Google Upstaged by the Supreme Court

Wednesday was supposed to be Google’s big day in the sun…the always entertaining and surprising keynote address at the Google I/O conference in San Francisco. But, they took second place in importance behind two important US Supreme Court decisions.

First, the court made cell phone searches illegal without a warrant. That is a big deal for protecting our rights from illegal search and seizures. Second, they ruled the TV re-broadcaster Aereo illegal, thereby probably ending the life of that company. Aereo rented antennas to customers for $8 a month so they could get local broadcast channels without cable. A clever idea with a bit of trickery involved to skirt the copyright law. However, it was ruled illegal, so the big broadcasters win again. This may have long term ramifications we can’t see yet.

As for Google I/O, I spent 2.5 hours watching it unfold and was mostly disappointed with what I saw. Remember a couple of weeks ago when people called the Apple Developer Conference “Pie-in-the-Sky?” Well that is what this conference was…all pie-in-the-sky with the only Smart Watches announced for sale now and no dates announced for other new products. Like Apple’s show, this was also for developers and we got to see a lot of code being written (yawn).

I find it ironic that they spent a lot of time talking about the next version of Android, code named, “L”. They have a lot of good things planned for it (read more about it in story #3). But the problem for most of you with Android devices is that you will never see it. Android is so fragmented with so many devices having different versions of Android and not getting the upgrades.

For instance, the most current version of Android, named Kit-Kat, is only being used by 19% of the people with Android products. Why? Not because you don’t want it, but cell phone carriers won’t upgrade your phones and some of the new Android operating systems are not compatible with your phones. Frankly, this is an absurd situation!

Apple iPads and iPhones only have one operating system…the same for Windows Phone 8. And people with those devices will all be upgraded when new versions are available…the exact opposite of the Android world. So if you want “L” you will have to buy a new phone or tablet with it installed.

When I sold off my Nexus 7 tablet, I left the Android world for good…and ironically, this device would get “L” when it is released. The main reason, as I stated here previously, is I found Android for tablets to be far inferior to Apple’s iOS on almost every level. It is a decision I do not regret.

A lot more happened at Google I/O but I will let you read about it in stories #3 and #4. Some of it was quite intriguing, like Android for cars and Android TV, and I look forward to seeing if it all comes true. Ironically, Google Glass and Google+ were never mentioned. Are they on the chopping block? 

I think you will find this edition to be filled with good information and tips and tricks for your computers and mobile devices. Enjoy! -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Supreme Court: Cell phones are protected from warrantless searches

The high court issues a decision on two cases related to police searches of mobile phones, calling modern cell phones "not just another technological convenience.”

Aereo ruled illegal by Supreme Court; must pay copyright fees

The future of Internet TV was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. And it didn't go in cord cutters' favor. It was a big win for broadcasters.

The 17 most important things Google announced at I/O

From a brand-new visual design to wearable's, this is Google's vision for 2014 and beyond. Here is a look at Wednesday's highlights from the Keynote Address.

Google spells out ambitious plan: Android world domination

The message to developers at Google's I/O fest this year was crystal clear: Android software will power everything from phones and cars to TVs and beyond.

FAA Bans The Use Of Drones To Deliver Packages

The FAA made it plain this week that Amazon, or anyone else for that matter, won’t be able to deliver packages using a drone in the near future.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Office Online versus Google Apps: Facts and FUD

Microsoft and Google are locked in battle over free-for-personal-use productivity applications. Each is fighting for your attention. At this time, there’s no one best online suite; both are quite capable and both have some important limitations.

17 obscure Windows tools and tricks too powerful to overlook

Beneath Internet Explorer and the Start button hides a universe of tools and tricks that are positively brimming with potential.

Get Organized: Clean Up Gmail Contacts

Google's Contact Manager isn't the most organized system by default, so here are some tips to help you get it under control, whether in Gmail or another app.

How to Make Windows 8's Start Screen Actually Useful

Windows 8's Start Screen gets a bad rap, but with the right tweaks and a couple downloads, it can actually be pretty useful. Here's how to make the Start Screen into something you might actually want to use.

The Best Photoshop Alternatives That Are Totally Free

Photoshop has become so dominant that you can use its name as a verb, but if you want to get your hands on it you need to shell out at least $10 a month. Don't worry! There are plenty of completely free alternatives to Photoshop; here are a few of the best.

 

Mobile Computing

How to get Android L's performance boost right now

You don't need the newest version of Android to get all of the performance benefits. Here's how you can speed up your Android device in one easy step

6 things Amazon's Fire Phone can do that your smartphone can't

From Firefly’s compulsive-purchasing features to Mayday’s instant tech-support tether, Fire Phone has a few tricks up its sleeve that we weren’t expecting. But will that be enough to convince consumers to buy one of the AT&T-exclusive phones?

Microsoft Updates OneDrive Apps for Android, iOS

Microsoft today released new versions of the OneDrive apps for both Android and iOS. These updates make it easier for users to get your phone-based photos (and videos) into OneDrive.

What Android Wear is actually like to use

Google officially launched its Android-based smart watch platform at its I/O developers' conference this week, and the first two devices are already on sale: the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live.

Adobe Photoshop Mix review: Not just another iPad photo app

The new Adobe Photoshop Mix, a cloud-based image editor and compositor that debuted as part of Creative Cloud 2014, will actually perform some processor-intensive functions — like content aware fill, lens correction and shake reduction — in the cloud and deliver the results to your iPad.

Today Microsoft Makes News…Tomorrow it’s Google’s Turn

If you use Microsoft’s Cloud service, now called OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) I’ve got some good news for you. Microsoft has increase your free cloud storage capacity from 7GB to 15GB. That’s right…it has more than doubled for no extra cost. And if you have more than that amount to store, you can add 1TB of storage for $1.99 per month. That’s a good deal for what I consider to be the best Sky storage right now for consumers.

It is so easy to use…your cloud is automatically updated every time you add or change a file. And, because OneDrive is a cross platform app, your files are available to you on all your devices. Not bad for free. And if you put OneDrive on your smartphone, you get an additional 3GB of storage for all the pictures you take. Trust me on this one…it works great.

For all the new Google features coming out, you will have to wait until tomorrow. The Google I/O Conference is on Wednesday, and they will lead off with the keynote address. That event alone has yielded a ton of new products over the years. We will have more on Google I/O in our next edition.

But, for now, I’ve got a ton of good information here that should keep you busy until the next edition. So, read on and learn. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Microsoft OneDrive jumps to 15GB free, and 1TB for Office 365

Microsoft more than doubles its free cloud storage and goes deep for Office 365 users, saying what's most interesting is what goes on top of all that storage space.

More Secure Credit Cards With Chips Coming To The U.S.

By the end of 2015, 70 percent of U.S. credit cards and 41 percent of U.S. debit cards will have security chips — called EMV for Europay, MasterCard, Visa. Europe and other places have had these for years. They make Target-like theft of credit cards impossible.

What Google is working on before the big show on Wed

Before its big event where Google will launch a host of new products, we run down the list of current projects going on at Google HQ.

Canadian Court to the Entire World: No Links For You!

This is the latest of several instances of courts exercising dangerous jurisdictional overreach, where they have applied local laws to remove content on the entire Internet.

Head to Head Comparison of 13 Streaming Music Services

The streaming music market is crowded, and some independent services aren't making any money. But here is a list of the major players in this business.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Take Care of Your Laptop Battery the Right Way

You probably know a few tricks for extending your laptop's battery life like dimming the screen or switching off Wi-Fi—but there are plenty of other ways you can and should look at. Here's how to get the most juice out of your laptop by following just a few simple rules.

Google Chrome Tips and Tricks

Here’s a collection of 15 most useful tips and tricks for Google Chrome that will help you work faster and do more with your favorite web browser and you don’t have to install any extensions.

How to stream media from your PC to your HDTV over WiFi

There’s actually an open standard for sharing media files across a home network. It’s called the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), and you probably already have everything you need to use it.

9 Hidden Facebook Features Only Power Users Know

"Facebook is a magnet for some of the top engineering talent in the world, so it stands to reason that the company would boast one of the world's most complex and multi-faceted websites. In fact, there are so many things you can do on Facebook.com that you probably don't know about them all.

Create Bootable USB Drives and SD Cards For Every Operating System

Creating installation media for your operating system of choice used to be simple. Just download an ISO and burn it to CD or DVD. Now we’re using USB drives, and the process is a little different for each operating system

 

Mobile Computing

Tip: Backup All of Your Smart Phone Photos to OneDrive

Using OneDrive across the board has made sense for a long, long time. But with the recent storage allotment improvements (see story #1 above), the best has just gotten better.

Seven common Android problems and how to fix them (pictures)

When they aren't running out of juice, they are slow, won't power on, or have problems connecting to the Internet. These are some quick fixes for some of the most common problems Android owners face.

Seven common iOS problems and how to fix them (pictures)

Let's face it, our phones aren't perfect. They can be slow, have trouble powering on, and suffer from terrible battery life. These are some quick fixes for some of the most common problems iPhone and iPad owners face.

Mynd makes your iPhone calendar better

Mynd is an advanced calendar app. Think of it as an overlay over iCal. It takes the information you enter on your computer, iPad, or iPhone (whether I enter it in Mynd or with the native calendar app) and makes it smarter and more beautiful.

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2014

Behold our list of the 100 best Android apps on Google Play. Everything you need to spruce up your phone and/or tablet and re-ignite your love affair with Android can be found within.

Amazon, Adobe and T-Mobile Give Us The Big WOW!

It was a triple header day in the world of hi-tech. Amazon gave us a brand new smartphone; Adobe gave us huge updates to all their major products; and T-Mobile gave us seven day free trials on their phones and music streaming that doesn’t count against your data caps. Now that is a good day.

The Amazon Fire Phone is a brand new entry into the world of smartphones. By that I mean it is not running Android, iOS, or Windows Phone operating systems. It has its own operating system. But that also means you don’t get as many apps as the others offer. But it does has some amazing new features never seen before (read our first two stories for all the new features).

But, like all their products, this phone is designed to keep you in the Amazon Ecosystem. Take the phone into any store, scan the barcode of any item, and Amazon will give their price instantly…and you can place the order for it right on the spot. That ought to make many retailers very unhappy. 

On the other side of the U.S., Adobe gave us a great show of upgrades for all their Creative Cloud products. Now, the majority of us don’t need most of their products…they are for folks in the design world. But, there are two products that interest us very much: Photoshop and Lightroom, designed for photographers…and there are more of us than there are designers.

As you may know, Adobe no longer sells their products individually…rather they bundle them into packages that you rent. The full Adobe Creative Suite, for instance, is $50 per month. However, the good news for us photographers is that the Photoshop/Lightroom bundle is only $9.95 a month. For this small amount, your software is continually upgraded to the latest version. When you take into account the former price of Adobe upgrades, $9.95 is a steal! So I joined right away. I already have the latest version of Lightroom, but now I also have the latest Photoshop with all the new bells and whistles. And it is impressive.

But for my $9.95, I also get Lightroom installed on my iPad and iPhone and a brand new product for the iPad call Photoshop Fix.  PS: You can currently download both those products on to your iPad for free for a limited time.

If you would like to see a replay of yesterday’s announcements, they are available on the Web at their respective Websites.

This edition is full of good information, including great tips and tricks for your desktop and laptop Windows computers. Be sure and read those! So I will shut up now and let you get on with it. Have a great weekend!! -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon announces the Fire Phone, $199 with 2-year contract for 32GB

The phone's most-hyped capability, of course, is its motion-tracking screen—four cameras on the front of the device track your head as you move it around, along with infrared lights to make sure the feature works even in dark rooms.

Firefly is the Amazon Fire Phone's secret weapon

Analysis: With contextual search, price comparison, and checkout all rolled into one, Firefly is the key feature that brings Amazon's fight to the doorstep of every retail store.

Adobe unveils 2014 Creative Cloud updates

Adobe has announced a major update to Creative Cloud, updating all 14 of its applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign...and introducing us to some new products.

Former FCC Commissioner: “We Should Be Ashamed Of Ourselves” For State of Broadband In The U.S.

Since the 2010 net neutrality rule was vacated in February he has been urging the FCC to reclassify broadband ISPs as a common carrier service. He has also advocated against continued media consolidation and big telecom mergers

Why you'll keep getting hacked

Hacked companies have exposed the personal details of 110 million Americans -- that's half of the nation's adults. Here's why it keeps happening.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to upgrade an old PC: No-brainer improvements anyone can do

Your PC’s hardware isn’t actually becoming slower. Startup programs, junk files, and even clumps of dust are just weighing it down. If you give your PC’s software and hardware a quick tune-up, it should run like it did the day you bought it. Inexpensive hardware upgrades can even make your PC run faster than it ever did.

Top 10 fixes for common PC problems

Here are 10 Answer Line articles from the last two years that every Windows user should read.

Advanced Uninstaller PRO

If you need a robust PC cleaning tool for your machine, Advanced Uninstaller Pro is a must download. This free tool contains numerous tools that others charge for, uses minimal resources on your machine, and doesn't overwhelm you with ads or pop-ups, making it a perfect download if your PC needs a tuneup.

Review: The best password managers for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices

6 local and cloud-based password managers make passwords stronger and online life easier for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone users

Data-encryption alternatives to TrueCrypt

It seems as if everyone who kept sensitive files secure did it with TrueCrypt. Edward Snowden depended on it. So did I. But now that the popular disk-encryption app is effectively dead — at least for the foreseeable future — it’s time to look for a replacement.

 

Mobile Computing

T-Mobile goes nuts at today's Uncarrier 5.0 and 6.0 event

T-Mobile wants to make it simpler to test their network. They have introduced T-Mobile Test Drive, in which they allow you to “cheat on your carrier” for 7 days. John Legere is calling it a “7-night stand”. All for free! And, they announced music streaming will not count against your data pool. WOW!

Adobe Lightroom For iPhone, Photoshop Mix For iPad Released

Adobe has been busy preparing for a series of updates and new additions for iOS over the past few months, and today, has launched Photoshop Mix for iPad in conjunction with the roll-out of a Lightroom app for iPhone users.

20 Siri tips that'll make your life easier

There are so many ways Siri can make your life easier. But if you don't know the proper commands, you might get a lot of unwanted sass.

Stay Safe While Staying Connected to Your Tablet

Thanks to wireless technology, all-day battery life, and a bevy of useful apps, tablets give you the power to get online and stay productive from almost anywhere. But it only takes one security mishap to bring everything crashing down.

iOS 8 features already available on Android

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery -- well, many of Apple's "new" features are already available on Google's operating system and have been for quite some time.

Apple Throws in the Towel…Settles Anti-Trust Suits

This was something that should have happened a long time ago. When five of the largest book publishers in America settled with the the Feds for price fixing e-books, Apple refused to go along. The settlement by Apple’s co-conspirators all-but-proved Apple’s guilt, but they would not settle.

They vowed to fight on, but with the trial set to begin next month, they settled. The company had been accused of colluding with publishers to artificially inflate e-book prices in the iBookstore and, by proxy, other outlets like Amazon, in a class-action suit brought on behalf of US consumers in 2012.

When the publishers settled, the government tripled their damages amount to $840 million. The settlement terms were not announced. I and many others could not believe that Apple wanted to continue the fight. In fact, they are still appealing the original court ruling.

So that is just a taste of today’s tech blog. Lots more good things here so read on and learn. - JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple settles state AGs' e-book antitrust lawsuit

The settlement comes less than a month before the scheduled beginning of the trial, in which $840 million in damages was sought from Apple.

Internet “fast lanes” would be banned by newly proposed legislation

Democratic bill could force FCC to treat broadband as a utility. The bill would help prevent the creation of a two-tiered Internet system, as currently proposed by the FCC.

A Rare Peek Inside Amazon’s Massive Wish-Fulfilling Machine

The Amazon warehouse–known in company jargon as a “fulfillment center,” or FC–is a uniquely 21st-century creation, a vast, networked, intelligent engine for sating consumer desire.

Starbucks starts rolling out wireless phone chargers nationwide

Starbucks plans to install Powermat's wireless charging stations at its coffee stores across the US. After a small pilot run with these "Powermat Spots" — small circles that are seamlessly implanted in tables and counters.

Facebook turns user tracking 'bug' into data mining 'feature' for advertisers

Facebook announced changes to its privacy and advertising policies on its company blog, extending Facebook's ability to track users outside of Facebook. This counters 2011's position that [we] "do not track users across the web."

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Six clicks: OneNote tricks to make you an instant expert

OneNote is a completely cross-platform app now, which means it can go with you anywhere. In this gallery, I present six of my favorite OneNote productivity secrets to help you get your personal and work projects organized.

KORO File Shredder

KORO File Shredder enables you to securely delete your sensitive files by using one of 3 different deletion algorithms.

Browser bonanza: What's new in Firefox 30, IE11, Chrome 35, and Safari 8

A steady stream of often small but useful enhancements and tweaks may have escaped your notice.

How To Remove Google+ From Your Gmail Account

Got Gmail and don't want Google +? It can be particularly irritating if you are annoyed by the Google+ links, buttons etc that have started to clutter your account in the past year or 2.Stopping it can be very easy.

Google Adds Step-By-Step Instructions to Search Results

Google got a little smarter once again this week. Now, if you search for something that Google knows has a step-by-step answer, it will give those steps to you above the search results.

Mobile Computing

Create Quick Notes in OneNote using only your voice

Have you ever wished you could speak your thoughts to your phone, and they’re automatically filled into OneNote? Now you can, and it’s quick and easy to get started! Check out how to add Quick Notes on 3 different platforms: Windows Phone, iOS, and Android.

Five Best Android Keyboards

Finding the perfect Android keyboard is no easy task—there are so many to choose from, and most of them are great, depending on the type of typist you are. This week, we're looking at five of the best.

Get the most out of the Chrome browser on your mobile device

Google's Chrome browser is full of nifty features -- especially on mobile devices. But some of the stuff this little app can do might not be so obvious. Here you'll find plenty of guides to show you you get more out of Google Chrome on whatever mobile device you choose. "

Listen to Amazon Prime Music on your mobile device

Amazon's new music-streaming service has arrived. Here's how to take it with you on Android and iOS, complete with offline listening.

Best Android Apps for Kids

Anyone that has kids, or is around kids a lot, will know how interested they are in whatever phone or tablet you have.

Denial of Service Attacks Rule This Day

It was not a fun day for many IT guys at some big Websites. Why? Because several were hit with Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS)? What is that, you may well ask? Actually, there several ways that DDoS attacks are implemented.

One common method of attack involves saturating the target machine with external communications requests, so much so that it cannot respond to legitimate traffic, or responds so slowly as to be rendered essentially unavailable to legitimate users.

Such attacks usually lead to a server overload. In general terms, DDoS attacks are implemented by either forcing the targeted computer(s) to reset, or consuming its resources so that it can no longer provide its intended service or obstructing the communication media between the intended users and the victim so that they can no longer communicate adequately.

There are many ways to implement a DDoS attack, most are too complicated to go into here. But in the last 48 hours, DDoS attacks have hit Evernote, Feedly and several World Cup sites. In the case of the latter, they were warned some time ago by the hacker group “Anonymous” that such an attack would be forthcoming. And sadly, they lived up to their promise.

In the case of Feedly, they were also warned that an attack was imminent, but it would be called off if they paid a ransom demand. They refused and the attack took place. Actually there were two attacks…one yesterday and another one this morning. I am not sure why Evernote was attacked.

The attack on Feedly made it difficult to get this blog out. Feedly is the news aggregator I use to find stories used here. I comb through hundreds of sites aggregated on Feedly, looking for stories that fit my intended audience. Thank God, Feedly came back on this afternoon so I was able to finish up this blog in time. Evernote is also back on line, but I cannot tell you the current status of the World Cup sites.

Of course, it is against the law to do such a thing, but it is difficult to track down the perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies have been looking for “Anonymous” for years with no luck. The only good thing I can say about them is they don’t use blackmail as a weapon against sites…they are more politically motivated. Whatever!

In another story, Amazon quietly introduced their own music streaming business this morning. Currently it is for Amazon Prime members only (but its free), and as I am one of those, I had a chance to play with it. An updated application for it was installed on my computer today as well as on my iPad. It works as advertised, however I use the Amazon Music Player on my Roku Box to play most of the music through my stereo and it does not yet work on Roku. So I doubt I will use it much until it does.

There is much more info on these stories and others, so I suggest you give them a read. So until next time, I wish you a happy weekend. -JRC  

 

Tech News and Opinions

Feedly and Evernote hit with DDoS after refusing to pay ransom

Evernote's service is returning to normal after a DDoS attack hit yesterday, while Feedly has been knocked offline after refusing to pay a ransom and stated on its blog that it is currently "working with our network providers to mitigate the attack as best as we can". It is now back on line. Update: Feedly was knock off the Net by a second DDoS attack this morning.

World Cup websites struck down by DDoS attacks

Various websites associated to the World Cup have been struck by a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack ahead of the tournament's opening match today.

Amazon Prime Music is no Spotify killer, but it doesn't need to be

Amazon is getting into the streaming music game. The company has officially launched Prime Music, a new service that offers Prime customers access to over 1 million songs and hundreds of curated playlists.

Hey, Apple! Don’t forget about the Windows users

The level of integration between Apple mobile and desktop operating systems looks impressive, but maybe Apple should be focusing on how to provide that level of integration for Windows users with iOS devices. Microsoft is integrating its apps for Apple users now.

Apple's Beats buy the result of executive ignorance

According to sources, many of the company's own employees have opted for Pandora and Spotify over Apple's streaming service, iTunes Radio. Those sources also said Apple's management failed to see Spotify or Pandora as threats, causing the company to "panic" and acquire Beats.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Download the ‘Windows 8.1 Work Smart Guide’ from Microsoft

Microsoft has released a new quick reference ‘work smart’ guide to help you get the most out of the latest update to Windows 8.1

Review: Microsoft Office Online vs. Apple iWork for iCloud vs. Google Drive

Online word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation apps can be surprisingly useful, or surprisingly lame, and not even Microsoft aces Office document compatibility

Firefox 30 Delivers 7 Security Fixes, Other Changes

The Mozilla Firefox 30 browser does not include major new features, yet it does provide users with security fixes and some incremental updates

How to Fix a Computer that Keeps Waking Up

Malware infections are sometimes the cause but more often it is some device that is waking the machine up. In this tip, I will describe several settings in your system that may keep waking up your PC.

Netflix Has a New Tool for Checking Video Quality

A new tool has been discovered on Netflix's website which lets users test their ISP's performance on the video streaming service in real-time

 

Mobile Computing

The best file managers for Android

There are a lot of good file managers for Android, but which one should you use?

The Android 'toxic hellstew' survival guide

Android itself is a strong operating system, but the way that the platform is delivered to end-users is critically flawed. This survival guide gives Android users the information they need to stay safe.

Fastest Mobile Networks

Which carrier is the best for fast mobile data where you live? We hit 30 U.S. cities to test speeds on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. Here's what we found:

Siri tips and tricks that don't require iOS 8

Apple unveiled new features for Siri in the latest version of its mobile OS, but you don't need to wait for iOS 8 to find cool stuff to ask the voice assistant.

Skype 5.0 brings a taste of Windows Phone to iOS

Microsoft announced a big refresh to its Skype for iPhone app earlier this week, and it’s now starting to roll it out to handsets.

What’s New and Exciting? It’s Patch Tuesday!!

When it’s 108 outside day after day in Tucson, and there is not much going on because it is too hot, Patch Tuesday seems like a big deal. For 9 months, Tucson is a hub of activity, but it all goes away when the university shuts down and the temperatures sore to ungodly levels. But summer here is the price we pay for the good weather we have most of the year. It will soon get exciting again when the monsoon storms hit and we have high heat and humidity, along with massive rainstorms, thunderstorms and unbelievable lighting shows.

Sorry, don’t mean to be complaining as I really do like it down here. And I plan well for this time of year with personal projects that can all be done inside with the air conditioning blasting away. And, in about 45 days, I will take an extended vacation north and get out of this heat. So am looking forward to that.

Until then, I will keep you informed of all the goings-on in the world of high tech. Am looking forward to the new toys coming next week from Adobe and Amazon…should be interesting. But until then, you will have to be satisfied with Patch Tuesday and some other interesting news and tips in this edition. Enjoy. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Patch Tuesday, June 2014

June's Microsoft Patch Tuesday contains seven bulletins, including two rated “Critical” and five rated “Important”. Make sure you patch!

What is Apple iBeacon? Here's what you need to know

The Bluetooth-powered location system that could shake up shopping (and more) forever.

Costco Preparing to Begin Selling iPhone and iPad as iTunes Store Gift Cards Return

Back in late 2010, Apple and warehouse club chain Costco parted ways, ending a relationship that had seen Costco carrying iPods and iTunes Store gift cards. The two companies now appear to have patched up their differences.

Google is as Google Does

If you're going to use Google's services, then you must accept that you are going to reside within that ecosystem and Google has the right to manage it and manipulate it as they see fit, in order to maximize revenue.

In Harm's Way: The Dangers of a World Without Net Neutrality

The Internet is one of the greatest things humanity has ever created, and who knows what we’ll be able to do with it next. Let’s make sure there will always be plenty of room for the unexpected, by making certain no new business or service has to make a special deal to be able to meaningfully connect to users.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Create and Use Twitter Lists

The ability to create Lists in Twitter is a feature that's seriously underutilized. Lists help you organize your Twitter feed so you can see tweets coming from people with specific interests and expertise, or that you might for any reason categorize into a group.

Check Instantly Whether Your PC Is Infected By GameOverZeus

This particularly nasty piece of malware steals your passwords from a variety of web sites, including banks, in order to try to take your money.

30 Gmail Tips That Will Help You Conquer Email

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

100 Most Useful Web Sites

You would be surprised about the number of really good Websites you know nothing about. See what I mean for yourself.

Best Free Personal Finance Software

In my review of the best free personal finance managers, I found 8 products good enough to warrant recommendation with the best of these being as good as any commercial product. Some choices for online money management are also included in this article.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple's new iCloud storage plans: Cheap for consumers, even cheaper for developers

Apple has seen competitors wrest control of its users' data away in recent years, and the company is responding to the threat with a number of new features and pricing changes that are good for both consumers and developers

The Best iPad Keyboards

An iPad keyboard/case combo can increase your productivity and protect your precious tablet while it travels. Here are the top models we've tested.

The 100 Best iPhone Apps of 2014

What's an iPhone without apps? If your selection of apps feels tired and you need some new apps to invigorate your phone, this list of the 100 best iPhone apps will leave you with plenty of new suggestions.

Amazon integrates Audible audiobooks directly into Kindle mobile apps

Amazon announced that it’s integrating the Audible audiobook directly into the Kindle apps for both iOS and Android. After installing a free update landing today for the apps, users will be able to listen to Audible audio books without ever having to leave the app.

Catch The World Cup 2014 Fever With These 20 Great Android Apps

In order to stay updated on the latest news and scores, whether you're watching the games live or catching them while at work or after you wake up, you will need the help of some of these twenty apps on your Android phone.

Farewell Forever to Android Tablets and iOS8 Revisited

I finally did it! After months of frustration and waking up daily to a nearly dead Nexus 7 tablet…then trying to make it work the way I wanted, I sold it to Gazelle.com. I lost a fair amount of money on the deal, but I was never going to use it again…so what the heck!

Realize that the Nexus 7 was designed by Google and offered the best features of the Android world. Trust me…they can’t hold a candle to Apple. There are so many issues with Android that I swear I won’t even buy an Android phone in the future. I have talked with other people with Android tablets and phones and they all had the same issues as me.

The other big news for me was I sold my iPad-3 tablet to a friend and used the money from him and Gazelle to purchase the latest iPad Air. That is my only tablet now and I love it! It is light as a feather and offers the latest improvements in Apple Tablets. I was shocked how light it was, weighing in at one pound…about 35% less than my old iPad. What a pleasure to use!

Something else I did in the last couple of days was revisit the Apple Keynote address from Monday. This time I watched it with commentary from four Apple experts. Remember in my last blog, I said the developer portion of the keynote almost put me to sleep? Well, the experts gave me a whole new appreciation of what Apple was doing for developers.

The bottom line is that Apple opened up previously denied sections of iOS so developers can now make better apps than ever before. According to the experts, this is huge! Whenever iOS 8 is released, we will begin to see some incredible apps for iPads and iPhones as the developers now have all these new tools in their hands including a whole new developer language. Something definitely to look forward to!

In reading the above paragraphs, it sounds like I have become an Apple Fanboy. Nope…not a chance. I still run Windows on my desktop and laptop. Only my phone and tablets are Apple. That’s a lot, I grant you, but I have learned to integrate the two operating systems together quite well. And lest you think I am abandoning the world of Android in this blog, nothing could be further from the truth. I will continue to cover it as best I can as so many of you use Android products.

So that is my rant and rave for today. Now…on with the show. -JRC

 

Technology News and Opinions

On 6/5, 65 Things We Know About NSA Surveillance That We Didn’t Know a Year Ago

It’s been one year since the Guardian first published the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court order, leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, that demonstrated that the NSA was conducting dragnet surveillance on millions of innocent people.

Data problems could jeopardize 2 million Obamacare signups

That means one in four Americans who signed up for health insurance online may find their coverage isn't quite what they thought it was.

Amazon will announce 'amazing' new device on June 18th

CEO Jeff Bezos will unveil the new product at an event in Seattle on June 18th, and Amazon has begun teasing the new product with a video of people's reactions to using it. PS: Expert opinions say this new device is Amazon’s entry into smartphones.

Intel aims to eliminate all PC cables in 2016

Goodbye rat's nest! Intel says wireless power, docking and connectivity will form the basis of its post-Broadwell "Skylake" reference designs.

Inside the US government’s war on tech support scammers

PCCare247 allegedly collected millions in ill-gotten fees. But the FTC fought back. A very revealing story about a tech support company based in India.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Shortcuts for working with Win8 (Win7, too)

As with all preceding versions of the OS, Windows 8.1 includes many useful keyboard shortcuts and utilities for quick navigation and file management. You just have to know where to find them

Google Launches 64-bit Version of Chrome for Windows

"It’s worth noting that the 64-bit version is offered by default if you are running a 64-bit flavor of Windows, though the 32-bit version is still available. This suggests Google eventually plans to serve up the 64-bit version of Chrome as the default version for 64-bit Windows users.

Want to be forgotten by Google? Here's how you do it

Google has launched a form where those who want the search giant to stop linking to outdated information about them can file their request.

Go incognito when launching Chrome on Windows

Need to keep your browsing habits private or just trying to avoid cookies? Read on to find out how you can launch Chrome into incognito automatically.

Three free privacy add-ons for Firefox and Chrome

AVG PrivacyFix, Bitdefender TrafficLight, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Privacy Badger identify and block ad networks and other entities that track your Web activities.

 

Mobile Computing

Get Organized: 3 Easy Ways to Save Travel Info on Your Phone

In this edition of Get Organized, I'll share three super-simple ways to save your essential travel information locally on your phone so you're never without it.

List of Google Now voice commands

The microphone icon is pulsing. What do you say to your phone? What can you say to it? Google Now's voice function has become surprisingly robust over the years. PS: Many of these will work on iOS also.

Will Apple's Photos app solve 'photo bankruptcy'?

Apple's new app coming for iOS 8 and the Mac looks promising, with cloud backup for all your pictures. Is it the answer we've been waiting for?

Microsoft promises lower prices on Windows tablets, phones

Tablet prices will fall to the $100, $200, and $300 range, a Microsoft vice president tells the Wall Street Journal.

Samsung, Barnes & Noble team up on tablet design

The two companies announced they will launch co-branded tablets with a mouthful of a name: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook. The devices will feature Samsung's hardware and customized Nook software from Barnes & Noble.

Apple Keynote Address: All Software, All in the Future

While I was hoping that Apple might give us a hint about new iPhones at yesterday’s WWDC14 keynote address, I didn’t really expect it. This was Apple’s conference for software developers…6,000 of them in the audience at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. What we got were in-depth looks at three product categories: The newest OS X operating systems for MACS, codenamed “Yosemite”; iOS8 Operating System for iPhones and iPads; and lots and lots of new developer tools to create new apps for both operating systems.

While I almost fell asleep watching the developer’s announcements, the first two interested me greatly. Although I don’t have a MAC, I do have an iPad and an iPhone. What I saw was the promise of greater integration between all Apple products. In this respect, I believe Apple is leading the way in this integration. Another way to look at is they have relegated tablets and smartphone to a high level than desktop and laptop computers. And if you look at their sales numbers, you can see why.

I was impressed with their new iCloud integration. For instance, if you take a photo with your iPhone, it will almost immediately appear on your iPad and MAC computer. I am really glad for that one. There is also a new iCloud Photo Library for all your native photos.

In another development, you can make phone calls from your iPad and MAC if your iPhone is nearby. You can do the same for instant messaging. There are several other new interesting features, most of which are detailed below in our News and Opinion section.  If you have an Apple product or are thinking of buying one, you would do well to read these stories.

Now the bad news, neither Yosemite or iOS 8 will be available for 3-4 months. Sorry. If Apple can deliver on their promises, it will be worth the wait.

But, as you might guess, there is more to this edition than Apple products, so read on! -JRC

 

Technology News and Opinions

The 22 most important things Apple announced

Apple kicked off its Worldwide Developer Conference with a glimpse into the future of OS X, iOS 8, and the developer tools that bring them to life. It's where Apple talks about everything it's bringing to customers, and to developers - the deeply nerdy and the user-friendly, all in one two-hour event.

Apple Unveils iOS 8 – Top New Features We Can’t Wait to Use

Here is a list of the best new features we will see on our iPhones and iPads.

8 huge new features in iOS 8 that Apple didn't talk about

From Wi-Fi calling to a new keyboard for the blind, sometimes the best things are hidden

Apple pledges to restore order to its oversized App Store

As impressive as having 1.2 million of anything on hand is, finding something specific amid that kind of volume can pose a bit of a challenge. Apple promises to fix that.

Half of American adults hacked this year

Hackers have exposed the personal information of 110 million Americans -- roughly half of the nation's adults -- in the last 12 months alone.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to tweak File Explorer and customize your Windows experience

How many of us bother to spend a few minutes to get File Explorer to work exactly how we'd like it? I'm guessing not many, so let's change that by getting into the "advanced basics" of File Explorer tweaking.

Top 10 Incredibly Useful Windows Programs to Have On Hand

Some apps are essential, and you use them every day. Everyone knows their names: Firefox, VLC, 7-Zip, and so on. However, there's another class of app that gets less attention: the apps that are insanely useful to have in your back pocket on the rare occasions you need them.

30 Gmail Tips That Will Help You Conquer Email

If Gmail has become a huge part of your life, then it's time you became a power user. These tips will get you there.

9 Tips for Longer Laptop Battery Life

Some of these techniques are for when you need to stretch your battery at that very moment, while others are preventative measures, best implemented before your battery life comes up short.

14 Google Search Tricks That Make Life A Whole Lot Easier

You think you know how to Google? You don't know how to Google. Even the most seasoned Googler might not know every tip and trick available. Consider this your instructions manual for the world's most popular search engine.

 

Mobile Computing

Best iPhone and iPad apps for May 2014

As usual, we have a full range of puzzles, action games, utilities, photgraphy apps, and just about everything else you could be using your iOS device for. There's also a healthy mix of both free and paid apps to check out here.

16 of the Best New Android Apps From May

From Foursquare spin-offs to whistle-powered selfies, we covered a lot of ground with new Android apps in May.

Nova Launcher updated, brings "Ok Google" hotword support

The latest version of Nova Launcher has arrived to Google Play bringing with it a few new improvements, chief among them is added support for the “Ok, Google” hotword.

What does iOS 8 mean for Android

With the announcement of iOS 8, my Twitter feed blew up with one common theme: How does iOS 8 compare to Android and what does this mean for Android? Let's take a brief moment to discuss these topics

SwiftKey keyboard will be coming to iOS 8

One of the major new features in iOS 8 just announced at WWDC 2014 is support for third-party keyboards and SwiftKey will be one of them. We've just received word from SwiftKey that in fact...they've already started. Other keyboards will be coming also.

Hip Hop Apple. Yuck!!!

As you may or may not have heard, Apple is spending $3 billion dollars to buy a hip hop music company called Beats. Why? Damned if I know. The guess is they want to improve their iTunes radio app and perhaps appeal to a younger crowd.

I don’t understand it as both iTunes Radio and Beats are not very successful in the marketplace…with Beats being even less successful than iTunes. Beats also makes a popular headphone using sports stars and other so-called celebrities to market them. Smart. Watch some of the basketball players walking into arena and you will see them wearing Beats headphones. They may be great for hip hop but for most other styles of music, they are crap. They load up the bass end without a whole lot of attention paid to mid range and high end sounds. You would be much better served to buy Bose or some other brand that pays attention to quality.

And the cherry on top of this fiasco is Apple is bringing the two top execs of Beats into the company, including their foul-mouthed President. That may be OK for a company that promotes the chaotic, ugly music that is Hip Hop and Rap, but not for one of the classiest tech companies in the world. One of the top Apple execs said today that Steve Jobs would be proud of this acquisition. Sorry…I believe Steve Jobs is rolling over in his grave.

Now, I realize that I am an old fart that may not “appreciate” today’s music (my parents never liked my music when I was a kid) and time is moving past me, but I still believe in the power of beauty and good taste. And while some pundits think this is a good move for Apple, so many others do not. They point out that Apple would have been better off buying Spotify or some other Internet music company.

For Apple, $3 billion is a drop in the bucket. They will not lose on the deal. The Beats folks say they are doing this to “Save Music.” Total BS! They did it for the money. Music doesn’t need saving…at least good music doesn’t. Mozart, Beethoven, Frank Sinatra, Dave Brubeck, Chuck Berry, Elvis` and many others are still going strong and their music will still be around when you and I are gone. Can you say the same about Hip Hop?

So you read our two top stories here and decide for yourself. If you read on past them, I think you will find some good info here that may help you out with your tech products. –JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Confirmed: Apple acquires Beats for $2.6B and $400M in stock

After three weeks of rumors, it's finally official. Apple has acquired Hip Hop subscription streaming music service Beats Music, and headphone maker Beats Electronics.

Let's spend Apple's money: 10 acquisitions that make more sense than Beats

Since Apple is opening the wallet for acquisitions let's spend some money. Hello Nuance, Shazam, ARM and a bunch of others. All of those proposed deals could deliver more value than the $3 billion dropped on Beats.

Apple is in Reset Mode - Walt Mossberg On Apple

It’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it was forced on them by somebody dying who was an extraordinary figure, so they’re going through a reset.

Opinion: Rebooting Windows for a new era of computing

The next couple of years will be crucial for Microsoft, but I believe that the company has what it takes to surprise us, and that it still has a good chance of transforming itself into a company that can rise to the challenges and changes thrown up by the post PC era.

Microsoft announces Windows 8.1 with Bing for low-cost devices

The new edition of Windows appears to be the same as the standard version of Windows 8.1 (complete with this spring's Windows 8.1 Update), but with one major distinction: Windows 8.1 with Bing ships with Microsoft's search engine set as the default in Internet Explorer. And it is free for manufacturers of low cost devices.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Windows maintenance, done dirt-cheap

To read the advertising by Windows maintenance suite vendors, you'd think Microsoft sells technologically challenged operating systems that will function properly only with the grace of third-party intervention. In truth, the utilities that Microsoft has included with all its operating systems since XP will do the job.

How to automate basic PC maintenance tasks

You can automate many basic PC maintenance tasks, such as removing temporary files, fixing drive errors, keeping drivers up-to-date, and backing up files.

How to get the Start menu back in Windows 8

If you have recently purchased a Windows 8 computer and hate the layout, here is a roundup of the latest free and paid apps that will get a Start Menu back on to your computer. Its been updated with several new apps since we last wrote about this subject.

10 Wrong Ways To Set Up Your Wireless Network

When I turn on a wireless device in my apartment, I immediately find over twenty five wireless networks, all with strong signals. This is an example of how prevalent wireless Internet has become, but some of the networks I can find are not set up properly, making them insecure or unreliable.

8 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Google Drive

The multifaceted feature that allows you to create documents, photos, spreadsheets, drawings and more has boundless abilities. However, with Drive's constant updates and added hacks, we're only scratching the surface of what it can really do.

 

Mobile Computing

6 Reasons Why You Can’t Move Your Cell Phone To Any Carrier You Want

Unlike with Wi-Fi, there are many different competing cellular network standards — both around the world and within countries. Cellular carriers also like locking you to their specific network and making it difficult to move. And that is just for starters.

10 indispensable iPhone apps for Windows users

If you’re one of the two out of three Windows users who also own Apple products, you may not realize you can use the traditionally adversarial platforms to get a productivity edge.

Applications to Secure your Android Smartphone

Android is a very flexible OS, and all these challenges can be well dealt with if you choose the right security app from Google Play. Yet there is an abundance of suitable options, so we decided to help you by making a short list of the best security applications.

Sunrise for Android makes Google Calendar look ugly

Following a stint as an iOS exclusive, calendar app Sunrise launched today on the Play Store and on the web. It was well worth the wait. (Includes a video)

3 simple ways to clear up "other" memory on your iOS device

"Other" memory, the nonspecific space hog that greedily takes up memory on your phone without adding value to your life. Is there a simple way to reclaim those precious GB back from your phone without restoring it? Yes dear reader there is. Here's how

It’s the Tech News Post Holiday Slump

I hope you had an enjoyable 3 day holiday. Mine was fine although with our desert heat this time of year, I was inside much of the time. Still I got to see the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and, of course, some baseball. 

For the next few months, my regimen includes getting out for some exercise around sunrise, then sitting outside and reading at the pool until it gets too hot…then inside for the rest of the day. I have plenty of projects I planned for this time of year, so I will be busy. It got up to 103 today and about the same for tomorrow.

In about a month or so, the monsoon season will begin with lots of rain and amazing thunderstorms…but of course then the humidity goes up to Florida levels with no letup for the heat. Thank God I have a month-long get-a-way planned during the height of the monsoon season.

Seems like the tech news cycle is always slow after a 3 day holiday. And so it is today.  Still, I managed to coble a newsletter that has some good information in it. I hope you find something of interest in this edition. Thanks for reading. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Nadella's Bid To Fix Microsoft: What Ballmer Didn't Dare

How could anyone who tolerated Microsoft’s flaws for the past decade suddenly see the company with fresh eyes and declare: “Enough already!”

Microsoft challenged an FBI National Security Letter, and won

Documents unsealed by a federal court in Seattle reveal Microsoft successfully litigated an information request from the FBI on one of its enterprise customers.

Encrypted Web Traffic More Than Doubles After NSA Revelations

We’re still long way from ubiquitous encryption, but according to new research conducted by network equipment company Sandvine, we’re at least making progress.

Why the iPad is popular and Windows 'tablets' are not

When a tablet tries to be a laptop, people buy a laptop instead -- or a real tablet

Facebook tightens the privacy of your updates

The default option for your first Facebook update will be to share with friends and not with the public at large.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

5 Best Firefox Themes

Firefox allows you to customize its background look with more than 300,000 themes. Plus, with complete themes, a more in-depth form of theme, you can separately personalize the address bar, buttons, menu, tabs and window frame.

The Best Photo Viewer I've Seen In Years. And It's Free

If you keep your photos on your computer as digital images, rather than storing them as prints in albums, then you'll need a decent program for viewing them. Here is a brilliant program called Diffractor, which is pretty close to the ideal image viewer.

Go incognito when launching Chrome on Windows

Need to keep your browsing habits private or just trying to avoid cookies? Read on to find out how you can launch Chrome into incognito automatically.

Everything You Need To Know About Ethernet Cables

What’s all this about Cat 6 or crossover cables? Here’s everything you need to know about Ethernet cabling

Get Organized: Streamline Your News Feeds

Keeping up with the news takes very little time and effort, if you have the right tools and spend a few minutes setting them up to cater to your needs.

 

Mobile Computing

The 12 best weather apps for iPhone

For iPhone users there exists a wealth of weather information right at your fingertips in Apple’s own App Store. However, sifting through the many available choices leaves even the most adept app users feeling gloomy. Here is some help. PS: Many of these are available for Android also.

The only 6 iPhone apps you need to take stunning, professional-quality photos

The iPhone's camera is already pretty strong for a smartphone camera but what if you need it to do more? Here you'll find a list of Dan Rubin's six favorites along with descriptions of what they do as well as pricing information.

The Top 5 iPad Science Apps

A multitude of educational apps for Apple's iPad are helping to make science understandable, visual—and even fun. Here are our favorites. PS: Not on this list is one of my favorites...Exoplantets. It keeps track of all the discovered planets in our galaxy.

The 5 Best Android launcher applications

Chances are, you look at the home screen of your phone more than almost any other screen on your device. It should look good, but still be functional. Here are a few different launchers that provide the best experience for everyday use.

Six clicks: Great tips and tricks for Android

Android is probably the most versatile mobile platform ever produced. It is so broad there are layers of features buried deep under the facade. These tips will help peel back those layers.

eBay Hacked…You Need to Change your Password

Here we go again. Same story, different vendor. Will it never end? Probably not. What I wonder about is why eBay waited so long to tell us. That is not being responsible to your customers. I haven’t used eBay in many years, but I still changed my passwords today.

In other news, the reviews are mostly good for the Windows Surface Tablet 3. Of course its rather large price tag means only the rich and successful enterprises will be able to buy one. But I like the concept. I heard a number of complaints about the “lapability” of the tablet…Microsoft invented this word to show how one can work so easily with the Surface 3 on their lap. But most people who have tried it don’t agree. But how many people really use it on their lap?

Microsoft is bound and determined to stay with the dual laptop/tablet concept for as long as it takes, so it will be interesting to see if they succeed.

There is more news and tips below so why don’t you get started. Thanks. –JRC

 

News and Opinions

eBay Hacked, Change Your Passwords Now

If you have an eBay account, it's time to change your password. The company released a statement today saying their internal and customer databases were compromised earlier this year, and starting today they'll prompt everyone to change their passwords.

What Microsoft doesn't get about the tablet revolution

"Microsoft's vision is wrong. Tablets aren't PCs. Indeed, iPads and Android-based tablets have succeeded precisely because they ditched the complexity of traditional PCs.

Is Android broken, and if so, will Google fix it?

It is broken but Google isn't likely to "fix" Android anytime soon, because despite the fragmentation problem, the company is getting what it wants: massive amounts of user data.

DuckDuckGo, the search engine that doesn't track you, makes terrific overhaul official

The new tools include a variety of requested changes, including auto-suggest and local search, that make the site function more like Google, but with DuckDuckGo’s privacy promises still in place.

Comcast and Time Warner rank dead last in satisfaction as merger looms

Comcast and Time Warner Cable could become America's most loathed TV and Internet provider if they are allowed to merge, as customer satisfaction with both companies has plummeted.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

File-sharing strategies for Windows 7 and 8

These days, it’s possible to have XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8 all running in the same household or small business. And though Windows 7 and 8 have similar tools for sharing files over a network, there are differences that might leave you puzzled.

How Spammers Spoof Your Email Address (and How to Protect Yourself)

If you've seen an email that looks like it's from a friend, it doesn't mean they've been hacked. Spammers spoof those addresses all the time, and it's not hard to do. Here's how they do it, and how you can protect yourself.

Chrome's 'OK Google' voice search rolls out to all

Google has rolled out a Chrome update that integrates the company's now iconic "OK Google" command directly into the latest version of its browser and in Chrome OS.

8 Backup Tools Explained for Windows 7 and 8

Backups on Windows can be confusing. Whether you’re using Windows 7 or 8, you have quite a few integrated backup tools to think about. Windows 8 made quite a few changes, too.

Use reverse image search to avoid Craigslist scams

Does that apartment or vacation rental seem too good to be true? Do some snooping with Google’s reverse image search tool to find out.

 

Mobile Computing

Google releases major updates to Chrome and Google+ for Android Apps

Google+ for Android has added a slew of new features including Auto Awesome Stories, which allows users to combine photos, videos and the places you visit into a travelogue.

Popular Paid iPhone And iPad Apps Gone Free

As ever, that these deals will only run for a limited time, so if you want to save yourself a boatload of cash on some really great apps, then be sure to check the round-up below.

Best smartphone battery life: more important than screen size

People buy smartphones for all different reasons but it seems that having a strong battery has become the top reason for many buyers.

Fotos for iOS does some things Apple left out

Fotos is a free iPhone app that catalogs your camera roll and albums and lets you add names to your images, making them easily searchable.

Accompli to Dropbox - 50 Best Free iPhone Apps for 2014

If 'free' is the magic word when you're shopping for iPhone apps, this essential set of 50 should serve you well.

The Tablet that May Replace Your Laptop…For a Price!

Microsoft threw us a curveball today…but one that might be a home run for them. For weeks, we heard through the tech grapevine that today Microsoft would introduce the Surface Mini…an 8” Surface tablet. Not only did that not happen, but there was never even a mention of it.

What we got today was the new Surface Pro 3 tablet…a beautiful 12” tablet that Microsoft is pushing as a replacement for your laptop. And it looks like it could very well do that. Think about it…people with tablets (like me) also probably own a laptop (like me). Why? Because laptops (and desktops) are for getting things done. Tablets are mostly consumption devices. True, I have used my iPad for writing and a few other productive tasks, but mostly I use my laptop and desktop for real work.

This new device can easily be used for both. Its two drawbacks are lack of applications and Windows 8.1. Now, I will be the first to admit that Windows has gotten much better lately, and with another update coming soon and Windows 9 next year, it will be much more useful. And I am beginning to see more apps for Windows in the Windows Store.  So those two drawbacks are rapidly diminishing.

But there is one big drawback…price. Prices begin at $800 and go up to $1,950 with three stops in between…plus $130 for the keyboard and $50 for the pen. That is not chump change. My laptop and my iPad combined are less than what a similar Surface Pro 3 is priced. So I won’t be buying one soon.

And while I think the iPad is better than the Surface, Microsoft is catching up in quality…and, believe it or not, Apple is cheaper. I never thought I would hear myself saying that.

There was a lot of other news in the last few day…AT&T bought DIRECTV, and the FCC adopted the Internet Fast Lane proposal that may kill Net Neutrality. But it is not official yet. There will be waves of protest over this one.

PS: If you use an iPhone, be sure and read #1 story in the Mobile Computing section below. There are 10 things there that I didn’t know my iPhone could do…like read your e-mail to you and tell you what airplanes are flying overhead. Well worth a read.

But why don’t you get started on this feature-packed edition. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Surface Pro 3 Preview

Microsoft's bigger and thinner Surface Pro tablet is indeed called Surface Pro 3, and is positioned as a device that can replace both a tablet and a laptop. It certainly appears to be the first Surface Pro device that can accomplish this long-stated goal.

Hands on with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (pictures)

Microsoft's latest tablet is available for pre-order May 20, starting at $799. Here's an initial hands-on, in photo form.

AT&T to acquire DirecTV for $48.5B in blockbuster deal

Acquisition creates a powerhouse for services in the home, allowing AT&T to pair its own wireless network with DirecTV's satellite TV service.

The FCC Approves Internet Fast Lane

The FCC voted 3-2 to approve creation of an "internet fast lane." This will have massive ramifications for how all internet companies operate in the future.

These companies spend the most money to kill net neutrality

For the companies involved—especially the telecom companies that are eager to be allowed to charge more for a “fast lane” of Internet service—lobbying has been at a fevered pitch for almost a decade.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

10 ways to speed up Windows 7

You don't have to live with a Windows 7 machine that's becoming unbearably slow. Here are 10 basic steps that will optimize system performance.

It's spring! Clean out your PC's junk with these free programs

It's finally May. The winter frost is thawing across the U.S., and thoughts are turning to baseball, the Memorial Day weekend, and cleaning out your PC. But along with wiping down those windows, clearing out your eaves, and fertilizing the lawn, spring is as good a time as any to make sure your PC is nice and tidy.

Windows Store App Gets a Major Update

Finally, the Store app doesn't look ridiculous.

Getting started with read-it-later apps Instapaper and Pocket

I spend a lot of time reading news. There's just one problem: I never have enough time to take it all in when I find it. That's why I rely heavily on read-it-later apps to save all the interesting articles I find, stashing them away for future

How to Use Bookmarklets on Any Device

Web browser bookmarklets allow you to perform actions on the current page with just a click or tap. They’re a lightweight alternative to browser extensions. They even work on mobile browsers that don’t support traditional extensions.

 

Mobile Computing

10 Amazing New Things Your iPhone Can Do

Apple’s new iPhone features some incredible technology that you may be completely unaware of! Here are the top 10 amazing things you can do with your phone that you may have never known about.

Google Now will remind you to pay your bills

Remembering to pay your bills sounds easy, but as anyone who has paid a late fee can attest, it's easy to forget. That's why the new Google Now cards which remind you when bills are due are a great idea.

Secure public WiFi with avast! SecureLine for iOS Review

While constant Internet connectivity can be useful, it does create many privacy and security issues whose existence remains a mystery for the majority of mobile users. A VPN is the only answer. Here we will take a look at Avast! SecureLine for iOS, a new service/app that's also available on Windows and Android.

How to Master Voice Control on Android: Beyond Google Now

In this article, I’ll discuss in depth the only third-party app I’ve found for Android that actually works alongside Google Now instead of trying to replace it, and complements its features with many of its own.

10 of the Best Android Browser Apps

While you may well be one of those unfussy types who would get by just as well on Chrome or Firefox as you would on Dolphin or Opera, equally you may have many different needs from a mobile browser.

Corporate Greed vs. Consumers: Guess Who Loses?

Our first three stories today are all about greed and tapping consumer wallets for more money…making us pay more than we should…or figuring out new ways to screw us…or sneaking nasty software on our computers because it makes companies more money.

In story #1, cell phone companies continue to overcharge us for services that cost them less. In story #2, our old friend Comcast is back up to its old tricks giving us less for more. My blood starts to boil when I read this stories.

I’m aware that corporations are in the business to maximize profits, but when they have virtual monopolies on products and services, the government needs to lay down some strict guidelines to protect the people it serves.

But, of course that won’t happen. The Congress is in the pockets of all these companies. For example, it was the government that gave cable companies the monopolies in the first place. 

By having a monopoly, a cable company doesn’t have to spend any money on infrastructure which explains why our Internet services are so far behind other countries and why Comcast feels completely free to put data caps on our Internet use so they can rake in more profits for their bad service. They continue to be voted the worst company in America in the annual Consumerist Poll.

OK, it is time for me to cool off and for you start reading. Oh, one more thing…last time I published a story about so many users being dissatisfied with the new Firefox. In this edition, to counterbalance that story, I have a rave review on the new Firefox done by PC World. Go figure. You decide. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Why Your Cell-Phone Bill Should Be Going Down—But Isn't

Consumers aren’t reaping the benefits of new wireless technologies.

Comcast may roll out data caps for all customers within five years

So much for Comcast's proposed merger with Time Warner Cable being good for your internet service.

Why One Company Stopped Recommending Software Downloads

Windows software downloads are a mess. Many programs try to drag adware and other malicious junk onto your computer. Even safe programs we test sometimes turn to the dark side and start bundling junk later.

Adobe Patches Acrobat, Reader, Flash and Illustrator

Updates to Acrobat, Reader, Flash Player and Illustrator are for critical vulnerabilities and will be available today.

Google Glass Now Selling To the U.S. Masses

Want to be an Explorer? Well, if you do, Google wants you, too. That's right, after a 24-hour sale last month, the wearable technology maker is once again opening up Google Glass to the masses. Got a spare $1,500 sitting around?

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Windows XP die-hards can slash attack risk by dumping IE

Microsoft's own patch stats support advice that XP users switch to a non-Microsoft browser, halving the number of vulnerabilities to the OS

What are the Benefits of Chrome Apps that Duplicate a Website?

There are quite a few web apps for Chrome that seem to be nothing more than ‘prettified’ shortcuts to our favorite websites, but is that all they are, or is there more to them? Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has the answers

8 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Google Drive

The multifaceted feature that allows you to create documents, photos, spreadsheets, drawings and more has boundless abilities. However, with Drive's constant updates and added hacks, we're only scratching the surface of what it can really do.

Firefox 29 review: Stalwart browser gets a magnificent makeover

The latest version of Firefox sports a visual makeover and design, that in our opinion, vaults it to the top in both appearance and efficiency.

Best Free Disk Space Analyzer

One way to find out which files are hogging disk space when your hard drive fills up is to use a specialist utility that displays your disk space usage. There are a number of excellent free utilities that differ mainly in the way the disk space usage is portrayed.

 

Mobile Computing

iCloud vs. iTunes backups: The crucial differences that affect your data

These two iOS backup methods were not created equal, and if you don’t choose carefully you could be risking significant data loss. To ensure your iPhone or iPad data is fully protected, here’s a look at what each option backs up and when to use it.

Use Instant Rice When Reviving a Wet Phone, Not Uncooked Rice

It's become common knowledge that you can save a wet cellphone by putting it in a sealed container of rice. However, according to an experiment by the folks at Gazelle, regular dry rice isn't very effective—instant rice is much better.

Malware authors target Android phones

Researchers report the number of malicious apps available on the Google Play store continues to grow. Your best defense is a security app, a cautious approach to downloads, and a close eye on your bank and credit card statements.

Cortana vs. Google Now vs. Siri: Which Voice Assistant Wins?

Can Windows Phone's Cortana compete with Android's Google Now and Apple's Siri as your mobile virtual assistant?

iOS 7: the ultimate Notes app guide

The Notes app is a stock application for the iPhone that allows you to jot down quick notes on a whim. It’s a fast running app with low overhead that’s perfect for saving a random note or thought