Donald Trump Out to Destroy Amazon

Note: This is my last blog for a couple of weeks as I am about to leave for Chicago, then Indianapolis for the Indy 500 Race.

Tech News and Opinions

Trump Will Not Rest Until Amazon Is a Smoldering Pile of Radioactive Ash

The president reportedly tried to gouge Jeff Bezos for billions. Sounds like the good old days of Richard Nixon.

White House eliminates cybersecurity coordinator role

There was near universal agreement that the cybersecurity coordinator position was important. But the White House disagreed

Why Google and Microsoft are doubling down on their free email services

For consumers, the e-mail services are largely free to use, so why are Microsoft and Google still locked in what appears to be a heated horse race e-mail?

Comcast charges $90 install fee at homes that already have Comcast installed

$90 fee may be required even if you buy your own modem and plug it in yourself.

Google Parent Company Drops 'Don't Be Evil' Motto

Alphabet, which took over as Google’s new holding company on Friday, has dropped the tech giant’s “Don’t Be Evil” mantra from its code of conduct.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Get Started With Usenet, the Best Alternative to Torrents

Read on to learn how to ditch Torrenting and enjoy super speeds and selection on Usenet.

How Google’s New Storage Pricing Compares to Microsoft, Apple, and Dropbox

Google’s subscription storage service has a new name: Google One. Some prices are dropping and customers will also get customer support from an actual human for the first time.

As Windows 10 April 2018 Update lands, Microsoft lists old features being cut

Microsoft reveals the features and apps it's deprecating or removing from the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

How to Create, Edit, and View Microsoft Word Documents for Free

There was a time when you had to have Microsoft Office installed to create, edit, or even view a Microsoft Word document. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.

How to download your Facebook data

What exactly does Facebook know about you based on your profile?

Mobile Computing

Microsoft To-Do for iOS

Microsoft's To-Do app, the successor to the popular Wunderlist task manager, gives you an easy way to track your tasks and organize your day.

Google News vs. Apple News on iOS

We went hands-on with Google News to check out the new features and to see how it compares to Apple News, the built-in news app that's available on the iPhone and the iPad.

Avoid Battery Drain on iPhone with These Settings

There are various iPhone settings that will increase your iPhone’s battery life. Continue reading to learn 14 of them

The 44 best Android games of 2018

The headline speaks for itself.

Best Android Phones in 2018

When money's no option, these are the absolute best Android phones you can buy.

Best Android Tablets in 2018

Like most things, there is no one Android tablet that's right for everyone. Whether you want the stylish look and thin profile of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 or the sort-of-tablet Pixelbook, or anything in between, there's a tablet that will work for you.

Senate Votes to Save Net Neutrality

Tech News and Opinions

Senate votes to restore net neutrality: Here's how every senator voted

In surprising vote Wednesday, the Senate voted to restore the Net neutrality policies previously repealed by the FCC, thanks to a handful of Republicans joining Democrats in a last-ditch effort. Next, it goes to the House.

This Is Ajit Pai, Nemesis of Net Neutrality

The competition is stiff, but Pai may be the most reviled man on the Internet.

Facebook deleted 583 million fake accounts in the first three months of 2018

That's more than a quarter of Facebook's 2.2 billion monthly active users.

New $10 YouTube Music Service to Launch Next Week, Replacing Google Play Music

The rebranded service includes personalized playlists, intelligent search, support for background playback and music downloads for offline listening.

Amazon cuts Whole Foods prices for Prime members in new grocery showdown

Whole Foods debuted a much-anticipated loyalty program that offers special discounts to Prime customers, including 10 percent off hundreds of sale items and rotating weekly specials.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Avoid iTunes Bloat With the Windows Store Version

Installing the Store version of iTunes eliminates these unnecessary background processes and makes your PC boot faster.

Google One cloud storage gives you 100GB for $2 per month

Google One is the new way you'll buy online storage from Google, taking over from the company's previous Google Drive storage plans.

Windows 10 tip: Use an ISO file to create a bootable USB flash drive

Your emergency repair kit should include a recovery drive that contains the installation files for the latest Windows 10 version. Here's how to create this indispensable tool quickly and easily.

Close All Open Programs With One Click

Close All is a small but very useful utility that will close all open applications in Windows with a single click. It also lets you choose individual applications to close or leave open.

The Best Laptop Docking Stations for Every Laptop

There’s nothing quite like plugging in a single cable to turn your portable laptop into a full blown workstation. Here are the docking stations to do just that.

Mobile Computing

Three iOS tricks you're probably not using

Apple has packed a lot of features into iOS. Problem is, you can't use them if you don't know they are there.

How to get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases

How you get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases and in-app purchases isn't obvious, but it is possible!

The new AI-powered Google News app is now available on iOS

It centers around using machine learning to train algorithms to comb through complex, fast-breaking news stories and break them down in easy-to-understand formats

Google will require some Android phone makers to roll out ‘regular’ security patches

We reached out to Google to learn how frequent the security updates will be and who they’ll apply to, but the company didn’t immediately have answers for us

How to check your Google Assistant history

See and hear everything Google Assistant has acted on.

Best Android Launchers in 2018

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.

Beware Your Cell Carrier

Tech News and Opinions

US cell carriers are selling access to your real-time phone location data

Four of the largest cell giants in the US are selling your real-time location data to a company that you've probably never heard about before.

Apple Slapped With Class Action Lawsuit Over Faulty MacBook Pro Keyboards

Apple’s much-maligned butterfly keyboard design has bugged customers since its release, and now its landed the company in court.

What is machine learning? Everything you need to know

This guide explains what machine learning is, how it is related to artificial intelligence, how it works and why it matters.

What is Microsoft 365? Microsoft's most important subscription bundle, explained

Microsoft 365 is becoming a centerpiece of Redmond's cloud strategy. Here's everything you need to know about what it is and how it's evolving

Google employee protest: Now 'Googlers are quitting' over Pentagon drone project

The number of employees against Google's Project Maven role grows, and they're now backed by a big group of academics.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10's best tricks, tips, and tweaks

Windows 10 is chock-full of handy, hidden new features worth exploring. Check out the best tips and tricks here.

How to 'AirDrop' Between Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android Devices

Thankfully, you have a few options for getting your many platforms to play nicely with one another—at least as far as your files go.

How to turn on Gmail's Smart Compose

Gmail's AI-infused Smart Compose is live in experimental form. Here's how to activate it.

What's new with the Settings app for the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

The April 2018 Update for Windows 10 delivers a ton of improvements and new options to the Settings, and here's everything you need to know.

How to use fonts in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and more

Download, install, and manage your fonts with ease.

Mobile Computing

Some Thoughts on Google Photos vs Apple Photos

The improvements in Google Photos and lack of magic in Apple Photos sometimes make me wonder if I made the right choice by buying to Apple’s ecosystem and its ideology around software, data, and privacy.

iPhone: How to delete all photos

Whether you’re wanting a fresh start all together, or maybe transferring your photos to your Mac or other computer first, it can be helpful to know how to delete all photos from your iPhone.

Microsoft announces Your Phone app for Windows 10 and Timeline coming to iPhone

A new Your Phone app is hitting preview for Windows 10, Windows Timeline is coming to iPhone via Edge, and Microsoft Launcher for Android is getting Timeline support.

How to Get iMessages in Android

Shock your iPhone-toting friends by sending them iMessages from your Android phone

Android P: Everything you need to know

From new gestures to extending battery life, here's everything you need to know about Android P!

The Best Local Music Players for Android

While streaming music seems to be the most popular choice nowadays, there’s still a large subset of people who prefer music stored locally. If you’re into local music, here are the best players for Android.

The New Firefox–Browsing Without Passwords…Maybe

Tech News and Opinions

Firefox moves browsers into post-password future with WebAuthn tech

So you don't have to worry so much about phishing -- at least if websites support the new technology.

Exclusive: Google Assistant could become the most lifelike AI yet

Experimental technology, rolling out soon in a limited release, makes you think you’re talking to a real person.

The legislative Hail Mary that may save net neutrality

Websites want us to know what's at stake as Democrats attempt some political maneuvering. Here’s what you need to know.

NSA says searches of Americans' data spiked in 2017

The agency collected a staggering 534 million domestic phone records last year, up threefold on the year earlier.

Microsoft reveals the future of its Fluent Design for Windows 10

Microsoft first unveiled its Fluent Design changes for Windows 10 at Build last year, adding subtle animations to many apps and core parts of Windows

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Patch Tuesday Fixes an Internet Explorer Flaw Exploited by Hackers

The fix is part of Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday update for Windows 10, addressing the vulnerability discovered by the Qihoo 360 Core Security team in late April.

Twitter advising all 330 million users to change passwords after bug exposed them in plain text

There’s apparently no evidence of any breach or misuse, but you should change your password anyway

How to manage apps settings on Windows 10 April 2018 Update

Here are the steps to access and configure apps settings individually on Windows 10 version 1803.

How to free up disk space after updating to Windows 10 April 2018 Update

You can reclaim gigs of drive space after updating your system.

What's new with Windows Defender Security Center in the April 2018 Update

There's an updated version of the Windows Defender Security Center app in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, and in this guide, we show you all the new changes.

Mobile Computing

Build 2018: Microsoft embraces Android and iOS, extends Timeline feature

At this week's Build developers conference, Microsoft shows off new features designed to connect its cloud-based services more tightly to mobile devices running iOS and Android.

The 10 best smartphones of 2018

A couple more phones have been launched since MWC and further use of others encouraged us to update the list of top smartphones

5 things you need to know about Microsoft's 'Your Phone' for Windows 10

Here are some intriguing things we learned about the "Your Phone" app this week at Microsoft Build.

How to edit Photos Memories on your iPhone and iPad

Memories is one of the best features of the Photos app. It gathers together pictures into albums that are surprisingly smart. It picks you best pictures, adds music, and more.

Best keyboard apps for Android

There's nothing like a good keyboard to turn the average user into a prolific communicator.

How to get all of Google Assistant’s new voices right now

Google Assistant is getting a new voice. In fact, it's getting six new voices. Here's how you can try them today.

Events Update: Microsoft Build and Google I/O

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Build 2018: the biggest announcements

There were some exciting announcements: new Windows features, improvements for voice assistants, and helpful new cloud services. Much of it won’t be widely available until later this year, but here’s the most exciting stuff that Microsoft had to share.

Everything important from Google I/O

From Gmail that writes itself to an Assistant that may pass the Turing test, Google I/O brought us a ton of enhancements to its products, almost all due to its AI and machine learning efforts.

Microsoft demonstrates Alexa and Cortana integration

The integration works by simply summoning Cortana with the command “Alexa, open Cortana.” You can then ask follow-up questions or commands like “send an email” to a particular person that you wouldn’t normally be able to do with Alexa alone.

MacBook Pro Owners Demand Recall Over Failing Keyboards

Apple's current MacBook Pro are failing at alarming rates that make the notebook a dodgy purchase, especially when they start at $1,299 and can cost as much as $2,799.

Most Facebook users in US still loyal to social networking giant, poll finds

Three-quarters of America's Facebook users say they use the social network as often or more frequently since a data scandal broke in March.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft’s new Windows 10 app mirrors your phone’s features to your PC

The app is designed to provide a mirror of a phone straight to a desktop PC, and it will let Windows 10 users access texts, photos, and notifications from their machines.

Best USB 3.0 Hubs of 2018

Can't get enough USB 3.0 ports? You need to get yourself a great USB hub.

The best and worst laptop brands 2018

For 2018, Lenovo retained its place for a second year as the best laptop vendor, but it just barely edged out second-place HP and third-place Dell.

How to Share Large Files Over the Internet

We’re going to look at a few different ways you can get large files to someone, and they’re all useful in different situations.

How to use the Windows 10 April 2018 Update's Focus assist feature to reduce distractions

If you don't want to be bothered with notifications during as specific time while using Windows 10, we'll show you the steps to use Focus assist to minimize distractions.

Mobile Computing

Best True Wireless Earphones of 2018

This definitive guide to the best true wireless earphones of 2018 explores everything you need to know before buying your next pair of true wireless earphones

To All Android Users: Make Sure to Do This Before Risk Losing Your Android Smartphone or Tablet

Previously and mostly known as Android Find My Phone, Google Find My Device is just part of Google rebranding anything related to Android to Google’s name,.

Google Assistant: 12 new tricks and tips

Google's A.I. assistant learned some new tricks while you weren't looking.

Microsoft's Android launcher can run apps from your Windows Timeline

Windows 10's Timeline feature is now decidedly more useful away from your PC, provided you use the right software.

Google announces new version of Google News, rolling out for iOS and Android

Google News will bring together artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to filter, sort, and organize news according to storylines.

Apple is Making Serious Moves with Apple News

While Apple News was already looking good, changes to make it far more powerful and wide-reaching have been publicly visible since March.

Problems! Don’t Install the Latest Windows 10 Just Yet

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10's April Update is causing lots of problems

Microsoft's hoping to ship a fix next week for the latest version of Windows 10, the April 2018 Update.

Cambridge Analytica to close down after Facebook data scandal

The data analytics firm engulfed in Facebook's user privacy scandal has suddenly filed for insolvency.

Windows 10: We're going to kill off passwords and here's how, says Microsoft

Microsoft wants to banish '​inconvenient, insecure, and expensive' passwords. So what's going to replace them?

Full version of AutoDesk’s SketchBook app for iOS, Mac, Android & Windows is now FREE

Autodesk® SketchBook® – the digital drawing app made for everyone who loves to draw.

Read 11,000 Pulp Magazines Online for Free

Pulp magazines (also called Pulp Fiction) were published from 1896 through the 1950's.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 April 2018 Update: Act fast to delay this big upgrade

Each time Microsoft rolls out a major upgrade to Windows 10, you have the option to wait a few months before you install it on PCs running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. But you have to act quickly.

Google Chrome is freezing intermittently with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

Microsoft says a fix is on the way for early adopters of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update with Chrome problems.

The Best Chrome Extensions for Productivity

They’re lightweight, easy-to-install and usually free, but the effect they have on productivity is profound.

Facebook launches Clear History feature that should have been there all along

Clear History will take a few months to build and input from various parties, but Facebook will allow users to clear their data trail--just like you can with your browsers.

Automatically Update Over 300 Windows Apps Using This Free Program

This useful program automates the checking, installation and updating of over 300 applications on your Windows PC.

Mobile Computing

6 things to know about the new free Spotify

The world's largest music-streaming service just amped up its freebie options. Here's what you need to know.

Stop Using WhatsApp If You Care About Your Privacy

If you care enough about your privacy to delete Facebook (or even change the way you use the social network) you may want to ditch WhatsApp as well.

The Best Web Browsers for Android

Your phone probably already has Chrome on it, but that’s not the be all, end all when it comes to web browsers for Android. There are, in fact, dozens of alternatives out there. Here’s a look at the best of the bunch.

Best text messaging apps for Android as of May 2018

There are plenty of great text messaging apps to choose from, and these are some of our favorites.

iOS 11 tips and tricks everyone should know

If you use an iPhone or iPad, you owe it to yourself to be able to get the most out of your hardware, and the best way to do that is to know how to get the most of iOS 11.

Best apps for tracking your HRV (heart rate variability) on iPhone

Want to track your heart rate variability (HRV)? Here are the best apps to do it.

The Windows 10 April Update is Here!

Tech News and Opinions

Sprint and T-Mobile have announced that they will merge

The merger will need to be approved by regulators and the company's shareholders. The new company will be called T-Mobile.

What the T-Mobile and Sprint merger means for you

If the deal is approved, the resulting company would be the nation’s second-biggest wireless carrier after Verizon, controlling roughly 100 million customers.

What Is OneDrive?

OneDrive is Microsoft's popular cloud storage service, but is it right for you?

Facebook's new data policy: Answers to your privacy questions

The new policy comes in at more than 4,200 words. The language is meant to be easy to understand, but that's still a lot of words to get through. We read it for you.

Microsoft is reportedly working on a leaner Windows 10 (again)

Microsoft’s first attempt to create a lighter version of Windows 10 – which it dubbed Windows 10 S – didn’t go so well. Now, it’s taking another shot with Windows 10 Lean.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft's Windows 10 April 2018 Update Now Available

Microsoft's latest Windows 10 feature update has an official name and a release date. You can get it now or wait till May 8 when it starts rolling out automatically. You've got questions? I've got (some) answers.

5 tips to prepare your PC for Windows 10 May 2018 Update

It's time to get your computer ready for Microsoft's next big update to Windows 10.

Windows 10 April 2018 Update: the 10 best new features

Like the previous Fall Creators Update, it’s full of small features that improve Windows 10 without dramatically changing the platform.

Microsoft is turbo-charging its Outlook app on Windows, Mac and mobile

The new features that Microsoft announced are ready right now for Windows, web and Mac users, and coming soon for Android and iOS devices.

How to finally organize your contact list

Tips and tricks for the Apple, Google, and Microsoft contact apps.

Mobile Computing

How to turn your old phone into a home security camera

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

How to invoke split screen on iPad with iOS 11

The beauty of iOS 11 on the iPad is that if you continuously use the same two apps in split screen, iOS will remember that. So the next time you launch your primary app, the secondary app will launch with it.

Keep Your Inbox Manageable With the 10 Best Email Apps for the iPhone

Thankfully, there are many email apps that are designed to help you better manage your inbox.

13 of the Best Calendar Apps for iOS and Android

While smartphones come with built-in calendars, sometimes those apps just don’t cut it. These calendar apps to a much better job.

10 best offline apps for Android

Everyone should carry at least a few apps that work offline for when the Net is not available. That way your smartphone doesn’t turn into a brick.

Top 10 Android app updates this week: Reddit, Deezer Music

We’ve found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to find the ones that are actually being updated by the developers rather than selecting the apps with the most installs.

Amazon Prime Membership Raised to $119

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon to raise Prime membership in US to $119 from $99

The 20 percent price hike goes into effect May 11 and hits existing customers' renewals on June 16.

The Best USB Charging Stations For Families

We’ve got more gadgets than ever and now even our kids are getting in on the gadget game. All those gadgets need charging and these charging stations make it simple to park a whole pile of them in one place to charge.

802.11ax Wi-Fi is faster, but most people should wait to buy into it

The latest Wi-Fi standard makes home networks faster, especially for video streaming.

A paranoid's guide to the internet

Are you a savvy surfer, or trapped in a mental underground bunker of your own making?

How to avoid tech support scams

Scammers are getting craftier, according to a new report. Follow these tips to keep your money and identity safe.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to make the most of the new Gmail

Google's Gmail major rewrite introduces many new, useful features. Here's how to use the Gmail improvements, which are ready now.

The 2018 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? Here is how.

5 things to know about Google's new Tasks app

Finally, Google has a dedicated to-do app that integrates with Gmail.

Gigabit Ethernet vs. Fast Ethernet: What’s the Difference?

Not all Ethernet is created equal. It’s important to understand the difference between them and which one you should choose.

iTunes Is Now in the Microsoft Store

Sick of Apple’s update tool bugging you in Windows, but want to keep iTunes around just in case? Good news: you can now download iTunes on the Microsoft Store and get your updates that way.

Mobil Computing

Opera Touch keeps your phone and PC in perfect browsing sync

Opera's big announcement that has been teased for weeks is something that unifies your browsing on your phone and your PC.

How to Hide Files on Any Phone or Computer

If you’ve got something you want to hide away, then you’ve got plenty of options on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS

4 tech accessories that can transform an old iPad into a new laptop computer

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

8 Passcode Tips for Keeping Hackers & Law Enforcement Out of Your iPhone for Good

A four- or six- digit number code isn't strong enough for the password-cracking weapons of today, so you should definitely consider making your passcode stronger.

Best new apps for iPhone and iPad

What are the hottest new apps on the App Store right now? These!

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Our weekly look at the new and best Android apps with fewer than 100,000 installs.

The Last Days of Net Neutrality

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality is pretty much dead. Here's what that means.

As we prepare for net neutrality to take its last gasp of air, here's a reminder about what its loss means for you.

Windows warning: Tech-support scammers are ramping up attacks, says Microsoft

Windows 10 security won't protect you from tech-support scammers' lies and trickery.

Netflix, Amazon, and major studios try to shut down $20-per-month TV service

The lawsuit was filed against the company behind Set TV, which sells a $20-per-month TV service with more than 500 channels.

Amazon Key In-Car delivers right to your car’s trunk

The online retailer's newest shipping option rolls out in 37 US cities. Will Prime shoppers be convinced of its convenience?

How to create private Alexa skills without code

Amazon's Alexa Skills Blueprints let anyone with an Alexa device make household skills.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Is Sunsetting OneNote 2016: Here's What You Need To Know

Microsoft is sunsetting OneNote 2016 and gently pushing users to OneNote for Windows 10.

Chrome 66 rolls out: Autoplay video silenced by default plus 62 bugs fixed

Chrome 66 mutes audio on autoplay video by default unless a user tends to watch video on a site with sound on.

Best Windows backup software 2018

The best programs for keeping your data and Windows safely backed up.

Six Tips to Help Save Yourself from Poor Computer Posture

Sitting on its own isn’t inherently bad, but if you work at a computer, sitting for hours every day is ultimately hard on your body. Here are some simple tips you can do to help, though.

Manage, save and invest your money with these apps

New to managing money? Apps and tools like Mint, Toshl Finance and YNAB can help you save for what’s important.

Mobile Computing

7 ways to control your Android from a PC

Doing this, one can download files, log into your home network, and even stream AAA PC games from a cafe, using a handful of apps!

Best Microsoft apps for Android

Microsoft apps have come a long way on Android.

These are the best Android apps of 2018 nominated for a Google Play Award

Here are all of the nominated apps, divided up by category — there are nine categories in total, and five nominees for each one.

Dropbox for iPad updated with tons of great features

The latest version of Dropbox allows iPad users to move files around with a fingertip. It also works better with long file names.

How to learn to draw with iPad and Apple Pencil

Whether you've drawn many things or this is your first digital sketching tool, make the most of your Apple Pencil with these tips.

How to download and install iOS 11.3.1 on your iPhone or iPad

iOS 11.3.1 fixes a bug that cropped up that may have caused the display of your iPhone 8 to become unresponsive if your device received a third-party screen replacement. Update now!

A 6” iPhone for $550? That’s the Rumor!

Tech News and Opinions

Rumor: Apple could sell a 6.1-inch iPhone for $550

A more affordable iPhone may be heading our way: Apple is rumored to be releasing a 6.1-inch iPhone in the fall priced as low as $550.

The Amazon stat long kept under wraps is revealed: Prime has over 100 million subscribers

In 2017, Amazon shipped more than 5 billion items with Prime worldwide, Bezos wrote, and Prime gained more new members than in any previous year.

Microsoft Office 2019 kills off OneNote desktop app in favor of Windows 10 version

Microsoft is replacing the desktop version of OneNote with the Windows 10 version in Office 2019, along with making the entire Office 2019 standalone suite only work on Windows 10.

What It's Like to Live in America Without Broadband Internet

In every single state, a portion of the population doesn’t have access to broadband, and some have no access to the internet at all.

Facebook to follow Europe's strict, new GDPR privacy law

The company says it will extend new privacy protections to all users, even those who live outside the EU.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

What to Do With Your Old Laptop

Instead of letting it sit idle in your home, why not try one of these four options?

Chromebook Buyer's Guide

You've decided on Chromebook. Now you just have to choose which one fits your needs best.

Best Android apps for your Chromebook

An injection of over 1,000,000 Android apps does a great job filling in the holes in Chrome.

How to Upgrade Your Computer With a New Drive

Thankfully, replacing your old-and-busted drive with a brand-new drive is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

How to Create the Perfect Facebook Cover Photo

Your Facebook profile says a lot about you. It’s likely your most visible online presence, so it’s worth making it look good. Here’s how to pick a great cover photo.

Mobile Computing

The best to-do apps

Sometimes your phone's built-in to-do list isn't enough.

How To Reset Your Passcode on Your iOS 11 Device

Reports indicate that it takes over a month to crack an iPhone with an 8-digit passcode, or over 13 years to unlock an iPhone with a 10-digit passcode. So, it’s time to change your passcode.

How to change the Siri voice on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, or HomePod

Many people only know the default voice of Siri. Follow along as we walk you through how to change both the accent and gender of Siri.

How to create custom vibration pattern ringtones for iPhone

iOS offers a myriad of ways to customize your iPhone and it can be easy to look past some handy options. Follow along for how to create custom vibration patterns for phone calls.

Security updates: Your Android phone may be hiding them from you

Android brands can definitely do a better job of delivering security updates, but did you know that your phone manufacturer might be hiding patches from you?

Best ways to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Android

With the games being broadcast by NBC Sports in the U.S. and on Rogers Sportsnet up in Canada, you have options whether you're a cable subscriber or a cord cutter.

Windows 2018 Spring Update is Delayed

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft reveals why the Spring Creators Update has been delayed

The update was causing 'blue screen of death' errors, which cause Windows to become unresponsive and display a blue error screen, on enough PCs to warrant the delay.

Broadband advisor picked by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai arrested on fraud charges

Elizabeth Pierce allegedly tricked investors into pouring $250 million into a fiber optic scheme by forging revenue agreements

After bashing Amazon deals, Trump orders investigation of U.S. Postal Service

President says that USPS is “losing many billions of dollars a year, while charging Amazon and others so little to deliver their packages, making Amazon richer and the Post Office dumber and poorer?”

Facebook confirms it can track you even if you delete your account

Facebook has shed more light on how it tracks people around the web, and confirmed once and for all that it does indeed keep tabs on people who don’t even use the social network.

Google's astounding new search tool will answer any question by reading thousands of books

Type a question into "Talk to Books," and AI-powered tool will scan every sentence in 100,000 volumes in Google Books and generate a list of likely responses with the pertinent passage bolded.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Apps to Keep Windows 10 Organized

Welcome to Spring Cleaning Week, wherein we clear the cobwebs of winter and set the stage for sunny days ahead. Let’s clean things up, shall we?

How to Remove Facebook from Your Life (And Why That’s Nearly Impossible)

If you want to rid yourself of Facebook, I’m going to tell you how, but you probably won’t do it.

This is the new Gmail design

A new sidebar includes Google Calendar alongside messages

Why You Should Always Install 64-bit Windows

The 64-bit version of Windows is also known as the “x64” version of Windows, while the 32-bit version is also known as the “x86” version.

How To Upgrade Or Replace Your PC’s RAM

Adding memory is one of the easier ways to boost your PC’s performance. There are a few things to check before spending your money, though, so let’s talk about them.

Mobile Computing

The Best Ways to Automatically Back Up the Photos on Your Smartphone

You probably capture lots of important moments with your phone, so you also need to make sure you’re keeping those moments backed up.

Another reason to quit Facebook: It's still a battery hog

The Facebook app continues to consume more power than most. There are two possible workarounds.

11 Tips for Working on the iPad

From keyboard recommendations and shortcuts to gestures and Siri, here are all the little tricks I use to get work done on my iPad Pro on a daily basis.

The New Cheap iPad Is All the iPad You Need

Review: It’s good. It’s not great! But it’s probably all the iPad you need.

Android’s trust problem isn’t getting better

Your phone’s manufacturer may be lying to you about the security of your Android device. In fact, it appears that almost all of them do.

Is your Android phone a 'toxic hellstew' of vulnerabilities? There's an app to help you find out

Just because Android tells you it's patched and everything is safe doesn't mean it is. But there's an app to help you determine if you're being told the truth.

Some Privacy News and Tips You Need to Know

Tech News and Opinions

Zuckerberg made it clear he doesn’t care about users

Based on his testimony, the Facebook CEO puts users last during a crisis. On Facebook, Zuckerberg gets privacy, you get nothing.

The Facebook Debacle Proves It’s High Time for Stronger Privacy Laws

Opinion: Let’s force Facebook to reveal exactly how its algorithm works so there’s greater transparency and accountability.

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

"Set it and forget it" is no longer an option for software. For Windows 10, the support clock runs out sooner than you might expect. Here's what you need to know.

Apple HomePods sales are tanking, report says

HomePod sales are apparently so bad Apple Stores have a stockpile of unsold inventory and have recently cut orders. JRC: No surprise as the product is way overpriced and vastly underpowered.

Amazon drops first-gen Ring doorbell price to $100 after closing acquisition

Amazon purchased Ring in February for more than $1 billion, and the deal formally closed today.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 privacy guide: How to take control

Where do you draw the line on personal privacy? The right options are different for everyone. In this guide, I show you which privacy settings help you create the right balance of privacy and convenience in Windows 10.

How to Manage Your Google Privacy Settings

Before you do anything, visit privacy.google.com—it spells out exactly what data Google is collecting and what it does with that data.

Adjust these Facebook privacy settings to protect your personal data

Facebook has rolled out new settings to appease users after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Here's what you need to know.

5 tips to prepare your PC for Windows 10 Spring Creators Update

It's time to get your computer ready for Microsoft's next big update to Windows 10.

 How to free up Google Drive space

Need more space in your Gmail inbox? Time to clear out Google Drive.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.3 update breaks iPhone 8 devices with third party-repaired screens

Software update disables touchscreen on £700-plus smartphones that have not had their screens repaired by Apple

How to enable ‘Calls on Other Devices’ like iPad or Mac

With Calls on Other Devices, you’ll be able to take and receive phone calls even when your iPhone is not nearby, or even powered on.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch

Wi-Fi calling is a nifty feature that allows you to make phone calls on your iPhone even when it doesn’t have any cellular connectivity

If You Want to Use A Phone as Your Main PC, You Should Buy Android

More and more people are moving towards a one-device-life, with smartphones taking center stage. If you’ve considered such a move yourself, you should look hard at an Android phone. Here’s why.

It's time to factory reset your Android phone

If you've had your phone for a while, you may notice it isn't running as smoothly as the day you purchased it.

30 Android apps with dark themes that are easy on the eyes

Dark themes are much easier on your eyes, especially in low-light conditions, and can take a bit of stress off the batteries in phones or tablets with OLED displays.

Lots of Great How-To’s In This Edition

Tech News and Opinions

Twitter closed 1.2 million accounts for terrorist content

The company said in its twelfth and latest transparency report that 1.2 million accounts were suspended since August 2015 up until December 2017.

Under Armour says data breach affected about 150 million accounts

The investigation indicates that affected information may include usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords.

What Is Fuchsia, Google’s New Operating System?

Fuchsia a totally new operating system, currently in the very early stages of development at Google. How does it differ from Android and Chrome, and might it replace either one?

Oregon becomes second state to enact net neutrality law

Law prohibits state agencies from doing business with ISPs that don't agree to treat all traffic on the internet equally.

Chrome and Firefox support a new standard for password-free logins

One small step towards a world without phishing

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Here's how to know if your Facebook data was breached

Were you one of the potentially 87 million Facebook users affected by the Cambridge Analytica data incident? You'll be able to find out soon enough.

How To Upgrade and Install a New Power Supply for Your PC

Since the power supply is directly connected to multiple components, it’s a rather involved procedure. Let’s break it down.

Avoid Windows 10 crapware: How to get rid of Candy Crush and all the rest

If you're staring at that assortment of apps on a PC and thinking it looks a lot like crapware, I'm not going to argue with you.

How to Transfer Photos From an iPhone to a PC

You don’t need any special software to transfer photos and videos from an iPhone to a Windows PC. You don’t even need iTunes. All you need is the Lightning-to-USB cable you use for charging.

Microsoft adds file protection and email encryption to Office 365

They're part of a new set of tools to guard users against cybercrime.

Mobile Computing

8 Essential Apps Made For The Modern Driver

From navigation apps to apps that help you find where cheap(er) gas is, these are our favorite digital friends for the motoring enthusiast.

How to take your smartphone photos to the next level

Reviews often rate phone camera quality. But should they really be looking at what pictures we take with those phones once they're in our pockets?

Get The Most Out Of Your Kindle iOS App

The Kindle app has other useful functions you might not know about. Things like creating flashcards to help you study, importing free classic books to read, and saving articles to read offline later.

How to Make Song Volume Consistent on iPhone

Let's get started learning how to enable Sound Check on your iPhone to level out the volume throughout your listening experience.

iPhone battery life bad after installing iOS 11.3? Here's what you can do

Installing a new iOS update can hit your battery life hard. Here's how you can make things better. (Updated for iOS 11.3)

Most Secure Android Phone in 2018

A phone you want to use can also keep your data safe — and it comes in two sizes to fit everyone.

The Facebook Scandal Just Won’t Go Away!

Tech News and Opinions

Facebook says Cambridge Analytica fiasco worse than we thought

Until now, it was reported that 50 million people's data had been co-opted from the social network. Facebook said today it's 87 million.

Mark Zuckerberg to testify at Congress on Cambridge Analytica, privacy

The social network's chief will head to Washington to appear before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to answer questions about privacy and user data.

Facebook takes down Russia-linked pages to stop election interference

CEO Mark Zuckerberg says in a post that one Russian agency has "tried to manipulate people in the US, Europe, and Russia -- and we don't want them on Facebook anywhere in the world."

YouTube TV and Roku: Why your cable box and TiVo days are numbered

Is YouTube TV the service that finally delivers quality, performance, and features to rival a dedicated set top cable TV box? That depends on what you expect. But we'll tell you this: it's close.

Alexa 101: What you should know about Amazon's AI assistant

Curious about Amazon's virtual voice assistant, Alexa? Here's a quick rundown.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft is adding ransomware protection to its OneDrive cloud storage

Microsoft is marketing the Files Restore feature as a good way to protect against ransomware attacks that lock files on a local PC, and often try to delete copies that are stored in synced folders

What's new in Windows 10 version 1803, the Spring Creators Update

The latest Windows 10 feature update includes the first public release of the Timeline feature as well as dozens of smaller enhancements to the Windows 10 user experience. Here's what you can expect.

Quitting Facebook? Download your data before you go

Thankfully, Facebook makes it easy to download your data. So easy, in fact, that it's worth doing even if you aren't planning on deleting your Facebook account just to see what information Facebook has collected about you.

Best Windows File Explorer Tips and Tricks for Windows 10

File Explorer remains the most underused application on Windows 10, but there are so many things you can do with it. Here are some of the best File Explorer Tips and Tricks for managing your files.

How To Upgrade To A New PC Case

So you’ve found a sweet new case for your PC, brimming with LEDs and fan cutouts and acrylic windows all over. Now you’ve just got to get all the guts from your current PC inside of it. Here’s how.

Mobile Computing

The Best Baseball Apps to Follow the MLB 2018 Season

Download the best baseball apps to keep up with the latest MLB news for the 2018 season, watch and listen to live games, join a fantasy baseball league, and even play a ballgame on your phone against cyborgs and robots.

5 Great Phone Apps For Keeping Your Passwords Secure

It’s important to have different passwords for every site or service you use, but tracking all those passwords is a pain (so most people don’t bother). These handy apps will help you create, organize, and use super secure passwords.

Here are 15 temporarily free and 29 on-sale apps for Android

The headline says it all. But you better move quickly.

Apple: What Reviewers Are Saying About the New $329 iPad

As for the new iPad, meanwhile, reviewers like it—but note that it’s more of an update than a new product, so you may not really “need” this.

iOS 11.3: Should you install it now or wait?

A new -- and pretty big -- update to iOS is out. Should you make the leap and update or should you sit back and wait a few weeks for the bug fixes to drop?

How to take iPhone photos with just your voice

Siri can be a helpful camera assistant.

Speed Up Your Internet and Protect Your Privacy…Free!

Tech News and Opinions

Breaking News: Three injured, suspected shooter dead at YouTube HQ

Three people were injured and a suspected shooter was found dead inside YouTube's headquarters, according to San Bruno Police, after an active emergency erupted in the Silicon Valley community.

Zuckerberg Tells Vox It Will Take ‘A Few Years’ to Fix Facebook

Zuckerberg is trying to steer Facebook through one of its worst public crises, after revelations that Cambridge Analytica, obtained the private data of some 50 million Facebook users for Donald Trump's campaign.

Apple is moving on from Intel because Intel isn't moving anywhere

Bloomberg this week made public something that should already have been apparent to tech industry observers: Apple is planning to replace Intel processors in Mac computers with its own chips starting sometime around 2020.

Microsoft Is Officially Not the Windows Company Anymore

What was once the sun is now just another outlying moon.

Evoluent Reduced Reach Right-Hand Keyboard review: A possible cure for mouse-arm strain

Evoluent’s Reduced Reach Right-Hand Keyboard solves a problem righties might not have realized they had.

Opinion: Why Apple should fire Siri and hire Cortana

Does anyone really like using this laughable excuse for a voice interface? There is a better choice -- and it comes from a natural partner that everyone is overlooking.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 privacy DNS is real: here's how to use it

Setting your computer to use this DNS is admittedly not exactly easy, but it is not hard either. But you only have to do it once and forget about it and you don’t even have to install anything. JRC: Highly Recommended.

Windows 10 Timeline: How to use use Microsoft's new organizational tool

Coming in a few days: Windows 10’s Timeline feature helps answer the question: what was I working on? This handy, optional feature can track what documents and Web pages you’ve been working on over the past weeks and months.

Best Windows 10 apps of March 2018

From bringing together Android and Windows 10 to giving you some serious video editing power, these are the best Windows 10 apps of March 2018.

How to Make Sure a Chrome Extension is Safe Before Installing It

The problem is that some of these extensions can also steal data, watch your every move, or worse. Here’s how to make sure an extension is safe before installing it.

Facebook users can now delete third-party apps in bulk

Previously, you had to remove them individually. The bulk removal tool is available now on both mobile and desktop.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.3 is available now. Here are the best new features

Apple's update brings fixes for Apple's battery snafu, new Animoji, AR upgrades and more.

How to Know If Someone Blocked Your Number on iPhone

Let's go over the clues that calls and messages from your iPhone are being blocked.

iPhone Virus Warnings: How to Get Rid of Fake Security Alerts on Your iPhone

If you fall for it, your iPhone can be infected with malware, or you may be tricked into giving away personal data over the phone.

6 new uses for your old iPad

Getting a new tablet? Before you sell the old one, consider putting to use in other ways.

10 new and notable Android apps from the last week (3/27/18 - 4/2/18)

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous week or so.

Best Large Screen (Phablet) Android Phone in 2018

Categories: Best features; best for battery; best with a stylus, and best overall.

Windows 7 Users: You Need to Read Article #1

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 7 Meltdown patch opens worse vulnerability: Install March updates now!

Microsoft's Meltdown fix opened a gaping hole in Windows 7 security, warns researcher.

Facebook's ID Scraping Is Even Worse Than We Suspected

It turns out, some of the information Facebook gathers is, frankly, quite scary.

Facebook makes privacy tools easier to find and use

Still reeling from the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook will let you delete anything from your profile or timeline and end Facebook's use of that data.

Microsoft to roll out new Outlook.com 'over the next few weeks'

Microsoft is ready to roll out its updated Outlook.com web mail, plus the related Calendar and contacts features, over the next few weeks.

5 signs you’re not ready to cut the cable TV cord

Although cord cutting is getting easier all the time, it’s not automatically a better option for some than traditional TV service.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Prevent Facebook from tracking you online with this Firefox extension

If you’re still keen on using Facebook, though, you might want to access it through Mozilla’s Firefox browser, with the organization’s new extension in tow.

How to extend your Wi-Fi outdoors

You have many options for covering your yard in Wi-Fi, but you have to balance cost, reliability and complexity.

How to use Airtable, the spreadsheet app taking Silicon Valley by storm

Everyone in Silicon Valley seems to be talking about Airtable, a user-friendly spreadsheet app that makes it super easy to build custom applications — no coding experience required.

The Best Universal Windows 10 Apps

Windows 10 lets you easily install apps that run on all manner of devices, from tablets and phones to PCs and Xboxes. These are our favorites, and most of them are free.

How to buy glasses online

There are trade-offs, of course, but it's usually the cheaper option -- sometimes a lot cheaper.

Mobile Computing

The camera is now the only smartphone feature that matters

The camera is becoming the defining feature of the smartphone as the market changes again.

How to scan and fax from your iPhone

Faxing is definitely back-in-the-day, but when you need it, you need it. Here are some useful apps that will help you make retro connections to old-school organizations.

Apple iPad vs. iPad Pro: which tablet is right for you?

If you look at an iPad and an iPad Pro side by side, you won’t notice much of a difference. But, there are some big differences.

How to Make Your iPhone and Mac Work Together Seamlessly

You might not appreciate just how many different ways they can seamlessly work together—here’s what you need to know.

How to set up Android Auto in any car

Skip the expensive infotainment system. An Android phone and a few accessories will do just fine.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks here.

Apple Shines…Facebook Treachery Deepens

Tech News and Opinions

Everything Apple revealed at its 'field trip' event

Apple is ready to make a major push into the education market and during its keynote in Chicago this morning, the company revealed how it plans to make students and teachers fall in love with Apple.

Apple unveils new $329 iPad to take on Chromebook in schools

At its education event in Chicago on Tuesday, Apple showed off a new iPad to help get ahead in the classroom. $299 for students.

Facebook Collected Your Android Call History and SMS Data For Years

If you installed Facebook Messenger app on your Android device, there are chances that the company had been collecting your contacts, SMS, and call history data at least until late last year. Not on iOS devices.

Facebook knows literally everything about you

Facebook's terms and conditions are a giant lie. They are purposely misleading, too long and too broad. So you can't just read the company's terms of service and understand what it knows about you.

FTC to investigate if Facebook violated privacy settlement

Federal regulators are investigating to see if Facebook violated a settlement in 2011, which forced the company to undergo regular privacy screenings for 20 years.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

7 ways you can (maybe) get Microsoft Office 365 for free

Do you dream of making slides, writing reports, and calculating columns of numbers without cracking open your wallet? If so, have we've got seven (possible) deals for you.

Google Search starts rolling out mobile-first indexing

Google has found that relying only on the desktop version can cause issues for mobile searchers because desktop content sometimes differs from mobile content.

How to Delete Your Phone Contacts from Facebook

if you want keep Facebook from filling in the gaps by collecting data about your friends from you—or worse, records of your call data—it’s easy to shut your devices up.

Securing Facebook: Keep your data safe with these privacy settings

Here's Facebook privacy settings explained. Don't let your personal information get into the wrong hands.

Windows 10 vs Windows 7: Microsoft's newer OS is almost 'twice as secure'

The volume of malware seen on Windows 10 devices is far lower than on Windows 7 machines, says security firm.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.3: Get your iPhone and iPad ready for the biggest update yet

Here's what you need to do to make sure that your upgrade goes smoothly and you don't lose any data.

Best new apps for iPhone and iPad

What are the hottest new apps on the App Store right now? These!

These simple steps will ensure you never lose an Apple device ever again

Here is everything you need to know about Find my iPhone so you never lose any Apple device again.

How To Remove Android Malware From Your Smartphone

If you can still access your Android device, your first step should be to get rid of the infected app, before it tries to infect other devices or does more damage. Here’s how.

World's first Chrome OS tablet arrives but can it steal Apple's iPad thunder?

Acer jumps the gun on Apple's rumored iPad launch with the first Chrome OS tablet for the education market.

The Android tablet market is on life-support

From more than 30,000 respondents, 55 percent said they’d never owned a tablet and weren’t considering owning one either, which is a top-line number that makes sense.

More on Facebook Betrayal of Trust

Tech News and Opinions

Mark Zuckerberg answers Cambridge Analytica privacy questions

Facebook’s CEO says that he's sorry about the Cambridge Analytica scandal affecting "tens of millions" and that he'd be willing to testify before Congress.

Opinion: Facebook never earned your trust and now we're all paying the price

There was no Facebook data breach. You gave them the data, and they gave it away — all according to plan.

Ever Wonder How Much Facebook Knows About You? Here’s How to See

Facebook has a lot of information about—every post shared, photo uploaded, message sent, item clicked on, and pretty much every other data point you can imagine.

Cambridge Analytica Caught on Video Bragging About Lying and Dirty Tricks

The consultancy, already in hot water over its misuse of Facebook data, unknowingly told UK's Channel 4 it would go beyond using data to hurt a candidate.

How Europe is better at protecting data than the U.S.

A recent poll suggested the American public is getting hungrier for a crackdown on Big Tech. It may well turn out that inspiration lies across the Atlantic.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google G Suite gets new security features, anti-phishing features

Google announced security updates to Google Cloud customers' control over their security in Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Hangouts and Drive.

Deleting Facebook Won't Protect Your Information, But Doing This Will

Facebook's connection to Cambridge Analytica is damaging and causing people to delete their accounts.

Keep Facebook From Giving Away Your Data: The Ultimate Guide

Don't trust Facebook but have to use it? Here's how to keep your information — and that of your friends — safe and sound.

Facebook alternatives for keeping in touch with friends

Facebook isn't the only place to connect with friends and family online. If you're thinking about ditching Facebook, you might try these alternatives!

Best software to fix your iTunes library in Windows 10

Wondershare TidyMyMusic is a handy tool that has been created to help users download album artwork and lyrics, fix mislabeled music and also remove duplicate tunes that you might have in your library.

Windows Spectre Patches Are Here, But You Might Want to Wait

We think most people should wait for their PC manufacturers to roll out this update rather than rush to install Microsoft’s patch.

Mobile Computing

Google Assistant rolls out Routines

Google Assistant can now string together a handful of instructions triggered by a single phrase.

Instagram caves, will finally show you new posts first

Back in 2016, Instagram angered users when it announced that it was updating its feed algorithm to put the posts it thinks you’ll want to see at the top of your feed, rather than just showing you all posts in reverse chronological order. That has been changed.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here are some new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs that look promising.

Major update to Files Go brings search capabilities, Google Photos integration

Files Go picks up three new features, turning it into one of the best storage management utilities around.

iOS 11 is such a mess, Apple showcases a bug in latest iPhone X ad

iOS 11 bugs are now so common they appear in Apple's ads for the iPhone X.

The 30 best iPhone tips & tricks, in iOS 11 and earlier

Within the iPhone lies a myriad of hidden features that you may not have realised existed - until now. Here, we've picked our favourite iPhone tips and tricks that can help you achieve things quickly and easily.