Google's choice of which products to continue and which to wipe out regularly puzzles me. Google Hangouts has been Google's most popular messaging service. Obviously it's not as popular as the top tier but Google finally found a product other than email that users liked. Of course they're ruining it by morphing it into something … Continue reading Google is shutting down popular Google Hangouts
Tag: technology, tech tips
Tired of robocalls? Here are the nuclear options
Now that I've (finally) given up my landline, and transferred that number to my cell, the number of robocalls and unwelcome calls has increased exponentially. If you're really serious about limiting calls you don't want, one option is to insert a request that the person confirm they're human -- that does work but also annoys … Continue reading Tired of robocalls? Here are the nuclear options
If you’re starting from scratch at choosing among the universe of tablets in the US
I've been happily in the Apple/Kindle universe for so long that I was momentarily stumped when asked to compare an Apple iPad to a Kindle Fire. This article turned out to be a very user-friendly primer for tablets generally. Confirmed that I'm right where I want to be, but investigating further for my friend with … Continue reading If you’re starting from scratch at choosing among the universe of tablets in the US
Keep your boarding passes private — they contain more info than you think
The following article is a reader-friendly expansion of a Popular Mechanics article explaining the basic problem: https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/airlines/a25923137/hacker-airline-security-flaw/ The article below tho focuses on the regular wide distribution of all details of our lives on social media -- including the occasional posting of our boarding passes. Bottom line is don't do it. But this article (if … Continue reading Keep your boarding passes private — they contain more info than you think
Apple Watch collects another tale of a life saved
This particular story makes use of a feature I use ALL the time. I can tap an icon and my iPhone gives a nice ping telling me where it is. Has saved an aggregate of hours of not looking endlessly in the places where I thought I left it. Here's a time when that ping … Continue reading Apple Watch collects another tale of a life saved
What happens to that apple core or banana peel you don’t take home with you?
Almost everyone has, at some point, when looking at a banana peel that might perfume the car or an apple core when you lack a trash bag, tossed the peel or core outside. It's easy to assume the peel or core will provide welcome nutrition to critters, insects, or that they'll rot right away and … Continue reading What happens to that apple core or banana peel you don’t take home with you?
Apple’s business model is serving customers well even if some investors not happy — an editorial and commentary
An editorial and an article pointing out that there are a lot of happy and dedicated Apple iPhone users who aren't upset at all about a slowdown in sales for iPhones offering features that don't offer them value. They may not be buying the new iPhones, but they're certainly thoroughly enmeshed in the Apple system. … Continue reading Apple’s business model is serving customers well even if some investors not happy — an editorial and commentary
Apple Watch’s Activity Rings truly do motivate
I can certainly vouch for the somewhat surprising motivational impact of the Activity Rings on Apple Watches. Am not a particularly athletic person but thoroughly enjoy the closing of a ring, whether it's for standing, high levels of activity, or simply moving more than a couch potato. It'll be a study for someone how one … Continue reading Apple Watch’s Activity Rings truly do motivate
Articles to help you get going with your new tech device (so long as it’s not Android)
I don't have anything AGAINST Android. I'm just firmly planted in the Apple/Kindle universe so those are the only articles I search for. Here's one each for the basic items:\ (1) Here's how to get started with your new iMac, Mac mini, MacBook, or MacBook Pro https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/12/25/heres-how-to-get-started-with-your-new-imac-mac-mini-macbook-or-macbook-pro (2) Guides, How Tos, and Tips for New … Continue reading Articles to help you get going with your new tech device (so long as it’s not Android)
It’s possible to “hey Siri” your computer
If you're dedicated to being able to give voice commands to Siri (or perhaps you're already used to doing that with Alexa), here's the one-time procedure for being able to use "hey Siri" with a computer that has Mojave installed. https://www.appleworld.today/blog/2018/12/26/how-to-enable-hey-siri-in-macos-mojave
Every ticket issuer should use mobile ticketing
Years after Apple Wallet was first made available, Telecharge and Public Theater of NYC now offer mobile tickets with NO PRINTING REQUIRED. Thank you thank you. All technology and I get along except for my printer. I bow in gratitude. The NY Philharmonic and Fandango (movies) made this available years ago. Now it's time for … Continue reading Every ticket issuer should use mobile ticketing
New Watch 4 tutorial videos available — brief, but helpful
Each of these tutorial videos is available on YouTube but this article pulls them together in one document. https://www.macrumors.com/2018/12/17/apple-watch-series-4-tutorial-videos/
Abycats' Thoughts 