Your iPad just got its biggest upgrade in years - 7 new features try now

Typically with the changing of seasons from summer to fall comes a slew of new Apple devices. This year is no different as the Cupertino company updates its line of iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches.

Along with four models of iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7, a new entry-level iPad and a redesigned sixth-generation iPad Mini are being released. Tap or click here to check out some features on these updated Apple devices.

It’s no surprise most are razor-focused on the iPhone. After all, it’s Apple’s bestselling product and a driving force of success. iOS 15 also launched with updates for the venerated smartphone. iPadOS 15 hit the scene with many of the same updates, but the tablet-based operating system packs exclusive goodies.

Crossover features

Apple’s iPhone and iPad operating systems usually share many features and updates, and the latest release is no exception. Both iPhone and iPad get Focus mode, Facetime updates including SharePlay and spatial audio, new Memoji, notification updates and more. Tap or click here for more about iOS 15.

Sure, there’s some crossover but the iPad has some unique capabilities that shine in iPadOS 15. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Widgets

Your apps live on your home screen to give you easy access. Now they are finding company among your widgets. You can get instant information such as weather, maps and your calendar as soon as you unlock your tablet. Find My, Contacts, Game Center, App Store, and Mail have new widgets, while many have grown in size.

Apple

2. App Library

App Library automatically organizes your apps into groups like Productivity, Recently Added and Games. It’s built right into the Dock for easy access.

Apple

Continue reading

Use this calculator to determine your risk of contracting COVID-19

As the Delta variant forces us to change strategies when dealing with COVID-19, more tools are available to give us a hand. Each state has its own policies and rate of infection, which also factor into the mix.

The Mayo Clinic has an interactive map that shows a rolling average of daily COVID cases for the past week across the U.S. It also has an option to look ahead for two weeks. Tap or click here for more information on this helpful tool.

Continue reading

Why women can see more colors than men

Being able to see color is a significant evolutionary trait. We can see how blue the sky is or how beautiful fresh flowers are. But, it turns out not all of us see color the same way, and scientists now believe women can see more colors than men. So why is this?

This new COVID scam tries to lure you in with a refund on your phone bill

By now, you should know that scammers and criminals will do almost anything to get their hands on your data and money. There is seemingly no length that they won’t go to, even if that means using the pandemic as a lure.

Continue reading

If you get a document from a stranger, delete it! Here's why

Updated 09/13/2021 – Since this vulnerability was disclosed last week, security researchers have seen exploits in the wild and found the flaw is more dangerous than originally thought. Keep reading to find out how to stay protected.

Continue reading

Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal

When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.

Continue reading

5 TikTok appliance cleaning hacks you have to see

Cleaning hacks have been all over the popular video-sharing app TikTok. Millions tune in to watch people clean their toilets, mop their floors, scrub their showers and even clean out their refrigerators. Tap or click here for our TikTok beginner’s guide.

Continue reading

Smartphone security: Do you need a VPN on your phone?

Compared to computers, smartphones have weak defenses and easy-to-crack passwords. They’ve also got a ton of valuable data. Just think about everything on your phone.

Chances are your work email is connected, which means a savvy cybercriminal could steal your company’s secrets. There’s also your contacts list, which is stuffed with phone numbers and maybe even emails.

Continue reading

Ding, dong: 6 funniest moments caught by video doorbells

Sure, you probably know all about the ways doorbell cameras like SimpliSafe can boost your home security system. Connect them to your phone, and you get a 24/7 live stream of everything going on in your home. With these nifty tools, you can catch burglars, find missing children and even tell your neighbors about a fire.

Continue reading

3 ways to make sure Facebook really isn't listening

We all know that Google can listen to your conversations, but what about Facebook? The social media giant claims that it doesn’t eavesdrop, but how often have you seen ads for products relating to a recent conversation?

Continue reading

Lock down your phone from snoops and hackers

Your phone is full of secrets, whether you think about it that way or not. Would you want just anyone to see your private conversations, swipe through your photos, or open up your emails? Of course not.

There are digital spies to worry about, too. Tap or click to see which apps are accessing your camera or microphone.

Continue reading

Where Spotify beats Apple Music – and where it doesn't

Apple Music grew in popularity when programs like Napster were making paying for music less than favorable. Since then, no other music platform has been able to beat them out. That is until Spotify entered the market.

Continue reading

6 essential features you need in a home security system

Most people who don’t have home security systems yet are probably still planning on installing one in the future. How many times have you left your home thinking, “I wish I had some kind of protection system in place?”

Continue reading

How carbon nanotubes will change the world

In 1991 a Japanese physicist created a new form of carbon. These tiny threads of carbon turned out to be amazingly strong and durable. Now known as carbon nanotubes, this amazing material is set to make an enormous impact on the world of engineering. But how exactly will it be used?

Tile trackers vs. the new AirTags – What's the difference?

You might be wondering, what in the world are trackers? They have been around for years, and like every revolutionary product, Tile’s competitors finally caught up.

If you’ve ever lost your car keys or smartphone, you’re perfect for trackers. They were invented to solve this pesky problem by helping you track your stuff anytime it went missing. This includes your phone, car keys, wallet, etc. Hey, maybe even your kids? Slip a tracker in their pocket!

Continue reading

Royal Marines using jet suits to board a ship

Jet packs used to be just a thing in science fiction movies. But they have finally become a reality. The British military is trying out these amazing pieces of tech to board ships, and seeing them in action is truly amazing.

Headed back to the office? Best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere

You know the stress of being a parent. When the kids were young, you jumped at every sneeze, cough and wobbly step.

Now that they’re young adults or teenagers, there are different stresses. Are they driving while distracted by texts and social media messages? At home, are they safe? Are they being responsible for getting home on time from school, not raiding your liquor cabinet and staying out of trouble?

Continue reading

True or false: you should plug in your phone before bed

Many tech myths are floating around, like more bars on your phone means better service. Type *3001#12345#* into your dialer and press the call button to access “Field Mode” to get details about local networks and cell towers. Tap or click to learn what the test results mean.

Continue reading

Amazon Echo warning: Think twice before enabling Alexa skills

Thanks to smart speakers, you can get daily news briefings, set a timer and order dog food without lifting a finger. Just say the words and it’s done.

No matter how careful you are, you give up some privacy when using a phone, tablet, smart speaker or laptop. They can sometimes listen to you without you even knowing it. Tap or click here to keep Big Tech from listening in on your private conversations.

Continue reading

5 simple ways to speed up your smartphone

Long gone are the days of upgrading your phone every year, at least for most of us. It’s expensive and just plain overkill when today’s smartphones last much longer than that.

If you’re keeping yours for the long haul, that means you need to treat it better, too. Are you making any of these common mistakes that can kill your phone a lot faster?

Continue reading