DirecTV Comes to the Internet

Guess what? You may be able to cut your cable now and save money. DirecTV will now stream to the Internet starting tomorrow (Nov. 30)…and you can get 100 channels for only $35 for a short time. You can also add HBO and Cinemax for an additional $5 each. The good news is that price is good until you cancel your subscription.

Here is where you can currently stream it: iPhone, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV and PC/Mac. Roku compatibility will arrive later this year. If you are an AT&T customer,  DirecTV Now is “zero rated” for AT&T wireless customers, so regardless of how much time you spend streaming, that activity will have no impact on data usage for your monthly bill.

I must say that this offer looks pretty good. I am strongly considering it even though I don’t watch all that much TV. I suggest you scan the channel listings above and see what you think. This may be the video service cord cutters have been waiting for. More details should be available tomorrow.

But there is more exciting news and tech tips included here so take a look a see what you think. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

AT&T to launch DirecTV Now with $35 promo on Nov. 30

That $35 monthly price for more than 100 streaming channels is a temporary deal to lock you in, but anyone can add HBO for just $5.

 

Another Cyber Monday, another online sales record

Black Friday 2016's reign as the biggest US online sales day ever didn't last long. Three days to be exact.

 

Watch the latest drone video of Apple’s new $5 billion Cupertino campus - Recode

“It’s a little like a spaceship has landed,” said Steve Jobs.

 

What Is HDR (High Dynamic Range) for TVs?

Move over 4K. HDR is the latest television feature that could vastly improve what you watch. Here's what you need to know.

 

App abandonment is on the rise as consumers stick to the apps they know

According to Adobe, this trend toward app abandonment is also on the rise — with now five out of every 10 apps being used fewer than 10 times, and two out of every 10 apps being used only once.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 Tips to Speed Up Windows 10

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

 

A Few Tips for Integrating OneNote Into Your Life

Microsoft OneNote is the best note-taking solution in the world, and it’s available for free on every personal tech platform. You should use it. And here are a few tips for getting started.

 

How to stop animated GIFs in Chrome and Firefox

GIFs are fun... in small doses. Here's how to gain some sanity amid all the animated madness.

 

When your Windows 10 login password fails, you need a recovery drive

You just need to turn back the clock a bit.

 

How to customize Windows 10 colors

Microsoft has hidden the Windows 10 color mixer; here's how to find it!

 

Mobile Computing

The Best Shopping Apps to Compare Prices

These apps just might help you find the best prices for your Christmas shopping. Android and iOS.

 

Microsoft Solitaire and other games come to iOS and Android

Microsoft Solitaire Collection offers five of the best Solitaire card games – Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid and Tripeaks – all in one app.

 

How to make spammy calendar notifications go away

Spammers have unfortunately devised a new way to invade phones: calendar invitations. A rash of calendar spam has invaded iPhones in recent weeks as many people are getting a wave of calendar invitations from Chinese email addresses.

 

Best apps to watch TV on Android free

Here we present some of the best apps to watch TV on Android free. Watch Popular TV channels from the comfort of your favorite place, always with your Android phone.

 

13 Useful Android apps that everyone should install in your phone & tablet

The headline says it all!

Is Facebook News Worth Viewing?

My simple answer to my headline question is no. Let me amend that. My answer is Hell No! Facebook is the last place on earth I would go for news. And recent headlines about it publishing fake news stories should scare you away also. There are so many legitimate and decent places to find news of all kinds. Try Flipboard or Apple News. They both have stories about any subject you could ever want.

That’s enough of a rant for me. Because its Thanksgiving, this will be the only blog for this week. I will be traveling again for this holiday, but should be back in time for next week’s blogs. I hope you have a great holiday and, if you dare go shopping, I pray Black Friday and Cyber Monday will turn out well for you. Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

It's time to get rid of the Facebook "news feed," because it's not news

Opinion: Fake news didn't throw the election. It was a symptom, not a cause.

 

How to avoid getting conned by fake news sites

Here's how you can identify and avoid sites that just want to serve up ads next to outright falsehoods

 

The biggest tech turkeys of 2016

This year's most notable flops came from tech's heaviest hitters, proving that anyone -- from Samsung to Facebook to Apple -- can have a bad moment. Or two.

 

Upthere cloud service will scan & upload 1000 4×6 photos free if you try it before 2017

The company is partnering with ScanMyPhotos.com to give away 1000 free 4×6 photo scans for Upthere customers. The promotion starts now and runs through the end of the year. The deal even covers delivery.

 

Dangerous backdoor found in about 3 million Android smartphones, BLU affected the most

A dangerous rootkit has been discovered, with devices from US-based smartphone brand, BLU, being found to be among the most affected.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

 

How to Recover Software Product Keys From Any Computer, Even a Broken One

Product keys are becoming less and less common these days, but if you have a piece of software on your computer—and can’t find its product key—this simple program can help you extract it.

 

How to Build a Website

Need to establish an online presence for your business, but don't know where to begin? Our primer will show you exactly what you need to get up and running in no time

 

How to Use Your Google Calendar in the Windows 10 Calendar App

One of the new additions is the revamped Calendar app, which isn’t just more functional than its predecessor, it’s actually downright pleasurable to use. But what if you want your classic Google Calendar synced up with Microsoft’s internal app ecosystem?

 

How to Delete Your Gmail or Google Account

Maybe you haven’t actually used Gmail for years. Maybe you want to take a stand against Google in general. Whatever your reason, Google makes it surprisingly easy for you to delete your account.

 

How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for a Microsoft Account

Enabling 2FA for a Microsoft Account is relatively simple, and a smartphone application, email, or phone number can be used as the second form factor.

 

Mobile Computing

 

New 9 Best iPhone apps for weather

The headline says it all. Take a look.

 

How to set up automatic iCloud backups for your iPad

These few easy steps are so painless and important. Unfortunately, for some reason many iPad and iPhone owners fail to _ever_ backup their devices.

 

Working with Threads in iOS 10 Mail

In addition to presenting all of the messages in a single threaded view, in the Mail app now includes all of the messages in your entire mail account by default, rather than only those in the current mailbox or folder.

 

Top 5 most popular Android apps from last week: YouTube VR, PhotoScan

Read on for the five most popular Android apps from last week. These apps are ones that are most likely new and haven’t appeared in the top five list more than three times.

 

8 Android gestures that speed up everyday tasks

Navigating your way around a new Android device will get a lot easier once you’ve mastered a few handy touchscreen gestures.

 

4 apps that give your phone a free second number

Need a disposable phone number for better online privacy? Or for an effective way to juggle work and personal lines? This is easier, and cheaper, than you think.

More on PhotoScan

In the last edition, we told you about the new version of Google’s PhotoScan. In this edition, we have a review combined with a tutorial (in the Mobile Computing section) on how it works. I am impressed with this app and look forward to using it next week when I get back home. I have no photographs here to try it out. I think it might help a lot of us out with our shoe boxes filled with old photos.

Also in this edition, we have a list of some of the best Black Friday apps for your pads and phones. It might come in handy since Thanksgiving is almost upon us…plus there are some tips and tricks on how to use iOS and Android. And since I don’t have any earth shattering comments to make, why don’t I let you get started with your reading. Have a great weekend! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Takes on Fake News Issue

“From our perspective, there should just be no situation where fake news gets distributed”

 

With Apple now selling used iPhones, the new phone market may have peaked

It reflects both the maturing nature of the market and Apple’s desire to put the iPhone into the hands of more budget-constrained smartphone buyers while still making enviable margins.

 

When will Microsoft end support for your version of Windows or Office?

As we count down to the New Year, the support clock is ticking. Microsoft will pull the plug on Windows Vista in mere months and on Office 2007 in less than a year

New ransomware taps into social media accounts before demanding users to pay up

A new variant of ransomware has recently been seen in the wild, which searches for illegal content on the host computer, and then utilizes the victim's social media accounts in order to tailor its demands.

 

Seagate crams a massive 5TB into a portable hard drive

You probably can't fit it in your pocket, but this high capacity external hard drive won't weight down your backpack either.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

5 Ways to Email Better

These smart tools and services will make you the master of your email inbox. Worth a look!

How to Use and Tweak the Start Screen in Windows 10

Much maligned in Win 8, the Windows Start screen still exists, but it's undergone several much-needed improvements.

 

How to transfer your iPhone and iPad photos to Windows 10

Shunt your beautiful pictures from iPhone or iPad to your Windows PC with these simple steps.

 

Windows 10 Photos app adds inking and new filters for everyone on PC

A fresh update is rolling out to the Windows 10 Photos app for PC users, bringing along inking support and more. While this update has been in the oven since October for Insiders, it's now rolling out to everyone.

 

The Best Photo Editing Software of 2016

Whether you shoot with a smartphone camera or a DSLR, you probably have photos that need organizing and editing. Here's what you need to know to pick the right program, along with the top performers in our testing.

 

Mobile Computing

Google PhotoScan Review

Easily scans photos with a mobile device. Automatic glare removal, cropping, and rotation. For both iOS and Android

 

Black Friday deal apps

These apps will steer you toward major savings, over the holidays and year-round. For both iOS and Android.

 

Twitter introduces QR codes to make following users even easier

Twitter can create a link between an image and your account, making it easy for others to add you by simply pointing their smartphone cameras at the QR code.

 

5 things we learned about Snapchat Spectacles

If you've been following the Snapbot's progress around the US, it's already dropped off hundreds of pairs of Spectacles to people in California and Oklahoma.

 

30 Hidden Tips for Mastering iOS 10

These tips cover the best new features that aren't always obvious when first using Apple's new mobile OS.

 

Android Tips and Tricks

Discover ways to get the most out of your Android device

A Couple of Apps Worth Considering

Now that the election is over, and the news has settled back to a more normal pace, I want to point you to a couple of upgraded apps that are very good and might be of value. Both apps are listed in the Mobile Computing Section.

First is the upgraded Google Play Music. I’ve been using this app both on my iPhone and on my desktop computers for years. Here is what makes it special for me: I’ve been collecting music since I was in grade school. Thanks to modern technology, I now have over 15,000 songs. They are all stored in iTunes (both on MAC and Windows machines).

Here is where Google music comes in. Google will allow you to store your music, up to 20,000 songs, in the cloud for free. I have set up the desktop version of Google Music so every time I import new songs into iTunes, they are automatically sent up to the Google Cloud. And while I play the music on iTunes at home, I use Google Music to play music from the cloud using my iPhone connected to my car. Works like a dream! And it is all free. Yesterday I drove from Tucson to Yuma, playing my music all the way using Google Music. There are lots of other features in the app, so I suggest you might want to consider it. For iOS and Android.

The other app, also from Google, allows you quickly scan printed photos using your phone and automatically send them to Google Photos. I recently inherited hundreds and hundreds of family photos and they have been a bit of a pain to digitize. So I will be trying this app out when I get back home. For iOS and Android.

Well that is all from me. Now it is your turn. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo admits some employees knew of massive hack in 2014

An SEC filing reveals Yahoo is investigating what was known about the hack two years ago. That could have a big effect on the $4.8 billion Verizon deal.

 

Low-cost Android phones are secretly sending your messages and contacts to China

Security researchers have found preinstalled software in some Android phones that monitors a user's contacts, messages, and locations -- and every three days, sends that data to China, according to The New York Times

 

17 Netflix Tips to Boost Your Binge-Watching

Getting started is as easy as picking a show and pressing play. However, there are a few tricks that you can use to get the most out of your viewing experience.

 

The IoT security doomsday is lurking, but we cannot talk about it properly

Something needs to be done to stop the Internet of Things turning into the IoDDoS, but communication with lay people is all but impossibl

 

What Is the Dark Web?

And then there’s the “dark web”–hidden websites that won’t show up when you search Google, and can’t be accessed without special software

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

Microsoft is busy making Cortana more chatty and human-like

You will soon be able to Expect far more personalized greetings from the assistant

 

Upgrade to Windows 10 Free or Do a Clean Install using a Win 10 ISO File

If you missed the Windows 10 free upgrade period that ended July 29, don't worry. You can still get Windows 10 on your PC.

The Best Wireless Routers of 2016

The better your Wi-Fi router, the better the performance you'll see from your PC, phone, and other connected devices. Here are our top-rated routers, along with advice about shopping for one.

 

Caveat Emptor: USB-C cable compatibility and safety are turning into a nightmare

Here’s the problem, in a nutshell. While USB-C defines a common port, the cables that hook into that port can support a wide range of features and capabilities.

 

10 things every new Mac owner should know

So, you've finally jumped ship and entered the Apple ecosystem.Your new Mac is easy to set up and use. Make sure you know these important basics after you get started

 

Mobile Computing

These 5 apps make better phone calls than your phone app, and you probably already have them 

You probably have a bunch of apps on your phone right now that can make much better quality phone calls than the regular phone app.

 

Google Play Music is Getting a Major Refresh

This week, Google Play Music for Android, iOS and the web is getting a major refresh, with a new user experience and new personalization capabilities.

 

Best iPhone keyboard

Find out why Gboard is our favorite, why Wrio's finger-friendly keyboard and TouchPal's custom themes are worth a look, and how to find your third-party iOS keyboard once you've installed it.

 

Google makes Translate more accurate and sophisticated

Google has announced that it's launched the next step in making its translation services even better: Neural Machine Translation.

 

Google Unleashes PhotoScan App for Digitizing Prints, Adds New Editing Features to Photos App

A simple photo scanning app built on complex technology

President-Elect Trump…Never Saw That Coming

Were you as shocked as me to wake up Wednesday morning and see Donald Trump was to be our next President? Very few people in the world could have guessed this result. I didn’t think it was possible. But there it is.

I stay away from politics wherever possible in this blog, even though my background is well anchored in directing political campaigns. I told friends who were worried about Trump winning that it would never happen. My experience told me that he was working hard not to be elected with some of his outrageous antics. I guess campaign politics is now changed forever. This was a bloodless revolution by the majority of American voters. I pray it turns out well.  

In this edition, I will only focus on how the change in leadership in Washington affects the tech world. It is not pretty for Silicon Valley. A huge chunk of money was donated to the Clinton campaign from the tech industry. And, as a rule, winners of political campaigns do not favor those people who fund the losers. So there is some worry for the future throughout the tech industry.

But there is more here than politics and elections…a lot more. So take some time and see if you can find something that might make your computing life better. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

How the tech industry is reacting to Donald Trump's improbable election victory

Investors, founders, executives, and journalists have been chiming in on Twitter over the past day, with a common sentiment emerging: everyone must come together.

 

Tim Cook to Apple staff: We’ll ‘move forward together’ following Trump election win

Tim Cook has rallied staff at Apple following Donald Trump’s historic and controversial U.S. election win by reassuring them that the company will “move forward together” despite political divisions and tension.

 

Canadian immigration site crashes mid-election night

As the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency looms nearer, millions of Americans are looking to Canada for help.

 

Apple now sells refurbished iPhones -- with a new battery

Its used but spruced-up iPhones aren't heavily discounted from new models, but they do get a new battery and shell.

 

Google might have a master plan to solve Android's fragmentation issues

Google now talks about a new system that could “extend” Android’s functionality using shared libraries that OEMs would be forced to include in their Android installations.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips

Microsoft is building a new to-do list app even though it already owns one

As with other such tools, it lets you create multiple lists, set reminders and sync your to-dos across your devices.

 

How to Fix Hard Drive Problems with Chkdsk in Windows 7, 8, and 10

Any time you have hard drive errors—or even strange behavior you might not at first associate with a hard drive—Check Disk can be a lifesaver. Here’s a full guide to using the Check Disk tool that comes with every version of Windows.

 

How to Set Your Facebook Account to Delete or Memorialize You Upon Your Death

Many questions come about when one ponders their final days. Where will we go? Is there really an afterlife? What will happen to my Facebook account?

 

The Best Antivirus Protection of 2016

Updated: Antivirus software is a must for every computer. Without it, you risk losing your personal information, your files, even the cash from your bank account. We've tested 46 utilities to help you pick the right one for your PC.

 

5 Tools You Need to Finally Go Paperless

Save trees and become more organized in the process with the help of these key apps and services.

 

Mobile Computing

 

Photoshop Express on iOS adds automated collages & Google Photos support

Adobe has updated its Photoshop Express app for iPhone and iPad to allow automatic creation of photo collages, and to add support for Google Photos.

 

Best Free iPhone Apps: 9 paid iOS apps on sale for free, Nov 8

These are paid iPhone and iPad apps that have been made available for free for a limited time by their developers. There is no way to tell how long they will be free

 

20 Secret iOS Shortcuts And Gestures You Probably Don’t Know

The title says it all. There are some good ones in this article.

 

Secure messaging apps

Check out which messengers do the most to protect you.

 

Updated: The 100 Best Android Apps of 2016

Whether you have a Pixel phone or an older Android tablet you want to spruce up, these are the apps that matter the most.

 

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here are some brand new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs which are pretty darn good.

The MacBook Outrage Continues

This story just won’t go away. According to one analyst, the new MacBook announcement was the tipping point for Apple enthusiasts to rise up and criticize Apple for taking an excellent product and making it worse. First, the prices went up a minimum of $300. Then, Apple did not use the latest Intel processors inside.

But the biggest complaint was over the use USB-C connectors. Why? Because you cannot connect existing devices to the computer without buying additional connectors and dongles. You cannot connect even the latest iPhone to the MacBook without a a special cable, much less hard drives, USB memory sticks or just about anything else.

I heard one super Apple fan say she ordered a new MacBook, then happily spent an additional $137 for connectors. That makes no sense to me.  Another outrage was over the removal of one of Apple’s greatest inventions: the magsafe power connector. If someone trip over that cable while charging a MacBook, it immediately disconnected from the laptop and prevented the computer from crashing on the floor.  

In response, Apple has cut prices on these cables and dongles. Big deal…I don’t want to have to carry these additional connectors when I take the laptop on the road…and neither do most laptop users.

Apple Music is terrible…the Apple Watch is solving a problem that doesn’t exist…and taking away the headphone jack on the latest iPhone. Unfortunately the Tim Cook era of Apple products just hasn’t met Apple’s own defining standards. Such a shame.

There is some good stuff in this edition that just may help you make your computing needs better. I do try hard to keep things positive here, but sometimes I just have to go on a rant. Take care, my friends. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple cuts prices on dongles after complaints

The news follows complaints from potential shoppers that the new MacBook Pro laptop isn't compatible with current device accessories.

 

The Biggest Design Mistakes Apple Has Made in the Past Two Years

Apple has lost its mojo. Their obsessive attention to detail seems to have slipped away.

 

Microsoft promises smaller Windows 10 upgrade

Second feature upgrade of 2017 will be issued as a delta rather than full install

 

Facebook is gearing up to serve ads on Apple TV and Roku

The social network will start showing video ads on apps that run on set-top boxes, including Apple TV and Roku.

 

Here we go again! Microsoft throws more ads into Windows 10

Apparently unhappy with the number of people using its Edge browser, the company is now trying to encourage people to switch from rivals by using popup ads to push Edge and Bing Rewards.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

What Windows laptops and software to consider if you don't want to get the new MacBook

The new MacBook Pro has been somewhat underwhelming critics and prospective buyers. They seem to be needlessly minimalistic and expensive, removing all the ports, bar four USB-C ports that don’t connect to any legacy Apple products

 

Never Lose a Photo Again: The Complete Guide to Bulletproof Photo Backups

With a little forethought and planning, there’s no reason to ever feel the heartbreak of losing even a single one of them to theft, broken devices, or disaster.

 

How to Stop Microsoft Edge’s Pop-up Notifications

Microsoft is now more aggressively pushing taskbar and action center ads for Microsoft Edge. These are just one of the many types of advertising in Windows 10. Here’s how to make Edge stop nagging you.

 

How to Prevent Your Computer From Waking Up Accidentally

What can you do if your PC keeps waking up on its own? Here’s how to figure out what’s waking it up, and how to prevent it.

 

Amazon Prime Is More than Free Shipping: Here Are All of Its Extra Features

Amazon Prime comes with a ton of features that you may not know about. Here are all the ways you can maximize the value of your Prime membership.

 

Mobile Computing

Google updates Gmail for iOS to be more like Inbox

"After almost four years, the Gmail app finally gets an update, plus Google Calendar adds Spotlight search support.

 

LastPass keeps your secrets for free, across PC and phone

The password manager's free version now syncs across platforms, giving you strong, secure passwords on all your devices for nothing.

 

UPDATED: The merits of using iCloud Drive on the iPad

With a simple internet connection I have access to my other iCloud synched devices via my browser window.

 

6 things you'll miss if you switch from iOS to Android

From iCloud photo sharing to the cursor's tiny magnifying glass, some of iOS's smallest touches are easy to overlook until they're gone.

3 handy apps for iOS-to-Android switchers

With the help of a trio of essential apps, though, I've solved my lingering calendar and Find My Friend problems, and I'm now sending and receiving text messages from my Mac with ease.

Apple vs Microsoft…I Was Right!

In the last edition, I detailed the new products that were announced last week by both Apple and Microsoft. And I made the provocative statement that, “Microsoft was miles ahead of Apple in innovation.”

Since then, the tech press, including blogs, new stories, editorials, and podcasts, has exploded on this theme, almost all agreeing with me. No, I wasn’t  the first to make the statement…it was just so obvious that it took on a life of it’s own. But it is always nice to have one’s opinions be validated.

Included below are three of the best stories that expound on Microsoft out-innovating Apple. So if you had thoughts about switching from Windows to a Mac, you might want to rethink your options. But this does not change the fact that my desktop MAC is the best Windows computer I have ever owned (thanks to Parallels)…nor does it make me want to give up my iOS devices. They are still the best.

In other stories below, I have focused on improving battery life for your laptops, Android devices, and your iOS devices. And their is an interesting story explaining USB-C which is now appearing on more and more laptops.  Plus, of course, there are other good stories and tips and tricks.

PS…there will not be another blog this week as I am travelling for the next few days. But I will be back next week as usual. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple just handed Microsoft the keys to the kingdom

Commentary: CNET's Sean Hollister was ready to buy a MacBook Pro. Now, he's one of many professionals who might pick -- or stick with -- Windows.

 

Admit it: Microsoft is now a braver, more innovative company than Apple

Opinion: Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft has been clawing its way to relevance with surprising speed.

 

Everything we wanted from Apple's MacBook Pro event but got denied

The event was cruelly disappointing to all the Apple faithful hoping against hope for new hardware. Here are all the other things we wanted — but got so viciously denied — during Apple’s MacBook Pro event.

 

Making Sense of AT&T’s Bid for Time Warner

A raft of consumer-protection groups are already girding for a fight. And media and telecommunication rivals are hinting that they are prepared to battle the deal in Washington.

 

Google’s New Privacy Policy Enables Ads to Follow You Everywhere

The company changed its privacy policy, inserting new language in it that says browsing habits “may be” combined with what the company learns from the use of Gmail and other products.

 

Microsoft not happy with Google disclosing major Windows bug

Web giant says no fix or advisory has been issued even though it reported the flaw 10 days ago.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

4 Windows 10 tools that will kickstart your productivity

Maximize screen real estate, segregate tasks, set reminders, and more with these tips.

 

5 reasons why your laptop is slow

Learn what might be ailing your laptop and how to speed it back up.

 

Use Windows 10's Battery Saver to squeeze more life out of your laptop

Settings for screen brightness, low-power mode and more will help you last longer on a charge.

 

How to Launch Windows Without Entering a Password

As long as you feel secure without the protection, you can easily dodge that Windows log-in password.

 

What Is USB-C? An Explainer

With Apple's popular MacBook Pro line and some new Windows machines as the latest converts, it's clear that the USB-C connector is here to stay. Here's why that's a good thing.

 

Mobile Computing

6 smart settings to make your Android phone anticipate your needs

There's no denying that our smartphones have made our lives so much easier. But if you're using an Android phone you might be leaving even more convenience on the table.

 

The Complete Guide to Improving Android Battery Life

Manually toggling connections, constantly adjusting brightness, and the like are basically all things of the past now—but there are still things you can do to maximize your handset’s battery life.

 

How to Maximize Battery Life on Your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch

So you got yourself a shiny new Apple device, but you’re so addicted that the battery is running out way too soon—what you need is a couple of tips to keep your battery running for as long as possible, and we’ve got them here.

 

How to Troubleshoot Bluetooth Problems on Your iPhone or iPad

Bluetooth can be a little finicky on its best of days. There are several possible points of failure between your iOS device and whatever accessory you’re connecting to. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.

 

What do You Really Need in your Carryon When Traveling?

When you hit the road, deciding what technology to bring can be a daunting exercise, while toting along extra gadgets can also be inconvenient and risky.

14 Google Maps tips and tricks

Google Maps is pretty straightforward. Search for a place, get directions and navigate. But if you dig beneath the surface, there are many overlooked and useful features that can help you navigate like a pro.

New Products from Microsoft and Apple. Whose are Better?

Over the last two days, Both Microsoft and Apple held big announcements. Both introduced new products, both updated old products. One thing was very clear to me…Microsoft is miles ahead of Apple in innovation!

Apple introduced their latest versions of the MacPro line of laptops. You can read the details below, but their big innovation was the Touch Bar. This replaces the F-Keys that have been on computers for years. The bar changes depending on the program that is running, and you can program your own icons. For instance, when writing a text message,you can see the emoji's running above. All well and good, but is it really a big innovation? And is it worth $300 more? That is the price increase for the same MacBook that I bought a year or so ago. For me, it is not. The Touch Bar is a nice innovation, but I can easily live without it.

On the other hand, Microsoft on Wednesday, showed off its new Surface Studio…a huge innovation in desktop computing. It has a 28” screen that works like a regular monitor, or folds almost flat down on the desk for drawing or other artistic endeavors. And besides using a keyboard and mouse, it also has a a small circular Surface Dial that works on or off the screen. When you put it on the screen, it offers an instant color dial you turn to change colors while working with a pen. It also performs other functions like erasing backwards or viewing previous versions of your work.

I was blown away by the creativity and engineering that went into this computer. It is not for most of us as it is $3,000, but design artists will snap it up as it is better than anything Apple or anyone else has to offer.

And speaking of creativity, Microsoft announced that the next upgrade to Windows 10 will be called The Creator’s Update. It will be out next Spring and will contain a new version of Paint called Paint 3D. They demonstrated how easy it is to create 3D images and use them in Word and PowerPoint. The purpose of the Creator’s Update is make us all more creative. More innovations are coming for Windows 10 as it is 5 months away. It will be free for Windows 10 users, of course.

It is plain to see that Microsoft is moving ahead with software and hardware innovations while Apple plugs along with few innovations, except perhaps in the iOS products…none of which were discussed today.

Below in the tech news section are articles talking about all the products that were introduced at each event, as well as two in-depth articles focusing on the two big products that I mentioned here. hope you find them informative. -JRC   

Tech News and Opinions

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and a TV app for Apple TV: Everything Apple just announced

The new versions of the MacBook Pro have an innovative new input touch strip, the Touch Bar.

 

The new MacBook Pro is here

The company showed off the newly refreshed version of the Pro, featuring, as leaks suggested, a secondary display between the keyboard and screen.

 

These are the 3 biggest announcements from Microsoft's Surface event

Surface Studio, Surface Book and new Windows 10 features abound.

 

Microsoft's big-screen Surface Studio is an engineering marvel

The company thinks that being able to immerse yourself in a display of this quality, size and capability will change how people work

 

What’s New in Windows 10’s Creators Update, Arriving Spring 2017

These include the big features that were announced at Microsoft’s October 26, 2016 event, though we’ve also included a list of smaller features they didn’t mention, but we know are coming.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Pocket makes it easier for avid readers to binge on the Web's best articles

Pocket, is introducing many new features to make it easier for people to find great stories to read in their browser.

 

Microsoft adds macro blocker to Office 2013 to stymie old-school attackers

Microsoft says it has added a malware-in-macros blocker to Office 2013 after customers demanded that it expand the feature beyond the latest version, Office 2016.

 

The Best Free Antivirus Protection of 2016

Even if you've upgraded to Windows 10, you shouldn't rely on Microsoft's built-in antivirus when the top-rated free utilities are so much more effective.

 

3 handy image tools you can use in File Explorer

File Explorer's Manage tab for photos has some quick-and-easy photo-management tools for Windows 8 and Windows 10 users.

 

How to pin the Recent Items folder to File Explorer in Windows 10

Access a comprehensive list of all your recent content.

 

Mobile Computing

Google Calendar 5.6.2 adds a Month view homescreen widget

Originally, the redesigned Google Calendar 5.0 annoyingly lacked a typical month view in its initial release for phones. Long since restored, Google Calendar is now finally adding a very useful Month homescreen widget.

 

Hundreds of Millions of People Are Using Smartphones You’ve Never Even Heard Of

"I love the screen on your Oppo R9, but have you seen the camera on my Vivo X7?"

 

This Android keyboard trick fixes bad autocorrect suggestions

Get rid of autocorrect's bad habits by taking out the trash.

 

Apple postpones the AirPods release date to ???

Originally, the new Apple AirPods were set to hit stores in October, but that's not going to happen.

 

How to Troubleshoot Bluetooth Problems on Your iPhone or iPad

Bluetooth can be a little finicky on its best of days. There are several possible points of failure between your iOS device and whatever accessory you’re connecting to. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.

 

Twitter is discontinuing Vine, but existing videos will live on for now

Twitter launched the Vine video sharing app in 2013, and it was a moderate success. Other apps added similar quick video features, but Vine never seemed like a high priority for Twitter.

You May Have Helped Bring Down the Net on Friday

In case you missed it, the Internet was brought to its knees all over the US  last Friday by a Denial of Service Attack (DDOS). Millions of devices participated in the attack, possibly some of them in your home! Perhaps not your computers or phones or tablets, but anything else you have connected to the Internet like your router, your TV, your set top boxes, your video recorders, and your Internet-of-things devices like security cameras, thermostats, doorbells…just to name a few.

These devices have little, if any security and are easily hacked. Hackers planted a simple program in them, that when activated, starts sending out signals requesting access to one company…in this case a little known company called DYN that acts as a giant switchboard for the Net. With millions and millions of requests all coming in at once, the company is basically shut down, thereby bringing down major services like Twitter, Reddit, and many others who rely on that company for connectivity. The outage spread all over the country and even to Western Europe.

No one knows who did this, but you can count on the fact that it will happen again. You see, access to this DDOS software is available on the Net. With little or no security on these millions of devices, they can be activated again and again with the same results. Unfriendly countries like Russia or North Korea, or organized crime or even malicious teenagers could start another attack. The Department of Homeland Security, which is supposed to be in charge or protecting us from these cyber attacks, is a joke!

With billions of more home devices coming on-line over the next few years, we could be in deep, deep trouble as the manufacturers buy cheap parts from Asia that are easily hacked. I strongly suggest you read our first three stories to learn about what happened and, more importantly, what will happen. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

A New Era of Internet Attacks Powered by Everyday Devices

The attack on the infrastructure of the internet, which made it all but impossible at times to check Twitter feeds or headlines, was a remarkable reminder about how billions of ordinary web-connected devices — many of them highly insecure — can be turned to vicious purposes.

 

More than 10 million devices helped take down the internet on Friday

The attack used a piece of code that combs the internet for connected devices with weak security, then hijacks them to be used in distributed denial of services (DDoS) attacks.

 

Chinese firm acknowledges inadvertent role in cyberattack

A Chinese firm that makes components for surveillance video cameras now admits their technology was used, in part, to carry out the unprecedented strike.

 

Apple Sold 70% Fewer Apple Watches This Summer Compared to Last

The decline can be at least partially attributed to the lack of an Apple Watch refresh until the final two weeks of the quarter, when the Apple Watch Series 2 and slightly updated first-generation models launched.

 

Cause of Galaxy Note 7 overheating reportedly still a mystery

Nearly two months after Samsung announced a global recall of its new Galaxy Note 7, the electronics giant reportedly still doesn't know what is causing some phones to overheat and catch fire.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft: Beware this fake Windows BSOD from tech support scammers' malware

Microsoft is warning Windows users over a fake Microsoft security product that locks an infected computer and tries to trick victims into calling a support hotline.

 

How to Monitor Your Computer’s CPU Temperature

There are quite a few Windows programs that you can use to monitor the temperature. Here are two of our favorite options.

 

How to Get Free (or Cheap) New Ebooks

How do you get the big-name authors in a digital form without it being illegal or waiting forever? Here's how.

 

60 common Windows 10 problems and how to solve them

If you're suffering with the operating system, we've compiled a guide to 60 of the most common Windows 10 problems, as well as instructions on how to fix them.

 

31 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

Check out our updated list of Chrome browser tricks. Even if you know some, you won't know them all.

 

Mobil Computing

OneNote updates include multi-window support, more embedded file types

OneNote has become the note-taking app of choice for a lot of former Evernote users and Microsoft is making sure that people will not regret their choice to switch.

 

Upgrade your camera without upgrading your iPhone

Want a better camera but don't want to upgrade to iPhone 7? There are apps and accessories for that!

 

Why emoji matter

As a means of communication, the written word often comes up short. For iOS devices.

 

6 more ways to make the most of Mail for iOS 10

Customize the Mailboxes screen, tinker with iOS 10's mail filter, pick new message-swipe options, and more.

 

Android Pay teams up with Masterpass and Visa Checkout to make online shopping easier

Google officially announced today that it is partnering with Visa and MasterCard to enable Android Pay when checking out at websites that support Visa Checkout and MasterCard’s Masterpass.

 

Google Play Music: the Ultimate Guide

There is more music than you can imagine right at your fingertips.

Microsoft and Apple to Make Big Announcements

Over the next couple of weeks, Apple and Microsoft will hold special events to announce new products. Next week, October 27 to be exact, Apple will likely announce all new MacBooks. It’s about time. Apple has not updated the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air in three years. They updated the newer MacBook not long ago, but because of its smaller screen, less powerful processor and having only one USB-C port, it is not a big seller. But, is it too late for new Apple laptops? Our first article explores that possibility.

On November 2, Microsoft’s event will probably focus on it’s Office line of products and possibly an updated Skype. We could also see new Surface Tablets. The company has been very cagey about it is going to announce at this event.

One thing is for sure: Microsoft has been out-innovating Apple for some time now. You may have seen the recent ads showing Apple’s iPad Pro as a laptop alternative…followed quickly by Microsoft’s ad showing the Surface tablets to be a far superior alternative. And I agree with Microsoft…the iOS operating system limitations, for me anyway, exclude any iPad tablets as a serious computer. The iPad is great and I love mine, but not as laptop computer.

On the other hand, the Surface tablets run a full Windows 10 OS, the same as a desktop computer and laptop. So the Surface can be used as a laptop. In fact, if my MacBook Pro and Samsung laptop both disappeared and I could only purchase one new laptop, I think I might just purchase a Surface or some other Windows-based laptop to replace them both. 
 
But I withhold judgement on that until after the two companies make their forthcoming announcements. I will be watching both and will report back to you on what is covered at these two events. So stay tuned! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Has Apple given up on the Mac?

Opinion: Apple is rumored to be preparing a long-overdue update to its Macbook line, but will this be too little, too late? In the PC business, Microsoft is wearing the innovation crown these days.

 Apple: 90 percent of 'genuine' Apple items on Amazon are fake

Apple is suing an electronics distributor over what it says are bogus Apple accessories sold on Amazon.

 FCC chief: We're here to reinforce consumer rights

Commentary: Chairman Tom Wheeler says the FCC is working hard to protect your privacy and allow you to watch pay-TV programming without renting a set-top box.

Microsoft Has a Bill Belichick Problem

New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick has spent his career destroying the hopes and dreams of the competition. But now he’s turned his ire on Microsoft’s Surface tablets. And the results are not pretty.

 Did trolls cost Twitter $3.5bn and its sale?

Walt Disney and Saleforce reportedly decided not to pursue a bid for Twitter Inc. partly out of concern that bullying and other uncivil forms of communication on the social media site might soil the company’s wholesome family image


Computer Tips and Tricks

Complete Guide to Windows 10 Version 1703

This article will collect the new features as we discover them and expand over time into a complete look at what’s new.

 How to find out what Facebook knows about you

Facebook uses your online activity to build an advertising profile about you. Here's how to look at (and edit) some of that information.

 How to Delete Your Facebook Account

Sick of the world's leading social network? Say good-bye to all those "friends" by following these instructions.

 Here's everything that's included with Amazon Prime

Here's a look at every single benefit included with Prime -- along with a few Amazon services you might think are included, but actually cost extra.

 12 Ways to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Worried about the security of your Wi-Fi connection? Follow these steps and you'll be in a wireless Fort Knox.


Mobile Computing

Apps for easy photo sharing

Make sharing photos with friends even simpler. For iOS and Android users.

 Duplicating a Photo in the iOS Photos app

One of the smaller features that Apple quietly snuck into iOS 9.3 is the ability to create a duplicate of any given photo or set of photos in the iOS Photos app.

 Best free Android games 2016

The best free games on Android for phone and tablet.

The Best Android Tablets of 2016

No love for the iPad or Windows slates? Here's what to look for in an Android tablet, along with the top-rated models we've tested.

 The Best Windows Tablets of 2016

Today's tablets offer full Windows PC power in a convenient, touch-friendly form factor. Here's what you need to know when shopping for one, and our top recommended models.

 How to set up automatic iCloud backups for your iPad

If you still haven’t ever backed up your device, pay close attention. These few easy steps are so painless and important.

A Detailed Look At Two Top Flagship Phones

Longtime readers know I seldom publish reviews of smartphones in this blog. The reason? There are just too damn many of them! 99% of them all run some version of Android. I could get bogged down forever in phone reviews. But today I am going to publish two reviews of the two most important smartphones on the market today.

They are both flagship phones of their respective manufacturers and both are flagships of the two main phone operating systems, Android and iOS. I classify them as the two most important phones on the market today because they are. There were three, but with the recall of the disastrous Samsung Note 7, only two remain.

One, of course is the new Apple iPhone 7 (and 7+). The other is the new Google Pixel phone (also in two sizes). I choose the latter as the most important phone in Android because the Pixel runs the pure Android OS as originally invented by Google. The other top brands, including Samsung run their own modified versions of Android. With Samsung now out of the picture, fans of Android should look at the Pixel first before buying any other brand. Yes, there are other good phones running Android, but the Pixel is the only one with pure Android.

Why is that important? Because as new versions of Android come out, the Pixel is the only one that will get the newest version right away. The only other brand on the market that can make that claim are Apple iPhones. Google has done an excellent job improving Android over the years, but most Android phones have to wait a long time to get the new improved versions…many never get it. Only about 4% of current Android phones have Nougat, the latest version. Only 10% have the previous version. That is shameful.

Much of the blame for that falls on the phone carriers. But also, blame must be shared with phone manufacturers who modify Android, including Samsung. Apple did a good job many years ago insisting they send out their own updates without carrier intervention. That is one of the many reasons I love the iPhone. Now, Google will be doing the same thing.

If I ever were to switch to Android, it would be for the Pixel phone. It has many features that no other Android phone has. That is why I consider the Pixel the top of the Android line. But there are drawbacks to both the Pixel and the iPhone 7…the main one if price. Both phones are the flagships of their respective manufacturers and both carry hefty price tags. In fact, both phones are priced nearly identically.

There are in-depth reviews of both phones below in the “Mobile Computing” section of this blog. I suggest you read them both before buying your next phone. You might also want to check out the other stories here for more good information. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

CIA reportedly plans to launch a cyberattack against Russia

The White House asked the CIA to present it with several "clandestine" cyber operation tactics that the administration can choose from.

 

Microsoft's ship target for Windows 10 'Redstone 2' is March, 2017

Microsoft's internal ship target for its next major update to Windows 10, a k a 'Redstone 2,' is looking like March 2017.

 

MacBook Airs and Microsoft Surface haven't stopped the PC slide

The device market is set to decline for the second year running as PC struggles to redefine itself.

 

20 Things You Didn't Know Your Chromecast Could Do

Besides all the things Google can do, the search giant can also take over your TV with its Chromecast, a streaming dongle that got a colorful makeover last year.

 

Donald Trump’s mail-servers are running Windows 2003

A security researcher had a look at the mail servers operated by the Trump organization and found a veritable dumpster fire: systems running Windows 2003 (!), unpatched, badly configured.

Computer Tips and Tricks

How Clean Up Windows 10 With the Refresh Windows Tool

Microsoft's Refresh Windows tool can rid your Windows 10 PC of junkware and return it to a clean, pristine state

 

How to Juggle Multiple Windows 10 Apps With Virtual Desktops

Got too many apps or windows open on one screen? Organize them with Windows 10's Virtual Desktops.

 

Amazon Prime now includes a 'Family Vault' for sharing photos

Up to five users can upload unlimited photos and 5GB of video.

 

Making your home a smart home is easier than you think!

Just add connected light bulbs, plant sensors, smart locks and more. Visit now to learn how to connect your home devices to the internet the smartest way possible.

 

10 Tips For Using And Tweaking Microsoft Cortana In Windows 10

Microsoft's virtual voice assistant can handle a host of tasks for you in Windows 10, from opening an app to providing the latest weather forecast. Let's check out how to use and customize Cortana to work its magic for you.
 
Mobile Computing

Google Pixel XL review: The best Android phone money can buy

Keep in mind that these flagship phones, which start shipping on October 20, are aimed directly at Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy devices, which is also reflected in their pricing.

 

Switching from iPhone to Android: Everything you need to know

If you've never used an Android phone before, there are a few things you should know before taking the leap.

 

How to Switch to iPhone From Android: Patience and Persistence

Switching phone operating systems should in theory be simple. But it can be a little more complicated than advertised.

 

iPhone 7 review: One month later

Now, having lived with either the regular sized iPhone 7 or the larger iPhone 7 Plus for four weeks, we've had a real chance to test it out.

 

New Google Flights alerts make sure you don't pay sky high ticket prices

Everyone seems to have a different idea of how far in advance you should book flights and hotels, but the latest update to Google Flights wants to make sure you don’t get caught by a sudden price hike.

 

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans You've Never Heard Of

There are a lot of smartphone options beyond the big four carriers in the US. If you're looking to save money, these lesser-known plans might be the ticket.

Do you Roku?

So how many video streaming services do you have in your home? I personally have several, all on my Roku box. There are far more channels than I can ever watch. I subscribe to Netflix (of course), Amazon Prime, Acorn (British Television) and several others I get for free. And it seems the number of people like me are growing.

Of course, I cut the cable cord when I moved into my new place 14 months ago. I can use a Mohu Leaf antenna to bring in all the local stations for free when the needs require. I hate watching regular TV or even cable channels because of all the commercials they run. The mute button is a wonderful invention. The nice thing about Netflix, Amazon, and Acorn is there are no commercials. If I need a break, I just hit the pause button.

Anyway I won’t rattle on any more about my viewing habits. I just found our first story interesting.

PS: If you have a Roku device, you might want to search out an app called “Pear.” You need to find it on the Net as it is an unauthorized Roku channel, but it is legal. It has hundreds of cable channels on it for free and a few other channels that you can’t find anywhere else. For instance, they have one channel that shows episodes of The Big Bang Theory one after another with no commercials. Another shows Seinfeld. How they do it, I don’t know. But its easy to get and free.

Anyway, on with the show!! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Video Streaming Like Netflix and Hulu Are Getting More Customers

As the number of streaming video services proliferate, about 16% of U.S. video viewers have signed up for more than one online streaming service, up from 10% three years ago

 

Yahoo's spying billboard: It would ID you, watch and listen to your reactions to ads

Yahoo is exploring a smart billboard that would use microphones, cameras and other sensors to bring targeted advertising to outdoor displays.

 

Amazon's full on-demand streaming music service launches

The company is launching its new service as Amazon Music Unlimited, a on-demand competitor to the likes of Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music.

 

Opinion: Why does Siri seem so dumb?

And if it doesn’t get smarter soon, what does it mean for Apple?

 

FCC fines Comcast $2.3M for wrongful customer charges

Media company Comcast will pay the penalty to settle an investigation into whether customers were wrongfully charged for products and services.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Photos can now turn videos into GIFs, fix sideways photos & more

The company is upgrading its service again, with a bevy of new features aimed at helping you revisit your memories and generally better enjoy your photos.

 

Quicken 2017 available for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android OS

"Quicken 2017 is now available for Mac and Windows system. The new product line offers users a revamped interface, a mobile app that’s iPhone/iPad compatible, and new investment, reporting, and bill pay capabilities.

 

16 useful Windows 10 tools that help you get more done

Microsoft managed to sneak even more productivity-enhancing goodies into every nook and cranny of Windows 10. Then the sweeping Anniversary Update added even more still. So let’s take a look.

 

18 Tricks to Make Yourself a Microsoft Excel Master

The number of ways you can use Excel is countless, and so are the number of features packed inside Microsoft’s most popular number-crunching application.

 

Microsoft Delivers Windows 10 Cumulative Updates

Microsoft has issued separate cumulative updates for each of the shipping versions of Windows 10. And while none include new features, of course, each includes important fixes. Make sure you get it.

 

Mobile Computing

The Best Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Alternatives

You must return your Samsung Galaxy Note 7 now. So what do you get to replace it? We have some solid suggestions.

 

Amazon will refund Note 7 accessories even if outside return window

The Galaxy Note 7 is dead: Amazon knows this and is apparently offering customers who bought Note 7 accessories a full refund even if they’re outside the normal 30-day return window.

 

How to encrypt your Facebook messages with Secret Conversations

Facebook's new encrypted messaging feature, Secret Conversations, is now live for everyone on Android and iOS.

 

How to Transfer SMS Messages from One Android Phone to Another

Getting a new phone is rough. While some things automatically come with you through your Google account, other creature comforts, like your text messages, don’t automatically sync.

 

How to Disable 'Press Home to Open' in iOS 10

iOS 10 makes you touch and press to unlock via Touch ID. Here's how to ditch that extra step.

 

iOS 10 adoption already topping 54%!

According to the official App Store numbers iOS 10, is now installed on 54% of iPhones and iPads. That install base was achieved in less than a month.

End of Story: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Now Officially Dead

You are probably as sick of this story as I am. But this should be the very last time it is mentioned here. Samsung has officially killed production on the Galaxy Note and issued a world-wide recall on this ill-fated smartphone. As you may recall, they were selling replacement models that had supposedly fixed the issues with the exploding batteries, but  more and more reports of explosions and fires with these replacement phones began to surface. One report even had a phone catching fire in a child’s hand while another story reported last week had an airplane evacuated when one caught fire. Not good.

So now, Samsung has killed it completely. Too bad…early review of this phone were quite good. There were even reports of some people not wanting to give it up after the first recall. But  now, to keep one would be just stupid. If you still have one, return it and get a different phone.

One interesting sub-story: The boxes that Samsung is sending out to people to send back their phones are supposedly fireproof.  The return kit includes three boxes and a static shielding bag. The Note 7 is supposed to be slipped into the bag and then enclosed in box after box. It's the outermost box that's most interesting: it's lined with ceramic fiber paper, which is capable of handling extreme heat. Only time will tell how bad Samsung’s smartphone reputations has been damaged.

There are some interesting stories and tech tips in this edition so why not get started now to see what I have put together.  -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

The Galaxy Note 7 is dead

Samsung ends production after issuing worldwide recall

 

Yahoo Mail makes it hard to leave, disables auto-forwarding

The company says it's just working to make the feature better, but angry users ready to ditch the beleaguered email service don't buy it.

 

Where's the bottom for Microsoft's Internet Explorer?

Losses continue to accumulate as another 33M users desert IE or Edge in September

 

US officially blames Russian government for election-related hacking

The US alleges that the Russian government compromised the emails of officials and institutions

 

Three More Law Firms Are Suing Apple for Ignoring iPhone 6 Plus 'Touch Disease'

There is increasing pressure on Apple to explain why it's ignored the fact that touchscreens on thousands of iPhone 6 Plus devices have stopped working, leaving consumers on the hook to replace devices that have a fundamental engineering flaw.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Back Up, Restore Your Documents in Windows 10

Using Windows 10's File History feature, you can tag specific folders so they're automatically backed up to an external location and recoverable in a pinch.

 

How to add your calendar events to the Google Maps app

Events added to your Google Calendar -- either manually or automatically via Gmail -- will be viewable in Google Maps for quick access to directions to your upcoming events.

 

How to Use and Tweak Your Windows 10 Lock Screen

The Lock screen may seem like an obstacle, but it offers helpful information and customization options.

 

Windows 10 Tip: Get Cortana Insights with Sticky Notes

With the Anniversary Update for Windows 10, Sticky Notes get a nice Ink-enabled update, but the biggest change, perhaps, is support for Cortana Insights, which lets you set reminders, call written phone numbers, send an email message, view web address, and more.

 

Need A Personal Information Manager? Here's A Free One

It's a Windows program which offers a really nice calendar, notepad and task list. There's even an email client built in.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Minimize Your Android Data Usage and Avoid Overage Charges

Increasingly sophisticated phones and data-hungry applications make it easier than ever to blow through your cellphone plan’s data cap. Read on as we show you how to manage your data use.

 

How to Add Pie Controls to Your Android Phone, No Root Required

If you’ve never used pie controls on your Android device before, you’re missing out. Pie controls are a unique way of quickly accessing your navigation keys and other shortcuts that don’t take up any space on your screen — you simply swipe in from the side to bring them up.

 

5 awesome Android widgets for a more useful home screen

Whether you're looking to speed-dial friends or quickly scan documents, these widgets will help you get stuff done.

 

How to Add Pie Controls to Your Android Phone, No Root Required

If you’ve never used pie controls on your Android device before, you’re missing out. Pie controls are a unique way of quickly accessing your navigation keys and other shortcuts that don’t take up any space on your screen — you simply swipe in from the side to bring them up.

 

iPhone and chill: Six sensational stress reducers!

Our lives can be stressful. Here's how your iPhone can help!

Galaxy Note 7 Replacement Goes “Boom” on Airplane

If you thought the Galaxy Note 7 Replacement phones might be safe from explosive batteries, you may have to do a rethink. Samsung recalled all the previous versions, then started shipping replacements into stores. All appeared well until a replacement phone caught fire on a Southwest flight. The plane, which was still on the tarmac (thank God) had to be evacuated and all ended well…except for maybe Samsung’s reputation.

I am sure Samsung thought they had figured out the problem with the original Note 7. So it will be interesting to see why this one went boom. I know flight attendants now go up and down the aisle on all flights looking for Galaxy Notes. When they find one, the owner is told to turn it off and leave it off. Perhaps they missed this one, or the owner hid it. Who knows?

Anyway that is the big story of the day and I don’t have anything else to add. So I hope you find some treasures here and also hope you have a great weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone catches fire on Southwest plane

All passengers and crew exited the plane via the main cabin door and no injuries were reported

Amazon Launches Prime Reading

Now, Prime subscribers in the United States can enjoy unlimited reading from a rotating selection of books, magazines, comics and other Kindle-based content at no additional cost.

 

Yahoo reportedly scanned all user emails for US intelligence

CEO Marissa Mayer complied with a government directive to scan hundreds of millions of incoming messages, according to Reuters.

 

Apple officially launches new ‘Spoken Editions’ section in iTunes & Podcasts app

Spoken Editions are narrated pieces of content from a variety of online publishers. Spoken Editions are available in iTunes on the Mac and PC as well as Apple’s first-party Podcasting app for iOS."

 

Pilots, air traffic controllers shifting to text messaging

Airline pilots and air traffic controllers are on schedule to switch to text communications at most of the nation's busiest airports by the end of the year, a milestone that holds the potential to reduce delays, prevent errors and save billions of dollars in fuel cost, says the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

5 tips for selling on Marketplace, Facebook's version of Craigslist

The new Facebook Marketplace lets you sell to anyone (well, anyone within 100 miles of you), rather than limiting you to friends or group members.

 

Hands-On With the New Outlook.com

Microsoft is finally nearing the completion of its migration to the new Outlook.com, which brings the look and feel and some of the functionality of the commercial Office 365 offerings to consumers. Here’s a quick look at some of the key changes.

 

How to Set Your Google Account to Automatically Delete (or Share) Upon Your Death

Let’s take a look at how you can put your Google account on autopilot when you’re no longer at the wheel.

 

Enable TCP Fast Open in Edge browser to make pages load faster

When TCP Fast Open is enabled, data can be sent before the connection completes, so that responses will arrive mush faster.

 

Microsoft puts AI to work in Office 365

You'll hardly have to lift a finger to complete some tasks.

 

Mobile Computing

25 best Android tips to make your phone more useful

Google is always adding new features and making changes to existing ones, and OEMs like Samsung and LG can add their own stuff on top of that. It can be hard to keep up, so we’ve gathered the 25 best tips for your Android phone right here.

 

30 Hidden Tips for Mastering iOS 10

iPhone power-users will want to know exactly what's in store. These 30 tips cover the best new features that aren't always obvious when first using iOS 10.

 

Five tips for buying a used iPhone

Thinking about purchasing a used iPhone? Make sure you do some research first!

 

Pixel, Galaxy, iPhone, oh my! Why pay a premium when every phone runs the same apps?

When you start talking about a $400 to $600 difference in price, the mystique and perceived advantages of a brand and OS platform starts to look a bit silly when they all run the same applications.

 

Let Apple create some Memories for you

"You make the memories, Apple gives them some structure."

 

Keep Chrome Web Pages From Jumping Around on Your Android Device

If you use Chrome on your Android phone, you may have noticed a little quirk when you open a new tab. As the page loads, your pages will jump around.