Apple’s Spaceship Just About Ready to Fly

Tech News and Opinions

Apple's 'spaceship' campus to open in April

The first employees will soon start moving into the new campus. Parts of "Apple Park" will be open to the public.

 

Windows 10 Device Usage: February

A new report from AdDuplex examines the relative popularity of PC makers, Surface devices, OS versions, and more.

 

Microsoft Confirms Second Windows 10 Update Coming This Year

In a month or two, Microsoft will release the Creators update for Windows 10 that will bring several new features to the platform. Microsoft is planning a second update for 2017 for Windows 10 and now the company has confirmed these plans.

 

We talked to Windows tech support scammers. Here's why you shouldn't

They're after one thing -- money. And when they can't get it, they'll resort to any means necessary.

AMD’s new Ryzen processors will take on Intel starting next week

AMD is launching three new Ryzen 7 processors on March 2 the will attempt to take the crown for fastest PC processors in the world from rival Intel.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft announces new updates for Windows 10 Mail and Calendar

Microsoft has detailed its next wave of updates for the Mail and Calendar apps, with these new features rolling out over the next few weeks.

 

Microsoft OneDrive to get differential sync in Q2 2017

Microsoft's latest OneDrive roadmap shows Q2 2017 as the ship target for a long-awaited feature: Differential sync...the ability to sync only the parts of files that had changed, not entire files

 

OneNote for Windows 10 Updated with Section Passwords

OneNote for Windows 10 received a fairly major update today with several new features, including section password support, notebook reordering, and more.

 

How To Replace Notepad with Another Text Editor in Windows

Here is how to actually replace Notepad so that your preferred text editor becomes the default tool when you—or any app—opens text files or calls on Notepad from anywhere in the Windows interface.

 

7 Free Apps to Install on a New Windows PC

Gotta love the smell of a fresh new machine, but now you have to get back to productivity zen by recovering your files and installing programs.

 

Mobile Computing

What is an alternative mobile carrier?

If you're savvy enough to buy a phone that you know will connect to the network of a particular carrier, you can save big money over the same two-year period a phone is usually paid off when on a big carrier.

 

Instagram now lets everyone share up to 10 photos and videos at once

Instagram has officially announced that the Carousel feature is rolling out to all users beginning today.

 

Best iPhone apps from iMore.com

Which are the ones that will best help you with your work, your hobbies, your responsibilities, and your fun? Out of all the apps, which deserve your attention? Here are the answers.

 

The Cloud? Apple's iOS can't handle the Cloud

iOS's integration with 3rd-party cloud services stinks. What does Apple need to do to make iOS a best-in-class cloud citizen? Or is Android too far ahead?

 

10 best dictionary apps for Android

They’re valuable learning tools. It’s even better when you conveniently have them on your mobile phone. Here are the best dictionary apps for Android:

 

Universal Kernel Manager Tweaks Your Android System With Relative Ease

Most users will never want to touch this, but if you’re a tweaker with a desire to overclock your phone, Universal Kernel Manager can be a huge help.

Should Robots Pay Income and Social Security Taxes?

Bill Gates has brought forth an interesting idea that deserves consideration. He says robots that replace human workers should be pay taxes equal to the amount their human counterparts would have paid (see story #2). As robots will eventually replace a large majority of human workers, that is not a bad idea. I like it!. But to avoid these taxes, corporations would then just move their factories out of the country, much like they do now. Of course, our Congress Critters will never let this happen as they are under the thumb of giant corporations.

And, along those same lines, the FCC is rapidly becoming the enemy of ordinary citizens and the dear friend of the Giant media corporations.They have already declared their intent to end net neutrality. Now they have cut off subsidies to provide cheap Internet to low-income persons (see story #1) . 

In still another anti-consumer move, they have kill off the proposal that would eliminate the need for consumers to spend hundreds of dollars each year to rent a cable box. This was being pushed by the FCC council before the Trump Presidency. With his man now in control, most consumer protections are headed out the window. So sad.

Well there is some good news below so read on and let us all hope for the best. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

FCC is stopping 9 companies from providing subsidized Internet to the poor

FCC regulators are telling nine companies they won't be allowed to participate in a federal program meant to help them provide affordable Internet access to low-income consumers — weeks after those companies were given the green light.

 

Bill Gates says robots should be taxed like workers

In a new interview, Microsoft founder Bill Gates makes a rather stunning argument—that robots who replace human workers should incur taxes equivalent to that worker’s income taxes.

 

Deleting your Yahoo email account? Yeah, good luck with that

Some Yahoo users say inconsistent security practices makes the account deletion process near impossible.

 

Update: Microsoft to delay its February patches to March 14

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday patches are not going to arrive until Tuesday March 14, officials confirm, while providing no reasons for the delay.

 

Opinion: Windows 10’s Settings Are a Mess, and Microsoft Doesn’t Seem to Care

There still isn’t a single interface, as there is on other operating systems, and Microsoft is seriously dragging their feet on consolidating them.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Free Software of 2017

Your phone is full of apps, but don't neglect the desktop. These programs can make your life better.

 

The Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2017

Is typing a pain? Are you ready to switch things up? A mechanical keyboard can make everything click again. Here are our shopping tips and product recommendations.

 

Microsoft's Cortana can now create reminders from your emails

In the battle of the virtual assistants, Microsoft's Cortana just scored. The company is rolling out new functionality that will allow the assistant to remind you about things you haven't explicitly told her to track.

 

Windows 10 tip: Back up your third-party hardware drivers

Tracking down drivers and control software for internal and external hardware devices after a clean reinstall doesn't have to be a tedious job. The secret is to back up the driver file repository that Windows 10 maintains. Here's where you'll find it.

 

Top 10 Ways to Extend Your Laptop's Battery Life

Here are some easy tips to extend the life of your laptop’s battery, both in a pinch and before you leave the house.

 

Mobile Computing

AT&T vs. Verizon vs. T-Mobile vs. Sprint: How to save and get the cheapest phone plan

Which plan is the most affordable? How much are extra lines? Should I get a prepaid plan or a postpaid plan?

8 ways to improve iPhone battery life

If your iPhone doesn't hold a charge like it used to, these tips should help you get a boost from your battery.

 

6 gotta-know Spotify tips for Android and iOS

Save Spotify radio stations for offline listening, snip out the gaps between songs, keep the music playing when your playlist runs out, and more.

 

Jaybird X3 may be the perfect sport buds

The Modern Dad discovers the Jaybird X3 are a great companion for the gym, a quick jog, or really for whatever.

 

10 best Android apps to sell stuff

The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to selling your stuff. You’ll have a few extra bucks and some empty space before you know it.

Can You Believe It? Yahoo Screws Up Again! #3

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo warns users against hackings as it suffers yet another breach

The hackers purportedly relied on a sophisticated cookie forging exploit that could be executed without the need to acquire user passwords, ZDNet reports.

 

Microsoft delays its usual Patch Tuesday updates

It's Microsoft Patch Tuesday, but the company is delaying issuing any patches for some unspecified period of time due to "a last minute issue."

 

Twitter Is Now Temporarily Throttling Reach Of Abusive Accounts

Twitter is temporarily decreasing the reach of tweets from users it believes are engaging in abusive behavior via a new protocol that began rolling out last week.

 

In 2016, Android and iPhone Killed Off All Smartphone Competition

Gartner paints an incredible picture of why Microsoft abandoned the smartphone market: Android and iOS now account basically 100 percent of all new smartphone sales.

 

Hacker knows best: Privacy tips from Kevin Mitnick

This security expert knows all the tricks for stealing your personal information. His new book tells you how to keep your data safe.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Keep All Your Notes, With All My Notes

It makes a great PIM (Personal Information Manager), and is available in a variety of versions.

 

Having touchpad issues in Windows 10? Here's how to fix them

Get tips to revive a dead touchpad or settle down one that's acting skittish on a Windows 10 laptop.

 

How to Automatically Hide the Windows Taskbar

Every bit of monitor space is precious, particularly vertical space. But in Windows 10, the fairly large taskbar takes up real estate even when you don’t need it.

 

How to Customize Your Icons in Windows

Windows has a number of built in icons you can choose from, but there is also an untold number of icons you can download

 

How to Organize Your Desktop With Windows 10 Snap Assist

Here's how to use Snap Assist to cleanly display multiple windows in a single bunch.

 

Mobile Computing

Sprint tweaks its unlimited plan following Verizon and T-Mobile changes

The changes go into effect tomorrow, February 17, and they include unlimited streaming of HD video (up to 1080p).

 

Facebook now has a built-in weather app

Facebook started offering weather "greetings" to some users in April last year, but now it's rolling out a fully fledged weather app on both desktop and mobile.

 

6 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Dash Cam

In countries like Russia, dash cams are pretty much mandatory for insurance reasons

 

How to Find the Best Android Calendar App

Design, email integration, widgets, and task management: Here are our picks for the top Android Calendars in each of those categories.

 

Top 10 New Android Games This Week

This edition is dedicated to new games that you can start playing right now.

 

Location Services on your iPad; what you need to know

They can also become intrusive if given too much access–it just depends on what your expectations are and how informed you are from the beginning.  

US Senate Demands Answers from Yahoo

She may be smiling in this photo, but, trust me, Marissa Mayer is not a happy person right now. The CEO of Yahoo is under tremendous pressure by two Senate Committee Chairmen to answer why over one billion Yahoo accounts were hacked and customer’s private data was exposed and stolen. Not only that, they want to know why the public and Yahoo stockholders were never informed of the breach.

They also kept the news away from potential buyers of the company, like Verizon. This is a betrayal of public trust, and I believe, a violation of corporate laws by a publicly held corporation. The breaches occurred in 2013 and 2014. Yahoo “abruptly” canceled a meeting late last month with Senate staff, and did not reschedule. You can read all about it in our first story.

Lots more good information here and some great tips so keep on reading! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Senators demand answers about Yahoo's unprecedented data breaches

Two Republican senators are losing patience with Marissa Mayer. They set a February 23 deadline to address unanswered questions about two unprecedented data breaches.

 

Microsoft to Sign Off Windows 10 Creators Update in Early March - Report

Windows 10 Creators Update RTM (Released to Manufacturing) could be signed off by Microsoft between March 7 and March 14 this year.

 

Google is planning to remove millions of apps from the Play Store

With notices being sent out to app developers around the globe, it looks like Google is about to cull a whole heap of apps that don’t meet the terms of its User Data Policy.

 

Apple is Dead to Me...I'm Switching to Windows!

A world-famous photographer has made the switch. “It’s too bad that Apple has chosen not to care so much about the creative professional; we were the ones that got them through the lean years.”

 

Libre Office Version 5.3 Released

This version is being dubbed the most feature-rich edition so far. However, it's rare for software developers to remove features, so it's hardly surprising that this latest release has more of them than the previous one did!

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How Windows Explorer can help you find duplicate files

Why, after all these years, it doesn’t have a 'find duplicates' function, we can’t say. But even without it, it’s perfectly adequate to the task, although it means a bit more work on your part.

 

What's 2017's fastest Windows 10 web browser?

In years past, Google Chrome was easily the best. This time around it's a three-horse race.

 

How to clean your Windows registry and speed up your PC

A cluttered registry can slow Windows to a crawl.

 

How to Fix the Most Annoying Things in Windows 10

Windows 10 is great, but it has its issues. Here's how to fix them.

 

Microsoft starts roll out of Outlook Mail's Focused Inbox feature to more users in Windows 10

Focused Inbox, in case you are unfamiliar, is a major feature in Outlook that helps you focus on the important stuff while keeping the less important emails in an easily accessible section.

 

Mobile Computing

Verizon's unlimited data plan is back, finally

Verizon is the last of the major carriers to offer such a plan, while T-Mobile and Sprint aggressively push unlimited.

 

T-Mobile hits back at Verizon with an even better unlimited plan

Adding these changes onto T-Mobile One should push the balance back in T-Mobile’s direction for heavy data users.

 

Best Free Android Apps -Updated 2017

This list of Best Free Android Apps now includes 239 apps in multiple categories. We have selected some gems in each category and added them to the list with clear and brief descriptions of each app.

 

20 Best iPhone Apps of 2017

Have an afternoon to burn and want to download some toys? These are our must-have iPhone apps.

 

Google Maps now lets you create and share lists of places

Your lists can be viewed on both the desktop and mobile apps, and you'll even be able to view them offline if you download the relevant area in advance.

Notes from the Field

Microsoft apparently will introduce a new version of Windows called “Windows Cloud.” They don’t even acknowledge it’s existence yet, but a tech reporter got his hands on a copy of it. The new OS is designed to compete with Google’s Chrome operating system which has become quite successful. As reported here earlier, Chrome-based laptops are cheap and the new ones will also run Android Apps. The rumor is Windows Cloud will be released in early April…same time the updated Windows 10 version (Creator’s Edition) is released. We shall see.

I still use eMClient as my mail/calendar app on my Windows computers and am happy with it (see story #6 below). It is free, but limited to 2 e-mail addresses. For me, that is OK. The eMClient calendar app syncs nicely with Google Calendar which is my base calendaring system. As I use Windows, MAC and iOS devices, I need apps that can sync with Google Calendar cross-platform and there are apps that do…even though I do not use the Google Calendar app on any of my machines.

I still use my 9.7” iPad tablet on a daily basis. If you are thinking about getting a tablet for yourself, don’t even bother with an Android Tablet. In my opinion (and the opinion of tech journalists), Android tablets stink! Just get an iPad…you won’t regret it.

I still love my HP Spectre laptop that I bought on Black Friday. It is the best laptop I have ever used. With an i7 chip, 512 SSD drive, and 16 GB of memory, it is so fast! When I turn it on, Windows boots up in about 4 seconds, ready to go! And the keyboard is just wonderful. My fingers fly on it…which was not the case with my Apple MacBook Pro. I never got used to any Apple keyboard.

In years past, I’ve written about the problems I have with Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud backup on my MAC. Well, all problems with OneDrive were solved some time ago! It now works like a dream. Documents and photos are backed up to the cloud almost as soon as I create them. With an Office 365 subscription, OneDrive with 1 TB of cloud space is free. For $10 a month, that is a great deal…at least for me.

Speaking of the cloud, Apple’s iCloud is a joke when compared to OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon Cloud, and Google Drive. Can’t believe Apple can’t get it right.

Those are my thoughts this day.  Will write more in the future about my computing experiences. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

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

“It’s a little like a spaceship has landed,” said Steve Jobs...and it is close to opening.

 

HBO NOW’s streaming service surpasses 2 million subscribers

HBO’s streaming service for cord cutters, HBO NOW, has grown to over 2 million subscribers in the U.S., parent company Time Warner announced

 

Evernote is getting faster thanks to Google's Cloud Platform

You might see Evernote's pages load faster than usual going forward, now that the service is almost fully done moving 3 petabytes of data to Google Cloud Platform.

 

The 7 best tech items from AmazonBasics

Amazon sells many good items with their own brand name. Many of them are quite good. Here are the best of the bunch.

 

Walmart kills its Amazon Prime copycat

Walmart waited a decade to introduce a membership shipping service to compete against Amazon's hugely successful Prime program. Less than two years later, it's killing off the new service and changing tactics.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

3 great email app alternatives to Windows Mail: Mailbird, eM Client and Inky

Windows 10's default app isn't the best option for unruly inboxes. Try one of these instead.

 

How to customize your reading list in Edge for Windows 10

There's more to read online than you could ever hope to cover, but thanks to Microsoft Edge's Reading List feature, you can create a reading list of the awesome stuff you can't to get to right now.

 

The Best Tax Preparation Software of 2017

Doing your own taxes isn't as intimidating as it sounds. These top-rated online tax services get the job done without the fuss

 

How to force Firefox to retain your preferred search engine

If you're a Firefox user, you've probably noticed that it reverts to Yahoo as its search provider each time it automatically updates. Here's how to stop that.

 

3 Ways to Speed Up Windows 10

Windows 10's settings offer a few surprising ways to make the OS run faster (video included).

 

Mobile Computing

15 Cool Smartphone Camera Tricks You Should Know

Chances are, you're not even taking advantage of all the cool things your phone's camera can do.

 

How to share your Android phone's connection with Wi-Fi hotspot

You don't have to be a networking wizard to turn your handset into a personal hotspot.

 

The safest ways to lend someone your Android phone

You can let people borrow your device without revealing your open apps, browser tabs, or personal data.

 

5 ways Android has taken Apple’s ideas and made them better

Google took one look at the iPhone Apple unveiled in early 2007 and it instantly knew it was cloning the wrong mobile experience.

 

Choosing the right (and best!) Lightning cable for the job!

While the standard lightning cable that comes with your iPhone is great, there are some really reliable, high-quality alternatives out there that may actually give you a bit more bang for your buck.

New FCC Commission is Selling Us Down the River

Tech News and Opinions

How the New FCC Plans to Dismantle Consumer Protections

Here’s what’s happening and how it affects the principle of net neutrality going forward. PS: It will be designed to protect giant media corporations contrary to any BS about promoting competition.

 

Congress just passed a law that tightens America's email privacy laws

This law, which has bipartisan support, requires the government to obtain a warrant before accessing the email of American citizens.

 

Vizio smart TVs tracked what viewers were watching without consent

As well as paying a hefty fine, Vizio has been ordered to delete all information collected before March 2016.

 

The Super Bowl live-streams crashed for both Comcast and Fox Sports

Folks watching on the Fox Sports app lost their stream during the game’s pivotal fourth quarter.

 

Web of Trust browser extensions yanked after proving untrustworthy

Mozilla decided to pull the Web of Trust add-on from its catalog, and the company behind the extension quickly pulled its software off of other browser platforms as well.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Run Android on Your Computer

Android isn’t largely thought of as a desktop operating system, but if you’re curious about how Google’s mobile OS works, running it on a device you already have isn’t a bad idea.

 

First Steps: Scan Old Photos and Back Them Up to the Cloud

Those seeking to bring their old photo collections into the digital age face numerous challenges, not the least of which is the monotonous task of scanning individual photos or negatives. Here are a few thoughts about this process.

 

Netflix extension for Chrome is your shortcut to a ton of hidden categories

Available for free, Netflix Categories is a neat new Chrome extension that removes the hassle out of browsing the hidden categories of the popular streaming service.

 

Office 365 tip: Using 'Add to AutoCorrect' to make you more productive

Never make the same typos again by using AutoCorrect to make your typing much more efficient.

 

FAQ: How to manage Windows 10 updates

If you've spent years mastering the ins and outs of Windows Update, prepare to do some unlearning. Windows 10, with its emphasis on "Windows as a Service," rewrites almost all the rules of updates and upgrades. Here's what you need to know.

 

Mobile Computing

6 essential settings to make your iPhone and iPad display easier on the eyes

Make text larger, or just bolder. Zoom in on all of the screen or just parts. And finally get buttons to look like buttons again, with these helpful tips for iOS 9 and later.

 

Why your iPhone battery meter sometimes goes haywire

Even though many people complained to me about bizarre battery hiccups, I was unconvinced until I experienced virtually every one of them myself. 

 

How to Transfer Photos from Mac or Windows Computer to iPhone or iPad

Now you can manage all your sweet memories on different devices like Mac/Windows PC and iPhone or iPad. This information tells you how to transfer photos from Mac or Windows PC to iPhone or iPad.

Google Maps for Android now gives one-swipe access to real-time commute data and dining recommendations

Today’s update comes a few weeks after Google introduced a new feature in Maps that predicts how busy the parking is at your destination.

 

Google Now Launcher to be discontinued by Google

Google's first launcher, the launcher that shipped with the Nexus series and that helped define what much of the theming community views as 'stock', will be retiring soon.

 

How to protect your privacy with a VPN on Android

You don't necessarily have to spend money, but free VPN apps come with some drawbacks.

Houston Astros Hacked…By the St. Louis Cardinals!

While baseball looks more gentlemanly than football or basketball or hockey, don’t let looks fool you. These “gentlemen” can play rough. Now, instead of stealing the other teams signs, one of them has been caught stealing data.

The St. Louis Cardinals hacked into the Houston Astros computers to steal scouting data and related e-mails. The man in charge of the hacks was sentenced to almost four years in a federal prison and the team is being forced to pay a hefty fine as well as lose draft picks. In view of other sports scandals, the Cardinals got away with a relatively light slap on the wrist…although the chief hacker might not agree with that statement.

What was it that Vince Lombardi said?  “Winning isn’t every thing…it is the only thing.” You might add to that quote, “…that is until you get caught.” And the Cardinals got caught.

More good info here, as usual, so don’t get caught short by not looking for something that might be of help. Have a great weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

St. Louis Cardinals nailed for big league hack

The National League powerhouse loses two draft picks and must pay $2 million in fines for hacking the Houston Astros in 2013.

Ransomware is about to get a lot worse, by holding your operating system hostage ZDNet

The threat of ransomware has grown at an unprecedented rate, rising from being a menace to becoming by far the most common form of malware delivered to victims by cyberattackers.

 

Security flaws in Pentagon systems "easily" exploited by hackers

Hackers are likely exploiting the easy-to-find vulnerabilities, according to the security researcher who warned the Pentagon of the flaws months ago.

 

Microsoft Provides More Details About Edge Improvements in the Creators Update

Microsoft provides a bit more information about the upcoming new version of their Web browser.

 

Canada declares 'high-speed' internet essential for quality of life

Canada has recognized the obvious and declared high-speed broadband internet access a “basic telecommunications service” that every citizen should be able to access.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

 

How to Assign a Persistent Drive Letter to a USB Drive in Windows

If you use multiple USB drives, you’ve probably noticed that the drive letter can be different each time you plug one in. If you’d like to assign a static letter to a drive that’s the same every time you plug it in, read on.

Online security 101: Tips for protecting your privacy from hackers and spies

This simple advice will help to protect you against hackers and government surveillance.

 

Windows 10 tip: Repair your Windows 10 installation

Performing a clean install or a reset means you have to reinstall apps and desktop programs and start over with settings and preferences. If you suspect Windows has become damaged, there's a less drastic solution: Run Setup to repair Windows. Here's how

 

How to Get the Best Cable Modem: Should You Buy or Rent?

You may be able to save money and get faster speeds by buying a cable modem instead of renting one from your ISP. Here's what you need to know.

 

What Are Mesh Wi-Fi Systems, and How Do They Work?

If your home’s Wi-Fi network has dead spots, or doesn’t reach across your entire house, then you might have recently considered getting a mesh Wi-Fi system. They’ve skyrocketed in popularity.

Mobile Computing

The safest ways to lend someone your Android phone

You can let people borrow your device without revealing your open apps, browser tabs, or personal data.

 

How to Switch From an iPhone to an Android Phone

Are you over Apple? Here's how to easily make the change from iOS to Google's Android ecosystem.

 

9 iPhone Apps No One Should Be Without

From productivity to playtime, here are the best iPhone apps to get you through the day.

 

Snapseed for Android and iOS gets its first 2017 update w/ new curves tool and more

Snapseed is one of our favorite photo editing tools for mobile, and it just keeps getting better with every update.

 

Quick Look: Gmail for iPad

I really like the default Mail app on the iPad. I think it’s a great example of what a good iPad Pro app should be.

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.