No beating the Bezos: The FTC is going after Amazon for a price-fixing scheme that generated more than $1 billion in profits. But a lot of the evidence is gone. Shocker, Amazon’s top brass (including Jeff Bezos) used the messaging app Signal to make their texts automatically disappear — forever.
Not-so-shocking poll: We're all tired of emails - Try these tips
No, no, no — not this email, of course. I’m talking about the rambling ones you get from coworkers, clients, your boss, your neighbor, your cranky uncle.
The folks at messaging app Slack surveyed 8,000 small biz workers to pick their brains. Turns out, our old ways of sending emails are chock full of painful time wasters no one likes sending or reading.
Clearly, Slack has a vested interest in people using … well, Slack. But these numbers reveal a lot. Let’s crack our knuckles, check some stats and get rid of yawn-worthy emails.
Too long, won’t read
Eight sentences or more and 57% of people skim or just ignore parts. Ahem, yeah, I do that. Instead, try this:
- Put all the most important info in the first line.
- Write in bullet points to save time. (See, it works!)
- If you need to write more than a few sentences, move to a phone call, text or chat instead.
Wait, you didn’t answer me!
Over 60% say it’s common they didn’t get an answer to a question they included in an email. About half say they get asked questions they already answered or are called by the wrong name. Ouch.
- Pull names directly from the email contact, or save space and don’t use a name. It’s 2023, they know who they are.
- Maintain an open chat with those you work with often for quick questions and answers. So much faster than email for quick follow-ups.
The problem is … I didn’t read it
This surprised me: 45% say they’ve missed a meeting or deadline buried in an email. That’s embarrassing. Here’s how to fix it:
- Rely on your email app. Most automatically highlight and prompt you to save important information.
- Setting up a meeting? Send an invite through your email’s scheduling system.
- Avoid “reply all” whenever possible. No one likes it.
How to use your iPhone to send your exact location to someone
Remember the days of printing directions from MapQuest? Thankfully, technology has evolved. Tap or click here for map apps better than Google if you have multiple stops. If you have a cell phone, getting lost should be a thing of the past. Just activate Apple or Google Maps, and you are on your way.
It's easier than you think to change default apps on your Android
If you’ve ever purchased a phone, you know how easy it is to get caught up in customizing your settings. Whether it is your background image or default browser, there are many ways to personalize your device.
Android is one type of phone with a wide variety of customization settings. While default settings may be convenient for a while, you don’t have to confine yourself to them. Tap or click here to quickly access the secret menu on your Android phone.
How to add emojis using your voice with Siri and Google Assistant
Although voice dictation technology lets you send hands-free text messages, it has glaring shortcomings. For example, smart assistants often have trouble understanding you.
That means you’ll have to constantly repeat yourself when the AI doesn’t get what you’re saying. Here are five ways to make your smart assistant understand you better. Here’s another pain point: Smart assistants not sending emojis when you tell them to.
12 smart tricks for WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, Google Chat
It’s been a long time since AOL instant messenger was the pinnacle of digital communication. Since then, we’ve expanded to dozens of platforms for communication, and it goes way beyond a simple text message.
As new competitors arise daily, messenger platforms try to keep up the competition with fun new features that give your messages a little extra pizazz. Tap or click here for five Facebook Messenger things you didn’t know you could do.
Better than texting! How to record and send audio messages
Texting can be tiring after typing out a long message. You can also get sick of squinting at your tiny phone screen to spot typos. If you need a break, just speak to your phone to record and send audio messages.
This saves a ton of time when you’re messaging your friends and family. It’s like a one-way phone call. Speaking of calls, tap or click here to start sending calls from your computer, laptop or tablet.
Delete this messaging app now! Your photos are at risk
(Updated Dec. 1, 2020 – Despite the app developer working on a fix for this security flaw for over two weeks, the app is still putting users’ personal messages at risk of exposure. We highly recommend deleting this app if it’s on your device.)
10 best new features to try in iOS 14
Tons of new changes rolled out with the new iOS 14. We got widgets, a new app library and a bunch of new privacy and security features with this update, too.
To say that iOS 14 is an upgrade from the old operating system would be an understatement. You can even use Apple Maps to avoid red light cameras and speed traps. This OS rollout was clearly more than just an upgrade. It was a complete overhaul.
Privacy-minded? 3 apps you need to download
Your privacy is at risk every time you are online. Hackers and snoops are constantly looking for personal information for a multitude of reasons and none of them are good. Identity theft, hijacked online accounts and draining bank accounts to name a few.
Facebook custom avatars have arrived - here's how to create your own
How do you express your emotions on Facebook? Do you rely on a reaction or GIF? Maybe you prefer to use one of the many stickers available?
Perhaps you merely type out your feelings and exaggerate with a few exclamation points!!! Tap or click to learn how what you post on social media could be used to diagnose a medical condition.
Security warning: Your private chats can be found with a quick Google search
If you’ve ever used a messaging app, you know how convenient it can be. Instead of sending an old-school email and waiting for your friend to check their inbox and get back to you sometime today — or in the next three weeks — you can send a chat and get an instant reply.