What is Internet Identity and how does it work?
Internet Identity is a new type of authentication for Web3. Here's what you should know about it
Passwords are hard. Even with password managers to generate and autofill them, they're still a pain to use for all the daily logins in our lives. The problem is that there aren't any great alternatives. However, the Web3 techs at the DFINITY Foundation are working on a promising alternative. It's called II or Internet Identity, and it could reshape our online security. Here's what we know.
How to use Netflix test screens to calibrate your screen
Netflix has the perfect test pattern for your color adjustments. Here's how to use it
Do you want to make sure your display is properly calibrated and color-optimized? Today's HDR features help a lot, but not every device is compatible with HDR (high dynamic range) technology, and many people prefer to make their own custom adjustments.
Amazon Echo banking: Let Alexa check your balance, make payments, and more
Your Echo can help manage your bank accounts. Is that safe? Here's everything you should know
Are you looking for more things to do with Amazon Alexa and your Echo devices? Amazon has experimented with the voice assistant for years, linking it to an incredible number of services. It doesn't only play music and party games. Its control abilities extend beyond your smart home.
Does Amazon ship internationally?
Amazon arranges international shipping automatically, but you have options. Here's what to know
While Amazon is more than happy to ship to customers in North America and offers some great shipping deals at a price (usually an Amazon Prime subscription), international customers may be wondering just how the details work. And though Amazon has many regional sites, those sites don't always have the same stock and availability as its U.S. site. Customers often wonder if they can order from a different Amazon region and get the product shipped to their country.
How to use Alexa in your car
Alexa can help you with navigation, calls, and music in your car. Here's how to set it up
If you're a fan of Alexa, you may enjoy asking it about the weather, traffic, and any important news. Or maybe you're a fan of using voice commands to listen to your favorite music or control other devices. Would you like to take Alexa on the go, too? All that support is also available in your car, if you follow the right process.
Wi-Fi upgrades keep coming, and the terminology can quickly bewilder the average consumer. If you haven't upgraded your Wi-Fi router or phone in several years, looking at the new options may lead to a lot of confusion. What happened to old standards like IEEE 802.11ac? What does ax mean now? What about Wi-Fi 6, and is that different from Wi-Fi 6E?
How to listen to Apple Music's lossless tracks on your Android or iPhone
Apple Music supports lossless audio with a bit of work: Here's how to get the best sound around
Apple Music has introduced seriously high-quality audio for many of its tracks. We're not only talking about Spatial Audio tricks courtesy of Dolby Atmos but also true lossless audio (24-bit/192kHz) that's available through top-tier plans (if audiophiles have the right equipment).
How to tell who's viewing your TikTok profile
TikTok allows a limited look at who's viewing you. Here's how it works
Are you curious about who's watching your TikToks? That's a common feeling. Most people on TikTok (and similar apps like Instagram and Snapchat) have occasionally wanted to know if someone is creeping on them. Or maybe you're interested in whether a crush has been scouting through past videos or what sort of viewers are following you after working so hard to create quality videos with your phone.
Here's why Android manufacturers throttle phone perfromance
App throttling exists, and it could be affecting your performance. Here's why it happens
As consumers, we get a bad taste in our mouths when we hear something is "throttled." That usually means telecom companies are throttling our data and ruining our online experience. It also means that not-so-unlimited data plans get throttled when you go beyond a certain amount of data in a month. Throttling practices like these are widely denounced as unfair and annoying.
What is HDMI-CEC?
HDMI-CEC can help you narrow down necessary controllers and save time. Here's how it works
Do you love tinkering with your home theater to get everything as streamlined as possible? Or maybe you're tired of juggling devices and remote controls to various boxes and streaming dongles, especially when you switch from playing games to watching the news or changing channels vs. turning up the volume.
The best Android phones for ultrawide photography in 2023
Looking for a phone that handles excellent ultrawide shots?
You can now find ultrawide cameras on all kinds of smartphones. These extra-large rear cameras snap to an enormous field of view and capture unique looks at landscapes. Ultrawides bring in more surrounding detail. They also give photos a magnified look that can be corrected via editing and modes or used as a stylistic choice on your latest nature hike.
The best buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps
BNPL apps allow you to finance with zero interest, among other tricks. Here's how they work
The sharp rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps leaves consumers, especially electronics consumers, with a question that's new and very old: Should they save the cash to buy more expensive items or use a type of financing?
How to set up two-factor authentication on Amazon
Bump up your Amazon safety with its two-step verification. Here's how it all works
Two-factor authentication/verification is now so common you probably do it without thinking. This type of security asks you to confirm your identity via another channel, like sending a text code or an email. It's an easy process and a powerful defense against identity theft, which is why it pops up when you use an unfamiliar device.
What is Spotify? Music, pricing, features, and free-tier explained
Spotify is still one of the biggest music streamers available. Here's how it all works
With more than 500 million users, Spotify is one of the most popular music services in the world. And if you're tired of paying for Apple Music or running into bugs with services like Tidal, Spotify remains one of the smoothest, most affordable alternatives. Plus, it has a variety of podcasts you can't find anywhere else.
How to check your voicemail without wasting time
Tired of checking your voicemail the old way? These are the latest, fastest options to deal with voice messages
Do you groan inside when you realize you have to check your phone for new voicemail messages? The bad news is that we can't stop voicemails from coming, and you need the ability to hear messages from your doctor, auto shop, and other important services. The good news is that voicemails are easier than ever to check, thanks to the latest modern features. Here's how to make it as painless as possible for a variety of phones, including mobile phones, iPhones, and Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy.
What is a cookie on the web?
What are web cookies? You may know these bits of data can track you, but here's the full story
Web browser cookies taught a world of internet users that too many cookies could be a bad thing. Today, we're accustomed to seeing all sorts of popups telling us the website uses cookies and asking us what kind of cookies we want to allow on computers and mobile Android devices. Those policy popups and associated privacy concerns often give cookies a bad name but don't give these little bits of inserted data too bad a name. They can also save you time and make your favorite sites easier to use without interfering with your personal data. Let's look at the duality of cookies and how they work.
How to download Android apps without the Google Play Store
Who needs Google Play when you have APK Mirror?
Getting Android apps without using the official Google Play Store can be a mixed bag, depending on where you get your apps. While Android lets you install any app you want, you must be cautious about where these files come from. Also, some popular devices, like the best Amazon Fire tablets, aren't preinstalled with the Google Play Store.
Is TikTok safe? What you need to know
TikTok bans are on the rise around the world: Is it still safe for you to use? Here's what's going on
Rumors and reports are everywhere about TikTok these days. You've probably heard discussions about if the video app is dangerous, if it spreads misinformation, if kids are addicted to it, if it's a tool of the Chinese government, and on and on. But what are the facts? Who is actually banning TikTok, and why are they doing it? And should you use TikTok or let your family use it?
7 things you'll hate about switching from Android to iOS
Don't even get us started on the notifications
These days, Android and iOS aren't as different as you might expect. Everyone has their preferred platform of choice, but as both operating systems have matured, each has followed the paths first charted by their smartphone rivals.
11 Venmo tips and tricks for easy transfers
Learn how to get the most out of the Venmo cash app with these tips and tricks
Venmo has earned a reputation as a snappy payment app and digital wallet that's perfect for sending money to friends and other contacts without wasting time. Whether you're splitting money on a date or making sure roommates make their payments, there's a good chance you've used it or at least discussed the app (it's easy to set up, too). But for all its popularity, there's still a lot that people don't know about Venmo, how it works, and how to use it safely.