iOS 13.1 and New iPad OS Available Now

Tech News and Opinions

Apple's iOS 13.1 and iPadOS to arrive Sept. 24, a week early

The iPhone software update will include bug fixes. And you'll also be able to access exclusive iPad features with its new software.

Yahoo Breach: Find Out If You Can Claim Up To $25,000

Part of the settlement following the class action lawsuit is that anyone who had a Yahoo account between 2012 and 2016 can claim $100.

Google Chrome is in danger of becoming Windows – everyone uses it, but no one loves it

A widely used piece of software that fails to be ‘popular’ despite its popularity – that sounds kind of familiar…

You'll get a new Firefox each month in 2020 as Mozilla speeds up releases

Mozilla will turn the Firefox crank faster in 2020, releasing a new version of its web browser every four weeks instead of every six.

Five reasons Chromebooks are better than Windows laptops (for some users)

Windows is great for some things, but for many users, a Chromebook is better.

Amazon Music rolls out a lossless streaming tier that Spotify and Apple can’t match

It offers lossless versions of audio files for streaming or downloading at a price that aggressively undercuts Tidal, the main competition for this kind of audio.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Chrome is getting way better tab management soon

If you’re a Chrome user who likes to have 50 tabs open at a time, Google is making things way easier soon.

Microsoft releases out-of-band security update to fix IE zero-day & Defender bug

Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band security update today to fix two critical security issues -- a zero-day vulnerability in the Internet Explorer scripting engine that has been exploited in the wild, and a Microsoft Defender bug.

Yahoo Mail's app now surfaces attachments and important travel info

Yahoo Mail, which remains one of the most popular email services on the web with over 227 million monthly active users, is getting a fresh coat of paint on mobile this week.

Buying a new router? Understand these Wi-Fi basics first

Router lingo gets confusing fast -- here's what all of those terms, numbers and letters actually mean.

The Best Note-Taking Apps

The good news is we now have a solid roster of great apps you can use to create a reminder, jot down ideas, or keep track of checklists.

Ransomware: 11 steps you should take to protect against disaster

Falling victim to ransomware could put your vital business or personal data at risk of being lost forever. These steps can help bolster your defences.

How to Use Dropbox

The cloud storage platform has so much more to offer

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

7 Apps You Should Delete from Your Phone Right Now

You can't even trust the Bible or Angry Birds.

How to Unlock Your Phone on Any Major Carrier

Here's what you need to do to make a clean break with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon

10 Adobe Lightroom tips and tricks

We aim to show you the main edits you can use to take your smartphone photos to the next level.

9 Travel Photography Tips For Amazing Photos On Your Next Trip

These tips are for smartphone, DSLR, and mirrorless camera photographers. Taking amazing travel photographs is easier than you think.

How to sell your old phone for the most possible money

Whether you're trading in an old phone to your carrier, using an online trade-in site or selling it on your own, these tips could help you get more cash for your phone.

How to take screenshots with iPhone and Android phones

Follow these instructions for the easiest ways to capture your iPhone or Android phone screen.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

The iPad Can Finally Replace a Laptop for Most People

Thanks to the upcoming release of iPadOS, the iPad is one step closer to becoming a viable laptop replacement for most people.

Use the new Find My app to hunt down your friends and your iPhone

As of iOS 13 , Apple has merged Find My iPhone and Find My Friends into one app. The combined app, now called Apple Find My, has a new look but it works the same way it always has.

Apple iOS 13: Is Facebook And Google’s Worst Nightmare Coming True?

There are many apps that track you and collect data on you, and iOS 13 will affect all of these.

Apple Arcade: How to decide where to start, based on your tastes

Apple Arcade is a blessing for fans of mobile games, but also a curse: with so much great stuff to choose from, where do you even start?

iPadOS upgrades Safari, and now I love my iPad

Commentary: Heavy-duty web apps can be way better than overgrown phone apps... as long as you have a keyboard.

How to back up your iPhone even when iCloud won't let you

It's time to step up and learn to back up your data.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Android 10: Everything you need to know about its new privacy settings

You can now block apps from accessing your location with ease.

Microsoft starts rolling out another new Android app, SMS Organizer

Microsoft's SMS Organizer, which started as a Garage incubation project, is an example of another of the company's growing stable of Android productivity applications

Gmail app finally gets dark mode

Gmail is bringing dark mode to its iOS and Android apps.

The Best Android Apps (September 2019)

The 100 best Android apps turn your phone into a jack-of-all-trade

40 best free apps for Android

Got a Samsung Galaxy S10, OnePlus 6T or any other Android device? Then you need to download these 40 free apps

10 best new Android apps from September 2019!

If you’re getting bored with what you’ve got and want to try something new, check out the best new Android apps from the last month!

iOS 13 for Your iPhone is Now Available

Tech News and Opinions

iOS 13 launches Sept. 19: This is your complete guide

Apple’s newest updates for iPhone and iPad are filled with features.

WiFi 6 is coming. Here is what you need to know.

While 5G is the talk of the town, WiFi still has a place in the world, and there's a new version of it you should know about.

Microsoft's October 2 event will be about more than just new Surface devices

Microsoft's October 2 fall event is going to feature not just new Surface devices, but new services and 'experiences' as well.

Why Does USB Have to Be So Complicated?

The naming isn’t the only confusing part. USB cables that look similar on the outside are often very different on the inside. And a bad cable could fry your hardware.

Windows Defender is getting a new name on Windows 10

Microsoft is bringing its antivirus software to more platforms and it no longer makes sense to call it Windows Defender, so now it’s Microsoft Defender.

What is cloud computing? Everything you need to know about the cloud, explained

Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services -- from applications to storage and processing power -- typically over the internet and on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Where to Place Your Router for the Best Wi-Fi Speeds

If your home Wi-Fi seems slow in some rooms, your router might not be in the best location. Wi-Fi doesn’t travel far—especially through metal and concrete. So, it’s important to determine the best place for your router.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Docs Now Displays A Word Counter At The Bottom As You Type

Google Docs has turned into a word processor of choice for a lot of us but one consistent miss all along has been a live word count - a feature that writers have been yearning for.

Windows Sandbox: How to use Microsoft's simple virtual Windows PC to secure your digital life

Microsoft may be positioning its easy Windows Sandbox within the Windows 10 May 2019 Update as a safe zone for testing untrusted applications, but it’s much more than that.

How to Move Your Windows Drive to a New PC

Need to migrate your Windows installation to a new PC? It's technically possible, and Windows 10 streamlines the process, but there are caveats.

16 Pocket Tips to Help You Read it Later

If you don't have time for that 5,000-word essay right now, Pocket lets you save articles, videos, images, tweets, and more in one place so you can read them later.

The Best Antivirus of 2019 to Protect Windows 10

Your PC needs protection against malware, and free antivirus software may be enough. Here's the best antivirus protection to get for Windows 10, and what's worth paying extra for.

14 incredibly useful Google Drive tips

Make Google’s online storage service better than ever with these unexpected options and productivity-boosting add-ons.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Best reading apps for your phone

Besides fulfilling the roles of phone, digital camera, music player, alarm clock, and many more, your smartphone is also a window into the limitless world of ebooks.

Use your phone camera to translate languages on the fly

An update to Google Translate’s camera tool means better translation for you.

PDFs are a monster to edit, but these 4 free apps make it easy peasy

Whether you're on an iPhone, Android phone, Mac or PC, I found free and easy ways to add text, sign documents and fill out forms.

Travel Photography: Applying Your Personal Perspective and Recipe

Why do we tend to find other people’s travel photographs boring? If we’re honest we probably find our own travel photographs a bit boring.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

iOS 13 launches Sept. 19: This is your complete guide

Apple’s newest updates for iPhone and iPad are filled with features.

31 New Features in Camera & Photos in iOS 13 « iOS & iPhone

The update completely overhauls the Photos app, creating a more organized and natural way to interact with your pictures and videos.

Apple's new 10.2-inch iPad is its not-so-secret weapon

With a new, larger screen and more Pro-level features, the entry-level iPad feels more Pro than ever.

iPadOS release date, features and compatibility details

Apple didn't launch iPadOS when we expected it to, but at least it provided us with a release date.

How to Organize Reminder Lists on iPhone and iPad

In iOS 13, Apple's stock Reminders app can be used to create a reminder for just about anything. You can also create as many reminder lists as you like to categorize different tasks and projects.

Apple iPad: 10 hidden tricks from Siri and search to faster charging

The flagship Apple tablet isn’t just a novelty item for watching movies on the sofa; it has become a major workhorse, transforming our domestic and professional lives.

Apple Arcade: All 54 games announced so far

The service expects to offer more than 100 games for $5 a month.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Google Maps navigates you a gazillion times better now. Get crackin'

Connect your public transit, walking, biking and ride-hailing directions for a smoother commute.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 review: The best Android tablet ever

Thank goodness the Tab S6 is great, because it's the only premium Android tablet you can buy right now.

7 Android VPN apps you should never use because of their privacy sins

So before you trust that highly rated VPN with a million installs on the Google Play Store, know that there's a list of shady Android VPNs that grab more permissions than they actually need, putting your privacy at risk.

Google Photos Now Offers Photo and Canvas Prints, Search by Text Goes Live

Photos is now offering physical prints of photos, as well as full blown canvases of your photos.

5 Android apps you shouldn't miss this week!

The headline says it all

Special Edition: Coverage of Apple’s Big Announcements

Special Coverage: Apple’s Big September Event

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max event: Everything Apple unveiled and what it means

Sure, Apple's iPhones lack 5G and added a lot of catch-up features, but the cameras are worth a look and the price in some cases is right. Keep in mind Apple's new game is to sell you services, so it just needs to keep you in the fold.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max: best and worst features

Interested consumers are in the same boat as last year: should you get the $699 iPhone 11 or the pricier $999 iPhone 11 Pro?

The new 7th generation iPad: 8 cool features

Apple’s most affordable iPad just got a lot more exciting.

Apple Watch Series 5 specs: Always-on display, new ceramic and titanium models

Apple just announced the latest generation of its Watch fitness wearable.

Apple Arcade: release date, games and everything else you need to know

Apple Arcade is set to be a bit more than your average free-to-play experience

Apple TV+ will be available to watch on the web, some shows will release all episodes at once

Today, Apple announced that its video subscription service, Apple TV+, will be available starting November 1 and priced at just $4.99 per month.

11 things you may have missed at Apple's iPhone 11 event

in the midst of all the excitement, there were a few announcements you may have missed.

Tech News and Opinions

5 reasons why you should never trust a free VPN

Take your privacy and security seriously enough to avoid malware, ad tracking and slow connections.

Google under antitrust investigation by 50 attorneys general

The probe will focus primarily on Google's advertising and search businesses. But in remarks given Monday, the attorneys general suggested that they may expand the investigation later.

GameStop to close up to 200 stores

Just two months after GameStop announced ambitious plans to breathe new life into its stores, the company has announced that between 180 and 200 stores around the world will be closing their doors for good before the year is out -- and more closures are coming.

Apple store veteran: We're like car salesmen or Best Buy employees now

As Apple places more and more emphasis on services, is it putting more and more emphasis on store employees selling add-ons? A current store employee says it's so.

Microsoft did it: Windows 10 now powers over half of the world's PCs

Windows 7's market share continues to shrink, although Microsoft still will have it hands full persuading its entire user base to migrate before extended support ends in January.

Six Common Smarthome Mistakes Beginners Make

Creating your smarthome isn’t something you should go into without planning. Without forethought, you may make some common mistakes.

USB4 Officially Announced, Will Offer 40Gbps, Power, and Display Support

With dual-lane 40Gbps transfer rates, power delivery, and continued support for display protocols, single-cable computing will soon become the standard.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft unveils redesigned To Do app that will replace Wunderlist

Microsoft is making some big tweaks to its To-Do app this week, with a redesign that includes more customization options and a rename from To-Do to simply To Do.

How to Use Flash Fill in Excel

Flash Fill helps you to enter data much more quickly in Microsoft Excel.

The Windows 10 Privacy Settings You Should Check Right Now

Whether you're new to Windows 10 or have been using it for years, take a minute to lock down your privacy.

Microsoft patches two zero-days in massive September 2019 Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's September 2019 Patch Tuesday comes with 80 fixes, 17 of which are for critical bugs.

Windows 10: Your Phone app can now be used to make calls from Android phones

Microsoft's Your Phone app for Android now lets users make calls from Windows 10 devices.

Mobile Computing – iOS

Your iPhone will get iOS 13 access on Sept. 19. Here's how to put it on your phone

Your iPhone and iPad will soon receive a big software update -- here's what you need to know.

How to Find Your Location History on iPhone or iPad

If you’ve ever wondered where you were last week, you can use your iPhone or iPad to view your location history. And if you use Google Maps, you can find very detailed information about your whereabouts.

iPad Multitasking: The Ultimate Guide

How do you use gesture navigation, slide over, split view, and picture-in-picture on your iPad? Here's everything you need to know!

Hints and tips for syncing your iPhone, iPad and Mac

While Windows 10 in particular has done much to bridge cross-platform workflow between phones, tablets and desktops, Apple's methods of stitching together iOS and macOS is arguably more sophisticated.

Apple transforms AppleCare+ extended warranty into a monthly subscription

AppleCare+ is no longer limited to 24 months of coverage

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Microsoft will give iPhone users up to $650 toward a new Samsung Note 10

If you’re on the hunt for a good deal on a Samsung Galaxy Note 10, heading to your local Microsoft Store might be your best bet.

When will your phone get the Android 10 update?

Here’s what we know about the Android 10 rollout dates right now.

Android 10: 8 of the best features and how to use them

Operating system updates like Android 10 add new features and capabilities and can be refreshing if you're growing tired of your phone.

The best Android phones you can buy right now (Summer 2019)

With all the choices available, trying to find the best smartphone can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

The Vivaldi browser lands on Android

Vivaldi has long billed itself as a browser for advanced users who want to be able to customize their browser to their heart’s content.

Uninstall These 24 Android Apps Infected with New 'Joker' Malware

Another day, another batch of Android apps that made it into the Google Play Store—accumulating hundreds of thousands of downloads—with some sneaky malware embedded in their code.

How to Give Some Pay Back to Your Internet Provider

Tech News and Opinions

13 ways to screw over your Internet provider

Internet providers are real bastards: they have captive audiences whom they squeeze for every last penny while they fight against regulation like net neutrality and donate immense amounts of money to keep on lawmakers’ good sides. So why not turn the tables?

Net neutrality was repealed a year ago — what’s happened since?

Below is a lightly edited excerpt explaining three things that have happened since repealing net neutrality that clearly demonstrate what the Federal Communications Commission did is terrible for consumers, competition, and public safety.

Google finds malicious sites pushing iOS exploits for years

The attacks weren't aimed at particular iOS users, as most iOS exploits tend to be used, but were aimed at any user accessing these sites via an iPhone.

Apple will launch iPhone 11 on Sept. 10 in Cupertino

Apple sent invitations to the media on Thursday for its next big product launch. It plans to introduce its newest devices and services at 10 a.m. PT at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California.

Two airlines ban all MacBook Pros from checked luggage

The prohibition applies even to MacBook Pros that weren't subject to the recent recall over battery issues.

5G won't replace 4G: Debunking all the 5G myths

As this network rolls out, many misconceptions and confusion around the new technology remain. This article clears up some of the confusion around 5G

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

5 clever Gmail tricks to minimize regret, frustration and spam

These hidden Gmail features can bring harmony to your inbox, and maybe your relationships, too

Best Windows backup software 2019: Free and paid options reviewed

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

9 External Hard Drives for Every Purpose

No matter where you do your computing, or what kind of device or machine you use, get an external hard drive today and back up your data.

Firefox now blocks tracking cookies for all users by default

Mozilla's Firefox browser will now have "Enhanced Tracking Protection" on for all users by default. The feature blocks third-party tracking cookies.

Google Keep Notes: 10 tips and tricks to become a master

Google Keep Notes might be the most underrated of Google’s services. It’s more than just a place to jot down your thoughts—it’s also the missing link to bring Docs, Calendar, Photos, and the rest of Google’s services together.

How to use the Windows 10 start menu with some fun tricks

We’re hoping to add in some tips and tricks to give you even more customization options. Here’s how to use the Windows 10 start menu.

8 ways you can take screenshots in Windows 10

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

You don't need a new computer, here's how to keep your old one running like new

If you own a Windows or Mac laptop that’s a few years old and starting to feel a bit sluggish, you might be tempted to go out and buy a new one. It may not be necessary

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

The Best True Wireless Earbuds of 2019

True wireless headphones are all the rage. Here are the top wire-free models you can buy right now.

Microsoft Outlook gets dark mode on mobile as part of new look for Office

Microsoft revealed that it was working on a dark mode for Outlook on mobile devices nearly a year ago, and it’s starting to arrive today on iOS and Android

The Best Smartphones That Still Have a Headphone Jack

If you want to use wired headphones with a modern smartphone, and you don’t want to do so with a dongle, your options are rapidly diminishing. Here are the best phones on the market that still have a headphone jack.

10 reasons Lightroom is the best mobile photo editor

Some would argue Adobe Lightroom is the very best photo editing app for smartphones, and there are plenty of reasons to agree.

Five ways Android is much better than iOS

Here are five cool Android features that make me want to abandon my iPhone.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to find a lost iPhone, iPad or Mac – even if it’s offline

Apple has long provided a way to track a lost device with Find My iPhone. With iOS 13 and macOS Catalina, however, Apple’s Find My iPhone platform is being rebranded to “Find My.” Here’s everything you need to know.

Apple Watch sleep tracking revealed: sleep quality, battery, more

Sources inside Apple say that the company is working on sleep tracking for the Apple Watch, which won’t require any special hardware to work.

30 Apple Watch Tips, Tricks & Hidden Features

If you’re wanting to do more with your Apple Watch, here are 30 Apple Watch tips, tricks and hidden features that you may not have known about

Stop ruining your life and set up Apple Pay for iPhone, Apple Watch

Seriously, what are you waiting for?

17 tricks to help you get the most out of your Apple AirPods

No matter the version you have -- the OG AirPods or the 2019 version -- you'll want to make sure you're making the most of your wireless earbuds, and that means more than just listening to music.

How to back up your iPhone or iPad Before iOS 13 Arrives

How do you make sure you don't lose your photos, messages, and other data? Back up your iPhone and iPad now!

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Android 10 launches today, and Pixel phones get the day one update

After six betas over six months, the newest version of Android is finally out.

10 Cool Features to Try in Android 10

The latest Android OS is now available to download for Pixel devices. Here's how to get it, and the best new features and updates to take for a spin.

Here's how to enable the Android 10 dark theme mode

It can help with saving your phone’s battery charge from draining faster as the display is not working quite as hard.

Top 10 essential Android apps (September 2019 edition)

Kit out your Android smartphone with ten of the best apps available.

Google Maps finally received the one feature that was missing from the mobile app

Available only on Android for the time being, which is the natural home of Google Maps, of course, is a Street View layer.

Android Google Play app with 100 million downloads starts to deliver malware

CamScanner, an Android app that has been available since 2010, has recently started installing malware.