keys Archives

Wait, what? 5 amazing things you don’t know your phone can do

Remember when a cell phone was for calls and a round or two of Snake? Today’s phones are pro-grade cameras, PDF scanners and even car keys.

I keep a digital copy of my driver’s license on my phone because it’s just so handy. Here’s how to do that.

Paying with your phone is so easy, too. Late to the party? I have a guide on setting that up.

There’s a ton more your phone can do. Many of these functions are found in the accessibility settings. Developers create them for people who need extra assistance using their phones — but they’re handy for just about anyone.

1. Add captions to your video calls, podcasts or phone calls

Not every video chat happens in a quiet space — or maybe your hearing isn’t great. No problem. You can get real-time captions on video chats, podcasts, calls, music and videos.

On iPhone:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning.
Toggle the switch next to Closed Captions & SDH to the on position.

To turn on Live Captions on your Android phone:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Caption preferences.
Tap Show captions to turn it on.

2. Translate a conversation in real-time

Despite my promise to myself every year to learn a new language, it never happens. Next time you encounter someone you’re having trouble communicating with, whip out your phone to help. No, you don’t need to pay anything to complete this.

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Review: This not only keeps your keys organized, but also makes them hard to lose

Last year, I downsized to a smaller wallet that fits in my front pocket (which you can see here). There is no need to carry all those credit cards and loyalty cards around when many are stored digitally on my phone.

I did the same thing a few years ago with my keys, cutting down the excess bulk I take with me each day. A smaller, lighter keychain can also prove easier to lose.

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Clean your keys

⌨️ Your keyboard needs cleaning — I can just tell (because mine does, too). Here are a few clever ways to get the job done.

Li’l vac: Oh, this thing is sweet — a little blue box that vacuums up crumbs, dirt, dust and glitter from between your keys. It has a detachable nozzle so you can use it on your desk, too, and it charges via USB. It’s 15% off ($10.70).
Li’l brush: “Sweep up” this retractable laptop brush from OXO, which makes useful stuff that lasts. It has a built-in microfiber pad for polishing your screen and a cap to keep the brush clean when you throw it in your bag.
Big can: Grab a can of air to clear out every nook and cranny with a miniature windstorm. I love this stuff, and it’s cheap. This one is 20% off ($7.99). Whoosh!

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Try Alt + Shift + arrow keys: This Windows shortcut quickly moves the active window from one monitor to another if you use multiple monitors. Nice!

Google is an illegal monopoly

Open/download audio

A judge ruled Google illegally built and maintained a monopoly in online search by paying to be the default on smartphones. Plus, a website flaw puts democracy at risk, scammers hit the skies, and why wrapping your keys in tin foil could save you trouble.

Craigslist scam: The guy listed a luxury Palm Beach apartment for $950/month (red flag because it actually costs $5,200/month), and a couple took the bait. The scammer gave them a tour and handed over the keys so it seemed legit. Turns out the real owner had left them in the door for a handyman. Argh.

8:36 a.m.

Time by when the average person knows whether or not they’re in for a bad day. The top morning mishaps? Waking up sick, sleeping poorly, having a headache, losing your keys or forgetting your phone at home. Maybe we need mood rings.

Acer Aspire 3

If you want a larger screen, the Acer Aspire 3 is the perfect fit. With 15 inches of vivid, colorful digital real estate, it’s affordable and easy to use.

The Aspire 3 uses the latest Intel or AMD Processors for solid performance, offers up to 16GB of memory, and is a solid work, home, gaming or just all-around machine. Check out its specs below.

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How location tracking will work to tell you if you’ve been exposed to coronavirus

You’d probably never heard the terms “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” before March. Now, they’re everyday phrases in the fight against the coronavirus.

You can add “contact tracing” to your list of newfound medical terms. This method for slowing down the spread of disease is going high-tech with Apple and Google’s plan to turn your smartphone into a coronavirus tracker.

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Sweet finds to make life easier

Get rid of bad breath at the source with a tongue scraper. Sounds crazy, but it really works.
Keep your cups from dripping everywhere with these coasters that look like LPs. The rubber bottoms help you avoid spills, too.
A magnetic bag for your water bottle — strap your keys, wallet and phone to any bottle, and then keep the whole thing off the floor by sticking it to metal. Smart.
These ingenious pens keep a bit of paint on hand for touchups. Need this!
Clever self-watering planters have an aerated bottom to ward off root rot and store water to keep your plants happy. Love the color, too.

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⌨️ Custom keys: Change how the touchpad and keyboard work on your Chromebook. Go to Settings > Device > Touchpad/Keyboard. Sweet options: Changing what a right-click does and treating the top row of keys as function keys.

Keys-y does it: To set the brightness level on the keyboard on your MacBook, click the Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard. You can also have the backlights turn off after a certain time. Perfect if you’re watching a movie in the dark.

🏨 I have no reservations about this travel tip: Google Wallet now lets you add hotel keys directly to your phone. Open the hotel’s website, app or email, and hit the Add to Google Wallet button. When you reach your room, hold your phone near the door handle to unlock it.

Lightning fast: In Microsoft Word, use Ctrl + the arrow keys to move through words or paragraphs quickly. Combine that shortcut with Shift to select text as you go.

Next update could let you use your phone to unlock and start your car

It’s been over three decades since Marty McFly and Doc Brown took to the skies with a flying car in “Back to the Future Part II.” We haven’t quite reached those heights when it comes to car technology but we have seen some pretty amazing improvements over the years.

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