Tuesday, November 13, 2018

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/

Friday, October 19, 2018

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:  


Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Face ID is better!

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.  


Sunday, September 16, 2018

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

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.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

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.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

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/

Saturday, June 9, 2018

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 

Friday, April 20, 2018

Saturday, March 10, 2018

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/

Sunday, March 4, 2018

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/

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Saturday, February 17, 2018

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