Monday, April 30, 2018
What is the Latest Version of Windows 10?
The latest version of Windows 10 is the April 2018 Update, version “1803,” which was released on April 30, 2018. Microsoft releases new major updates every six months.
How to Use Focus Assist (Do Not Disturb Mode) on Windows 10
Windows 10’s “Focus Assist” feature is a “Do Not Disturb” mode that hides notifications. Windows automatically activates it when you’re playing PC games or mirroring your display—and you can have Windows automatically activate it on a schedule, too.
The Best Android Phones You Can Buy, 2018 Edition
There are, quite literally, hundreds of Android phones out there, so picking the best one can be a challenge.
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Geek Trivia: In The Catholic Church, The Patron Saint Of Cooks And Chefs Is Also The Patron Saint Of?
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Facebook Is Testing Reddit-Style Downvote Buttons
Facebook users, mainly in Australia and New Zealand, posted screenshots of a new feature over the weekend: downvote and upvote buttons.
T-Mobile Will Buy Sprint For $26.5 Billion, If the FCC Approves
After years of toying with the idea, T-Mobile is finally buying Sprint, for $26.5 billion.
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How to Disable Nearby Sharing on Windows 10
Windows 10’s Nearby Sharing feature can be easily enabled with one click in the Share dialog, but can only be disabled from the Settings app. Here’s how to hide the “Looking for nearby devices” message and stop incoming share notifications.
How to Disable the Timeline on Windows 10
Windows 10 collects a history of activities you’ve performed, including files you’ve opened and web pages you’ve viewed in Edge. You can disable this Timeline feature and remove the activities from Task View.
7 Of The Best Mobile Time Wasters (For Your Monday Morning and Beyond)
Your smartphone is effectively a portable PC, providing you with endless access to information.
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Use Windows 10’s New “Free Up Space” Tool to Clean Up Your Hard Drive
Windows 10 has a new, easy-to-use tool for freeing up disk space on your computer. It removes temporary files, system logs, previous Windows installations, and other files you probably don’t need.
How to See What Data Windows 10 is Sending to Microsoft
Microsoft is making Windows 10’s telemetry more transparent with the April 2018 Update. You can now view the exact diagnostic information your Windows PC is sending to Microsoft. You can even delete it from Microsoft’s servers.
Everything New in Windows 10’s April 2018 Update, Available April 30
Microsoft is ready to release Windows 10’s “April 2018 Update.” It was originally going to be called the “Spring Creators Update” and was codenamed “Redstone 4.” This is Windows 10 version “1803”, and it will launch on April 30, 2018.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Don’t Want the April 2018 Update Yet? Here’s How to Pause It
Microsoft is set to release the April 2018 Update, codenamed Redstone 4 and originally known as the Spring Creators Update, on April 30. You can pause the update to avoid receiving it immediately—as long as you’re using Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education.
Geek Trivia: Which Of These Countries Has The Safest Electrical Plug Design?
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Why the Facebook Microphone Myth Persists
Multiple people I know are convinced that Facebook is listening to their phone calls and in-person conversations. Call it the Microphone Myth. But why do these myths continue to persist despite there being no hard evidence?
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Geek Trivia: Inspector Gadget Was Voiced By The Same Actor Who Portrayed Which Of These Famous Spies?
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MoviePass Was a Great Deal, Now It’s Trying Really Hard Not To Be
When MoviePass announced a $10/month subscription that lets you go to the theater every day, I signed up immediately. I knew it wouldn’t last, though. Less than a year later, the ride is already over.
Friday, April 27, 2018
How to Fix Plex Showing the Wrong Movie or TV Show
If you recently added a new movie or TV show to Plex and it’s showing up incorrectly, there are a couple of things you can do to fix it. Here’s how to fix broken metadata in Plex for your movies and TV shows.
Geek Trivia: Which Of These Music Stars Founded Their Own Internet Service Provider?
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Windows 10’s April 2018 Update Barely Squeezes Into April On Monday
The April 2018 update of Windows 10 will just barely come out in April, Microsoft announced today. You’ll be able to download it Monday.
Here’s How to Back Up Your Mac Now That Apple’s Done Making Routers
It’s official: Apple is getting out of the router business. There will be no new versions of the AirPort, AirPort Extreme, or Time Capsule.
Amazon Is Raising the Price of Prime Again to $119 Per Year
In 2014, Amazon raised the yearly price of its Prime subscription from $79 per year to $99.
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Alternative Ubuntu Versions Are Also Out This Week
Ubuntu 18.04, codename Bionic Beaver, came out this week, but that’s not all: Ubuntu’s official flavors also offer new releases.
How to Avoid Computer Eye Strain and Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Your eyes are important, and staring at a monitor all day does them no favors. There are a number of preventative measures you can take to avoid eyestrain—organizing a functional workspace and modulating light exposure, for example. Let’s take a closer look.
How to Use a USB Flash Drive with Android
While most modern Android devices aren’t necessarily lacking storage options, there may come a time when you need to use a flash drive with your phone. Fortunately, this is easy—Android natively supports external drives.
Sensor Push Review: The Best Smart Hygrometer and Thermometer Around
Whether you want to keep an eye on a musty basement, a cigar collection, a premium guitar, or your baby’s nursery, the line of Sensor Pus…
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Spotify Free vs. Premium: Is it Worth Upgrading?
Spotify offers two tiers: a free, ad-supported plan and a $9.99 per month Premium plan. But what are the differences between the two and is it worth upgrading? Let’s find out.
How Good is VR in 2018? Is It Worth Buying?
In 2018, VR headsets are better and cheaper than they’ve ever been. They were overhyped and they haven’t transformed the world, but they’re really cool toys. So are they worth investing in yet?
Thursday, April 26, 2018
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.
How to Use Alexa Blueprints to Create Your Own Alexa Skills
There are a ton of Alexa Skills that you can get for your Echo, but now you can create your own basic skills quickly and easily using Alexa Blueprints.
Geek Trivia: Up To One Fifth Of The Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks In England Were Linked To?
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Face It, Apple Products Are Just Better Value
Good value isn’t just about price—it’s about what you get for the price—and while Apple products are certainly expensive, they’re generally bett…
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Hey Google, Why Do You Have Four Different Task Apps?
Gmail’s new interface feels shiny and new on the surface, but something about it just stinks. Gmail’s new Tasks app is separate from Reminders, which are used by Calendar, Inbox, and Assistant. And Google has two other task apps—including one used only for your shopping list.
Alexa Can Now Tell Your Kids to Say Please
Worried that bossing around voice assistants is teaching your kid to be rude? Alexa will soon be able to help.
Despite Banning Paid Reviews, Amazon Still Has a Ton of Them
Amazon doesn’t want reviewers getting paid to say nice things about products.
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Messaging Can Be Open or Secure (But Probably Not Both)
People value both openness and security when it comes to communication, but those goals may be at cross purposes.
How To Restrict Data Input In Excel With Data Validation
If you use Excel spreadsheets to collect data from other people, but find that they often fill your carefully-planned cells with the wrong kind of information, data validation can help.
How to Install LineageOS on Android
I’ve you’ve been considering giving your phone new life with a custom ROM, LineageOS is one of the most popular ones available today. Here’s everything you need to know about flashing this ROM onto your phone.
The Best Must-Have Exclusive Games For the PS4
Every console has a handful of unique games that you can’t get anywhere else.
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Can you Replace the Battery in Your MacBook?
The battery is often the first part to really fail in older MacBooks. If this is happening to you, you’ll be glad to hear that you might just be able to replace it yourself.
What’s New in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS “Bionic Beaver”, Available Now
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is a huge change from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. This is the first long-term support (LTS) release after the massive changes of Ubuntu 17.10, which saw the end of the Unity desktop, Ubuntu Phone, and Ubuntu’s convergence plans.
How to Uninstall Emoji on Ubuntu
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS features a new set of shiny color emoji. If you don’t want to see emoji in messaging apps, on the web, and elsewhere, you can remove them from your system.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
New YouTube Kids Setting Allows Only Videos Reviewed By Actual Humans
Parents: you can now set YouTube Kids to only show videos verified to be kid-friendly by an actual human being.
How to Disable Facebook Messenger’s Chat Heads on Android
You know what’s cool? Instant messaging with friends, family, and colleagues. You know what’s annoying? Having their face float above everything else on your phone. And that’s exactly how it is with Facebook Messenger—here’s how to turn it off on Android.
Geek Trivia: The Japanese Style Of Horizontally-Read Emoticons Are Called?
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Nintendo Labo Review: A Fun Engineering Workshop Wrapped In Cardboard
Nintendo wants to sell you cardboard and, against all odds, we’re on board with this proposition.
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Google Launches Dedicated Tasks App for Android and iOS
Google Tasks, previously available as a pop-up in Gmail, now has a dedicated mobile app.
The Echo Dot Kids Edition Is a More Expensive Echo For Children
Kids love toys they can interact with, and apparently the Echo Dot fits that bill.
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The New Gmail Interface Launches Today
The new Gmail, which sports a modern look and offers a bunch of features previously exclusive to Inbox, launches today.
How To Stop All Of Amazon’s Many (MANY) Emails
Amazon sends out a ton of emails. Some of those are useful—alerts that your order went through or about problems with an order, for example. But the rest can get on your nerves. Here’s how to banish every last one of them.
How to Use a USB Flash Drive with Your iPhone
If you need more storage space on your iPhone, the easiest way to tack some on is with a special flash drive that features a lightning port on one end and a USB port on the other. You’ll use an app designed for that drive to actually manage files.
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.
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What To Do If Your Mac Gets Stolen
Having your Mac get stolen might seem like the end of the world, but there are some steps you can take to try and get it back, or failing that, make an insurance claim. Let’s have a look at what to do if your Mac goes missing.
Gigabit Ethernet vs. Fast Ethernet: What’s the Difference?
Not all Ethernet is created equal. These days there are two available standards, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit, which are completely distinct speed interfaces. It’s important to understand the difference between them and which one you should choose.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
How To Download All Your Instagram Photos
You can now download all of the pictures you’ve ever uploaded to Instagram, as well as all your comments and likes.
6 Things All New Home Server Users Should Have
Whether you’re running a Plex media server, virtual machines galore, or just maintaining your own cloud storage system, there are a handful of things aspiring home server aficionados should have in their arsenal.
The Best Luxury iPhone Cases (To Match Your Designer Purse)
Want an iPhone case that will keep your phone safe without looking like piece of safety equipment?
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Geek Trivia: Jumboisation Is A Technique For Enlarging?
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Spotify’s Free Tier Now Offers (Some) On-Demand Music on Mobile
Spotify’s free mobile version can now play songs on demand, provided the song you want is on one of your personalized playlists.
Uber Might Stop Drivers From Looking Up Your Address History
Your Uber driver literally knows where you live, and they can look it up if they forget. Uber is considering changing the second point.
How To Force Microsoft Excel To Show Leading Zeroes
By default, Excel doesn’t show the leading zero in any non-decimal numerical data set. But if you need to show the leading zero — usually because of some weird numbering system at your job, it’s easy to keep that zero in its place.
Instant Pot Review: If You Buy One Kitchen Appliance, Buy This One
Everyone has that one friend who bought an Instant Pot and won’t shut up about how awesome it is and how you should get one—and th…
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How to Move Ubuntu’s Launcher Bar to the Bottom or Right
You can now move the Ubuntu desktop’s launcher bar from the left side of your screen to the bottom or right instead. This works on Ubuntu 17.10 and 18.04, as Ubuntu now uses GNOME Shell instead of Unity.
What Can You Do with Samsung Health?
Samsung offers a lot of tools, many of which you probably just ignore. Health is one of the tools you should probably take a closer look at, however, because it’s actually really useful.
Six Tips to Help Save Yourself from Poor Computer Posture
Sitting is killing you. Sitting on it’s 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 exercises you can do to help, though.
Standard Ebooks Offers Public Domain Downloads That Aren’t Ugly
There are several sites offering thousands of free ebooks, but the formatting and typography is often pretty bad. Standard Ebooks is the exception.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Facebook Insists You’re Not The Product
You’ve heard the old adage: “if you’re not paying for something you’re the product being sold.” Facebook has a compelling counterpoint: “Nuh-uh.”
Should You Build Your Own DIY Security System?
There are plenty of security systems out on the market that come with professional installation and support, but what about DIY setups that offer many of the same features and are often much cheaper? Here are the pros and cons of doing it yourself.
Geek Trivia: The Original “Snake Oil” Was Effective At Treating?
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The Best Smart Toothbrushes for Everyone
It’s easy to brush your teeth ineffectively by brushing too hard, too little, or not giving each area of your mouth the attention it dese…
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Facebook’s ‘Download Your Data’ Feature Leaves Out a Lot
Facebook lets you download a ZIP file with all of your data—in theory. Turns out a lot of information isn’t included.
Is Bossing Around Alexa Teaching Your Kid To Be Rude?
Voice assistants don’t deal well long sentences: you have to get to the point, with no niceties whatsoever, or there’s a good chance you won’t be understood.
Your T-Mobile Service Probably Got Better Last Week
If you’re on T-Mobile—or a smaller network that uses it, like MetroPCS or Google’s Project Fi—your cell service might’ve gotte…
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How To Automatically Add Citations And Bibliographies To Microsoft Word
Properly formatting bibliographies has always driven students crazy. With modern versions of Microsoft Word, though, the process is streamlined to the point of almost being automatic, and today we’re going to show you how to add citations and bibliographies to your Word documents.
YouTube TV Review: Finally, Live Television Is Tolerable In the 21st Century
While Netflix creates a new way to watch TV online, regular live TV languished for years in an old distribution model.
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The Best Podcast Clients for Android
There’s no shortage of podcast apps in the Play Store, so finding a good one can be a challenge—especially if you’re shelling out a few bucks for it. Here are a few deserving of your attention. And dollars.
How to Stop Ubuntu From Collecting Data About Your PC
Ubuntu 18.04 collects data about your PC’s hardware and software, which packages you have installed, and application crash reports, sending them all to Ubuntu’s servers. You can opt out of this data collection—but you have to do it in three separate places.
The Best Free Screenshot Apps for Windows
There are many ways to take screenshots on Windows. Windows 10 itself has quite a few built-in screenshot tools, and there are some excellent free options out there if you want more features. Here are all the best ones screen capture utilities.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Geek Trivia: Which Game Company Produced, But Never Released, A VR Headset In The 1990s?
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Organize Your Entire Video Game Collection in One Place with LaunchBox
Your various ROM collections, Steam games, and various other Windows games are, at the end of the day, all just games. Wouldn’t it make sense to launch them all from the same place?
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Geek Trivia: Coca Cola Almost Created A Vending Machine That Would Adjust Its Prices Based On?
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Android Easter Eggs from Gingerbread to Oreo: A History Lesson
Android is fun. Its versions are named after desserts, and Google often sprinkles little Easter eggs throughout. None are more popular than the Easter egg associated with each Android version, however, so here’s a bit of history.
Friday, April 20, 2018
The Best Pet Cams for Cats, Dogs, and Their Doting Owners
Pet cams are a convenient way to make sure your fur babies are safe (and staying out of mischi…
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Which Synology NAS Should I Buy?
Synology offers a plethora of NAS models to choose from, but the selection can be a bit dizzying if you’re not sure what all the differences are. Here are some things you should know to help you narrow down your ideal choice.
Geek Trivia: The First Television Remotes Communicated With The TV Set By?
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Google and Carriers Plan to Replace SMS With a New Protocol Called ‘Chat’
Google tried, and failed, to dominate messaging with Hangouts, Voice, Allo, Duo, and even Wave at one point. The next strategy: replacing SMS with the RCS protocol, and calling it “Chat.”
Why Do Some Smartphones Use Multiple Cameras?
Lots of high-end smartphones have added multiple camera modules and lenses to the back of their designs. But why? The fact is that they do different things for different phones, so we’re here to break it all down for you.
How to Disable the “Low Disk Space” Warning on Windows
Windows displays “Low Disk Space” notifications whenever any partition on your computer has less than 200 MB of space remaining. Here’s how to get rid of the notifications, even if you can’t free up the space.
How to Protect Your Privacy on Facebook
In response to the Cambridge Analytica fiasco and the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Facebook has started making it easier for people to control who and what can see and use your data on Facebook. Let’s take a look at what you can do to protect your privacy.
An Android User’s Take on the iPhone
I started using Android with the original Motorola Droid back in 2009, and I’ve been a hardcore Android user ever since. Four months ago, I got an iPhone 8 and have been using it alongside my main Android phone. This is an Android user’s take on using the iPhone.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Facebook Is Using Dark Patterns To Undermine EU Privacy Rules
GDPR, a new European privacy law, means users must explicitly give permission for most data collection. Facebook would like you to give them that permission.
‘My Time at Reddit Made the World a Worse Place’ Says Former Head of Product
Dan McComas, former Head of Product at Reddit, does not feel great about growing one of the web’s biggest sites.
What’s the Difference Between Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, and Others?
Despite their names, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Bitcoin Diamond, Bitcoin Private, and others are the same thing as Bitcoin. They’re based on Bitcoin, and are piggybacking on its name, but they’re different things. Here’s how to know which Bitcoin variant is which.
Six Of The Best In-Ear Noise Canceling Earbuds
Noise-cancelling earbuds deliver the benefits of noise-cancellation—so you can enjoy your commute or flight in peace—but in a tiny…
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Geek Trivia: When Khrushchev Visited IBM’s California Facility In 1959, He Brought The Concept For What Home With Him?
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Microsoft Kills OneNote Desktop in Favor of the Microsoft Store Version
Microsoft is killing off the “desktop” version of OneNote, and recommends people use the Windows 10 version instead.
Skill Blueprints Lets You Design Your Own Alexa Responses
Amazon just launched Alexa Blueprints, meaning you can create custom responses for your Echo and also set up a bunch of personalized games.
The Best Shooter Games (For People Who Suck At Shooters)
Shooter games dominate the medium, which can be discouraging if you’re not actually very good at them. Luckily for you, we’ve found quite a few great FPS games that are a blast to play no matter what your skill level.
The Best Smartphone VR Headsets
A full-scale VR rig is expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to try out VR.
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How to Send Web Pages from Chrome to Your Phone
There are times when you look something up in Chrome on your PC, but want to transfer it over to your smartphone. While there isn’t really a straightforward, built-in way to do that, we do have some other solutions for you for both iPhone and Android.
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.
The Best Ways to Send Money with Your Phone
If you need to pay someone back for dinner, send rent money to a roommate, or send someone cash when they need it, you can do it all easily from your smartphone. We’ve rounded up the best mobile payment apps that help you send money easily.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Minecraft’s Official Website Distributed Malware-Infested Skins
Minecraft skins hosted on the official Minecraft website were infected with malware, according to Avast.
Is 24/7 Professional Home Security Monitoring Worth It?
Having 24/7 professional monitoring of your security system might seem like a great way to keep your home safe and catch burglars in the act, but is it really? Or does it just provide a false sense of security on which you’re wasting a monthly fee?
Geek Trivia: The Invention Of Which Of These Things Was Critical To The Rapid Adoption Of The Telephone?
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The 5 Best Ultra Portable Photo Printers For Speedy Snaps
Thanks to our ever present smartphones it’s easier than ever to snap tons of photos.
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You Can Still File Your Taxes Today
Good news if you missed yesterday’s US tax deadline: the IRS issued a 24-hour extension. You have until tonight to file on time.
Amazon Will Sell TVs Inside Best Buy, As Long As You Don’t Mind Fire TV
Best Buy is already the best place to window show for the TV you’re eventually going to go buy on Amazon anyway.
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Chrome Now (Sort Of) Mutes Auto-Playing Videos
Chrome 66, out today, supposedly blocks one of the most annoying things on the web: auto-playing videos with sound.
How To “Silence” Your Noisy Mechanical Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are loud. It’s just something you have to deal with if you like the feel of the keys. Or is it? Lately there have been some impressive developments in “silencing” mechanical keyboard mechanisms.
How to Find Your Lost AirPods
Apple has a “Find My AirPods” tool that lets you view their location on a map. You can even make your AirPods play a surprisingly loud beeping sound if they’re powered on.
When Will Your Phone Get Android Oreo?
Android updates always pose the same question: when will my phone get it? Here’s what we know about the most popular handsets and their current status for Android Oreo.
Shutting Down Doesn’t Fully Shut Down Windows 10 (But Restarting Does)
When you click “Shut Down” on your Windows 10 PC, Windows doesn’t fully shut down. It hibernates the kernel, saving its state so it can boot faster. If you’re experiencing computer problems and need to reset that state, you’ll need to restart your PC instead.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Tube Is YouTube Without Any Attention Stealing Clutter
Web: Search for a video, watch that video, then get on with your life. That’s Tube, a third party website that strips YouTube back to basics.
Not Getting macOS Notifications? Here’s How to Fix It (Without Rebooting)
If your Mac is mysteriously no longer showing notifications, restarting your Mac will most likely fix the problem. However, here’s a quick way to remedy the situation without restarting.
Geek Trivia: Which Of These Things Is Paradoxically Difficult To Measure Accurately?
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Best USB-C Docks for Your MacBook Pro
Newer MacBooks are sorely lacking in ports, but you can easily upgrade your experience with a full featured and flexible USB-C dock that not o…
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Stop Using Six Digit Numeric iPhone Passcodes Right Now
Sorry, iPhone users: your six digit numeric passcode isn’t enough anymore. Use a longer alphanumeric code if you really want to lock things down.
Constant Blue Screens Delayed The Windows 10 April 2018 Update
The Windows 10 April 2018 update, which includes the new Timeline feature, was supposed to come out last week, but Microsoft never shipped it. The reason: a blocking bug, discovered at the last minute, that created reliability issues.
GrubHub Will Let You Split the Check With Venmo Integration
GrubHub can save a party with a quick meal for everyone, but when it comes time to split the bill, it can be a nightmare.
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How To Set the Default Font in Photoshop and Illustrator
Photoshop and Illustrator are powerful, but not exactly intuitive. That goes double for their text tools. If you’re tired of seeing the wrong default font at the wrong time, here’s how to set it manually.
The Best Keyless Lock For Every Need
Somewhere between a regular door lock and a full-blown smart lock, there sits a middle ground.
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What Is a CSV File, and How Do I Open It?
A Comma Separated Values (CSV) file is a plain text file that contains a list of data. These files are often used for exchanging data between different applications. For example, databases and contact managers often support CSV files.
How to Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu 18.04
Chrome is the first app many people install on a new operating system, but you won’t find it in Ubuntu’s Software Center. Instead, you need to download and install a package.
Why It’s Nearly Impossible to Make Money Mining Bitcoin
In Bitcoin‘s early days, you could easily mine the cryptocurrency on your own PC. But now you need cheap electricity and a serious investment in specialized hardware to have any hope of making money.
How to Choose the Best VPN Service for Your Needs
If you’re looking for the best VPN for torrenting, privacy, bypassing censorship, staying anonymous online, getting around geographic restrictions, or just location shifting, you’ve got a lot of confusing choices. Keep reading as we help you pick the right VPN for you.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Why Isn’t PBS Offered By Sling and Other Streaming Services?
PBS doesn’t have the streaming rights to its shows, which is why cord cutting viewers like you can’t watch your local PBS station.
Plover.io Quickly Shares Files Between Local Devices
Quickly transferring files from, say, a Mac to an Android is more complicated than it needs to be. Plover makes it simple for devices on the same network.
How Much Electricity Do All Your Appliances Use?
You know how much electricity you use overall each month, because you pay the bill. But, you can also figure out how much electricity each appliance uses individually and how much it contributes to your total usage.
Geek Trivia: Which Of These Parts Of A Chicken Help It Regulate Its Body Temperature?
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The Best Slim, Low Profile iPhone X Cases (That Still Protect Your Phone)
Sturdy and bulky cases are great if you live a rugged lifestyle, but how about if you just need some slim and simple protection for your iPhon…
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Voice Assistants Are Only Intuitive If You’re Already Tech Savvy
It’s easy to confuse “familiar” with “intuitive”. This applies to voice interfaces as much as it does to desktop ones.
Sega Is Bringing 15 Classic Games, Including Sonic, to the Switch This Summer
There was a time when we thought that the Switch would be a perfect fit for the Virtual Console.
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Headlines About ‘The Dark Web’ Are Usually Nonsense
Think critically when news outlets report about private data “showing up on the dark web,” because it probably doesn’t mean what you imagine.
How To Improve Your Aim in PC Games
Aiming with the mouse is essential in almost any PC shooting game, doubly so if you play online. It’s a simple and intuitive process, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement.
How to Use Samsung Smart Switch to Update Your Galaxy Phone
Samsung’s Smart Switch is a unique tool for transferring data from an old device to your new Galaxy phone, but it also offers a way to update your phone quickly and easily. Here’s how.
iPad 2018 Review: Why Didn’t I Try an iPad Sooner?
I’ve used a lot of tablets. Android, Chrome OS, Kindles, even Windows.
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How to Remove Google From Your Life (And Why That’s Nearly Impossible)
Google can feel pretty pervasive and, if you’re concerned about your privacy, that might worry you. So, if you want to get rid of all your Google services, here’s how you can do it and what you’ll be losing.
How to Hide a Recovery Partition (or Other Drive) in Windows
PC manufacturers often include recovery partitions. These are usually hidden, but sometimes become visible under This PC and elsewhere in Windows. Here’s how to hide a recovery partition—or any other drive.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Geek Trivia: Which Of These Pine Tree Species Require Forest Fires To Propagate?
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5 Reasons Kodi Users Should Just Switch To Plex Already
I know you love Kodi. I do too. But there’s a reason people keep switching to Plex: it’s better.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Geek Trivia: Sunsets Over The Ocean Will Rarely, But Curiously, Produce A Flash Of?
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How to Remove Facebook from Your Life (And Why That’s Nearly Impossible)
Deleting your Facebook account is technically simple. Head to the account deletion page, click the “Delete My Account” button, enter your password and a captcha, and boom, it’s done.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Check Out How Google, Amazon, and Facebook Looked Decades Ago
Change is the only constant online (other than complaining about change). The Museum of Websites lets you explore how popular websites looked in the past.
How Apple’s New Business Chat Works
iMessage isn’t just for texting your friends and family anymore. With Apple’s new Business Chat feature, you can now text businesses and brands with your questions right from iMessage. Here’s how it works.
Geek Trivia: Which Of These Popular Novels Began Life As A Radio Show?
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Google Wants to Bring One of Its Many Messenger Apps to the Desktop
Google badly wants to have an iMessage competitor, so it’s planning to bring one of its many messaging apps to the desktop.
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Gmail Will Offer Self Destructing Emails
Gmail’s user interface is getting an update soon, and one new feature is self-destructing emails.
Should Individually Targeted Advertising Be Banned?
Privacy is dead, and targeted advertising is the economic incentive that killed it. But what if individually targeted advertising was banned?
How To Upgrade or Replace Almost Any PC Component
Upgrading and replacing PC components can be a little tricky, but it’s something anyone can learn to do. Let’s take a look at how to choose and install those upgrades.
The Best Space Heaters for Every Room In Your House
Space Heaters are a perfect way to make one area in your home extra warm and cozy without turn…
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How to Change Fonts on Samsung Phones
Hate the stock font on your Samsung phone? You’re in luck, because you can change it up whenever you like. They even have font packs available for download.
Seven Android Gestures You May Not Know About
Gestures make using your phone faster and more efficient—but only if you know the gestures in the first place. Here’s a collection of some of the best ones for Android that you may not already be using.
The Best Ways to Automatically Back Up the Photos on Your Smartphone
The best camera is the one you have with you, and most of the time that’s going to be 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.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Why Everyone Makes Dumb Faces in YouTube Thumbnails
Have you noticed how…weird YouTube thumbnails have gotten? They nearly always feature a human face looking at something, and that face is usually contorted into the most extreme emotion possible.
5 SimpliSafe Settings You Should Change
Most of the default settings for your SimpliSafe security system work fine. However, for full customization, you’re better off digging into the settings and changing some things around to meet your needs.
Geek Trivia: In Order To Prove How The Illness Was Caused, A Scientist Purposely Gave Himself?
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ESPN Launches $5 Streaming Service, Without Their TV Channels
Cord cutters: you can subscribe to ESPN+ today, which costs $5 a month, and there’s even a seven day trial. Just don’t expect access to ESPN’s TV channels.
What That “Not Optimized For Your Mac” Message Means
Mac: If you depend on any older software, you’ve probably seen a cryptic message today.
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.
How to Find Out What Model of Android Phone You Have
Because of the sheer number of Android phones out there, it can be a challenge to figure out (or remember) which handset you have. Here’s how you can find out.
Roomba 690 Review: What a Modern Robot Vacuum Should Be
It isn’t enough for a robot vacuum in 2018 to just clean your floor, it’s got to wow with some smart home integration—and tha…
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Will the Alarm Work if Your iPhone is Off, Silent, or Do Not Disturb?
Unlike with older feature phones, your iPhone’s alarm won’t sound if your phone is turned of or out of battery. The alarm will sound if your iPhone’s on silent or Do Not Disturb.
Why You Should Always Install 64-bit Windows
Microsoft still offers both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10. But, whether you’re installing Windows 10 or Windows 7, you should almost certainly skip the 32-bit version and get the 64-bit version instead.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Microsoft No Longer Blocks Windows 7 Updates On Computers Without Antivirus
Good news Windows 7 users: Microsoft isn’t going to stop you from getting updates if you don’t have an antivirus.
How Much Electricity Does the Amazon Echo Use?
Alexa can be super useful thanks to the Echo’s always-listening capabilities that keep it ready for action at a moment’s notice. But how much electricity is that convenience costing you?
Free Your iPhone From Docks With This Lightning Extension Cable
If you’ve ever purchased a product with a dock for your iPhone, you know all too well the dilemma: sometimes you want to use the product…
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Now You Can Get Spotify and Hulu For $12.99, If You Live In the U.S.
If you have a Spotify subscription, it’s not unlikely that you’d also want Hulu (or vice versa).
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Geek Trivia: Viewers Of Star Trek: The Original Series Found Which Of These Confusing?
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Spotify and Hulu Will Offer a $13 Bundle
If you’re both a Spotify and a Hulu user, stay tuned: a $13 a month could get you both services by summer. A deal previously limited to students will soon be available for everyone.
You Can Now Get Spotify and Hulu For $12.99, If You Live In the U.S.
If you have a Spotify subscription, it’s not unlikely that you’d also want Hulu (or vice versa).
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Reminder: Removing “Void if Removed” Stickers Doesn’t Void Your Warranty
Tech companies aren’t allowed to void your warranty just because you removed a sticker—regardless of what that sticker might say.
How To Upgrade and Install a New CPU or Motherboard (or Both)
So you want a new processor. The bad news is, you’ll probably need a new motherboard (and maybe RAM) to go along with it. The worse news is that it’s a real pain to replace all of that hardware.
What is Android One?
Android One was originally an initiative to bring low-cost Android phones to developing countries. However, Google has shifted directions, making Android One a more user-focused program to bring more stock Android phones to market.
Can You Upgrade the RAM in Your Mac?
While Macs certainly aren’t as easy to upgrade as a typical PC, it’s surprisingly simple to upgrade some components like RAM—especially if you’ve got a Mac desktop or an older laptop. Adding more RAM can breath new life into an old Mac.
What Are the ARCore and ARKit Augmented Reality Frameworks?
ARCore and ARKit are Google and Apple’s respective Augmented Reality frameworks for bringing more AR apps to their platforms. They use the smartphone’s camera to add interactive elements to an existing environment.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Don’t Give Away ‘Secret Question’ Answers on Social Media
You know those “secret question” fields websites use to supposedly confirm your identity? Make sure you don’t give away the answers to them on social media.
How to Adjust the Brightness Range of Your Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switches
Lutron’s Caseta dimmer switches are great, but if you’re having some issues with your lights flickering or turning off prematurely, you can adjust the dimming levels to eliminate these issues.
Geek Trivia: Many Simpsons Characters Are Named After?
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The 6 Best Trip Planning Apps for Headache Free Travel
Planning a trip can be complicated and juggling flight reservations and hotel bookings is often only the start of it.
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Firefox, Chrome and Edge Will All Support WebAuthn’s Hardware Two Factor Authentication
Logging into Gmail or Facebook could soon mean plugging in a USB device, potentially making phishing a thing of the past.
How to Download macOS Updates Using The Terminal
Tired of opening the Mac App Store to install macOS updates? Use the Terminal instead.
Please Don’t Spend the Entire Day Playing This Jelly Mario Physics Simulator
You know what could make the classic Super Mario Bros. better? A physics engine. Oh, and playing it in the browser could help, too.
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How to Check If Cambridge Analytica Has Your Facebook Info
Wondering if Cambridge Analytica grabbed your data back in the day? Facebook offers a quick check.
The Best Smart Locks For Every Need
Smart locks help you straddle the line between security and convenience.
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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.
Can You Upgrade the Hard Drive or SSD In Your Mac?
Macs have a reputation for being hard to upgrade or repair, but that isn’t always true. The hard drive (or SSD) is one component that you often can replace yourself, especially in older Macs. Let’s look at how to find out if you can replace yours.
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.
Monday, April 9, 2018
How to Temporarily Disable Your Lutron Caseta Light Switches
Lutron Caseta dimmer switches are typical smart light switches with on/off buttons and dimming controls. However, there’s also a hidden pull-out tab at the bottom for disabling the switch and cutting power when you need to.
Geek Trivia: Which One Of These Iconic Video Games Was Originally Planned As A Mac Exclusive?
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The Best Rugged iPhone X Cases to Keep Your Phone Safe
The iPhone X is a beautiful phone that’s glass, glass, and more glass.
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Soon You Won’t Have to Sign Credit Card Receipts
Using signatures to verify a purchase dates back to the Roman Empire, but it’s ending in America—when it comes to credit cards, at least.
Here’s How to Mute Those Annoying Gas Station Video Ads
You’re just trying to pump your gas, not get blasted with ads, but the pump has other plans.
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Re-Live the 90s with the Windows 3.1 File Manager, Now Available for Windows 10
Windows File Manager is now open source; you can download it now or check out the source code. Even the help file is included.
How To Upgrade and Install a New Power Supply for Your PC
The power supply or “PSU” is the electrical heart of your PC. And if yours has recently stopped beating, or you’re upgrading your computer with more powerful components, you need a new one.
Which Amazon Fire Tablet Model Do I Own?
Amazon’s Fire Tablet, formerly known as Kindle Fire, comes in 7, 8, and 10 inch versions. Even if you know you have a Fire, Fire HD, or Fire HDX, there are several different generations of hardware. Here’s how to tell exactly which tablet model you have.
How to Clear Your Facebook Search History
Search histories can tell a lot about you, and that’s especially true of Facebook’s search history. If you don’t want that sort of data left sitting around, here’s how to clear it.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Geek Trivia: The Driest Place On Earth, As Measured By Precipitation, Is Located In?
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How Can I Get Better Wi-Fi Reception Outside?
If you spend a lot of time surfing your phone on your patio or streaming music while you do lawn work, you need a decent Wi-Fi signal. Here are some things you can do to get the best outdoor signal from yours.
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Geek Trivia: In The Film Industry, An “Apple Box” Is Used To?
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The Importance of Emulation For Games Preservation
Super Mario Bros will never die. Nintendo always gets around to re-releasing the 1985 classic on every new console it makes, and people always buy millions of copies.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Stop Facebook’s ‘On This Day’ From Dredging Up Painful Memories
Facebook’s “On This Day” is mostly harmless nostalgia, but every once and a while it dredges up painful memories. You can stop this by manually excluding certain dates and people.
How to Back Up Your Mac to Your Synology NAS
MacOS’s Time Machine backup utility lets you back up your entire computer to an external hard drive, but you can also back up to a NAS that’s on your local network. Here’s how to do it.
Geek Trivia: The Diamond Grip Pattern Frequently Found On Metal Tools Is Called?
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How to Use Your Amazon Echos As a Household PA System
Echo users: your house has a PA system now. Just say “Alexa announce that it’s time for dinner” and your statement, “it’s time for dinner,” will be repeated by every Echo in the house, in your own voice.
How to Watch YouTube Videos on Plex
You’ve added all your media to a Plex server and it’s great, but now you want to watch your favorite YouTube videos in the same interface. Is that possible? Yep!
You Can’t Reverse Search Phone Numbers or Email Addresses on Facebook Anymore
Until recently you could search Facebook for a phone number or email address search and find the Facebook account associated with it. That’s not true anymore.
5 Waterproof Keyboards to Survive Coffee Spills and More
Whether you’ve already killed your keyboard with a coffee spill or you’re a self aware klutz a…
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Stop Forwarding Annoying Messages on Facebook
Chain letters are nothing new—they’ve been around longer than many of us have been alive. They have, however, adapted to new technology. Facebook Messenger is the current hotness for chain letters, and it’s time to stop sharing them.
What’s the Difference Between Facebook and Facebook Lite
Facebook Lite is an Android app designed for low speed connections and low spec phones. It has been available outside the US for a few years, and now it’s available in the US, too. Here are the differences between it and the original Facebook app.
Whats the Difference Between a Bitcoin Wallet and an Exchange?
A Bitcoin wallet is basically a software program in which you store Bitcoin. An exchange lets you convert “real money” like US dollars to Bitcoin. Exchanges also provide a wallet—but you don’t necessarily have full control of that wallet.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Google Voice Is Testing Wi-Fi Calling, No Call Forwarding Required
Google Voice is adding a VoIP option on Android and the web; iOS support is reportedly coming soon. You can join the beta and test this new feature right now.
Why Smart Fridges Are the Future
People love snarking at tech like smart fridges. While the price isn’t exactly affordable just yet, you can’t deny that smart fridges could actually be pretty useful.
Geek Trivia: The Only Location In The United States That Still Receives Mail Via Mule Delivery Is In?
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Trends Are Over: How Bots Made Social Stats Basically Useless
Likes, shares and retweets are constantly invoked in news stories to establish an idea as credible, or at least popular. They shouldn’t be.
What is Windows 10’s Timeline, and How Do I Use It?
Timeline is part of Windows 10’s Task View. It shows a history of activities you’ve performed and can even synchronize activities across your PCs. You can then easily pick up where you left off.
Facebook Scans Your Messenger Conversations and Sometimes Humans Read Them
The Facebook news feed is public and Messenger is private…right? Not quite: Facebook routinely scans your Messenger conversations, and in some cases human employees may review them.
What Do The Jumper Pins On The Back Of Your Hard Drive Do?
You may have pins on the back of your hard drive that nothing is connected to. These pins are called jumpers, and are used to enable specific types of settings. They’re not used so much with modern hard drives, except in some special circumstances.
How to Take Screenshots on Samsung Galaxy Phones
There are two different ways to take screenshots on most Samsung Galaxy phones, depending on which model you’re using. Let’s break it down.
It’s Time to Sign Up For a Music Streaming Service You Cheapskate
Music streaming services like Spotify are epic. They’ve changed the face of the industry.
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How to Hide Your Online Status in WhatsApp
By default, WhatsApp shows your friends whether you’re online now or when you were last online. If you prefer, you can hide your status..
How to Limit Any Application’s Bandwidth on Windows
You can restrict Windows Update’s download speed on Windows 10. Some applications also let you limit their bandwidth. But, for applications that don’t have that built in, you’ll need third-party software.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
How to Install and Set Up the SimpliSafe Security System
If you want to keep your home safe from the occasional bad guy, but don’t want to pay the premium for a professional system, SimpliSafe is a security system that you can easily install yourself. Here’s how to get it up and running.
The Best Travel Routers For Any Situation
A travel router is great way to bring the power and features you enjoy at home or in the office with you while you’re on the road.
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Geek Trivia: The Working Title For The Hit Netflix Show ‘Stranger Things’ Was Originally?
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Disable That Annoying Apple Pay Notification Without Enabling Apple Pay
iPhone/iPad: Not interested in Apple Pay, and tired of seeing notifications about it? You can disable them, but the option is hidden.
Quickly Clean Out Your Facebook App Permissions Right Now
Disabling third party app permissions in Facebook is faster than ever, thanks to a new bulk remove option. Head to App Settings, check apps you don’t want to provide permission anymore, then click “Remove.”
How to Use Nearby Sharing on Windows 10
Windows 10 PCs can now send files, links, photos, and more to nearby PCs over Bluetooth. This “Nearby Sharing” or “Near Share” feature works a lot like Apple’s AirDrop, and it’s new in the Spring Creators Update.
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.
The Best Cheaper Alternatives to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Nintendo’s official Switch Pro Controller is really nice, but it’s pretty expensive.
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How to Take Screenshots on Google Pixel Phones
Capturing your phone’s screen is useful in many situations. If you’re a Pixel user, you can do it with a couple of button clicks.
How To Turn Off Facebook Messenger’s Annoying M Suggestions
Facebook killed their M chat bot a few months back because it was more artificially stupid than artificially intelligent. Unfortunately, it lives on as the equally unintelligent M Suggestions in Facebook Messenger. Here’s how to turn those off.
Why Does Microsoft Charge $100 for Encryption When Everyone Else Gives It Away?
Every other platform—Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and Linux—offers full disk encryption. But, if your PC doesn’t ship with encryption, you’ll need the Professional version of Windows 10—a $100 upgrade from Windows Home.
Effortless Is a Dead Simple To Do List and Timer For macOS
macOS: Staying on task is hard, and productivity apps quickly become time sinks themselves. Effortless is a combination timer and task list that prompts you to get to work immediately.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Stop Complaining About Vertical Video
People have strong feelings about which direction video should be oriented. There are good reasons for that, but in some contexts, vertical video is completely fine and you should stop complaining about it.
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…
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Geek Trivia: In Medieval Europe, Which Of The Following Were Used As Timers?
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Why The Chronological Facebook Feed is Never Coming Back
There are many, many legitimate criticisms you can make of Facebook. The death of the chronological news feed isn’t one of them.
Elon Musk Is Sleeping at the Tesla Factory to Personally Oversee Your New Car
If you’re in the market for a Tesla Model 3–the most affordable Tesla model around̵…
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Don’t Want the Spring Creators Update Yet? Here’s How to Pause It
Microsoft is set to release the Spring Creators Update, also known as Redstone 4, at some point in April. You can pause the update to avoid receiving it immediately—as long as you’re using Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education.
Why Your Third Party Instagram Client Just Broke
Instagram broke many third party apps over the weekend as it massively reduced the number of API calls clients can make, from 5,000 an hour down to 200.
Prynt Pocket Review: A Retro Instant Photo Printer for Your iPhone
If you’re looking for a fun photo accessory for your iPhone that brings back the feel of an instant camera with a modern twist, the Pryn…
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