Strange Times Before Black Friday

Not much going on except in the world of Black Friday shopping. Some companies are getting the jump on that day with Black Friday sales before the actual day itself. Others, like Best Buy are already showing the Black Friday sale items more than a week in advance…before you can actually purchase them. And if you have looked around many stores lately, you may have noticed they are way ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday…heck some were displaying Christmas stuff before November 1. I guess it is all part and parcel of the new world that we live in.

Oh well…not much I can do about so I will just keep moving forward in time. There are some interesting articles in this edition so enjoy yourself while I go set up my 2’ Christmas tree. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft is Trying Really Hard to Shoot Themselves in the Foot

Microsoft has great engineering teams that can put together top-notch technology — Windows 10 is a very good operating system, the Surface line is the best hardware you can get, and Office 365 makes a lot of sense. But they continually shoot themselves in the foot and make their customers angry. Why?

 

Amazon announces its Black Friday deals, Web holds its breath

The digital pandemonium, will start on November 20, a full-week ahead of actual Black Friday More than 150 “Lightning Deals” will be available only on mobile, and Amazon Prime members will get access to most of them 30 minutes before the general public.

 

Google+ to get a complete overhaul

The Californian search giant has begun a total redesign of its social network, which will see increased focus on the platform's Collections and Communities.

 

The Best Products of 2015

Our analysts and editors tested and rated more than 2,500 products and services in the PC Labs this year. This list of the cream of the crop for the past 12 months also doubles as the ultimate holiday shopping list.

 

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

Fed up with your dumb "smart TV?" Tired of waiting for your console to boot up just so you can watch Netflix? Looking for a cheap tech gift? There are plenty of reasons to get a new dedicated video streamer. We'll help you choose one.

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to enlarge display text in Windows

A high-resolution screen can result in very tiny text—sometimes too tiny to read easily. Here's how to fix that.

 

Fix a common router problem with a can of compressed air

Do you go through Wi-Fi modems like they're Tic Tacs? I did. I had a repair guy coming out to replace my router every three or four months until it occurred to me that the problem may not be with the modem, but with my housekeeping skills.

 

Todoist is bringing its popular productivity app to Windows 10

Todoist's take on the to-do list is handy for keep your daily agenda organized, and now it's available for Windows 10 users. The free productivity app is available for Microsoft's operating system as a preview, syncing those important tasks across mobile and desktop devices.

 

How to Change Your WiFi Network’s Name and Password

Your Wi-Fi router comes with a default network name and password, and both are often printed on the router itself. But you can change the name and password to anything you want in just a few clicks.

 

Get your USB devices out of low gear

USB 3.0 data transfers should be up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 — and 2.0 should be almost 10 times faster than USB 1.0. But manyfactors can cause your USB connections to limp along at a fraction of their expected speeds.Here’s how to check your USB system’s performance to verify that it’s running at its full speed — and what to do if it’s not.

Mobile Computing

5 apps for better Gmail

Gmail lacks important features on mobile, such as quick access to contacts, one-swipe message deletion, and an easy unsubscribe or blocking solution. But you can improve your Gmail experience with the following five apps.

 

Turn your old phone into a home security camera you can watch from anywhere

If you have one or more old phones laying around, here's a way to turn them into security cameras you can log into from anywhere.

 

The 10 Best Windows Tablets of 2015

With the latest Intel hardware and Windows support, the tablet is finally a viable PC for work. We give you the lowdown on the factors you need to consider when choosing a Windows tablet, as well as our top picks.

 

Google brings audible traffic alerts to iPhone Google Maps users

Even though Apple Maps keeps getting better all the time, it's tough to give up on Google Maps. Google just rolled out an update that will help daily commuters too.

 

T-Mobile wants to boost your indoor cell signal

Its new CellSpot device, part of the carrier's larger push to improve network coverage, acts as a mini cell phone tower in your home or office

Windows 10 Gets Its First Major Update

Yes, I am back from my sojourn to Yuma and southern Utah’s red rock country. I had a great time with my son in Yuma, but the trip to Utah was somewhat disappointing. The fall colors in Zion were not good, to say the least…but autumn was pretty much  a bust all over the west. I did get down to Dance Hall Rock where a few trees grow out of deep holes in the rocks. I also got to see a little of Bryce Canyon and also visited Cedar Breaks National Monument for the first time ever. In spite of some disappointments, I did get a few new and exciting pictures.
But, let’s get down to business. As you may or may not know, Microsoft finally released the first big upgrade to Windows 10. As I pointed out, most of the big upgrades are under the hood and from what I read, they are very important. Microsoft’s newest Web Browser, Edge, has more features now, but is still far from complete. It will be next year before it is finished. The biggest missing feature is add-ons, which for me is a deal breaker. A couple of the articles below has a list of the best of the new Windows 10.  
The other big news of the week, was of course the dastardly terrorist attacks in Paris. It was such a sickening sight to behold in that most beautiful of cities. Our first two articles here cover the tech aspects of the ISIS attacks.
Its time for me to publish this blog and time for you to read it (I hope). –JRC
Tech News and Opinions

Paris Attacks Highlight Tech’s Elevated Role In Disaster Relief

As terror attacks put France into a national state of emergency on Friday, AirBnB, Facebook, Google, Skype, Twitter and Uber launched into disaster response mode

 

Hacker group: We'll wipe ISIS off the Internet

Hacker collective Anonymous has declared "war is unleashed" against ISIS, the Islamic militant group that claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks that occurred Friday in Paris.

 

Microsoft signals a slower Windows 10 upgrade tempo

Microsoft has taken to referring to Windows 10's upgrade tempo as slower than it once did, hinting that the company may not sustain an aggressive three-times-a-year cadence.

 

How to Stop Your Smart TV From Spying on You

There's a good chance your smart TV is spying on you. Smart TVs often analyze the videos you're watching and report back - whether you're watching live TV, streaming videos on a service like Netflix

 

True or false? Battery myths that need to die

Battery technology may not have changed much in the last couple decades, but common knowledge is even worse
Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft's new PowerPoint tools make your presentations way less boring

In the coming weeks, Office 365 subscribers will get two new tools for PowerPoint that use the cloud to really make presentations look better, or feel more alive with some cool motion effects.

 

Three Reasons Why You Might Not Get the Windows 10 November Upgrade

Semi-buried in the FAQ for the Windows 10 November update, there’s some answers available for those who might be wondering why the upgrade is not showing up yet. I’ve seen a few people ask about this already, so here’s the answers:

 

Massive Windows 10 Update Has 10 Great Secret Features

Microsoft took a big step forward with the release of ‘Threshold 2’, Microsoft’s biggest Windows 10 update so far (all 4GB of it). Inside are a multitude of useful changes plus some very useful.

 

Windows 10 November Update: 5 Things to Check Out

A lot of what's in the update comes under the category of fixes and performance improvements, but there are quite a few palpable feature updates.

 

16 Tips to Help You Master Microsoft OneDrive

All it takes to access OneDrive is a Microsoft account. The service will sync files between all your Windows and Mac computers, which you can access online via mobile apps and the Web.

Mobile Computing

Facebook truce with Google helps you find info on your phone

As of Friday, Facebook is letting Google index some of the public information within its mobile app, helping you search for that content on your phone.

 

Microsoft delays tool that will bring Android apps to Windows

Microsoft has confirmed that a tool that lets Android apps easily run on Windows 10 is not ready

 

Apple Music is for 'everyone,' even Android users

The electronics giant has released a test version of its Apple Music streaming service for Google's Android operating system, the mobile software that powers the majority of the world's devices.

 

When will your phone get Android Marshmallow?

Android 6.0 is here, but not every Android phone will get the update at the same time. Here's what you need to know about upgrading.

 

32 iOS 9 tips you should know (pictures)

Apple's latest mobile software is chock full of new features, from the long-awaited public transit direction in Apple Maps to a refined Notes app. Here's what you need to know.

Microsoft UnGifts Unlimited OneDrive Storage

The folks in Redmond have royally angered many of their users. A year or so ago, Microsoft promised unlimited cloud storage on OneDrive for Office 365 Subscribers. Now they have pulled the rug out on those promises and gone back to the original 1 Terabyte limit.  According to Microsoft, there were a handful of users who abused the system. But rather than punish the few, they chose to publish the many. Also the free service was cut from 15GB to 5GB.

Now, I will be honest here. I use OneDrive for most of my data backups including all my photos…and I am nowhere near one terabyte. So I am not upset.. I just think it was a bad public relations move by Microsoft. But it will blow over. I think what happened was the accountants looked at the numbers and the costs of the vast amount of equipment it takes for free storage and figured it wasn’t worth it. But, I do wonder why they cut the free service from 15 GB to 5 GB.

On another note, Apple released their new Apple TV into the wild. It is supposed to compete with the Roku box, Google TV and the Amazon Fire TV. I watched two video podcasts on Apple’s newest device this week and let me tell you it can be very difficult to set up. The host of one show said they had to stop the recording of the show to get things figured out. Apple TV is also missing some key pieces like Amazon Prime TV and Google TV. So, for me, the bottom line was the Roku box is still superior...and much cheaper.

On a personal note, I will not put out another blog next week as I will be in Southern Utah photographing the autumn colors in and around Zion National Park. But I should be back in Tucson the following week. So until then, have fun, but behave yourself. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

 

Microsoft Made Changes To Office 365, Removes Unlimited OneDrive Storage

For Office Home, Personal, and University users, you will no longer be offered unlimited storage. Instead, those subscriptions will include 1 TB of OneDrive storage. For users of the free service, the announcement is especially bad as your storage will be cut from 15 GB to 5GB, this is for new and current users."

 

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

Fed up with your dumb "smart TV?" Tired of waiting for your console to boot up just so you can watch Netflix? Looking for a cheap tech gift? There are plenty of reasons to get a new dedicated video streamer. We'll help you choose one.

 

Apple TV review: A diamond in the rough - very rough Review

Let's get a few things out of the way first thing. This is not the be-all and end-all of set-top boxes. Not even close. In fact, right now the Roku 4 bests the 2015 Apple TV in a whole bunch of ways.

 

There are more Mac malware attacks in 2015 than last five years combined

Of course, Macs are hardly immune to cyber attacks, but hackers and attackers usually target the most popular operating systems, and before the rise of the Mac, that meant targeting the PC more than the Mac.

 

HP, a Silicon Valley icon, is ready for its break-up

HP Inc. will sell personal computers and printers; Hewlett Packard Enterprise will sell commercial computer systems, software and tech services. Starting Monday, each will trade separately on the New York Stock Exchange

Computer Tips and Tricks

Get your USB devices out of low gear

USB 3.0 data transfers should be up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 — and 2.0 should be almost 10 times faster than USB 1.0. But manyfactors can cause your USB connections to limp along at a fraction of their expected speeds.Here’s how to check your USB system’s performance to verify that it’s running at its full speed — and what to do if it’s not.

 

7 Router Features You Should Be Using for Better Wi-Fi

Sure, they bring Internet to your devices, but today's routers do so much more. Take advantage of these advanced capabilities to get the best Wi-Fi coverage.

 

Google's Inbox update will take the hassle out of emails by predicting your replies

Google’s is launching a new feature called Smart Reply for Inbox that generates responses based on your emails so you can just choose the one that’s most appropriate and hit send.

 

10 Tips to Speed Up Windows 10

Windows 10 is noticeably faster than previous versions of Microsoft's OS, but you can still speed up your PC with these tricks.

 

Firefox 41 Review & Rating

Microsoft is making noise with its innovative and fast new Edge browser, but for now, Firefox remains our first choice for day-to-day browsing. It's fast, can display any site, it's supremely customizable, and protects your privacy. For all that, Firefox remains our Editors' Choice for Web browsers.

Mobile Computing

Google brings audible traffic alerts to iPhone Google Maps users

Even though Apple Maps keeps getting better all the time, it's tough to give up on Google Maps. Google just rolled out an update that will help daily commuters too.

 

The 10 Best Windows Tablets of 2015

With the latest Intel hardware and Windows support, the tablet is finally a viable PC for work. We give you the lowdown on the factors you need to consider when choosing a Windows tablet, as well as our top picks.

 

T-Mobile wants to boost your indoor cell signal

Its new CellSpot device, part of the carrier's larger push to improve network coverage, acts as a mini cell phone tower in your home or office.

 

14 Cool Smartphone Camera Tricks You Should Know

Thanks to our mobile gadgets, we all have the power to capture, share, and access images and video from around the world instantaneously. It has changed the way we express ourselves

 

Microsoft Created an Android App That Intelligently Organizes Your Phone

Microsoft's Arrow for Android arranges apps based on how frequently they're used.

Are the Russians Going to Disrupt the World Wide Internet?

I don’t really have any words of wisdom for you today. However, in the next two weeks, I can only do one edition rather than two. I am off to Yuma for a week, then off to Zion National Park to photograph the autumn colors in that beautiful place. Not sure how long I will be there before heading back to Tucson. About the only thing that may happen in the tech world during the next two weeks is the release of Windows 10 Update #1 that I told you about in the last edition. It may happen as early as next week.

So, I think you will find some interesting tidbits in the this edition, so I advice you to peruse it carefully. Until next time, enjoy your weekend and Happy Halloween. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

CISA data-sharing bill passes Senate with no privacy protections

Critics say the bill does more to invade the privacy of ordinary Americans than protects US interests. There was unanimous opposition to the bill across the tech industry.

 

Are Ads Coming to the Windows 10 Start Menu?

Several days ago, a new build 10565 for Windows 10 was made available to all those participating in the Insider Program. One noticeable change from the current version is the addition of something resembling ads to the Start Menu.

 

Microsoft planning to automatically offer Windows 10 to existing PCs

Starting early next year, Microsoft says it's planning to re-categorize Windows 10 as a "recommended update" in its Windows Update system. That means the Windows 10 upgrade process will download and start automatically on thousands of machines.

 

Russian ships may be preparing to attack the global internet

US government sources have revealed to the New York Times growing concerns that Russian naval vessels may be threatening the global internet infrastructure. Russian ships have been seen tracing out the routes of the trans-oceanic cables that carry the vast majority of the world's internet traffic around the world.

 

CNET 100 Top Tech Products

We built a one-of-its-kind leaderboard that tracks tech's hottest products. Find out what's on top this month.

Computer Tips and Tricks

Why is the Internet slow and costly in the U.S.?

In Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong, residents get bidirectional, gigabit Internet for less than U.S. $40 a month. On the other side of the globe, Parisians have a similar deal, though their upload speed is only 200 megabits per second

 

Automatically log in to your Windows 10

How to skip the log-in screen when you first boot up your computer.

 

Windows 10 Tip: Create a Reminder with Cortana

While the Cortana personal digital assistant can be used to complete an amazing array of tasks using natural language, her ability to create reminders on the fly is perhaps one of the more useful. Here's how you can create a reminder with Cortana.

 

How to set up Mozilla's Firefox browser the right way

Here is how to take advantage of Firefox's best features out of the box. If you run Windows 1, Firefox allows you to take control of Cortana with no effort on your part.

 

How to set up Google's Chrome browser the right way

It’s a fantastic browser, but just as with Firefox there’s an ideal way to get the most out of Chrome. Here’s how to set up Chrome the right way.

Mobil Computing

Instagram privacy and security

Using Instagram is easy: snap a photo, add a filter and a comment, tap Share. But Instagram, like every social media app, can expose you in ways you never intended. Follow these five tips to stay safe on Instagram.

 

5 reasons a record number of Android owners have switched to iPhones

If you paid attention in 2014, you would have seen at least two reasons for the growing number of Android switchers to Apple's iPhone, but there are even more reasons today.

 

Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow Review & Rating

Android 6.0 Marshmallow adds long-desired features to Google's mobile operating system, making it better than ever, but fragmentation remains a major issue.

 

Why And How To Enable iOS 9 WiFi Assist Feature On iPhone

It may be one of the least well-publicized additions in iOS 9, but WiFi Assist has the ability to be one of the most useful, yet almost invisible features to ever find its way into an iOS update.

 

T-Mobile doubles 4G coverage to take on AT&T and Verizon

The "Uncarrier" can finally compete toe to toe with the two biggest national carriers now that its 4G network can cover the same number of potential customers.

Yahoo NFL and Steve Jobs Movie…Both Flops

May the football gods save us from broadcasting an NFL Football game exclusively over the Internet ever again! It was not good, to say the least. Why would I want to watch it on a computer screen when I have a 50” TV in my living room? Thank God it was an uninteresting game featuring uninteresting teams. To be honest I did try to watch it on my computer to see how it would go, but the transmission kept freezing, then starting, making it unwatchable.

Now, I do have a high speed Internet and I watch lots of games transmitted over the Net via my Roku Box. So it was Yahoo that was the point of failure. NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell said it was a success, but what else could he say. To be fair, some folks reported they had no problems watching the game, but many others had the same experience as me.

As for the Steve Jobs movie, it had very bad box office results for its first weekend. Its going to be a long time before the studio recovers its rather sizeable investment, if ever. Reviewers said it is a very artistic and well produced movie, but widely inaccurate in its portrayal of the life of Steve Jobs. Lots of events were in the film that never happened in real life. So it was another Hollywood portrayal of a real person filled with fiction to make it interesting. They should have never used his real name for the main character…much like Orson Wells never used the name of William Randolph Hearst in his classic film, “Citizen Cain.” Everyone knew who the main character in the film really was.

Oh well, what do I know?

No earth shattering news in today’s edition, but there are some really good bits of information and tips included here…so have at it! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo's first-ever live stream of an NFL game was a disaster for many

Once we get past the idea of watching two unappealing teams on a smaller screen than usual and at 9:00 in the morning (ET), the stream itself was awful for many.

 

Steve Jobs movie flops on opening weekend

Perhaps movie-goers are saving their money for Star Wars, or perhaps the heavily fictionalized version of the Apple founder seen in Steve Jobs didn't resonate with people in the way the real man did in real life.

 

Windows Phone apps are disappearing from the platform

Developers that have previously been maintaining Windows Phone apps are losing interest, and in some cases dropping support altogether.

 

Microsoft's focus on Windows 10 is starting to pay off

CEO Satya Nadella is relying on the latest version of Windows, and its ability to connect every device to the cloud, to recapture the hearts, minds and wallets of consumers everywhere. His strategy might be working.

 

YouTube Red will offer ad-free videos for $9.99 per month

Google has just announced YouTube Red, which will be a new subscription service that will go live on Wednesday, October 28. With Red, viewers will be able to watch YouTube videos without any ads at all...for $9.99 a month

Computer Tips and Tricks

13 Nifty "Windows Key" Tricks You Should Know By Now

Plenty of hidden tricks exist in Windows, and this key is crucial for many of them. Here are a few that’ll make your life easier.

 

Five Useful Tips and Tweaks to Make Windows 10 Run Better

Every new operating system needs configuring to suit an individual user’s preferences and here are five tweaks of Windows 10 that many will find useful

 

Monitor your data usage in Windows 10

How to track and limit the amount of data you use on your Windows 10 device.

 

15 powerful Microsoft Word shortcuts you need to know

Everyone knows how to use Microsoft Word. These keyboard shortcuts will put you on the path to Word mastery.

 

What’s New in Windows 10’s First Big Update, the “Windows 10 Fall Update”

The first big update to Windows 10, reportedly arriving in early November, fixes a lot of problems with Windows 10. Microsoft is streamlining activation, restoring colored window title bars, integrating Skype, and improving the Edge browser.

Mobile Computing

26 Actually Useful Things You Can Do with Siri

Siri is best known as Apple’s so-called digital personal assistant available on iOS devices like iPhone and iPad. Some might think Siri is only good for looking stuff up, but it can actually do a great deal more.

 

Apple Stores will send some iPhone 6/6s phones for off-site repairs, offering 16GB loaners

In an effort to reduce wait times at Genius Bars within Apple Stores, Apple this week will launch a new repair program for the iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus and 6s Plus in select stores across the United States, Europe, and Japan.

 

28 iOS 9 Tips for Apple Fanatics

Apple has rolled out many new mobile operating systems—nine, in fact. Each version brings new features or ways of doing things. With Apple's hyper focus on usability, that's typically a big win.

 

How to Get a Refund For an iPhone, iPad, or Mac App From Apple

if you’ve purchased an app from the iOS App Store or the Mac App Store and there’s a problem, you can contact Apple to get your money back. This isn’t automatic — you’ll have to provide a reason you want a refund and Apple will review your request.

 

Samsung's 18.4" Galaxy View Tablet Pops Up On Adorama And B&H Priced At $599

Samsung appears to have a tablet in the works that is large enough to serve as a dinner plate and a coaster at the same time. At 18.4-inches, the Galaxy View is so big the photos show an attachable handle for you to hold like a suitcase.

Windows Upgrade in November…Apple Upgrades Now!

What a surprise it was yesterday to get two upgrades from Apple…one each for my two Mac’s and one each for my iPhone and iPad. I guess one could call them maintenance upgrades as they apparently fixed some issues in the current systems. If you have a Mac or an iPhone or and iPad, you should probably upgrade them right away.

I don’t know if it fixes all the nagging issues, especially in the Mac OS (called El Capitan). But most are fairly minor anyway. I know that I am having an issue with Airplay, a feature I have never used. It shows up on my MacBook laptop, but not on my big Mac. I’ve read of other issues that cause problems for some folks, but not for me.

As for Microsoft, a major source leaked yesterday that we will get the next major upgrade for Windows 10 in November…perhaps as soon as November 2. This upgrade will supposedly add new features to the OS. However, don’t expect Edge, Microsoft’s new Web browser, to be finished. It will have more features, but will not include add-on’s or plug-ins. The word is we will not see that feature added until sometime early next year. It surprises me that Microsoft would ballyhoo their new browser as the greatest thing since sliced butter (even in TV ads) but deliver an incomplete product.

I don’t wish to sound too negative about Windows 10 as it is, for the most part, a very fine operating system that I enjoy using.

Anyway, it is time for me to shut up and for you to start looking at our featured stories here to see if you can find something to peak your interest. Have a great weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Major Windows 10 PC update tipped to land in November

Microsoft is getting ready for its next major update to Windows 10, dubbed Threshold 2, and inside sources say we’ll be getting the update next month. One source says the exact date is 11/2.

 

WikiLeaks posts data from CIA director Brennan's email account

CIA director John Brennan reportedly used his AOL account to store possibly classified -- or, at very least, sensitive -- materials.

 

Yahoo: We have a plan to win you back

The Internet giant, which has offerings ranging from email to fantasy sports, is offering a new mantra: focus

 

Google Photos reaches 100M users in five months

Google has announced that Photos, the image backup tool spun out of Google+ just five months ago, has already reached 100 million monthly active users.

 

Breathtaking Time-Lapse of Arizona's Monsoon Season

It’s not really tech news, but you might enjoy this 10 minute video about my home state. Over the summer, photographer Mike Olbinski spent an astounding 48 days on the road chasing storms during the monsoon season in his home state of Arizona. Here is his epic new video, “Monsoon II"

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Tested: Should You Unplug Chargers When You’re Not Using Them?

How much energy do your smartphone, laptop, and tablet chargers really use? We measured exactly how much power a variety of common chargers use, and how much keeping them plugged in will cost your each year.

 

How to back up Gmail to your computer or local drive

Over the years, your email collects a lot of important information you don't want to lose. And that means you may not want to trust it to a big corporation in the cloud.

 

Clean out junk files in Windows 7, 8.1, and 10

Free up gigabytes of space on your desktop, laptop, or tablet, without special tools.

 

If you forget your Windows admin password, try this

All is not lost. You just have to wiggle the lock on the virtual back door.

 

A review of Win10’s new security features

Given the increasingly sophisticated nature of malware, it’s no surprise that Microsoft built new security capabilities in Windows 10.

 

Mobil Computing

Download iOS 9 to give your iPhone the middle finger (emoji)

Apple has released iOS 9.1, the latest version of its mobile operating system, bringing with it several fixes and improvements for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

 

Hands on with the iPad Pro, Pencil, and Smart Keyboard

The iPad Pro is simply, profoundly, a bigger, better window into apps and the internet than Apple has ever made before. And it comes a new keyboard and pencil that provide new ways to interact with both.

 

Which Android apps are the biggest battery guzzlers?

Here are the top 10 apps that are slowing your smartphone down and eating scarce storage and battery resources

 

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps

We took the two mapping apps for a walk, drive, and bus ride to see which gave better directions.

 

All Android devices' vulnerable to new LTE security flaw

Devices on AT&T and Verizon networks are vulnerable to "loss of privacy, incorrect billing, and data spoofing."

My Battle With Samsung over Windows 10 Continues

Windows 10 was released to the public almost 3 months ago. I got it immediately for my HP Desktop; I got it almost immediately on my Apple Desktop (using Parallels); I got it almost immediately on my MacBook Pro laptop. But my Samsung laptop, currently running Windows 8.1, refuses to let me upgrade.

I was gone for almost three weeks up to Northern California, as I told you about last time. I thought sure when I got back I would be able to upgrade. No such luck. I get the same message on the computer that Windows 10 is coming soon. Right!

Finally I got a little upset about this and contacted Samsung online to find out what the heck was going on. A very helpful and knowledgeable customer service agent got on-line with me to try and help. I let him (or her) take over control of my computer to see if my computer was the problem. After 1/2 hour of exploring, downloading software and updates to my laptop, the agent told me that there are no Windows 10 drivers yet for my computer and that I was out of luck…for now.

Apparently if you don’t have the proper drivers for Windows 10, it will not work on Samsung computers. Much like Android phones, Samsung is very proprietary. You do things their way or not at all. Funny how almost every other computer manufacturer created their drivers long before Windows 10 was released. Not Samsung. Three months after Windows 10 was released, there are no drivers for my computer. That is absurd.

Do you remember the story a few months ago about Samsung blocking the Windows 10 little logo that popped up on people’s computers so they could upgrade for free? Well now you know why. The laggards at Samsung were not working with Microsoft. It seems they have little interest in the best interests of their customers.

I tell you this story so you know what you are in for if you buy Samsung computers. Besides this issue, it is the worst computer I have ever owned…and was directly responsible for my move to Apple. In fact, I plan to never buy any Samsung product again.

OK, I am done with this rant. I will let you know if I ever get upgraded. There are some interesting stories and tips here, so let’s get going.

 

Tech News and Opinions

China hack attacks on US continue despite commercial spying pact, security firm says

Hackers associated with the Chinese government targeted seven US companies in the last three weeks.

 

Amazon takes 1,114 fake reviewers to court

Amazon continues its streak against suing fake reviewers on its site with a fresh lawsuit filed in Seattle. The 1,114 defendants, collectively labeled “John Does” as their identities are not known, sell their services for as little as $5 on Fiverr, the micro-services website.

 

Opinion: Only Android Can Save Windows Phone

After moving back and forth between new iPhone and Android handsets and my Lumia 930 Windows phone over the past few months, I’ve come to an uncomfortable conclusion: Unless Microsoft can overcome the app gap, my favorite mobile platform is doomed.

 

Apple users need the help desk a lot less than PC users, IBM finds

Only 5% of IBM employees with MacBooks need help desk support from the IT department, versus 40% of PC users

 

Chrome drops 'OK Google' voice search

Google's desktop browser still offers voice search, but you can no longer initiate it simply by saying, "OK Google."

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Ways to Organize All Your Digital Photos

Here are the tools you need to know to bring order to your digital photography chaos.

 

Using Speed Tests to Troubleshoot Wi-Fi? Understand What You SHOULD Be Getting

This piece is written for those who may not realize the nuances of wireless networking versus wired when it comes to using simple speed tests as a diagnostic tool.

 

Windows 10 tips, tricks, secrets, and shortcuts: File Explorer

Even certified Windows masters can learn a trick or two from Ed Bott's series of how-to articles. This edition covers tips, tricks, secrets, and shortcuts for using File Explorer.

 

A few good reasons to upgrade from Win7 to Win10

That “Get Windows 10″ icon sitting in Win7’s notification area will get you a free upgrade, but you haven’t decided whether it’s worth taking the plunge. For most Win8 users, upgrading is a virtual no-brainer; for Win7 users, however, the case is not so compelling. Here are a few enhancements that might tip the balance toward Win10.

 

15 simple, yet powerful Excel functions you need to know

Power users love to talk about how powerful and awesome Excel is, what with its Pivot Tables, nested formulas, and Boolean logic. But many of us barely know how to find the Autosum feature, let alone use Excel's functions to create powerful formulas. Here are 15 handy Excel functions that will get you well on your way to spreadsheet mastery.

 

Mobile Computing

The 100 Best iPhone Apps of 2015 - Updated

If you have an iPhone, you need apps. Here are our favorites in a range of categories from finance and productivity to hobbies and travel.

 

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2015

What better way to prepare for the cold, dark months than downloading some excellent new Android apps?

 

14 Things You Can Do in Android Marshmallow That You Couldn't Do in Lollipop

It’s not a dramatic leap forward for Google’s mobile OS, but there are still a number of useful new features you’re going to want to know about.

 

Google Maps Can Find Places to Stop On Your Route, Shows Gas Prices

Android: Well, this is awesome. The latest update to Google Maps finally adds the ability to search for places to stop along your current route. You can find gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and more. Gas stations will even show gas prices!

 

Sprint will slow down heaviest users of unlimited data

The company is putting its foot down on its unlimited plan, which once represented the cornerstone of its monthly subscriptions.

Surprise!!! I Am Not Dead

I know I have been missing in action for a few weeks…but I have a good excuse. Seriously, my dear friend and former wife Susan had a severe heart attack and I rushed north to be of assistance. I booked a plane on a Friday night and landed in Sacramento on Saturday. Although she lives in Boise, she had the attack in Sacramento. The EMT’s had to revive her heart with electric shock. He said that had they arrived on scene a minute later, she would have been dead. That is scary stuff.

A few days after her release, we were in Walnut Creek hoping that peaceful environment would help her recover. But a few days later, I had to rush her to a local hospital as she was having difficulty breathing. The doctors there kept her for a couple of days to solve the problems…and it appears they did. The bottom line is that Susan is back home in Boise now and doing pretty well. I am more than grateful for that. I flew back home to Tucson yesterday and now resume my duties as your humble guide through the world of technology.

The tech world has been busy in my absence. The biggest news came from Microsoft’s event two weeks ago. The company announced some new products, some were expected…but one was a huge surprise…that being the announcement of their first laptop computer that also turns into a tablet. It is a very slick products and will be available at the end of this month. Pre-orders have exceeded expectations and Microsoft says they are sold out. It is not for the faint of heart as prices run from $1,500 to $2,600. You can read a synopsis of the event in one of our stories.

There is more news, but I will let you take it from here. If all goes according to plan, I will resume my regular schedule of publication starting now. Have a great weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Tips

Data breach hits roughly 15M T-Mobile customers, applicants

A hack of Experian, the company that handles credit checks for the wireless carrier, results in the loss of T-Mobile customers' Social Security numbers, birth dates and names.

Yahoo wants to kill passwords with revamped Mail app

The Internet giant is trying to get more people to use its email service. In the process it also wants to rid the world of passwords.

 

Microsoft Windows 10 Devices Event: Everything You Need to Know

Microsoft's jam-packed event in New York City focused on new hardware that can be used with Windows 10. And there was a big surprise!

 

Microsoft: Windows 10 now running on more than 110 million devices

Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system is on more than 110 million PCs and tablets, according to company officials, up from 75 million just over a month ago.

 

Microsoft aims to make group chatting easier with Skype

Microsoft is starting to roll out a new Skype chat feature to Skype for Windows, Mac and Web users that will make easier inviting others, including non-Skype users, into group chats.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

7 super-quick Windows 10 tricks you probably didn't know about

How to make your Windows 10 experience even more convenient in less than 10 seconds.

 

Microsoft Offers Free Office 2016 Quick Start Guides

To help customers get quickly up to speed on the new Office releases, Microsoft this week shipped sets of free Quick Start Guides for Office 2016 for Windows, Office 2016 for Mac, and Office Mobile.

 

This Is Microsoft Outlook’s Coolest New Feature

Rolling out this week as a part of the new Microsoft Office 2016, Outlook’s new Groups feature lets users create sets of people with whom they can engage in chat-like threaded conversations.

 

Best of breed: Win10’s hybrid backup system

Win10 blends the best parts of Win7’s and Win8’s backup/restore tools to create a new hybrid that could well be the best archive-and-recover system ever. When set up properly, Win10 gives you redundant, automatic, local, and remote backups of user files, making them effectively loss-proof.

 

The Best Tune-Up Utilities for 2015

Speed up a lethargic computer's operating system with these eight top-notch PC tune-up utilities. They are not free but might might be worth it.

 

Mobil Computing

Verizon's grandfathered unlimited data users face $20 price hike

Subscribers with unlimited data plans will see their bills rise after November 15.

 

New iOS 9.0.2 update fixes iPhone lock screen bypass flaw

The new software includes fixes for iMessage activation and cellular data issues.

 

Every Android device is vulnerable to newly discovered bugs

With two new "Stagefright" vulnerabilities discovered, almost every Android device ever released is vulnerable to malicious hackers. Fixing the bug isn't simple.

 

What you need to know about Sprint's and T-Mobile's iPhone lease deals

Sprint and T-Mobile each announce what look like incredibly cheap pricing for the new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. What's the catch?

 

The Best Android Phones of 2015

The greatest thing about Google's mobile OS: You have your choice of handsets on all the major wireless carriers. Here's what to look for, along with the best Android phones you can buy right now.

Volkswagen Caught Cheating on Emission Tests

Can you believe Volkswagen used built-in software to cheat US emission standards? Read our first story to get all the gory details. The CEO has resigned and will probably be replaced by the president of Porsche. VW stock prices have plunged 30% on the news and are 50% lower than their highest point of the year.

Apparently the software was programmed to kick in when it detected the car was going through an emissions test. It would reduce certain chemicals in the fuel going to the engine when being tested, then kick them all back to normal when it detected the test was over. It was scientists at West Virginia University who discovered it.

Volkswagen said on Tuesday that 11 million cars worldwide were equipped with the same software that the Environmental Protection Agency said was used to trick emissions tests in the United States. About half a million of those cars are in the United States, and analysts say about 10 million are in Europe.

This cheating was only on the VW diesel cars. But was VW the only company to do it? As an indication that other European officials are growing wary, the European Commission on Thursday urged its 28 member nations to test vehicles on their roads and report the findings. France indicated its intentions to begin random testing.

The fallout from the Volkswagen diesel scandal is spreading fast to the company's other famous brands, including Porsche and Audi, and across the Atlantic to the U.S. The Volkswagen Group represents some of the most well-known car brands in the world, including Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and of course Volkswagen itself.

This scandal will cost VW millions, if not billions of dollars in repairs to existing cars, plus millions, if not billions of dollars in fines…not to mention lots of class action lawsuits. I think this scandal will get much worse before it bottoms out.

I hope you can get some good info from the rest of this newsletter…and hope you don’t own a VW diesel car. Have a great weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Volkswagen Used Software to Cheat on Emissions

The software throttles back the emissions output of the vehicles so that they pass the stringent U.S. requirements. But when the vehicles are used normally, they emit up to 40 times the legal emission amount, placing high levels of pollutants into the air. Huge fines are on their way.

 

OPM Now Admits 5.6m Feds' Fingerprints Were Stolen By Hackers

The Office of Personnel Management admitted that the number of federal employees’ fingerprints compromised in the massive breach of its servers revealed over the summer has grown from 1.1 million to 5.6 million.

 

The case against Dropbox looks stronger with each passing day

Ben Thompson, the analyst and author of the Stratechery blog, calls Dropbox "probably the most fragile" of the 10 most highly valued private companies.

 

The MacBook Air is on a path to extinction

The Air has fallen behind other Apple laptops and Apple isn't helping it up.

 

Microsoft turns to Dell and HP to help get Surface into the office

Microsoft is trying to get the Surface Pro into more offices. To do that, it's starting a partnership with Dell that'll have Dell selling Surface Pro tablets and offering business services, like device setup and support, alongside them

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Firefox 41 arrives, adding instant messaging and personalization tweaks

The new release includes updates which allow users to personalise their Firefox account, so they can share web browsing data such as passwords, bookmarks, history, and open tabs across their desktop and mobile devices. It also lets users add a photo to their account

 

Google Adding Block and Unsubscribe to Gmail

Google has announced it will improve its Gmail email service with two very useful features, block and unsubscribe, on both the web and mobile clients.

 

How to Find Section Breaks in a Word Document

Section breaks in Word allow you to break up your document into sections and format each section differently. When you create a new document there is only one section by default, but you can add different types of section breaks as needed.

 

When will I get Office 2016 under my Office 365 subscription?

The answer is "It depends." What it depends upon is your Office 365 subscription level.

 

Win10 tweaks to improve computing work and play

If you’ve spent any time working with Windows 10, you’ve doubtlessly figured out that the new OS isn’t perfect. Fortunately, in the Windows tradition, Win10’s behavior can be changed to better fit your computing style. Here are six tweaks that you may find useful

 

Mobile Computing

Apple Releases iOS 9.0.1 With Multiple Bug Fixes

Apple today released iOS 9.0.1, a minor update that introduces several bug fixes for iOS 9. The iOS 9.0.1 update comes just one week after iOS 9 was released to the public on September 16.

 

26 iOS 9 Tips for Apple Fanatics

For anyone with the latest iPhones, the jump to iOS 9 is worth it. The following tips and tricks will help you make the most of it. Use this knowledge to become an iPhone (and iPad) master.

 

Apple iPad mini 4 Review & Rating

The Apple iPad mini 4 is a top-notch small-screen tablet with unparalleled build quality and app support, but it's still hard to justify the jump in price over the iPad mini 2.

 

Four mega popular messaging apps you've probably never heard of

Want to sell your goods while chatting to friends? China's got the app for you. Need a messenger with 10,000 emoticons? Line from Japan has you covered.

 

Tom's Guide reviews US carriers, finds T-Mobile to be the best all-around

The folks at Tom's Guide have spent countless hours researching and testing to see how the US carriers compare to each other. The findings reveal that T-Mobile is the best all-around carrier, with Verizon coming in a close second.

The New Office is Here!! The New Office is Here!!

It’s here! Well, at least it is supposed to be. I have not received my copy yet. Now, you know I am talking about Office 2016 for Windows. I already received Office 2016 for the MAC some time ago. Funny how they would get the MAC version out before the Windows version. Whatever.

Anyway, the Windows version has several new features which you can read about in our first two stories. And more new features will be coming  soon as Office is now in a continuous upgrade cycle, much like Windows 10. Of course, to get Office 2016, you need to subscribe to Office 365. That is $7 a month for one license and $10 for 5 licenses. If you don’t want to spend the money, there are some free Office clones that work pretty well…the best probably being LibreOffice.

OK, it is time for you to read the rest of this blog…I am low on energy today. So enjoy and I hope you learn something new. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Office 2016: The Empire strikes back

After a lengthy public preview, Microsoft released Office 2016 today. It might not look all that different from recent predecessors, but the latest version of Microsoft Office has a ton of changes under the covers, most of them aimed at playing catch-up to the collaborative strengths of Google Apps.

 

What's new (and still to come) in Microsoft's Office 2016 for Windows

Microsoft's Office 2016 suite for Windows 7, 8 and 10 PCs and tablets is generally available today. Here's what's new and what's still to come for Office users.

 

Hundreds of Legitimate iOS Apps Infected by Malware, Removed From App Store

The infection occurred when developers downloaded a counterfeit version of the Xcode software—used to develop iOS apps—from a Chinese server because it was faster than the primary US server.

 

Which Streaming Service Is Best for You?

If you want to cut the cord, these are the most popular services. Which one deserves your cash?

 

AVG releases transparent privacy policy: Yes, we will sell your data

The antivirus firm tells us in a crystal-clear way what user data is collected and sold in return for freebie software

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Mega-Guide: 10 Ways To Customize Windows 10

Windows 10's default settings are pretty smart, but here's a blow-by-blow guide to tweaking the new OS to work (and look!) the way you want it to.

 

Need A More Powerful File Manager? Look No Further

The file manager built into your PC (ie, Windows Explorer) does a pretty good job of helping you keep your computer neat and tidy. But sometimes it's nice to have an application with a bit more power and a few more features.

 

Google spruces up Drive apps templates

Google is rolling out a new collection of templates for its Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps to give you a running start on creating good-looking documents.

 

How to Disable OneDrive and Remove It From File Explorer on Windows 10

Windows 10 includes OneDrive, and Microsoft’s official party line is that you can’t disable it. That’s not true — there are several ways to disable OneDrive and remove it from File Explorer on Windows 10.

 

Windows 10's best tricks, tips, and tweaks

Windows 10, Microsoft’s back-to-basics re-embracing of the PC, is already brimming with handy new features, and with all the new goodies comes with a legion of new tweaks and tricks—some of which unlock powerful functionality hidden to everyday users.

 

Mobile Computing

50 apps to improve your smartphone

From lifestyle aids to productivity tools, travel planners to social media, here are the apps that should have a place on your homescreen (IOS and Android)

 

Apple's 'Move to iOS' app is now available on Android

Apple's first Android app is meant to help you leave Android

 

What's the difference between Android Pay and the new Google Wallet?

Google is giving mobile payments a second go with Android Pay, and that's somewhat confusing to anyone who used Google Wallet.

The 55 Coolest New iOS 9 Features You Didn't Know About

Apple's latest mobile operating system, iOS 9, may not be the huge overhaul that iOS 8 was, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of new features. In fact, there are a ton of subtle changes that you may not notice right away.

 

How to use Notes in iOS 9 like a boss

Notes in iOS 9 allows us all to keep all our photos, notes, shopping lists in the one place we’re most likely to find it: on our iPhones.

A Browser That Blocks Ads? I Sure Hope So

One the the ballyhooed features of Apple’s new IOS 9 (and the forthcoming El Capitan OS for MACS), is the ability to block ads of all kinds on Websites when using Apple’s Safari Browser. This is done by the browser in conjunction with special ad blocking software from third party vendors.

Blocking ads benefits users by speeding up Web performance and keeping ads from cluttering the screen. But advertisers naturally use ads to generate income, and many websites that are free rely on ads in order to bring in revenue. According to advertisers, If ad blocking becomes too prevalent, many websites might have to charge users to access content or perhaps even shut down.

Users feel that many ads on the Web are intrusive, annoying and infringe on privacy. Advertisements use video, animation and other in-your-face techniques to try to grab your attention. But the privacy issue is perhaps one of the strongest, with people increasingly concerned about the data collected by advertisers.their content or else shut down.

Today, I tried one of those new add blocking apps named “Crystal” on my iPad. It has received good early ratings from reviewers and it was easy to set up and install. It seemed to do a good job but it could not stop video ads attached to other videos like those found on ESPN. But I don’t know how that would even be possible.

One day of use is not a fair trial so I won’t make a judgment on it one way or the other. I also intend to try other blockers to see if one is better than another and since Safari on MAC’s will shortly have the same capability, I think that might be a fairer trial since I use the desktop more than portable devices. Will ad blocking change the nature of the Web in the near future. Only time will tell.

Time now for you to scan and possibly read today’s stories and I hope you find something useful her. Until next week, I wish you well and hope you enjoy your weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple will ask the Supreme Court to hear its ebooks antitrust case

Apple appears ready to appeal its long-running ebooks antitrust case to the Supreme Court. In a filing from Wednesday, the company asked for a 30-day extension before filing its petition for a writ of certiorari, a request that the court hear the case.

 

Microsoft Windows 10 hardware event scheduled for 06 Oct 2015

It is expected that Microsoft will announce the new Surface Pro 4, new flagship Lumia handsets for Windows 10 Mobile and version 2 of the Microsoft Band.

 

Amazon launches a 4K Fire TV and a $50 Fire tablet

The all-new Fire TV is of particular interest: It’s one of the few media streamers capable of delivering 4K resolution, and it costs just $100. Amazon’s least-expensive tablet will also turn heads: A 7-inch model with an IPS display that will be priced at just $50.

 

Adblockers shoot up iOS 9 app charts on day one

Less than a day after the launch of iOS 9, Apple’s latest operating system, content blocking software is at the top of the app charts worldwide

 

Apple Joins Microsoft in Resisting Governmental Access to Customer Data

Like Microsoft, Apple is stridently resisting giving governments and law enforcement access to customer data through its technology products and offerings, such as phone encryption built-in.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

 

When your computer reboots itself over and over again

Something is rotten in the state of your Windows PC. Here's how to deal with a computer that keeps rebooting.

 

How to Configure Folder Options in Windows 10

Folder options may not have received the sexiest facelift out of everything we’ve seen in 10, but there are still enough new tweaks to talk about that a new user to the OS may not immediately recognize right off the bat.

 

Learn to use the Windows 10 Recovery Drive

Sooner or later, nearly every Windows user powers up the machine — and Windows simply refuses to start. Every current version of Windows lets you create and run a self-booting rescue disc, but Win10 takes that tool to a new level.

 

Master Windows processes for better performance

What you need to know about svchost.exe, Windows memory management, and the Task Manager.

 

33 Gmail Tips That Will Help You Conquer Email

As a Web app, Gmail is a work in progress, with Google occasionally adding new functions. The amount of under-the-hood power in Gmail is pretty staggering. That's what we're here to delve into: all the tools that lay below the surface of the Gmail inbox.

 

Mobile Computing

How to set up content blocking Safari extensions in iOS 9

iOS 9 brings Safari filters that can block ads, trackers, video, popups, and more. Here's how to choose a content blocker and set it up.

 

Hands On With Three iOS 9 Content Blockers: 1Blocker, Blockr And Crystal

The Apple App Store distributes applications that allow iPhone and iPad owners to install apps offering extensions for Apple’s Safari web browser that will prevent the browser from loading not just online ads and pop-ups, but also other content that slows down browsing and consumes resources.

 

One simple trick to speed up your old iPhone or iPad

Have you owned your iPhone or iPad for a couple of years? Is it starting to feel a little sluggish? Here's a tried and tested way to speed up an iPhone or iPad that's simple to do and only going to cost you some time.

 

The 11 Best Photo & Video Editing Apps for Mobile (And Why They're So Great)

There are a lot of great photo and video editing apps out there for mobile devices, and some of them even cost a few bucks. Which are the best free and paid apps out there? Check out our shortlist

Five tips and tricks for finding, sharing, and organizing your Google Drive on Android

Much of what you can go with Drive on your computer, you can also do on Android. Here's a guide to where all the new and important tools are.

More Windows 10, More Apple, & Bad News for Google

If you use an iPad or iPhone, the new IOS 9 will be available for download tomorrow (9/16/15). I for one am looking forward to it. Many of the stories in this edition are about Windows and Apple products. So, I will let you get started reading this edition without any editorial comments from yours truly. For once, I don’t have anything interesting to say anyway. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Russia Finds Google Guilty of Antitrust Violations

Russia’s Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) has found Google guilty of violating the country’s antitrust laws by requiring hardware makers to bundle Google apps and services on Android devices. The agency said it would announce remedial punishments for the violation within 10 days.

 

OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and Box: Which cloud storage service is right for you?

If you're ready to take the plunge into storing your files, photos and more in the cloud but need help deciding which service is right for your needs and wallet, we've got you covered with our in-depth cloud storage comparison.

 

Firefox is About to Become an Almost Complete Copy of Chrome

Mozilla Firefox is due for some big changes soon. By the end of 2015, Firefox will move to a more Chrome-like multi-process design. And, in a year to a year and a half, Firefox will abandon its current add-on system for one largely compatible with Chrome extensions.

 

Apple: iPhone 6S, 6S Plus preorders 'very strong' in opening weekend

Based on the number of preorders, Apple expects the new crop of iPhones to surpass last year's first-weekend numbers of 10 million units.

 

Windows 10 installer could be on your PC whether you want it or not

Microsoft is pushing the Windows 10 installer files to users who have not requested them just in case they decide to upgrade.

 

Windows 10 Roadmap – Fall 2015 Edition

With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft is moving to a new servicing model for the OS  that includes constantly updating the platform as well as introducing new tools.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to use Windows 10's File History backup feature

Windows 10's File History is an easy way to get started with backing up your personal files. The feature takes snapshots of versions of your files and stores them on an external hard drive.

 

How to cure Windows 10's worst headaches

These tips and tricks can help you overcome Windows 10's niggling hassles.

 

10 Quick Ways to Speed Up a Slow Windows PC

Windows PCs don’t have to slow down over time. Whether your PC has gradually become slower or it suddenly ground to a halt a few minutes ago, there could be quite a few reasons for that slowness.

 

Why You Should Use a Password Manager and How to Get Started

Password managers store your login information for all the websites you use and help you log into them automatically. They encrypt your password database with a master password – the master password is the only one you have to remember.

 

How to Get the Best Possible Price for Airfare Online

With so many different travel and hotel sites claiming to offer the best deals on airfare, how can you know which offers the best combination of discounts and ease of use? Here is a guide to finding the cheapest airlines accommodations online.

 

Mobile Computing

Four apps better than your phone's built-in address book

Built-in contacts app that comes with the iPhone or Android phones hasn't changed in years. It can be frustrating to edit, fraught with duplicates and lacking the most up-to-date information. Luckily, there are several address book apps out there that offer better

 

Apple's iPhone upgrade program: What you need to know

CNET's Marguerite Reardon looks into Apple's new program that lets customers upgrade their iPhone every year. How does it compare with similar plans from the big wireless carriers?

 

Apple adds individual voice recognition to "Hey Siri" in iOS 9

Nope, you can't run into a room filled with iPhones, shout "Hey Siri!" and cause a ruckus. Apple's personal digital assistant now responds to individual voices after a little training session.

 

Spring cleaning: Apps for getting stuff done

Getting stuff done isn’t always easy. Whether you’re procrastinating a bit too much, or forgetting about tasks altogether, it might be time to try out a productivity app on your Android or iOS device.

 

Google Street View App

Google has launched a handy app version of its groundbreaking Street View service. iOS and Android users will now be able to “tour immersive 360-degree imagery and instantly contribute your own — right to Google Maps.”

I am Back…And So is Apple Innovation

After 2+ weeks in the San Francisco Bay Area, I am back in Tucson and ready to resume my blogging duties. I had a great time, highlighted by a weekend of Indy Car racing in Sonoma and a visit to the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco to see an exhibition of paintings by my very favorite painter, JWM Turner (1775-1851). His work is amazing for his time and the title of the exhibit was, “Painting Set Free”…absolutely the perfect title.

But enough about me and Turner. Apple held its annual September event, also in San Francisco on Wednesday, and some of it caught me and many others totally off guard. You can read about all the announcements and product updates in our first story. But what captured my attention was the new iPad Pro, a 12.9” lightweight iPad that is a direct competitor to Microsoft’s Surface. Like the Surface, it has an optional keyboard that attaches to the iPad to turn it into a laptop. But, wait, there is more.

Apple announced the Apple Pencil, a drawing tool similar to a Wacom Pen, but works directly on the iPad. The demo was amazing and if I didn’t already have a Macbook Pro laptop and a 9” iPad, I might consider buying this one. Apple and others claim this new iPad has the speed and power of a laptop, using its new faster processor the A9X. They claim it is faster than 80% of all laptops on the market today. I believe it after watching all the demos.

Also announced at the event were new Apple Watches, two new phones (the 6s and the 6sPlus), and a new updated version of Apple TV. While many new features on the iPhones are great (read about them below in the Mobile Computing section), the highlight was Apple’s new iPhone Update Plan, where you can get a new phone every year. With the demise of the current Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile phone contracts, this makes great sense.

As for the Apple TV, I saw no reason to switch from my current Roku boxes…but if you do not have any of these kinds of boxes, you might consider the Apple TV…although it is quite a bit more expensive than its competitors.

Maybe the biggest surprise of all was the appearance by a Microsoft exec on stage to demonstrate Office 2016 running on an iPad Pro. Not many of us saw that one coming. If you would like to see the entire event, just go to Apple.com. There is a good chance you will be impressed.

From here on in, it is up to you to read the stories below that interest you. So enjoy! -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Everything Apple announced at its September 2015 event

A couple hundred hints later, Apple has finally revealed what Siri had up her sleeves… along with a slew of other announcements.

 

Verizon will soon launch free on-demand TV service

You will soon be able to watch some TV shows on your smartphone for free, courtesy of Verizon. The company plans to launch a free on-demand video service, expected later this month, called Go90, Verizon confirmed.

 

Microsoft is using Bing to discourage Windows 10 users from downloading Chrome and Firefox

The first time Edge users search for “chrome” or “firefox” using Bing — presumably with the intent of downloading those browsers from Google or Mozilla, respectively — they are shown a serious-looking message at the top of the search results.

 

Office 2016 for Windows Set to Launch on September 22

It’s official: Microsoft will launch Office 2016 for Windows on September 22, with volume licensing downloads following on October 1. Additionally, Microsoft has revealed how it plans to keep the suite updated moving forward.

 

Hands On: the New, Siri-Enabled Apple TV

Here is Apple, launching an upgraded Apple TV with a new interface, remote, and plan to dominate your living room and grow its ever-expanding universe of technology and entertainment offerings. That new plan? Apps.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft fixes five critical flaws, including two hitting all versions of Windows

Every supported version of Windows should get an update, fixing two issues: one in Internet Explorer 7 and later, and the other in Windows Journal.

 

Make Google Book Searches Feel More Like Browsing a Virtual Library

Part of the magic of libraries and bookstores is stumbling upon great books you weren’t looking for. These tips can make exploring Google Books feel more like that.

 

Apple Announces New iCloud Storage Prices

Upgrading from the base plan to the second tier now will still cost $0.99 each month, but Apple will be providing 50GB rather than the previous 20GB

How to customize Windows File Explorer's details view

You spend a lot of time diving into the file system on a PC. Getting File Explorer organized just the way you like it is quick, easy, and worth it.

 

Word macros: Three examples to automate your documents

Use these step-by-instructions to turn complex procedures into one-click wonders.

 

Gmail will now automatically add Google Calendar events for emails with flight, hotel, restaurant, or ticket info

The new feature, which adds events to Google Calendar based on information in emails sent to your Gmail account, is rolling out this week to Google Apps customers on desktop, Android, and iOS

 

Mobile Computing

Google officially rolling out Android Pay starting today

The new Android Pay app completely replaces the Google Wallet app on your device and requires Pay Services 8.1.13 to operate. If you have an older version of Play services, Android Pay won’t work until you update.

 

First-ever monthly Android security updates start to roll out

Luckily exploit mitigation techniques in newer versions of Android stopped the Stagefright vulnerability from becoming a pwning free-for-all, but the bug shined a bright light on Android's sub-par security situation.

 

iPhone 6S and 6S Plus: Our Complete Overview

Despite it being just an "S" year, the new iPhone lineup was packed with interesting new features and improvements.

 

A closer look at Apple’s new iPhone Upgrade Program

In place of a subsidy, you’ll be able to take advantage of cheaper monthly phone plans. Add in the phone payment, and the costs are usually similar to what was found in the old structure.

 

T-Mobile Undercuts Apple's iPhone Upgrade Plan With $20 Per Month Deal

T-Mobile will be offering a pretty sweet deal on the iPhone 6s: $20 per month on its Jump upgrade plan. That’s cheaper than Apple’s newly announced offer, but is it a better overall deal?

 

8 things Apple didn't tell you about the iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is gargantuan. Its 12.9-inch Retina HD display dwarfs the iPad Air 2. Its Hulk-powerful, but still thin and light. It's basically Apple's version of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.