Is Chrome Spying on You? Time to Switch Browsers?

Tech News and Opinions

Google Chrome has become surveillance software. It’s time to switch

You open your browser to look at the web. Do you know who is looking back at you?

Is Google Chrome spying on you?

It seems as Google’s software, with the ability to listen everything being said in a room, was being installed on computers without the owners’ consent, and everyone’s freaking out about it.

iPhone users hold onto aging handsets for longer than ever

The global smartphone market is slowing down, but nowhere are things declining faster than the premium end of the market.

Comparison Shop for Literally Anything Using 'Versus'

Enter a product or service—or anything at all—and Versus will tell you the alternatives.

States to Sue to Block T-Mobile-Sprint Merger

A group of states sued to block T-Mobile US Inc.’s proposed takeover of Sprint Corp. on antitrust grounds, putting pressure on the Justice Department as it nears a final decision on the merger of the two wireless carriers.

Amazon Prime Day 2019 is July 15 and 16

The big day(s) of deals will go down July 15 and 16. Amazon announced the dates this evening, saying that this will be the first time for Prime Day that there will be 48 hours worth of discounts.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Free Desktop Software of 2019

Your phone is full of apps, but don't neglect the desktop. These free programs can make your life better on the PC, browser, and beyond.

Protect your online identity now: Fight hackers with these 5 security safeguards et

Having your identity stolen can be a nightmare, and cleaning up the mess can take months. You can make life difficult for a would-be identity thief by locking down these five key aspects of your online life.

Google's Chromebook App Hub for students and teachers is live

Google has a new way to help educators find good apps for the classroom.

Microsoft's Chromium Edge browser comes to Windows 7, 8

After only initially being available on Windows 10, Microsoft’s Chromium Edge browser is now available to those using Windows 7 and Windows 8.

How to partition a hard drive

Partitions allow you to segment a single drive for separating programs from files or installing a second OS

What Is the Menu Key For? (and How to Remap It)

Did you know your keyboard has a menu key? On full-size keyboards, you’ll find it to the left of your right Ctrl key. This key opens context menus, but you can tweak it to make it more useful.

How to do a clean installation of Windows 10

The best way to reinstall, upgrade, or set up a new device with Windows 10 is using a clean installation. Here's the reason why and every step you need to follow.

If I Can't Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, Now What?

While I always recommend upgrading to the latest and greatest version of whatever software you’re using, this might not be the best option if you’re running an older device that’s already struggling to function.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Amazon's new Kindle Oasis has a color-adjustable front light

The Seattle tech giant took the wraps off the refreshed Kindle Oasis, which features a 7-inch display with a screen density of 300 pixels per inch and an improved, color-adjustable front light.

Don't even bother cleaning your phone screen any other way than these

The absolute best techniques to keep that iPhone or Android screen sparkly clean.

How To Use Waze

Crowdsourced interactive mapping app Waze gives you the lowdown on traffic

17 Life-Changing Ways To Up Your Gmail Game

Check out some great plugins for Gmail.

80 Creative Photo Book Ideas

Creating a photo album takes a lot of work and planning, and it helps to have some inspiration on hand to get those creative juices flowing.

The 10 Best Calendar Apps for 2019

The right calendar app helps you stay on top of appointments, holidays, and celebrations, not to mention deadlines.

How to Make a Call from a Text Message

Text messages are quick to send and read, but sometimes you'll need to call the other person to clear something up or if you need more direct communication. Here's how to make a phone call from the text chat.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

The One App That Ruins Your iPhone Battery—Even When It’s On Low Power Mode!

Sorry, but the Facebook app is going to continue to drain your battery, even when you’ve wisely set your phone to low power mode.

How to Delete Emails & Stop Default Archive on Your iPhone

Here's how to delete emails on your iPhone, by changing the default swipe action from archive to delete.

Apple Maps hands-on: Look Around and folders bring depth to iOS and iPadOS

Apple Maps may not have eclipsed Google Maps, but it’s become a true peer, excelling in some ways while remaining behind in others.

How to use the iCloud for Windows app

Apple and Microsoft are making it easier for users to access iCloud across Windows 10 PC and Apple devices. Here's how.

Answers to your burning questions about how ‘Sign In with Apple’ works

From a security perspective, Apple offers a better option for both users and developers alike compared with other social login systems such as Facebook and Google which, in the past, have been afflicted by massive security and privacy breaches.

Mobile Computing – Android only

The best Android tablets in 2019

Looking for the best Android tablet for your creative needs? We have you covered.

Google keeps failing to understand tablets

Like almost every company that’s ever tried to build a tablet. Google is now out of the tablet business.

Nova Launcher Adds 3 Different Color Choices for Night Mode

Rolling out in stable form over the weekend, Nova Launcher now offers 3 different darkly-colored choices for its Night Mode.

How to wipe your Android phone before selling or trading it in

Before you give your device away, delete your personal data

How to transfer old Android apps into a new phone

Keep your favorite apps, even if they’re no longer in the Play Store

Nova Launcher Adds 3 Different Color Choices for Night Mode

Rolling out in stable form over the weekend, Nova Launcher now offers 3 different darkly-colored choices for its Night Mode.

The Best Tech of the Year

Tech News and Opinions

The best tech of 2019 (so far)

We're only halfway through 2019 and we've already seen a crazy number of cool, innovative tech releases.

Top 10 Best Tech Gadgets and Devices of 2019

Checkout the top 10 tech gadgets that you will love to have with you as these tech gadgets are amazing to try.

The Best Sounding True Wireless Headphones of 2019

A lot of people may be looking for cheap true wireless headphones, but if you're looking for something with top-notch sound, this is the list for you.

How Do Smart Homes Work?

Smarthomes are like any other home, just with extra control options for lights, plugs, thermostats, and more. But those additional controls introduce complexity, and understanding how they work will help you build a better smarthome.

U.S. Government Announces 'Critical' Warning For Microsoft Windows Users

Research has already revealed that just under one million internet-facing machines are vulnerable to BlueKeep on port 3389, used by the Microsoft Remote Desktop feature. But that's just the tip of this insecurity iceberg.

Your Facebook account is a liability. Secure it now

It doesn't take long to make sure your Facebook account is locked down.

Windows 10 updates: We're now using AI to push 1803 users to 1903, says Microsoft

Microsoft starts using machine learning to shift devices running April 2018 Update and earlier to the latest version.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

This Gmail labels secret will change how you think about your inbox

With a little outside-the-box thinking, Gmail labels can make your inbox smarter than ever.

Dropbox’s New Desktop App Wants to Be Your One and Only Workspace

In a bid to help you better handle “work about work,” the company has just unveiled a new desktop app that creates a single workspace for organizing your content, connecting your various tools, and collaborating with others.

How to use Windows 10's Windows Sandbox to test software

Learn how to leverage the built-in Windows Sandbox feature in Windows 10 to emulate a virtual desktop. This will come in handy when you're testing software applications.

How to Digitize and Share Old Family Photos

I would recommend not using any kind of “scan photos” app or feature on a smartphone or tablet—the quality is inconsistent for what you’re trying to do.

How to use Recommended Troubleshooting on Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Windows 10 can now suggest and resolve common problems automatically with Recommended Troubleshooting, and in this guide, we show you the steps to use the feature.

No more passwords? Windows 10 1903 is close to that goal, claims Microsoft

Microsoft says the latest version of Windows 10 reduces the role of passwords more than any previous version.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Spotify's latest playlist combines music and news for your commute

"Your Daily Drive" is the first playlist on the service to combine podcasts and music, with the goal of pairing "the very best of news talk shows, including the relevancy and personality of the hosts, with the best of audio streaming."

Get the most money when you sell or trade in your phone

These tips could help earn you more cash for your old iPhone or Android phone.

Best E-Readers 2019: Ebook Reader Reviews and Kindle Alternatives

When it comes to reading, many people still prefer print, but e-readers are quickly becoming a device of choice, thanks to their portability, ease of use and multi-function capabilities.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: is it worth spending more?

These two reading machines have plenty in common, but there are a number of key differences as well.

Kindle Paperwhite Tips and Tricks

5 tips and tricks to make your Kindle Paperwhite even more useful. JRC: Well worth reading this article if you use a Kindle.

Google expands Android's built-in security key to iOS devices

iPhone and iPad users can now use their secondary Android smartphones as 2SV/2FA security keys.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Apple iOS 12.3.2 Release: Should You Upgrade?

Most iPhone owners will not get a notification prompt to upgrade and there’s no need to worry about it. This upgrade is mostly for iPhone 8 owners.

How to instantly close all the open Safari tabs on your iPhone (and iPad)

In other words, how to Marie Kondo your digital life

How to set up and use Handoff on your iPhone and iPad

With Handoff, you can move back and forth between your Apple devices

Why iOS offloads apps and how to reinstall them

In iOS 11, Apple added an option to offload apps rather than just delete them as a compromise between apps you use and storage consumed.

Apple Watch tips and tricks

Some of the Apple Watch’s best features and most useful controls are not obvious to the casual user.

How to scan documents and make PDFs using Notes on your iPhone or iPad

You don’t need to download an app. With Notes on iOS, you can easily scan a document and even save it as a PDF.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Waze on Android is getting the Google Assistant, too

Waze features have crept their way into Google Maps from time to time, and vice versa. Today’s news is the second thing: there will now be a Google Assistant button (and “Hey Google” hotwording) on Waze now.

Google Maps tells you how fast you're driving. Here's how

Google Maps has been rolling out the new speedometer feature to its users.

Samsung Galaxy S10 depreciated by 50% in 30 days, says a report

Bad news for Galaxy owners: A site for selling used phones says the S10+ has dropped in value.

Alternative app store Aptoide calls for Google to 'play fair'

One of the best things about Android is the ability to install apps from anywhere, allowing you to side-step the Play Store if you want to.

Google Drive and Photos Are Splitting: What You Need to Know

Google says, “the connection between these services is confusing,” so it’s making some changes to “simplify the experience.” Here’s what that means for you.

The Best Chromebooks for Back-to-School

Tech News and Opinions

Best Chromebooks for students in 2019

Microsoft Windows is ungainly. Apple Macs are too expensive. But Chromebooks have everything most students will need.

Firefox plans to offer a premium subscription before end of year; VPN and cloud storage considered

Mozilla Firefox is already one of the best web browsers in the business, but Mozilla CEO Chris Beard has hinted that a premium-level Firefox experience will soon be available for those who want a little extra.

All US iPhones can be made outside China to escape trade war

With US iPhones currently made in China, there has been much concern about the escalating trade war between the two countries. But Foxconn has said that the iPhone would be able to escape this fate, as the assembler has enough capacity in other countries to supply all US iPhones

Opera, Brave, Vivaldi to ignore Chrome's anti-ad-blocker changes, despite shared codebase

Other browser makers don't seem to be on board with Google's decision to neuter its extensions API, and essentially, ad blockers.

Google Stadia detailed: price, release date and the first games you’ll stream

Google Stadia will launch in November, with at least 31 games from 21 different publishers, for an initial “Founder’s Edition” price of $130 for a hardware starter kit with three months of premium service, and $10 a month afterwards.

iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 6: Can a tablet-laptop hybrid really replace your portable PC?

Apple and Microsoft have followed different paths, but their latest laptop replacements are strikingly similar. Can either one succeed as your next mobile productivity device?

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 things you should know about surge protectors

Surge protectors are an inexpensive way to protect your gear against random power spike damage. Here are a few tips before you start shopping.

How to disable your laptop touchpad

Does your laptop touchpad get in the way while you type? Here's how to turn it off.

How to Open and Use Chrome's Built In Task Manager

Google Chrome has its own built-in task manager that can help find and fix any issues that are causing it to run slow, have dead tabs, or crash.

How to use Gmail like a boss

Gmail is the world's dominant email platform. But you could be using it more efficiently

How to take a screenshot in Windows 10

Our guide provides several ways to take a screenshot ranging from the standard Print Screen key to utilizing Microsoft’s OneDrive platform.

How to Use Google Chrome’s Hidden Reader Mode

Chrome 75 has a hidden “Reader” mode that strips web pages down to the bare minimum to make them easier to, well, read. But it’s not enabled by default—here’s how to get it now.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

It’s time to delete most of your apps

Unused apps on your phone can do more harm than simply taking up space.

45,000 Free Kindle Books

Find all the Kindle books that are currently free on Amazon in once place

Google Maps gets a speedometer: Another reason to look at your phone when driving?

Your car dash already has a speedometer, but now your smartphone is getting one too, thanks to a new feature in Google Maps.

FCC's robocall blocking plan may finally give you some relief

The agency is giving wireless carriers the green light to "aggressively block" these annoying calls by default.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

5 Best Photography Apps for Your Apple Device

In the world of growing technology, there are hundreds of photography apps. How do you know which ones are worth it? Here, you'll find 5 mobile apps we think you should download on to your iPhone to help capture the perfect shot.

The best free apps for taking notes on Apple Watch

For those who want to create and view notes anytime, anywhere, right from their wrist, this list is for you. Here are the best free apps for taking notes on Apple Watch.

How iOS 13 will make your battery last longer, but only if you have a newer, higher-priced iPhone

There's one feature built into iOS 13 that will help make your iPhone's battery last longer. But the catch is that you'll need a newer, higher-priced iPhone to take advantage of this feature.

Apple: The iPad is now the best computer for a lot more people

Exclusive: Apple's Craig Federighi explains why it’s time for the iPad to get its own platform with iPadOS.

Apple killed iTunes. Here's what happens to your music now

Don't panic. Your iTunes playlist is still out there.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

How to Back Up Android Photos and Videos to the Cloud

Your photos and videos are precious memories, and you don’t want to lose them. Here are four mostly-free services you can use to automatically backup your photos and videos and access them from anywhere.

Shazam can now identify songs playing through your headphones on Android

The feature works in the background for apps like Spotify and YouTube

How to detect malicious apps on your Android phone - Video

The title says it all. No text, just a video.

Google Assistant comes to Waze navigation app

Google Assistant in Waze will provide access to your usual Assistant features, like playback of music and podcasts, but it’ll also offer access to many Waze-specific abilities.

Best Password Managers for Android in 2019

The one you pick needs to balance price, features, design, and UI — and of course, it needs to be secure.

Special Edition: Everything Apple Announced at WWDC

Apple WDDC News

WWDC 2019: Mac Pro, iPadOS, iOS 13, WatchOS 6, and everything Apple announced

Here's how Apple's WWDC 2019 unfolded and more importantly why it matters.

A Hands-On Look at All the New Features in iOS 13

iOS 13 is an update that introduces a long list of new features and some changes that are quite exciting.

Apple iOS 13 Siri improvements for iPhone, iPad, Watch and AirPods

Apple is making some notable improvements to Siri this fall. You’ll start to see them this fall when Apple rolls out new software, including iOS 13 for the iPhone and iPad.

How Apple Killed Off iTunes And What It Means

Now, there will be three apps that replace what iTunes currently does. Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV, each managing part of what the increasingly lumbering app had included.

iPadOS is the most exciting thing Apple announced at WWDC 2019

By unbundling the iPad from the same OS that runs on the iPhone, Apple can add iPadOS specific features without having to worry about confusion or the resources required to bring the same features to the iPhone.

WWDC 2019: Apple unveils iPadOS with improved Safari, multitasking, and new homescreen

Apple on Monday announced that starting this fall, the Pad line up will switch from iOS to iPadOS. The update is part of a renewed focus by Apple to add productivity features and tools to the iPad line, something the line has needed for the past few years.

Other Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft closes its 'specialty stores' in mall kiosks

Microsoft has closed its remaining specialty stores, or in-mall kiosks, and appears to be consolidating its retail presence around full-fledged brick-and-mortar stores.

Mozilla Firefox now blocks websites and advertisers from tracking you

Browser makers are using privacy features to try to win us over.

Google Maps now tells you a restaurant's most popular dishes

Google Maps not only wants to give you directions to a restaurant, it also wants to help you decide what to eat when you get there.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter have a dark side. Here's how to anonymously report abuse

Social networks make it possible to flag cyberbullying and hate groups that you encounter online.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How To Back Up Your iTunes Music Before iTunes Is Retired

According to Apple, the long-running media management program will be retired in the next version of the macOS operating system and replaced by three new apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. PS: Does not apply to Windows users.

How to change mouse settings in Windows 10

Windows 10 gives you a range of customisation options for your mouse, so you have flexibility in how your cursor behaves. In this guide, we'll walk you through the available settings and the impact they have on your pointer.

How to manage Windows Security Tamper Protection feature on Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Can't change security settings using commands or want to add an extra layer of protection? Use this guide to manage the new Tamper Protection feature on Windows Security.

How to fix a Windows 10 laptop that's plugged in but not charging

This problem was not uncommon and would occasionally arise after a Windows update. And more thankfully, there was an easy fix

Google still plans to cripple ad-blocking in Chrome

The tech giant is considering making an exception to its stop on ad blockers for enterprise. JRC: You might want to consider the Brave Browser that uses the Chrome engine, but blocks ads.

Google Is Putting an End to Ad-Blocking in Chrome: Here Are the 5 Best Browser Alternatives

The world's largest advertising platform is planning to no longer let you block the ads that make it billions if you use its web browser. PS: I Use Bravo and love it!

How to uninstall apps and programs on Windows 10

In this guide, we explain how to uninstall apps and programs in Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update) using specific methods tied to their base design.

Mobile Computing – In General

Kindle Paperwhite Tips and Tricks

5 tips and tricks to make your Kindle Paperwhite even more useful

Tired of Robocalls? Stop Answering Your Phone

Nearly half of all calls come from automated systems, and that number is increasing. Tired of answering your phone and talking to robots, scammers, or scammer robots? Just stop answering.

The Best Way to Clean Your Phone and Your Phone Case

Now that we’ve established that basically no one is cleaning their phone often enough, some good news: Regular cleaning a phone and its case is a less-than-30-second operation.

Minecraft Earth is a new augmented reality game for Android and iOS, beta launching this summer

Minecraft is one of the most popular video games around, and this summer a new version is coming to mobile. Minecraft Earth is a new augmented reality game that lets you build Minecraft structures in the real world.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to block ad tracking on your iPhone

A recent article in The Washington Post described the author's shock when he discovered just how many of his iPhone apps were collecting and uploading information about his usage while he slept.

New app tracks the trackers on your mobile device

A test run with a new app called "Disconnect" found over 5,400 trackers had gathered more than 1.5 gigabytes of data in just a single week.

4 Apps That Are Probably Draining All Of Your iPad’s Battery RIGHT NOW

There are apps that we can’t live without, apps that are so fun we don’t want to live without them, and apps that are — quite honestly — doing our devices more harm than good.

4 Must-Have iPhone Apps for Traveling to a New Country

There are a few apps in particular that can make traveling internationally a breeze. From solving language barriers to enhancing your security, here a few apps to make traveling more enjoyable.

Get Focused: 8 iPhone Apps for Staying on Task

While your smartphone use can be a symptom of an attention problem, it can also become part of the solution.

Tips for Drawing with an Apple Pencil

While there is some overlap with the basics functions of both a regular pencil and an Apple Pencil, you'll find the Apple Pencil has potential to unlock a digital flood of creative possibilties and may help with an artist block or two.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Best Android One Phones in 2019

If you're in the market for a new Android phone, you owe it to yourself to make sure it's an Android One device...Phones that are part of Google's Android One program come with stock builds of the latest version of Android and guaranteed software updates/security patches.

Google Photos dark mode rolling out to Android Pie and Oreo

Dark mode appears to be rolling out wider. It shows up for users on Android Pie and Oreo with their own system dark themes enabled.

Google Maps gets an on-screen speedometer while driving

Google is finally rolling out essential Waze features to Maps, including speed limit indication and speed camera alerts.

How to make your phone screen darker on Android with these hacks

Use these tips to tone down your screen brightness at night.

The Google Trips app is being shut down come August 5

Another day, another Google app being killed.

Google's Android and Apple's iOS are more similar than ever

People who own an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Apple TV have a lot to look forward to when the revised platforms arrive later this fall...and Android fans may have spotted a few familiar features.