Blogroll

So, you’ve finally upgraded to a standing desk. Your back is nice and straight, your butt’s free from the strain of an office chair, but there’s one problem. Your feet hurt. Now’s a good time to grab an anti-fatigue mat.

Anti-fatigue mats come in a lot of shapes and sizes, but they’re all made to massage, de-cramp, and take the tension out of your legs and feet. They’re all cushioned, but they also have ridges, balls, and platforms that can actively put some pressure on those toes. Sounds better than the carpet, right?

If you don’t have a standing desk, you could still benefit from one of these mats. Everybody likes a good foot massage, especially while they’re supposed to be working.

VARIDESK ActiveMat Groove ($95) VARIDESK

If you want a comfortable, simple anti-fatigue mat, then you should check out the VARIDESK ActiveMat Groove. It’s a wide, cushioned (yet firm) standing mat with a small center groove. This groove is meant to hold the VARIDESK mat’s rubber balls, which you can use to massage your feet and get the blood moving through your legs while you work.

Interestingly enough, the VARIDESK anti-fatigue mat comes with three rubber balls. One of the balls is dense, the other is medium-firm, and the final ball is nice and soft. If you’re prone to foot and leg cramps, you could use the dense rubber ball to really put some pressure on your feet. Or, if you need to fidget while you work, you could just stick to the softer ball. Given the practically universal design of the groove though, you can pretty much put anything round in there you want. Tennis ball? No problem. Stone ball to really put the deep-tissue-massage hurt on your feet? You can do that too.

This is a great standing desk mat, especially if you’d like to choose whether or not your feet get a workout. The rubber balls (and the groove that’s in the mat) are really unobtrusive, but they’re easy to use when your legs get tired. Not to mention, the VARIDESK mat is nice and wide, so you can fidget around a bit without falling off.

Buy on Amazon Anypro Standing Desk Mat ($80) Anypro

If you’re looking for a rough and tough anti-fatigue mat, then you should check out the Anypro standing desk mat. It’s a durable, ergonomic mat that encourages you to stand in dynamic positions while you work.

The Anypro mat is lined with ridges, so you can stretch your muscles while you stand and put some muscle-relieving pressure on your arches. Additionally, the Anypro mat has a ribbed rubber ball for deep foot massages and fidgeting.

Read the remaining 9 paragraphs

Google Chrome says it’s “managed by your organization” if system policies are controlling some Chrome browser settings. This can occur if you’re using a Chromebook, PC, or Mac that your organization controls—but other applications on your computer can set policies, too.

What Is Management in Chrome?

Management is a feature that lets administrators control Chrome browser settings. If you use a Chromebook or just the Chrome browser on a workplace computer, your employer can set hundreds of policies that control how Chrome functions.

For example, an organization can use policies to set a homepage you can’t change, control whether you can print, or even blacklist specific web addresses. On a Chromebook, policies can control everything from the screen lock delay to which USB devices can be accessed from web apps. Organizations can force-install Chrome browser extensions via policy, too.

Chrome isn’t the only application that can be managed in this way. For example, admins can manage Windows itself by using group policy and even iPhones by using mobile device management (MDM) software.

But I Don’t Have an Organization!

In some cases, you may see this message even when Chrome isn’t managed by an organization. This is thanks to a change in Chrome 73. If a software program on your system has set enterprise policies that affect how Chrome works, you’ll see this message—even if it’s not fully managed by an organization.

This message may be caused by legitimate software. As of April 3, 2019, it seems quite a few people are seeing the message due to software on their systems. Of course, it’s also possible that malware on your system could be modifying Chrome’s browser settings. There’s no need to panic, but Google is showing you this message so you’re aware that something is going on and can look into it.

How to Check Whether Chrome is Managed

You can check whether Chrome is managed in several places. If you simply open Chrome’s menu, you’ll see a “Chrome is Managed by Your Organization” message at the very bottom of the menu—under the “Exit” option—if it’s managed.

Read the remaining 13 paragraphs

Framesira/Shutterstock

More and more manufacturers are bragging that their phones have Time of Flight (ToF) cameras. But what are ToF cameras, how do they work, and why would you want one in your smartphone?

ToF Cameras Have Extra Depth Resolution

At a very basic level, ToF cameras are just regular HD cameras with an increased depth resolution. In fact, phones like the 2019 Huawei P30 Pro sport a depth resolution that’s four times better than conventional cameras. While “depth resolution” may sound like confusing photography jargon, it’s actually easy to understand. A camera with high depth resolution can differentiate between objects that are nearby (in the foreground) and far away (in the background).

In photography, this idea of foreground and background is called depth of field. It’s what creates a sense of realism or focus. Objects that are nearby look sharp, with clean outlines, while far away objects look slightly blurred.

With a ToF camera, photographers have more options for controlling their depth of field. Of course, you don’t have to be a photographer to benefit from a ToF camera’s increased depth resolution. Automatic camera settings, when paired with a ToF camera, should produce stunning images with a well-defined foreground and background. A ToF camera could also be used to produce a stunning video with advanced image stabilization or to increase the accuracy of your Instagram filters.

Additionally, a phone’s ToF camera could be used for advanced facial recognition, gestures, and AR video games. Remember how Pokemon Go uses your camera to place a Pokemon in your environment? ToF cameras can make that feature a lot more convincing.

This Technology Isn’t New

Oddly enough, ToF cameras have been around since the late ’70s. It’s just taken a while for the technology to become cheap and convenient enough for consumer applications.

In the past, ToF cameras were used for topographic mapping, industrial machine automation, and automatic doors. But the technology made its way into many homes (including yours, probably) back in 2014. The Xbox One’s Kinect uses a ToF camera to identify faces and track hand gestures accurately.

rdonar/Shutterstock

As of April 2019, there are only a few phones that have built-in ToF cameras, like the LG G8 ThinQ, the Honor View 20, the Huawei P30 Pro, and the Oppo RX17 Pro. These phones are marketed toward photographers and geeks, but they’re setting the standard for future phones, including Samsung and Apple’s 2019 and 2020 releases.

Okay, ToF cameras are super cool, and they’ve existed since the release of Star Wars. But how do they work? Why do they have such a great depth resolution?

ToF Cameras Use Lidar to Measure Depth

Read the remaining 14 paragraphs

Pokémon Was Inspired By What From The Creator’s Childhood?

1. Touring Japanese Villages
2. Collecting Insects
3. Trading Collectible Cards
4. Training Dogs

Think you know the answer?

Windows 10’s April 2019 Update contains a change that causes some PC games to crash Windows with a blue screen of death. Not all games have fixed the problem, but Microsoft has confirmed it’s releasing the update anyway.

Okay, let’s be fair here: Most affected PC games have fixed the problem and won’t freeze your system. But some will, and we don’t know which. This change feels like a betrayal of Microsoft’s commitment to backward compatibility. It’s especially galling considering Windows 10 users have no way to opt out of these updates if they play an affected game.

Update: Microsoft just announced it will abandon Windows 10’s forced updates and give more control to PC users!

Why Fortnite (and More) Started Crashing Windows

In development builds of Windows 10’s April 2019 Update—also known as 19H1—some anti-cheat programs required by games cause Windows to crash with a green screen of death, also known as a GSOD. Green screens of death are just how traditional blue screens of death (BSODs) appear on Insider builds, so you will see a blue screen of death if you encounter this bug once Windows 10’s April 2019 Update is stable.

The most popular software affected was the BattlEye anti-cheat software used in Fortnite, which caused GSODs and made Fortnite unplayable on development builds of Windows 10. It’s not just that the game was unplayable—when you launched Fortnite, Windows would freeze.

To protect Windows Insiders from system freezes, Microsoft put an “upgrade block” in place that prevented Windows Insiders with games like Fortnite installed from installing the latest operating system builds.

On March 28, Microsoft wrote: “Many games that use anti-cheat software have released fixes for the issue causing PCs to bugcheck (GSOD).” Microsoft also said it was lifting the upgrade block. But wait: Microsoft didn’t say all games had fixed the issue.

Microsoft Confirms It: Some Games Will Cause BSODs

Here’s the problem: An operating system-level change resulted in software freezing the operating system. But Microsoft hasn’t fixed this at the operating system level. Instead, it’s just expecting game developers to fix their anti-cheat software. That means that, if you play a game that hasn’t yet been patched, Windows will suddenly freeze and bring down your entire operating system.

Read the remaining 11 paragraphs

quietbits/Shutterstock.com

Are you a die-hard Android user who knows the ins and outs of the operating system on a spiritual level? Are you just at home knee-deep in an ADB session as your home screen? We want you to write for us.

What We’re Looking For

We’re after an experienced Android writer to cover tips, tricks, how-tos, and more. Someone who has spent time with several different Android devices will be preferred, but Pixel and Galaxy experience is the most important. Knowing where to find specific settings, options, tweaks, and other system information is crucial—and we cover everything from Lollipop (and below) to Pie (and beyond).

Of course, knowing these settings aren’t the only requirement here—you also have to be able to explain Android in a simple and effective way. It’s our job to make tech easy to understand, and the ideal candidate will need to be able to do exactly this for Android topics. Excellent communication and the ability to make complex topics easy to understand are crucial.

We are not looking for a writer to cover Android news. You may ultimately need to cover something timely or news-related, but simple news posts are not what this position is about. We’re looking for someone with serious Android chops.

This is a freelance position where you’ll be assigned topics to write about, but we also encourage you to pitch your own topics that we haven’t covered yet.

Here’s what we always look for in new writers:

• You must be a geek at heart, always looking to learn more about technology and make your gadgets work better.
• You must be able to explain complex topics in a way that is clear and easy to understand, even to non-experts.
• You must be creative and have the ability to generate article ideas, take suggestions, and make topics interesting and exciting.
• You must be at least 18 years old and have your own computer.
• You must have solid English writing skills. It’s a shame we even have to mention that one.
• You should have some basic screenshot and image editing chops. HTML skills are a plus.

To give you an idea of what we expect, here are a few examples of what we’re looking for:

• How to Get Google Feed in Nova Launcher: This is a great example of a how-to post. It’s a useful topic that is clearly laid out with steps, pictures, and the entire setup process. It also links to other useful guides, like how to sideload apps on Android.
• How to Make Android as Secure As Possible: This isn’t a straightforward how-to guide, but rather a collection of useful tips and advice, along with how to do each thing on the list.
• How Much RAM Does An Android Phone Really Need? This includes a breakdown of how RAM works on Android, along with expert analysis.

How to Apply

Send an email to jobs@howtogeek.com with the subject Android Writer, and include the following in your email:

• Explain why your geek skills are worth touting to millions of readers each month.
• Your name and location.
• Any previous experience you have with writing and/or blogging, particularly related to Android.
• Whether or not you are currently employed, and what you do if you are.
• A brief overview of any other topics you are familiar with, and what operating systems, computers, and devices you have access to.
• Most Importantly: We want a writing sample. If you have previous writing to showcase, particularly relevant Android pieces that you’re proud of, include a link to it in your email. If you have a personal blog, a forum account, or a commenter account from anywhere, feel free to include that as well.

We don’t have normal office hours—or even an office—so you can be located anywhere. This is strictly a telecommuting gig.

Read the remaining 3 paragraphs

In other headlines, YouTube’s questionable video suggestion algorithm comes under heavy fire, Apple wins a seven-year battle for the “iPad” trademark, and Skrillex may save you from mosquitoes this summer. Let’s talk some news, shall we?

Apple News: News+ is a Hit

It looks like Apple News+ is on its way to success—it garnered more than 200,000 subscriptions in the first 48 hours. Apple also won a battle for the “iPad” trademark, Clips got a nice little update, and more.

• After seven years of battling for trademark rights to the term “iPad,” Apple finally won. Not like there was ever any question. [Appleinsider]
• Apple’s Clips video editor app got a nice little update that brings the ability to add a custom soundtrack from songs created in GarageBand. One step closer to being a “real” video editor. [The Verge]
• According to a new report, over 200,000 subscribed to Apple’s new News+ service in the first 48 hours. That’s…a pretty good number. [Appleinsider]
• MacRumors went hands-on with the new 27-inch 5K 8-core iMac. If you’re interested in that, give it a read. [MacRumors]

Let’s talk about Apple News+ for a second. I was among the 200,000 who subscribed early, mostly to see what the fuss is all about. While I had my initial complaints about how counter-intuitive some features of the app are, overall it’s pretty solid once you figure the ins and outs.

I currently have eight different magazines in the “My Magazines” list, which means I’m paying about a buck twenty-five each. Of course, that’s just what’s relevant to my particular interests—since the $9.99 monthly subscription also lets my wife read her favorite magazines, it seems like a steal.

The only issue (heh) I have with this is one that’s so common with Apple services: it’s only available on Apple products. If I want to read a magazine on my PC or Chromebook, I’m out of luck. That’s one area where Google Magazines has a clear advantage—it’s available everywhere (even iOS).

But really, if you’re not a multi-device user and like the idea of reading a bunch of different magazines, News+ is an excellent service.

Google News: YouTube Values Engagement Over Everything Else

We all know that YouTube can be a wasteland of conspiracy theories and fake news if you’re not careful where you click. It turns out this could’ve been avoided, but those suggestions were ignored. Oof.

• Bloomberg published a pretty brutal report on YouTube, stating that company executives were warned about potential issues with toxic videos, but they ignored them in the name of engagement. It’s a scathing read, and one that’s worth your time. [Bloomberg]
• In news unrelated to YouTube toxicity, the Chrome OS developer channel got Google Assistant in the app drawer search. Assistant in more places on Chrome OS is always a welcome addition. [Android Police]
• A screenshot of Chrome Tab Groups in action surfaced, and it looks pretty nice. [Techdows]
• Some users are experiencing a strange issue in Chrome 73: a new “Managed by your organization” entry is appearing in the menu, even for users who aren’t part of a larger domain. [Techdows]
• Spotify for Android is testing a sleep timer, as well as improved Maps and Waze integration. [XDA Developers]
• Verizon’s Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8 are all getting Android Pie with One UI. Sure, it’s not directly related to Google, but it’s close enough. [Android Police]
• After the most recent update, Android TV users are starting to see sponsored ads in the launcher. Yuck. [XDA Developers]
• Google’s reservation making assistant, Duplex, is now available on more Android devices and iPhone. I wish ti could make doctor’s appointments too. [Ars Technica]
• If you love the soothing sounds of John Legend’s voice, you can now tell Google Assistant to “Talk like a Legend” to hear it all the time. Lucky you. [Google Blog]
• The first custom ROMs that work with the OnePlus 6T’s in-display fingerprint scanner are on the way. You know if you’re into that sort of thing. [XDA Developers]

According to Bloomberg’s report, YouTube’s Chief Executive Officer Susan Wojcicki likens the service to “a library,” claiming that “There have always been controversies, if you look back at libraries.” And while that may be true, that’s only part of the story.

Read the remaining 9 paragraphs

The function keys on keyboards don’t get the love they used to, but depending on the app you’re running, they can still be quite handy. Google Chrome has some interesting features tucked away behind your function keys. Here’s what they do.

Function Key Basic Effect Modifier F1 Opens Google Chrome’s Help Center in a new tab. None F2 For this function key to do anything, you first need to be in the Elements panel of Chrome’s Developer Tools (in Chrome, press F12 or head to Tools > Developer Tools). Once there, pressing F2 will open the “edit as HTML” feature. None F3 Opens the “Find Bar” in Chrome, which lets you search for text on the current webpage. Ctrl+F also performs the same function. None F4 None

Ctrl+F4 closes the tab that you are currently viewing.

Alt+F4 closes the entire Chrome window.

F5 Reloads the current webpage. Ctrl+F5 and Shift+F5 both reload the current web pages while ignoring cached content F6 Toggles focus between the webpage, bookmark bar, and address bar. None F7 None None F8 Pauses and resumes script execution in the Sources Panel of the Developer Tools (head to Tools > Developer Tools > Source Panel to get there). None F9 None None F10 Steps over the next function call if you’re in the Sources Panel. Shift+F10 opens your context menu. This has the same effect as right-clicking with your mouse. F11 In a regular Chrome window, turns full-screen mode on and off. In the Sources Panel, F11 steps into the next function call. None F12 Opens Chrome’s Developer Tools. None

 

Amazon, Google

Is your home falling behind the times? Do you look at your lightbulbs, game consoles, and outlets with a feeling of primal disgust? Maybe it’s time to grab some discounted smart home products to bring your home into the present.

When people think of deals and discounts, “old” products usually come to mind. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Right now, you can find some killer deals on brand new products, ranging from smart home devices to tablets to game consoles.

For example, Massgenie is selling a Google Home Hub for just $80. There’s a heavily discounted Philips Hue set with an Echo Dot on Amazon, and TP-Link is selling smart devices and routers at a 37% discount. You could also buy a new Nintendo Switch for just $254 (with coupon code SNG45), or a new iPad for just $239.

Computers, Laptops, and Computer Accessories

Need some storage devices or a Raspberry Pi Kit? We’ve got the deals for you.

• Dell Inspiron 4K Touchscreen Laptop, $900 ($550 off) [Best Buy]
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B w/ Basic Camera Kit, $49 ($21 off) [Vilros]
• 2TB Samsung Portable SSD, $328 ($70 off) [B&H]
• Save 20% on AmazonBasics Computer Accessories [Amazon]
• Kingston 240GB SATA 3 2.5″ SSD, $29 ($100 off) [Walmart]
• Canon Multi-Function Wi-Fi Laser Printer, $100 ($89 off) [Walmart]

Tablets and Phones

Grab a new iPad or a refurbished phone at a discount.

• iPad Pro 2017 64GB, $600 ($330 off) [B&H]
• iPad 32GB Newest Version, $239 ($167 off) [Massgenie]
• Samsung Galaxy S9 64GB Refurbished, $320 ($160 off) [eBay]
• LG Q6 32GB Unlocked Phone, $140 ($15 off) [Walmart]
• Sony Xperia XZ2 64GB Unlocked Phone, $500 ($380 off) [eBay]
• Google Pixel 3 XL 128GB Unlocked Phone, $520 ($280 off) [Woot]
• iPhone 6 64GB Refurbished, $143 ($100 off) [Newegg]

Video Games

Scoop up a Nintendo Switch or catch up on a classic game.

• Nintendo Switch Console, $254 ($46 off with coupon code SNG45) [Rakuten]
• Owlboy Limited Edition PS4, $30 ($19 off) [GameStop]
• Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 PS4, $45 ($15 off) [Massgenie]
• Grand Theft Auto V PS4, $15 ($15 off) [Amazon]
• Grand Theft Auto V Xbox One, $14 ($16 off) [Amazon]

Smart Home Products and Routers

Upgrade your home with these great deals.

• Google Home Hub, $80 ($20 off) [Massgenie]
• Echo Dot w/ Philips Hue White & Color Starter Kit, $90 ($110 off) [Amazon]
• Up to 37% off TP-Link Products [Amazon]
• Kasa/TP-Link Smart Plug 2-pack, $28 ($17 off) [Amazon]
• TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router, $47 ($33 off with coupon clip) [Amazon]
• TP-Link Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack, $100 ($80 off) [Amazon]
• TP-Link Mesh Wi-Fi System 3-Pack w/ Echo Dot, $170 ($55 off) [Amazon]

Everything Else

Need a pressure washer? A pet vacuum? Pens? We’ve got the deals for you.

• Get 40% off BIC Writing Products [Amazon]
• Rain-X Convention Wiper Blade 21″, $8 ($2 off) [Walmart]
• Kids Headphones 85dB-Limited Volume, $7 ($7 off with coupon code 7RKKED56) [Amazon]
• AR Blue Clean Electric Pressure Washer, $102 ($97 off) [Amazon]
• Hoover Spotless Pet Deep Cleaner Vacuum, $70 ($50 off) [Google Express]
• Cook’s Tools 3-piece Cast Iron Fry Set, $15 ($35 off) [Belk]
• 2-Port HDMI Splitter, $9 ($22 off) [Amazon]
• Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Bluetooth Speaker, $39 ($17 off) [Massgenie]

Good deals can’t last forever, that’s just a fact of life. Don’t wait until the last second to buy that new iPad or that Google Home Hub.

Belkin

Your Apple Watch deserves somewhere nice for it to rest at night, even if you’re traveling and trying to keep your luggage allowance low. We’ve tracked down the best Apple Watch travel stands for just such occasions.

Sure, you can leave your Apple Watch resting on a bedside table in your hotel but how easily does it fall off during the night? Exactly. Slotting its magnetic charging puck means it’s an uneven surface that’s liable to cause it to slip. Each of these Travel Stands keeps it upright and ideal for leaving in Nightstand mode overnight, while still correctly charging it. Here’s the pick of the bunch.

Best Travel Case: Twelve South TimePorter ($46) Twelve South

The joy of a solid travel case is that you don’t have to worry about any of your Apple Watch accessories getting damaged while you travel. That’s why the Twelve South TimePorter is such a great purchase. It’s a long case that has enough room for the charging puck, a power adapter, and any extra wrist bands you require. It also has a built-in spool so you can easily wrap your cables up neatly and safely.

And of course, it makes for a good travel stand. Either opened or partially closed, it’s possible to slide your Apple Watch on to it so you can easily see the time from any angle. It’s a good all-rounder.

Buy on Amazon Most Stylish Travel Stand: Belkin Travel Stand ($20) Belkin

Looking almost like a work of modern art, the Belkin Travel Stand is straight forward enough to use. Its circular base conceals the magnetic charging puck which rises up for you to attach your Apple Watch to it. The base then keeps things steady throughout the night and easily allows you to leave the Apple Watch in Nightstand mode.

As well as that, the stand easily stores up to 2m of Apple Watch charging cable so your workspace is neat and tidy, and the cable is kept safe from any potential issues. It’s easily small enough to toss into your bag too but good looking enough that you may find yourself using it at home.

Buy on Amazon Best Foldable Design: UGREEN Charger ($34) UGREEN

The UGREEN Charger offers a neat looking design. Foldable, you can flatten it down when carrying it around before pushing it back up to attach your Apple Watch to it overnight. It has a built-in magnetic charging puck so you don’t have to worry about taking your own cables with you either. The puck is also MFI certified and only takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge your Apple Watch so it’s on a par with the official charger.

The UGREEN Charger design won’t look out of place on a hotel nightstand or when in the office, so it’s multi-purpose. Easily slipped into your bag and lightweight, you’ll find it simple to take around with you.

Buy on Amazon Best Budget Choice: TomRich Travel Companion ($8) TomRich

Not every travel stand has to be expensive to work well. If you simply want a small plastic travel stand to prop your Apple Watch on at night then the TomRich Travel Companion is a good alternative.

Read the remaining 5 paragraphs

While the Contacts app on macOS is good at being your phone book, it’s also useful for keeping track of detailed personal info and connections. Here’s how to add someone new to your list.

How to Add Contacts on macOS

Open the Contacts app on your Mac from the Dock, your Applications folder, or by searching for it with Command+Space.

You’ll see a list of all of your Contacts. Click on any one of them, and press the + button at the bottom to add a new contact.

You can also add contacts with the hotkey Command+N, for “new.”

You’ll see a form which you can fill out with all the contact info you have. First is the name, separated into first and last, though the last name is optional.

Read the remaining 15 paragraphs

MichaelJayBerlin/Shutterstock

When you make FaceTime calls on iPhone and iPad, recipients see your caller ID—an email or phone number. If that caller ID isn’t what they expect, they won’t know who’s calling. Here’s how to change your caller ID.

When you call someone using FaceTime, your caller ID is the email or phone number that appears on their screen. If you have many email addresses associated with your Apple ID, then there’s even more chance that you’re calling people with one they don’t recognize. That could lead to calls going unanswered, or an unexpected email address being shared with someone you don’t want to have it.

Changing the caller ID that is used when you initiate a new FaceTime call is a relatively simple process, and here’s how to go about doing it.

To start, open the Settings app and tap “FaceTime.”

Note that email addresses will only appear if you are signed in with your Apple ID, so make sure you’re signed in and tap the “Use your Apple ID for FaceTime” button if not.

Next, tap the number or email address you want to use as your caller ID under the “Caller ID” section.

Read the remaining 3 paragraphs

Amazon

Do you always get light headed after spending too much time at home? Or do you suddenly run out of energy when you get to work? Maybe it’s time to test the air with an air quality monitor.

The EPA has identified indoor air pollution as a serious health risk, and there’s a good chance that your home or office is filled to the gills with nasty air. It turns out that many homes are plagued by toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can come from a ton of different sources, like mold, air fresheners, paint, and the flame retardants in your carpet. Additionally, most buildings are poorly ventilated, which can create a buildup of carbon dioxide (and, obviously, a lack of oxygen).

You might even be making changes to improve your home or office air quality like cutting down on high VOC products, airing the place out more often, or introducing lots of plants. But how do you know if your efforts are making a difference? That’s where a good air quality monitor comes into play.

Air quality monitors come in all shapes and sizes, but they all do the same basic job. They let you know how polluted your air is, and they nag you to make changes if your environment is unhealthy. Most air quality monitors can connect to your smartphone, and some can even connect and interact with your smarthome products for automated air-quality action.

That being said, it can be hard to find the air quality monitor that’s right for you. That’s why we’ve rounded up a variety of high quality air monitors suited for a different situations and needs.

Keep in mind that these are just air monitors, not air purifiers or filters and, more importantly, an off-the-shelf product is a good tool to monitor general air quality but is not the same as calling in a professional. If you suspect there is a serious issue with the air quality in your home, consult a professional air quality specialist.

Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor ($175) Amazon

If you want a stylish, air quality monitor that can easily integrate into your smart home, then you should check out the Awair. It tests your air for toxins, chemicals, fine dust, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. The Awair’s display shows an air quality “score,” but you can check the details behind that score through the Awair app. The Awair app also keeps a timeline of your air quality history, so you can see how changes in season, cleaning habits, and furniture affect the air you breathe.

Since the Awair air quality monitor can connect to Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and Nest, you could potentially use it for a variety of smart home applications. For example, if your air quality score goes too low, your smarthome setup could automatically turn on an air purifier, turn on a whole-house fan, or send a notification to your phone.

This is a great air quality monitor for people that care about style, convenience, and smart home integration. If you like the Awair monitor, but you want to save a bit of money, you could always buy an Awair Glow, a plug-form-factor air monitor from the same company.

Buy on Amazon Foobot Indoor Air Quality Monitor ($229) Amazon

Read the remaining 15 paragraphs

Junk Email is the folder where Outlook sends mail it thinks is spam. You can customize Outlook’s spam filter to block or whitelist senders or domains, or crank up the automatic filtering and delete spam automatically. Let’s see how.

Accessing Junk Email Options

You can access the Junk Email options by clicking Home > Junk.

The top four options will only be available if you’ve got a message selected in a folder, or if you have a message open and you click Message > Junk.

All of these options are also available from the context menu when you right-click a message.

We’ll cover the top four options on this menu as we go through the article. For now, we’re interested in “Junk E-mail Options” at the bottom of the menu.

Read the remaining 56 paragraphs

AT&T is about to brand much of its existing cellular network as “5G Evolution” or “5G E.” Your phone’s “4G” logo may transform to a “5G E” logo after an update, but nothing has actually changed.

Update: When real 5G launches, AT&T will call it”5G+“. That’s truly absurd.

The Results Are In: AT&T’s 5G E Is Bad

Since this piece was published at the end of December 2018, AT&T has gone ahead and rolled out its rebranded network. Just as we predicted, 5G E is not good. A study by OpenSignal published on March 22, 2019 found that AT&T’s 5G E was actually slower than the 4G LTE service from Verizon and T-Mobile, although it’s pretty close.

Twitter is now full of tweets showing 5G E running at slower speeds than competing 4G LTE networks in the real world, too. That’s because it’s not real 5G. At best, it’s just the same 4G LTE other carriers are offering.

Dear AT&T: Updating people’s status bars to say “5GE” is bad and you know it’s bad.

Not only is it just regular LTE… but long term, results like this will diminish what regular people thing 5G actually is. pic.twitter.com/eumqzUZaxK

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) April 2, 2019

What Exactly Is 5G Evolution?

AT&T originally announced “5G Evolution” back in 2017. It’s not a technical standard, and it doesn’t mean anything. It’s just branding for marketing AT&T’s existing 4G network.

Read the remaining 25 paragraphs

What Information Sharing System Was Briefly More Popular Than The World Wide Web?

1. MUDs
2. IRC
3. Gopher
4. Hypercard

Think you know the answer?

Let’s say you’re using an image in a PowerPoint presentation that you’d like to assign a description, caption, or artist credit. You’d also like to make sure that text follows the image should you move it later. By using PowerPoint’s grouping feature, you can easily anchor images to text.

Using PowerPoint’s Grouping Feature

When you use PowerPoint’s grouping feature, you’re essentially taking several individual objects, whether they be images, SmartArt, text, and so on, and turning them into one single object. This allows you to move, format, or resize all those objects as if they were one. It’s also useful if you plan to use this content in future presentations, as you can save the grouped object as a single image for future use.

Go ahead and open your presentation and insert the image to be captioned. In this example, we’ll be using the How-To Geek logo.

Here’s a little fun fact about the How-To Geek logo—he goes by “The Geek.” If The Geek were to make a special guest appearance in a presentation, it might be useful to include this information with it. We’ll go ahead and do that now.

First, head over to the “Insert” tab.

In the “Text” group, select the top half of “Text Box.” This will allow you to draw a horizontal text box.

Read the remaining 17 paragraphs

Amazon, Hard Cider Labs

Are you still reeling from the death of Apple AirPower? Maybe it’s time to unload your disappointment through the well-informed purchase of a discounted iPad, a wireless charging mat, or a cheap copy of RDR2.

Right now, there are some exciting deals on Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, and Rakuten. If you’ve avoided playing Red Dead Redemption 2 (or you’ve been waiting for a good deal), now’s the time to see what everybody’s excited about. Rakuten is selling refurbished copies of RDR2 (PS4) for just $28.

Of course, these deals aren’t just fun and games. Apple fans can take advantage of  Amazon’s $330 iPad deal, or satisfy their craving for AirPower by purchasing Hard Cider Labs’ $60 wireless charging mat.

Computers, Routers, Mice, and Keyboards

Need a new laptop, or a mesh Wi-Fi kit? We’ve got the deals for you.

• Lenovo Thinkpad, $550 ($200 off) [Newegg]
• Dell 8-Core Gaming PC, $760 ($140 off with coupon code DELL140) [Rakuten]
• Tenda Nova Mesh Wi-Fi System, $89 ($110 off with coupon clip) [Amazon]
• Google Mesh Wi-Fi 3-Pack, $260 ($40 off) [Amazon]
• Google Wi-Fi Router by TP-Link, $100 ($100 off) [Newegg]
• inphic Slim Wireless Mouse, $7 ($5 off with coupon code OOFX6LDM) [Amazon]
• Logitech G910 Orion Spark RGB Mech Gaming Keyboard, $110 ($70 off) [Newegg]

Tablets, Phones, and Phone Accessories

Grab these killer tablet and phone deals before it’s too late.

• Apple iPad Latest Model 128GB, $330 ($100 off) [Amazon]
• Apple Watch Series 4, $479 ($35 off with coupon clip) [Amazon]
• Google Pixel 2 64GB Unlocked Refurbished, $315 ($75 off) [Amazon]
• SliceCharge 2 Wireless Charging Mat, $60 ($20 off) [HardCiderLabs]
• Samsung Fast Charge Portable 10,000 mAh Battery, $15 ($25 off) [A4C]
• OtterBox Symmetry Case for iPhone X and XS, $14 ($5 off) [eBay]

Video Games

Grab a copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 or The World Ends With You at a massive discount.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 Refurbished PS4, $28 ($9 off) [Rakuten]
• The World Ends With You Nintendo Switch, $35 ($12 off) [Walmart]
• Dragon Ball FighterZ Nintendo Switch, $30 ($20 off) [Target]
• NBA 2K19 Switch/PS4/Xbox One, $25 ($35 off) [Best Buy]

Smart Home Products

If you like automatic trash cans and smart plugs, then you’ll love these deals.

• Touch-Free Automatic 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can, $32 ($10 off with coupon code FDW10) [Rakuten]
• TP-Link Smart Plug 3-Pack, $34 ($17 off) [Newegg]

Everything Else

Need a white noise machine or a new cast iron skillet? Check out these deals.

• Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Machine, $32 ($16 off) [Amazon]
• Bose Soundsport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, $115 ($18 off) [Rakuten]
• OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker, $20 ($11 off) [Amazon]
• Karcher 15-Inch Pressure Washer, $40 ($30 off) [Amazon]
• Acer Holo360 4K Camera, $50 ($50 off) [Acer]
• Save up to 46% on Cuisinart Cast Iron Cookware [Amazon]
• Olaplex Hair Perfecter Number 3, $21 ($9 off) [Walmart]

Discounts can’t last forever. Sorry to dampen the mood, but that’s just the world we live in. If any of these deals really tickle your fancy, be sure to scoop them up before it’s too late.

Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.com

Popsicles are a delicious treat during the summer months. They’re also a tasty way of getting more fruit into your child’s diet, as well as a fun way of creating alcoholic iced desserts for a late night party.

While we’ve rounded up some great popsicle molds for you, don’t worry—we’re not going to leave you hanging if you need some inspiration as to what to put in them. There are great recipe books for everything and popsicles are no exception. If you want to move beyond the old “pour orange juice in the mold” routine, check out People’s Pops: 55 Recipes for Ice Pops, Shave Ice, and Boozy Pops from Brooklyn’s Coolest Pop Shop, Pops!: Icy Treats for Everyone , or Perfect Pops: The 50 Best Classic & Cool Treats. There are also, naturally, tons of popsicle recipes online.

Here’s a look at the best popsicle makers, whatever the occasion.

Best Overall: Ozera Popsicle Molds ($9) Ozera

As a one-size-fits-all style solution, you can’t fault the Ozera Popsicle Molds. The six molds rest on a sturdy tray that’s easy to slide into one of your freezer compartments. Each of the molds measures 6 x 5.5 x 8 inches so they provide a good sized treat. The molds include a handle that has a built-in drip guard to keep your hands free of stickiness.

Stickiness during preparation is also averted thanks to the folding funnel that’s included. You can use it to easily add liquid to the molds without worrying about getting it everywhere but inside the mold. There’s a cleaning brush too, ensuring this is a well thought out package.

Buy on Amazon Best For Babies: Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Molds ($8) Nuby Garden

Part soothing aid, part delicious popsicle, the Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Molds are designed with babies and toddlers in mind. They’re shaped like a pacifier, with a chunky handle that’s easy for little hands to grip on to. The base also has a wide ridge for catching drips so the mess is kept to a minimum.

Ultimately though, these molds are all about soothing sore gums and keeping little ones happy. A little mess is going to happen but it’ll be worth it. The pack includes 4 molds along with a tray to keep them steady in the freezer. A chunky size, they’re sure to keep your child entertained for a while.

Buy on Amazon Best Stainless Steel Molds: Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds ($35) Onyx

Stainless steel molds are typically more expensive than any plastic or silicone based solution, but they look significantly more stylish too. The Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds are the best of the bunch. This set makes 6 paddle style popsicles with small reservoirs for collecting up any drips.

Included are lids as well as reusable bamboo sticks. In theory, this is a set that will last you way longer than any plastic based mold set. It’s also a little more efficient as the molds release their content faster under running water thanks to how quickly the metal conducts heat compared to, say, silicon.

Buy on Amazon Best Novelty Popsicles: Tovolo Dino Molds ($16) Tovolo

Read the remaining 10 paragraphs

Logitech dropped its first iPad Pro keyboard, Toshiba rebranded and is making a comeback, and in news that has nothing to do with April Fools’ Day, Google says the Play Store is more secure than ever. Let’s get to it!

Apple News: Logitech’s New iPad Pro Keyboard Looks Pretty Hot

Also, the iPad Mini 5 got the official iFixit teardown treatment, and its innards are all new.

• Logitech’s new iPad Pro keyboard avoids the smart connector and opts for Bluetooth LE. But it’s pretty and cheaper than Apple’s official keyboard, and probably feels great. [The Verge]
• iFixit broke out the tools and took apart the iPad Mini 5. While it looks the same on the outside, it has all new guts. [iFixit]
• Cloudflare is bringing a new VPN service called Warp to iOS. [9to5Mac]

The iPad Pro is an interesting product. It’s positioned to be more powerful than the iPad (which is honestly pretty powerful on its own) but still not quite a laptop. It’s not a true Surface Pro competitor either. It’s kind of all on its own; doing its own thing. There really isn’t a product that competes with it.

I had high hopes for the Google Pixel Slate as a true iPad Pro competitor— a product that had the chops to be a powerful laptop, but still kept the simplicity that makes a tablet so great. Turns out that’s not the case and it’s a bomb of a product. Go figure.

So as it stands, the iPad Pro is still on a realm all its own. More powerful than a regular tablet, not quite as useful as a laptop for most users.

Google News: A More Secure Play Store?

Plus security updates for Pixel and Essential, a pretty terrible bug in Skype for Android, and grocery ordering from Google Assistant.

• Google says the Play Store is more secure than ever before. At the same time, more malware is being found on the Play Store every day. Kind of makes you wonder how bad it was before. [TechRadar]
• April security updates are available now for Pixel and Essential phones. [XDA Developers]
• That same update also fixes the Pixel 3’s ambient display bug. [Android Police]
• Walmart is bringing its online grocery ordering service to Google Assistant later this year. You’ll be able to say “Hey Google, talk to Walmart” and add things to your cart. Interesting. [Walmart]
• Skype for Android had a bug that would automatically answer incoming calls even if the “automatically answer incoming calls” option was disabled. The good news is that a fix is already rolling out. [XDA developers]
• If you’re interested in an Android build that’s focused on security, check out GrapheneOS. It’s a new project from the lead developer of CopperheadOS, another security-focused Android fork. [Liliputing]

Over the weekend, Motherboard published a piece about a new type of government malware found on the Play Store. Now, Google is saying the Play Store is more secure than ever.

I’m inclined to believe Google’s take here, timing be damned. I’m sure Google Play Protect is doing its job and getting better at it every day. The issue is that Android is more popular than ever and would-be attackers know it. So while security is tighter, there are more attacks than ever before. And make no mistake here—attackers are clever. New types of malware are showing up all the time; things that Play Protect doesn’t yet know to look for.

Read the remaining 9 paragraphs