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How to Automatically Sort Your Photos with Smart Albums on a Mac

Fri, 03/08/2019 - 16:00

Apple’s Photos may not be perfect, but as somewhere to easily organize photos it’s unparalleled, especially If you’re living the iCloud Photo Library lifestyle. Smart Albums are great for that, but are you using them to their fullest?

Smart Albums are a massively under-utilized aspect of Photos, which is a shame because they make keeping a growing photo library in check easier than you might imagine. Want to have all photos from a particular period in one place? How about all photos taken with a specific camera, on a specific day? All portrait images?

You get the idea.

Here, we’re going to show you how to create your own Smart Album, and we’re going to give you a couple of ideas for how you can use them along the way, too.

How to Create a Smart Album

To start, open Photos and click “File” followed by ” New Smart Album.”

Next, give your new Smart Album a name and start to select the criteria that you want Photos to use when building the album.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Six Months with the iPhone XS: It’s Absolutely Worth the Extra $250

Fri, 03/08/2019 - 15:00

Last year, Apple announced two new iPhone models; the iPhone XS and the iPhone XR. While the XS costs $250 more, it’s entirely worth spending that extra cash to get the XS instead of the XR. Here’s why.

RELATED: iPhone XR Review: One Awesome Month With An Unapologetic Android User

Despite the price difference and the resulting connotation that the iPhone XS is the luxury model over the iPhone XR, the XR is only the more practical iPhone for most users in the financial sense, not the functional sense—although, to be sure, we found the XR to be a really solid value.

I don’t consider myself a luxury-focused user at all and even I bought the XS without hesitation for a number of reasons. Mainly, the telephoto camera is actually really useful, the size is perfect for my tiny hands, and the OLED screen is really awesome.

The Telephoto Camera Is Actually Really Useful

I’ve heard so many people talk about the comparisons between the iPhone XS and the XR, and how the XR is a fine phone for the price, especially since the display still looks awesome and it has better battery life. But the one thing that gets left out in these arguments is the camera. Specifically, the second telephoto camera on the XS tends to go unmentioned.

If you’re unfamiliar with the telephoto camera, it’s a second camera on certain iPhone models that lets you zoom in up to 2x without distorting the image quality. It’s a natural zoom (“optical zoom” is the technical terminology) rather than a fake, digital zoom created by the camera’s software.

The telephoto camera was first introduced on the iPhone 7 Plus and continued to be a feature on all Plus models of the iPhone. It’s now been a default feature on all new iPhones since the iPhone X.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

I Paid $42 for Apple to Install a Screen Protector and I Ain’t Even Mad

Fri, 03/08/2019 - 15:00

Installing a screen protector yourself is one of the worst things ever, possibly worse than stubbing a toe. It’s so bad that I went to an Apple Store and paid them $42.75 to do it for me. I regret nothing.

Anyone who has ever tried to install a screen protector knows exactly what I’m talking about—you can never truly get it aligned correctly, and specs of dust always seem to make their way underneath the screen protector right as you go to lay it down.

RELATED: Does Your Smartphone Really Need a Screen Protector?

I eventually threw in the towel and went to an Apple Store, where I knew they had special little doohickies that can install a screen protector perfectly every time on your fancy new iPhone. The results are always fantastic.

A Closer Look At Those Special Little Doohickies

The screen protector applicators that you see at Apple Stores are actually of Belkin’s design, called the ScreenCare+ Application System.

It’s as easy as setting the iPhone and the screen protector into the slots (which line everything up for you), closing the shell, and then yanking off the protective films. A trained seal could probably do it.

The ScreenCare+ system is proprietary to Apple Stores, although T-Mobile stores have something similar from Belkin as well. Unfortunately, the public can’t buy these devices for themselves, so us peasants are stuck doing it the old-fashioned way.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

What’s New in Android, March 1st to 7th 2019

Fri, 03/08/2019 - 13:40

Icons from Uxpin

Things move fast in the Android world. There are lots of devices out there, tons of development, and bugs aplenty. This is your weekly look at the biggest stories in Android between March 1st and March 7th, 2019.

New Devices from Vivo, Meizu, Oppo, and Motorola

New devices are often the name of the game for Android—new stuff pops up all the time. This week there were four: a couple of oddities from Vivo and Meizu, a midrange device with a popup camera from Oppo, as well as a new staple from Motorola for Google Fi.

Vivo IQOO for Gamers

Vivo isn’t all that well known here in the states, but this Chinese company is well known for bringing insane concepts to the mobile scene. Its newest sub-brand IQOO—which stands for I Quest On and On apparently—is one for the gamers. This 6.4-inch handset packs a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and can get a full charge in just 45 minutes. Nuts.

Read more about this handset at Engadget.

Meizu Note 9 for China

Like Vivo, most US folks aren’t too familiar with Meizu. But they’re huge in China and known for bringing decent hardware. The new Note 9—not to be confused with that other Note 9, of course—is more of a midrange handset, however, with a 6.2-inch FHD display, Snapdragon 675, 4 or 6 GB of RAM, and 64 or 128 GB storage options.

You can learn more about the Meizu Note 9 over at XDA.

Oppo F11 with a Popup Selfie Cam and…MicroUSB Port

Sticking with the Chinese phone trend, Oppo drooped its new F11 handset this week, which comes with some killer specs and one really stupid feature. The design itself is fascinating, with a nearly edge-to-edge display thanks to its popup selfie camera, but the guts aren’t too shabby either. It has a MediaTek Helio P70 processor, up to 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage under its 6.5-inch FHD+ display.

The downside? It charges over micro USB. You can get the full skinny on the Oppo F11 over at 9to5Google.

Motorola G7 for Google Fi

Motorola phones may not hit the scene with as much fanfare as they once did, but the company still releases absolutely killer budget handsets that pack a lot of punch for the money. The G7 is no different—this $299 Google Fi phone keeps it real with a 6.2-inch FHD+ panel, Snapdragon 632, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of internal storage (plus an SD card slot), 15-watt turbocharging, and Android Pie out of the box. Good stuff.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Geek Trivia: Which Comedy Group Can We Thank For the Naming Origin Of Spam Email?

Fri, 03/08/2019 - 09:02

Which Comedy Group Can We Thank For the Naming Origin Of Spam Email?
  1. Cheech and Chong
  2. Monty Python
  3. Laurel and Hardy
  4. The Kids in the Hall

Think you know the answer?

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Insert a Calendar in PowerPoint

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 22:00

If you are creating a presentation that requires participants to think about specific upcoming dates, a calendar is a natural addition. PowerPoint has several different calendar templates from which to choose. Select the one you like and copy the desired month over to your presentation.

Inserting a Calendar in PowerPoint

Open your PowerPoint presentation, select the slide where you want the calendar, and then click “File.”

In the left-hand pane, select “New.”

In the search bar, type “calendar” and hit Enter to search. Browse through the available templates and select the one you like. If you don’t find one you like, you can browse through Office’s many available calendar templates online.

Once selected, a description of the template will appear. Go ahead and click “Create.”

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Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Turn off Gmail’s Smart Compose on Android

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 18:57

Google has expanded Smart Compose from Pixel phones to most other Android smartphones. And while it can be handy, it can also be annoying if the suggestions are off. If you don’t like it, turning it off is a simple process.

Smart Compose Will Finish Your Sentence For You

Smart Compose shouldn’t be confused with Smart Reply. Smart Reply will examine the email you have received and suggests quick replies that would be appropriate. An email that asks for a meeting tomorrow might lead to a Smart Reply suggestion of, “that would be great” and so on.

Smart Reply in Gmail

Smart Compose, on the other hand, is for the email you’re actively typing (see the header image of this post). Think of it as something like Swiftkey on steroids. But the difference is that Swiftkey tries to predict the next word you will type and Smart Compose will try to predict the rest of your sentence. If you’ve entered, “I’m free for l” Smart Reply may suggest “unch on Saturday.” If you like the suggestion, you can swipe right on the words (not your keyboard) to accept them.

 

But not everyone is a fan of predictive text—perhaps you find it annoying, intrusive, or it doesn’t match to your writing style well enough. Thankfully, Google provided a straight-forward process to turn Smart Compose off.

How to Turn Off Smart Compose

Open the Gmail Android App and tap the hamburger menu in the upper right-hand corner.

Tap “Settings.”

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Five Months Later, Google’s US Repair Centers Now Accept Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 18:35
Michael Crider

Google’s forays into being a full-fledged hardware supplier have been shaky at times. Android Police reports that, after five months of surprising silence, the company is now accepting Pixel 3 and 3 XL phones for repairs in its mail-in service.

Previously Google accepted walk-in Pixel 3 repairs at licensed uBreakiFix retail stores, or via the Puls in-home repair service (oddly limited to the San Francisco area). As of today, Google is accepting standard repairs by mail, previously only available to the original Pixel and Pixel 2 lines. Turnaround time is up to ten business days.

The five-month delay is significant. Google positions the Pixel as a legitimate “superphone” competitor to devices like the iPhone and Galaxy S, whose makers have billions invested in support and repairs. Google has never been stellar at end-user support, but it needs to step up its game if it wants to elevate its brand to match the competition.

Source: Google Support via Android Police

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Ways to Play PC Games in the Living Room

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 18:15

Corsair

In many ways, PC gaming is just objectively better than gaming on a console. But getting a full Windows machine to play nice with your living room setup can be less than elegant. Let’s break down your best options for playing PC games on your big living room TV.

We’ve broken our selections down into the best overall, easiest, and cheapest methods of getting full-power PC gaming connected to a TV.

The Best Option: A Dedicated Living Room PC

If you want the full experience of PC gaming, there’s no way around it: you need to connect a gaming PC directly to your TV. That might sound obvious, but there are some hurdles to achieving this. Your average gaming PC doesn’t fit well into a living room: it won’t fit in an entertainment center or mount to a wall. Also note that the preferred connection for high-end PC gaming is DisplayPort, while most TVs only use HDMI for their primary input.

Corsair

There are a couple of ways you can go about this for a more elegant setup. You can build a dedicated PC for your living room—Mini-ITX cases and motherboards are popular for this purpose. There are pre-made PCs sold in this niche as well, sometimes sold under the “HTPC” (Home Theater Personal Computer) designation.

These generally have all the features of a normal PC, though the smaller size might mean a few compromises, like a low-profile graphics card. On the plus side, and unlike consoles, they can be upgraded more or less indefinitely. Some examples of pre-made Mini-ITX and home theater PCs include the ORIGIN Chronos, Corsair One, and the Falcon Northwest Tiki.

Depending on what you play, you might not need a full-sized gaming PC. You can always plug in a laptop to your TV’s HDMI port, or go with a lower-power desktop with integrated graphics. Even low-end PCs can handle games like Fortnite or Overwatch on the integrated graphics built into the motherboard. AMD’s Ryzen-Vega platform is especially good for a small, inexpensive build, in laptop or desktop form.

The Easiest Option: Streaming Game Services

Not ready to build or buy a full PC? Then your easiest means of getting PC gaming on your desktop is streaming it from a dedicated service. You’ll still need some hardware on your end, but it turns PC games into more of a service than a managed device.

NVIDIA

At the time of writing, the best option for this for most users is NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW. The service is in beta, but it streams full-power PC games to any PC, Mac, or the NIVIDA SHIELD (which is the best streaming box around anyway). Right now hundreds of games are supported, and if you don’t have them connected to your libraries in Steam or other publisher systems, you can buy some directly from NVIDIA. As of now, GeForce NOW is in free beta testing—when (if?) it fully launches, it might come with a monthly charge.

If you want something with a theoretically unlimited library of PC games, check out Shadow. The service can stream to any PC, macOS, or Android device, or you can pick up the company’s dedicated Shadow Ghost hardware for easy setup. It costs $35 a month, but you get unlimited access to a virtual PC with GTX 1080-level graphics that can install any game you own. Within the next year or two, streaming game options from Google and Microsoft may also be available.

Shadow

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Press Your Switch to Your Face with the Newest Labo Kit

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 18:15
Nintendo

Have you ever pressed the Nintendo Switch against your face until your arms got tired? Well, now you can pay $80 to do it. Nintendo strap-less VR kits will hit the market on April 12th, 2019.

Let’s backtrack a little bit. If you haven’t heard, Nintendo’s super fun Labo kits are like mini engineering and programming games. When you first open up the Labo kit, you pull out a bunch of stenciled cardboard. But then you put the cardboard together (per the instructions), and you end up with planes, steering wheels, pianos, and fishing rods that can be used to play AR games.

Nintendo is taking things one step further with a line of VR Labo kits. But they aren’t like regular VR headsets, they’re themed like elephant trunks, rocket guns, and cameras. When you “wear” these Labo VR headsets, you sort of look like a rifle-faced creature, or someone that got a birdhouse stuck on their head. What’s even more strange is that they don’t have headstraps, they have handles (like the handles on a gun, or the lens of an SLR camera). This sounds really neat because every parent wants their kid to wildly spin around the room with a $300 tablet and a cardboard elephant mask.

Speaking of money, the full Labo VR kit costs $80. To be honest, that’s not a bad deal. The full kit includes 6 VR headsets, so you’re getting 6 time-consuming building projects and games for $14 each. And since you can program the Labo kits yourself in “Garage” mode, the possibilities are technically endless. Of course, you could go for the cheaper $40 “VR Goggles and Blaster” starter kit, and buy the $20 “Camera and Elephant” or “Bird and Wind Pedal” expansion packs at your discretion.

Even though this VR set sounds ridiculous and weird, it’s probably pretty fun. The other Labo kits (which are equally ridiculous), are genuinely good additions to the Nintendo Switch lineup. When the Labo VR kit is released on April 12th, we’ll just have to find out if it can live up to the Labo name.

Sources: Nintendo

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Corsair K83 Looks like a Perfect Living Room Keyboard, but Initial Reviews Are Mixed

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 17:37
Corsair

We’ve been waiting for a perfect way to control a PC from the couch: controllers are tricky on a desktop UI, and a mouse and keyboard are clunky without a desk. Corsair’s K83 wants to combine them both.

This interesting wireless keyboard includes a few things we’ve seen before in “media” boards, like a touchpad mouse on the right side with left and right buttons and media controls. But it’s hiding a few secrets, too: on the top corner of either side there are large “L and “R” buttons, very much like a Super Nintendo controller, and the right side has a full thumbstick. Wireless, as is becoming standard for these designs, is offered via a 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth. It’s available on Amazon today for $110.

Corsair

But don’t rush out to spend your hard-earned dollars on this thing right away. Initial hands-on reactions from sites like Tom’s Guide and Engadget are mixed, pointing out that the K83 doesn’t have gaming-style programmable layouts, and its backlighting is a simple two-layer white LED. It’s also using membrane keys, instead of low-profile mechanical keys that have been available for quite some time. The gaming-style shoulder buttons and joystick aren’t particularly helpful while using the keyboard and mouse as, well, a keyboard and mouse, and can’t replicate the feel of even a basic controller, either.

Corsair

The K83 might be a pretty decent media keyboard, but there are cheaper options available that stick to typing and mouse duties well enough. For extremely simple games it may be desirable, but $100 for a convergence input device is a lot to ask when dedicated controllers are now available for every platform.

Buy on Amazon

Source: The Verge

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Log Into Your Mac Automatically Without a Password

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 17:24

Security is super important, but sometimes speed is of the essence. If you live and work in an environment where you are confident of your privacy, your Mac can automatically sign you in without a password. Here’s how.

Warning:  If you follow this process and your Mac is lost or stolen, anyone with access to it will be able to access your data, completely unfettered. That may be a risk that is worth taking, but only you can make that decision. If you use this technique, we recommend enabling it when you’re at home or in another secure location and disabling it when you’re not.

Assuming you want to proceed, let’s get started. We performed this process on macOS 10.14 Mojave.

How to Enable Automatic Login on Your Mac

To start, lock the Apple logo at the top of the screen and then click “System Preferences.”

Next, click “Users & Groups.”

Click the padlock icon and enter your account password. This needs to be an account with administrator privileges to work.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Deal Alert: Grab a 10,000 mAh Samsung Power Bank and USB-C Cable for $16

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 17:00
Samsung

You still haven’t bought a power bank? Well, Samsung is selling a 10,000 mAh power bank with a USB-C cable at a 54 percent discount, so now’s the time to take the plunge.

Most 10,000 mAh power banks run for around $25. And while a 10,000 mAh capacity is big enough to fully recharge your phone two or three times, $25 can seem like a lot of money for any portable battery.

But right now, Samsung is selling a 10,000 mAh power bank with an included USB-C cable for just $16. Usually, this battery retails for $35. For the price of an Olive Garden entrée, you can charge your phone anytime, anywhere.

The Samsung 10,000 mAh power bank (which looks like a long flask), has two USB-A ports, so it can charge two devices at a time. Your phone doesn’t need a USB-C port to use this Samsung battery, you just need a standard charging cable. But if you want to recharge the battery itself, you’ll have to use its USB-C port.

This battery can recharge any phone, but it works best for Samsung Galaxy devices (as you can imagine). Samsung users will get a 15-watt output from this power pack, which is a pretty fast charge.

But it doesn’t really matter what phone you’re using, this is a great deal. For $16, you’re getting a good power bank that can recharge two devices at a time, and you’re getting an extra USB-C cable to boot. Just don’t wait to grab this deal, because it can’t last forever.

Buy From Samsung

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Save a Conference Call (and Access Code) as a Contact

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 16:00

Dialing a conference call doesn’t have to be a tedious process. Your iPhone or Android phone can automatically dial into the call and enter a confirmation code for you. You just have to create a special type of contact.

Better yet, this speeds things up when you must connect to a conference call while driving. In an age where we can use Google Assistant and Siri in our cars, manually dialing a phone number is just so antiquated. I call the conference bridge for my day job at least once per week, and I was desperate for a way to connect to my coworkers without having to look down and punch the digits in.

Thankfully, it’s super easy to automate this. Whether you use iPhone or Android, you’ll just set the conference bridge as a contact you can call, either by tapping it or using a voice assistant.

A Quick Caveat

The only way you can save the conference as a contact is if your company uses a single confirmation code or conference ID. You’ll have to dial manually every time if the ID changes with each meeting, or just have multiple contacts if your company rotate conference codes.

How To Save a Conference Call as a Contact on Android

I’m using the Google Pixel 2 XL for this guide, but the steps are similar on other Android phones. Start by opening the Contacts or People app and selecting “Create New Contact.”

Add a name for the meeting and any other contact details you need.

Add the ten-digit phone number and then tap the symbols button on the lower-left of the number pad. Tap the “Pause” button to add a pause to the number (it shows up as a comma) and then type in the conference ID.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Wireless Keyboards

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 15:00

Alright, it’s time to clean up the mess of wires that plague your desk. Where to start? By swapping out that dirty old wired keyboard for a brand new wireless keyboard.

Wireless keyboards have been around for a while, but if your last experience was a bad one (ten years ago) we’d urge you to take a modern wireless keyboard for a spin. They’re more reliable and affordable than they used to be, and they come in a variety of styles, just like old fashioned wired keyboards. Some wireless keyboards are made specifically for tablets and phones, but we’re focusing on wireless keyboards for your desktop computer.

Usually, wireless keyboards operate over a radio frequency, and come packaged with a USB dongle. But some are Bluetooth enabled, which is nice if your computer is Bluetooth-ready. If you’ve ever used a wireless mouse, the experience is pretty similar. Like wireless mouses, wireless keyboards are battery-operated and require a charge (or a new AA battery) every few months.

You’d think that it’d be easy to find a good wireless keyboard, but that’s not exactly the case. There are a ton of wireless keyboards on the market, and they’re all targeted toward different computer users. If you’re trying to find a reliable budget wireless keyboard, it can be hard to shop through the mess of gaming keyboards and premium mesh keyboards. If you’re a gamer, it can be difficult to find a balance between affordability and usability.

Lucky for you, we’ve taken the time to find and describe the best wireless keyboards, for everybody’s needs.

CORSAIR K63 Mechanical Keyboard ($90) CORSAIR

Gamers and writers love the clickity-clack of a good mechanical keyboard, but it isn’t all about sound. A good, modern mechanical keyboard has to hit a lot of benchmarks before it can be universally appreciated. And since we’re looking for wireless keyboards the hunt is even more difficult.

But the CORSAIR K63 wireless mechanical keyboard somehow manages to hit all of those benchmarks with style. It’s a programmable backlit keyboard with authentic Cherry MX Red switches and an RF USB dongle. Unlike many wireless mechanical keyboards, the K63’s keycaps can be swapped out, so you can ditch the black design whenever you see fit. You can also tether a wired mouse or gaming headset through the K63, so you don’t have to replace your other gear with wireless devices.

The K63’s customization features are robust, and you can store multiple keymaps and color schemes for quick switch-outs. The K63’s also offers lighting synchronization with other CORSAIR products, so you can match your keyboard with the lights in your desktop. But don’t go too crazy with those lights, because the K63’s rechargeable battery only lasts for 15 hours.

Naturally, this keyboard isn’t for everybody. Most people are unfamiliar with mechanical keyboards, and the clicking sound that they produce could infuriate your family or roommates. Not to mention, mechanical keyboards like the K63 are pretty big, and their backlighting features aren’t for everybody.

Buy on Amazon Logitech K780 Wireless Keyboard ($60) Logitech

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Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Record a Video of Your Chrome Browser

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 15:00

Google

Taking screenshots is simple, but recording a video of Chrome or another application you’re using can be more complicated. Here’s what to do instead of pointing your phone at your monitor.

Windows PC: Use the Game Bar

The Windows Game Bar is intended for recording PC games but will work in any app. Make sure it’s enabled by searching for it in the Windows Settings app and making sure the “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar” toggle is on.

Now, from within Google Chrome or any other app you want to record, you can open up the Game Bar by pressing Windows+G. Click the red button to start recording that app.

By default, your recordings will be saved in your Videos folder under another folder called “Captures.”

RELATED: How to Record PC Gameplay With Windows 10’s Game DVR and Game Bar

Mac: Use the Screenshot Tool

This is even easier on a Mac, as macOS has a built-in screenshot tool with options for recording videos. This will work in Chrome or any other web browser, including Safari. In fact, it’ll work in any application on your Mac.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Sell Your Laptop, Phone, or Tablet for Top Dollar

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 13:40

dugwy39/Shutterstock

So, you’ve decided to turn those old electronics into cash. But if you’re trying to turn a retired phone or laptop into big bucks, you’re going to have to put in some elbow grease.

If You Want Money, Sell it Yourself

If you want to get top dollar for an old phone or laptop, then you have to sell it yourself. That means you’re going to put in some extra effort. Yes, there are sites like Gazelle that can do the work for you, but they take a fat chunk of your profits in the process.

There are a lot of places to resell your old device, but they all work the same way. You list your product with a photo, description, and price. Some of these websites allow you to make a nationwide or global listing, but most of them are focused on local listings. Generally, the websites that offer local listings are super easy to use and fulfill, but they aren’t always good for maximizing profits.

But you can’t just throw up a low-effort listing for a product and expect to make a bunch of money. You need to keep your listing as clean, detailed, and professional as possible. That way, potential buyers will spend money on your old phone or laptop without a hint of hesitation or anxiety.

Think of it this way: You’re the seller, so it’s your job to sell your device. The buyer’s job is to buy, and they should fill this role as if it’s second nature. If a buyer has any questions or reservations about your listing, then you haven’t done a good job selling them your product.

You need to make sure that your product’s photos, description, and price can appeal and inform potential buyers. This can be difficult and time-consuming, but we’ll walk you through it step by step.

Format Your Data, and Check if Anything’s Broken

Don’t sell a phone or laptop that’s full of personal photos and Google login information. That’s a dumb idea. Take a minute to format your phone, laptop, or tablet before selling it. This is an easy step, and it gives you the opportunity to see if the device is still working.

You can still sell a broken device for a decent amount of money, but a functioning device will always net you more cash. Check that there isn’t anything wrong with the display, that the battery will still charge, and that all of the buttons work. You can go to a repair shop to get any problems fixed—or not. Some people will buy broken electronics.

Formatting a broken device can be tricky, but it’s still an important step. If your phone’s display is broken, consider having it repaired and then formatting the device. The repair will increase the value of your phone, and you’ll be able to wipe your data. Alternatively, you could use software like LockWiper to format your broken phone from a computer.

Make Your Product Look as New as Possible

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Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Insert a Google Sheets Spreadsheet into Google Docs

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 22:00

Sometimes, you want to add data from a Google Sheet into a Google Doc or Slide. Although you can’t directly insert cells and rows from Sheets, you can create a table, chart, or slide, and then insert that into your Doc or Slide.

Note: We will be using Google Docs in these examples but inserting a chart into Slides works virtually the same way.

First, you’ll need to generate a chart in your Google Sheets spreadsheet. You can do this by firing up your Google Sheets homepage and opening a new or existing spreadsheet.

After inputting some data and storing it in a spreadsheet, select all the cells and click Insert > Chart. Choose a chart type, make any adjustments, and do any final customizations, then close Sheets–don’t worry, Google saves after every step. We’ve got an article about generating charts in Sheets if you want to learn more.

After you’ve created a chart in Google Sheets, fire up Google Docs and open a new or existing document to insert your chart. Click “Insert,” point to “Chart,” and then click on “From Sheets.”

From the list of available spreadsheets, select the one you want to use and then click “Select.”

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Fitbit’s New Versa Lite is the Smartwatch for Everyone

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 18:43

Fitbit

The Fitbit Versa is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now, especially if you’re an Android user. But today, Fitbit announced a handful of new devices, including the more affordable Versa Lite.

The Versa Lite Keeps Most of the Crucial Features from the Versa Fitbit

The Versa Lite, which intros with a price of just $160, keeps most of the best parts of the Versa in the more affordable package. The shape and size are the same, though Fitbit decided to liven it up a bit with some fancy new colors.

The Lite tracks steps, calories, sleep, and heart rate, is water-resistant, has multiple exercise modes, tracks pace and distance, mirrors notifications from your phone, offers the same clock faces as the Versa, and offers female health tracking. As I said, most of the best features from the Versa are present in the Lite.

The biggest omission in the Lite is probably its inability to play and store music, which could be a dealbreaker to some. That’s a pretty big get for some users (like runners) who want to work out without having to bring a phone with.

Otherwise, the Lite skips the floors climbed tracking, swim laps tracking, and on-screen workouts. Those are all pretty niche (if not a little bit of a novelty in the case of floors climbed) so they’re good features to get cut if you’re picking and choosing.

The Versa Lite comes in white, lilac/silver, mulberry, and marina blue. It’s available starting today.

The Inspire, Inspire HR, and Ace 2 Were Also Announced Today

 

Fitbit

 

Along with the Versa Lite, Fitbit also introduced the new Inspire and Inspire HR, which will replace the now-discontinued Alta line. The Inspire remains very similar to the Alta, though it offers a touchscreen and a new clip that will let users wear it on their waist instead of wrist. Naturally, the heart rate sensor on the Inspire HR won’t work in that case.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

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