This is not a joke: Google will now let you perform a “web” search. It’s rolling out “web” searches now, and in my early tests on desktop, it’s looking like it could be an incredibly popular change to Google’s search engine.
Technology
Don’t Run Out of Juice: How to Save Battery Life on Your iPhone
It is powerful to exist with no smartphone nowadays. A lot of our lives are contained inside these tiny gadgets that we do not need them operating out of juice at an inopportune time. However due to Apple’s dedication to its proprietary Lightning cable (for now), there is not at all times a suitable charger on the prepared.
In our assessments, the iPhone 14 Professional Max supplied 19 hours of battery life, however what in case you have an older mannequin that is struggling to final all day? Regular put on and tear (and our personal dangerous habits) will degrade your battery over time. Apple has additionally been identified to throttle battery efficiency.
Apple’s $29 battery-replacement program is lengthy gone, however the Self Service Restore Retailer(Opens in a brand new window) sells alternative batteries you possibly can set up your self at round $70. In the event you would like to eke out a couple of extra months with out paying for a brand new battery (or iPhone), although, listed below are some issues to strive.
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1. The right way to Present Battery Proportion on iPhone
Earlier than you possibly can monitor your battery life, it is advisable to know precisely what you are taking a look at. The iPhone battery icon within the top-right nook of the display screen represents how a lot juice is left on the machine, but it surely’s not a really exact measurement of battery life.
You possibly can see the precise battery share left by opening the Management Middle, however if you’d like that data at a look within the cellphone’s top-right nook, it is advisable to activate the characteristic. Head to Settings > Battery and allow Battery Proportion. The battery icon will then present a quantity, making it simpler to watch battery life.
(Notice that the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, and the iPhone 13 will want iOS 16.1 for the choice to point out the battery share.)
2. Activate Low Energy Mode
Certainly one of your strongest weapons in opposition to battery drain is Low Energy Mode(Opens in a brand new window). With it enabled, your cellphone solely performs probably the most important of duties, so background actions like downloads and mail fetching are disabled. Low Energy Mode will routinely kick in when the battery falls under 20%, however it’s also possible to activate it manually to maintain your cellphone going for longer.
Head over to Settings > Battery > Low Energy Mode and toggle it on. You can even add Low Energy Mode to the Management Middle below Settings > Management Middle. When activated, the battery icon within the top-right nook will flip yellow. Notice that this mode will solely work in case your cellphone’s battery is under 80%.
3. Regulate Display screen Brightness
The best hurdle in your struggle for extra batter life is your cellphone’s personal display screen. Smartphone shows are greater and brighter than ever, however they’re additionally homicide in your battery life. You possibly can’t actually get round this reality, however you possibly can flip down the brightness.
Manually regulate brightness ranges in Settings > Show & Brightness by utilizing the the slider bar. A slider can also be accessible through the Management Middle; press calmly on the brightness icon and transfer the slider down.
Flip off auto-brightness to make sure your modifications stick. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Show & Textual content Dimension > Auto-Brightness and toggle it off. Your cellphone will not attempt to regulate its brightness based mostly in your present lighting scenario, which is able to keep away from conditions the place the display screen turns into brighter than it actually should be.
4. Handle Your Lock Display screen
Because the display screen is your battery’s enemy, you must also take into consideration managing when the cellphone’s show turns off routinely. You possibly can deal with this below Show & Brightness > Auto-Lock. In the event you are inclined to put your cellphone down with out locking it, set this to one thing decrease to provide the battery a break.
Launched with iOS 16 is the power to edit your iPhone’s lock display screen. As good of a characteristic because it might sound, widgets are enormous energy hogs, since they must always replace to offer helpful data. We suggest staying away from sophisticated wallpaper and widgets right here, so you are not overworking the battery.
New to the iPhone 14 Professional and iPhone 14 Professional Max, is the All the time-On show, which is able to present the time, widgets, and wallpaper whereas the cellphone is locked. Whereas Apple has taken steps(Opens in a brand new window) to verify it does not eat up an excessive amount of energy, it’s also possible to flip that off from Settings > Show & Brightness and disable All the time On.
5. Flip Off Location Providers
Location providers are useful for apps like Google Maps or Yelp, however these GPS pings taking place within the background can put on down a battery fast. You possibly can flip off location providers fully through Settings > Privateness & Safety > Location Providers and your cellphone will cease feeding location information to those providers.
This, nonetheless, will make various helpful apps cease working. Your climate app will not know the place you might be for the most recent forecast, and you will not have the ability to ask Google for instructions based mostly in your present location. In the event you do not wish to go to the acute, Apple as an alternative lets you rein in particular person apps.
From the Location Providers settings display screen, you possibly can customise how most apps use location information: By no means, Ask Subsequent Time Or After I Share, Whereas Utilizing the App, or All the time. We suggest setting Google Maps to Whereas Utilizing the App, for instance, so the app will solely ping your location whenever you really want it.
In the event you want extra battery life, we additionally suggest shutting down the Discover My app should you’re sharing your location with family and friends. You are able to do this if you choose your title below Settings, then select Discover My > Discover My iPhone, then disable the swap subsequent to Discover My iPhone.
6. Flip Off Background App Refresh and Updates
Once you shut an iOS app, it is going to hold operating for a bit till coming into a suspended state. Nonetheless, these apps can nonetheless verify for updates and new content material infrequently—a course of that may drain battery life. You possibly can disable Background App Refresh fully or simply for sure apps.
Navigate to Settings > Normal > Background App Refresh. Right here, you possibly can disable on an app-by-app foundation should you solely wish to minimize off refresh-heavy apps, like electronic mail or social media platforms. In any other case, choose Background App Refresh on the high of the display screen and set it to Off (or Wi-Fi if you wish to prohibit however not outright disable).
Disabling background app refresh should have no impact on how the app works, but it surely would possibly take a second longer to floor new data whenever you return to them.
Equally, when your apps routinely replace infrequently, that course of can dissipate treasured battery life. It is usually a good suggestion to go away this characteristic on, since updates may also help apps run quicker and smoother, lowering the processing energy wanted to make them operate.
However you possibly can open Settings > App Retailer and disable App Updates if it is advisable to make each second rely. Whereas this characteristic is turned off, you have to to manually replace your apps within the App Retailer.
Advisable by Our Editors
7. Lower Down on Notifications
In case your display screen lights up with a preview of each notification you obtain, it is consuming energy with every textual content, breaking information alert, or Twitter comply with. Reducing down on these interruptions can save your battery and sanity. Open Settings > Notifications and select which particular apps ought to be allowed to ship notifications to your cellphone.
To disable these pings for a sure window of time, use the Focus characteristic below Settings > Focus to arrange restrictions for when notifications are allowed to come back by way of. Choose Focus Standing and allow Do Not Disturb.
Another choice is to set specs from a single notification. In the event you see an provide you with a warning not want to see, swipe left on it and faucet Choices to inform the notification to be delivered quietly subsequent time. This implies it is going to go to your Notification Middle with out displaying in your lock display screen, enjoying sound, or displaying a banner or badge icon. You can even flip off notifications for this app fully.
8. Flip Off Wi-fi Providers
From Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile information, your cellphone has many wi-fi options operating within the background. In the event you’re in an actual energy jam, you possibly can flip a few of these off with the intention to eke out just a bit extra juice earlier than the battery runs out. The quickest answer is to open Management Middle and press down on the menu choices within the high left to alter these options.
Faucet the airplane icon to place your machine in Airplane Mode, which turns off all of your cellphone’s mobile options. Calls and texts will not come by way of, however you possibly can nonetheless connect with Wi-Fi if obligatory for iMessages and different duties. You can even allow this in Settings; simply toggle it on. You may know it is activated by the airplane icon on the highest proper.
Wi-Fi does not do wonders in your battery should you’re not at present utilizing it. Your cellphone repeatedly searches for close by Wi-Fi networks, which is why the listing of accessible networks always modifications whenever you’re out and about. Faucet the Wi-Fi button to show it off or accomplish that from Settings > Wi-Fi.
Equally, Bluetooth and AirDrop are always seeking to join, however there isn’t any motive for them to be energetic always. Flip off these options within the Management Middle or open Settings > Bluetooth and Settings > Normal > AirDrop > Receiving Off, respectively, to show them off. Simply keep in mind to show these providers again on whenever you really want them.
9. Kill Lively Listening
Your iPhone or iPad helps hands-free Siri, that means you possibly can say “Hey, Siri” and ask a query with out having to the touch your iPhone. However meaning the machine is at all times listening, awaiting your command (and utilizing up treasured sources within the meantime). In the event you do not use Siri that a lot, turning off energetic listening might assist with battery drain.
Navigate to Settings > Siri & Search, the place you possibly can disable the Pay attention for “Hey Siri” entry. You possibly can go away Press Aspect Button for Siri enabled, if you’d like the power to name Apple’s assistant with the push of a button. In any other case, you possibly can disable this feature too if you wish to keep away from unintentionally summoning Siri.
10. Purchase a Battery Case
Picture: mophie
In the event you nonetheless cannot handle to make it by way of the day with out recharging, contemplate a battery case. These can shield your cellphone whereas additionally offering additional energy. There are various choices(Opens in a brand new window) obtainable for contemporary iPhone fashions and older gadgets.
The right way to Save Battery Life on Your iPhone
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The optional setting filters out almost all the other blocks of content that Google crams into a search results page, leaving you with links and text — and Google confirms to The Verge that it will block the company’s new AI Overviews as well.
“Isn’t every search a web search? What is Google Search if not the web?” you might rightfully ask.
But independent websites like HouseFresh and Retro Dodo have pointed out how their businesses have gotten “buried deep beneath sponsored posts, Quora advice from 2016, best-of lists from big media sites, and no less than 64 Google Shopping product listings,” in the words of HouseFresh managing editor Gisele Navarro.
Now, with one click, a bunch of those blockers seemingly disappear.
Search for “best home arcade cabinets,” one of Retro Dodo’s bread-and-butter queries, and it’s no longer buried — it appears on page 1. (Drag our image slider to see the difference.)
HouseFresh still doesn’t get page 1 billing for “best budget air purifiers” — but it’s higher up, and you’re no longer assaulted by an eye-popping number of Google Shopping results as you scroll:
If you search for Wyze cameras, you’ll now get a hint about their lax security practices on page 2 instead of page 3:
I’m not sure it’s an improvement for every search, partly because Google’s modules can be useful, and partly because the company isn’t giving up on self-promotion just because you press the “web” button. Here, you can see Google still gives itself top billing for “Google AR glasses” either way, and its “Top stories” box is arguably a helpful addition:
Which of these results helps you better learn about the Maui wildfires? I’m genuinely not sure:
And when you ask Google who wrote The Lord of the Rings, is there any reason you wouldn’t want Google’s full knowledge graph at your disposal?
Admittedly, it’s an answer that Google isn’t likely to get wrong.
As far as I can tell, the order of Google’s search results seem to be the same regardless of whether you pick “web” or “all.” It doesn’t block links to YouTube videos or Reddit posts or SEO factories… and I still saw (smaller!) sponsored ads from Amazon and Verkada and Wyze push down my search results:
“Web” is just a filter that removes Google’s knowledge panels and featured snippets and Shopping modules — and Google’s new AI Overviews as well, Google spokesperson Ned Adriance confirms to The Verge. “AI Overviews are a feature in Search, just like a knowledge panel or a featured snippet, so they will not appear when someone uses the web filter for a search.”
It doesn’t magically fix some of the issues facing Google’s search engine. But it is a giant opt-out button for people who’ve been aggravated by some of the company’s seemingly self-serving moves, and a way to preserve the spirit of the 10 blue links even as Google’s AI efforts try to leave them behind.
Danny Sullivan, Google’s Public Liaison for Search, says he’s been asking for something like this for years:
As a next step, I’d like to see Google promote the button to make it more visible. Right now, the company warns that it may not always appear in the primary carousel on desktop at all — you may need to click “More” first and then select “Web.”
Here’s hoping this all works well on mobile, too; I’m not seeing it on my phone yet.
Whether you have an older PC lying around your home or you’re considering buying a used/refurbished PC to save money, there’s nothing wrong with doing this. However, there is one problem you should know about: older computers can be more vulnerable to security threats because they haven’t been given updates in a long time. This not only puts you at risk, it can also make your computer run more slowly. Additionally, if you sell or giveaway an older PC without properly clearing out the system, you never know who could still have access to your files and data.
So, how can you make sure your old PCs – whatever you intend on doing with them – are up to date and don’t pose a risk for you? Let’s find out.
CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER
Man on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What are the risks associated with using an older PC?
Using an older computer poses a number of security risks based primarily on the fact that the software it’s running is outdated. This includes operating systems and applications that may lack essential security patches. These systems are more susceptible to known vulnerabilities and exploits, increasing the likelihood of malware infections and other potential cyberattacks.
Additionally, older hardware may have inherent vulnerabilities that simply can’t be mitigated through any type of software update, and compatibility issues with modern security software that you could potentially install to mitigate this could only exacerbate the problem. Essentially, as newer systems receive more attention and updates, older computers become increasingly vulnerable and less capable of defending against evolving threats.
Man working on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: DON’T TOSS YOUR OLD INTERNET ROUTER UNTIL YOU DO THIS
How to keep an older computer secure
Knowing the security risks that come with older computers doesn’t mean you should always just resort to buying a new computer. But, it is important to take security seriously and ensure that old computer is as secure as any new one.
Here are five steps you can take to keep your system safe:
1) Regular updates: Ensure your operating system, antivirus and firewall programs are up to date. This helps patch security vulnerabilities and guards against known threats.
2) Consider upgrading your OS: Unsupported operating systems like Windows XP are particularly vulnerable. Consider upgrading to a newer OS or switching to a free alternative like Linux to access current security updates and support.
3) Use secure browsing alternatives: Opt for safe and private browsers instead of Internet Explorer, which has officially been retired and is out of support.
4) Have good antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information on your PC is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
5) Maintain best practices: Adopt good habits like shutting down your computer regularly, uninstalling unused programs and backing up your files to mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or cyberattacks.
Man at his computer taking notes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: WHY DOES MY PC FREEZE AND HOW DO I FIX IT? EXPERT ANSWERS
How to speed up an old computer
Free up disk space: Remove unnecessary software and delete unused files to free up disk space, which can help improve overall performance. Tools like “Disk Cleanup” on Windows can be very helpful for this.
Defragment your hard drive: Regularly defragmenting your hard drive organizes data more efficiently, making it easier for your computer to access and improving its speed. This process is automated on modern versions of Windows (7 and later), so there’s no need to do it manually. However, if you’re using an older version, you can use the built-in defragmentation tool.
Consider adding more memory: Increasing the amount of RAM in your computer can significantly enhance its multitasking capabilities and overall speed. Research the type of RAM your computer uses and consider adding more if needed. If you’re not comfortable with this, a professional or a tech-savvy friend can help.
Update your drivers: Ensure your device drivers are up to date to prevent compatibility issues and optimize performance. Many drivers update automatically, but it’s wise to check periodically. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
Manage start-up processes: Control which programs launch during startup to reduce boot time and improve performance. Disable unnecessary startup processes using guides tailored to your operating system. On Windows, you can use the “Task Manager” to disable start-up programs.
Woman on her PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: 10 TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC’S PERFORMANCE
What to do if you sell an old computer?
Before selling or getting rid of an older computer, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your personal information and ensure the next user doesn’t have access to your data. Here’s what you should do:
Back up your data: First, make sure to back up any important files, documents, photos or other data you want to keep. You can transfer these files to an external hard drive, cloud storage or another computer.
Securely erase data: Simply deleting files or formatting the hard drive may not completely erase your data, as it can still be recovered using specialized software. Consider using a data erasure tool or disk-wiping software to securely erase the entire hard drive, making it nearly impossible for anyone to retrieve your personal information. Check out our top data recovery software solutions by clicking here.
Sign out of accounts: If your computer is linked to any online accounts or services like your email, social media accounts or software subscriptions, make sure to log out of these accounts before resetting the computer. This prevents the next user from accessing your accounts unintentionally.
Remove external devices: Don’t forget to remove any external devices connected to the computer, such as USB drives, external hard drives or printers, as they may contain personal data as well.
Perform a factory reset: Performing a factory reset is not only essential to wipe all your personal data from the computer and restore it to its original settings, it’s often the easiest and quickest option instead of manually doing all the steps above. This process removes all files, applications and user accounts, essentially giving the next user a clean slate. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your computer model to initiate a factory reset properly, and make sure to check that it worked and none of your files are still there!
By following these steps, you can ensure that your personal information is safeguarded and that the next user receives a clean and secure computer.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Computers that are regularly updated tend to have less security risk. But that doesn’t mean you need to trade in your perfectly good PC for a new one. It just means you have to pay extra attention and take a few additional steps to keep your PC secure. Doing these steps can also ensure your older computer isn’t slowing down either.
How has the evolution of technology influenced your decision-making when it comes to updating or replacing your devices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
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Developers can now integrate the accessibility feature into their apps, allowing users to control the cursor with facial gestures or by moving their heads. For example, they can open their mouth to move the cursor or raise their eyebrows to click and drag.
Announced during last year’s Google I/O for desktop, Project Gameface uses the device’s camera and a database of facial expressions from MediaPipe’s Face Landmarks Detection API to manipulate the cursor.
“Through the device’s camera, it seamlessly tracks facial expressions and head movements, translating them into intuitive and personalized control,” Google explained in its announcement. “Developers can now build applications where their users can configure their experience by customizing facial expressions, gesture sizes, cursor speed, and more.”
While Gameface was initially made for gamers, Google says it has also partnered with Incluzza — a social enterprise in India focused on accessibility — to see how they can expand it to other settings like work, school, and social situations.
Project Gameface was inspired by quadriplegic video game streamer Lance Carr, who has muscular dystrophy. Carr collaborated with Google on the project, with the aim of creating a more affordable and accessible alternative to expensive head-tracking systems.
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