5 free plugins that make Netflix so much better

https://bgr.com/2018/12/28/best-netflix-movies-2018-plugins-top-5-secret-categories-stop-autoplay/amp/

Windows is coming to your Chromebook

https://www.zdnet.com/google-amp/article/windows-is-coming-to-your-chromebook/

Smartphones in 2018: The biggest winners and losers

https://www.cnet.com/news/smartphones-in-2018-the-years-biggest-winners-and-losers/

Netflix releases interactive episode of TV show 'Black Mirror'

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2018/12/28/netflix-releases-bandersnatch-interactive-episode-of-black-mirror.html

The Echo Wall Clock is terrific!

https://theinventory.com/i-hate-how-much-i-like-amazons-echo-wall-clock-1831322467/amp

GEAR OF THE YEAR: ALL THE BEST STUFF FROM 2018

https://www.wired.com/story/gear-of-the-year-2018/amp

My Must-Have iOS Apps, 2018 Edition

https://www.macstories.net/stories/my-must-have-ios-apps-2018-edition/

Free Chrome extension that fixes the worst thing about Netflix

Works when using chrome browser...

https://bgr.com/2018/12/20/netflix-stop-auto-preview-autoplay-videos/amp/

New Echo Wall Clock has arrived $29

https://9to5mac.com/2018/12/19/amazon-echo-wall-clock-review/amp/

Google isn’t the company that we should have handed the Web over to

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/12/the-web-now-belongs-to-google-and-that-should-worry-us-all/?amp=1

Why every super paranoid internet user needs a cheap Chromebook

https://mashable.com/article/cheap-chromebook-perfect-paranoid-user.amp

How to use Alexa Routines to make your Amazon Echo even smarter

https://www.techhive.com/article/3327501/speakers/how-to-use-alexa-routines.amp.html

RING ALARM REVIEW: SIMPLE, CHEAP HOME SECURITY

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/3/17530782/ring-alarm-security-system-smart-home-review-price-features?_gl=1*uoxdnc*

Alexa can now arm your home security system — including Amazon’s Ring Alarm

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/12/14/18141658/alexa-guard-amazon-home-security-ring-alarm-adt

RING ALARM REVIEW: SIMPLE, CHEAP HOME SECURITY

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/3/17530782/ring-alarm-security-system-smart-home-review-price-features?_gl=1*uoxdnc*

Alexa can now arm your home security system — including Amazon’s Ring Alarm

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/12/14/18141658/alexa-guard-amazon-home-security-ring-alarm-adt

The Best Password Managers

https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-password-managers/amp/

Apple reveals the most popular iPhone apps of 2018 - Mashable

Apple reveals the most popular iPhone apps of 2018 - Mashable


https://apple.news/AxbJXufMCRmu84R_w-24lrg

How Ring's Neighbors app is making home security a social thing

https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/how-rings-neighbors-app-is-making-home-security-a-social-thing/

A dark matter hurricane is headed our way

https://www-m.cnn.com/2018/11/19/opinions/dark-matter-hurricane-headed-our-way-lincoln-opinion/

We Just Measured All The Starlight In The Universe, And It Spells Doom For Our Future

https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2018/11/29/we-just-measured-all-the-starlight-in-the-universe-and-it-spells-doom-for-our-future/

Chromebook? Here's Why You Should Always Shut It Down When You're Done

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinmurnane/2018/11/24/got-a-black-friday-chromebook-heres-why-you-should-always-shut-it-down-when-youre-done/amp/

What the Chromebook needs before it's going to be considered a real computer [Opinion]

I guess it has too many issues to be used easily for writing books and doing work.  It will let you acces the internet well.  But I get nervous about password storage on google files.  Hmm 🤔 

https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/11/12/chromebook-needs-considered-real-computer/

New iPhone, smart speaker Alexa, Apple Watch

Hi.   Just getting back to you about devices.   

Get the new iPhone XR which is $300 cheaper and has 90% of the same stuff as the XS — but has the bigger battery:

https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/iphone-xr-hands-on-colors-first-impression/

Also: get the Amazon echo dot which is cheap at $49 or get last years model for $39 (speaker isn't as good). Amazing tech voice driven like having a virtual assistant.  

All-new Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa - Charcoal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792KTHKJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rURYBbV1W4DDB

New - TotalMount Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Hole-Free Wall Mount (Black) - Eliminates Need to Drill Holes in Your Wall https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JBHCHBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kHRYBbG2CNJZM

Echo Dot (2nd Generation) - Smart speaker with Alexa - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DFKC2SO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cDRYBb38MQBDV

I may try the Google Home device too which is a competitor but may have better search functionality.  

In general all of these smart speakers are really helpful to the elderly which is what we're fast becoming.   Try it, you'll like it.  Wonderful in bathroom when I'm taking a shower and want to listen to news or music and just call out commands!

Lastly I got the new latest Apple Watch ⌚️ which also has better health monitoring, fall detection, and automated emergency services calling if it detects that you fell and got hurt and are unresponsive.   You can also call emergency by holding down the side button, if you set that up.  Great stuff!

Enjoy!

Best,

Lee

Does iPhone speakerphone give you Apple Watch option?

If yes, this annoying feature is turned off by turning off handoff in Apple Watch app general:  

Android sounds technical, has baggage, and might be stale

https://9to5google.com/2018/10/11/the-dirty-word-android-dead-made-by-google/amp/

Best home security systems of 2018

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-home-security-system

The apple of Amazon’s eye is Alexa

https://qz.com/1341368/the-apple-of-amazons-eye-is-alexa/

Microsoft is Apple now

https://qz.com/1411866/microsoft-is-beating-apple-at-its-own-design-game/amp/

Google to allow Chrome users to disable controversial login feature following complaints

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/9/26/17904762/google-chrome-sign-in-changes-feedback

Apple Watch’s new auto-911 calls after falls may tumble into legal trouble

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/09/how-the-new-apple-watch-will-call-911-after-a-fall-if-you-want-it-to/?amp=1

Are Apple's new iPhones SEXIST? Feminist campaigners slam firm for making devices that are 'too big for women to hold'

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article-6166429/New-iPhones-big-women-hold.html

Face ID is better!

https://gizmodo.com/apples-touch-id-is-probably-doomed-and-thats-okay-1806528982/amp

Apple iPhone upgrade program: Here's how it works

Sounds like this is much better than upgrades thru Verizon.  AppleCare is included in the monthly payment (otherwise have to pay $199 for XS or $149 for XR, others).  Plus you can easily upgrade at no cost after a year if you want.  Check out the helpful articles below.  

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/apple-iphone-upgrade-program-heres-how-it-works/

https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-upgrade-program-how-to-buy-2017-9

Don't be afraid to upgrade your old iPhone to iOS 12

https://www.engadget.com/amp/2018/09/18/apple-ios12-older-iphone-performance/

Apple's iOS 12 for iPhones and iPads is out now, here's how to install it

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2018/09/17/how-to-install-ios-12.html

Apple Watch Nike+? And how is it different to the standard Apple Watch?

https://www.pocket-lint.com/smartwatches/news/apple/139179-what-is-apple-watch-nike-plus-and-when-can-you-buy-it.amphtml

How far can you be from your phone with Apple Watch?

Traditional Bluetooth range is around 30-50 feet, but your Apple Watch has an advantage if your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your Watch will remain in contact with your phone anywhere in the building where you're covered by that network.

Amazon Echo Show: 10 essential tips

https://www.techhive.com/article/3302163/amazon-alexa/amazon-echo-show-10-essential-tips.amp.html

How to pick the cloud storage service that’s right for you

Hi Kay,

Ever wondered about the confusing cloud storage services and when/why to use them — Google, Apple, Amazon, Dropbox, Microsoft?  Here is an uncommonly good review of cloud storage services and features.  It's a little long but has great summary statements for each brand about how it compares to our needs.

Best,

Lee

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/8/31/17796884/cloud-storage-service-google-drive-apple-icloud-microsoft-onedrive-dropbox-box-amazon

Family-billed-$13470-for-half-hour-of-iphone-internet

Watch out for roaming charges when you travel!

"So how can you stop apps from using data in the background? With an iPhone, go to settings, then look under Cellular Data, and switch the data use to the OFF position."

https://abc7news.com/amp/technology/san-jose-family-billed-$13470-for-half-hour-of-iphone-internet/4072186/

This is not your father's Microsoft

https://www.cnet.com/news/this-is-not-your-fathers-microsoft/

Why you can't buy every phone you want from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint

Why you can't buy every phone you want from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint


https://www.cnet.com/news/why-you-cant-buy-every-phone-you-want-from-at-t-verizon-t-mobile-and-sprint/

BEST PHONES FOR 2018

Customers buying new devices on Apple’s website can use a trade-in to instantly offset the cost

https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/09/apple-giveback-trade-in-iphone-ipad/amp/

Google Maps is almost perfect, so of course Google had to find a way to ruin it

https://bgr.com/2018/08/08/google-maps-features-ads-in-navigation-search-results/amp/

What you can do to get solid cell network connection at home

https://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/how-to-get-a-better-cell-phone-signal-in-your-home-1827774515

New iPhone Leak Confirms Apple's Serious Problem

New iPhone will have slower internet access.  .. due to non-Qualcomm modems 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2018/07/26/apple-new-iphone-x-plus-se2-iphone9-upgrade-specs-release-date-price-cost/amp/

Tesla Powerwalls

https://electrek.co/2018/07/04/tesla-powerwalls-save-day-heat-wave-vermont/amp/

More transparency and control in your Google Account

Good options to control google 

https://www.blog.google/technology/safety-security/more-transparency-and-control-your-google-account/amp/

August and Alarm.com

https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/06/20/august-announces-alarm-com-partnership-make-door-lock-even-smarter/

All Android phones (even Samsung's) should run stock Android

Interesting!

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3282150/android/all-android-phones-should-run-stock-android.amp.html

Apple to undercut popular law-enforcement tool for cracking iPhones

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1J92ZY

Hacker Proved Cops Used a Secret Government Phone Tracker to Find Him - POLITICO

Torn about this.  On one hand it's useful to good cops against criminals.  On the other it violates our normal expectation of privacy and warrants.  Hmm.  Nifty tech based on Mobil telecommunications 

https://apple.news/A-zrJU3AAS5qr6HF-K60GUw

apple-introduces-the-a-i-phone

https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/07/apple-introduces-the-a-i-phone/amp/

Here are the best new updates coming to your iPhone and iPad in iOS 12

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2018/06/04/ios-12-best-new-features.html

Thieves are pillaging mailboxes

Low tech — but unfortunately works for the thieves.  Watch out!

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/25/as-computers-get-harder-to-crack-thieves-are-pillaging-mailboxes.html?recirc=taboolainternal

Google’s Project Fi gets new phones from LG and Motorola

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/05/googles-project-fi-gets-new-phones-from-lg-and-motorola/?amp=1

Why you should be reading the privacy notices choking your inbox

https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/2018/5/28/17402270/gpr-privacy-notices-privacy-policies

How to listen to what Amazon's Alexa has recorded in your home

https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/649814002

Pornhub made a VPN

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/pornhub-made-vpn-140000592.html

apples-maps-versus-google-maps

Good enough and privacy is intact 

https://9to5mac.com/2018/05/20/appls-maps-versus-google-maps/amp/

Deadly Infections Linked to Neti Pots

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/fatal-infections-linked-neti-pots/story?id=15170230

License plates are getting a tech makeover. Here's why

Bad idea.  No more distractions while driving!

https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/amp/ncna867251

Look up! A dozen 'air taxi' flying cars are readying for takeoff

Amazing 😉!   Check out the videos!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/look-dozen-air-taxi-flying-cars-readying-takeoff-201309959.html

It’s time to give Firefox a fresh chance

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/4/15/17239548/firefox-chrome-safari-competition

This is what the new Gmail will look like

https://www.androidauthority.com/this-is-the-new-gmail-854638/amp/

Generation Z Is Already Bored by the Internet

https://amp.thedailybeast.com/generation-z-is-already-bored-by-the-internet

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

Interesting analysis of the computer OS and microprocessor chip directions. 

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/4/3/17191986/apple-intel-cpu-processor-design-competition

Mozilla's radical open-source move helped rewrite rules of tech

I remember this stuff happening — I was there when Netscape was introduced as the first internet browser in Las Vegas.   

Open source methods are key these days for so much of the software that powers our daily lives.

https://www.cnet.com/news/mozilla-open-source-firefox-move-helped-rewrite-tech-rules-anniversary/

The latest Apple Watch is the perfect example of why you shouldn’t buy a first-generation Apple product

Should I upgrade?

https://qz.com/1238047/apple-watch-series-3-review-six-months-later-dont-buy-first-generation-apple-products/amp/

Google starts blocking “uncertified” Android devices from logging in

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/03/google-starts-blocking-uncertified-android-devices-from-logging-in/?amp=1

https://lifehacker.com/everyone-on-gmail-can-see-your-embarrassing-google-

https://lifehacker.com/everyone-on-gmail-can-see-your-embarrassing-google-pro-1824078165/amp

A guide to car subscriptions, an alternative to buying and leasing

A guide to car subscriptions, an alternative to buying and leasing


https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/car-subscription-service-guide-buying-leasing/

Google just made paying for the news dead-simple

https://www.engadget.com/amp/2018/03/20/google-subscribe-news/

How to force restart a stuck iPhone X

How to force restart a stuck iPhone X


https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-force-restart-a-stuck-iphone-x/

'Minority Report' gesture control is about to get very real

Interesting technology that is being announced on Monday and targeting automakers.  Safer user control of tech without your eyes leaving the road.  Also possible safety feature to detect drooping eyelids and fast blinking indicators of drivers sleepiness.  Possibly appearing in 2019-2020 timeframe in autos.  

'Minority Report' gesture control is about to get very real

https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-builds-eyesight-gesture-control-tech-into-xperia-touch/

Weapons of the future: Here's the new war tech Lockheed Martin is pitching to the Pentagon

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/06/future-weapons-lockheed-martin-pitches-new-war-tech-to-pentagon.html?recirc=taboolainternal

Chrome on Windows ditches Microsoft’s compiler, now uses Clang

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/03/chrome-on-windows-ditches-microsofts-compiler-now-uses-clang/?amp=1

VPNs for consumers

https://www.bestvpn.com/trust-zone-review/

https://trust.zone/  -- recommended by yify

https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/best-vpns-for-torrenting-and-p2p-filesharing/

Is Torrenting Safe? Is it illegal? Are you likely to be caught?

Great background article on technologies and issues:

https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/is-torrenting-safe-illegal-will-you-be-caught/

Amazon will stop selling Nest smart home devices, escalating its war with Google

https://amp.businessinsider.com/amazon-wont-sell-nest-products-from-google-2018-3

Why We May Soon Be Living in Alexa’s World - The New York Times

Why We May Soon Be Living in Alexa's World - The New York Times


https://apple.news/ADEQHHp3ATO-C8VW6OeWyRw

CODE RED!: Whatever Trump Is Hiding Is Hurting All of Us Now

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/02/18/opinion/trump-russia-putin.html?referer=http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/20/media/thomas-friedman-new-york-times-column/index.html

Verizon introduces 500MB prepaid plan for $30

New lower price option, small data requires more Wi-Fi usage when you want to use data.  Also: $5 per day travel pass for Mexico and Canada when traveling/cruises.  

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/2/16/17020074/verizon-prepaid-plan-monthly-cost

Alexa in Toyland: How Amazon's assistant is changing playtime

Alexa in Toyland: How Amazon's assistant is changing playtime


https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-alexa-in-toys-games-and-how-the-smart-assistant-is-changing-playtime/

The FBI, CIA and NSA say American citizens shouldn't use Huawei phones

http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/14/technology/huawei-intelligence-chiefs/index.html

Google and Facebook are watching our every move online. It's time to make them stop

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2018/01/31/google-facebook-data-privacy-concerns-out-of-control-commentary.html

Computer program turns the tables on telemarketers

Interesting idea!

http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/amp/Computer-program-turns-the-tables-on-telemarketers-6847774.php

Amazon has created a new computing platform that will future-proof your home

https://amp.businessinsider.com/amazon-alexa-best-way-future-proof-smart-home-2018-1

15 Insanely Cool Products That Are Selling Like Crazy

https://practicallybest.com/15-insanely-cool-products-that-are-selling-like-crazy/?ad=ad8_h4&camp=mbl&site=00542eb6b0fdc890d2999b82152a73a05e&ts=pb-out