The Latest From Kevin The Tech Guy! - First Edition

Author

Kevin Lloyd
April 12, 2024

Intro

Hello everyone!

This is a bit of a longer intro for the first edition than normal going forward.

My goal with this newsletter is simple: to provide you with the latest tech news that I think matters to you and affects you, and what you can do about it. I will provide a summary of tech news stories, why I think you should care, and briefly share my thoughts about it.

I will link to my FREE blog post about it with a little more info and relevant links, and that will link to a paid subscriber post with more details and my full thoughts on the topic.

As this newsletter gains subscribers, I will offer paid version with additional content. If you’re a paid subscriber on my website, I will offer you access to the paid version of the newsletter at no additional cost, but you’re welcome to pay for it as well.

If you are a subscriber of mine on Patreon, that offers features I cannot offer on my website, such as early access to my podcast episodes for Tier 1 subscribers. If you’re a Tier 2 subscriber, you’ll also get access to my normally paid newsletter without needing to sign up separately. If you’re a Tier 3 subscriber you’ll get access to my website paid subscription content as well without needing to sign up separately.

If you have any feedback about my newsletter, please reach out to me!

What To Expect

  • 3 Things To Know

  • 3 Things to Try

  • Something Fun

  • Recent Blog Posts

  • You Might Also Like

3 THINGS TO KNOW

What’s Going On

Brave Software, the makers of the Brave Browser, which is based on Chrome, recently released a new version of their browser. Among other improvements, they will stop forcing their VPN service to be installed when you presumably only want to install their web browser on Windows machines.

My Take

I use Brave as my main browser, but I’ll get rid of it if they pull this crap again! They have NO right to install ANYTHING on MY computer without MY consent, or yours on your computer. Neither does any other company, and I’m sure you would agree. This is especially true for something I can’t even use without paying for it.

Brave better not continue to lose focus on its role as a web browser company and stop getting distracted by side projects, particularly when those projects are implemented dishonestly. It needs to make money—we all get that—so present people with what it’s selling in a gentle and honest way and give us a choice. Period.

“Disgraceful”: Messy Terms of Service Update Allegedly Locks Roku Devices Until Users Give in

What’s Going On:

Roku offers several products, including standalone streaming devices for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Plex. It also has partnerships with some TV manufacturers to include its software in those TVs. With this Terms of Service update, Roku is requiring customers to accept the updated Terms of Service in order to continue using the Roku software in the TV they’ve already purchased.

My Take:

Having Roku software built into your TV is certainly a convenience. It doesn't require the additional expense of an external device to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.

That said, it's honestly never a good idea to buy a "smart" TV and connect it to the internet AT ALL to do updates OR to use the streaming services built into the TV. Software built into TVs is often problematic and frustrating, and it’s better just not to use it.

By doing so, you are at the mercy of potential situations like this, not that it should ever be considered acceptable.

What’s Going On

Apple’s latest software update for your iPhone brings more than a few cool new and useful features, including Stolen Device Protection, automatic and live podcast transcription, send Apple Pay payments to friends and family bank accounts or their Apple Pay accounts, multilingual support for reading messages, and more.

My Take

The new features that stand out to me are the transcription features, and Stolen Device Protection.

Automatic podcast transcription is really cool! It’s a game changer and huge for accessibility, but also for anyone following along as they listen to a podcast. I'm sure it won't be perfect, but it's certainly a welcome and long overdue addition that the iPhone is certainly capable of doing. Having it searchable is amazing, so you can jump to the parts you care about.

Stolen Device Protection is absolutely fantastic and long overdue! 

An important next step is to prevent Account changes on your iPhone using a separate Screen Time passcode. I describe that process in this blog post.

3 THINGS TO TRY

What’s Going On

Google has been gradually rolling out Chrome's "Enhanced Ad Privacy." Unless switched off, it allows websites and Google to target users with ads tailored to their exact online activities and interests using their internet history in the interests of Google's advertising profits.

A popup announcing this functionality has gradually appeared for users since the July release of Chrome 115 and is a notice you've been automatically opted in.

My Take

This is very intrusive of Google, and frankly offensive! Unless switched off, it allows websites and Google to target users with ads tailored to their exact online activities and interests using their internet history in the interests of Google's advertising profits.

What’s Going On

Suggested (Microsoft ads) notifications appear by default in Windows 11, even on the Lock (login) screen. These may not appear if you're not signed in with a Microsoft account. Here's how to turn them off.

My Take

This is yet another offensive tactic by Microsoft to upsell you on their other products and services using Windows 11. It’s shameful and on by default. Thankfully you can use these steps to turn these off.

What’s Going On

When it comes to updating our computers, we often think of Windows Updates and updating programs we use, but it's important to keep Microsoft Store apps up to date as well since many are included in Windows 10 and 11.

My Take

Even computer techs often forget to check the Windows Store apps for updates. These are free updates to apps from Microsoft and possibly other third-party (another company) apps you’ve installed. It’s yet another place to check for updates to ensure your computer remains up-to-date and secure.

SOMETHING FUN

You may remember Clippy from back in the day. It was a supposedly helpful Microsoft Office Assistant. It was actually one of many options. Check out this YouTube video to take a trip down memory lane!

RECENT BLOG POSTS

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