to "Marie Kondo" Your Home Office

How can you apply the same Marie Kondo home techniques to your office, where clutter tends to build up? Here’s how to “Marie Kondo” your home office.

Best free tax software for your 2019 IRS return

What is the best tax filing and refund software to file your taxes? We reviewed the top free tax filing apps -- TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct -- to help you find the best software for taking all of the possible deductions.

Alexa, Siri, and Google Don’t Understand a Word You Say

Voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri have come a long way in the last few years. But, for all their improvements, one thing holds them back: They don’t understand you. They rely too much on specific voice commands.

Facebook Messenger users to get 10-minute 'unsend' window

Version of feature that Mark Zuckerberg was caught using is now available to all

Microsoft shaking up how Windows feature updates are rolled out—again

Each feature update now has one release date rather than two.

Best laptops, desktops and tablets for creatives in 2019

I've culled these recommendations from products we've tested that stand out for their performance, design and features for drawing, painting, designing, rendering, photo and video editing as well as other creative tasks.


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The 101 Most Useful Websites on the Internet

Here are the most useful websites on the Internet that will make you smarter, increase productivity and help you learn new skills.

Which is Cheaper: Printing Your Own Photos or Using a Printing Service?

With the rise of inexpensive online photo printing services, inkjet printers have fallen out of favor. But, as with any DIY project, some people claim that it’s cheaper to print photos at home. Is that really true?

What Apps Come With Office 365?

When you buy a subscription to Office 365, you get client applications to download and run on your computer, along with various web applications that run in your browser. So, which applications do you get as standard, and how do you access them?

How to create and run a batch file on Windows 10

You can stop wasting your time typing commands manually and use a batch file instead — here's how on Windows 10.

Clean out junk files in Windows 7, 8.1, and 10

Free up gigabytes of space on your desktop, laptop, or tablet, without special tools.

How to use Firefox's new content blocking feature

For the average user, content blocking functions as the first line of defense to prevent your data from being shared to third-party entities. Thanks to the Mozilla developers, Firefox has a new and improved content blocking system.


Mobile Computing – iOS and Android

How to Boost Your Mobile Photography Workflow

Phone cameras have become even better, and more options have become available for shooting with them. We'll take you through some of the biggest changes and give you tips on new ways to capture, process, and store your images and videos.

The 5 Best Mobile Photo Editing Apps for Photographers

We asked a few photographers what they use and how they use it. Here are the five best mobile photo editing apps for photographers as recommended by AdoramaPix members.

7 security tips to stop apps from stealing your data

We asked data privacy experts how to protect your personal information when downloading and using apps on your phone.

5 Simple Apps for Landscape Photography

Here are 5 favorite apps and how I use them to access information quickly for my landscape photography. Hopefully you’re not familiar with all of them and you’re able to pick up at least one new suggestion.

Best to-do list apps of 2019 for managing tasks on any platform

The best to-do list apps will help you organize your tasks and lists, get event reminders, and collaborate on projects with teammates.


Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Apple Releases iOS 12.1.4: Details About The Important Update You Should Know About

Apple has released iOS 12.1.4, which is a minor point update that does not contain any major features. However, iOS 12.1.4 fixes what is considered one of the worst bugs in iOS history.

How to Get Rid of the Annoying Red Notifications on Your iPhone Apps

Let’s keep in mind that your apps are important, but their constant notifications probably aren’t. You’re better off without so many of them.

Apple Releases Free iPhone Camera Tutorial Videos

It seems now Apple wants that iPhone users should know a lot more than just pressing the shutter button. That’s why it has released a series of four tutorial videos on its YouTube channel that will teach you many interesting things about clicking photos from an iPhone.

Apple iPhone Contacts App Tips and Tricks

Whether you’re looking for a co-worker, a client, an acquaintance, or a long-lost friend you bumped into at a party, it’s helpful to keep who’s who in order in your Contacts app.

How to clear cache on iPhone to make it run faster: apps, browser

Clearing your iPhone's cache is easy maintenance that you should make a regular priority, as a cluttered cache could be the reason your iPhone is slow.

Apple iOS 12.1.4 Has A Great Secret Feature

iOS 12.1.4 has a significant undocumented change to make managing App Store subscriptions easier and more intuitive.


Mobile Computing – Android Only

5 Great Android Apps for Taking Creative Selfies

As a tribute to my friends and salute to those of who you crave creative options I’ve compiled a list of Selfie and Photo Apps that can help you to take great images but also allow you some creative opportunities.

5 best ad blocker apps for Android!

Ad blocker apps aren’t generally in the Play Store. Thus, most of the apps on the list require a third party download and installation.

These Android apps have been tracking you, even when you say stop

Roughly 17,000 Android apps collect identifying information that creates a permanent record of the activity on your device.

This is how Android will work on foldable phones

As the world waits for more details on Samsung's foldable smartphone, enthusiasts are left to ponder: Just how does Android adjust to work on a bendy screen?

Samsung Outs Its Entire New Galaxy Wearable Line Early

The Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Fit and Fit e, and Galaxy Buds are all seen here, thanks to an early app update.

Microsoft To-Do app updated with new features on all platforms

Android users can now add file attachment, create tasks easily and add due dates, reminders and recurrence.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Patch Tuesday is a Big Deal!

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Tech News and Opinions

New Windows 10 updates: These are the bugs Microsoft just fixed

Along with Tuesday's monthly security patches, Microsoft has released new builds of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 for users on the April 2018 Update and the October 2018 Update releases.

I like Windows 7: Why should I pay to move to Windows 10?

Here we explain that free Windows 10 upgrades are still available, counter some upgrade objections, and provide a great list of resources for upgrading your machines to Windows 10.

The GOP Is Introducing Another Fake Net Neutrality Bill

GOP lawmakers are preparing to introduce yet another piece of legislation that purports to restore net neutrality just a year after Republicans moved to dismantle it. How kind.

Google publishes 14 official Chrome themes

Google's Chrome team has published yesterday 14 official themes for the Chrome browser, the first time the company has done so.

Google Chrome vs Mozilla Firefox in 2019: The battle of the browsers

The stalwart Mozilla Firefox is greatly improved since its Quantum overhaul began in 2017, and its maker continues to push envelopes of its own.


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to use Microsoft Word's Resume Assistant to look for a new job... on LinkedIn

While polishing your resume is still as much about relevant experience and skills as ever, finding a job now involves targeting the right keywords and SEO, too.

Why Do Some Websites Block VPNs?

One of the only ways to protect your right to privacy and information online is to use a VPN. Some websites infringe on those rights by blocking VPNs, but they do it for a good reason.

How to Use Google Docs Offline

Google Docs is great, but because it typically requires an internet connection to use, getting things done when you’re offline can be challenging. If you’re using Google Chrome, an official extension named Google Docs Offline changes that.

How to track time zones around the world with these free apps

I’ve got some handy tools that can help you keep track of the time across the globe.

How to Wipe a Hard Drive

If you’re getting rid of an old computer or upgrading your hard drive or SSD for something bigger, faster, or just newer, you need to make sure your data is wiped clean from your old hardware.

The best alternatives to PowerPoint for creating amazing presentations

The popularity of slideshows as a way of sharing information has been in large part created by Microsoft's PowerPoint, but there are plenty of presentation competitors to PowerPoint.

Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default

Internet Explorer is a 'compatibility solution' and should only be used selectively, warns Microsoft exec.


Mobile Computing – iOS and Android

Compare Cell Phone Plans

Most major cell phone plans on the current market will be considered in the analysis. Here are some of the considerations to make when deciding which type of plan works for you:

Six Months Later: Cricket’s Unlimited Plan Is Still the Best Bang for Your Buck

I recently switched to Cricket Unlimited and man let me tell you: I wish I would’ve done this ages ago. Ages.

The 10 best not-so-new phones: Why last year's models make great deals

"Latest and greatest" doesn't always make a device your best buy. Here are a few select older models that deliver way more value and could mean hundreds of dollars saved.

Parental Controls: The Ultimate Guide

How do you restrict what your kids can do and use on iPhone and iPad? With parental controls!


Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to clean an iPad screen without damaging your device

You need to be careful when cleaning any device screen. It's not something you can spray Windex on and hope for the best.

Five of the Best Camera Apps on iOS

There are many third-party camera apps available in the App Store that add additional functionality, filters, and other effects that are worth checking out.

Why Apple Won't Change the iPhone From Lightning to USB-C

Rumors suggested the new iPhone might have a USB Type-C port, but it's not looking likely.

How to use Apple's Instant Hotspot feature

With just a few clicks -- or taps -- your Apple devices can create a hotspot network while you're on the go.

Did you know these iPhone apps record your screen while you use them?

When an app says it's collecting data for technical support or analytics purposes, it seems innocuous but a number of iOS applications went much further without informing users.


Mobile Computing – Android Only

Android’s Real Security Problem is the Manufacturers

If you’re running a Google Pixel handset, your phone is safe from a security hole that could let a PNG file completely wreck the system. If you’re using nearly any other Android handset, then your phone is vulnerable. This is a problem.

5 ways to tidy up your Android phone, inspired by Marie Kondo

The cleaning guru's home-tidying tips can work just as well on your phone.

Best sports games for Android in February 2019

Get your game on — even in the offseason — with the best sports games available for Android.

Samsung will let you reserve a Galaxy S10 before it's announced

The Galaxy S10 may not be announced for another week, but Samsung will let you reserve one today.

Guide: How to use Google Assistant through your headphones

Google Assistant can perform a wide array of tasks, including reading notifications, answering questions, and reciting recipes. If you’ve never used Google Assistant through your headphones, consider this your guide on all you need to know for getting started.

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

How to Check if Your Passwords Were Stolen


Tech New and Opinions

Bill Gates Made These 15 Predictions Back in 1999 -- and It's Scary How Accurate He Was

In his book, Gates made 15 bold predictions that at the time might have sounded outrageous. But as Markus Kirjonen, a business student, once noted on his blog, Gates' forecasts turned out to be eerily prescient.

What we learned from net neutrality’s big day in court

By turns, both sides faced some sharp questioning from the judges for the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Everything you need to know about Facebook, Google's app scandal

Facebook and Google landed in hot water with Apple this week after two investigations by TechCrunch revealed the misuse of internal-only certificates — leading to their revocation, which led to a day of downtime at the two tech giants.

Several states are investigating Facebook for mishandling user data

Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina are investigating.

Windows 10 19H1: The complete changelog

Here's all you need to know about Windows 10 update 19H1...coming this spring.

Google+ reveals shutdown timeline for consumers

The company has detailed its shutdown timeline for the consumer version of Google+ — and it's not wasting any time.


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google's new Chrome extension warns you about stolen passwords

The Password Checkup lets you know if the username and password you're using have been nabbed by hackers in the past.

How to use Google's new Password Checkup tool

Thankfully services like 1Password's Watchtower, Have I Been Pwned?, and now Google's Password Checkup tool exist. Password Checkup was announced by Google on Tuesday and is available right now for Chrome users.

Google Search isn't everything: 7 ways to find info online without it

Google doesn’t know everything, and there are some resources that are actually better than Google at finding certain information.

Windows Update problems: Fixed now but here's what went wrong, says Microsoft

Microsoft says Windows Update DNS outage is fixed and things should return to normal for all customers soon.

Best Google Chrome extensions (February 2019 edition)

Get more done in 2019 with this selection of extensions hand-picked from the Chrome Web Store. PS: They also work in Opera and Brave browsers.

Windows 10: Now you can get 1990s Windows File Manager from Microsoft Store

The new app is for fans of the look and feel of File Manager in Windows in the early 1990s. The Windows File Manager was the first graphical interface for managing and accessing files.

Top 5 IT pro tips everyone should know

Not everyone can be an IT expert, but Tom Merritt has five tips to help increase your technical skills.


Mobile Computing – Android and IOS

17 New Features Your Favorite Apps Added While You Weren't Looking

It can be hard to keep up with all the features being added to all the apps you’ve got on your phone—which is why we’ve pulled together this rundown of recently added or particularly obscure features you might not have noticed in the apps you use every day.

Facebook Messenger gets an unsend feature

So in case you send the wrong message to the wrong person or make an egregious typo, you’ll be able to remove it in Messenger now.

How to Tether From Your Phone When You Don't Have Wifi

It’s much more secure than the public wifi you’ll find in hotels, coffee shops, and so on. Here’s how to do it, simply and painlessly, whether you’ve got Android or iOS on your mobile device.

Four reasons to switch from iOS to Android (and vice versa)

While the two platforms are converging to offer similarly splendid features, large differences still exist between Android and iOS. Here's how to tell the two platforms apart, and why you might consider swapping in the future.

Mint Mobile [Review]: Cheaper, better prepaid cellular plans

Cell phone plans are a necessary evil in the modern world, so it seems like everyone is trying to get to a cheaper plan to save some money. JRC: I think Cricket is better as it uses the vast AT&T Network. I pay $35 a month.


Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Five of the Best Email Apps on iOS

We dove into the App Store in our latest YouTube video and rounded up a handful of the best email apps we found.

Apple fixes its FaceTime bug. You'll get a software update soon

The company said in a statement Friday that it has fixed the vulnerability on its servers and that it will issue a software update to re-enable Group FaceTime next week.

How to get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases

How you get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases and in-app purchases isn't obvious, but it is possible!

How to Make Lock Screen Notification Previews Private

Fortunately you don't have to turn off notification previews altogether to ensure your privacy. Instead you can set your notification previews to only be visible when your iPhone is unlocked.

How to use adjust light, color, and B&W in Photos for iPhone and iPad

How do you quickly and easily fix lighting and color issues, or make your photos black and white? With smart adjustments!

31 iPhone 7 Tips, Tricks, and Features to Supercharge Your Phone

If you want to take complete control over your iPhone, here are the top iPhone 7 tips you need to know.


Mobile Computing – Android Only

Energizer says it’s making phones with pop-up cameras, 18,000mAh batteries, and foldable displays

As if the simple fact that Energizer sells smartphones wasn’t surprising enough, the company is unveiling 26 new models at Mobile World Congress this year, with flagship features like pop-up cameras, a massive 18,000mAh battery, and a foldable display.

[Update: 11 more banks] Google Pay extends its US reach with support for 44 new banks

Google Pay works with a jaw-dropping number of financial institutions, with more coming online all the time.

Best Card Games for Android

Classic card games and fantasy card worlds on your Android phone? Yes, please!

5 Android apps you shouldn't miss this week!

The headline says it all!

How to print from a Chromebook

While most of us are living in the cloud, there are still some things that need to be printed out on paper, like boarding passes, return labels, and term papers.