The Lökwest "Digital Life" - March 2020
With all the virus and election news, what do you say about a newsletter full of tips, tricks, and some good news you can use? We've got you covered!
In this issue, two new apps that will help you stay informed and fix devices, a new GPS shoe insert, an update on computer buying, streaming TV news you can't miss, and more!
Bonus - take 5 minutes and get a chuckle from our "final word". Did you know phones used to be on the WALL and you didn't KNOW who was calling? 🙂
Thanks for following us and have a great March.
Balanced news and tracking shoes
Ground News - News Source Comparison
In today's diverse and polarized news environment, you need to stay balanced. We've recommended The Factual before. This app is even better when you're on the go. See local, national and foreign news from over 40,000 news sources. Fight misinformation and filter bias by easily accessing deeper coverage analysis, and more. We've been highly impressed so far.
Shoe insole with GPS device helps Alzheimer's, dementia, autism patients — ow.ly
A California company says one of its products can help find lost Alzheimer's, dementia and autism patients through a GPS tracking device in the insole in their shoes. Looks like a pretty good idea to us. It's pretty hard to leave the house without shoes on!
Tips of the month - fresh to you!
Which computer should I buy? How to find the iPad, Chromebook, Mac or Windows PC that's right for you — ow.ly
If you're on the fence about a new computer or wondering how much computer you need - check out this article from ZDNet. Think before you buy: What are you really using it for? How much do you plan spend? We outline key factors to consider when making your decision. No tech experience required.
Lost your owner's manual? This app will help you fix your electronics — ow.ly
Stop digging through drawers or wading through scammy websites the next time a gadget breaks. With Zolve, you scan your devices, appliances, electronics, power tools and outdoor equipment to quickly find manuals, how-to videos and warranty information.
Robo Revenge helps you get paid to take down robocallers — ow.ly
The latest project from DoNotPay, which FYI can help you with a variety of things like parking tickets and DMV appointments. If you've got nothing better to do, listen to a robo caller's pitch. Then give them a "burner" credit card that the system generates. Then let the system sue them up to $3,000!
Need to know - streaming TV updates
AT LAST! Netflix finally lets users turn off auto-playing previews — ow.ly
I've been enjoying Netflix oh so much more now that the whole menu doesn't start playing every title. It's hard enough to find something without listening to a dozen sound bytes! There's a trick, though - you have to log in to your Netflix account on the web to do it, and it takes effect for all the users in the account.
AT&T TV now available nationwide with Android TV set-top box — and a two-year contract — ow.ly
Our take - The plus - live TV with a list-style guide, apps, Google Assistant, and a remote control that will be familiar to cable and satellite customers. The minus - you're locked into a 2 year subscription with early termination fees, year 2 prices are equal to or greater than "old fashioned" cable! Our advice - buy a Roku or Fire Stick for <$50 and stick with Hulu or Sling TV - or switch them up every month if you want!
Tired of Netflix? Here's where to find free movies online, legally — ow.ly
Searching the net for "free movies" is an open invitation to a ton of spam and virus laden sites. If you want watch movies for free, check out this list of the best streaming sites that can satisfy your movie cravings without spending a dime, or breaking any laws.
How about some history?
Developer Finds USB Chargers Have as Much Processing Power as the Apollo 11 Guidance Computers — ow.ly
It comes as no surprise that the guidance computers aboard the Apollo 11 spacecraft were impossibly primitive compared to the pocket computers we all carry around 50 years later. But on his website, an Apple developer analyzed the tech specs even further. You'll be amazed at how far technology has come.
The Internet Archive’s VHS Vault will send you on a 90s nostalgia trip — ow.ly
How many of you have a stack of VHS tapes you recorded in the 80's and 90's sitting in a closet? Someone created a website for that. Check out this archive - it’s a goldmine of weirdness.
Free tech talk March 24th!
In conjunction with the San Clemente Village, I’ll be providing my monthly complimentary tech talk on February 25th. This month’s topic - technology and health - staying healthy with technology and what technology can do for healthcare. I'll be featuring a video from TED, and we'll have a discussion on the latest trends.
Date / time: March 24th, 1:30 PM
Location: San Clemente Chamber of Commerce - 1231 Puerta Del Sol #200 (Talega Business Park)
(Note: The Chamber’s offices are on the far end of the building in the address)Technology and health - staying healthy with technology and what technology can do for healthcare
The final word
Love this 5 minute bit on the youth and looking back and technology! 😁