Category Archives: FYI

Budgetwise Smart Phone – Pixel 3A

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Those of you who are looking for a new phone will want to read Brian X. Chen’s article about Google’s Pixel 3A, which apparently is the latest and greatest ‘reasonably priced’ smartphone.  Yes!  According to Brian X. Chen, Tech Fix, New York Times article, this is a phone worth looking at. Cost $400.00 – half the price of Google’s other phones. It is being introduced for those of us not wanting to pay $1,000 – $2,000 for a phone.  Here are some of the features Chen is impressed with.

♦ Camera features from the Pixel phone are also available in the Pixel 3A.  For example, Night Sight – where photos taken in low light look normal without the use of a flash.

♦ Pixel 3A shoots images with portrait mode – This puts the main subject in sharp focus while blurring the background.

♦ Includes a headphone jack.

♦ There are trade-offs:  missing support for wireless charging, lack of waterproofing.  Slightly slower, less accurate colors.

Brian Chen’s article is much more thorough.  You can read the full review by clicking the link below.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/07/technology/personaltech/pixel-3a.html

 

 

New Android Apps

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I’m eager for Android users to read about these helpful apps, reviewed by the  Guiding Tech website.

♦  YouCamVideo –   If you want to explore making videos click the link below, and then use the YouTube link for a tutorial.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.perfectcorp.ycv&hl=en_US

View the tutorial about YouCamVideo at this link – https://youtu.be/14kNIqcj4hI

♦  Aroundsound Audio Recorder– Would you like to keep notes for your brilliant ideas without having to write them down? This is the app for you.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aroundsound.audiorecorder

♦  Easy Pedometer – Use this app to keep track of all that exercise you have been doing.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=step.tracker.pedometer.stepcounter&hl=en_US

There’s so much to explore.  Read more about other apps at the source link below.

https://www.guidingtech.com/best-new-android-apps-march-2019/

SmartPhone Help

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iPhone users will love this trick that I found on Tom’s Guide.

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphone-get-better-4g-signal,review-5680.html

 

 

When you are done with that, help yourself with these FREE Mindfulness Apps at the link below.

https://www.mindful.org/free-mindfulness-apps-worthy-of-your-attention/

Transitioning Tech4Boomers

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Greetings to all of my Tech4Boomers followers.  For the past nine years, I have worked toward bringing you technology information that provides you with a better understanding of the equipment, information, and your continuing participation let’s me know that we have had at least some success with technology challenges we face and require skills to use.

This month  tech4boomers will transition the type of information that is posted on the blog.  More and more, the onslaught of information overload forces us to consider using technology to help us with our personal challenges.  In the future, I’ll look for ways to use technology that can give us the opportunity to explore ways, such as, to relieve stress, play games, get fit, and be mindful of the time we are spending on our gadgets.  Often, the recommendations will lead you to a link of apps that may help with various issues. I am continuing to work so that it will be useful for you.

 

Click the Link Below for the Best Anxiety Apps of 2018

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/top-iphone-android-apps

 

Cryptocurrency and Cryptomining Info

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Happy New Year to all my followers and those who just stopped by to find out what’s happening with tech4boomers. I begin the year reminding myself and you about making sure to have virus software.  As I was preparing to do this blog post, I came across some information that I thought might be useful going forward.
As many of you may be aware, “Cryptocurrency” is digital money. Another name you may be familiar with is Bitcoin.  Even if you’re not an investor in this digital payment system, there is something you should be aware of, and that is “Cryptojacking”, sometimes called “malicious cryptomining”.

Cryptojackers are hackers who use your computer, smartphones etc., without your knowledge.  It’s another form of malware, which can be loaded on your computer when you click on a malicious link in an email.  This form of hacking has become one of the latest online threats to computer users. This malware steals your computer’s resources, and can slow down your device substantially.

  • Norton Security considers it the new ransomware and recommends a strong internet security software suite to help block Cryptojacking threats.
  • Mcafee advises using comprehensive security software, using a password manger to create complicated, unique passwords. Avoid risky apps, and always keep all your software up-to-date.

You can find out more using these source websites:

 

 

 

 

 

Last Minute Tech Gift List for Christmas & Kwanzaa

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We can all use a little help with last-minute shopping.  It turns out that there are still many deals out there, and if you order from Amazon, they may guarantee delivery before Christmas.  And, if you celebrate Kwanzaa, you just might be early !

♥ Here are some of my favorites – just click the link.

Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com

https://mashable.com

 

Getting Ready for Holiday Tech Gifts

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It is that time of year again when we are able to acquire computer tech deals before the holiday is upon us.  And, we can get our shopping done on-line.  I looked around for some ideas at a few websites I count on go give me suggestions.  Take a look at the some of the deals and see whether you find something that will work for your shopping list.

  1. The Roku Streaming Stick. ( $49.00). The tiny Roku Streaming Stick brings us still further into the future of streaming entertainment onto our big-screens. It is a small device, not much larger than the typical thumb drive, that plugs directly into a port on your TV and allows you to stream television shows, movies, music, games and other content from the Internet, in some cases without extra cables or remote controls. Source: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/roku-streaming-stick.htm
  2. Kindle Paperwhite. If you’re tired of lugging around those heavy hardcover books, you should consider buying a Kindle. After testing all the Kindle models for 2017—including the new Kindle Oasis—our recommendation for most people is the Kindle Paperwhite. (available at Amazon) Not only does a Kindle give you thousands of books at your disposal, the convenience factor is just plain hard to beat. Source: https://www.reviewed.com/laptops/best-right-now/the-best-kindles
  3. Google Home Mini Smart Speaker  ($49.00) – Looks like a real winner to me and less expensive than some gadgets. Source: https://www.pcmag.com/feature/339156/24-must-have-tech-gifts-under-50/6
  4. Amazon Smart Plug  ($24.00) We will not have to turn on our coffee makers and lights.  This little gadget will do it for us.  And, it may fit into your budget. Source:  https://www.pcmag.com/feature/339156/24-must-have-tech-gifts-under-50/10
  5. iHome Motion Sensor iSBO1 – ($29.27) A WiFi Motion sensor. This gadget will let you know about movement in your home.  Nicely priced too. Source: https://www.pcmag.com/feature/339156/24-must-have-tech-gifts-under-50/12
  6. Tile Pro and Tile Mate ($25.00)  – A real winner for help finding your keys and other items you have misplaced.
    Source: https://www.pcmag.com/feature/339156/24-must-have-tech-gifts-under-50/12

Once you get started, with these deals, you will be so happy you did.

Click below for more deals 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Cords Smartphone Charging?

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I have friends who recently purchased wireless charging gadgets and they are very pleased with them.  I’m still holding onto my cords and plugs, and I am wondering if I am causing myself unnecessary work in the process.  I often go to read what Brian X. Chen in the New York Times Tech Fix column has to say about technology.  Below is a summary of what I learned about these gadgets.
♦ Newest smartphones are composed of glass. This fact allows the phone to charge wirelessly.  However, according to the article I read, wireless charging isn’t truly wireless!  That’s because the accessories that allow you wireless charging (mats; stands;), that is to say, you put your phones on to charge, have to be plugged in to a power outlet.

♦ Wireless charging is not as efficient. Therefore, it is slower in refilling the battery. As much as 15 percent slower. Even with that fact, there are smartphone users who say that wireless is more convenient.

♦ After reading the pros and cons, I think for me personally, it’s not worth the costs involved.  I have so many plugs already.  What would I do with them??

♦ One gadget did seem to be worth investigating:  Mophie’s rectangular battery packs with built-in inductive charging. This gadget does not have to be plugged into a power source (cost listed at $99.00).

♦ Another suggestion I liked was having a wireless charging pad for your guests when they come to visit your home, which is aesthetic and hospitable.  No need for them to be under your table looking for an outlet ;).

  • Take a look at the pros and cons for yourself by reading the source document by Mr. Chen.  Just click the picture below.

 

 

Best Phone Plans for International Travel

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Although I’ve used At&T as my cell phone carrier for years, I recently read that it is not one of the best services for traveling internationally.  However, I do not travel internationally enough for it to make a difference in my budget.  For those who do travel often, or just want a better deal to accommodate their travel budget, this article is worth reading, especially if you’re technically savvy.

Geoffrey Morrison reports in WireCutter that T-Mobile has the best deal for traveling internationally and using your cell phone without difficultly and high roaming charges. https://thewirecutter.com

Below are some of the highlights I think are worth considering.

T-Mobile – One of the best!

Has coverage in 210 countries and no international data roaming fees. The one drawback: the data is slow.

Dependable data in more than 210“countries and destinations,” that data is very slow: 2G speeds, or 128 Kbps.

$5 a day you can get a Global Pass, which gets you 512 MB of 4G data.

There’s an explanation about using a SIM card if you need more speed. I will not go into detail here – you can use this link to find out more.

Google Project Fi – Next best!

  • Better than T-Mobile for international travel for one big reason: 4G data. Your phone will work the same. The speed will be as good as the country’s mobile phone support.
  • Project Fi –  it works on only a handful of phones. Specifically, Google’s own Pixel, Nexus, Moto One X4s, and now a triumvirate of LG phones.
  • Fi is technically available in only 170 countries. Keep in mind that the speeds are better than T-Mobile.

 
UNLOCKING YOUR PHONE

  • If you do not want to get a new phone you can unlock it, which will let you switch providers (T-Mobile). You also have the choice to use a local SIM card. The article details what each carrier requires.

Continue reading →

Last Minute Back to School 2018 Deals & Advice

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If you’re still looking for last-minute back to school deals for your school supplies and laptops,  I’ve searched around and found one or two suggestions, which may help you.

I’ve always gone to Wirecutter for their observant and expert advice on all sorts of products.  Whether you are in college, grade school, or going back to school yourself, it’s a good place to start. Scroll down through the menu screen to find the products you’re looking for.  Then, select the filter option. And while you’re at it, sign up for their Newsletter to stay on top of good purchases. https://thewirecutter.com/deals/

You will also want to look at https://Inkgrabber.com, and https://www.inkjets.com, to find the best deals on toner for your printers.

  • As soon as you start to get the “jitters”, as you send your young college students off to fend for themselves, you may want to take a look at this set of suggestions, published by US News. It is an article about wellness for Parents no less! Click this link, and “breathe” US News for Parents