The Billionaire Who Tried to Drive Hawaiians Off Their Land

Tech News and Opinions

After backlash, Mark Zuckerberg drops lawsuits against Hawaiians over their land

Mark Zuckerberg is dropping his lawsuits that would have forced hundreds of people in Hawaii to sell their land.

 

Apple TV is continuing to decline but what's going wrong?

Recent figures show that the Apple TV is continuing to lose its market share while its competitors flourish.

 

Windows 10 is now top dog OS, muscling out Windows 7

We’ve had some more news on the Windows 10 adoption front, and Microsoft will be pleased to see that the operating system is now officially in pole position over in the US.

 

Windows 10 security: 'So good, it can block zero-days without being patched'

Systems running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update were shielded from two exploits even before Microsoft had issued patches for them.

 

Chrome, Firefox start warning users when websites use insecure HTTP logins

HTTP connections have their place, but not on login screens.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 frustrating Google Chrome problems and how to fix them

Stop accidental tab closures, update extensions, enable guest browsing, and more.

 

32 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

It's almost like the browser has become an OS in and of itself. In fact, you could say that's exactly where things are headed.

 

5 Ways to Stretch Laptop Battery Runtime

Here are 5 ways to squeeze the most out of laptop batteries. This older article is focused on Microsoft Windows 7 but the concepts are applicable to any laptop.

 

Ex-Mozilla Engineer: Don't use third-party antivirus software

He asked users not to buy AV, or uninstall it if they have it already installed, and just use Microsoft's solution, Windows Defender.

 

The best free PC software 2017

Superb software doesn't have to cost a fortune - thanks to open source, shareware and ad-supported projects, you can equip your Windows PC with a complete set of essential everyday programs completely free.

 

Mobile Computing

Google Docs just got a whole lot more powerful on iOS and Android

The company is beginning to roll out an update for both Google Docs and Google Sheets on Android that will give users more options for editing their documents.

 

How to Digitize Old Photos with Your Smartphone

The best way to keep these precious memories safe is by digitizing them, and what was once a lengthy process can now be done—with pretty exceptional results—directly from your phone.

 

How to get iOS-style VIP alerts in Gmail for Android

Because the emails that matter most are the ones from your hand-picked inner circle.

 

How to add custom ringtones to your Android phone

Go beyond the staid sounds that came with your phone by adding in some of your favorite tunes.

 

How to block spam calls on your iPhone

While iOS 10 doesn't innately block spam, you can download some third-party apps that can help you out.

HP Joins Samsung with Its Own Battery Problems

It seems there is now a minor crisis with batteries for tech devices. First, it was Samsung with some of their batteries in the Note 7 Smartphones. Now, HP is having laptop battery recalls. Over 100,000 computers may be affected. This is not the first battery recall for HP.

They have expanded their ongoing battery recall program. Those of you who own notebooks from HP or Compaq should check--or recheck--their batteries immediately to see if they are included. Those that are affected overheat, potentially causing a fire or burning users.

The recall for certain notebooks' batteries began last year, and HP has now expanded its scope. This covers notebooks sold worldwide between March 2013 and October 2016, as well as batteries sold on their own or offered as replacements. This includes certain HP, Compaq, HP ProBook, HP Envy, Compaq Presario, and HP Pavilion notebook computers.

Not all laptops sold in that span from those lines are necessarily affected. To determine this, head over to HP's recall website for instructions. There's a manual process for doing so, as well as an automated program that can check for you. It's important to do this again even if you checked prior to the recall's expansion.

If you do indeed have such a battery, HP says you should stop using it right away. The laptop itself can still be used by plugging it in with a power cable. The affected batteries are almost exclusively the external type that can be removed.

Those of you not affected should continue reading this blog for some really helpful information. Have a good weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

HP recalls more than 100,000 batteries for possible overheating

The recall expands one from HP in June. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the laptop batteries can pose "fire and burn hazards."

 

Next-Generation Chromebook Lineup Comes Into Focus

While I’m sure there is more still to come, here’s a rundown of the new generation Chromebooks that Google and its partners have announced so far in 2017

 

Why the New FCC Chair Should Leave You Ajit-ated

Ajit Pai wants to free private enterprise. But what does that mean when monopolistic cable companies dominate Internet service?

 

Gmail will start blocking JavaScript attachments in February

Google is blocking .js file attachments for security reasons.

Don't Fall for This Sophisticated Gmail Phishing Scam

To protect yourself against this attack, you will need to pay close attention to your browser's location bar.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

If we show you how to back up your PC for free, will you finally do it?

What's it gonna take? These free backup tools are a good start.

 

Chrome 56 rolling out to Mac, Windows, and Linux

Additionally, all sensitive HTTP sites will be marked as unsecure in the address bar.

 

5 New Tricks for Reaching Your Financial Goals

From using Amazon Echo to pay your bills to adding a game-playing aspect to your savings plan, here are some fresh ideas for better ways to manage your money.

 

Reminder: Your Passwords Are Still Terrible

Passwords like '123456' and 'password' are incredibly insecure, but many people continue to use them.

 

Top 9 Best Photo Editing Apps for Professional Touches

Luckily, in this day and age, you can simply edit your pictures on your phone by using an app.

 

Mobile Computing

Best new apps, app updates in January 2017

Here are some exciting new apps — plus updates to old favorites — you may have missed this month. Android and iOS.

 

You can now point your phone at Japanese text and get an instant translation

Google's Word Lens also supports many other languages. The app is available for both iOS and Android.

 

Apple is trying to limit how often your iPhone apps can bug you to give them a rating

With the next version of iOS, users will also be able to rate programs without having to go to the App Store.

 

WhatsApp finally gets video calling

The app’s latest update, which is available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, lets you video chat with other WhatsApp users for free.

 

Google Maps Adds Parking Difficulty Indicator in 25 Cities

Depending on where you live, Google Maps will now show you a parking difficulty icon as you use the app to travel to your favorite spots.

Amazon Fire Stick and DirecTV Now – Excellent

As you might recall, I signed up for the DirecTV Now service just a day or two after it came on-line. For a short time, they offered 100 channels for $35. Sadly, that special is now over (100 Channels is now $60), but I am guaranteed that low price for as long as I have the service.

My main streaming device is a Roku box, but DirecTV Now is not available for it (it will be sometime in the near future). So I used my seldom-used Chromecast device. However, it doesn’t use a remote control. Instead, one uses an Android tablet to control the device and to select and change channels. Well, that did not work out well. The two devices did not work well together about 35% of the time. Mostly it was the software on the tablet that would fail to connect to the Chromecast.

So I decided to spend $40 to get an Amazon Fire stick, similar to the one above. Fortunately, Amazon just came out with a new version of the stick that includes Alexa voice commands. So, here are the results of my first week with the device:

After plugging it in, it was immediately apparent that the picture quality of the Fire Stick was far superior to that of the Chromecast. The difference in quality was huge! I also compared it to my Roku using both Amazon and Netflix programming. The quality of the the picture was just slightly better on the Fire Stick, but it is not really a fair comparison since the Roku device is a few years old.

As far as DirecTV Now, the picture quality is excellent on all the channels I’ve checked. From ESPN to Turner Classic Movies, the pictures are just great! I view them at 1080P on my 50” Sony TV. Old movies have never looked so good. I checked out other channels also and was quite pleased with the results.

Moving from channel to channel is easy using the on-screen DirecTV guide. It does take about 15-20 seconds for the picture to begin playing, but that is not unreasonable considering I use the Internet to receive all these channels. And is does work 100% of the time when compared to the Chromecast/Android tablet combination. The bottom line for me is I will keep DirecTV going as it has all the channels I will ever watch.

As for the Fire Stick, I really like it. It took me a couple of days to figure out how it all worked, but have got it pretty much nailed now. As for Alexa, the voice commands work flawlessly, so far. I have asked for titles of specific TV shows and movies as well as  lists of movies, like “Clint Eastwood Movies.” I am very impressed with how fast it works and its ability to deliver my commands on screen.

If there is a downside to the Fire Stick, it is its organization of program listings on the screen (this excludes DirecTV Now). It is a jumbled mess, when compared to the Roku. ..even its own Amazon Prime content. Thank God for Alexa to help me find what I want to watch.

Our first two news items talk about streaming TV…what is here now and what is coming. You might find them quite informative if you are thinking of “cutting the cable.” As for the rest of this newsletter, there is good information here to help you with all your devices. So be sure and check them out. -JRC    

Tech News and Opinions

Despite glitches, AT&T’s DirecTV Now hits 200,000 subscribers in its first month

AT&T’s new live TV streaming service DirecTV Now has been off to a shaky start in terms of performance, but that hasn’t stemmed the flow of sign-ups

 

Live streaming services to replace cable on the market or coming soon

2017 promises a host of new entrants that could ultimately take the crown as the best streaming TV service out there.

 

Samsung answers burning Note 7 questions, vows better batteries

During a press conference Sunday, Samsung said two separate battery defects caused both the original batch of Galaxy Note 7 phones and the replacement units to overheat.

 

The biggest barrier to Windows 10 success is still Windows 7

The fate of Windows 10 lies in the hands of users that are still in love with Windows 7.

 

Every Chromebook released in 2017 will support Android apps

You currently have to be picky about your choice of Chrome OS devices if you want to run Android apps, but you won't have to be quite so choosy going forward.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Tweak Your Tiles in Windows 10

Whether you love tiles or not, you can find ways to customize and work them so it's easier to access your favorite apps.

 

The new Google Voice launches, bringing a modern look, group chat, photo sharing & more

Largely, the update is about giving the product a more modern look-and-feel, after having not received a major upgrade in years

 

The Best Cheap Laptops of 2017

You don't have to spend a fortune—even a small one—on your next PC. If you need a laptop for basic computing, these some of our top performers, and most of them ring up for less than $300.

 

Hands-On with Microsoft's New Books Experience

Microsoft is adding a new e-book store and reading experience to Windows 10 with the Creators Update. Here’s a quick peek at how this will work.

 

How to Create an Anonymous Email Account

The Internet doesn't make it easy to go completely anonymous. Here's how you can stay hidden even when emailing.

 

Mobil Computing

Apple just released iOS 10.2.1, here's what you need to know

The update's release notes indicate that it includes "bug fixes and improves the security of your iPhone or iPad." No new features.

 

Improve Safari performance with Safari Unleashed tweak

With Safari being the stock iOS browser, most owners of iPhones and iPads chose it as their daily driver. It might have a lot of features, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room for improvement.

 

Opinion: Don't buy a new smartphone right now, you'll regret it if you do

Mobile World Congress kicks off at the end of February, and we're expecting a whole crop of new smartphones that'll hit the market in the weeks and months that follow.

 

Microsoft is bringing Cortana to the Android lock screen

It’s a new feature that’s clearly designed to replace Google’s own quick access, and to convince Android users to switch to Cortana.

 

How to fix slow Android app installations

Every so often the installation of Android apps slow to a terrible crawl. When this occurs, things get very frustrating very fast.

Microsoft Continues to Impress

I know I promised to give you a review of DirecTV Now running on my new Amazon Fire Stick, but due to shipping errors, the Fire Stick only arrived a couple of days ago. So it wouldn’t be fair to give you a review with only two days of testing. So I will save the review until next week. However, here is a sneak peek: it is running great so far, both the service and the stick. More to come…

Our first two articles in this edition talk about Microsoft in 2016 and a look forward to what is coming this year. In a sense, Microsoft has risen from disaster under Steve Ballmer’s leadership to a very forward thinking, innovative company under Satya Nadella. The strides the company has made recently are almost mind-blowing!

In comparison, Apple seems to be stuck in the mud…no innovative products worth having, and nothing really to get excited about. More and more, Apple loyalists are complaining and criticizing what Apple is doing. Many, like myself, are moving away from Apple and moving back to Microsoft. While I love my big 27” iMac 5K Retina computer, I feel just the opposite towards my MacBook Pro. So, during the holidays I purchased an HP Spectre running Windows 10…and I love it. To be fair, I still love my iPad and iPhone.

I personally find myself objecting to Apple’s tactics of producing a new phone without a headphone jack and new MacBook Pro’s using only USB-C ports, thereby rendering all my external tech products useless without buying more cables…and of course, raising the prices. Forget it, Apple (PS: the MacBook’s do have a standard headphone jack…go figure).

Meanwhile, if you read our first two stories, you will see how Microsoft is moving forward with products people can use. Of course, the company and some its products are not without flaws, but the direction is mainly positive while Apple seems to be standing still…or even moving backward a bit. And while Microsoft is an open standards company producing products that work across many systems, Apple is a closed, gated community. And that may eventually bite them in the butt! We shall see.

I hope you find this edition useful and informative. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

Looking back: In 2016, Microsoft became one of the most exciting companies in the tech world

It seems fair to say that few companies have come close to matching Microsoft in the sheer breadth and scale of its accomplishments over the last twelve months.

 

What we expect to see from Windows 10 in 2017

Keep in mind this isn't an all-inclusive list of everything that should show up in 2017. We're sure there will be a lot more things showing up in Windows 10 throughout 2017.

 

Shambling corpse of 3D TV finally falls down dead

None of their sets, not even high-end models such as their new OLED TVs, will be able to show 3D movies and TV shows.

 

Surprise: Google is still tinkering with Google+

Adding some features, bringing another back, and killing the old design layout

 

Netflix Crushed its Subscriber Growth Targets

Netflix had a huge beat on its Q4 subscriber growth numbers, both in the US and internationally, trouncing both Wall Street expectations and its own guidance.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to get iCloud on Windows

For users who use a MAC and PC, Lucky for you, you can get iCloud on Windows so you can share photos, sync calendars, and access files between the platforms.

 

Windows 10 Start Menu Alternatives

The Windows 10 Start menu lacks at least one key feature compared to Windows 7: the ability to organize it. Here's how.

 

The Best Note-Taking Apps of 2017

Jot down thoughts, take pictures of things you want to remember, and keep it all at your fingertips, across your devices, with a top-rated note-taking app.

 

7 cool ways to reuse an old laptop

Breathe new life into your dusty relic of a portable PC.

 

How to Clean Up Your Messy Windows Context Menu

If you’ve ever found yourself right-clicking on something and wondering where all that junk came from, you’re not alone.

 

Mobile Computing

Verizon may have 'thousands' of Note 7 phones still in use

To persuade people to stop using the recalled handset, the carrier plans to reroute all non-911 outgoing calls to its customer service reps.

 

Google mobile saves searches if your connection drops

A new update to the Google app on Android will save your search for when a data connection reappears.

 

Samsung starts rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat to Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

The user interface of the Quick Panel has been updated with a cleaner look, and the icons are now grouped to make them easier to find...among other improvements.

 

Cloud Storage on iOS: iCloud, OneDrive, and Dropbox

I haven’t come to a solid conclusion about which solution is perfect for me, but I now have enough to talk about the pros and cons of each service.

 

How to use iOS 10: 21 brilliant iOS 10 tips for iPhone & iPad owners

Apple's new iOS 10 operating system for iPad & iPhone is packed with new features. Here are 21 brilliant iOS 10 tips and secret features to help you get the most out of your updated device

Time to Reconsider an Upgrade?

Have you made the switch yet from Windows 7 to Windows 10. If not, you really need to think about it. If you intent to buy a new computer soon, then no problem as Windows 10 is the only OS you can get with a new PC. But, if you plan to keep your current system a while longer, then you may want to review your decision not to upgrade when it was free.

As I pointed out in a recent edition of this blog, there is still a way to get a free, legitimate copy. I raise this issue as Microsoft points out in our first article, Windows 7 "does not meet the requirements of modern technology, nor the high security requirements of IT departments." It is more important than ever before that you make your computer as secure as possible from outside attack.

We are constantly under attack from people who want to take over your computer or just steal your identity and credit cards. It is worse than ever before. If you use the Internet, as almost all of us do, then you need to be safe. Windows 10 may not be perfect, but it is more secure than any other OS. So just think about it. 

I hope you find some useful material in this edition. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft: Windows 7 in 2017 is so outdated that patches can't keep it secure

Microsoft warns customers to begin migrating from Windows 7, exactly three years before it reaches end of life.

 

Head of Samsung faces arrest in presidential corruption scandal

Lee Jae-yong accused of bribery, embezzlement, and perjury.

 

Amazon Echo vs. Google Home vs. Microsoft Cortana vs. Apple Siri

It looks like this is going to be the year of Amazon's Alexa, the virtual assistant at the heart of the Amazon Echo.

 

Google Maps could soon help you find a parking space

Reportedly, the system shows three tiers of availability — Limited, Medium, and Easy — which reflect the current parking situation at a location.

 

Vivaldi is building “Opera as it should’ve been”

While the major players like Chrome or Firefox are stripping the browser to its bare essentials, Vivaldi offers more and more integrated features and customization options.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

32-Bit vs. 64-Bit OSes: What's the Difference?

Chances are good you're running an x64-based operating system, but what does that even mean?

 

The Best Cheaper Alternatives to Photoshop

Over the last few years, new image editing apps have come along that are almost as good as Photoshop, for a fraction of the price.

 

Everything You Need to Know About Using HomeGroups in Windows

Windows HomeGroups are great for setting up quick and easy sharing on home and small business networks. Here’s what you need to know to use them.

 

Windows 10 Creators Update: Game Mode, Greater Data Control, Better Privacy Settings And More

In addition to being a major upgrade to Windows, the Creators Update is also expected to be Microsoft’s answer to all feedback and complaints it has received about Windows 10.

 

How Do You Copy Deleted Text in Microsoft Word?

Being able to have Microsoft Word track the changes you make as you go is great, but what do you do if you need to copy previously deleted text without rejecting the work you have already done?

 

Mobile Computing

With Its Updated iOS App, Evernote Is Going Back To Note-Taking's Basics

A streamlined new interface makes it easier to create a new note and give it some personality—and then find it later when you need it.

 

How to Turn an Old iPad Into the Ultimate Kid’s Tablet

You’ve got a shiny new iPad, and an old one that’s about to start gathering dust. Don’t let it languish in a drawer—turn it into the ultimate kid’s tablet by cleaning it up, locking it down, and installing kid-friendly apps.

 

5 ways Google Maps can make your next weekend trip better

Find a scenic route, pinpoint the perfect local restaurant, keep an automatic diary of your stay, and more

 

How to Get the Best Emoji on Your Android Phone

Android phones may not show the latest emoji. Here's how to raise your emoji game on Android devices.

 

Android's System UI Tuner: What it is and how to use it

We'll teach you how to find the hidden menu, which contains a bunch of useful tweaks.

Amazon Continues to Surprise Us.

Not a lot to say in this edition, so will keep it short. A couple of days ago, I was notified by Amazon that my Amazon Credit Card now has a 5% credit for all the purchases I make on Amazon (see story #1). Formerly, it was 3%. I doubled checked my account and sure enough it is now 5%. That is a pretty good deal as I do a lot of shopping at Amazon.

The company seems to be moving forward rapidly in different areas. Last time, I told you about 7,000 companies are now using Amazon’s Alexa in different devices. Yesterday, I ordered an Amazon TV Fire Stick ($39) so I could better access DIRECTV NOW. And to my surprise, the new version of this device comes with Alexa built into the remote control. I look forward to giving it a spin. I will talk more about it and my experiences with DIRECTV NOW next week.

But for now, there are some interesting stories here along with a few useful tips for your various devices. I hope you find this useful. Have a great weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Tips

Amazon's New Credit Card Primed To Disrupt Retail

Amazon announced its latest benefit for Amazon Prime members: an Amazon Prime credit card that offers 5% off every Amazon purchase, plus multiple other benefits.

 

Microsoft explains its plan to win the 'battle for the future' against Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant

Microsoft has its own master plan to conquer the coming market for voice-based assistants and applications.

 

The 5 Worst Hacks and Breaches of 2016 and What They Mean for 2017

What businesses can learn from the LinkedIn and Yahoo breaches, the DNC and IRS hacks, and the Mirai botnet DDoS, and how to avoid the same security fate.

 

No Russian attempt to hack Vermont power grid found

Burlington Electric Department now says code associated with Russian hackers wasn't on its employee's laptop.

 

Where Should I Sell My Old Stuff? eBay vs. Craigslist vs. Amazon

So you’ve unpacked a shiny new iPad (or laptop, or camera, or other gadget) and it’s time to get rid of the old one. Why not make a few bucks in the process?

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Tip: Review Your Microsoft Account's Privacy Settings

The Microsoft account website has been overhauled with a new dashboard that lets you manage your privacy settings and even delete the data Microsoft has saved. You should examine this new interface immediately

 

New Windows 10 build is Here: Microsoft nixes annoying productivity obstacles

Microsoft has a new build of Windows 10 for the Anniversary update, which irons out a number of bugs that could hinder office productivity.

 

How to Set Up and Optimize Your Wireless Router

If you want the best possible Wi-Fi performance in your home, follow these simple steps for setting up your router

 

4 Ways to Free Up Space on Windows 10

There are few commodities more precious in every day computing than storage space. How much free space your device has determines how many pictures you can keep and how much music you have.

 

How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music

This works even if you aren’t paying for Google Play Music at all. It’s a free feature that allows you to access your music collection from anywhere.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft Outlook Gets a Big Update on iOS

Outlook is one of the bright spots for Microsoft in mobile, but it’s also fair to say that this app has a few weak spots too. This week the software giant issued a fairly major update on iOS that addresses a few shortcomings.

 

For heavy unlimited data customers, life just got harder

Verizon and AT&T are playing hardball with legacy unlimited data customers, people who signed up for all-you-can-eat data in the early days when it was cheap, and never gave it up.

 

10 Quick Tips to Fix Your Bad Photos

You don't have to be a professional to take top-notch photos. Follow these simple pointers to improve the quality of your snapshots.

 

What’s on your iPad Home Screen?

The majority of my most used apps live on the first page of my home screen, with my second page consisting of mostly folders and recent downloads that I have yet to decide if I want to keep or not.

 

AirPods vs Android: How Apple's headphones work cross-platform

AirPods are pretty great for iPhone users — but what if you have Android devices in your midst?

One Last Look at CES 2017

The 2017 Computer Electronic Show in Vegas came in like a lion and left like a lamb…before anyone knew what had happened. It was here and gone in an instant. The only people who felt like it would never end were those folks who attended. Having attended CES’s predecessor, Comdex, many times, I know what that is like. Sore feet, long taxi lines, crowded restaurants and wall-to-wall people. Most tech reporters pray every year they don’t have to go. Most of the important news is on the Internet anyway.

Never-the-less, the show happened and some good information came out of it. Our first two articles will give you an in-depth look at some of the most important announcements. I will focus here on the two items that stuck me as the most interesting.

First, were all the new computers on exhibit. There were lots of them…more than were shown in the last few years. I talked about them in the last edition, so I won’t rehash it here. Read story #4 below and you can see the best of them for yourself. I am so glad they included my new laptop, the HP Spectre. It is a real winner.  

The other major story for me was Amazon’s Alexa…now being incorporated into more than 7,000 non-Amazon devices. I am sure you have seen Alexa advertised on TV lately. It is a small device that sits on the table and answers your verbal requests with astonishing accuracy. More than just answering questions, it can be used to add items to your calendars or ordering products and much, much more. Talking to your computers and devices is becoming a big thing. I find myself doing more and more.

Alexa is being incorporated into all kinds of devices from clock radios to automobiles. Although I know about the product, I did not know so many companies were incorporating Alexa in their products…especially as other companies like Apple, Microsoft and Google have similar technologies. You can read more about it in story #3.

Well, its time for me to shut up so you can start reading. Thanks for your attention. -JRC  

Tech News and Opinions

The Best of CES 2017

Among the countless gadgets and technologies at CES this year, these 23 matter the most.

 

CES 2017: The final word

Autonomous vehicles. Superthin TVs. Triple-screened laptops. And Alexa everywhere. Welcome to another year in tech from Las Vegas.

 

CES 2017: Alexa is the Word as Amazon's AI Comes to More Devices

So far, more than 7,000 companies have integrated Alexa into their products.

 

The most interesting PCs, laptops and tablets of CES 2017

The headline says it all. Some interesting new computers coming our way!

 

Looking ahead: For Microsoft, 2017 will be a year of work, play, and creativity unleashed

Microsoft continues on its mission "to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

 

CEO Tim Cook gets his pay cut as Apple's revenue declines for first time since 2001

Cook still did extremely well, with a compensation package valued at $8.7 million for Apple's fiscal year that ended Sept. 24.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 Creators Update Arrives In April, Hardware Set For Refresh

Microsoft had previously stated that the update would arrive in the spring and now we know the exact month.

The Best Tune-Up Utilities of 2017

Reinvigorate your sluggish PC with one of these top-rated tune-up utilities.

 

10 things to tweak when setting up a Windows 10 laptop

Got a new laptop? Start out by checking or changing these settings.

 

MacBook Pro 2016 failed to impress? Check out these beasty Windows alternatives

The new MacBook looks fantastic but it might cost you a lot of money and yes it comes with MacOS. So, if you are a Windows, here are some MacBook 2016 alternatives which you should consider.

 

How to Back Up and Transfer Settings for Your Windows Programs to a New PC with CloneApp

How many times have you migrated to a new computer, or reinstalled Windows, and lost all the little settings in your Windows programs that you had finally tweaked perfectly?

 

Mobile Computing

Here comes the iPhone apocalypse and the end of Apple as we know it

Opinion: This week saw the end of Apple's 13-year meteoric rise, signalling once again the oncoming shift in the smartphone market. The next 10 years will be even more challenging as the company faces tough competition from Asia that will further erode its iPhone market share.

 

12 Mobile Photography Tips Every Photographer Should Know

Anyone can pick up an iPhone and take a photo, but it takes a more skilled photographer to create a truly great image.

 

13 Apps to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Don't flake out this year. There's an app for every resolution.

 

Outlook for Android and iOS now supports shared calendars

Microsoft confirmed they have added support for shared calendars, a long-requested feature, in its Outlook app for iOS and Android. . The feature is also available on Microsoft's Calendar app for Windows 10.

 

Walmart finally rolls out its Scan & Go app to Android

What makes this experience different is that you then scan the barcodes of your items, pay within the app, and show the receipt to the exit greeter on your way out.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Well, I am back after a great Christmas vacation in the Bay Area. Sorry I didn’t get a blog out last week…I tried but I was having software issues on my new laptop that I will have to figure out. I didn’t get home until around 2:30 this morning thanks to airplane issues such as flight delays and on-board maintenance issues. Was supposed to land in Phoenix at 3:30 pm but didn’t arrive there until after 10:00 pm. Then there was the drive back to Tucson. A long, long, frustrating day. But, at least I am back home where I belong.

As the headline hints, this issue is mostly about what happened, tech-wise, in 2016, and what we have to look forward to this year. The annual Computer Electronics Show is now underway in Las Vegas and we will have more on that in the next issue. The show floor opened today. The first two days were about press conferences announcing new products and keynote addresses.

One surprising thing this year is the number of desktop and laptop announcements and displays. New computers have been few and far between at the show in the last few years, but they are making a comeback in 2017. The emphasis is on high-end laptops…those costing more than $1,000. Microsoft set the stage with there new surface computers (including a laptop) but they let their hardware partners know they can follow suit even if they beat Microsoft pricing…and they are.

My new HP Spectre laptop was priced at $1,400 but I got it for $1,000 on Black Friday…and I love it! The high-end laptops are the main focus now, although lower price laptops are still available. I get ads from several sources offering laptops anywhere from $200 to $1,000 and every price point in between. As for desktops, Microsoft broke new ground with there $3,000 28” Surface Studio computer that folds down to a desktop. Look for more copycats at reasonable prices. We will have much more on the new computers and other electronic devices in the next edition.

Tech News and Opinions

15 technologies that died in 2016

2016 was brutal year in the tech business. Ambitious projects sputtered out, beloved niche products became unsustainable, and there was at least one colossal corporate embarrassment.

The Tech Stories That Awed, Disturbed, and Excited Us in 2016

Check out the slideshow for the stories that raised eyebrows, riled us up, and otherwise pushed the tech industry forward in 2016.

 

The Best Products of 2016

We've tested close to 2,500 products in PC Labs over the past 12 months, and these 100 are the top dogs—the ones you'll want to buy.

 

2016's Biggest Tech Fails

So sit back, get that mouse-clicking finger ready, and enjoy our pick of the biggest tech fails of the year. Surely, 2017 can't be any worse...right?

 

The year that wasn't: 2016 as told by 120 fake news stories

This year, nearly everyone met an untimely end. Fortunately they had clones or body doubles -- or a new sitcom in the case of the Dalai Lama.

 

The 4 tech trends that will shape 2017

The real story behind AI is automation, the Internet of Things platform eludes us, the smartphone holds out for the big one, and virtual reality becomes less virtual and more reality.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 of the best Windows 10 apps for 2016

After a few bumpy updates and a lot of spit and polish, Windows 10 has shaped up to be a pretty solid OS: fast, stable and delightful to use.

 

Best News Apps for Windows 10

We have scoured the Store shelves, looked at several possibilities and these are our best news apps for Windows 10. It's time to read all about it!

 

The 2017 ultimate guide to Gmail backup

Want to make sure you have a local or backup copy of all that mission-critical business and personal history in your Gmail archives? David Gewirtz takes you through an array of options.

 

Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade

Microsoft's much-hyped free upgrade offer for Windows 10 ended months ago, right? Maybe not. The GWX tool may be gone, but all the other upgrade tools still work, and the end result is an apparently valid digital license. Here's how to get yours.

 

Windows 10 tip: More hibernation secrets to save time and disk space

Hibernation is a great alternative to sleep, allowing you to cut your PC's power use to zero while still being able to quickly get back to work. Here's how to configure this feature and manage the size of the hibernation file.

 

Office.com Picks Up Its First Major Update

Office 365 received an unprecedented number of functional updates this past year. But now it’s closing out the year with the first major update to its home page experience, which is found at Office.com.

 

Mobile Computing

Smartphones in 2016: What worked, what didn't

While not everything smartphone makers announced in 2016 was a hit, seemingly small features became must-haves throughout the year.

 

The 100 Best iPhone Apps of 2017

Whether you received a new iPhone for the holidays or you just want to breathe new life into an older one, these are the apps you need.

 

The Best iPad Apps of 2017

These 50 apps will transform your iPad, iPad mini, or iPad Pro into the ultimate slate computer for work and play.

 

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2017

Whether you have a brand-new Pixel phone or an older tablet you want to spruce up, these are the apps that will help you get the most from your Android.

 

40 of the best Android apps of 2016

This year saw a great crop of new and updated apps to make your Android device more useful, productive and entertaining.

 

10 awesome iOS 10 tips that will make you an iPhone power user

Now that iOS 10 has been out for a few months, we’ve gone back over scores and scores of iOS tips and tricks in order to extract a list of the best hidden iOS 10 features lurking beneath the surface.

The Tech That Didn’t Make The Cut For 2017

I don’t have anything to rant or rave about for this edition…only to wish you the happiest times for this holiday season. As I will be on the road for the rest of this year, this is the last edition until January…although I might be able to to do one edition next week, but no promises.

So until next time, take care of yourselves and enjoy life to its fullest.

Tech News and Opinions

In Memoriam: The Tech That Died in 2016

It isn't only celebrities who won't be joining us in 2017—we lost a lot of famous consumer technologies as well.

 

2016: The year Microsoft regained its mojo

2016 marked a turnaround for software stalwart Microsoft. Once again, it's a company worth following by IT leaders.

 

Are your family and friends safe?

Google's new personal safety app lets you know if close friends and family member are safe

 

FCC Republicans vow to gut net neutrality rules “as soon as possible”

The commissioners also they will tackle the entire net neutrality order shortly after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.

 

Hacked Yahoo Data Is for Sale on Dark Web

Yahoo still does not know who broke into its systems in 2013, how they got in or what they did with the data, the company said.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to delete or protect your Yahoo account

It's time to seriously consider deleting your Yahoo account. Can't? OK, here's what you can do to protect it.

Windows 10 Tip: How to edit holiday photos with the Microsoft Photos app

Today, we’re going to show you all the ways you can use the app to edit your holiday photos!

 

How to Use Sticky Notes as Reminders in Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can create and edit onscreen sticky notes that act as reminders. Here's how.

 

How to Upgrade to a Larger Hard Drive Without Reinstalling Windows

If you find that your old hard drive is bursting at the seams and you want to upgrade to a larger one, it’s really easy to do so without losing any of your data.

 

4 Windows Command Prompt tricks everyone should know

Fix your internet, examine your system's energy use, and more.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple Most Popular Apps of 2016

To mark the end of the year, Apple has released a list of 2016′s most popular downloads, ranking the top 10 apps in both the free and paid-for categories.

 

The 11 iPhone apps I can't live without

The author is pretty conservative when it comes to the apps on his phone: If he doesn’t use an app at least once a week, it gets axed. Here is his list of the handful of must-have apps.

 

Apple AirPods review: wireless that wows, earbuds that don't

If wireless is the future, AirPods will only get some of us there.

 

Google's search-savvy keyboard comes to Android

The company has released Gboard for its own phone platform, replacing the previous (and relatively plain) Google Keyboard app.

 

The 12 best Android apps released in 2016

From photo retouching to hopelessly addictive games and new ways to call and message friends, here are all the Android apps we couldn't live without in 2016

 

19 new and notable Android apps from the last 2 weeks

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Google Play Store or were spotted. Some exciting apps here!

Another Huge Yahoo Hack Revealed

This latest hack revelation happened three years ago, but we are just learning about it. The first revealed Yahoo hack was done two years ago and affected 500 million users. This one affected 1 billion users! This is a disgrace…not only the hack, but Yahoo hiding it  from the public for so long. They knew about both hacks not long after the breaches. 

Yahoo was recently purchased by Verizon, who is just learning of this latest breach in security. They will either demand a lower price or cancel the deal completely. Yahoo prices, of course, are tumbling on the stock market.

So what should you do about it? First cancel any Yahoo accounts you may have. Then carefully read our first two stories and follow their tips. Merry Christmas from Yahoo!

Besides the bad news, there is also some good news and some good tips for all your devices. So read on and enjoy. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo reveals new hack: ‘Unauthorized third party’ stole data from more than 1B accounts

The company states that the information stolen may include names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords, and — “in some cases” — encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.

 

Yahoo hack: Here's what you should do

The embattled tech company said it's notifying users who may have been affected by the breach and making them change their passwords. The problem is it happened all the way back in August 2013.

 

Artificial intelligence has a big year ahead

In 2017, AI won't just be for the nerdy companies. Machine learning can help with mortgage applications and bridge safety, too.

 

Trump tells tech leaders to call him directly if they need anything

President-elect Donald Trump hosted some of the technology industry’s top leaders at Trump Tower in New York and told them to contact him directly if he could help them with their problems.

Google Docs has a spam problem like iCloud Calendar, so why aren't we freaking out about it?

Opinion: Google simply isn't held to the same standard as Apple, and that's bad for all of us.

 

This Printable 2017 All-Inclusive Binder Gets You Organized for the New Year

This all-inclusive binder has everything you’ll need to organize your life for the new year, and it’s free to download and print.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The best OneNote 2016 tips: 10 ways anyone can get organized

Make the most of this versatile tool by setting up pages, notebooks, and sections.

 

The Best Password Managers of 2017

A password like "123456" or "monkey" is easy to remember, but it's also easy to crack. With the help of a password manager, you can have a unique and strong password for every secure website. We've evaluated two dozen to help you choose.

 

How to Undo Send in Outlook

Gmail makes it easy to stop an email from being delivered even after you hit Send. Outlook has similar options, but they're confusing. Here's how to set up this lifesaver in Microsoft's email client.

4 Windows Command Prompt tricks everyone should know

Fix your internet, examine your system's energy use, and more

 

4 Gmail Labs features you should be using

If you’re new to Gmail Labs, it’s the testing ground for Gmail’s more experimental features. The successful ones go on to become standard Gmail capabilities

 

Mobile Computing

9 travel hacks you'll wish you knew all along

Already taking a trip or just planning your next one? These tips will help you save time, money and sanity.

 

Photography tips for the holiday season!

Nowadays, there are dozens of opportunities available to snap some truly breathtaking and unique holiday snapshots; you just need to get creative with it!

 

The 5 best new iPhone features in iOS 10.2

There’s plenty more to iOS 10.2 than just new emoji, and in this post we’ll cover all of the best new features that just arrived on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch courtesy of iOS 10.2.

 

Apple launches Apple Support troubleshooting app for iPhone and iPad

Apple Support, Apple's latest app, collects help support documents, troubleshooting tips, and direct access to repair shops like Apple Stores in one place.

 

How to switch from iPhone to Android

We can help move your photos, contacts, calendars, mail, music, and messages over to their new home.

 

5 tricks to free up space on your Android phone

Is your microSD card not enough? Here are some quick ways to reclaim storage space.

AR and VR Will Be Big For Microsoft Next Year

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft has big plans for VR and AR in 2017

It's going to be an interesting year for Windows Holographic and HoloLens.

 

Microsoft has reclaimed its birthright: Windows 10 to overtake Windows 7 within a year

With devices more compelling than Apple's, a new partnership with Linux, and a very strong cloud strategy, Microsoft is back, and better than ever.

 

2016: The year Apple stumbled

And 2017 seems set to be an even tougher year for the Cupertino giant.

 

Google is searching for hardware love

The search giant is making a big push with consumer gadgets. Now comes the hard part: getting people to buy them.

 

Exploring the Most Popular Websites of the Last 20 Years

These sites can really give you some insight on the rises and falls of some of the biggest businesses in the Internet age.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The cheapskate's guide to buying a new PC or Mac

If you're patient and willing to do some research, you can save hundreds of dollars and get a more powerful configuration than you ever dreamed possible. Here's how.

 

Three tips for dealing with an unruly desktop

For anyone who just can't stop cluttering up their desktop, these tips are for you.

 

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Review & Rating

When it comes to online office suites, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides has the best balance of speed and power, and the best collaboration features, too.

 

How to Find Cover Art for Your iTunes Albums

Sometimes iTunes comes up empty when trying to track down cover art for one of your albums. But don't despair.

 

Does Brand Really Matter When Buying a Hard Drive?

When it comes to hard drives, everyone seems to have a horror story about one brand or another that failed them. But are some brands really more reliable than others?

 

Mobil Computing

Apple releases iOS 10.2 w/ new Features

Apple has released iOS 10.2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.2 includes several new features like Unicode 9.0 emoji, three new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus wallpapers, a new TV app, additional camera features, new Messages screen effects, and more.

 

Apple AirPods Are Now Available

AirPods are finally shipping. You can order from Apple.com or check out Apple Stores, resellers, or select carriers starting next week!

 

Microsoft's Cortana gets a simpler look on iOS and Android

The apps are faster than before, and a new Quick Actions section puts your most common requests front and center, such as reminders, meetings and weather summaries.

 

11 Secret Tricks, Hidden Gestures in Your Favorite iOS Apps

These platforms allow users to literally reach out and poke, pull, and prod the digital world.

 

Picky Chooses Your Best iPhone Photos and Auto-Enhances Them Too

Using artificial intelligence, Picky not only selects your best iPhone photos, but it’ll automatically touch them up for you too.

 

19 new and notable Android apps from the last 2 weeks

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Google Play Store or were spotted. Some exciting apps here!

Notes from the Field

Not a lot going on in the tech world, unless you count all the bargains on laptops and other devices going on right now. My inbox is flooded with them every day! I did take advantage of one deal back on Black Friday and bought myself a new laptop at a great price. I got the the new HP Spectre X360 laptop with an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD drive. It was one of those special Black Friday deals…$1,000…$400 off the regular price …just could not resist. Its one of those very thin and lightweight laptops with a touch screen that can also turn into a tablet. Boy is it fast! It should be with those specs. Am still playing with it so will give you a review in the future.

Have been wanting to get a new one for awhile as I am not happy with my MacBook Pro. I like the computer but  hate the keyboard…just could not get used to it. I am going to sell it for $900 which almost pays for the new one. Paid $1,450 for it last year. It’s like new and works perfectly as I did not use it all that much…and it comes with 2 years left on the Apple Care warranty. If you know anyone who might want it, let me know.

Am still working with DirecTV these days. It works perfectly on my computer, but have some occasional problems with it on the Chromecast. I look forward to it being available on the Roku. I think I will also try PlayStation Vue and Sling TV, as they offer a 7 and 14 day trials. They both work on my Roku. Will let you know what I find when I do it.

Well, that is it for me. You can take over from here and see what today’s blog has to offer. Have a great weekend!

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10's latest Insider Preview release introduces major improvements

The latest test build of Windows 10, build 14986, is a huge update for Windows 10. The build highly focuses on new features for Cortana. These new features will be part of the Windows Creator Update coming in March.

 

Amazon launches Amazon Go, a mind-blowing brick-and-mortar grocery store with no checkouts

To use the service, install the Amazon Go app, log in with your account credentials, and then simply put goods from the shelves in your bag and walk out.

 

Samsung scores unanimous Supreme Court win over Apple

The ruling reshapes the value of tech designs and could have ripple effects across the industry.

 

Apple official letter sounds like a self-driving Apple Car may be on the way

Just months after reports indicated that there was no Apple Car on the way, a new document is sure to stoke the fires of Apple fans' hopes that an Apple logo will grace an automobile in coming years.

 

The Top 100 Tech Products of 2016

This is the good stuff. From clever convertible laptops to the best printers and storage gear, these 100 products are the best of what to buy now—and in 2017.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Affinity Photo image editing app is now out for Windows

If you're looking for a much affordable alternative to Photoshop for Windows, you may want to check out this indie-made image editor.

 

Google Wifi review: Blanket your entire home with Wi-Fi

If you want to extend fast internet to every corner of your home, the Google Wifi is the best device to do it.

 

Excel Date & Time functions tutorial: EDATE, YEARFRAC, EOMONTH, NETWORKDAYS.INTL

Go back and forth in time with retirement dates, expiration dates and more.

 

How to adjust your AutoPlay settings in Windows 10

Control how AutoPlay responds to various removable media.

 

Google Photos tips and tricks

Google Photos has some powerful tools for tweaking and editing images...not all of them obvious

 

Mobile Computing

Making Technology Work For You, A Guide To The iPhone

Written for new users of the iPhone, read through this article to learn about how iPhones have helped develop this world into an unthinkable technologically advanced place.

 

Don't let free Wi-Fi wreck the holidays

Malls should just name their public Wi-Fi networks "Danger" and be done with it.

 

This Tool Can Help You Disappear from the Internet

"If you’re interested in downsizing your online footprint, a tool called Deseat.me could be a huge help – though it’s not quite a one-shot “unplug me” app."

 

Go to bed with the boring teacher from 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'

On Friday, an app will release the ultimate sleep-inducing story: a reading of the first chapter of Adam Smith's 1776 economics book The Wealth of Nations in a droning voice by everyone's favorite economics teacher, Ben Stein.

 

Make Your Smartphone Less Distracting by Switching Your Screen to Grayscale

If you find yourself overly-dependent on your smartphone, and can’t help but check it every few minutes for no reason, this simple tweak might make it easier to cut back.

DirecTV on my Big Screen TV…without a dish

As you might imagine, tech news is a little hard to come by during the holiday season. So, I will continue my mini review of the new DirecTV now application. When we last talked, I had it up and running on my iMac using the Safari Browser. It is still working well and with only a few very minor glitches, I have it running just the way I want. I found out you can select your favorite channels and only show them in the channel guide. Saves a lot of time when browsing as there are only a few channels out of the 100 that I care about.

My big project for the weekend was to get DirecTV on to my 50” TV using my Chromecast device. For those who don’t know, Chromecast is a device much like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon’s Fire TV. But the biggest difference between Chromecast and the others is your controls. The others all use remote controls…Chromecast uses your smartphone or a tablet.

You download an app to your phone/tablet, and it controls what is seen on the TV. It should have been easy, but it wasn’t. I could not get the iPhone or iPad to work with Chromecast and DirecTV, although they worked fine with other channels. Then I read article #1 below and found out that Chromecast with DirecTV only works with an Android device. Thanks for the heads-up, AT&T.

Thank goodness I have an inexpensive 8” Android tablet that I occasionally play around with. As soon as I downloaded the DirecTV app, everything worked almost perfectly. The picture quality is very good. I watched part of the Monday Night Football game on it without an issue. One of the best things about that game was very few commercials. I guess DirecTV has a license for the ESPN, but not their commercials. Fine with me!

Early in 2017, I will be able to use my Apple devices on Chromecast, but I will also be able to get DirecTV on my Roku device. I prefer the Roku to Chromecast so I look forward to that. For various reasons, I will probably keep DirecTV, at least for a while. One nice bonus for me is being able to see the Turner Movie Classics (TMC) channel again. A lot of great old movies shown without commercials. I have missed that channel.

The bottom line is DirecTV is a good deal for the money right now. But you should also check out Sling TV and PlayStation Vue to see if their services might fit your needs better. All three have their strengths and weaknesses…the most obvious being the DVR function only available on Vue…at least for now. Here is a link to a comparison chart that compares all three and what they offer.

Tech News and Opinions

DirecTV Now: everything you want to know

The author spent hours streaming AT&T’s new internet TV, and here’s what it’s like.

 

Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Android TV: All the apps and channels compared

The mainstream video streamers offer hundreds of entertainment apps, from DirecTV Now to Netflix to Nick Jr. to NBC News to NHL, and the list is growing all the time. Here's a big chart showing which of the top 75-odd apps are available on which device.

 

The new MacBook Pro may have some battery issues

Several owners of the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar have taken to Apple’s support forums and Twitter to complain that the battery inside the new machine doesn’t last nearly as long as advertised.

 

Report claims Galaxy Note 7 batteries exploded because they were too big

A new report says there wasn't sufficient clearance between the battery and its enclosure, and that 'aggressive design' led to the battery being squeezed.

 

The NFL will reportedly relax their social media rules so teams can post more GIFs and videos

In a memo from the NFL to all teams, the league outlined a new set of rules that should make it easier for teams to share content with fans on social media.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Turn on Cortana by Voice in Windows 10

Through Microsoft's "Hey Cortana" feature, you can get the attention of the voice assistant just by saying "Hey Cortana," and segue into your converation seamlessly.

 

Why you should start using Google Keep right away

Opinion: Artificial intelligence is transforming Google's yellow sticky note app into an indispensable peripheral to your own mind

 

Microsoft hopes your Windows PC can replace an Amazon Echo

A leaked Home Hub feature would let a shared computer stand in for smart speakers.

 

Everything you need to know about Windows 10 recovery drives

How to make one, and what you can do with it.

 

A new Chrome feature automatically mutes multiple tabs

An experimental new Chrome feature lets you focus on one noisy tab at a time.

 

Mobile Computing

The Best iPad Apps of 2016

These 50 apps will transform your iPad into the ultimate slate computer for work and play.

 

The 10 Best Messaging Apps for Android and iOS

Messaging apps have grown to provide rich services and interaction with others, from free text messaging, to voice and video calling, and even photo and file sharing.

 

Opinion: Never Ever (Ever) Download Android Apps Outside of Google Play

A strain of malware hit at least 1.3 million Android phones, stealing user data as part of a scheme to boost ad revenue. Called “Gooligan,” it got into those devices from an app that people downloaded outside the comfortable confines of the Google Play Store.

 

Microsoft adds more cloud storage options to Office apps on Android

Starting now, you have new storage options and a few more on on the way.

 

5 new tricks for Instagram addicts

Instagram has been rolling out monthly updates that are changing the way you can use the photo-sharing app, including a new live video option that's already available to some users.

 

10 best Reddit apps for Android

Reddit fancies itself as the front page of the Internet. For better or for worse, that’s pretty much what it is. It’s a large site with tons of topics and then tons of threads in each topic. With the right app, you can surf through your favorite subreddits pretty easily.

First Look at DirecTV Now over the Net

Well, I did it. Could not resist. I signed up the first day for the new DirecTV Now. The first seven days are free and after that it is $35 for 100 channels (an introductory offer, normally $60). Will I keep it? Right now, after less than 24 hours, I am leaning towards no. But here are my first impressions…and please remember my views apply only to me.

First thing I found out is it won’t work on a Firefox Browser. For now, it only works on Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari. I chose Safari as I have it on my MAC. So for now, I can only watch it on my computer. This weekend, I will hook it up on my seldom-used Chromecast so I can watch it on a regular TV.

Getting it up and running was not easy. There are no instructions on setup. Their website needs a great deal of work. One has to hunt around to find how to sign up. But I did find out early on, I had to first download Microsoft’s Silverlight software. Even then it would not work. Safari would not recognize Silverlight until I activated it…and I had to do some searching on the Net to find out how to do that as it is not obvious in the settings. That may or may not be true for other browsers.

But I did find out and finally got it up and running. Even then I could not watch any channels until I signed up and gave them my credit card info. And that was not easy to find either. But I finally did and I was finally active.

The quality is good on some channels, not so good on others. But until I see it on a regular TV, I will withhold judgement. I have only viewed a few channels so far and can see by looking at the list, I will never view most of them. So, like cable and satellite TV, I will pay for channels I will never view. But, still, $35 a month is a good deal.

They list a goodly portion of on-demand movies, mostly older films. But when I tried to view some of them, I discovered most are not commercial free. Some are even edited for time, so parts of the movie are missing. Not good. The same holds true for TV programs on demand.

For many years now, I have been watching movies and TV shows on my Roku…almost none of them have commercials. About the only thing I watch with commercials are sporting shows and events. I have thousands of choices of movies and TV shows on my Roku, none of which have commercials. I admit, I am spoiled. I will never watch a movie with commercials. 

Again, all my opinions were formed within 24 hours of signing up. I will watch more over the next few days (between football games) and set it up on my Chromecast. So will have more for you next week. I have included one negative review below as I have yet to find a good one. But its early days yet.

As usual, I have found some good tips and tricks for your electronic devices so I hope you find something of value. Have a good weekend. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Sorry Cord Cutters, DirecTV Now Is a Trap

Opinion: AT&T's new DirecTV Now plan transplants everything bad about cable into the cord-cutter world.

 

Netflix finally lets you download shows and movies to watch offline

You can finally take Netflix with you onto a plane or the subway. The company announced that it’s launching offline playback for “many of your favorite streaming series and movies.”

 

The end of the Apple dynasty?

Apple is misplaying the hand Steve Jobs left them, making themselves vulnerable to competition for the first time since iPod. The company has always been at least one step ahead of the competition in hardware advancements and software experience. That has all changed.

 

How to Contact Customer Support and Actually Get a Human

But there are still humans working in most of those companies’ customer service departments–you just have to know how to get to them. Here are a few easier ways to get what you want.

 

Amazon Aims To Tackle Counterfeiters in 2017

The regulations will target third-party sellers on the site, entities that Amazon cannot easily guarantee the quality of under existing policies yet often partners with under the “Fulfillment by Amazon” (FAB) setup.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

DIY: Extending WiFi throughout your house

You probably need (or at least want) Wi-Fi across your whole property, but making it happen can be daunting. Here's a rundown of the steps you need to take, along with some practical tips and alternative solutions.

 

Tips, tricks and shortcuts: Ed Bott makes Windows 10 work for you

Need help navigating Windows 10? Let Windows pro Ed Bott be your guide.

 

How to Make Windows Shut Down Faster

Windows PCs should shut down fairly quickly—unless there’s a problem causing a shutdown delay. Here’s how to make your computer shut down faster.

 

Photoshop Gets Updated for 2017

Adobe continues to improve the world's leading photo editing software; the 2017 update adds universal search, templates, and companion apps for several designing purposes.

 

How to Use All of Windows 10’s Backup and Recovery Tools

The latest version of Windows also includes way to back up and restore system images, wipe your computer to its default state, store files online, and make recovery drives you can use in case of emergency.

 

Mobil Computing

The Best File Managers for Android

When you need to side load an app or move a downloaded file, for example, you’re going to need a file manager. Here are our picks for the best that Android has to offer.

 

Find out if your Google account has been hacked

Check to see if your Android device has been hit by Gooligan and what to do if it has

 

Microsoft Clip Layer Brings Better Copy and Share Functionality to Android

A new Microsoft Garage project called Clip Layer promises to make it easier for Android users to “snip and share” almost anything that appears on their screen.

 

Protect Yourself With a Free VPN Service

Can't afford a premium VPN? That's no reason to leave your network traffic unprotected. Here's what you need to know about free VPN services.

 

Phones with the best battery life

If a long-life battery tops your list of phone needs, you can't do better than these. Did yours make the list?