Saturday Deals: Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions [UK]

It’s New Year’s Eve! No matter what you have planned for tonight, your thoughts may have already shifted to your New Year’s Resolutions. So with that in mind, we have gathered together some of the best Amazon UK Deals to get your New Year off to a great start. Polar Heart Rate Monitor & Sports Watch [19% Off] Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor - Blue/Black Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor - Blue/Black Buy Now At Amazon $132.85 Polar were in the Heart Rate monitor game before it was cool. If you like their products, and trust their expertise, then it’s...

Read the full article: Saturday Deals: Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions [UK]

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hWgas0
via IFTTT

How to Automatically Record Calls on Android and Never Run out of Space

One benefit of digital communication is its permanency. Whenever you communicate with a company over email, you have a hard record of the exchange. Then, in case of fraud or other foul play, you have some proof of the abuse. Phone calls normally aren’t like this. Once a phone conversation is over, there’s no way to prove anything about the conversation between the two parties. However, it’s not hard to start recording your calls on Android. You might want to do so for convenience (so you don’t forget what favor your friend asked you) or security (so you have a...

Read the full article: How to Automatically Record Calls on Android and Never Run out of Space

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/129DZ0h
via IFTTT

Pay What You Want: White Hat Hacking and Learn to Code Course Bundles

Don’t let “the man” tell you what you need to pay! Today, we’re going to look at two massive course bundles that you can name your own price to get. Pay as little as a dollar, and you’ll get a few of the courses. If you beat the average, you’ll get them all. First, we have a bundle that’ll get you into the world of ethical hacking. It features seven massive courses. There’s also a bundle that’ll get you started writing code. It features a staggering 10 courses on everything from JavaScript to Python! Buy: Pay What You Want: White Hat...

Read the full article: Pay What You Want: White Hat Hacking and Learn to Code Course Bundles

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hxnF7J
via IFTTT

Save Big on Kindle Books, Roku Stick, and More [US/CA]

Looking to do some reading? Want to watch your favorite TV shows and online content? Amazon has you covered with some solid deals. US Deals Roku Streaming Stick ($39.99, 20% Off) Roku Streaming Stick (3600R) Roku Streaming Stick (3600R) Powerful quad-core processor and fast dual-band wireless. 8x more processing power than before. Buy Now At Amazon CDN$ 68.08 If you’re looking for a small media player that’s a bit more open than the Fire Stick, the Roku Streaming Stick is for you. It’s easy to use, and you can run all kinds of stuff on it. For $40, you can’t...

Read the full article: Save Big on Kindle Books, Roku Stick, and More [US/CA]

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hxsRbD
via IFTTT

5 Feng Shui Bedroom Ideas With Smart Gadgets

Your bedroom should be the most relaxing room in the house, a place where you can unwind after a long and stressful day. However, you also need it to be hi-tech. You’re a tech geek, after all. So, what’s the solution? You should turn to Feng Shui. It has five elements: water, fire, wood, earth, and metal. Mix these principles with smart home technology and you’ll create the perfect 21st Century relaxation space. Here’s how you can easily turn your bedroom into a high-tech oasis of calm. 1. Water: The Relaxation Nothing says soothing relaxation quite like the gentle sound of...

Read the full article: 5 Feng Shui Bedroom Ideas With Smart Gadgets

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ilRFWe
via IFTTT

7 Clever Evernote Features to Streamline Your Workflow

You probably use Trello for task management, Slack for communication, PowerPoint for presentations, and Google Drive for writing and collaboration. But you can actually do much of that successfully in one place using Evernote. We’ll show you the best productivity features you never knew were hidden in Evernote. 1. Save Your Research, Writing, and Thoughts Evernote serves as an online vault for your writing and research, making it ideal for managing projects and organizing your life. Create a notebook for each project where you can save your notes, drafts, and web clippings. If your work is published online, you can also save...

Read the full article: 7 Clever Evernote Features to Streamline Your Workflow

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hzWQ6c
via IFTTT

8 Mental Health Apps for People Who Can’t See a Therapist

It may sound surprising, but mental health disorders are quite common in the U.S. Millions of adults have a mental health disorder, but the numbers vary by demographic group. The National Institute of Mental Health estimated that in 2014, mental illness affected 43.6 million adults in the U.S. Put another way, 18.1 percent of all U.S. adults reported dealing with some sort of mental illness. And these figures do not include substance use disorders such as drug or alcohol abuse. Some 21.8 percent of women deal with mental health issues, compared to 14.1 percent of men. Mental illnesses are also...

Read the full article: 8 Mental Health Apps for People Who Can’t See a Therapist

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hwJzb8
via IFTTT

Wine Programs Not Working? Try These Steps

Wine provides Linux users with the ability to run Windows software outside of the domain of Microsoft. As such, it can aid your transition away from Windows, less bound by platform exclusive software. Wine isn’t perfect, though. Some programs take some work to get moving, while others won’t work at all. That being said, the steps below will maximize your chances of running Windows program on your Linux box. Why Doesn’t My Program Run? Put simply, Wine runs Windows software by reverse engineering parts of the Windows operating system for Linux. In the Microsoft world, these components are called DLLs...

Read the full article: Wine Programs Not Working? Try These Steps

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ifp1YT
via IFTTT

What You Must Learn From the Big Security Events of 2016

There is no denying that 2016 is widely regarded as a “bad year”, culturally and politically. But what of the security world — how did 2016 stack up? And what can we learn from the leaks, breaches, and surveillance increases? Leak, After Leak, After Leak While website hacks and data leaks have been a mainstay of our online lives for a number of years, 2016 was the year that everyone was forced to pay attention. Among the numerous casualties were cloud storage provider Dropbox and professional social network LinkedIn. The Dropbox hack exposed 68 million accounts, with only half of...

Read the full article: What You Must Learn From the Big Security Events of 2016

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ixoMWD
via IFTTT

10 Questions to Ask Before You Cancel Cable

You probably have cable TV. We get it, it’s the norm. Unfortunately, it’s also terrible. Most of the content sucks, it’s all riddled with ads, and most importantly, it’s eye-wateringly expensive. Which is why you’re probably considering canceling your cable right about now. You’re certainly not alone in considering cutting the cord. According to a report by Leichtman Research, the 11 biggest cable providers in the U.S. lost 665,000 subscribers in just one quarter in 2016. And estimates suggest their revenues will drop by $2.7 billion over the next decade. However, it’s important to remember that cord-cutting isn’t right for...

Read the full article: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Cancel Cable

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hz4FZD
via IFTTT

What’s New on Netflix in January: Braveheart, V for Vendetta, and More

The new year will be ushering in some interesting new flicks and series to watch on Netflix. Even though Netflix’s library is actually shrinking, the overall quality is going up, up, up. January’s batch of additions proves that this is indeed the case. First off, we have a lot of classics coming in, including Caddyshack, Braveheart, The Shining, V for Vendetta, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. There’s also the addition of Hugo, a relatively newer film that will surprise you by how good it is. Two notable comedians are releasing stand-up specials on Netflix this month: Jim Gaffigan’s Cinco and Bill...

Read the full article: What’s New on Netflix in January: Braveheart, V for Vendetta, and More

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ieIYio
via IFTTT

How to Check Network Data Usage on Windows 10

We usually think of saving internet data usage as a problem for mobile phones, but some people might have this concern on Windows devices, too. Whether you have a data cap on your home internet usage or often travel using a limited connection, there are plenty of times you need to manage how much bandwidth Windows 10 uses. With system updates, streaming media, and games downloads, it’s easy to forget how much data you’re using. Thankfully, Windows 10 has a tool for this built right in. To access it, open Settings, then go to Network & Internet, followed by the...

Read the full article: How to Check Network Data Usage on Windows 10

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ikh2aM
via IFTTT

Use Google to Book Your First Fitness Class of the New Year

Every New Year, health and fitness sit at the tops of everyone’s wish lists, which is why the new Reserve With Google service is something you’ll need. It makes it easier to find the best fitness classes in your neighborhood and book a spot in seconds. Note that since Reserve With Google is new, it’s only available in Los Angeles, New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area for now. Google has partnered with booking and scheduling service providers like MINDBODY, Full Slate, Front Desk, and Appointy. Others like zingFit, MyTime, and Genbook will be brought on the platform soon. The idea...

Read the full article: Use Google to Book Your First Fitness Class of the New Year

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hBosJL
via IFTTT

Amazon Echo Can Now Read Cooking Instructions Out Loud Step by Step

There are lots of creative uses for the Amazon Echo, one of which is using it in the kitchen when cooking. Recipe website All Recipes recently introduced an Amazon Echo skill that harnesses its endless recipes for hands-free instructions as you cook. To enable the All Recipes skill, navigate to your Amazon Echo account either on the mobile app or in a web browser. Go to Skills, search for AllRecipes and tap Enable Skill. If you’re in the vicinity of your Amazon Echo just use the voice command, Alexa, enable the AllRecipes skill. Alexa will enable the skill, but you...

Read the full article: Amazon Echo Can Now Read Cooking Instructions Out Loud Step by Step

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ion8cZ
via IFTTT

Getting Started With Blynk: Simple DIY IoT Devices

Blynk is an Internet of Things (IoT) service designed to make remote control and reading sensor data from your devices as quick and easy as possible. In this article we will cover exactly what Blynk is, how it works, and provide two short example projects on different uses of the service with NodeMCU and Raspberry Pi development boards. It has never been easier to start developing smart objects using microcontrollers, and IoT devices have quickly grown in popularity over recent years. Development boards like Arduino or Raspberry Pi can be used to control everything from the power sockets in your home...

Read the full article: Getting Started With Blynk: Simple DIY IoT Devices

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hsTHBK
via IFTTT

Frustrated With Skype? How to Remove Contacts and Delete Your Account

Since its initial release in 2003, Skype has become a household name. They were the first company to bring online video calls to the mainstream. The Skype name even became a verb. Seeing the potential, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in 2011. And it seemed their star kept rising as on 21 January 2013 it was reported that Skype had more than 50 million concurrent users online. However, we are increasingly living in a mobile-first world, and there are many video calling companies vying for your business. Competing products like Google Hangouts made video chats even easier as you only...

Read the full article: Frustrated With Skype? How to Remove Contacts and Delete Your Account

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iIQEGx
via IFTTT

3 Tools To Create Your Own Text Adventure Games

Realistic graphics, artificial intelligence, next-level physics, low-latency multiplayer, virtual reality — these are the hallmarks of modern AAA gaming. Some games are even starting to push the limits of photorealism! But even the most beautiful games can’t match the boundless creativity of human imagination. And that’s where text-based games still shine. Yes, even now! Known as interactive fiction, text-based games combine the best of two worlds: books and interactivity. They’re like choose-your-own-adventure stories on crack, and they’re perfect for those who want to create interactive stories without pouring lots of time or money into art and sound assets. Interested in...

Read the full article: 3 Tools To Create Your Own Text Adventure Games

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/11bC2EV
via IFTTT

Nest vs. Kuna: Outdoor Security Camera Showdown

Home security cameras continue to grow in popularity with each passing year as technology improves. Today, they play a central role in any smart home. Two of the newest outside cameras are the Nest Cam Outdoor and Kuna Toucan. In this article, you’ll learn more about these cameras and see how they compare. Nest Cam Outdoor First launched in July 2016, the Nest Cam Outdoor ($199) features a 1/3-inch, 3 MP sensor and 8x digital zoom inside a durable, waterproof case in white. Unlike other security cameras on the market, the Nest Cam Outdoor doesn’t use batteries. Instead, it uses...

Read the full article: Nest vs. Kuna: Outdoor Security Camera Showdown

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ibPpmt
via IFTTT

6 Easiest Programming Languages to Learn for Beginners

Learning to program may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, it’s not nearly as difficult as it seems. With a bevy of resources available both on and offline, dedicated communities, and experts to follow on social media, learning programming is much simpler than it used to be. Even kids can get started programming early on. However, learning to program is about finding the right language just as much as it’s about the edification process. Here are the top six easiest programming languages for beginners. A Word on “Easy” What makes a programming language “easy” to learn for beginners varies. Some languages...

Read the full article: 6 Easiest Programming Languages to Learn for Beginners

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iIwkJA
via IFTTT

Best Tech to Meet Your 2016 New Year’s Resolutions

We’re rapidly approaching the end of 2016. Seriously, we’re at the end of December. Before we know it, we’ll be staring down the barrel of a fully-loaded 2017. So have you given any thought to your New Year’s Resolutions? While some might think them a waste, a resolution can be a great way to move toward some form of personal growth. Whether you want to get fit, learn a new skill, or spend more time with the people you love, there’s no better time to start a meaningful self-improvement journey than the new year. Making a goal is one thing —...

Read the full article: Best Tech to Meet Your 2016 New Year’s Resolutions

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hQvrdO
via IFTTT

3Doodler Create 3D Pen Review and Giveaway

We live in a world of surprises. One of the biggest is our endless ability to manufacture from home, whether that be music, books, movies, or other creative projects. The development of affordable 3D printing has further taken the means of production out of the hands of faceless factories and into our individual control. It’s exciting, isn’t it?! And now, 3D printing as an active, artistic endeavor is here in the form of the $99 3Doodler Create (CA), which is quite simply “The World’s First 3D Printing Pen”. And of course, you want one, right? Which is convenient, because we’ve got one to giveaway...

Read the full article: 3Doodler Create 3D Pen Review and Giveaway

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iIbIwY
via IFTTT

Let’s Face It: Amazon Echo’s Alexa Is Stupid

Amazon wants Alexa, its smart personal assistant, to become an integral part of your day-to-day living. She can play music, set alarms, search Google, update you on the latest news, give you a weather forecast, control your smart home, and even order things from Amazon using nothing more than voice commands. Sounds great. But is she really that “smart”? There’s no doubt voice-controlled assistants are the future, but is Alexa the solution? Perhaps not. In this article, I’m going to argue Alexa is actually rather stupid. Amazon Echo - Black Amazon Echo - Black Plays all your music from Amazon...

Read the full article: Let’s Face It: Amazon Echo’s Alexa Is Stupid

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hQeCji
via IFTTT

How to Wrap Headphone Cables So They Don’t Break

Are you tired of your headphones always breaking? Truth is, most people don’t take good enough care of their headphones, which often leads to them malfunctioning much earlier than they should. The most common mistake, however, is not wrapping up the cable in the right way when the headphones aren’t in use. Cable wires are the most susceptible component to breakage, and incorrect storage methods can fray them internally. Here’s What NOT to Do This method seems clever at first, but there are way too many tension points, especially at the end when the cable is pulled into a tight...

Read the full article: How to Wrap Headphone Cables So They Don’t Break

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2itt9SQ
via IFTTT

5 Free Game Development Software Tools To Make Your Own Games

Do you have an idea for a game that’s been brewing in your mind for years? What if I told you that you could make that idea come to life, even if you have no game development experience? These days, anyone can make a video game with a bit of elbow grease and perseverance. Of course, that doesn’t mean game development is easy. Not by a long shot. Even something as simplistic as Flappy Bird or Tetris can take a lot of time and effort to make it look and feel good. But thanks to free game development software tools,...

Read the full article: 5 Free Game Development Software Tools To Make Your Own Games

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/1kP1jtP
via IFTTT

20 Best VR Apps for Google Cardboard

If you have a Google Cardboard, you need to download these apps.

Read the full article: 20 Best VR Apps for Google Cardboard

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iFoGeX
via IFTTT

Boxing Day Deals Week Continues With Discounted TVs, Games, and More [CA]

Amazon.ca is coming in hot and heavy on hump day with some great deals in celebration of Boxing Day. Sure, it was a couple days ago, but that hasn’t stopped Amazon from keeping the deals going. LG Electronics Flat 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (CDN$ 4,999.99, 25% Off) LG Electronics OLED65E6P Flat 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (2016 Model) LG Electronics OLED65E6P Flat 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (2016 Model) Smart Functionality: Yes, webOS 3.0 Buy Now At Amazon $3,997.00 In terms of raw picture quality, nothing beats OLED. This 65-inch, 4K monster costs...

Read the full article: Boxing Day Deals Week Continues With Discounted TVs, Games, and More [CA]

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iFgQ4Z
via IFTTT

12 Must-See Movies for Geeks Coming in 2017

2017 is going to be one of the best years ever for geeks who love movies. Comic book movies are still all the rage, so you can expect many more of those. However, there are also a handful of other titles that you’ll want to add to your must-see movies list for 2017. The 12 movies we have selected below run the gamut from action to drama, from fantasy to science fiction, and some don’t fit so neatly into one label or another. So sit back, buckle up, and join us on this journey into the future to see what...

Read the full article: 12 Must-See Movies for Geeks Coming in 2017

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hpaHJl
via IFTTT

5 Ways Your USB Stick Can Be a Security Risk

It might store as little as 256 MB or as much as 256 GB, but as useful as your USB stick is, it can prove to be a major security risk. We’ve recently looked at how a USB stick can be used to enhance your personal security and privacy. This time, we’re focusing on the various security risks that can occur following misuse or a USB flash device. Major security incidents, viruses, and USB-specific malware are among the risks you face. While these can be mitigated by adopting good practices, it’s important to appreciate just what is at stake if...

Read the full article: 5 Ways Your USB Stick Can Be a Security Risk

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ieAtSm
via IFTTT

Hey, Cortana? Everything You Didn’t Know to Ask and More

Do you start your day by saying, “Hey, Cortana”? Whether you are asking for help with tasks or gathering information, Cortana is a wonderful and useful tool. But some might wonder what exactly Cortana can do. Here is a list of basic as well as not-so-obvious commands that can get Cortana to help you. Get Location-Based Information You can get handy information for your current location or one across the world. If you are planning a trip or just a night on the town, try these questions and commands: Time and Weather “What time is it?” or “What time is it...

Read the full article: Hey, Cortana? Everything You Didn’t Know to Ask and More

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hwBJTK
via IFTTT

5 Ways an Offline PC Can Be Hacked

Sometimes it feels as though we can’t go one day without yet another hack of a major organisation. You only have to look at the recent revelation from Yahoo that a staggering one billion user accounts were stolen to see evidence of this growing trend. It may seem tempting to believe that taking your PC offline will help. After all, it’s the internet that allows the hackers access to your computer and data, right? With a growing regard for keeping a PC offline when it holds sensitive data, there is evidence emerging that it may not be as safe as you...

Read the full article: 5 Ways an Offline PC Can Be Hacked

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ht4LlJ
via IFTTT

Everything You Need to Build a Game Server on Linux

Since its inception, gaming has almost always been more fun with multiple players. Dating back to the Atari 2600 and arcade cabinets, multiplayer gameplay thrived. Once the internet age struck, remote multiplayer became possible with the advent of game servers. With current games, it’s not only possible to connect to servers but even to run one. Whether it’s a Minecraft server, a bout of Counter-Strike, or any of a slew of titles, there’s usually a way to start up a game server. While gaming on Linux might seem like opposites, there’s a nice variety of games available natively on Linux....

Read the full article: Everything You Need to Build a Game Server on Linux

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2horZ9r
via IFTTT

How to Disable System Integrity Protection (and Why You Shouldn’t)

Each new release of Apple’s desktop operating system seems to place more restrictions on users than the last. System Integration Protection (or SIP for short) might be the biggest change yet. Introduced with OS X 10.11 El Capitan, SIP places restrictions on a user’s ability to modify certain folders altogether. While some condemned Apple’s latest security technology as a means of taking control away from the user, it’s there for good reason. There’s little reason to disable it at all (but we’ll show you how, if you really want to). What Is System Integrity Protection? SIP is a security feature designed to protect the most vulnerable parts of your operating system....

Read the full article: How to Disable System Integrity Protection (and Why You Shouldn’t)

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2igZBKV
via IFTTT

Smart Home Feng Shui: How to Make Automation Stylish

Current interior design trends are all about keeping things minimal. Less is more. Unfortunately, tech gadgets can destroy your perfectly crafted plans. All those wires, aerials, and plugs will lay waste to your home’s Feng Shui. Of course, you don’t have to follow the trend. What matters most are your personal preferences. You need to feel comfortable in your environment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your gadgets appear chic. Here are seven tips for making your home automation look stylish. 1. Buy Wisely Invest in gadgets that already look stylish. It’ll save you a lot of heartache further...

Read the full article: Smart Home Feng Shui: How to Make Automation Stylish

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iDTVLA
via IFTTT

What Is Fake News and How Does It Spread So Quickly?

If you paid even an inkling of attention to this year’s election cycle, you’ve probably heard all about “fake news this” and “fake news that”. In fact, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, you’ve probably encountered a bunch of it without even realizing it. Fake news, also called hoax news, is content that’s deliberately misleading in order to accomplish two things: drive web traffic and push propaganda. It could be the headline itself or the entire article that’s misleading, but either way the key goal is to push misinformation on the web. (Which is what distinguishes it...

Read the full article: What Is Fake News and How Does It Spread So Quickly?

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2i6L586
via IFTTT

How to See Remaining OneDrive Space on Windows 10

OneDrive, once a flimsy competitor to Dropbox and the like, now comes fully integrated into Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. We’ve written about how to take advantage of the free space OneDrive gives. Microsoft’s move to reduce the storage of free plans from 15 GB to just 5 GB left many upset, but you can still do plenty with 5 GB. If you ever forget how much space you have left, or want to confirm that you’ll be able to upload a new file without hitting your limit, you can check your remaining space easily in Windows 10. Click the...

Read the full article: How to See Remaining OneDrive Space on Windows 10

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2idfr6U
via IFTTT

How to Insert & Edit Scalable Vector Graphics in Office 2016

Think about high-definition Retina displays and others of its kind. Also give a thought to data visualization and the future. But for now, think about logos and images that you don’t want to see stretched and compressed on any device. The common answer to all these is SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic). SVG images look great at any zoom level. They are resolution independent and come packaged with other benefits. Introduced in 1999, they took a long time to come to Microsoft Office, but here they are: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel 2016 support scalable vector graphics. You can insert and edit...

Read the full article: How to Insert & Edit Scalable Vector Graphics in Office 2016

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2igmX3n
via IFTTT

Jazz Up Your Photos With These Free Auto FX Plugins

Photoshop plugins can provide handy shortcuts to easily make drastic changes to your photographs. Auto FX is providing 10 plugins for free that can transform your photos. The plugins also work with Lightroom, and even if you don’t have either Adobe program, Windows and Mac users can use the Auto FX plugins as standalone programs. To download the free pack, you won’t have to share any personal information, share any posts to social media, or jump through any kinds of hoops to get the filters. When you install the app, the Auto FX Free Sampler will be installed as a stand-alone app,...

Read the full article: Jazz Up Your Photos With These Free Auto FX Plugins

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hrY4QQ
via IFTTT

How Can I Override Silent Mode with a Text Message?

You probably change your phone’s volume multiple times per day. When you’re at work, having your phone on silent ensures it doesn’t embarrass you at meetings. At home, though, you might have your volume at maximum so you don’t miss an important call from a family member. Despite all this, emergencies happen, and it’s scary to think that a loved one could be trying to get ahold of you while your phone sits silently in your pocket. Thankfully, it’s not hard to set up your device so that trusted contacts can break through silent mode. Here’s how to make sure the...

Read the full article: How Can I Override Silent Mode with a Text Message?

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/13UWaL4
via IFTTT

These Deals Will Make Sure You Never Lose Another File

Recover your lost files with Disk Drill PRO on Windows or Mac for under $35 and keep everything in the Cloud with 1TB of storage through Zoolz for $39 for life. Disk Drill PRO 2 for Windows ($29.99) – Disk Drill PRO 3 for Mac ($34.99) Try as we might, we all make mistakes. We think we’ve taken the proper steps to keep our files safe and secure on our computers, but life happens, and files get lost. You can either sit there and be upset, or you can try to get those lost files back! That’s where Disk Drill PRO...

Read the full article: These Deals Will Make Sure You Never Lose Another File

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iANWqO
via IFTTT

Get a $100 Condenser Mic for $17, and Other Great Deals [US/CA]

Amazon has one of the best-selling condenser microphones on the market discounted down to $16.99 today only. That’s 85% off the normal price! US Deals Floureon Condenser Microphone and Shock Mount Holder ($16.99, 85% Off) Floureon BM-800 Condenser Sound Studio Recording Broadcasting Microphone + Shock Mount Holder Blue Floureon BM-800 Condenser Sound Studio Recording Broadcasting Microphone + Shock Mount Holder Blue 【What You Get】Floureon BM-800 condenser microphone+shock mount with 1 year warranty and friendly customer service. Buy Now At Amazon CDN$ 100.99 This deal is just insane. The full price of this mic is $110, and you can get it...

Read the full article: Get a $100 Condenser Mic for $17, and Other Great Deals [US/CA]

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hKUUWc
via IFTTT

2017 in Gaming: New Releases You Must Know About

2017 looks like it will be a big year for gaming. Not only will we see a brand-new console, the Nintendo Switch, we’ll also see lots of new games coming out over the course of the year. These are the releases we think you should keep an eye on this coming year. Note: All release dates are either North American or worldwide. Some games have only tentative dates, and could possibly be delayed until 2018, but we’ll be optimistic in this article. For the most part, the games with the confirmed release date are due to come out in the...

Read the full article: 2017 in Gaming: New Releases You Must Know About

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hufE8m
via IFTTT

How to Make Your Online Experience More Secure

Ex Intel CEO, Andy Grove once said, “Only the paranoid survive”. When it comes to being online, he’s absolutely right. Everything you do online nowadays should be approached with a healthy amount of cynicism. Installing a free anti-virus program and forgetting about security simply doesn’t cut the mustard. So in this article, we’re going to look at some of the simple steps you can take to secure your entire online life. Use Two-Factor Everywhere (Especially With Email) Two-factor authentication is a quick and simple way of securing many of the tools that you use online. It basically uses something you know, like...

Read the full article: How to Make Your Online Experience More Secure

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2inMox0
via IFTTT

How to Use Apple Notes as a Research Tool

If you’re a student, a teacher, an employee, or just an internet citizen, there are times when you need to collect a lot of information about a particular topic. The process usually starts with a single Google search page and ends up with multiple tabs, maybe spread across multiple windows, with snippets of useful information scattered across different web pages. There’s no way you’re going to remember all of that, which is where Apple’s bundled Mac and iOS Notes app comes in. This free tool can be an indispensable research aid on both a computer and mobile device. Here’s how to put it to...

Read the full article: How to Use Apple Notes as a Research Tool

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iAGAzC
via IFTTT

Make Your Old Games and Software Run in Windows 10

Microsoft has a long history of backwards compatibility. It hasn’t always worked well, but that backwards compatibility is always present. The majority of Windows applications will work on Windows 10, just as they did on Windows 8. However, as Microsoft presses forward, some older games and software will become obsolete. Applications designed for Windows XP, Windows 98, and even DOS, may cease to function. In this case, it comes down to a game of trial and error. While some games and software can be coaxed into life using Windows 10 built-in compatibility modes, others will require special system tweaks, patches,...

Read the full article: Make Your Old Games and Software Run in Windows 10

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2inn6Ps
via IFTTT

When to Hire a Financial Advisor (And Where to Find One)

Most of the time, we’re all for educating yourself about your own finances instead of hiring someone else to take care of them for you. Whether that’s through podcasts, online courses, careful research, or getting advice online, it usually works. But sometimes you need to call in a professional. Financial advisors don’t often come cheap, but there are a few times when it’s worth the expense. Here are five times you should hire an advisor to avoid the headache of dealing with it yourself. Note: The resources for finding financial professionals listed below are for the U.S. only. If you...

Read the full article: When to Hire a Financial Advisor (And Where to Find One)

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2idsCa1
via IFTTT

6 Quick Ways to Tune Up Your Mac for the New Year

Instead of seeing how long you can go without breaking a dreaded New Year’s resolution, use the start of the year to freshen up your Mac. Today we’ll look at some easy-to-perform maintenance tasks that will keep your computer running in good condition. You’ll need macOS Sierra to perform some of these tasks, which you can download for free from the Mac App Store. 1. Check Free Space Each year, you use thousands of files on your computer. Some of those probably served one long-forgotten purpose, while others are so large they could be affecting your system’s drive space or performance. You should...

Read the full article: 6 Quick Ways to Tune Up Your Mac for the New Year

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hpBOXS
via IFTTT

10 Future Technologies You’ll See In Your Home in 3 Years

Smart home technology has progressed considerably in the last five years, but we’ve still only scratched the surface of what’s possible. Gartner predicts the average North American home will have as many as 500 smart gadgets by 2022. If the claim is accurate, we’re about to see an explosion in both the number and usefulness of devices available. So, what technology do experts think you’ll have in your house by the turn of the decade? I’m going to walk you through a typical day in the smart home of the future. 7 AM: Wake Up Is there anything more jarring...

Read the full article: 10 Future Technologies You’ll See In Your Home in 3 Years

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hthuqg
via IFTTT

This Website Knows Everything About You (Even Your Future)

We all share way too much information on the web. If you think you’re the exception, you may be surprised by the mistakes you’re making. Oversharing is generally harmless… until it’s not. What’s even scarier is the rapid pace at which technology is advancing. Did you know that there exists a website that can take all of the information that’s available on you and piece together who you are as a person? It can even use this data to extrapolate your future. It’s like we’re living in an episode of Black Mirror. The tool is called Predictive World and the...

Read the full article: This Website Knows Everything About You (Even Your Future)

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2i2IeNt
via IFTTT

Use This Trick to Disable Ads in Mobile Games

Ads are a necessary evil in today’s world. They allow many websites and services to earn money while still providing content for free. Mobile phone users are certainly used to advertisements, as they’re found in nearly every free app and game. Most ads inside games aren’t malicious (review how to weed out Android pop-up ads if you have a severe issue), but still interrupt your gameplay and waste screen space. There’s a bit of a trick to playing your favorite offline games without ads. Since advertisements are dynamically loaded and require an internet connection to function, simply put your phone...

Read the full article: Use This Trick to Disable Ads in Mobile Games

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hpcYHK
via IFTTT

Use Your iPhone to Aid the Blind and Visually Impaired

It’s Christmas and the New Year — the perfect time to make a wish for a more compassionate year ahead. And thanks to technology, you won’t even have to get up from your couch to do that. You just have to “donate” your eyes to the visually impaired and help them see. You can do that by using a novel iOS app and the camera in it. Be My Eyes is an app that connects the blind and visually impaired with sighted helpers from around the world via live video/audio chat. The Be My Eyes App explainer video covers it. The crowdsourcing...

Read the full article: Use Your iPhone to Aid the Blind and Visually Impaired

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2iziO77
via IFTTT

How to Scan Printed Photos Onto Your Phone With Minimal Quality Loss

There are plenty of apps that purport to scan your photos, but few do the job as well as Google’s Photo Scan. The free app, available for Android and iPhone users, guides users through the process to get a perfect scan by taking a snapshot with your phone camera. The app is very simple to use. When you go to scan a photo, the app will direct you to capture the four corners, denoted by white circles. The app also uses your phone’s flashlight, but don’t worry about the glare. The app is able to resolve it automatically. Testing the app on the iPhone 6...

Read the full article: How to Scan Printed Photos Onto Your Phone With Minimal Quality Loss

from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hoNKt0
via IFTTT