Windows To Block May 2019 Update To Computers with USB Drives

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft blocks Windows 10 May 2019 Update on PCs that use USB storage or SD cards

Workaround: Users must remove any USB storage device and SD card and restart May 2019 Update installation.

Stores that don't exist anymore

Malls are losing their anchor stores, and many are being abandoned due to the rise of e-commerce and declining foot traffic to malls.

Kohl's to accept Amazon returns in-store this summer

You can return packages for free at your local Kohl's store starting in July. The stores will accept "eligible Amazon items," without a box or label, regardless of the reason, and ship them to Amazon for free.

Samsung delays Galaxy Fold launch after reports of screen issues

Samsung is delaying the release of the $1,980 Galaxy Fold indefinitely.
At issue, of course, is the screen breakage reported by a few of the early reviewers who were given devices a week ago.

Trump admin considers using social media to deny you benefits

The Trump administration is reportedly working in collaboration with the Social Security Administration to develop a plan for combing through social media posts for evidence — whatever that means — that those receiving certain types of government benefits should have those benefits denied.

Will Apple's TV app on Roku, Fire TV and Samsung kill the Apple TV box?

Although it doesn't work with Netflix, the TV app is a valiant attempt to simplify the confusing world of streaming. And now, for the first time, it's coming to non-Apple devices.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Chrome is getting a reader mode on desktop

The desktop version of Google Chrome’s browser is getting a reader mode, which can be used to strip out a page’s unnecessary background clutter to make an article easier to read.

Why a Chromebook isn't the same thing as a budget laptop

They may look the same, but a laptop and a Chromebook are more different than you might expect.

Best Windows backup software 2019: Free and paid options reviewed

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

Windows 10's 'Sets' feature is gone and not expected to return

Sets, Microsoft's Windows-management feature which allowed users to group data, sites and other information in tabs, is gone and not expected to come back in a future release of Windows 10.

Get Organized: How to Scan Your Old Photos

It's time to free your old photos from shoeboxes and albums no one ever looks at. Scanning your photos makes them more shareable, searchable, and resistant to disasters.

How to enable Google Chrome’s new dark mode on Windows 10

While Google is enabling this new dark mode on Windows, the company hasn’t fully switched it on for all Chrome users just yet. If you don’t want to wait for Google to fully enable this, there’s a shortcut trick to force dark mode:

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

Firefox has been rebuilt practically from the ground up -- but is it enough?

Mobile Computing – In General

11 of the best car apps you can download today

There are several car aps that have enhanced the driving experience. Some of the best car apps help you find parking spots, schedule vehicle repairs, and warn you when you're going above the speed limit.

Windows 10's 'Sets' feature is gone and not expected to return

Sets, Microsoft's Windows-management feature which allowed users to group data, sites and other information in tabs, is gone and not expected to come back in a future release of Windows 10.

5 Apps You Should Delete From Your Phone RIGHT NOW, According To Tech Experts

Most apps are amazing — you wouldn’t think twice about living without them. But once in a while apps come along that are buggy, draining on your battery, and possibly even dangerous to the security of your iPhone or Android.

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.

Microsoft, Google Have Both Updated Their Mobile Apps for the Blind

Microsoft’s app, called Seeing AI, is available only on iOS and was first released back in 2017 but it was updated today with new capabilities.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to check what apps have access to iPhone photos

Can’t remember all the apps you’ve authorized to be able to read and write to the Photos app on your iPhone? Read along below for how to check and change your apps’ Photos permissions.

4 Apps Apple Employees Say Make Your iPhone Run SO Slowly

There’s a good chance one or two (or 12)of your apps are considered battery-draining culprits that are only making your device slower

News App for iPhone and iPad: The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a new way to get your favorite news sources delivered to your iPhone or iPad? Try the News app!

Google Keep Now Supports the Apple Watch, Apple’s Notes Still AWOL

This ends Google’s absence from the Apple Watch platform after the search giant dropped the watchOS version of its Maps app in May 2017.

Google Fit is now available on iOS

Google announced today that Google Fit is finally expanding to iPhones. The app is available now in the Apple App Store

Permanently delete iPhone zombie apps once and for all

Zombie apps are a real problem for iPhones of every stripe. It happens when you delete an app, only to restore your latest backup or connect your iPhone to iTunes, and lo and behold, the app pops back on your home screen. What is going on?

How to Transfer Photos from PC to iOS in 7 Easy Steps with Pictures

Many people keep digital photo albums on their computer, but sometimes you might find yourself wanting to share your memories with your friends and family. However, if the images are stored only on your PC, it can be harder to quickly share them

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Android Guide: How to Use Android Effectively

This How-To Geek School course aims to teach you how to use Android effectively, showing you the most important settings and methods needed to really become an Android pro and get the most out of your device.

Delete These Sketchy Android Apps That Are Tracking You Without Permission

A recent Buzzfeed article points out that several popular Android apps available on the Google Play Store have been collecting and storing sensitive user data without encryption or permission.

15 new and notable Android apps from the last week

Here is a social podcast app, a self-driving car service app, and a tie-in release that will help you set up the newest Harmony remote

The best remote desktop tools for Android

Here, we'll go over the best options for remotely connecting to a computer from an Android device, or a Chromebook with support for Android applications.

Lost or stolen Android phone? Here's how to get it back

It can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to recover your lost or stolen phone.

3 Ways to Transfer Photos from Android to Computer

You can do this on both Windows and Mac computers, both through Google Photos and through a USB cable. If you use a USB cable on Mac, you will need a program called Android File Transfer.

Snapchat's rewritten Android app has now rolled out to everyone

Snapchat began rolling out its rebuilt, faster app for Android earlier this month, and now the refresh app is available to all Android users.

How Tech Will Help Rebuild Notre Dame

Tech News and Opinions

In the wake of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, digital scans offer hope for restoration

The recently-deceased Prof. Andrew Tallon finished the painstaking work of laser scanning Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral, creating rich raw data that could potentially help in reconstruction efforts.

Apple will help fund the rebuilding of Notre-Dame de Paris

Tim Cook has tweeted a commitment that Apple will help to fund the rebuilding of Notre-Dame de Paris, the famous French cathedral which was devastated by fire on Monday. Three billionaires have also contributed 100 Million Euros each.

Opinion: Windows 10 Is Doing A Great Job Persuading People To Switch To A Different Operating System

Microsoft’s problems with updating Windows 10 have been so serious and been going on for so long that they are a good reason to consider moving to a different operating system.

Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are broken, and Congress is wasting our time

Commentary: After two days of hearings about hate speech and political censorship on the internet, we're no closer to finding solutions to tech's biggest problems.

The cord-cutting TV dream had another nightmare price hike

YouTube TV's jump to $50 monthly hurts. Could Sling TV be the feel-good cure?

Amazon's big internet plan: 3,236 satellites to beam faster, cheaper web to millions

Soon you could be buying your goods online from Amazon using the company's own satellite broadband system.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Two-factor authentication explained: How to choose the right level of security for every account

Got questions about security keys, authenticator apps, SMS, or iCloud? We've got all the answers

Best battery life laptops for 2019

Our current rankings of longest-lasting laptops has a few surprises.

How to clean your laptop screen and keyboard safely

Use the right cleaners, cloths and techniques to air your filthy laptop, from the screen to the vents.

Facebook still tracks you after you deactivate account

I thought deactivating my Facebook account would stop the social network from tracking me online. But Facebook kept tabs on me anyway.

How Much Internet Speed Do You Really Need?

Internet service providers always want to sell you a faster connection. But forget marketing: How much speed do you really need? The answer is more complicated than you might expect.

How to check out Microsoft's Chrome-like Edge browser for Windows 10

If you want to test an early version of Microsoft's reworked Edge browser, here's your chance.

Add Bluetooth where you had none before with Sabrent's $4 adapter

It allows you to add Bluetooth to any device that doesn't have it. JRC: I bought this device and it works perfectly on an older desktop computer.

How to do a System Restore on Windows 10 to undo problematic updates

Windows 10 has a great tool to return your PC to its previous working state. In this guide we’ll show you how to do a System Restore on Windows 10 step-by-step.

Mobile Computing – General

Delete those useless apps from your phone. Americans use only five mobile apps per day

As more apps flood the market it becomes increasingly difficult to cut through the noise in order to appeal to users. But what triggers mobile users to engage and stay active on their apps?

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.

The best mobile apps for watching video

With one of our choices for best mobile apps for streaming video, you can watch TV shows, news broadcasts, and live streams of worldwide events on your phone.

How to boost your phone's bad signal strength or poor data connection

When your Android phone or iPhone has problems connecting to the cellular or data network, these steps could help.

DOJ says T-Mobile and Sprint merger 'unlikely' to be approved

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Department of Justice isn't so keen on the impending merger.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Best iPhone calendar apps for 2019

Go beyond Apple Calendar and use these alternative apps on iOS to plan your day and stay organized, at home and at work

How to Configure Your iPhone to Work for You, Not Against You

The Very, Very Complete Guide to Productivity, Focus, and Your Own Longevity

How to Change Whether New iMessage Conversations Use Your Phone Number or Email Address

When you start a new iMessage conversation it might not originate from the phone number or Apple ID that you expect, causing confusion for the recipient. Here’s how to make sure new conversations use the correct phone number or email address.

Best Apple Watch tips and tricks to make your life easier

We've rounded up the best Apple Watch tips and tricks that can make your life easier.

How to call, message, and email your contacts using Siri

Siri is a digital assistant that can help you stay in touch with your favorite people! Here's everything you need to know to do just that!

How to check stocks and exchanges using Siri

Siri can look up stock prices and exchange positions for you. Whether you want to find out what's happening with APPL or GOOG, or if the DOW or NASDAQ is up or down, Siri's got you covered!

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Best Android Launchers in 2019

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.

Android Pie: Everything you need to know about Android 9

From new gestures to extending battery life, here's everything you need to know about Android Pie!

A budgeting feature is rolling out to Google Play

Google has a new tool to help you save money.

Play Store finally testing simultaneous app downloads

Store is seemingly in for many changes. Those changes also include simultaneous downloads.

Your Android phone can now be a security key for your Google account

Starting today, you can use any Android phone running Android 7.0 or later as a 2FA security key for your Google Account.

Google Pay can automatically integrate loyalty cards and passes from Gmail

You can now allow Google Pay to integrate things like loyalty cards, movie tickets, airline boarding passes, and more from Gmail. Once enabled, these passes will automatically appear in your Google Pay app.

The First Photo Ever of a Black Hole

Tech New and Opinions

Black hole picture, revealed: First look from across the universe

The Event Horizon Telescope captures one of the most powerful objects in existence. And basically, it's the Eye of Sauron. The technology it took to take this photo is absolutely amazing.

Google’s constant product shutdowns are damaging its brand

It's only April, and 2019 has already been an absolutely brutal year for Google's product portfolio.

Over 540 million Facebook records found on exposed AWS servers

Leak originated at two third-party companies that had collected Facebook data on their own servers.

Opinion: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram are 'garbage,' says Linux founder Torvalds

Tech pioneer Linus Torvalds says the way social media works today encourages bad behavior. "It's a disease."

Microsoft Confirms Massive Windows 10 Upgrade Changes

Windows 10 has a serious upgrade problem which is getting worse. But now Microsoft has taken decisive action in the most welcome and unexpected of ways…

Microsoft going to extreme lengths to ensure May update avoids mistakes of 1809

There'll be a month-long release preview phase, less aggressive end-user deployment, and more.

AirPower, 'Bendgate', Maps: Apple's 15 biggest flops

Lower-than-expected sales, unexpected glitches, design fails -- it doesn't always go right for Apple.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Do’s and Don'ts of Entering Data in Excel

Entering data correctly the first time can avoid problems later on and make it easier to use many of Excel's tools and features such as formulas and charts.

How to use Windows Photo Viewer as your default image viewer in Windows

Windows 10 introduced the shiny new Photos app as the default experience for interacting with image files on your PC

Microsoft changes how Windows 10 disconnects USB storage devices

USB storage devices will be easier to remove but will become slower.

26 incredibly useful Google Calendar tips

Upgrade your agenda with this cornucopia of advanced options, shortcuts, and features for Google Calendar.

Laptop vs. Chromebook: Picking the best computer for you

They might look the same, but they are definitely different.

8 ways to take screenshots in Windows 10

Capture all -- or just part -- of your screen with a few keystrokes.

Microsoft Is Closing Its Ebook Store and Taking the Books With It

All books will be deleted from the giant's cloud, including ones purchased by users, by July 2019. Those purchases will be met with a full refund.

Mobile Computing – in General

10 ways to download and read books online for free

Why shell out when you can read hundreds of novels without paying a dime?

When Can Headphones and Earbuds Damage Your Hearing?

Conversations about headphone-induced hearing loss have faded away, but headphones and earbuds still post a serious risk to your ears. How loud is too loud, and how do you protect your ears without giving up music?

Google Duplex launching for iOS and Android devices

Google Duplex, the voice assistant that sounds remarkably human, is making its way to more devices. The new Google Assistant feature for booking restaurant reservations is rolling out for more Android and iOS devices in the US.

9 best food tracking apps

These free food tracker, calorie counter, and food journal apps can help you lose weight no matter what diet you're on.

The definitive guide to stopping robocalls on your mobile phone

How to stamp out the annoying mobile calls with robocall-blocking software on your Android or iPhone.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to move apps and create app folders on any iPhone model

Rather than flipping through page after page of disorganized icons, you can store all of your social media apps in one folder and your games in another.

How to sync your iPhone and iPad: Email, photos, texts, and more

If you own more than one iOS device — such as an iPhone and an iPad— It doesn't take long to recognize the value in having access to all the same information on all of your devices.

Best iPhone calendar apps for 2019

Go beyond Apple Calendar and use these alternative apps on iOS to plan your day and stay organized, at home and at work.

The 5 best things about the new iPad Mini

But the idea of a small iPad isn't crazy. Neither is choosing this iPad Mini in particular. In fact, it has some advantages you might want to consider.

How to choose between iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro

Figuring out which Apple-made tablet is best for you can be confusing. That there are a bunch of models out there make it hard. That most of them look similar makes it even more difficult to shop with confidence.

Apple News Plus: 6 tips to use Apple's new magazine subscription service

Apple's premium news service is affordable and easy to set up.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Google Assistant offers livelier search results on Android

Google is rolling out an update to Assistant on Android that provides more detailed (not to mention more vivid) info cards when you ask certain questions.

Android ecosystem of pre-installed apps is a privacy and security mess

An academic study that analyzed 82,501 apps that were pre-installed on 1,742 Android smartphones sold by 214 vendors concluded that users are woefully unaware of the huge security and privacy-related threats that come from pre-installed applications.

Best Android Messaging Apps in 2019

Communicating on your phone has gone far beyond simple SMS messages and voice calls.

How to change your Android clock to 24-hour time

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to switch to 24-hour time, and whatever they are, this is how you do it on an Android phone.

Video: Android Q Beta 2 First Look!

After putting together a growing list of changes to Android Q that arrived with the new beta 2 build, we figured a video tour of the fun was needed.

Special Edition: Email Tips for your Computers & Phones

Tech News and Opinions

Google adds for 4 new features to Gmail on its 15th birthday

Gmail has come a long way. To celebrate 15 years of the mail, Google announced some nifty new features.

Office Depot rigged PC malware scans to sell unneeded $300 tech support

Office Depot and its software supplier have to pay $35 million toward refunds.

YouTube Executives Ignored Warnings, Let Toxic Videos Run Rampant

Proposals to change recommendations and curb conspiracies were sacrificed for engagement, staff say.

Why should you buy Apple TV channels over Amazon or Roku?

Apple is trying to turn its TV app into the home for all your video services. Think about it as the TV bundle of the digital age—although there are still a lot of questions about what that will look like.

Apple Card's fine print: 7 things we learned about Apple's new iPhone credit card

We dove into the fine print to see what kind of details we could uncover about Apple's major disruptor payment card. Like all credit cards, there are ins and outs to know when choosing the right one for you.

Apple apologizes for continued reliability problems with its MacBook keyboards

It’s time for a new keyboard design on Apple’s laptops

How to watch baseball without cable for the 2019 MLB season

Between MLB.TV and streaming services like Sling TV, YouTube TV and Fubo TV, cord cutters have more options for following their favorite teams than ever

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Schedule Emails With Gmail's New Feature

You no longer have to rely on third-party Chrome extensions to schedule out your messages.

Gmail Tips to Master Your Inbox From Google’s Productivity Expert

Just because companies like Microsoft and Slack are competing to eat Gmail’s lunch doesn’t mean the old dog is done learning new tricks.

How to create, filter, and format tables in Excel

Tables give you options plain old spreadsheets can't.

Windows 10 1903 update nears: Microsoft removes another barrier to its release

With April now here, Microsoft is gearing up to release the Windows 10 April Update or version 1903, which it's been testing with Windows Insiders for months.

Update WinRAR Now to Protect Your PC From Attacks

Do you have WinRAR installed on your Windows PC? Then you’re probably vulnerable to attack. RARLab patched a dangerous security bug at the end of February 2019, but WinRAR doesn’t automatically update itself.

5 things you can do in 5 minutes to boost your internet privacy

It's time to break out of some bad habits before they come back to bite you

Mobile Computing – In General

The 10 best smartphones you can buy right now

It's easy to find a great phone today. In fact, current flagship devices are so good you really don't need to be replacing them every year.

5 best ways to check your credit score from your phone or laptop

It's important to know your credit score all year round, not just when you make a down payment.

How to set up emergency location sharing on Android and iOS

Two minutes of simple setup, and your smartphone could save your life

The best wireless charger to buy right now

Wireless charging pads aren’t a new invention, but with Apple finally jumping on the bandwagon with the iPhone X and iPhone 8, the entire category has suddenly become much more important.

Keep your photos safe in the cloud with the best online photo storage for 2019

Your phone can store only so many photos. Even if it holds thousands of images, you'll be glad to have a backup should you misplace it. And cloud storage is cheap, convenient, and capacious.

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

Tips to Optimize Email on your iPhone or iPad

You may not have realized everything you can do to read, compose, and organize your email. You can also swiftly update your contacts and calendar with items from email, and get notified of important messages.

Best iPads (2019): Which New iPad Should You Actually Buy?

Choosing an iPad is more complicated than it needs to be, but we're here to help.

Apple News Plus: 7 tips to use Apple's new magazine subscription service

The new premium magazine service from Apple is cheap and easy to use.

A Complete List of All the Magazines Available for Apple News+ in the U.S.

Below, you will find the complete list of all 251 magazines that are available for Apple News+ in the United States.

Top 10 iOS apps of March 2019!

We've compiled a top 10 list of our favorite iOS apps to hit the App Store in March 2019. There are some good ones here.

How to Back Up Your iPhone and iPad

Creating an iPhone or iPad backup should be routine for most users, as it's a simple procedure and the easiest way to recover your data if your device is replaced, lost or stolen.

Mobil Computing – Android Only

Spark Mail for Android is Now Available!

If you have been waiting for Spark Mail before making a switch, the time has now come. The popular iOS and Mac email app has been released on Android for all to use. JRC: This is my e-mail app of choice for all my Apple Devices. Excellent!!

Smart Compose for Gmail is now available on all Android devices

Smart Compose is a useful Gmail feature that’s arriving on all Android devices starting today. By following your writing patterns and language used, Gmail can automatically generate your frequently used phrases as you type.

The best Google Inbox (Inbox by Gmail) alternatives for Android

The death of Inbox by Gmail is a particularly hard one to swallow for fans of Google’s alternative email service. It’s easy to understand the frustration, as Inbox offered a variety of unique features.

With Walmart Voice Order you can shop for groceries via Google Assistant

You'll soon be able to say "Hey Google, talk to Walmart" to any Assistant device and it will start a grocery order for you.

Moto G7 and Moto G7 Power Review: Still the best affordable Android phones money can buy

These phones are aimed at the budget conscious consumer.

Get $200 off a Samsung phone with a busted device - Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Plus, and Galaxy S10e phones might be three of the best Android phones available, but they aren’t cheap. The good news is that Samsung now gives you a $200 trade-in credit for any Android or iOS device.