Stop Putting Your Phone in Rice
For nearly as long as smartphones have existed, people have been putting them in rice after dropping them in water. This often-repeated “trick” to save a water-logged phone has gone too far. Allow us to explain….
Can You Unsend in iMessage?
iMessage on the iPhone feels like an instant messaging app, but it doesn’t quite have all the same features. What if you accidentally send a message to someone? Can you undo it? The answer is a little complicated….
Samsung Pay vs. Google Pay: What’s the Difference?
In the Android world, there are two mobile payment platforms to choose from—Samsung Pay and Google Pay. They have a lot in common, but there are some big differences as well. Let’s find out which one you should use….
What Is Bionic Reading, and How Do You Use It?
It’s no mystery that some fonts are easier to read than others. “Bionic Reading” is a tool that’s more than just font, and it could improve your reading speed and comprehension. Here’s what you need to know….
Android Notifications Are Still Miles Ahead of the iPhone
Notifications are a huge part of the smartphone experience and Android and the iPhone have vastly different approaches to them. Apple has made big improvements over the years, but Android notifications are still superior. I’l…
12 Keyboard Shortcuts for Tabs in Google Chrome
Tabs are an indispensable part of web browsers. Navigating between tabs and keeping them organized can be a challenge—especially if you love to keep tons of them open. We’ll show you some nifty keyboard shortcuts for Google…
Smartwatch vs. Fitness Tracker: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to wearable gadgets, there are two terms you hear a lot: “fitness tracker” and “smartwatch.” These two types of devices have a lot of similarities, but a few big differences. Which one is right for you?…
What’s New in Chrome 102, Available Now
Right on schedule, a new Chrome release is ready to greet the world. Chrome 102 includes more enhancements for web apps, new keyboard shortcuts for tabs, and useful information about new online stores. Google released it on M…
How to Set Up Android’s Guest Mode
Phones are extremely personal devices that contain things you probably don’t want just anyone to see. Some Android devices have a “Guest” mode so you can hand off your phone and not have to worry about what they’ll find….
Dear Android Users, iMessage Is Better Than You Think
As a long-time Android user, I have a confession to make. I like iMessage. I never understood why it was a big deal, but I almost immediately realized how wrong I was. You might be underestimating it too….
How to Use “Lockdown Mode” on Android
Every Android device has a lock screen with some sort of security. Most of the time, that’s enough— but what if you want a little extra security? That’s where the “Lockdown” feature comes in.
How to Link an Android Phone to a Windows 11 PC With Microsoft Phone Link
Microsoft Phone Link—formerly known as “Your Phone”—is an essential app for Windows 11 users with Android phones. It gives you access to your phone’s notifications, messages, and photos right on your PC. We’ll help you se…
Why I Prefer an eReader to a Real Book
Okay, I’m really doing this. Ahem. I prefer eReaders to real books. Now, before you report me to your local library for crimes against literature, let me explain. Maybe you’ll hear a new reason to give eReaders a chance….
How to Remove Books From a Kindle
Kindles can hold a lot of eBooks, but you may want to remove some. eBooks are stored in two places—on the eReader itself and your Kindle Library. We’ll show you how to remove books from both places.
How to Improve FaceTime Audio With Mic Modes
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 introduced a feature called “Microphone Mode” that can be used during FaceTime calls. You can choose from different modes to make yourself sound better to whoever you’re talking to. We’ll show you how eas…
4 Ways to Ruin Your Smartphone’s Battery
There’s a lot of information out there about how to treat smartphone batteries. We can argue about the best practices, but there are some clearly bad things that can ruin batteries quickly. Let’s make sure you’re avoiding the…
How Adaptive Charging Saves Your Android Battery
Bad battery life can ruin your Android experience. But even a big battery probably still needs nightly charging. On top of that, batteries degrade over time. “Adaptive Charging” is a feature that aims to help all of these pro…
What Is Pluto TV, and Is It Really Free?
The streaming TV space is very crowded these days. All the big-name companies have their own services, plus there are dozens of lesser-known options. “Pluto TV” sits somewhere in the middle and it has a lot to like….
5 Features Google Pixel Phones Should Steal From Samsung
Love it or hate it, Samsung Galaxy devices have tons of features. Pixel phones, on the other hand, are very simple. Google could learn a thing or two from Samsung and make Pixel devices even better. We have some suggestions….
Why Unlimited Mobile Data Isn’t Actually Unlimited
“Unlimited” is a big word in the mobile world. Everyone wants a data plan with no limitations. That’s why carriers love to use the word, but “Unlimited” rarely means truly unlimited. There are a few reasons for that….
5 Annoying Features You Can Disable on Samsung Phones
The “everything but the kitchen sink” approach that Samsung employs is not for everyone. Some things are useful, other things are not. The good news is Samsung doesn’t force features on you. Many things can be turned off or c…
Why Is My Microphone Quiet in Windows 11? 5 Fixes to Try
It’s happened to all of us. You’re in a video call, and someone says “you sound quiet.” There are a surprising number of things that could be causing this in Windows 11. Let’s figure out what’s going on….
What Is the Line Under the Battery on the iPhone Lock Screen?
The iPhone has a pretty simple and intuitive interface, but there are still some things that appear with no explanation. One such thing is the line under the cell signal, Wi-Fi, and battery icons on the lock screen….
Home Screen Shortcuts Are the Best Android Feature You’re Not Using
The Android home screen is known for being highly customizable. There are third-party launchers, icon packs, and tons of widgets to choose from. But you may not know about one of the handiest home screen features: Shortcuts….
PSA: You Can Get a Deal on a Fitbit From Your Insurance Company
Health insurance companies have an incentive to keep you as healthy as possible. The less often you go to the doctor, the cheaper it is for them. That’s why many of these companies offer deals on Fitbits and other fitness dev…
