New to Google Calendar: Dark mode. Click the Settings cog > Appearance and choose from Light, Dark or Device default. If you don’t see it yet, be patient; the update is rolling out.
7 quick ways to get more out of Chrome on your Android phone
Chrome is the dominant browser on your Android phone. It’s designed to be simple, but Chrome includes some surprisingly helpful tools to enhance your browsing experience when you get under the surface.
From constant security updates to excellent speed on both desktop and mobile, Chrome covers everything you could want in a browser. Tap or click here for 10 tips to keep Google’s Chrome browser secure.
Keep reading to control how you use Chrome even better with these tips and tricks.
1. Enable Dark mode
Chrome has an official Dark Mode on mobile. By default, you begin in standard mode (we’ll refer to it as light mode). Let’s make Chrome easier on the eyes and your battery life.
- On your Android device, open Google Chrome.
- At the top right, tap More
> Settings > Themes.
- Choose the theme you’d like to use:
- System Default if you want to use Chrome in Dark theme when Battery Saver mode is turned on or your mobile device is set to Dark theme in device settings.
- Dark if you want to use Chrome in Dark theme.
- Light if you want to use Chrome in Light theme.
RELATED: Speed up your computer with this simple Google Chrome extension
2. Get rid of notification enablement
Are you tired of websites asking to send notifications to your device? So is everyone else. This handy Chrome feature lets you eliminate these aggravating prompts once and for all.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app.
- To the right of the address bar, tap More
> Settings.
- Tap Site Settings > Notifications.
- At the top, turn the setting off.
- To allow quieter notification prompts, tap Use quieter messaging (blocks notification prompts from interrupting you). You won’t get notifications after you ignore multiple notifications from a site or if other users typically don’t allow notifications from a site.
3. Select things that aren’t links (but should be)
Have you ever run into something you want to open, like a phone number? Chrome is pretty intelligent, so if you tap on and highlight text, it provides you with a list of options.
This genius Android app has a feature we wish was built in
Notifications help keep track of everything from upcoming flights to group chats to delivery updates.
When your phone is locked, app notifications (including messages) can pop up on your phone. If you’re unaware, prying eyes can see what’s happening on your phone. Tap or click here for simple steps to hide notifications on your phone’s lock screen.
Simple mistake making your computer slower and less safe
Your privacy is at risk whenever you go online or use a connected device. This isn’t to say you should throw away all your tech and live in a cave, but there are ways to minimize exposure.
Let’s start with your choice of browser. This has a significant impact on your online experience. Many browsers share popular features like dark mode, but you’ll find more significant distinctions when it comes to privacy. Tap or click here for the best privacy-focused browsers.
Check your browser! These malicious extensions have been installed 1M times
Browser extensions enhance your online experience. They can help with translations, conversions, spellchecking, shopping and blocking popup ads. They allow you to customize your browsing experience and can even change the way websites look. Dark mode is one example of a popular extension.
Easily annotate and read articles with this handy online editor
The scourge of fake news has been around for years now and some people have trouble spotting stories that aren’t real. Tap or click here for secrets to spot fake news or scams. But don’t let fake news stop you from being curious and reading. You can even edit and share articles that you’re interested in.
This app is one of the biggest drains on your battery - Here's how to stop it
Even though mobile phones released in the last few years have larger batteries, there seems always to be something that drains them faster than before. A recent update to Apple’s operating system caused battery issues.
Dark mode comes to Google - How to enable it
Both iOS and Android devices have had dark mode options for some time. This setting not only eases the strain on your eyes but also helps conserve battery life on your devices. And hey, it looks cool.
Dark mode is one of many YouTube settings that may not be abundantly clear. It sits among other features like incognito mode and a video creator tool called Shorts. Tap or click here to get the most out of your YouTube account.
10 smart tech tricks you’ll wish you knew sooner
Developers put all kinds of secrets, shortcuts and hidden tricks into the gadgets you use every day. Here’s one I bet you didn’t know before now.
Grab any USB cable sitting around your house. That symbol on one side isn’t just branding or decoration. It will point up if you’re plugging in horizontally; if you’re plugging a cable vertically, the USB symbol will face right. Nice.
Samsung Galaxy: 9 tips and tricks to get more out of your phone
Most everyone decides early on whether they’re an Android or iPhone person and stick with it perpetually. No matter which one you chose, you definitely want to add some helpful apps for entertainment and productivity. Tap or click here for the most popular apps of 2020.
12 hidden iPhone features you'll wish you knew sooner
With every iOS update or release of newer models, the iPhone’s functions just keep on growing. There are so many that it is almost impossible to be aware of them all.
For example, did you know that you can take a screenshot just by tapping the back of your phone? Or that you can set up almost any action through triple tapping the back? You can even identify a song you’re listening to with the simple tap of a finger. Tap or click here to find out how.
Windows 10: 5 new features to try right now
Few things in life are predictable. Sadly, one is buggy Windows updates. After every major update, you’ll see a slew of reports of broken drivers, features on the fritz and the Blue Screen of Death.
Those updates also bring vital security patches, so skipping them entirely isn’t your best move. Updates can speed things up, too, though you might some extra help if your PC slogs through every task. Tap or click here for smart, simple ways to speed up your machine.
5 new Windows 10 features to try right now
Microsoft updates bring new features, security patches, updated drivers and bug fixes. That doesn’t mean they always go smoothly. Those same updates often leave Windows users frustrated or staring at the Blue Screen of Death.
5 new ways to customize your iPhone with iOS 14
Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14, brings with it plenty of changes that make it easier to use your phone. But you might not know that iOS 14 is also giving you something Apple is traditionally stingy with, more customization options!
Miss the old Facebook design? Here's how to get it back
Facebook is many things, but “easy to understand” isn’t one of them. There’s a definite learning curve to using the site, and certain options like settings and privacy features can be difficult for people who aren’t tech-savvy to find.
Facebook's redesigned site is here - and soon there's no going back
Change can be tough. As humans, we grow accustomed to seeing the same things over and over in our daily lives, and anything that switches up our routines can feel intrusive or frustrating.
Think about the last time you had to learn a new software program or figure out how to navigate through a new computer. Chances are, it took a while to get used to before things felt seamless and routine, right? Ever wanted to write computer code? Tap or click here for free coding lessons from Microsoft.
Don't update your iPhone yet! Buggy iOS 13 may put your phone at risk
iOS 13 made its official debut on Sept. 19 to an enthusiastic response from fans. But all that excitement came crashing down once users actually got a hold of the update. A number of bugs, slowdowns and crashes have left iPhone owners stumped, and a new security issue has even prompted the Department of Defense to advise their staff not to download. If you’ve been thinking about downloading the iOS 13 update, here’s why you might want to hold off for now.
Should you upgrade your macOS to Mojave now?
Is it safe to upgrade your macOS to Mojave? We’ll answer that and tell you what’s new in Apple’s latest operating system upgrade. Be sure to read to the end for important reminders of what to do before you make any big changes to your computers.