The Best Browser For On-Line Privacy

Tech News and Opinions

Facebook lost control of our data. Now it's paying a record $5 billion fine

It turns out the company will pay a price after all for its endless scandals. But don't worry, Facebook made $22 billion last year.

Microsoft will give away software to guard U.S. voting machines

The tech giant says it has tracked more than 700 cyberattacks by foreign adversaries against U.S. political organizations so far this election cycle.

iPhone loyalty falls to all-time low, new report suggests

The survey, conducted by BankMyCell, says that iPhone retention is down 15 percent over the last year.

Apple is updating old iPhone and iPad models to fix a GPS issue

The tech giant is updating devices as old as the iPhone 4s.

Quantum Supremacy Is Coming: Here’s What You Should Know

Researchers are getting close to building a quantum computer that can perform tasks a classical computer can’t. Here’s what the milestone will mean.

How to buy a TV (summer 2019 update)

It's sometime in the middle of 2019, but buying a new TV is the same as ever. In other words, it's still kinda overwhelming.

Cord-cutters beware: Amazon's TV antenna listings are rife with dubious claims

Shoppers shouldn't take all the marketing promises vendors make at face value.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

This is the browser you'll want if you really care about online privacy

The Brave browser focuses on stopping websites from tracking you. JRC: I use this browser now exclusively. It does one heck of a good job. Highly Recommend!

6 Best Free Registry Cleaners for Windows

A registry cleaner is a 3rd party software that analyses your Windows registry, finds outdated entries and deletes them.

How to Quickly Install Apps on a New Windows PC

One of the very first things I do when I’m faced with a fresh operating system is to fire up its default browser—Edge or Safari—and head straight to Ninite (Windows) or macapps.link (Mac).

How to transfer files from a USB flash drive to a PC on Windows 10

If you're a beginner trying to copy files to and from a flash drive, use these steps to perform the task on Windows 10.

Don't put up with a slow PC, fix it yourself

Trying to get work done on a computer that keeps slowing to a crawl is annoying and frustrating, but it doesn't have to be that way.

How to Get Google Calendar on Your Windows Desktop

Combine the tech giants with Google Calendar widgets and apps

7 Google privacy settings you should enable now

Unfortunately, unless you work at it, there's a good chance your every digital move is being tracked, analyzed, packaged, and sold to not just the highest bidder, but to any and all bidders.

How to update drivers in Windows 10

There are two ways to update drivers on Windows. The boring and simple way, and the slightly harder way.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Make your iPhone last longer with this battery tip

Adjusting your iPhone's "Background App Refresh" setting can help you save battery life and data.

Use your phone camera to translate languages on the fly

An update to Google Translates camera tool means better translation for you.

11 things my Android phone does way better than your iPhone

For the past year, I've been carrying a succession of Android devices and iPhones, learning the ins and outs of each one. But a collection of small, usability-enhancing features keeps me coming back to Android as my everyday choice. Here's my list.

How to stop those annoying website notification prompts

No, I don’t want your website to notify me — and I don’t want you to ever ask again

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

4 iPhone Apps That Are Always Tracking Your Location — Even When You’re Not Using Them

You may be shocked to learn about the number of apps that are constantly tracking you, even when they really don’t have a good excuse for doing so.

The Best iOS Walkie Talkie Apps to Use Instead of Apple's

If you don’t want to wait for Apple to fix up Walkie-Talkie, there are plenty of third-party alternatives that can fill the gap.

How to properly clean your Apple Watch and its band

You should clean your Apple Watch periodically to ensure the longevity of your device.

Apple iOS update targets that old iPhone you've got lying around

The update prevents a GPS issue impacting some older devices.

How to organize photos and videos into albums on your iPhone or iPad

Stop constantly searching through your entire library and get organized.

Best iPad for Reading in 2019

The iPad Air (2019) is our favorite iPad, especially for those primarily looking for a tablet for reading.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

WeNote is a Google Keep alternative with a built-in calendar and Google Drive sync

It’s an app for all your notes, to-do lists, reminders, etc. just like all the rest, but it’s full of features like icon customization for notes, locking notes behind passwords, stickying notes to your status bar, and much more.

Check If Your Android Device Has Been Infected by Malicious Adware

Google may have removed the apps from the Play Store—which means they are no longer available to download and may even be disabled or uninstalled—but that doesn’t mean BeiTaAd has been scrubbed from your device.

Google Just Released a New Gallery App for You to Try

As a follow-up to Google’s surprisingly popular Files Go app, Google just released Gallery Go, a lighter gallery app to make managing your photos super easy.

Best Android Games of 2019

Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.

Fix "Failed to obtain IP address" error on Android

Those who have encountered the “Failed to obtain IP address” error on Android are not alone. It seems to pester users of all Android phones and software versions. We’ll tell you why you’re getting the annoying error and how to fix it.

10 best podcast apps for Android

If you’re a fan of the medium and are in the market for a new podcast app, here are the best podcast apps for Android!

How to Watch You Tube Your Way

Tech News and Opinions

Hey YouTube, stop showing me videos I don't want to see

Remove those annoying video suggestions once and for all.

Microsoft is shutting down its online versions of Hearts, Spades, Checkers and more

Unfortunately for the fans, Microsoft's online card games are going away entirely. But, Solitaire is safe.

Microsoft July 2019 Patch Tuesday fixes zero-day exploited by Russian hackers

Microsoft patches 77 security flaws, including 15 rated "critical."

Amazon Music Growth Outpaces Spotify, Apple Music

A new report says that Amazon is growing subscribers for its music service faster than market leaders Spotify and Apple. Spotify still dominates from a subscriber number perspective, of course. But Amazon could surpass Apple Music if the current growth rates hold.

How to Speed Up Your Internet Connection

Internet connections could always be faster. Whether your downloads are crawling, streaming feels like a slideshow, or you just want to maximize your speeds, here’s how you can accelerate that connection.

The new MacBook Air is significantly slower than the old MacBook Air

Thinking of buying a new MacBook Air to replace your existing one? Be aware that Apple's cost-cutting means that it is slower than the older model.

California and Florida: Where the majority of robocalls come from

Your phone rings, and, for the third time today, you see a spam call is coming through. You send the call to voicemail and think, “Who is calling me?”  Chances are, the call is coming from inside the United States.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Turn on HDR in Windows 10

A round of updates has made Windows 10 compatible with HDR10 and simplified the process to enable HDR, so your games, apps and movies should benefit more easily from turning this mode on.

Firefox 68 is out: New dark reader view, better extensions

Mozilla has released Firefox 68, introducing a new dark reader view, a curated list of recommended extensions, an easier way of reporting bad extensions, and new options for IT admins to customize Firefox in the enterprise.

Keep Firefox from leaking your data everywhere on the internet

It's time to start using Firefox's solid collection of content-blocking tools.

Keep Google Chrome from spilling your secrets to prying eyes

Until Chrome starts helping you guard your privacy, these browser extensions can help.

How to Create, View, and Edit Bookmarks in Google Chrome

Bookmarks in Google Chrome save a link to a website you want to return to later, much like when you put a bookmark in a book. Here are several ways you can create, view, and edit your Bookmarks.

The best antivirus protection of 2019 for Windows 10

Your PC needs protection against malware, and free antivirus software may be enough. Here's what to get for Windows 10, and what's worth paying extra for.

Google Keep Notes: 10 tips and tricks to become a master

Google Keep Notes might be the most underrated of Google’s services. It’s more than just a place to jot down your thoughts—it’s also the missing link to bring Docs, Calendar, Photos, and the rest of Google’s services together.

How to Create and Manage a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word

Using a table of contents in your document makes it easier for the reader to navigate. You can generate a table of contents in Word from the headings used in your document. Here’s how to do it.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

How to securely erase the data off your iPhone or iPad, Android device, Windows PC, hard drives, SSDs, and flash drives

Making sure that your personal information is safely and securely erased from devices that you are no longer using is a good thing. Here's a quick guide to securely wiping hard drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives, and even iOS and Android devices

AT&T will block fraud robocalls for free, but blocking spam calls will cost extra

AT&T will charge $4 month to automatically block all spam robocalls.

Best phone mounts and holders for cars

Keep your phone (and your GPS directions) in sight with these mounts.

Emoji are getting more inclusive on your iPhone and Android phone—even if you're a vampire

In case you forgot to buy your phone a present, it’s World Emoji Day today. And to celebrate, Apple and Google have unveiled a slew of new emoji based on the approved characters in Unicode 12 that will be arriving in iOS 13 and Android Q later this year.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

The safest way to free up storage space on your iPhone or iPad

Running out of space on your iPhone or iPad? Here's how to free up space on your device without losing files and data that you need.

The top iPhone and iPad apps on App Store

App Store Official Charts for the week ending July 7, 2019:

Easy Access To Shooting Raw Photos (iOS)

The problem is that Apple confoundedly hasn’t included Raw support with its own camera app, which means that you still need to use a third-party app that has built support for shooting and editing Raw photos.

How to Use Search Suggestions in Safari & Chrome on Your iPhone

When searching the web on your iPhone, you can use the search suggestions that appear below the search bar in Safari or Chrome instead of typing out your whole query. Usually when you tap a search suggestion, it immediately searches with those terms.

10 Best Apps for Language Learning, Brain Games, Math & More

Let's go over ten of our best picks for free and paid apps that will help you on your lifelong learning journey.

How to Sell Your Old iPhone for Top Dollar

The iPhone has one of the best resale values of any smartphone. You’ll get more money if you sell it yourself and skip the trade-in. Here’s how to prepare your iPhone, pick a price, and make the sale.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

How to access and use emoji on Android

Emoji are awesome little glyphs that can be combined, communicated, and interpreted a million ways and counting.

15 tips and tricks for Google Chrome on Android (2019 edition)

Some of them can make switching between tabs quicker, improve your experience on shaky internet connections, or remove unnecessary functionality

What is hardware acceleration and why does it matter?

While not always an accessible option in most smartphone apps, hardware acceleration is used by a number of popular Android apps, including YouTube, Chrome, Facebook, and more.

WhatsApp not working? Here are 5 easy fixes to try

There are a few possible reasons why WhatsApp is not working on your Android device. Thankfully, all of them can be fixed relatively quickly.

How to change and create Waze voices: A step-by-step guide

Waze, like other navigation apps, comes with a guiding voice to assist during the drive. If you’re getting tired of listening to the same Waze voice every day, this is for you.

How to Use Your Phone to Check for Skin Cancer

Tech News and Opinions

President Trump cannot block his critics on Twitter, federal appeals court rules

The decision from the New York-based appeals court upholds an earlier ruling that Trump violated the First Amendment when he blocked individual users who were critical of the president or his policies.

Apple is reportedly giving up on its controversial MacBook keyboard

Finally!! The first laptop to get the new keyboard will be a new MacBook Air model due out this year, followed by a new MacBook Pro in 2020.

Updated Outlook on the web is coming to Office 365 customers starting this month

The update includes a fresh interface and features aimed at improving communication and scheduling.

Firefox's Ad-Free Premium Browser Will Cost $4.99 a Month

Last month, the company revealed it would offer a paid version of its popular Firefox browser, and now a page on its website confirms more details.

We found these 9 hidden YouTube features

There's a world of deeper features to uncover and explore -- some which you might not have even known you wanted.

People actually lined up to buy AMD's new Ryzen 3000 desktop CPUs

How excited are PC fans for AMD's new Ryzen chips? They lined up to buy the CPUs on launch day.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to back up your Google Photos library now that Google Drive auto-sync has shut down

Another useful Google feature bites the dust.

Gmail Tips and Tricks: 10 Things You Need to Know

Thankfully, there are ways to master your inbox before it masters you. Here are 10 Gmail tips and tricks to help you get control of your email.

Microsoft Your Phone app now lets you see Android notifications on PC

The app received a major update this week, giving users the ability to see all their Android notifications on their desktop or laptop.

Best Google Search tips, tricks, and hidden shortcuts

There are a handful of tricks to get the most out of Google's search bar, which will help you ensure your results are relevant to what you're looking for.

How to Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

A stronger Wi-Fi signal means a more reliable connection. This is what enables you to take full advantage of the internet speeds available to you.

How to clear cookies from your browser

Clearing cookies from your web browser is simple and easy, and doing so could help protect your private data while you're online.

How to See the Applications Using Your Network on Windows 10

Windows can show you which applications are using your network right now and how much data they’re transferring. You can even see a list of apps that have used your network over the last 30 days.

This is your secret weapon for Amazon Prime Day deals

The simple Amazon Assistant tool for Chrome, Firefox and Safari does triple duty.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

4 ways to check for skin cancer with your smartphone

Your phone can help you recognize suspicious moles and marks, but you should still see a dermatologist or doctor.

These 3 Simple Things Will Make Your Phone's Batter Last Longer

Skip the battery-saving apps. Forget force-quit. Here are the simplest ways to save the most juice.

Delete Facebook, but save your data with a phone or computer

Learn how to delete or deactivate your Facebook account and the steps to protect yourself before you do.

Best USB-C Portable Battery Power Packs in 2019

Whether you prefer your power banks big or small, these are the best ones around!

How to get free books for your Amazon Kindle

Thousands of free Kindle books are out there. You just have to know where to look.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

7 iPhone Apps That’ll Change Your Life

Wanna spice up your life? There's an app for that.

How to create smart playlists in Apple Music on iOS (finally)

A new iOS app called Miximum can create smart playlists, and even sync them to the regular Apple Music app. It is, as they say, a game-changer.

The 11 Best Running Apps for iPhone in 2019

Track your run with the best running apps on iOS, including workout trackers, route builders, specialty biometric trackers, and unique music apps. If you're a serious runner, you'll want these running apps on your iPhone.

6 new uses for your old iPad

Your old iPad might be worth selling, but it might also be worth keeping.

Beyond the Tablet: Seven Years of iPad as My Main Computer

For the past seven years, I've considered the iPad my main computer. Not my only one, and not the most powerful one I own, but the computer which I use and enjoy using the most.

Why is my iPhone slow? Tips to keep your iPhone running well

If your iPhone is noticeably slow, there are several things you can do to help it run faster.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Fake Samsung firmware update app tricks more than 10 million Android users

"Updates for Samsung" app promises firmware updates but only shows ads and wants money for (working) downloads.

25 Million Android Phones Infected With Malware That 'Hides In WhatsApp'

As many as 25 million Android phones have been hit with malware that replaces installed apps like WhatsApp with evil versions that serve up adverts.

Android apps are harvesting your data even after you tell them not to

When you deny a mobile app permission to collect personal data from your phone, it's reasonable to expect it abides by that. But a new study of popular Android apps found that's not always the case.

How to block websites on Android

If you often give your smartphone or tablet to your kids, having parental controls and blocking inappropriate content is a must. You can also utilize website blocking to kick your social media habit or to avoid distracting content when working.

How to fix the Google Play Store "download pending" error

We have all encountered problems with Google Play at one time or another. Every app has its issues, so this is no surprise.

The Best VPNs For Android

There are some well-known VPN providers which also have a specific Android app, including TunnelBear VPN, Express VPN, PureVPN, and ProtonVPN.

Best Unlocked Android Phones on Amazon for Every Budget in 2019

Whether you're planning an international trip or you just prefer not to be financially tied to your carrier, it's never a bad idea to buy your next phone unlocked.

Happy 4th of July!

Tech News and Opinions

Ebooks Purchased From Microsoft Will Be Deleted This Month

Anyone who bought ebooks through the Microsoft Store is in for a rude shock in the coming days. The good news? You can get a refund. The bad news? All of your books are going to be deleted this month.

How to Spot a Fake Review on Amazon

Amazon and other e-commerce websites are flooded with bogus reviews. These online tools will help you identify a fake review on the internet and keep you from spending cash on a terrible product.

With new feature update calendar, Microsoft finally settles on a sensible Windows 10 release schedule

Microsoft announced that its next feature update will be the most low-key Windows 10 version ever. You could even call it what it really is: a service pack. Here's why Microsoft wants no upgrade drama as 2020 approaches.

Microsoft is notifying users if their devices aren't ready for Windows 10 1903

Some Windows 10 users are seeing notifications from Microsoft that their devices are temporarily blocked from receiving the Windows 10 1903 update.

Bill Gates calls failure to challenge iOS his 'greatest mistake'

Describing his “greatest mistake ever,” Gates said the failure to become Apple’s main competitor in the mobile space cost Microsoft $400 billion.

iPadOS Will Almost Make Your iPad a Real Computer

If you’ve used an iPad, you know that they’re missing a lot of critical features people use on computers. Support for mice and external storage devices, a proper desktop browser, and better multitasking—these are all arriving with Apple’s new iPadOS.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Properly Clean Your Gross Laptop

Like any computer, laptops are dust and grime magnets. But a dirty laptop isn’t just a cosmetic nightmare—it can also cause poor performance and overheating. So, how can you clean your laptop properly?

How to tell if your Windows laptop battery is worn

Are you finding that the battery in your Windows laptop isn't lasting as long as it used to? Here how to tell if it is getting worn

How to Reset Chrome Settings to Default

When you reset Chrome to default, a lot of data gets deleted, but not everything. While you’re signed in to your Google account on Chrome, the following settings will revert to the default on all devices you’re currently signed in on:

How to stop automatic updates on Windows 10

If you're fed up with Windows 10 installing updates automatically, then use this guide to stop this behavior and decide when to install them.

How to turn off or disable App Notifications in Windows 10

If you do not like excessive notifications on your computer, there are quite a few ways to disable them. In this post, we are going to talk about cutting down on the number of notifications you get on your computer.

Here's how I turned a Chromebook into a powerful full-time work laptop

After three years with Chromebooks, I can say without a doubt that they are the best computers for most people.

Microsoft Edge vs. Google Chrome: What's The Difference?

They're more alike than they are different, and in many cases, the choice to use one or the other is simply personal taste.

Google Chrome gets some 'Brave' competition

"Brave" lets you see how many ads and trackers are being blocked on a daily basis. It was built specifically as an ad-free experience and has built-in ad blocking capabilities and anti-tracking technology. JRC: This is the browser I use now.

Microsoft's new OneDrive Personal Vault ups your cloud storage security

Microsoft's storage service wants to take over the space Dropbox is exiting.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

5 Apps That Will Help You Find Cheap Flights Every Time

Of course, we’ve all used the tried and trusted Kayak app before, but there are others out there that might get you the best offer or price.

The Best Photo Editing Apps for Android & iOS for 2019

After testing seven mobile photo editing apps over a month, here are best ones we found.

Windows 10's calculator app gets ported to Android, iOS and the Web

The app is currently in the early stages but you can head to the Google Play Store to download the app.

Best gadgets 2019: the top tech you can buy right now

To help you overcome the problem of researching your own superior tech set up, we've collated a list of the best gadgets available right now.

Google Maps tells you how fast you're driving. Here's how

Google Maps has been rolling out the new speedometer feature to its users.

Why is the Google Calendar mobile app better than the desktop version?

It’s incredibly frustrating that using Google Calendar isn’t the same experience across platforms.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Best news apps for iPhone and iPad

Extra! Extra! These fantastic news apps for iPhone and iPad will keep you up to date!

How to set up a new iPhone and transfer old files

If you haven’t upgraded your iPhone for a few years, you might be surprised to see how much easier it is to move all of your data from an old device to a new one.

Awesome Note for the iPad, why didn't someone tell us?

How did we miss this? Version 1.2 of Awesome Note for iPad is already out, we are way behind! The app has a lot of us using it's iPhone version, so a iPad (big screen) version is a very welcome site.

Best business iPad apps of 2019

Some people think of the iPad as something of a toy – a basic computing slab suitable for little more than lounging on the sofa poking around at Facebook and Candy Crush. But those people would be wrong

iOS tip: How to clear your iPhone's RAM and make it faster

Finding that your iPhone is feeling a little slow? Here's a quick and easy trick to help speed it up without having to restart it or delete any apps or data.

How to Really See All Your Photos in the Photos App Instead of a Summary

For example, if you took multiple photos of the same flower, Summarize Photos will have one or maybe two displayed when you browse the Photos tab. Here's how to turn off Summarize Photos so you can view all photos on your iPhone.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

You Can Now See Your Android Notifications on Your Windows 10 PC

Microsoft is rolling out a new update to the Your Phone experience in Windows 10. It can now mirror your Android’s notifications, allowing you to get all your phone’s notifications right on your PC.

How to text from Windows 10 using an Android phone

Google launched Android Messages for web in 2018 that’s tied to its Messages app for Android. Meanwhile, Microsoft introduced its Your Phone app to the masses via the October 2018 Update (version 1809) along with the re-branded Your Phone Companion Android app.

5 Android apps you shouldn't miss this week!

The title says it all.

Here's the easiest way to find, lock, or wipe your lost Android phone

Losing your phone always sucks, but in 2019, it’s easier than ever to make sure the loss isn’t permanent. For Android users, it’s particularly easy.

Mozilla Firefox Preview for Android: A deeper look

Mozilla claims the browser is up to two times as fast as its previous Android browsers. It also comes with an unconventional interface and automatic tracking protection.

Is Chrome Spying on You? Time to Switch Browsers?

Tech News and Opinions

Google Chrome has become surveillance software. It’s time to switch

You open your browser to look at the web. Do you know who is looking back at you?

Is Google Chrome spying on you?

It seems as Google’s software, with the ability to listen everything being said in a room, was being installed on computers without the owners’ consent, and everyone’s freaking out about it.

iPhone users hold onto aging handsets for longer than ever

The global smartphone market is slowing down, but nowhere are things declining faster than the premium end of the market.

Comparison Shop for Literally Anything Using 'Versus'

Enter a product or service—or anything at all—and Versus will tell you the alternatives.

States to Sue to Block T-Mobile-Sprint Merger

A group of states sued to block T-Mobile US Inc.’s proposed takeover of Sprint Corp. on antitrust grounds, putting pressure on the Justice Department as it nears a final decision on the merger of the two wireless carriers.

Amazon Prime Day 2019 is July 15 and 16

The big day(s) of deals will go down July 15 and 16. Amazon announced the dates this evening, saying that this will be the first time for Prime Day that there will be 48 hours worth of discounts.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Free Desktop Software of 2019

Your phone is full of apps, but don't neglect the desktop. These free programs can make your life better on the PC, browser, and beyond.

Protect your online identity now: Fight hackers with these 5 security safeguards et

Having your identity stolen can be a nightmare, and cleaning up the mess can take months. You can make life difficult for a would-be identity thief by locking down these five key aspects of your online life.

Google's Chromebook App Hub for students and teachers is live

Google has a new way to help educators find good apps for the classroom.

Microsoft's Chromium Edge browser comes to Windows 7, 8

After only initially being available on Windows 10, Microsoft’s Chromium Edge browser is now available to those using Windows 7 and Windows 8.

How to partition a hard drive

Partitions allow you to segment a single drive for separating programs from files or installing a second OS

What Is the Menu Key For? (and How to Remap It)

Did you know your keyboard has a menu key? On full-size keyboards, you’ll find it to the left of your right Ctrl key. This key opens context menus, but you can tweak it to make it more useful.

How to do a clean installation of Windows 10

The best way to reinstall, upgrade, or set up a new device with Windows 10 is using a clean installation. Here's the reason why and every step you need to follow.

If I Can't Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, Now What?

While I always recommend upgrading to the latest and greatest version of whatever software you’re using, this might not be the best option if you’re running an older device that’s already struggling to function.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Amazon's new Kindle Oasis has a color-adjustable front light

The Seattle tech giant took the wraps off the refreshed Kindle Oasis, which features a 7-inch display with a screen density of 300 pixels per inch and an improved, color-adjustable front light.

Don't even bother cleaning your phone screen any other way than these

The absolute best techniques to keep that iPhone or Android screen sparkly clean.

How To Use Waze

Crowdsourced interactive mapping app Waze gives you the lowdown on traffic

17 Life-Changing Ways To Up Your Gmail Game

Check out some great plugins for Gmail.

80 Creative Photo Book Ideas

Creating a photo album takes a lot of work and planning, and it helps to have some inspiration on hand to get those creative juices flowing.

The 10 Best Calendar Apps for 2019

The right calendar app helps you stay on top of appointments, holidays, and celebrations, not to mention deadlines.

How to Make a Call from a Text Message

Text messages are quick to send and read, but sometimes you'll need to call the other person to clear something up or if you need more direct communication. Here's how to make a phone call from the text chat.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

The One App That Ruins Your iPhone Battery—Even When It’s On Low Power Mode!

Sorry, but the Facebook app is going to continue to drain your battery, even when you’ve wisely set your phone to low power mode.

How to Delete Emails & Stop Default Archive on Your iPhone

Here's how to delete emails on your iPhone, by changing the default swipe action from archive to delete.

Apple Maps hands-on: Look Around and folders bring depth to iOS and iPadOS

Apple Maps may not have eclipsed Google Maps, but it’s become a true peer, excelling in some ways while remaining behind in others.

How to use the iCloud for Windows app

Apple and Microsoft are making it easier for users to access iCloud across Windows 10 PC and Apple devices. Here's how.

Answers to your burning questions about how ‘Sign In with Apple’ works

From a security perspective, Apple offers a better option for both users and developers alike compared with other social login systems such as Facebook and Google which, in the past, have been afflicted by massive security and privacy breaches.

Mobile Computing – Android only

The best Android tablets in 2019

Looking for the best Android tablet for your creative needs? We have you covered.

Google keeps failing to understand tablets

Like almost every company that’s ever tried to build a tablet. Google is now out of the tablet business.

Nova Launcher Adds 3 Different Color Choices for Night Mode

Rolling out in stable form over the weekend, Nova Launcher now offers 3 different darkly-colored choices for its Night Mode.

How to wipe your Android phone before selling or trading it in

Before you give your device away, delete your personal data

How to transfer old Android apps into a new phone

Keep your favorite apps, even if they’re no longer in the Play Store

Nova Launcher Adds 3 Different Color Choices for Night Mode

Rolling out in stable form over the weekend, Nova Launcher now offers 3 different darkly-colored choices for its Night Mode.

The Best Tech of the Year

Tech News and Opinions

The best tech of 2019 (so far)

We're only halfway through 2019 and we've already seen a crazy number of cool, innovative tech releases.

Top 10 Best Tech Gadgets and Devices of 2019

Checkout the top 10 tech gadgets that you will love to have with you as these tech gadgets are amazing to try.

The Best Sounding True Wireless Headphones of 2019

A lot of people may be looking for cheap true wireless headphones, but if you're looking for something with top-notch sound, this is the list for you.

How Do Smart Homes Work?

Smarthomes are like any other home, just with extra control options for lights, plugs, thermostats, and more. But those additional controls introduce complexity, and understanding how they work will help you build a better smarthome.

U.S. Government Announces 'Critical' Warning For Microsoft Windows Users

Research has already revealed that just under one million internet-facing machines are vulnerable to BlueKeep on port 3389, used by the Microsoft Remote Desktop feature. But that's just the tip of this insecurity iceberg.

Your Facebook account is a liability. Secure it now

It doesn't take long to make sure your Facebook account is locked down.

Windows 10 updates: We're now using AI to push 1803 users to 1903, says Microsoft

Microsoft starts using machine learning to shift devices running April 2018 Update and earlier to the latest version.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

This Gmail labels secret will change how you think about your inbox

With a little outside-the-box thinking, Gmail labels can make your inbox smarter than ever.

Dropbox’s New Desktop App Wants to Be Your One and Only Workspace

In a bid to help you better handle “work about work,” the company has just unveiled a new desktop app that creates a single workspace for organizing your content, connecting your various tools, and collaborating with others.

How to use Windows 10's Windows Sandbox to test software

Learn how to leverage the built-in Windows Sandbox feature in Windows 10 to emulate a virtual desktop. This will come in handy when you're testing software applications.

How to Digitize and Share Old Family Photos

I would recommend not using any kind of “scan photos” app or feature on a smartphone or tablet—the quality is inconsistent for what you’re trying to do.

How to use Recommended Troubleshooting on Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Windows 10 can now suggest and resolve common problems automatically with Recommended Troubleshooting, and in this guide, we show you the steps to use the feature.

No more passwords? Windows 10 1903 is close to that goal, claims Microsoft

Microsoft says the latest version of Windows 10 reduces the role of passwords more than any previous version.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Spotify's latest playlist combines music and news for your commute

"Your Daily Drive" is the first playlist on the service to combine podcasts and music, with the goal of pairing "the very best of news talk shows, including the relevancy and personality of the hosts, with the best of audio streaming."

Get the most money when you sell or trade in your phone

These tips could help earn you more cash for your old iPhone or Android phone.

Best E-Readers 2019: Ebook Reader Reviews and Kindle Alternatives

When it comes to reading, many people still prefer print, but e-readers are quickly becoming a device of choice, thanks to their portability, ease of use and multi-function capabilities.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: is it worth spending more?

These two reading machines have plenty in common, but there are a number of key differences as well.

Kindle Paperwhite Tips and Tricks

5 tips and tricks to make your Kindle Paperwhite even more useful. JRC: Well worth reading this article if you use a Kindle.

Google expands Android's built-in security key to iOS devices

iPhone and iPad users can now use their secondary Android smartphones as 2SV/2FA security keys.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Apple iOS 12.3.2 Release: Should You Upgrade?

Most iPhone owners will not get a notification prompt to upgrade and there’s no need to worry about it. This upgrade is mostly for iPhone 8 owners.

How to instantly close all the open Safari tabs on your iPhone (and iPad)

In other words, how to Marie Kondo your digital life

How to set up and use Handoff on your iPhone and iPad

With Handoff, you can move back and forth between your Apple devices

Why iOS offloads apps and how to reinstall them

In iOS 11, Apple added an option to offload apps rather than just delete them as a compromise between apps you use and storage consumed.

Apple Watch tips and tricks

Some of the Apple Watch’s best features and most useful controls are not obvious to the casual user.

How to scan documents and make PDFs using Notes on your iPhone or iPad

You don’t need to download an app. With Notes on iOS, you can easily scan a document and even save it as a PDF.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Waze on Android is getting the Google Assistant, too

Waze features have crept their way into Google Maps from time to time, and vice versa. Today’s news is the second thing: there will now be a Google Assistant button (and “Hey Google” hotwording) on Waze now.

Google Maps tells you how fast you're driving. Here's how

Google Maps has been rolling out the new speedometer feature to its users.

Samsung Galaxy S10 depreciated by 50% in 30 days, says a report

Bad news for Galaxy owners: A site for selling used phones says the S10+ has dropped in value.

Alternative app store Aptoide calls for Google to 'play fair'

One of the best things about Android is the ability to install apps from anywhere, allowing you to side-step the Play Store if you want to.

Google Drive and Photos Are Splitting: What You Need to Know

Google says, “the connection between these services is confusing,” so it’s making some changes to “simplify the experience.” Here’s what that means for you.

The Best Chromebooks for Back-to-School

Tech News and Opinions

Best Chromebooks for students in 2019

Microsoft Windows is ungainly. Apple Macs are too expensive. But Chromebooks have everything most students will need.

Firefox plans to offer a premium subscription before end of year; VPN and cloud storage considered

Mozilla Firefox is already one of the best web browsers in the business, but Mozilla CEO Chris Beard has hinted that a premium-level Firefox experience will soon be available for those who want a little extra.

All US iPhones can be made outside China to escape trade war

With US iPhones currently made in China, there has been much concern about the escalating trade war between the two countries. But Foxconn has said that the iPhone would be able to escape this fate, as the assembler has enough capacity in other countries to supply all US iPhones

Opera, Brave, Vivaldi to ignore Chrome's anti-ad-blocker changes, despite shared codebase

Other browser makers don't seem to be on board with Google's decision to neuter its extensions API, and essentially, ad blockers.

Google Stadia detailed: price, release date and the first games you’ll stream

Google Stadia will launch in November, with at least 31 games from 21 different publishers, for an initial “Founder’s Edition” price of $130 for a hardware starter kit with three months of premium service, and $10 a month afterwards.

iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 6: Can a tablet-laptop hybrid really replace your portable PC?

Apple and Microsoft have followed different paths, but their latest laptop replacements are strikingly similar. Can either one succeed as your next mobile productivity device?

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 things you should know about surge protectors

Surge protectors are an inexpensive way to protect your gear against random power spike damage. Here are a few tips before you start shopping.

How to disable your laptop touchpad

Does your laptop touchpad get in the way while you type? Here's how to turn it off.

How to Open and Use Chrome's Built In Task Manager

Google Chrome has its own built-in task manager that can help find and fix any issues that are causing it to run slow, have dead tabs, or crash.

How to use Gmail like a boss

Gmail is the world's dominant email platform. But you could be using it more efficiently

How to take a screenshot in Windows 10

Our guide provides several ways to take a screenshot ranging from the standard Print Screen key to utilizing Microsoft’s OneDrive platform.

How to Use Google Chrome’s Hidden Reader Mode

Chrome 75 has a hidden “Reader” mode that strips web pages down to the bare minimum to make them easier to, well, read. But it’s not enabled by default—here’s how to get it now.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

It’s time to delete most of your apps

Unused apps on your phone can do more harm than simply taking up space.

45,000 Free Kindle Books

Find all the Kindle books that are currently free on Amazon in once place

Google Maps gets a speedometer: Another reason to look at your phone when driving?

Your car dash already has a speedometer, but now your smartphone is getting one too, thanks to a new feature in Google Maps.

FCC's robocall blocking plan may finally give you some relief

The agency is giving wireless carriers the green light to "aggressively block" these annoying calls by default.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

5 Best Photography Apps for Your Apple Device

In the world of growing technology, there are hundreds of photography apps. How do you know which ones are worth it? Here, you'll find 5 mobile apps we think you should download on to your iPhone to help capture the perfect shot.

The best free apps for taking notes on Apple Watch

For those who want to create and view notes anytime, anywhere, right from their wrist, this list is for you. Here are the best free apps for taking notes on Apple Watch.

How iOS 13 will make your battery last longer, but only if you have a newer, higher-priced iPhone

There's one feature built into iOS 13 that will help make your iPhone's battery last longer. But the catch is that you'll need a newer, higher-priced iPhone to take advantage of this feature.

Apple: The iPad is now the best computer for a lot more people

Exclusive: Apple's Craig Federighi explains why it’s time for the iPad to get its own platform with iPadOS.

Apple killed iTunes. Here's what happens to your music now

Don't panic. Your iTunes playlist is still out there.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

How to Back Up Android Photos and Videos to the Cloud

Your photos and videos are precious memories, and you don’t want to lose them. Here are four mostly-free services you can use to automatically backup your photos and videos and access them from anywhere.

Shazam can now identify songs playing through your headphones on Android

The feature works in the background for apps like Spotify and YouTube

How to detect malicious apps on your Android phone - Video

The title says it all. No text, just a video.

Google Assistant comes to Waze navigation app

Google Assistant in Waze will provide access to your usual Assistant features, like playback of music and podcasts, but it’ll also offer access to many Waze-specific abilities.

Best Password Managers for Android in 2019

The one you pick needs to balance price, features, design, and UI — and of course, it needs to be secure.

Special Edition: Everything Apple Announced at WWDC

Apple WDDC News

WWDC 2019: Mac Pro, iPadOS, iOS 13, WatchOS 6, and everything Apple announced

Here's how Apple's WWDC 2019 unfolded and more importantly why it matters.

A Hands-On Look at All the New Features in iOS 13

iOS 13 is an update that introduces a long list of new features and some changes that are quite exciting.

Apple iOS 13 Siri improvements for iPhone, iPad, Watch and AirPods

Apple is making some notable improvements to Siri this fall. You’ll start to see them this fall when Apple rolls out new software, including iOS 13 for the iPhone and iPad.

How Apple Killed Off iTunes And What It Means

Now, there will be three apps that replace what iTunes currently does. Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV, each managing part of what the increasingly lumbering app had included.

iPadOS is the most exciting thing Apple announced at WWDC 2019

By unbundling the iPad from the same OS that runs on the iPhone, Apple can add iPadOS specific features without having to worry about confusion or the resources required to bring the same features to the iPhone.

WWDC 2019: Apple unveils iPadOS with improved Safari, multitasking, and new homescreen

Apple on Monday announced that starting this fall, the Pad line up will switch from iOS to iPadOS. The update is part of a renewed focus by Apple to add productivity features and tools to the iPad line, something the line has needed for the past few years.

Other Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft closes its 'specialty stores' in mall kiosks

Microsoft has closed its remaining specialty stores, or in-mall kiosks, and appears to be consolidating its retail presence around full-fledged brick-and-mortar stores.

Mozilla Firefox now blocks websites and advertisers from tracking you

Browser makers are using privacy features to try to win us over.

Google Maps now tells you a restaurant's most popular dishes

Google Maps not only wants to give you directions to a restaurant, it also wants to help you decide what to eat when you get there.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter have a dark side. Here's how to anonymously report abuse

Social networks make it possible to flag cyberbullying and hate groups that you encounter online.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How To Back Up Your iTunes Music Before iTunes Is Retired

According to Apple, the long-running media management program will be retired in the next version of the macOS operating system and replaced by three new apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. PS: Does not apply to Windows users.

How to change mouse settings in Windows 10

Windows 10 gives you a range of customisation options for your mouse, so you have flexibility in how your cursor behaves. In this guide, we'll walk you through the available settings and the impact they have on your pointer.

How to manage Windows Security Tamper Protection feature on Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Can't change security settings using commands or want to add an extra layer of protection? Use this guide to manage the new Tamper Protection feature on Windows Security.

How to fix a Windows 10 laptop that's plugged in but not charging

This problem was not uncommon and would occasionally arise after a Windows update. And more thankfully, there was an easy fix

Google still plans to cripple ad-blocking in Chrome

The tech giant is considering making an exception to its stop on ad blockers for enterprise. JRC: You might want to consider the Brave Browser that uses the Chrome engine, but blocks ads.

Google Is Putting an End to Ad-Blocking in Chrome: Here Are the 5 Best Browser Alternatives

The world's largest advertising platform is planning to no longer let you block the ads that make it billions if you use its web browser. PS: I Use Bravo and love it!

How to uninstall apps and programs on Windows 10

In this guide, we explain how to uninstall apps and programs in Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update) using specific methods tied to their base design.

Mobile Computing – In General

Kindle Paperwhite Tips and Tricks

5 tips and tricks to make your Kindle Paperwhite even more useful

Tired of Robocalls? Stop Answering Your Phone

Nearly half of all calls come from automated systems, and that number is increasing. Tired of answering your phone and talking to robots, scammers, or scammer robots? Just stop answering.

The Best Way to Clean Your Phone and Your Phone Case

Now that we’ve established that basically no one is cleaning their phone often enough, some good news: Regular cleaning a phone and its case is a less-than-30-second operation.

Minecraft Earth is a new augmented reality game for Android and iOS, beta launching this summer

Minecraft is one of the most popular video games around, and this summer a new version is coming to mobile. Minecraft Earth is a new augmented reality game that lets you build Minecraft structures in the real world.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to block ad tracking on your iPhone

A recent article in The Washington Post described the author's shock when he discovered just how many of his iPhone apps were collecting and uploading information about his usage while he slept.

New app tracks the trackers on your mobile device

A test run with a new app called "Disconnect" found over 5,400 trackers had gathered more than 1.5 gigabytes of data in just a single week.

4 Apps That Are Probably Draining All Of Your iPad’s Battery RIGHT NOW

There are apps that we can’t live without, apps that are so fun we don’t want to live without them, and apps that are — quite honestly — doing our devices more harm than good.

4 Must-Have iPhone Apps for Traveling to a New Country

There are a few apps in particular that can make traveling internationally a breeze. From solving language barriers to enhancing your security, here a few apps to make traveling more enjoyable.

Get Focused: 8 iPhone Apps for Staying on Task

While your smartphone use can be a symptom of an attention problem, it can also become part of the solution.

Tips for Drawing with an Apple Pencil

While there is some overlap with the basics functions of both a regular pencil and an Apple Pencil, you'll find the Apple Pencil has potential to unlock a digital flood of creative possibilties and may help with an artist block or two.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Best Android One Phones in 2019

If you're in the market for a new Android phone, you owe it to yourself to make sure it's an Android One device...Phones that are part of Google's Android One program come with stock builds of the latest version of Android and guaranteed software updates/security patches.

Google Photos dark mode rolling out to Android Pie and Oreo

Dark mode appears to be rolling out wider. It shows up for users on Android Pie and Oreo with their own system dark themes enabled.

Google Maps gets an on-screen speedometer while driving

Google is finally rolling out essential Waze features to Maps, including speed limit indication and speed camera alerts.

How to make your phone screen darker on Android with these hacks

Use these tips to tone down your screen brightness at night.

The Google Trips app is being shut down come August 5

Another day, another Google app being killed.

Google's Android and Apple's iOS are more similar than ever

People who own an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Apple TV have a lot to look forward to when the revised platforms arrive later this fall...and Android fans may have spotted a few familiar features.

Here is How All the Cord-Cutting Services Stack Up

Tech News and Opinions

Hulu vs. YouTube TV vs. Sling TV vs. DirecTV Now vs. PlayStation Vue: Channel lineups compared

How the top 100 channels stack up on every cord-cutting live TV service in the US.

Apple Card, Venmo Card and PayPal Card: Which should you get?

It's not just Apple Card that's looking to revamp the scene. Tech companies like PayPal, Amazon and Square have also supplemented their digital services with physical credit and debit cards that offer a range of perks

47 Democrats cave on net neutrality after GOP calls bill “dead on arrival”

Forty-seven Democratic members of Congress are calling for a net neutrality compromise with Republicans, who have refused to support a full restoration of the net neutrality rules repealed by the Ajit Pai-led Federal Communications Commission.

Cashless stores are the hot new thing. Now politicians are stepping in

Crying foul over potential discrimination, state and local governments are cracking down.

Beyond Amazon Prime: All the other services you can get from Amazon

Audible, Kindle Unlimited, FreeTime Unlimited, Prime Pantry and more: Amazon sells more than just things.

Microsoft hints at new modern Windows OS with ‘invisible’ background updates

Windows might be getting more like Chrome OS. Windows Lite is a rumored lightweight version of Windows for dual-screen and Chromebook-like devices

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to clean out junk files in Windows 10

Free up gigabytes of space on your desktop, laptop or tablet -- no special tools required.

How to activate and use the built-in Windows 10 back-up feature

While numerous sophisticated back-up applications are available, many taking advantage of network and cloud services, Microsoft Windows 10 offers a built-in back-up feature that is simple to activate and use.

New to OneNote? Here's everything you need to know in four charts

OneNote lets you type information in your notebook or insert it from other apps and web pages, take handwritten notes or draw ideas using a stylus or your finger, use highlighting and tags for easy follow-up, share notebooks to collaborate with others and access your notebooks from any device.

Get Organized: 10 Tips for Managing Your Digital Notes

When you go paperless, taking notes is easy, but knowing what to do with them is hard. Learn how to organize and store your digital notes in a way that makes them useful.

How to set your Google account to delete itself after you die

Google has controls that let you manage what happens to your account when you die including sharing your info with up to 10 people.

Microsoft launches 'Fluid Framework' to transform the traditional Office document

Goodbye Word, Excel, et cetera; hello, web-based collaboration.

Mobile Computing – In General

Why your phone gets so damn hot and how to keep it from overheating

An overheated phone is an unhappy phone. Here's what to do if yours does this.

How to Save Battery on iPhone - Extend Battery Life

Skip the battery-saving apps. Forget force-quit. Here are the simplest ways to save the most juice.

The Best 360-Degree Camera Apps for iOS and Android

Capture the world around you with these easy-to-use 360-degree smartphone apps

Apple announces a new… iPod touch

Apple is updating the iPod touch with an A10 Fusion system-on-a-chip. Other than that, it looks pretty much like the old iPod touch with a four-inch display, a classic home button and many different color options.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

Apple releases iOS 12.3.1 software update

Apple has released a new software update for the iPhone and iPad, iOS 12.3.1 and the update is mainly about some bug fixes.

The complete guide to Apple's Health app

Here how's to view, manage and actually doing something with all that data your Health app colle

How to add your own music to your iPhone without iTunes

Vox is a slightly confusing music app that combines your built-in Apple Music library with your Soundcloud, Spotify, and other services. And it will also let you import any audio file, and then add it to playlists and so on.

Permanently delete iPhone zombie apps once and for all

Your iPhone app data lingers around more than you know.

Apple to be more upfront about the impact of iPhone updates

iPhone maker promises to warn users if an update will affect smartphone performance.

Once you use dark mode in these 9 iPhone apps, you'll never go back

You don't have to wait for Apple to add an official dark mode to iOS.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

10 really good hidden gem apps for Android!

There are thousands of good ones so this is by no means a definitive list of hidden gems. For now, here are ten good hidden gem apps for Android! Feel free to add your own to the comment section!

Here’s what’s new with OneNote for Android

The OneNote app for the Android platform was recently updated with a host of tweaks and added functionality.

Best Android Phones Under $200 (May 2019)

Thankfully, cheap smartphones are still plentiful with more great options to choose from than ever before. If you need a new handset but only have $200 to spend, these are your best options.

11 things my Android phone does way better than your iPhone

For the past year, I've been carrying a succession of Android devices and iPhones, learning the ins and outs of each one. But a collection of small, usability-enhancing features keeps me coming back to Android as my everyday choice. Here's my list.

Microsoft Launcher beta gets adaptive icons, hidden dock option, more

Resize your icons, hide your dock, and more in the latest Microsoft Launcher beta update.

The 2019 Version of Windows 10 is Here, Now

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft’s next major Windows 10 update is now available

You can grab the Windows 10 May 2019 Update directly from Windows Update by heading into Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and checking for updates.

Windows 10 May 2019 Update review: the 10 best new features

Windows Sandbox, a new light theme, and more

Windows 10 version 1903: Is it safe to install yet?

Microsoft is taking an extra cautious approach to the rollout of the latest Windows 10 feature update. Windows 10 version 1903 has just been released to the general public after a lengthy round of extra testing. Should you install the new update or wait?

Microsoft to start pushing Windows 10 version 1903 automatic updates within weeks

Thanks to Microsoft's new Download and Install option for feature updates, you no longer have to worry that your PC will install the next version automatically, right? Guess again. If you're running last year's Windows 10, the new update could install automatically within weeks.

Opinion: The Trump Administration Is Selling Out Hundreds of Millions of Cell-Phone Users

Our old nemesis, Ajit Pai, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, threw his support behind a merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, which could lead to higher prices for cell-phone users across the country.

Details emerge on Huawei's potential plans to go forward without Google

Huawei has a new operating system in development that allegedly runs Android apps and could land as early as this fall.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Facebook wants your data: 5 ways to keep it safe

Hide your life from Facebook, while still posting about your life on Facebook.

Windows Sandbox: How to use Microsoft's simple virtual Windows PC to secure your digital life

Protect your real PC from harm when you try out suspicious software or sites.

How to delete yourself from the internet

Finally ready to get off the grid? It's not quite as simple as it should be, but here are a few easy-to-follow steps that should point you in the right direction.

How to play DVDs in Windows 10 for free

Windows 10 won't play DVDs natively, and Windows Media Center is gone.

How To Get the Most Out of Your Chromebook’s RAM

Chrome OS manages RAM differently than Windows or Mac computers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t optimize your workflow to make the most of your system’s potentially limited RAM. Here are some tips to help make your Chromebook’s RAM go further.

How to Not Have 100 Browser Tabs Open

The 100-tab habit is widespread; it’s nothing to be ashamed of. But a cluttered browser can lower productivity and reduce computer speeds. Maybe it’s time to break that habit with a few simple tips.

Mobile Computing – All OS’s

Best phones for under $500

If you're looking for a phone on a budget, check out CNET's top 8 picks for phones under $500 -- and another deserving pick that's just a touch more.

The Best Free Apps and Software You're Not Already Using

It’s freshly curated to highlight the top tools and applications you’re (probably) not already using.

How to stop robocalls on iPhone and Android

Here are the best ways to block spam calls from ever getting to your smartphone.

How to use Google Maps to help someone find you

Share your location in real time, and make meet-ups easier than ever

Microsoft Authenticator: What it is, how it works, and how to use it!

This entire guide works for both the iOS and Android versions of the app.

What Is Google PhotoScan and How Does It Work?

Google PhotoScan is a Google Photos companion app that lets users scan and digitize print photos on the fly.

Mobile Computing – iOS Only

How to clear cookies on an iPad to help it run more efficiently

If you find that Safari is experiencing problems trying to display web pages, or if your iPad is running very low on storage space, you can clear your cookies to see if that resolves the problem.

How to download and watch offline in the new Apple TV app

It’s useful when you’re traveling or commuting. Today we’ll see how to download and watch TV shows and movies offline.

Best iPad apps you're not using in 2019 (but should be!)

Here are some great apps that should be on every iPad!

How to Use Apple Pay

It's easy to set up Apple Pay and use it at the register

Seven Safari Tricks on iOS You Might Not Know

Safari on iOS has a surprising number of hidden tricks, letting you manipulate tabs, conduct page-specific searches, and more, and not all of these features are immediately obvious due to the gestures involved.

Once you use dark mode in these 9 iPhone apps, you'll never go back

You don't have to wait for Apple to add an official dark mode to iOS.

Mobile Computing – Android Only

Google Play Protect helps keep malware off your phone

Google Play Protect is built into Android and is already hard at work.

Google blocks Huawei access to Android updates after blacklisting

Google has suspended Huawei’s access to updates of its Android operating system and chipmakers have reportedly cut off supplies to the Chinese telecoms company, after the US government added it to a trade blacklist last week.

Google Calendar and Google Keep get dark mode on Android

Over the last few months, Google's been steadily adding an official dark mode to more and more of its apps. Following the likes of Google Messages, News, Contacts, and others, Google's now announced dark modes for Calendar and Keep.

First official version of Tor Browser for Android released on the Play Store

This new mobile browser integrates the Tor protocol stack into a standalone browser and replaces Orfox as the main way to navigate the Tor network from an Android device.

Google Assistant rolling out in latest Messages update

With today’s Messages for Android update, the Google Assistant is arriving for some, bringing useful contextual suggestions.