Calling all YouTubers: Starting Oct. 15, you’ll be able to upload YouTube Shorts up to 3 minutes long. The Shorts player is getting streamlined, too. They say these updates are to put creators front and center, but all this really translates into is “Use us instead of TikTok.”
Tech how-to: Switch to a beta browser
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Let me tell you a secret: I’m all about staying tech-ahead and not trailing behind, so I’m constantly tapping into apps, programs, hardware and more before they’re released to the public. You can do the same thing in one way, even if you’re not a Digital Goddess®.
Today, if you’re up for it, try a beta version of your browser. You’ll get new features before anyone else, and the software engineers will get some important early feedback in return. I’ll show you how.
‘Mite’ or might not
With a beta, you may have to put up with a few bugs along the way, since it won’t be the polished, final version. I’ll tell you, though — beta editions are usually pretty stable and reliable. If you’ve ever used beta iOS software on your iPhone like I do, it’s the same deal.
Pro tip: You can even run the beta version of your browser alongside the final version and switch between them as needed. If you find something that doesn’t work in one, just go back and try it on the other version.
All the links to check it out
- Google Chrome: Head to this page to get the beta version for your system. You can go for the Developer or Canary editions, but they’re less stable.
- Microsoft Edge: This page has the beta download. As with Chrome, you’ve got Developer and Canary versions, too, which are more buggy — but also more cutting‑edge.
- Firefox: This page is where you can find the beta download. Again, there are even earlier versions to try: Developer and Nightly.
- Opera: This page gives you the Developer version download, which is effectively Opera’s beta version.
For Safari, the process is a little different. (Of course … we’re talking about Apple here.) You’ll need to register as an Apple developer — it’s free, and you won’t need to code any software. After that, you can download the developer version.
Be sure you keep this in mind
When it comes to beta software, especially browsers, you’ve got to be extra careful about what you’re doing online. Remember, the whole point of beta testing is to iron out the kinks, so these versions send anonymous data back to the developers about how things are working and what’s not.
That’s why you should never use a beta browser for anything confidential, like online banking or accessing sensitive documents. Even if they claim the data is anonymized, you never really know what information might be sent back as part of the testing process.
Want to know exactly what’s being shared? Take a look at the privacy policy or data collection details on the download page. It’s all there in the fine print. Bottom line: Stick to the stable releases for anything that needs to stay private.
PSA: Stop sharing your phone’s address book with apps that ask for it
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Whether posting a headshot on your LinkedIn profile or uploading a photo to your favorite social media platform, you want to look your best. Anybody can use a camera, but it takes some practice to take a good shot. Tap or click here for five simple tricks to look better in family photos and selfies.
Out the door, dinosaur: Microsoft is ending support for its Windows Mail, Calendar and People apps. Starting Dec. 31, 2024, you’ll lose the ability to send and receive emails through Mail. Microsoft wants everyone on its new Outlook app. Here’s the official exporting guide for your Mail emails and contacts. FYI: The Outlook app is slow, so you might want to switch to a different email client altogether. Thunderbird is a good free option.
No. 1 on the App Store
For noplace, a Gen Z social app. It feels like a mix of Twitter and Myspace, with totally customizable profiles (just like back in the day!) and a Top 10 friends area, similar to the old Myspace Top 8.
5 simple, useful Google Sheets formulas everyone should know
One easy way to manage your money better is by laying everything out in a spreadsheet. You may think only businesses need them, but everyone needs to keep track of their finances. A spreadsheet is helpful because it provides a bird’s eye view of your financial situation.
Best timekeeping, accounting and money-management software
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Time is money, and every minute counts. Detailed time tracking and bookkeeping can seem like a hassle if you’re running things independently.
If a skeleton crew operates your business or you’re managing everything on your own, that means relying on the right tech to get the job done. Don’t waste your time and money on software that doesn’t work for your needs.
Take notes for me: Google Meet can do that now. It’ll autogenerate a Google Doc with meeting notes and then attach it to the calendar invite. Look for it across Google Workspace (the paid work version) by Sept. 10.
10 apps you need to remove from your phone now
Apps used to be fun add-ons to get the most out of your phone. Today, they’re vital to our everyday communication, work and play.
Sadly, it seems like every week, there’s another list of bad apps causing headaches or putting your security at risk. Phony cryptocurrency and financial apps are scammers’ latest grift. Tap or click for red flags that the app you’re about to trust your money with is a sham.
Data security tip: Best tax prep software, ranked
Tax season is in full swing. Like every tax season, scammers are on the hunt for unwitting victims. File too late and, whoops, someone already did in your name.
This year is set to be even more dangerous, with brand-new schemes already taking people for a ride. We have some warnings you can’t miss below on the biggest scams the IRS has spotted and what you can do about them.
6 software programs worth paying for
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With so many software options available for your computer, it can be tough to wade through the programs to decide what the needs, wants, and wastes are — especially when it comes to programs that you have to pay for.
This sentence-polishing app keeps the grammar police at bay
StackCommerce
Ask anyone who’s ever had to learn English as a second language and they’ll tell you it’s is full of quirks. These idiosyncrasies are a part of what gives the English language its charm — even if it can be a real headache for ESL learners or sleep-deprived freelance writers in search of a metaphor.
Calling all bookworms! 4 apps to help you read more and read faster
StackCommerce
Walk through any bookstore, or even any library these days, and you’re likely to see more people scanning their smartphones than reading actual books. It would be all too easy to jump into a rant about shrinking attention spans, but it does seem like modern life leaves us all with less time to sit and absorb a chapter or two.
Know where your loved ones are at a glance with this GPS app
StackCommerce
Peace of mind is a tough thing to come by these days. The world is still a generally safe place, but we hear news stories about predators both real and virtual. Small wonder the first time our kids get a smartphone is not a calming moment for parents.
This $39 course bundle can help you master Microsoft Excel
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For many of us, working with spreadsheets and formulas does not come naturally. Yet, as data takes an ever bigger role in the workplace, number-crunching skills are becoming essential to many careers.
If you want to improve your data skills, the Professional Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle offers a great education from the comfort of home. This learning library offers 45 hours of beginner-friendly video tutorials, covering a wide range of important skills.
Can your phone help you de-stress? It can with this app
StackCommerce
We don’t care what your daily routine is. Whether you work from home or in a bustling office, you’re dealing with cranky children or a badly-timed car breakdown, stress has a way of finding you.
Conversely, you’ve got to actively look for peace and quiet. You can find a little zen in a sudden rainbow, a setting sun or the sound of waves. And sometimes, you can find it in some pretty surprising places, too. But the most surprising place to find serenity might be your smartphone.
Finally, a virtual golf game that feels like the real deal
StackCommerce
There’s an ever-increasing lineup of great technology out there, and no small part of it is made to entertain you. Still, for hardcore golfers there will never be a substitute for a great day out on the links.
That includes this next product, but it comes about as close as we’ve seen. And as a bonus, it might just improve your game so you can get more enjoyment out of the real thing.
Be your own accountant with this QuickBooks master class
StackCommerce
Let’s face it: Accounting just isn’t sexy. We can’t blame you if you’re not familiar with QuickBooks, one of the most widely-used pieces of software for small business finance.
But longtime users get excited for every update, because they know what QuickBooks does best is streamline those books, automate the process and let business owners spend much less time doing accounting and more time doing literally anything else.
This time-saving app summarizes books into 15-minute reads
StackCommerce
Some people walk into a library filled with wonder. But it’s also pretty overwhelming. So much knowledge to absorb, so little time.
These days, that knowledge is still out there, waiting to be absorbed by voracious readers. In fact, there’s more of it each day. But time is shorter than ever in this fast-paced world, especially for the movers, shakers and up-and-comers who could benefit from the business and entrepreneurial books written by their peers.