“When it comes to protecting your data, SMS-based or app-based two-factor authentication using your smartphone is more secure than depending only on passwords. But it can also be time-consuming to set up and use.”
Microsoft really doesn’t want you to use Internet Explorer anymore
“Microsoft killed off the Internet Explorer brand nearly four years ago, choosing Edge as its modern browser for Windows 10. Internet Explorer lived on as plumbing for Windows and for business compatibility, but Microsoft isn’t supporting it with new web standards – it’s legacy code.”
Google Accelerates Google+ Shutdown After Discovery of New Security Hole
“Google had to face reality earlier this year when it announced that its Google+ social network would shut down for consumers. It said usage of G+ had fallen to basically zero, and a security review had found a nasty API bug.”
Spotify is giving away free Google Home speakers to subscribers — here’s how to get yours
“Who doesn’t like free tech? That’s the question at the heart of Spotify’s new promotion: The music streaming company is offering free Google Home Mini smart speakers to anyone paying for a Spotify Family subscription ($15/month).”
How Spotify Family Plan Subscribers Can Get a Free Google Home Mini
“Spotify is sweetening its family plan subscription offer for the holidays. Starting tomorrow, November 1, family plan account holders in the U.S. can get a free Google Home Mini smart speaker for their listening (and voice-searching) pleasure.”
Google Drops Bid for Massive Military Cloud Computing Contract Amid Employee Pressure
“Google has dropped out of the competition for a Pentagon cloud computing project that could be worth as much as $10 billion and last up to a decade, citing a possible clash with its corporate values, Bloomberg reported on Monday.”
Consumer Reports: Most notable iPhone XS improvement is battery life, but Note 9 is still #1
“Consumer Reports this evening has published its full review and testing results from the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. The site says the “most notable improvement” this year is battery life, while camera technology is a “bit better.”
Amazon debuts Fire TV Recast DVR and Echo Auto in-car system
“Amazon, not content to wrap up a hardware event with all-new appliances and a host of high-end audio products, debuted something of a surprise today: the Fire TV Recast, a DVR for over-the-air television, and the Echo Auto, an Alexa-powered in-car speaker.”
2016 Pixel XL owners experiencing issues with quick chargers after Android Pie update
“Over the past few weeks, some owners of the 2016 Pixel XL have reported problems using quick chargers on Android P. For most of that time, Android P was still in beta, so bugs were to be expected. Unfortunately, issues with quick charging are still present in the final 9.0 release.”
Upgrade to Google One to get more out of Google
“As a Google One member, you can easily get in touch with a team of Google experts 24/7 to answer your questions—whether you need help recovering a file you accidentally deleted or want to learn how to use Gmail when you’re offline. With Google One, you’ll also get extra benefits across Google.”