⌨️ Keyboard master: On a PC, press the Windows key + a number to launch or switch to the corresponding program on the taskbar. Pro tip: Click, hold down and drag a program to reorder.
Turn your iPhone into a full-fledged webcam
With most video chatting platforms, you must download a large program, create an account and log in. Then you’ll have to figure out how it works. But there’s one great option that fixes all that. Tap or click here for a free video chat program that doesn’t require an account or even your name.
If you make video calls or participate in virtual conferences during work, you probably use the camera that came with your computer. The problem is those cameras can be poor in quality. What if you could use the best camera you own for video calls? Here’s how.
Webcam woes
Most modern computers come with built-in webcams, but more often than not, they seem like an afterthought. You could buy a webcam and attach it to your monitor, but there’s no need! You already have one and might not even realize it.
Your iPhone has a high-quality camera built in and features that enhance webcam functionality. It gets even better when you use your iPhone as a Mac webcam.
With Continuity Camera, you can use your iPhone as your Mac webcam and take advantage of the mighty iPhone camera and additional video effects. You can connect wirelessly or with a USB cable.
Once you have it all set up, you can make the following adjustments:
- Use Control Center to add video effects. Desk View shows a top-down view of your desk and your face simultaneously, while Studio Light dims the background and illuminates your face. Portrait mode blurs the background to keep the focus on you and Center Stage keeps you centered in the camera frame as you move around.
- Open Mic Mode in Control Center to choose between modes. Voice Isolation gives priority to your voice while cutting out background noise. Wide Spectrum captures your voice and the sound around you, such as music.
To set up your iPhone as your Mac webcam, you’ll need the following:
- Your Mac must have the latest version of macOS.
- Make sure your iPhone has the newest version of iOS.
- Sign in to both devices with the same Apple ID.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- You’ll need a phone mount that lets you clip your phone onto your monitor with the back camera facing you. We have some recommendations below.
How to use your iPhone as a webcam
Once you’re ready, setup is easy:
Windows gotchas: How to avoid the top 5 most common mistakes
When was the last time you checked your computer’s available storage? Too much clutter slows everything down. Here’s a quick tip to find out how much storage is on your PC.
Next time you install a new program, don’t fall for some developers’ tricks to sneak in software you don’t want or need. Do this one step before installing any programs on your computer.
Amazon Prime vs. Walmart+
Did you know Walmart has its own membership program similar to Amazon Prime? It’s called Walmart Plus, and it costs $98 a year. Let’s break down the features so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Mental health help: The first FDA-approved app to treat depression is now available. Rejoyn offers a six-week program with brain-training exercises and short skill-based therapy lessons. You’ll need a prescription, which means you must be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, currently on antidepressants and at least 22 years old. More info here.
Do this before installing any program on your computer
Your PC is running things in the background without you knowing it, and Windows is the main culprit. While some quiet tasks are necessary to keep things going, others can be switched off. The result is a faster, smoother experience. Tap or click here for five processes you can end right now.
Help Microsoft pick a new default font for Office
It’s time to kiss Calibri goodbye. For the first time in 15 years, Microsoft is changing its default Office font. Next year, it will have a completely new look — and you could even choose it.
That’s because Microsoft commissioned five potential new looks. Instead of leaving the decision-making to corporate, the company’s asking users like you to share their thoughts on social media. Give feedback and comment on social media, and your favorite fonts could be the future face of Microsoft Office.
🔍 Your new favorite Mac shortcut: ⌘ + spacebar. This opens a new Spotlight window. Use it to search for a program, file, contact or anything else.
Talk it out: On a Windows PC, hit Windows key + H to open a handy-dandy speech recognition tool so you can use your voice with any active program in which you’d normally type. Cool!
🫰 Isn’t that snappy?! On Windows 11, you have all kinds of options for snapping multiple windows into place. Hold your mouse over the Maximize icon in a program (it’s the square next to the “X”), then choose your favorite. I like one large window and a couple of small ones.
Your eyes only: Make sure someone can’t open a doc on your PC. In MS Office and Google Docs, click the Help button in the menu bar. Click Help again, then type in Encrypt with Password. Your program of choice will walk you through the steps.
Amazon’s secret 25% discount: Send your old tech to Amazon through its Trade-in Program, and get a gift card for the value. Bonus: You’ll get an extra 20% off if you’re upgrading to a new Amazon device, like an Echo or Kindle.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Programs love to sneak their way into your Mac’s dock (usually found at the bottom of your screen). You have two ways to kick them out: Click and drag up on the program icon, then let go, or use two fingers to click > Options > Remove from dock.
Netflix is now counting skimmers
When Netflix claims that a show is its most-watched program, you have to take it with a grain of salt. Listen now to find out how these stats are really calculated.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Free download to recover deleted photos, videos and documents
Sometimes, things seemingly go from bad to worse when you’re dealing with data. It’s easy to mistakenly delete important documents, videos or photos. So, what do you do if you accidentally delete that once in a lifetime moment you captured on video?
7 DIY tools for fixing PC problems
Months go by, and Windows works. Then, out of nowhere, your computer slows down. Files don’t open right away. Programs freeze or shut down. Your system probably needs some TLC, but what should you do?
You don’t want to throw away your computer, although if it is slow, doesn’t meet the latest operating system (OS) requirements or is making strange noises, it may be time to say goodbye.
Facebook has a new calling app. Is it worth downloading?
Facebook has been on a bit of an app-design kick recently. Not only has it bought up a good deal of competition for Messenger, but the company is now trying to make it so its software can compete with other platforms altogether!
How to get Amazon to donate for you
Amazon is forever seeking ways to improve the quality of its customers’ experiences. Whether it be opening brick-and-mortar storefronts, reducing Prime shipping from 2 days down to one, offering same-day delivery for some areas of the country, or creating Kindle and smart home devices, Amazon has your back. And, let’s not forget Amazon offers virtually every product on the planet for purchase.
Vets eligible to get internet for $10/month and cheap laptop or PC
Are you a veteran or know someone who is? For all the years of service to our country, businesses are always finding new ways to say thank you. Recently, one internet service provider has made it easy for veterans to sign up for the internet without breaking the bank.
iPhones can easily be turned into a bodycam to record police
By now you have probably had enough time to get the hang of iOS 12. You have played around with some of its new features, enjoyed its faster speeds and, despite its flaws, probably think it’s a pretty good update.
But even if you have checked out the new features you could not afford to miss or have gotten the hang of some of the things you could never do prior to iOS 12, odds are good you haven’t seen all of what the new operating system allows.