Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Apple Sets Sail in All New Directions

What Apple Announced

What's been announced thus far about Apple's TV programming and service, credit card, game subscription service and more. 

The new Apple Card exists both as a virtual and a laser-etched physical card. 

Apple's video streaming service will extend beyond iPhones, iPads and Apple TV. It's also coming to Roku and Amazon Fire Sticks. 

Apple is making a big move into video streaming because the company can't afford to fall even further behind. Here's what's at stake. 

Get all the articles you want from select publishers. 

Apple's come up with a new way to play video games on our phones. But at what price? 

The company decided to quietly roll out not one, but two new iPads ahead of the big Monday event

Other Tech News and Opinions

Last minute attempts to weaken the proposal failed as bill now moves toward a showdown in the House and Senate. 

A grand jury has subpoenaed records from at least two prominent device OEMs that had data-sharing agreements with Facebook, according to the New York Times. 

The clock is ticking on Windows 7, which means those last-minute Windows 10 upgrade projects are picking up momentum. 

While the previously leaked screenshots made Edge look very similar to Chrome, Microsoft is adding its own touches and animations to make it look and feel like a Windows browser. 

Instead of paying upwards of $100 per month for a bloated channel bundle, you can replace it with streaming TV services—and perhaps an TV antenna—at a fraction of the cost. 

Analysis of over 360,000 phishing emails reveals some common themes in phony emails sent to businesses. Don't get caught out by these ones 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Jason Perlow is becoming a corporate Mac user. What does he need to get started? 

The graphing mode is the first open-source suggestion to be chosen. 

Award-winning technology writer Ed Bott of The Ed Bott Report has mastered the ins and outs of the Windows 10 set-up process so that you can too. 

It’s never been easier to set up your own website—and you’ve never had more options. Here’s what you need to know to get that website up and running. 

Firefox 66 will automatically prevent autoplay videos with sound from playing unless users want them to. 

Closing browser tabs one by one is a pain. Chrome and Firefox let you select tabs on your address bar, and you can quickly close those tabs with a keyboard shortcut or your mouse. 

Mobile Computing – All Operating Systems

Amazon offers their Kindle e-readers with features and prices to suit the taste of any bookworm. We’ll help you pick the one that’s perfect for you. 

Filling your Amazon Kindle with books is just a few clicks away. 

Here are seven app categories we’ve picked out that are a better use of your downtime than scrolling through posts from people you don’t even like that much. 

Life is complicated enough without apps that are weighed down with features you don’t need. Make your smartphone an oasis of calmness, tranquility, and elegant design choices with our picks for the best minimalist apps of the moment 

The app and any future updates are free, according to the game's website. 

Explore the great outdoors with your loved ones and start an adventure with these apps. 

Mobile Computing – iOS

When Apple says something is “available now,” it doesn’t play around. iOS 12.2 is available on all compatible devices now, and it includes the new News+ service (along with some other stuff). 

Mozilla today announced a new iOS version of Firefox that has been specifically optimized for Apple’s iPad. 

Curious how to spring clean your smartphone? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started on a cleaner, smarter device. 

The iPad's built-in Calendar app may appear simple, but it is hiding some very powerful features. 

The update includes improvements to existing Shortcuts actions, as well as new tools for creating Shortcuts that integrate the Notes app. 

Mobile Computing – Android

Clearing out the app caches—where apps store temporary files and other data—can be just as effective as a full-on factory reset for restoring your device’s performance and responsiveness. 

Way back when, Steve Ballmer talked about "Three screens and the cloud". With its latest tools, Microsoft has finally delivered on that vision. 

You can get a lot of phone for $300 or less these days. Motorola has been a leading name in midrange options for years, but there are other great options to consider from brands like Huawei and Nokia, too. 

The built-in VPN creates a private, encrypted connection between your phone and the server with a 256-bit encryption algorithm. The encryption hides your physical location and because you don't have to log in, the VPN server doesn't retain any activity data. 

There are essentially two steps to making sense of all of those Android apps: find a way to organize them and periodically remove all of the extra apps that you’ve accumulated and no longer use.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Facebook Exposes Millions of Passwords in Plain Text

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Tech News and Opinions

Facebook passwords by the hundreds of millions sat exposed in plain text

The social network plans to notify all those users whose passwords were not encrypted on its internal servers.

Apple March 2019 Special Event Preview

Apple will be holding a special event on March 25, 2019, at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park, in Cupertino California.

Next for Windows 10: What to expect from the April 2019 Update

The next big feature update for Windows 10 is right around the corner. Here's why this update might be different from its predecessors.

The World Wide Web turns 30: our favorite memories from A to Z

Over the past 30 years, major portions of the web have come and gone. They’ve made us laugh and cringe, let us waste time and find friends, and reshaped the world in the process.

House Dems plan April vote on net neutrality bill

"Supporting this bill means supporting our democracy, ensuring that the voices of the public are heard, their will is respected and the internet remains free and open to all," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

Google unveils Stadia cloud gaming service at GDC 2019

Describing it as a platform for everyone, Pichai talked up Google’s ambitions to stream games to all types of devices.

Two-thirds of all Android antivirus apps are frauds

The anti-virus testing lab tested 250 apps. Only 80 of them passed the tests


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Tasks' new bigger role: It can manage all your reminders, to-dos, lists

Google will now prompt you to put all your reminders in the Tasks app.

Mozilla launches its free, encrypted file-sharing service

The service allows web users to share files up to 2.5 GB in size through the browser, while protecting them with end-to-end encryption and a link that automatically expires to keep the shared files private.

Firefox can now block the web’s autoplaying videos

The latest version of Firefox lets you block videos that autoplay with sound around the web. The setting can be turned on in Firefox 66 across every website.

How to move your notes and other stuff out of Evernote

Looking to migrate to OneNote, Zoho Notebook, or Simplenote? Here’s how

Microsoft releases Windows Defender extensions for Chrome and Firefox

The feature, which used to be an Edge exclusive, keeps PCs safe by opening web pages not included in administrators' trusted sites in a virtual container.

What to Do When Your Computer Won't Start

If your computer won't start, don't panic (yet). Here are some troubleshooting steps to take when your computer fails to boot correctly.

Can Excel show the column headers on every screen? How to freeze panes and split screens

Nn Excel it’s called Freezing Panes, which can be applied to columns or rows (or both), and it’s super-simple.


Mobile Computing – in General

8 gardening apps to activate your green thumb in spring 2019

Use these gardening and landscaping apps to keep your lawn healthy, figure out the right stuff to plant and get alerts so your hard work doesn't go to waste.

8 spring cleaning apps to clear out your winter junk

You don't need Marie Kondo to declutter your house. Just get some of these apps.

How to use Alexa to get ready for vacation

Alexa can help you have a better trip with these tips.

How to Pack Your Electronics for Air Travel

This isn’t just a question of TSA compliance; this is a question of convenience. If you plan to bring a bunch of large electronics on your next vacation, you need to be able to organize them in your carry-on bag.

Google Drive users: This is your new Android, iOS makeover for faster file access

Google has redesigned Google Drive to give users access to information with fewer taps.


Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Opinion: Why today’s iPad lineup is the strongest in years

With the introduction of the new iPad mini and the new iPad Air, the iPad is now Apple’s most coherent and complete product line

Opinion: Buy the iPad instead of a MacBook

iPad Pro which is definitely a game changer; it can do so much more compared to the previous iPads.

Gboard iOS keyboard update brings handy translate feature to iPhone and iPad

Gboard has received a new update today that has added the useful Google Translate functionality to the third-party keyboard for iPhone and iPad.

How to Rearrange Tabs in the Safari App on Your iPhone

If you're like me you have a lot of tabs open in the Safari app on your iPhone—of articles you want to come back to, recipes you plan to try later, or an online shopping cart where you're not ready to check out.

How to Add a Photo to a Contact in the iPhone Contacts App

Trust me, it's a great feature to use so you don't talk to your cousin Ellie thinking she's your coworker Elaine.


Mobile Computing – Android

Android Weekly: What’s Coming in Android Q

The Q beta landed with all sorts of new features, Vivo showed off a portless phone, and Google killed a bunch of services.

SwiftKey on Android now lets you set Google as its search engine

SwiftKey is Microsoft’s own keyboard-alternative for Android. It allows users to replace their default keyboard with Microsoft’s own, providing a unique set of customisation options and a different feel, to suit different tastes.

New Android adware found in 200 apps on Google Play

Security researchers have found a new kind of mobile adware hidden in hundreds of Android apps, and downloaded more than 150 million times from Google Play.

The best Android smartphones you can buy right now (Spring 2019)

With all the choices available, trying to find the best smartphone an be like looking for a needle in a haystack. To help you out, we've compiled a short list of the best Android phones you can buy, from low-end budget devices to premium flagships.

How to set up an iCloud email account on Android

There's no need to abandon your iCloud email address when you get a new Android device.


Apple Watch Tips and Tricks

The 8 Apple Watch features that surprised me

The Apple Watch Series 4 is Apple's best watch yet. And in using it over the past several days, I've stumbled upon features that surprised me initially but that I've come to appreciate.

How to set the default weather, stock, and world clock for your Apple Watch

Can't find how to set your default weather, stock, or world clock on Apple Watch? Here's how!

How to Use Your Apple Watch as a Walkie-Talkie

I didn't use walkie-talkies much as a kid, but now with this feature on Apple Watch I can indulge in a slightly more futuristic way. Here's a general overview on how to use Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Windows Laptop vs Chromebook…Which Might Be for You?

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Tech News and Opinions

U.S. Democrats unveil legislation to reinstate net neutrality rules

Democrats in Congress unveiled a bill to reinstate net neutrality rules repealed by the Federal Communications Commission under U.S. President Donald Trump, the latest salvo in a more than decade-long battle over how to regulate internet traffic.

The Web turns 30: Dream or nightmare?

Thirty years ago, Sir Tim Berners-Lee first proposed what would become the web, and the world would never be the same.

Thinking about getting computer glasses? Read this first

They claim to help stop headaches and keep us from staying up too late, but are they worth the money?

13 Home Office Upgrades You Need If You Work Remotely

These upgrades pay for themselves in health, happiness, and productivity.

With huge changes looming, should you avoid buying new Macs?

Rumors that Apple is planning an architecture switch away from Intel chips to its own silicon have been circulating for some time now, but recent reports suggest that Apple's revamping will be widespread, and bring even tighter integration between iPhone, iPad, and the Mac.

Amazon will close all of its U.S. pop-up stores

Since 2015, Amazon has increased their physical presence by opening pop-up stores across the globe. Now, all 87 locations are set to close by April 2019. These pop-ups were located inside Whole Foods, Kohl’s and large malls.


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

15 Essential Chrome Extensions for Staying Productive in 2019

These are Chrome’s best extensions for saving time, getting organized, and eliminating distractions while browsing the web

27 Great Sites To Waste Your Time On

Sometimes you want a break from being productive, and having a list of sites that can provide some distraction is good to have around.

Windows 10 tip: When you should (and shouldn't) pause updates

If you're too busy to deal with the latest Windows 10 update right now, just hit Pause to delay Windows Update for up to five weeks. This option even cancels pending updates, leaving you free to keep working without fear of interruption.

Google warns users to immediately update Chrome browser after critical bug discovered

Justin Schuh, Chrome’s security engineer chief warned users to update Chrome “like right this minute” on Twitter, declaring it a Public Service Announcement.

USB 4 will help your PC, phone and gadgets get along in 2020

The all-purpose connector will be more powerful and (eventually) less confusing.

iPad Pro 2018 vs. Surface Pro 6: Which tablet is the best laptop replacement?

Apple's and Microsoft's top tablets have the performance of a laptop, but can they do everything you need? Here's how to find out.


Mobile Computing – All Operating Systems

Chromebooks vs. Windows laptops: Buying advice to help you decide

In the fight between a Google Chrome OS-powered Chromebook and a Microsoft Windows PC, it boils down to cost versus convenience.

5 Google Maps tips and tricks to make you an expert navigator

Despite Google Maps being so far beyond all other competition in terms of monthly active users, the company still works regularly to make this app not just a navigator, but also a tour guide and a commuting guru.

How to Enable Dark Mode Nearly Everywhere It's Available Right Now

Dark mode can make software easier on the eye, give you a refreshing change from the norm, and even save on battery life if you’re using an OLED display

5 tips & tricks to get the most out of Spotify on Android and iPhones

Optimize your downloads, cast your tunes, wield voice commands, and more


Mobile Computing – iOS Only

6 new uses for your old iPad

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

Spectre is a new iOS camera app that uses AI to create stunning long exposures

Spectre isn’t just about long shutter speeds: it’s using AI and computational photography to produce enhanced long exposures without the usual distractions.

How to change your Apple ID and email address

Need to change the email address associated with your Apple ID? Here's how.

Opinion: Buy the iPad instead of a MacBook

iPad Pro which is definitely a game changer; it can do so much more compared to the previous iPads.

iOS 12.2 Public Beta 4 Is Now Available: What's new?

Apple is close to releasing the latest iOS 12.2 to the public. At present, the iOS 12.2 beta 4 has been pushed to the developers and there are notable updates.


Mobile Computing – Android Only

Slow rollout begins for Windows 10 Android screen mirroring

Microsoft previously revealed that users will eventually have access to full Windows 10 Android smartphone mirroring via its Your Phone app. Over the past few months, it’s slowly doled out features to the app, but now it looks like the promised smartphone mirroring is finally here.

Get Spotify Premium and Hulu for just $10 each month

Spotify already had a good thing going by bundling Spotify Premium and Hulu for $12.99 each month. Now, the music streaming service sweetened the deal even more by no longer charging extra for a Hulu subscription.

Use your hole punch cameras with these Galaxy S10 and S10+ wallpapers

The hole-punch camera cutouts on the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ is something you can love or hate, but if you have to look at it every day, you might as well play into it with a fun wallpaper that fits it perfectly!

These true wireless earbuds are just $65

Like the Galaxy Buds, Brio True Wireless Earbuds are compact and cordless. They boast an IP67 rating, making them sweat and waterproof, and utilize Bluetooth 5.0, so your connectivity will never lag or drop.

5 Android apps you shouldn't miss this week!

The headline says it all.

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

Websites That Might Be Better Than Craigslist.

Image result for Craigslist images

Tech News and Opinions

The Best Websites Like Craigslist For All Your Needs

Whether you’re merely looking for a short-term loan or to post your ad both online and in print circulation, here are our top picks for the six best Craigslist alternatives for online classifieds.

Amazon launches Amazon Day pick a day delivery service

The initiative is called "Amazon Day." Customers can also switch around their Amazon Day from week to week if their ideal delivery date changes.

Apps sending sensitive data to Facebook, including sexual activity

The privacy policies of the apps concerned do not make clear the extent of the data-sharing, often not mentioning Facebook at all.

How to spot fake Amazon reviews

Two handy tools can help you determine if all those gushing reviews are the real deal.

Bill Gates Reveals The 10 Breakthrough Technologies That Will Change The World in 2019

MIT Technology Review creates the list every year, highlighting where it feels technological developments will most impact on human life, during the coming year.

5G is here...But it'll cost you

We know this much: 5G won't be cheap. The networking technology has long been hailed as a game-changer that will serve as a foundation for everything from telemedicine to self-driving cars to augmented reality. Carriers are spending billions of dollars to build out 5G networks.


Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to rip (copy) Blu-ray and other movies, so you can stream and archive them

There's no media that can't be backed up—including Ultra HD Blu-ray. Whether it's worth the hassle is another matter.

Why Does Windows 10 Update So Much?

Updates normally happen automatically in the background, so let’s demystify that: Here’s what Windows is installing and when.

Why I chose Brave as my Chrome browser replacement

Brave is based on Chromium, and soon even Microsoft’s Edge. That means each of those browsers supports Chrome extensions and provides performance comparable to — or, in the case of Brave, faster than — Google’s Chrome.

How to set up a VPN for increased security and privacy

Virtual private networks (VPNs) can offer an additional layer of security and privacy. Whether you’re working on a public Wi-Fi network and want to escape prying eyes, or you’re worried about privacy in general, a VPN can offer a lot of benefits

Firefox to add Windows Hello for password-free logins at supported websites

Firefox users on Windows 10 will be able to sign into certain websites via fingerprint, face or PIN.

Best free email alternatives to Microsoft Outlook for Windows

Office 365 may be too expensive and Microsoft Outlook too feature-rich for your needs. Here are the best free email alternatives to Microsoft Outlook for Windows.


Mobile Computing – All Versions

How to buy the best SD card for your camera, phone, tablet

Memory card speed, class, and capacity differences explained.

Five phone cameras? Three? Galaxy S10, PureView, Xperia take different tacks

The escalating number of cameras on phones sure seems like it's getting out control. But there's a method to the madness.

Wi-Fi 6 explained: What you need to know about the next generation of wireless networking

Everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6.

Rid your desk of clutter and keep your headphones safe with nearly 50% off this stand

Have your fancy headphones on display, easily accessible, and out of precarious positions.

Anker's must-have 3-in-1 cable just dropped back down to $11

There's never such a thing as having too many cables, especially when they are universal like this one and work for just about any gadgets you may have laying around.


Mobile Computing – iOS

Best email apps for your iPhone and iPad in 2019

Apple's Mail app can get the job done, but there are many better alternatives out there. Here's a roundup of the best email apps for your iOS device!

Siri Shortcuts: How to automate tasks on the iPhone via voice or a tap

The Siri Shortcuts feature that Apple launched last fall as part of iOS 12 has always had oodles of potential. And for some of you this feature, which lets you use your voice to automate a string of tasks or routines, may have just gotten a whole lot more useful.

7 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Delete From Your iPhone For Better Battery Life NOW

In general, the apps you use the most tend to drain your battery the most. But some apps are far worse than others.

How to Keep Your Apple AirPods From Slipping Out of Your Ears

Do Apple's AirPods fall out of your ear or hurt after you wear them? Don't give up. Here are a few DIY fixes and earhook solutions to get the AirPods to stay in your ear.

iOS 12 annoyances, and how to fix them

You don't have to dig deep into iOS 12 before you start finding some pretty big annoyances. Here is a selection of the biggest ones, along with how to fix them.


Mobile Computing – Android

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.

Surprise, Opera's free VPN is back! Here's how to get it on your Android phone

When Opera announced that it was shutting down its VPN app for iOS and Android last year, it appeared as though it was gone forever. Apparently, Opera thought better of that idea, because it’s bringing its VPN back.

10 Google Chrome Problems and How to Fix Them

Both the active community surrounding Chrome and Google themselves provide both well documented solutions and guidance to address your Google Chrome problems and get it back up and running.

5 tips and tricks for Google Chrome on Android and iPhones

Because of Google's rapid-release style of app development, there's a regular flow of new features and changes that you might not be aware of.

Get an early look at dark mode in Chrome for Android

Android Q will feature a system-wide dark mode, so Google's developers are busily preparing dark versions of all its native apps – including Chrome.