Survey Says: The Apple Watch is Ho-Hum

After reading and listening to tech experts explore the ins and outs of Apple’s latest tech product, almost to a man (or woman) they say the Apple watch is nice but not worth the money. It is a bit slow to load and run apps, finding the right app is confusing, it must be recharged daily, and who wants to read the news on a 1” screen.  And, of course, you must own the latest iPhone to use the watch.

Personally, even though I own an iPhone, I have no desire to own one of these watches. The bands for the watch go from $100 to $250 (not counting the gold ones). And this watch is the first iteration of a product that will be obsolete in no time. Still, they have managed to sell somewhere between a 1 and 2 million of them already. Face it, this watch is not very useful, but it makes a great fashion statement for those who care about such things.

And after looking at Apple’s latest earning reports and profits, (another record high, thanks mainly to the iPhone) the sales and profits for the watch division will never be more than a drop in the bucket. Just because someone is an Apple fan, it doesn’t mean they have to buy everything Apple makes.

There is more news here along with tips and tricks, so I hope  there is something here that will be of help to your tech needs. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

T-Mobile adds 1.8 million customers in Q1, becomes threat to wireless giants

T-Mobile continues to add customers at a rapid clip and most likely has become the No. 3 carrier in the U.S. At what point does T-Mobile start worrying Verizon and AT&T?

The Problem with Apple Watch in a Nutshell

What amazes me most about Apple Watch is the free press Apple gets for creating something with so many problems

Consumer groups dance on the grave of Comcast-Time Warner Cable deal

Consumer groups are cheering the news that Comcast abandoned its proposed US$45 billion acquisition of fellow cable and broadband provider Time Warner Cable, saying it’s good for customers and demonstrates the power of Internet activism.

Windows 10's New Mail: Is It Outlook or Isn't It?

Just what is it that we’re looking at: a part of the free upgrade that Microsoft promises Windows 10 will be? Or a peek into a more full-featured package that users may yet be prompted to purchase?

Bill Gates 15 predictions in 1999

In 1999, Bill Gates wrote a book titled “Business @ the Speed of Thought.” In the book, Gates makes 15 bold predictions that at the time might have sounded outrageous. His forecasts turned out to be “eerily prescient.”

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Intel Compute Stick Review & Rating

A PC you can fit into the palm of your hand? That's been a pipe dream for most computer manufacturers. But it looks like Intel is setting up to change the technology landscape with its Compute Stick 

Why Does Emptying Disk Space Speed Up Computers?

Good question. Find out the surprising answer.

3 tips for easier migration to a new browser

Switching between browsers never used to be a big deal, but that's just not the case anymore. We customize these programs with extensions, sync open tabs to our mobile devices, and, if you're using Chrome, run apps like they're native to the desktop.

Stop your flash drive from yelling about fake problems every time you plug it in

So you go through the motions, scan the stupid drive, fix it, and everything’s fine. Then the next time you connect it to your PC, there’s that darn message again.

How to install a new graphics card

Few upgrades add as much punch to your PC as installing a new graphics card. It can transform your PC from a system that chokes on lightweight games into a monster that churns through even the most visually punishing titles with ease.

 

Mobil Computing

Send Maps directions in Chrome to your Android phone

In a hurry to get somewhere but need directions? Now you can send the directions to your Android phone before you even leave home or the office.

One thing every iPhone owner should do to stretch battery life

While better than it used to be, owners of iPhones -- especially frequent business travelers -- have to keep an eye on battery life. One simple setting can help the phone last longer.

The 15 Best Android Games

What if, instead of being productive, you'd rather waste a few minutes, race a few laps, or slay a few dragons? For that, you need games, and for you, we have a list of our favorites.

The file manager that Android forgot: How to find photos and other data on your device

Although Android has a perfectly fine file system, it doesn’t come with a file management tool. The solution, of course, is to download and install one.

11 killer Android features you aren’t using, but should

Android is stacked with so many tools and configuration options, we often overlook some of its most useful features. Sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight. Other times, they’re buried deep.

Some Big Surprises This Week in the News

Sometimes the tech news of the week is downright boring…but not this week. Just look at the headlines:

Google announces their own cell phone service…Comcast abandons its bid to acquire Time Warner…the Defense Department will start their own cyber attacks against those who attack the US digitally…and Microsoft releases a new Windows 10 Build AND word leaks out that the final version of Windows 10 will be available at the end of July. You can get the details below.

I personally am surprised, but not shocked the Google will now have its own cell phone service. As with all tech beginnings, it may not tempt you to switch for quite a while and they definitely won’t be supporting iPhones. But it will interesting to watch their development.

As for Windows 10, I downloaded their latest build 48 hours ago, so have not had a great deal of time to play with it. But I can tell you that the voice commands application (Cortana) works much better.

But the highlight of the new release is their built-in mail and calendar applications. I’ve tried them out and so far they work very well. In fact, they work so well I can no longer see any use for Outlook. One can see calendars from Google, Apple, and Outlook.com, which you cannot see in Outlook for either Windows or Apple. Bottom line is that Outlook is a mess, but that is a conversation for another day.

I wish the Mail app would use a unified inbox like Apple Mail where e-mail from every service shows up in one inbox. Once you have that, anything less is unacceptable.

As for the final Windows 10 release date, the CEO from AMD in an earnings call, let it slip that Windows 10 will start shipping in late July and early August. Whoops! I don’t think she was supposed to say that. Oh well.

There will be more Microsoft announcements next week from San Francisco as their annual “Build” conference gets underway. And Apple has promised to unveil some amazing new technology in June. Exciting times ahead.

I will get out of the way now and let you read the news and tech tips for computers and mobile devices. Enjoy your weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Google Launches Fi, a Low-Cost Cell Phone Service

Google has announced Project Fi, a new low-cost cell phone service that it is launching in the United States. Fi will ride on the backs of Sprint and T-Mobile and will seamlessly switch to Wi-Fi when available. But as you may expect, it comes with some serious limitations.

Comcast reportedly abandons acquisition of Time Warner Cable

The decision comes after recent reports that both the US Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission were preparing to turn against the deal after months spent looking into what it would mean for competition.

House passes bill allowing corporations to share your data

The bill is designed to prevent future cyber attacks by allowing corporations to share information with each other and the government. As you might guess, civil liberties groups don't agree.

US will use cyberattacks to defend against threats

In a change of strategy, the military has decided to start respond to foreign threats with cyberattacks, Reuters reported after seeing a copy of the strategy.

Microsoft releases Next Windows 10 Technical Preview Build

Microsoft released Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 10061 on Wednesday afternoon with more substantive changes than the prior release, including new Mail and Calendar apps and a raft of improvements to the UI.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

OpenOffice development is looking grim as developers flock to LibreOffice

OpenOffice used to be the best free alternative to Microsoft's Office, but now it seems to be falling on hard times.

Best Free Online Applications and Services

This list of Best Free Online Applications and Services now includes 230 items in various categories. With these online or web apps and services, you do not need to download and install them into your computer for using them. Just use your browser.

3 easy steps anyone can take now to back up a PC

First I'll give you six great reasons to back up your PC. Next, I'll give you an easy, three-item checklist for backing up said PC.

How to defend yourself from ransomware

Despite the CryptoLocker headlines, ransomware is still a growing threat to both individual PC users and small-to-medium businesses. Though our malware defenses have improved, ransomware authors are finding new ways to infect our systems. Fortunately, we have options and solutions.

How to Add Wi-Fi to a Desktop Computer

The benefits of Wi-Fi are tough to ignore. With Wi-Fi, you can position your desktop computer anywhere you want in your home or office, as long as there’s a power outlet nearby. You can then connect it to your router without running an Ethernet cable.

Mobile Computing

How to enable Twitter's new Highlight feature on Android

Make sure you never miss an important tweet or conversation, by enabling Highlight alerts.

How to get emoji symbols on your Android phone

iOS has emoji built-in...but wait, so does Android!

How to Buy a Cell Phone

With hundreds of handsets to choose from, it can be tough to find the right one. Our ultimate guide gives you all you need to know to dial up the perfect mobile phone.

How to Reverse Tether an iPhone or iPad to Your PC or Mac

Standard “tethering” involves connecting your phone, tablet, or other device to your smartphone, sharing your smartphone’s mobile data connection with your other devices. But you may sometimes want to get your iPhone or iPad online via your PC or Mac.

List Of 38 Apple iOS 8 Features Every Apple Fan Should Know About

A complete roundup of the best new features of iOS8. Do you own an iPhone or and iPad? You will be surprised as some of the best features you do not know about

It’s Patch Tuesday…That’s Not Why I’m Excited

No…I am excited because Adobe has finally released the newest version of Lightroom. If you buy it on-line or in a store, it is called Lightroom 6. If you subscribed to Adobe’s Creative Cloud, it is called Lightroom CC…to match the Photoshop CC name. FYI: Creative Cloud for Photographers is only $10 a month…besides Lightroom, you also get Photoshop CC.

Frankly, that is an incredible deal. It also gives you the Lightroom apps for you cell phone and tablet…both IOS and Android. Those apps are not available if you buy Lightroom 6 without the subscription. The subscription also gives you updates to the latest features automatically.

I am not doing an Adobe commercial here. But if you are a serious photographer, you should think about a subscription.

In other news, there is now a roadmap on how computers running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will receive the free update to Windows 10 (Story #1). It looks like they will begin rolling out in late July and early August. The updates will be staggered to prevent server overload. So start thinking now about Windows 10. Based on what I have seen so far, I think you will like it.

As usual, there is more good info here, so I will stop talking now and let you read on. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Get Windows 10: Microsoft's hidden roadmap for the biggest software upgrade in history

Beginning this summer, Microsoft will begin offering free Windows 10 upgrades to hundreds of millions of PCs. A recent Windows Update contains details about how the Get Windows 10 (GWX) program will work.

This month's second Patch Tuesday brings 34 Windows updates, all optional

The bad news: Microsoft just released 34 updates for Windows. The good news? They're all optional, none are security-related, and most fix issues you're unlikely to ever encounter. Here's a full list of what you'll see in Windows Update.

How to Watch Watch Downloaded or Ripped Video Files on Your Roku

Your Roku can do more than just stream from the web. Use it to watch video files you’ve downloaded or ripped yourself, or even play your personal music collection. You can do this with a USB drive or over the local network.

Google rolling out Chrome OS update now

Google announced that it is pushing out a big software update to Chrome OS computers that will add several new features to Chromebook computers.

Yahoo renews Microsoft search partnership with some changes

Bing will still power most of Yahoo's search results.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Art of Windows file search

At first glance, Windows’ search tool seems simple but underpowered. You open up Windows Explorer (File Explorer in Windows 8), type a word in the search field, and files containing that word appear. But there’s really much more to it than that.

Google speeds up data transfers with Quick UDP Internet connections

Google is always looking to get information faster to people browsing the web and after nearly two years of experimentation, one of its new protocols is paying off in Chrome.

Ten Apps I Use Every Day to Help My Productivity

These pieces of softare are mostly multiplatform, which is important because I use both Mac OS and Windows regularly. Some are even free!

Flower Identification App

LikeThat Garden: Flower Identification is a free (yay!) app in the iTunes store that lets you snap (or upload) a pic and in a moment, they’ll tell you what it is.

Free eBooks And Audiobooks To Read Online Or Download

There are well over a million free ebooks and audiobooks at the sites listed within these pages. To the best of the writer's knowledge, all of the websites listed here offer only content that they are legally entitled to transfer to you and safe for downloads.

 

Mobile Computing

Give your iPhone or iPad a storage boost

The iPhone and iPad are wildly popular devices, but if you're one of those people who likes to carry a lot of data with them, you've probably at one time or another hit a storage limit. Here's how you can add more storage to your iPhone or iPad quickly and easily.

10 iPhone Apps You Need To Replace Today

The iPhone comes with a handful of stock apps right out of the box. A handful of them are pretty good, but there are plenty of third-party options that are perhaps better than some of the stock apps on the iPhone.

Google's Chrome just got better on your iPhone or iPad

These three new features might have you considering to use Chrome instead of Safari on your iOS device for faster browsing and easier navigation.

Office Lens for Android and iOS turns your phone into a scanner

Microsoft has just released Office Lens in both finished form for iOS and a preview for Android, letting you use your device of choice to turn photos into usable documents.

Google's Android Wear software will let you leave your phone at home (if there's Wi-Fi)

The search giant announces a handful of new features, including new capabilities that make a watch run independent of a phone.

Cloud Backup Firm Pulls 5,000 Seagate Drives

The above headline and following story explains why I never buy Seagate drives. I stick with Western Digital and have never been disappointed. Sometime ago, I ran a story showing that Seagate drives have the highest failure rates among cloud storage companies. They were higher than anyone, but not like like this latest batch…47% is over the top. Trust me, stick with WD.

I told you last time I had more Apple updates for you, at least for me. If you remember, I bought the 27” Apple iMac 5K Retina computer at the end of last year. A couple of weeks ago, while still suffering the affects of my nasal infection, I went to the local Apple store with a friend to check out their new Force Touch Trackpad…introduced with the new MacBook computer that just went on sale last week. And while I could not see that computer, Apple did put the trackpad on a new version of the MacBook Pro, along with a faster processor and faster SSD drive…and they were there on display.

I went to see it because one on-line company took $250 off of the MacBook Pro without the new track pad. To make a long story short, the Apple Store employee, after seeing the $250 sale ad, gave me a great discount and I walked out of the store with the latest and greatest MacBook Pro with Retina Screen. I truly did not intend to buy a laptop that day, but I did anyway. And I must say, I really like it and use it. PS: Great battery life…9-13 hours.

In case you didn’t hear about the Force Touch Trackpad, its another piece of great Apple engineering. The trackpad has no moving parts, but when you push down on it, you feel the click as if it did. Push even harder, and you will feel a double click.

Force sensors detect how much pressure you’re applying, and the new Taptic Engine provides a click sensation when you press anywhere on the surface. It fools your brain into thinking it felt a click. Turn off the power and you feel nothing. There are no moving parts!

So now I own a PC and a MAC desktop, and Windows 8.1 Laptop and a MacBook laptop. What’s a nerd to do?

Some interesting news and tips in this edition so have a gander and I hope you find something good to help out your computing life. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Backblaze pulls thousands of Seagates drive out of service

Backblaze, the excellent cloud backup provider, pulled almost 5,000 3TB Seagate drives out of service after the annual failure rate reached a startling 47 percent. Here is why you should think twice about buying a Seagate drive.

Target settles with MasterCard for $19M over data breach

The money will compensate financial institutions that had to cancel credit-card accounts and issue replacement cards with new account numbers following the 2013 data breach at the retail giant.

EU Formally Charges Google with Antitrust Violations

European Union competition commissioner formally accused Google of violating antitrust laws by abusing its dominance in Internet search. Additionally, the European Commission was investigating whether Google forces phone makers to favor its own services on the Android mobile OS.

Chromecast vs. Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Amazon Fire TV

Which has the most apps? Which has the coolest features? Which one is the best? The most popular media streamers all have their merits, so we'll help you decide which box is right for you.

Microsoft promises drastic cuts in disk space use for Windows 10

The increasing popularity of SSDs and flash-based storage have created a big problem for Windows, and that problem is getting worse as OEMs shrink storage on cheap tablets to save costs. To address the problem, Microsoft is making some radical changes in Windows 10.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to safely test file and image backups

Imagine this: You’ve lost important files, but when you go to restore them, you discover that your backups are completely unusable — and your next words are unprintable. Here’s how to ensure that your backup files are valid, complete, and usable.

The Best M.2 Solid-State Drives

SSDs are shrinking, thanks to the new "gumstick" M.2 format—and, in some cases, getting a lot faster. Here's how to buy one, with reviews of a half-dozen of the latest.

14 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using

Take a look at 14 neat little tricks that you can do inside Google Calendar. There will definitely be some you didn't know.

5 ways to use Note Links, Evernote's secret weapon for getting organized

Note Links, available in the desktop version of Evernote, is a powerful way to impose structure on your unruly data dump. This function lets you hyperlink notes to each other so you can create relationships between them and link to notes from external applications for easy reference.

The Best Free Antivirus for 2015

Yes, Windows now comes with antivirus protection, but lab tests show that it's not enough. Don't worry, you don't have to pay to keep your PC safe.

 

Mobile Computing

50 Best Free iPhone Apps for 2015

Plenty of iPhone apps are worth paying for, but there are plenty of great free ones, too. Here are 50 of the best.

The Best Android Phones of 2015

Big, small, stock, or skinned, if you're in the market for a new smartphone, chances are there's an Android option to fit your fancy.

Lost Your Android Phone? Now You Can Just Google It

Google can help you find almost anything, but it’s no good if you’ve lost your smartphone – until today. The search engine now has the ability to look up your lost device directly from its homepage.

Android 5.1 Lollipop vs. Android 5.0 Lollipop: Everything You Need To Know

Android 5.1 Lollipop improves the overall stability, battery life and performance of Android devices compared to the previous release. Most of these changes are under the hood, but there are also several new features that Android 5.1 Lollipop brings.

How to opt out of Verizon's 'supercookie' tracking program

Here's what you can do to prevent Verizon from tracking your mobile activity.

Surprise!! I’m Not Dead

I know its been a long time since you’ve heard from me, but I am back. I’ve got a good excuse…I’ve been a pretty sick puppy. First came a very nasty cold and bronchitis, followed by the worst sinus infection in the history of mankind…four weeks of it before the meds started to clear it up.

The worst part was what it did to my brain. I could not concentrate or remember things and I couldn’t even look at a computer. During the time I was sick, I also had 20 straight days of company and had to do my best to entertain them. They come because March is the best month of the year in Tucson.

So it has taken a long time to recover…and I am almost there. The aftereffect was my ears filling with liquid so I could not hear worth a damn. But that is almost gone now, so I am slowly getting back in the saddle of a normal life.

I’m not sure you missed much by my absence. The big story lately has been the release of the Apple Watch. It went on sale last Friday and sold out in a couple of hours…or so Apple says. That seems to happen to them a lot. Anyway, I have no interest in one, but if you do, place your order now and sit back for two month until it is delivered. Educated estimates say they sold around one million watches this last weekend.

I have more to tell you about my adventures in the Apple world, but will save that for an upcoming edition. Its all good.

Meanwhile, Microsoft keeps sending out updated technical previews for Windows 10. As you know, I run Windows 7 and 10 inside Parallels on my iMac. The latest preview included the first look at Project Spartan, the browser that will replace Internet Explorer. Although I have not played with it much, for reasons enumerated above, I like it. It is fast and easy to use.

I may have been to ill to update this blog, but I did keep up with tech world as best I could. So I hope you are glad that I am back. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinion

Windows and Office get four Critical updates for Patch Tuesday

It's another Patch Tuesday, with this month's update including a slew of security fixes in a cumulative update for Internet Explorer. The most important patch on the list blocks an Office exploit that's already being used in "limited attacks" in the wild.

US declares cybercrime a 'national emergency', threatens sanctions against hackers, online espionage

An executive order authorizes a set of new sanctions against individuals or groups whose cyber attacks result in significant threats to US national security or economic health.

Premera Blue Cross hit by "sophisticated" hack, 11M affected

The multi-state health insurance company was attacked in January and is working with the FBI to determine the cause of the breach.

Here Comes Surface 3

Surface 3 is nothing less than a lower-cost Surface Pro 3. And that’s a good thing, as it will open up Microsoft’s “tablet that can replace your laptop” design to a much wider audience.

Windows 10 to launch 'this summer' with free upgrades even for pirated copies

Windows 10 is officially in the home stretch, with Microsoft's top Windows executive committing to a summer launch date and, in a surprise announcement, offering free upgrades on PCs running pirated editions of earlier Windows versions.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

9 Tips for Faster Wi-Fi Streaming

What actions can you take to increase your Wi-Fi performance and get your streaming speed back up to par?

Changing names again: ‘Metro’ becomes ‘Windows’

An obscure notice that ‘Metro apps’ are now ‘Windows apps’ leaves more than a few Windows observers confused. Microsoft has a long history of bungled product branding, but its latest decision plumbs new depths.

The Best Antivirus for 2015

These days, there's no question that keeping your computer safe from malware and other threats should be a top priority. We've tested more than 30 premium AV packages to help you choose the one that's right to protect your PC.

Removing admin rights would ease 97 percent of critical Microsoft flaws

Almost every critical vulnerability in Microsoft software published in 2014 could have been mitigated simply by removing admin rights from users, UK security firm Avecto has calculated after studying Patch Tuesday advisories for the year.

9 compelling reasons to keep your old computer instead of upgrading

Few can withstand the siren song of the latest and greatest gear, the deep allure of a new and shiny gadget—but that doesn’t mean that tossing your old computer in the trash and picking up a fresh PC is necessarily a smart idea.

 

Mobile Computing

4 ways your Android device is tracking you (and how to stop it)

You also have the option of turning your history off—or, at the very least, you can take a peek at what's being saved. Read on for four ways your Android device is watching you.

Best free Android productivity apps and launchers

Since Android lets app makers do certain things that Apple prohibits, there are a few exclusive options that stand out.

Apple Releases Major Updates for Both Mac OS X and iOS8

It's apparently patch day at Apple, and the Cupertino company has loosed major updates for both Max OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 out into the wild. Here are the highlights of each.

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2015, So Far

This list covers everything you need, from comic books, to finance, to secure messaging services.

How to Share Your Smartphone’s Internet Connection: Hotspots and Tethering Explained

Practically all smartphones can tether, sharing their data connection with your other devices. You can do this over Wi-Fi, a USB cable, or Bluetooth — if your carrier lets you. You might have to pay extra.

i5 or i7? Here is How to Choose

I am not going to say much in this issue as I am really under the weather and my brain and body are depleted of energy. Somehow I was able to coble together a decent newsletter with some good info, including how to chose between and i5 and an i7. My new iMac is running an i5, and I can tell you it screams. Of course having 24GB of RAM also helps.

So while you read on, I am going back to bed. Take care. - JRC

Tech News and Opinions

3 reasons Microsoft will become the most impressive tech company

Once a plodding behemoth, the new Microsoft is increasingly nimble, responsive to feedback and focused on mobile. James Kendrick is very impressed with Redmond's ongoing transformation of its products and services.

5 Things You Need to Know About the FCC's Net Neutrality Plan

Here's what you need to know about FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's plan for net neutrality and the open Web.

Lenovo promises to stop bundling crapware on PCs

Following on from the Superfish debacle the company found itself embroiled in earlier this month, PC maker Lenovo is promising to bring to an end to the practice of pre-loading crapware onto systems.

SanDisk's groundbreaking microSD card will stuff an extra 200GB in your MacBook, smartphone

It can move data at up to 90MB/s, which SanDisk says is fast enough to transfer up to 1,200 photos per minute.

Stardock to deliver a Windows 10 Start menu replacement

Stardock, the company that created a popular Start menu for Windows 8, is back with a beta of a Start menu replacement for Windows 10. JRC: Stardock made my Windows 8 computer usable. I just may get it for Windows 10.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Which CPU? Comparing Intel Core i5 vs. i7

There's a wealth of difference between Intel's Core i5 and Core i7 processors. We outline each CPU and explain what it all means for your next desktop or laptop purchase.

So long, Google+. Hello, Streams, Photos and Hangouts

Google+ is getting split into three different products: Streams, Photos and Hangouts. JRC: It makes sense.

 How to Delete Your Facebook Account

If you're ready for a Facebook break, you have two options: deactivate or delete.

The Best Password Managers for 2015

If you follow best practices and use a strong, unique password for every website, you absolutely need a password manager. These are the top performers in our tests.

Reading and Writing With Evernote

Reading strongly influences your writing whether you’re a knowledge worker, professional, or dreaming of becoming an author. Evernote provides many resources and tools for you to enforce your relationship to reading and writing.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Stop Checking Your Phone Like an Addict

Usage and adoption of new technology nearly always outpaces our understanding of how that technology will ultimately affect us.

How to save storage space on an iPhone without deleting photos, with iCloud Photo Library

Turning on iCloud Photo Library is fairly easy, but doing so initiates a synchronization process that ensures any photo taken on an iDevice is uploaded, in its original, full quality prestige.

Revealed: The apps that are draining your smartphone battery

Which apps are hogging space, consuming mobile data, and sucking the life out of your Android smartphone?

Six ways to make your iOS or Android phone easier on the eyes

Give your aching eyes a break. Read on for six settings that’ll make your iPhone or Android screen a bit easier to read, from boosting the size of text to zooming your display with your fingertips.

8 essential Microsoft business apps for Android phones

Who's the busiest developer on Android these days? Some of the most impressive business apps are coming from an unlikely source, with Microsoft's business apps appearing on the Google Play Store and getting rave reviews.

We Win!!! Net Neutrality Passed by FCC

The FCC today put Internet providers under Title 2…meaning they are now under the same regulatory jurisdiction as phone carriers and public utilities. Sorry Comcast, Verizon, AT&T and other huge telecom providers, you are now a utility. You no longer have the ability to rape consumers with your grand schemes to slow down speeds and charge more for faster services. The Internet belongs to us, not you!

Before we pop the champagne corks, be aware there is still a long way to go and that the legal fights over this are about to begin. Those megalithic providers will be launching lawsuits in droves to stop this regulation of their services. They are backed by huge dollars, huge legal departments, and of course, many Congressmen and women under their control. They will spend millions of dollars to stop the FCC any way they can. Our first story will fill in the details.

Oh, I almost forgot, this quote appeared on the main Google.com page: “Victory! The FCC has voted for strong net neutrality protections! Thank you to everyone who clicked, shared and signed in support of net neutrality protections and an Internet where public good comes first.”

But this wasn’t the only vote that came down from the FCC. They also invalidated state laws that block municipal broadband from being installed. Again, those fine folks at Comcast and others talked the state legislators to ban such actions so that they were the only providers. Now, cities will be able to provide broadband and wireless services to more people at fair prices. Is there any more hated company in the world than Comcast? Just ask their customers.

On another topic, the Superfish scandal continues to grow. Tech experts are finding the same malicious code in other apps offered by Download.com and other app providers. There may be over a hundred different apps, including two anti-virus programs that are using the same intrusive code. Its hard to know who to trust. Stay tuned for more. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality a reality: FCC votes to bring Internet under utility-style rules

In a 3-2 vote, the agency decides to apply the same rules that govern telephone service to broadband, with the hope that it ensures the fair and equal treatment of all traffic on the Internet.

FCC Just Overruled State Laws That Were Blocking Municipal Broadband

Good news: Local internet service providers can get a fair shot at competing with big telecom.

The White House officially launches its new cyber warfare agency

One of the reasons that the US has been slow to respond to attacks is because its security agencies don't talk to each other. That is going to change.

Apple sends invite out for March 9: Apple Watch countdown starts

Apple is expected to detail the Apple Watch rollout at a March 9 event, but other products may also be highlighted and refreshed.

HTTP/2 finished, coming to browsers within weeks

HTTP/2 should be a faster, more efficient Web protocol.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Play Music Now Lets You Store 50,000 Songs in the Cloud for Free

It is now allowing users to store up to 50,000 of their own song files in Google Play Music for free. And from there, you can access those songs from any compatible phone, tablet, or PC.

Download.com and Others Bundle Superfish-Style HTTPS Breaking Adware

If you want your encrypted web sessions to be hijacked just head to CNET Downloads or any freeware site, because they are all bundling HTTPS-breaking adware now.

Beat it, bloatware: How to clean Superfish and other crap off your PC

Bloatware—also known as crapware—is more than annoying, because it actively consumes your computer’s resources. It’s worth your time to clean it off a new PC so you can use it to its full potential. Here’s how to do that with minimal headaches.

How to Find Your PC’s Windows Product Key So You Can Reinstall Windows

You’ll need a unique product key to reinstall Windows on your PC. This is more confusing than it sounds — you may not be able to re-use the key your computer’s manufacturer used.

The Ultimate Easy Trip Guide for the Disorganized Traveler (These Tips Will Change Your Life!)

For those who weren’t born with the organizational gene, hitting the road can be stressful. Well, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be.

 

Mobil Computing

5 ways the smartphone is conquering the tablet

After nearly five years of growth, the tablet market has officially stalled. The tablet’s biggest problem? The smartphone.

Toggle Android 5.0 device settings with your voice

Forget third-party widgets, Google's Search app will now let you use your voice to toggle several settings on Android Lollipop devices.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

This weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs.

Why some iMessage texts are blue and some are green

And why you may prefer to stick with one color or the other. What is going on here?

Seven privacy settings you should change immediately in iOS 8

Before you sync your iCloud or reinstall your apps, you need to lock down your iPhone or iPad. Here are seven important tweaks (and more) you can set to bolster your privacy.

Superfish and Other Security Concerns

The blowback from Lenovo’s installation of Superfish on their laptops continues to make big waves. More research by security experts have unveiled some huge privacy issues. Based on some of the comments from Lenovo officials, they did not due their homework when they installed the intrusive software portion of Superfish, made by another company. The did great disservice to their customers and they will probably pay dearly for it. Read more in Article #1.

Our second story demands that PCC vendors be held responsible for their installation of additional crapware that can lead to a more security concerns and invasion of privacy…while our third story tells you how and why crapware is installed on most Windows-based computers. And our 4th story puts a bow on this whole issue by uncovering security problems on Netgear Routers. If you own one of those, you best read it.

On the good side, we have some great tips here for desktop, laptop and mobile users. I heartily recommend you read the story, “300+ Awesome Free Internet Resources You Should Know.” Well worth it.

And for you owners of Kindle Fire tablets, we’ve got a story about the best 40 apps you should add to your tablet. I don’t cover the Kindle Fire very often, but I know some of you do own one of those.

So get started with the bad news, then work your way to the good things that will make your computing better. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Lenovo's Superfish spectacle: 'Catastrophic' security failures discovered

Superfish isn't just adware -- it can also be a nightmare for those who value their privacy.

In a post Superfish world, it's time to hold PC vendors more accountable for adware

If the egregiously invasive Superfish software teaches Lenovo and other PC vendors anything, it’s that they’re accountable for the software they preinstall on computers.

Crapware: Why manufacturers install it, what you can do about it, and why it's not going to go away

If you've ever bought a Windows PC or Android smartphone or tablet from one of the big name vendors then chances are that you are familiar - perhaps even intimately familiar if you've ever tried removing it - with crapware.

Got a Netgear wireless router? You've got a security problem

A warning has been issued about what appears to be a serious security issue affecting several Netgear Wi-Fi routers, and could result in hackers stealing sensitive information, including admin passwords and wireless keys.

Republicans attempt to push back FCC's Net neutrality vote

This is the latest political maneuver from Republicans who are unhappy with the proposal that will likely become regulation later this week.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

18 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

Google Maps (and its cousin Google Earth) remain powerful and versatile tools—and most of us are only scratching at the surface of what they have to off

How HTTP/2 will speed up your web browsing

Thanks to changes in the web's fundamental protocol, it is going to get faster and safer.

19 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

As more services migrate to the cloud, browsers reinforce their new role as multi-function boxes of digital magic.

Dropbox Users Can Score 100GB of OneDrive Storage for Free

In an obvious attempt to lure users to switch to its OneDrive cloud storage service, Microsoft is giving Dropbox customers 100GB of space for free for a year. Pretty good considering Dropbox only gives you 2GB for free.

300+ Awesome Free Internet Resources You Should Know

Here is a list of 300 free resources on the Net that are great and free to use. Keep this list handy.

 

Mobil Computing

The 40 Best Kindle Fire Apps

Amazon's tablet is only as useful as the apps you put on it. This list of the 40 best Kindle Fire apps aims to help you see all the possible uses for your tablet, from entertainment to productivity.

Google Now starts showing gas stations along your route

Google already has ways to find gas stations before you hit the open road, but it hasn't usually offered relevant stations. Wouldn't you want to see pumps that don't require a big detour?

Your iPhone has been hacked by the NSA

That iPhone in your hands? It's been compromised by the National Security Agency through its SIM card, and government spies can access your phone through a backdoor installed on it without even needing a court order.

6 time-saving Safari gestures for iPhone and iPad

Safari is likely one of the most-used apps on your iPhone or iPad. But even if you are an experienced Safari surfer, it's possible you aren't aware of some of these time-saving gestures that can help you do things a little more easily or with fewer tabs.

Android malware spies on you even after phone is shut down

A particularly devious new Android malware can make calls or take photos even if you shut the device down. To achieve this, the malware hijacks the shutting down process — making it appear as though your Android device is shutting down. But the phone is actually still on.

Stay The Hell Away from Lenovo Devices

The big story this day is Lenovo Computers and their purposeful installation of something called  Superfish. If you bought a Lenovo computer in the last 6 months, you should definitely check to see if you are infected. If you are, stop using it for any secure transactions.

Now, this is not something these computers caught on the Net. No, this software was deliberately put on the computers by Lenovo. Lenovo shipped some 16 million computers in the 4th quarter. If you bought your Lenovo at Amazon or Best Buy, you almost assuredly infected with Superfish. To their credit, Lenovo has now stopped installing Superfish.

Our first article details the infection as well as how to check for it and how to remove it. But some tech experts are  saying you may need to reinstall Windows with a clean version of the OS from Microsoft as Superfish is a rootkit and only a clean install can get rid of it for sure.

Sadly for Lenovo, their trust is shot and this could be a killing blow to the sale of their machines in the future. We shall see.

Our second story talks about spyware being installed by all the major hard drive manufacturers…possibly at the behest of the NSA.

Now with all this good news in mind, take a look at the rest of today’s blog. Surely you will find some good things here to help you out.  -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Until Superfish fix, Lenovo devices can't be trusted for secure work

ZDNet is reporting Lenovo installs a self-signing root certificate authority that has the capability to intercept and hijack internet traffic flowing over SSL and TLS connections -- often used by online stores, banks, and other apps and services to secure send data.

Spyware Revealed on Popular Hard Drives, NSA Suspected

The software has been found to work with hardware made by Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, IBM, Micron Technology and Samsung, and could provide a means to conduct surveillance “on the majority of the world’s computers.”

The Windows 8 scrap heap: 10 features that didn't make it to Windows 10

Windows 8 was filled with bold ideas, designed to move Windows forward in one giant leap. Three years later, as Windows 10 nears its release date, many of those innovative ideas are gone. Here's what's been tossed away, and why.

Meet the 'Real-Life Q' Who Builds Secret Spy Gadgets for a Living

I grew up watching James Bond films. My favorite part was always the same: the part where "Q" would outfit our hero with the latest in spy technology. Ralph Osterhout also grew up loving Bond movies — but he took it to the next level.

Uniting with rivals? Welcome to the new Microsoft

There may be no more surprising development in technology over the past year than Microsoft's radical transformation into an industry collaborator.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft OneNote tutorial: Everything you need to know to start taking notes

OneNote is the best Microsoft program from you’re probably not using. If you’ve ignored the digital note-taking app because, well, it’s Microsoft, or because you thought “the last thing I need is more software,” then it’s time to reconsider.

Apple releases iTunes 12.1.1 update for Windows

In a rare move, Apple has released an iTunes 12.1.1 update specifically for Windows users only, with fixes related to direct synchronization with Outlook and iOS devices. The update also addresses an audio playback glitch, and the release notes also indicate that the update “improves compatibility with screen readers.”

A Superb PC Troubleshooting Tool

If you need to track down the program which is causing a specific symptom on your computer, such as advertising panels being displayed, this is the best way to help find out. It does this and much more. Free from Microsoft.

The Best Tax Software for 2015

Online and mobile versions of tax-prep software make the annual ritual of ponying up to Uncle Sam less painful than ever. We test the most popular apps to help you pick the right one.

How to Find The Best Wi-Fi Channel For Your Router on Any Operating System

Choosing the best Wi-Fi channel on your router helps to reduce interference and improve your WI-Fi signal. These tools will help you identify the least congested Wi-Fi channel in your area.

 

Mobile Computing

How to organize photos and videos into albums on your iPhone or iPad

The Photos app on iPhone and iPad gives you quick and easy access to all your pictures and videos. Apple even automagically sorts them into moments, collections, and years to make finding specific photos and videos by time and location even easier.

How to manage a Microsoft Office document in iCloud on your iPad

As long as you are running iOS 8 you can now open, edit and save your work to iCloud Drive, as well as share your documents between multiple apps.

12 Tricks for Typing Faster on Your iPhone or iPad’s Keyboard

Some of these tricks are well hidden. You may never discover them until someone tells you — or you read about them in an article like this one.

The 10 Best Windows Tablets

But just because they're the hot new thing doesn't mean that every tablet PC is great, which is why we're here in the first place-to weed out the clunkers and help you know what's best, and why.

3G vs. 4G: What's the Difference?

If you're buying a new smartphone, you'll need to choose a type of data network. We explain 3G and 4G in simple terms.

FIDO is not a Dog…At Least Microsoft Hopes Not

There will be a new feature in the final version of Windows 10. Its called FIDO, which stands for Fast Identity Online…a password-free sign-on for several applications. Read all about it in story #1.

I continue to play around with Windows 10, although not as much as I like. Early spring in Tucson is a very busy time here…lots of fun and interesting events going on nearly every day. Anyway, I can tell you this about Windows 10…if you liked Windows 7 and hated Windows 8, you will love Win 10. Its back to the interface we all know and love…with some very nice improvements. More on that later.

I will let you read the rest of this blog for yourself as I must leave in a few minutes for the baseball stadium. Yes, baseball is underway here now, at least at the collegiate level. But the major league Spring Training gets underway in two weeks. Told you it was a busy time of year. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 will let you say goodbye to passwords forever

Microsoft is adding support for the Fast Identity Online (Fido) standard to Windows 10 to enable password-free sign-on for a number of applications.

Facebook to allow 'legacy contacts' for when you die

Your posthumous profile page can now be managed by someone you designate to handle that part of your online legacy.

Obama signs information-sharing order as privacy question looms

At a cybersecurity summit held on the Stanford University campus, President Obama outlines a plan for companies and the US government to share information and fend off cyberattacks.

Facebook to allow 'legacy contacts' for when you die

Your posthumous profile page can now be managed by someone you designate to handle that part of your online legacy.

Windows RT: The odd birth, brief life, and quiet death of Microsoft's ugly ducking operating system

Microsoft hoped Windows RT could narrow the gap on the iPad and Android. What went wrong and why?

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Perfectly legal ways you can still get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)

If you prefer the familiar Windows 7 interface (or need it for testing and evaluation) you can still find great deals. Here are all the details you need.

5 essential tips for creating Excel macros

Excel macros save you time and headaches by automating common, repetitive tasks. And you don’t have to be a programmer or know Visual Basic Applications (VBA) to write one. With Excel 2013, it’s as simple as recording your keystrokes.

How to protect your wireless router from malware

Last year, researchers discovered a worm, which they called TheMoon, that infected several Linksys routers. Linksys soon issued a fix to stop it. This wasn't the first such attack, and it will almost certainly not be the last.

17 obscure Windows tools and tricks too powerful to overlook

"The beauty of Windows lies in its flexibility and depth. In fact, Windows is so deep and flexible that many of us never touch its more powerful tools, whether from unawareness or sheer forgetfulness. "

I'm Going Back to Firefox

Remember when we all switched from Firefox to Chrome? Chrome was stripped down, simple but fast as hell. It was like browsing the web on a whole new computer. These days Chrome is bloated, slow, and constantly crashing on me. I've finally reached the breaking point. (Warning: Strong Language)

 

Mobile Computing

US carriers, you'll have to unlock those phones

Starting now, it will be much easier for people to jump from one carrier to another and take their smartphone with them.

7 gotta-know iOS and Android text-messaging tricks

The standard Android and iOS messaging apps—you know, the app you use for trading all those text messages, photos and videos—can do much more than you might think.

How to Automatically Upload Photos From Your Digital Camera

Whether you use a DSLR or just a point-and-shoot camera, there are ways to automatically upload and sync photos like you would with a smartphone.

The 10 best iPhone widgets

Thanks to iOS 8, apps can now display helpful information right on your lock screen through widgets. We've collected the 10 best apps that use widgets creatively to keep you up to date and entertained — all from your iPhone's lock screen.

Stay Sane By Minimizing All the Distracting Notifications on Your Smartphone and Computer

Smartphones and computers are notification-generaitng machines. Every app wants to constantly ping you, interrupting your life and pulling you out of that “flow state” while working.

Microsoft Offers 100GB of Free Cloud Storage

Here is a deal to good to pass up. You can now have 100GB of OneDrive Cloud storage for two years for free. What do you have to do? Click on a link on a their Web page and it is yours.

Go to the Bing Rewards page, click on the OneDrive “100 GB Free link”, and it is yours. If you are not already using OneDrive, I think you will find it very good and very useful.

Your data files are automatically backed up as soon as they are added or changed. Having used it now for a few years, I am a big fan. I have it on all my computers and devices. For example, it backs up my photos from my iPhone almost as soon as I take them. So give it a try.

Well, I have had a long day up in Phoenix so I am going to let you take over from here. Have a great weekend. PS: Don’t miss the first story on Samsung TV’s latest outrage. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Samsung Smart TV Owners Fume Over Sneaky Pop-Up Ads

Samsung Smart TV owners, already shaken by news that their TVs can transmit voice commands and other private data to third parties, have been hit by another revelation -- that the devices sneak ads into movies they're watching, without the owner's knowledge or consent.

Target's internet video service you didn't use is shutting down

Like Redbox Instant and Samsung's Video Hub, Target Ticket didn't quite catch on.

Scammers Are Using a Fake Version of AdwCleaner to Trick People

The latest trend in the awful Windows ecosystem is pretty ridiculous — scammers have a fake version of the reputable AdwCleaner tool, which is a real tool for Windows experts. And this one pretends your computer is infected and tries to make you pay them to remove it.

February's Patch Tuesday is All About IE

Microsoft released a sweeping set of 56 security fixes described across nine bulletins as part of its regularly scheduled “Patch Tuesday” updates yesterday. But fully 41 of those fixes are all contained in a single bulletin for all supported versions of Internet Explorer.

Microsoft delivers first public preview of Windows 10 for phones

Microsoft is making available to testers the first public preview of Windows 10 mobile, a version of Windows 10 ultimately designed to run on ARM-based Windows Phones and ARM- and Intel- small tablets and phablets.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How To Tweak Google Chrome Browser To Use Less Memory

If you tend to have lots of tabs open during the day, you’ll probably find your computer starts to suffer in the performance stakes, and that’s all down to the way Chrome handles itself.

Google Chrome Includes 5 Browser Plug-ins, and Here’s What They Do

Google wants to get rid of browser plug-ins, but they’re bundling quite a few with Chrome itself. On a clean install, you’ll see at least five different browser plug-ins, from the Widevine Content Decryption Module to Native Client.

How to Set Up and Use Multiple Profiles (User Accounts) in Firefox

Mozilla Firefox hides its Profile Manager, not making it a highly visible part of the interface like Chrome does. But, if you’d like to use different browser profiles with their own settings and data, Firefox also makes it possible.

Free Browser Extension that Efficiently Blocks Ads Using Less Memory

The extension is available for Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Safari. Even with a fast system I find browsing with it to be noticeably quicker than with Adblock Plus, which I was previously using. If you have a slower CPU or a minimal amount of RAM, the effect should be substantial.

Sorting text in Word: 3 tips and some secret tricks

Basic sorting in Word 2013 is a breeze. However, it gets a bit more complex when sorting multiple columns or tables. There are a few tricks and relatively unknown techniques that can save you time and make this task easier.

 

Mobile Computing

Amazon offering $140 worth of apps for free in latest giveaway

Amazon's latest app giveaway is here, and includes over $140 worth of premium content that is available for free from now until February 14. The giveaway features a total of 37 apps, including Listure, Sleep as Android, Runtastic Pro and more.

Find your pals in a crowd with this flashing phone app (iOS & Android)

The app relies on fullscreen blinking colors to help you stand out from a gaggle of bystanders. Just hold your device in the air and try not to feel too self-conscious while you do it, and getting together with buddies should be a bit easier.

How to Only Get Notifications for Emails You Care About on Your iPhone

Notifications are obnoxious. Few of us actually need a “ding!” from our pocket every time we get a new email. But some emails are more important, and you might want to hear about them immediately with a notification.

9 ways to lock down your iPhone or Android device before it goes missing

Lock down your iPhone's or Android phone's security settings before it up and disappears. That way, if the worst happens, at least you'll have the grim satisfaction of knowing that whoever swiped your device will have little more than a paperweight on their hands.

The 100 Best iPhone Apps of 2015

If you own an iPhone, you need apps. Here are 100 of the best apps you can download to make your life better. Organized by type. JRC: I found some good ones in here that I did not know about previously.

Samsung: Big Brother is Listening

Do you remember the Orwell classic novel, “1984”? The part where Big Brother is watching and listening you? Well Samsung is selling such a device. Its called a Samsung Smart TV. It sits in people’s living room, records their conversations, then sells them to third parties.

That is totally evil and obviously a violation of privacy. How dare them to such a thing! At  least they had the hutzpah to admit it when one reporter uncovered the story. For such an offense against decency and privacy, those TV’s should be recalled and a law should be passed to forbid such a thing. Of course, because there is money to be made, I look for other manufacturers to do the same thing.

And speaking of Samsung, I got mad last week at my Samsung laptop for running so poorly and completely wiped it clean.  After a long and tiresome three-day procedure, I reinstalled Windows 8 and upgraded it to 8.1. It actually runs much better now after I made sure all the crapware that Samsung includes was wiped out.

I did try at first to install a clean 8.1 system downloaded from Microsoft, but it was so slow that I had to wipe it out and installed the original  Samsung Windows 8 disk. This proved to me that Samsung deliberately makes their computers so they only run properly on Samsung’s version of Windows.

This is the last Samsung product of any type that I will ever buy. They join the list of corporations that can burn forever in Hades, like Comcast, Time-Warner, and Sony to name a couple.

PS: They are losing market share like crazy in the smartphone business and I hope people stop buying their TV’s.

Now that I gave you the vinegar, its time for some sweet honey. There are plenty of good stories and tips in this edition…so I hope you find something useful. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Samsung's TVs record your living room chatter

Samsung's small print says that its Smart TV's voice recognition system will not only capture your private conversations, but also pass them onto third parties.

Leaked Data From 30,000 Swiss Bank Accounts Reveals Mass Tax Avoidance

The leaked files, which you can explore online, reveal the use of Swiss bank accounts by actors, footballers,politicians, business owners and more to avoid paying tax to the relevant authorities.

Pandora vs Slacker – Comparison of Top 6 Radio Stations like Pandora

When it comes to streaming Audio, many people think Pandora is the best choice out there, but with so many other options appearing these days, is that still the case? Here we will have a look at all the options and see whether Pandora still comes out on top.

Microsoft's New App Strategy: Turning Google Into A Dumb Pipe

Microsoft doesn't just want its hands on every operating system. It also wants eyes in every cloud.

Get 2 GB of free Google Drive storage forever with a quick security check

As part of Safer Internet Day (Tuesday, February 10), Google is giving away 2 GB of free Drive storage for completing a security checkup by February 17. And unlike most cloud storage freebies, this one is permanent.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Online Tools for Digital Tax Prep

With online tools and apps, you can digitize your tax prep and regulate your spending for the year ahead.

How to Create an Anonymous Email Account

What do you do if you want to set up an email address that is completely secret and nameless, with no obvious connection to you whatsoever, but you don't necessarily want the hassle of (or have the chops for) setting up your own servers?

How to Restore Previous Versions of a File on Any Operating System

Every operating system backs up previous versions of files and offers an easy way to go back in time. If you use a cloud storage service, it also keeps previous versions of your files. Here is how to get back a previous version.

Don't count on antivirus software alone to keep your data safe

One hacker pilfered data from under their corporate noses and cost them hundreds of millions of dollars. Even though many of these firms had antivirus software installed, they didn’t detect what he was doing. Why?

Tools to Protect Yourself from Data Brokers

Data brokerage is one of those things that affects everyone and yet 99% of us have no idea how deep this rabbit hole goes. You need to trust me on this one.. it goes deeper than you think!  JRC: I’ve installed all these suggested apps on all my devices.

 

Mobile Computing

An Apple Watch app is coming for people with diabetes

Medical device maker Dexcom has been showing off iPhone and Apple Watch integration for its implantable diabetes glucose monitors. The app will display glucose readings on iOS devices and should be ready when Apple Watch is launched in April.

Apple’s iOS 9 Pegged As A Stability Update

The major update for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch for 2015 is expected to take a step back from the rapid release of new features in favor of building on the existing framework to make sure everything already offered works more consistently.

Warning: Your Android Phone’s Web Browser Probably Isn’t Getting Security Updates

The web browser in Android 4.3 and earlier has many big security problems, and Google won’t be patching it anymore. If you use a device with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or earlier, you need to take action.

This is My Android: February 2015

See how one Android tech writer sets up his phone for the best results. You might find some good tips here.

Dropbox and Microsoft Office integration comes to Android tablets

While access on your phone is certainly convenient, if you are trying to do real work, a tablet is a much more capable device, and the Nexus 9 with the Keyboard Folio or any of the larger Samsung tablets can become a pretty credible workstation.

True Net Neutrality About to Become a Reality

Net Neutrality is back in the news again…no more talk, this time it is about to become reality. The chairman of the FCC will propose that Internet companies be put under Title II, subject to regulation of the government. Title II currently governs public utilities, phone companies and others. This is what President Obama called for in his speech…and what the vast majority of users like you and me wanted.

It will be voted on later this month, but expect the big Internet and cable companies to immediately file lawsuits. Also expect the Republican-controlled Congress to try and limit the FCC’s ability to do this. After all, the giant cable companies have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to their lackeys in Congress AKA: the Parliament of Whores) to do their bidding.

The Internet, specifically the World Wide Web, was designed to be used openly and without prejudice by everyone. It was not designed to be a product that giant Internet and cable companies control in order to extract additional profits at our expense.

If you would like to have a better understanding of Net Neutrality and this fight, check out this short, but cute video starring 3 sports cars and Godzilla.

Be sure and check out how to get the $400 version of Google Earth for free (see below). Finally, an update from our last edition: Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy today. 

And now for the rest of the news and tips: -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality wins: the FCC will propose strong Title II regulation

It's the first time the FCC has shown enough backbone to draw a line in the sand against companies like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon, who are sure to fight viciously in courts to reverse this action.

What Microsoft needs to include in Outlook 2016

As already rumored and expected, Office 2016 is confirmed by Microsoft to be on the (relatively) near horizon. In my opinion, there’s one feature that absolutely must be included: a unified inbox for Outlook.

Bill Gates working on new Microsoft 'Personal Agent' technology

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is working on a new 'Personal Agent' project with Microsoft, he disclosed during his latest Reddit AMA.

Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast vs. Roku Stick: Media Streamers Compared

On the surface, they appear to be very similar concepts. In practice, though, they're remarkably different from each other.

Apple is reportedly in talks to build its own web TV service

According to the site's industry sources, Apple's proposed service would comprise of bundles of programming, secured through deals with content providers and sold direct to consumers, rather than a full TV lineup.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Earth Pro Now Free (Was $399)

Google Earth Pro has all the easy-to-use features and detailed imagery of Google Earth, along with advanced tools that help you measure 3D buildings, print high-resolution images for presentations or reports, and record HD movies of your virtual flights around the world.

Skype fails: 5 of the worst problems and how to fix them

Skype is an essential communications tool, but it can also be a pesky one. Here’s how to get its more annoying features under control.

How to track changes in Microsoft Word without going insane

Read through our guide to safely—and sanely—navigating a multi-authored document using track changes. We’re confident that by the time you’re done you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

17 Tips to Help You Master Microsoft OneDrive

You'll get the scoop on exactly what you need to take full advantage of a service that could be named Windows Live SkyFolderShareMeshDrive... but thankfully, is not.

10 Evernote Power Tips to Keep Productivity on Track

From super fast search techniques to noteworthy organization tricks, here's a rundown of the most popular tips you can plug into your daily Evernote use.

 

Mobile Computing

Millions of Android Devices Infected by Malicious Apps

Google has just pulled three adware-distributing apps from its Play Store, but only after several millions devices were infected. The search giant finally removed the apps after security firm Avast alerted it to the dangers, but there is evidence that Google knew about the suspicious apps for weeks.

Take Control of Your Smartphone’s Automatic Photo Uploads

Modern smartphones and cloud photo services want to automatically upload every single photo you take to the cloud. But you don’t always want to save every photo forever on those remote servers.

9 typing tips every Android and iOS user should know

Read on for 9 ways to make typing on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device a little easier, from how to turn on "caps lock" to a simple shortcut to the exclamation mark. Some good tips here!

The 10 Best iPad Astronomy and Space Apps

As astronomy is such a visual pursuit, it's no surprise that a large number of apps related to astronomy and space science have appeared, many of them taking advantage of the iPad's large screen.

What's new in Android 5.1 Lollipop?

The upgrade to Lollipop was introduced alongside the launch of Android One phones in Indonesia, and those phones seem to be shipping with it out of the box.

Bye Bye Radio Shack? Sad but not Unexpected

For much of my life, Radio Shack was an icon. When I first got into electronics in high school, it was Radio Shack and Allied Electronics catalogues that captivated me and my urges to buy everything they had for sale. It was Radio Shack that introduced us to the first mass-produced personal computer, the TRS-80, in 1977. They had the first audio showroom in 1947.

Currently, they have over 4,000 company-operated stores in the United States and Mexico, and approximately 1,200 dealer and other outlets worldwide. In short, they are a giant retailer.

So what happened? It’s a story of one failure after another. RadioShack entered the 1980s poised to be the center of the computer revolution.  But RadioShack went nowhere. Their computer business lost traction and eventually became obsolete as companies like IBM and Dell went elsewhere to deliver more powerful computers.

Instead of concentrating on RadioShack and building its name and products, the company  tried new concepts with new stores: Computer City to sell computers, Energy Express Plus to sell batteries, Famous Brand Electronics for refurbished electronics, McDuff and Video Concepts for audio and video, and  the Incredible Universe, which became the company’s Best Buy knockoff. All were failures.

They also tried the cell phone market, but to make a long story short, they were not very successful. They did well with CB Radios, but that fad dried up. They were out promoted and out sold by stores like Best Buy and on-line retailers like Amazon.

For me personally, I stopped going to Radio Shack years ago. Their prices were outrageously high. There were too many other places that offered the same merchandise for much less. Too long they tried to live on their name that stretches back almost 100 years, but that does not work anymore.

For more info on their current plan, be sure and read our first story. In fact, have a look at all our stories. There is some good info here, if I do say so myself. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

RadioShack may sell half its stores to Sprint, shut down the rest

The end could be near for the iconic electronics retailer amid a report that it's in talks with the wireless carrier to take over some locations.

Net neutrality battle pitches activists and FCC against Big Cable and GOP

President Obama supports new rules that if passed will regulate the internet like water and electricity - executives and Republican politicians do not

Sorry, your broadband Internet technically isn't broadband anymore

The FCC has raised the benchmark for broadband speed to 25 megabits per second, above the speed that many Americans receive with their home connection.

Facebook, Twitter report records for Super Bowl posts

Both social networks say Sunday's football spectacle was the most discussed/tweeted Super Bowl in their histories.

Raspberry Pi 2 is six times faster than Pi 1, supports Windows 10

At $35, the new computer retains the low-cost appeal of the original Raspberry Pi, which has sold more than 4 million units. Raspberry Pi 2 is also six times faster than the original computer. Windows 10 will be free.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Some first impressions of Windows 10

It's too early for a review of the Windows 10 preview, but there's enough substance in the latest builds to share some thoughts about the project's direction.

The Best Tax Software for 2015

Online and mobile versions of tax-prep software make the annual ritual of ponying up to Uncle Sam less painful than ever. We test the most popular apps to help you pick the right one. You might be surprised at who wins the Editor's Choice.

A quick fix for your slow Chrome browser

After some research and experimentation, I tweaked one setting that made Chrome run considerably faster. Your mileage may vary, of course, but this is worth a try. PS It worked for me also.

How to Change the Default Fonts in Your Web Browser

While changing your browser’s font may not be the most pressing issue, sometimes it is fun to make a change. That’s why we are going to teach you how to change the default font in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

Wi-Fi triage: 5 common solutions to your wireless woes

Wi-Fi is the most wonderful home convenience-except for when it isn't. Everybody has their own favorite way of handling Wi-Fi problems, but here's mine.

 

Mobile Computing

Verizon to let you opt out of 'supercookies'

After complaints from privacy advocates, Verizon will allow users to turn off so-called supercookies that can track online behavior.

5 reasons why you should ditch Apple Mail and go with Outlook for iPhone instead

Outlook for iPhone combines many of the features we use on a daily basis in the one application, so immediately on launch we realized that we could use it as a one-stop email shop for nigh-on everything we needed to do.

10 Must-Have iPhone Apps

If you have (or are waiting for) a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, you have some killer hardware. But even with the latest and greatest phone, it's still all about the apps. Here are our top 10 picks that can help you make the most of your shiny new toy.

New Chrome for iOS looks nicer, supports Handoff

Google updated its Chrome browser to version 40, bringing its Material Design style to iOS.Material Design is the Google’s new standard for how apps should look, using a material metaphor as “the unifying theory of a rationalized space and a system of motion.

Google Now gains integration with 40 third-party apps

Google has announced that third-party apps can now display Google Now cards. There are currently 40 different apps that can display cards, including major apps like Pandora, Shazam, Lyft, Waze, and eBay.