5 Awesome Remote Tricks That Could Supercharge Your Apple TV

Do you know that you can find one of the fastest growing niches of the consumer technology space in your living room? Nowadays, almost everyone wants to have their own piece -- Apple, Google, Amazon, and Roku. The reason for this is because HDTVs are usually expensive; therefore it's not something an average consumer can buy. There's a lot to love about the new Apple TV. And to help you get the best out of your new Apple TV remote, check out these tips to find out more.

Adjust the sensitivity of the Touch surface

The Touch surface on the new remote is a great addition, but it can feel fairly imprecise while performing a text input. A part of the problem is that everyone swipes a little differently, and fingers of varying sizes fit differently on the Touch surface. To compensate for this, Apple allows us to adjust the sensitivity of the Touch surface. Just go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Touch Surface Tracking and then choose Fast,Medium, or Slow.

Use the remote to control your TV or receiver

Did you know the new remote can control the basic functions of compatible TVs and receivers? If your equipment supports HDMI CEC (which is often referred to by manufacturer-specific names such as SimpLink, EasyLink, Bravia Link, Anycast, or CEC), the remote can be used to adjust the volume, turn everything off when the Apple TV is placed into sleep mode, or turn it all on and switch to the TV's correct HDMI input when the Apple TV is woken up. Your Apple TV should set this all up automatically, and the remote's volume buttons should work even on tech that don't support HDMI-CEC.

Manually start the screensaver

Press the Menu button with the first app highlighted on the Home screen in order to manually trigger one of the Apple TV's swooping cityscape screensavers. If you're deep into an app, simply continue tapping on the Menu button -- paging backward through as many menus as necessary -- until the screensaver shows up.

Zoom in on the action

If you'd like to have a closer look at a movie, game, etc., you can use the remote to zoom in and magnify a section of the screen. Once you've turned on this feature by heading to Settings > General > Accessibility, it can be triggered by clicking the Touch surface three times. With zoom activated, simply slide your finger across the Touch surface to move your magnification area across the screen. To return the screen to its normal setting, just do another three clicks.

Extra video controls

You may already be aware that you can swipe left or right on the Touch to slide the scrub bar to the exact scene you want, but did you know you can also click the right or left edge to jump 10 seconds or backward? Aside from that, you can also click and hold an edge to rewind or fast-forward the video clip. These tips are useful especially if you want to go back to a specific part of a long video clip that you're currently watching.

Understanding Basic Operations on how a Computer Works Can Make a Difference

How nice it would be if you know at least the basics of how to operate a computer. But some people tend to get the idea that if only they just know more by exploring their computer’s inner functions they might improve on how to use the computer, or worse, they think they might be able to improve its performance.

Sometimes there are just some things you really need to leave alone. As the overused cliché goes, “curiosity killed the cat,” and in this case, your curiosity can actually kill your computer. It would be more appropriate if you at least understood the basic operations on how a computer works and just leave things as they are.

Understanding your computer’s operating system

The operating system is the most complicated, complex, and important software that runs your computer. It manages the computer’s memory, processes, other software, and hardware. It allows the user to communicate with the computer without the need to really speak the computer’s real language. In short, just learn to communicate with the computer and things will go well with you both. Tampering with the OS is a big NO-NO unless you’re a professional support technician, so leave the OS alone.

Understanding storage systems

Computer data storage is referred to as storage or memory that saves all digital data. Examples are RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disks, CD’s, DVD’s, and removable flash memory sticks. These aforementioned are called permanent or non-volatile storage devices that don’t require power to store data. A loss of power will not affect their ability to retain data. Temporary or volatile storage is more often called “memory” and any loss of power means that any data stored will be lost irretrievably. When all is said and done, all storage systems are important to the computer’s lifeline and is therefore hands off to all struggling DIY repairs. Should you attempt to repair a storage system with no prior training, you could end up damaging it further. It’s best to call your tech support company if one or more of your storage systems, particularly the hard disk, is failing.

Understanding computer processing

The processor is the brain of a computer. It’s also called the CPU (Central processing unit) and is in the form of a microchip. For a non-programmer, this is where all the real action is. Programs only set the stage and direct the play. The processor actually performs very simple operations like basic arithmetic and comparing two values. Despite its apparent simplicity, the CPU does in fact run the show, controlling all of the peripherals while executing the current software commands. Since you don’t want other people picking into your brain, so it would be wise to stay away from the computer’s brain, and should anything go wrong, let the professional tech support people look into it.

Understanding the basic operations of computers simply means that while you do understand how your computer works, it isn’t a license to start poking inside, inviting damage to the software or hardware. Understanding how your computer works simply gives you a reason to take more care of your machine since it’s a complicated device.

A Closer Look at Nexus 6P: Google's Newest Android Superphone

The new flagship Android superphone of Google, the Nexus 6P, was built specifically to take advantage of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The new Nexus 6P was built by Huawei, ditching Motorola as its manufacturing partner, and boasts a lot of Android features that everyone would wish to have on their smartphones. It was launched along with the Nexus 5X built by LG as Google launches a duo of Nexus smartphones.

Here's a rundown of some of the great features you will get on the new Google Nexus 6P.

Release Date

The Nexus 6P can now be pre-ordered in the US, UK, Ireland, and Japan. Other countries will be added in the pre-order list in the coming weeks. Shipping of handsets will start by the last week of October, there's no definite date as of the moment. If you pre-order in the US, you will also get a $50 Play Store coupon.

Design

The Nexus 6P is a big phone, with its 5.7-inch screen designed to compete with Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and iPhone 6 Plus. It is also very thin (7.33mm) and light (178 grams). Google has shrunk down the screen from 5.96 inches to 5.7, which means it's narrower than its predecessor at 77.8 mm, and thinner at 7.3 mm.

The all-metal chassis gives justice to what Google hopes to have a premium finish. Also, a good add-on to the design is the rear mounted fingerprint scanner, which is the same position Huawei used for its readers on the Ascend Mate 7 and Mate S.

You will also notice that the edges of the Nexus 6P's rear are rounded, providing more comfort fit on your hand, while at the base of the handset is where you can find the USB-C port. This lets you use the new reversible charging cables that you can plug either way round.

Display

Even though the Nexus 6P has a smaller 5.7-inch screen display, its AMOLED display still sports a QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, with higher pixel density of around 518 ppi -- that's far greater than Apple's Retina screens. Playing some HD videos downloaded from YouTube and you will see that the screen looked sharp, with smooth frame rates. These specifications makes it at par with some of the best screens at the market right now -- the Galaxy S6, LG G4, and the 4K Sony Xperia Z5.

Operating System

The Nexus 6P has a lot of power to offer because of its 2.0 GHz octa-core, 64-bit Snapdragon 810 processor, Adreno 430 GPU, and 3 GB of RAM all packed inside the handset. With all that, there should be no problem running Android Marshmallow -- with Google's freshest incarnation of its mobile platform gracing the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X.

Camera

Google upgraded the camera on this new phone. The Nexus 6P has slightly fewer pixels, at 12.3 megapixels, than the Nexus 6's 13-megapixel shooter, but it uses larger 1.55-micron pixels. According to Google, pixel size is essential because larger pixels collect more light. This makes the Nexus camera perform better in low-light conditions. Other camera improvements include 4K video, laser auto-focus, and a front-facing 8-megapixel camera.

The camera's low light credentials were really highlighted during the launch, with Google claiming that 80% of images shot were done in low light environment. Meanwhile, there's an 8 MP snapper for all your selfie and video call needs.

Battery

The Nexus 6P comes with a 3,450 mAh battery, which is an improvement compared to Nexus 6's 3,220 mAh. And with the phone's smaller display at same resolution, the battery is expected to perform better than its previous one.

Android Marshmallow also claims to provide longer battery as well, with credits to Google's smarter implementation of the software on handsets.

Price

Prices for the Nexus 6P starts at $499 (32 GB) , the 64 GB version will cost $549, and can go up to $649 (128 GB), all without a contract. With these price tags, it's far less expensive than the iPhone 6s Plus, but is more expensive than then Moto X Pure.

Helpful iOS 9 Tips for Apple Enthusiast

You may find it hard to distinguish the difference between iOS 8 and iOS 9 at first glance, but if you look into it a little closer you'll find that the newest Apple software has a lot to offer. The new iOS 9 is loaded with a bunch of new apps, added features, and some cosmetic modifications that aim to make some major improvements on iOS 8.

Here are some of our favorite tips, tricks, and secret additions that will help you become an expert of Apple's latest operating system.

How to search

Simply swipe right on the home screen, and you'll get the new search screen. You can find Siri suggestions here based on your previous activity, so you may find contacts, news, or other information that you might be interested in. Apple has also added more natural language support into the search function, so you can easily phrase questions.

If you go to Settings, you'll also see that Apple added a search bar at the top, specifically for finding that baffling toggle without having to go through all those menus.

How to launch Siri hands-free

If you own a new iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus, you can now say "Hey Siri," anywhere at any time, and Siri will respond to you. Back in iOS 8, this was only possible if your iPhone is plugged in and charging. Unfortunately, users of iPhone 6 and below also had this experience. To enable this feature, go to Settings, then General. Now, go to Siri, and then toggle Hey Siri on. You'll do a quick spot of training to ensure that Siri only responds to your voice, and then you're all set.

Back to App

In an effort to improve app switching and multitasking, iOS 9 offers a very convenient way to move between several applications. For example, opening a link sent via Messages will take you to the URL, but instead of double-tapping to bring up the app-switcher, there will be an option to go Back to Messages found at the top left corner of the screen.

Group Notifications

Instead of viewing all your notifications in a purely sequential list, you now have the option to group notifications by app. This can be done by going to Settings, then Notifications, and then enableGroup by App. So, instead of searching for your most recent CNN updates within a giant unorganized list, your notifications will be grouped according to the app it relates to.

Disable Shake to Undo

Shake to Undo is a hidden feature in iOS 9 that lets you quickly delete the last few words typed with just a quick shake of your iPhone. There have been reports that it has been overly sensitive and the pop-up appears to be frustrating. Now, you can disable it altogether by going to Settings, then Accessibility. Next, go to Shake to Undo, and then toggle the slider to enable it.

Turn a video into a floating window (for iPads only)

As part of Apple's effort of integrating multitasking better into the iPad, iOS 9 enables you to turn a video into a floating window and have it show up even when you exit the app. This is perfect for catching up on some TV while you knock out an email, and it also works for FaceTime calls.

Currently, it only works with the native Videos app and some websites, just tap the icon above (furthest left on the video player) and prepare for a much enhanced multitasking. You can resize the window by pinching it or shut it down completely by hitting the X icon.

Here Are 6 New Google Drive Features You Might Find Useful

We all have come to love Google Drive apps because of their simplicity and ease of use. The new features Google has added to Docs, Sheets, and Slides are just in time for the start of the new school year. The good thing about it is you don't have to be a student in order to utilize these new useful features. Below are highlights on some of the newest features Google Drive is now offering in order to create powerful and more creative documents and presentations that will surely impress your professor, colleagues, or your boss.

Voice Typing

Google has been mastering voice recognition for some time now and those skills are now being introduced with voice typing in Google Docs. With this feature, you can now dictate instead of type, just by speaking what you want to write. Voice Typing by Google Docs currently supports 40 different languages.

Want to know how to use this feature? Open any document from Google Docs in the Chrome browser. Then head to Tools, then select Voice typing. Now, click on the microphone, and then start speaking for Google to transcribe what you are speaking, including punctuation marks. You may speak freely, but keep in mind that Google will censor profane language.

Research from Google Docs

The Google Drive Android app has a new Research tool for Docs that allows you to perform a search in Google without having to leave the document you are working on. This feature is helpful when it comes to finding and reading information, copying and pasting texts or phrases from online into your document, inserting images you have chosen from Google, as well as inserting links.

Research has been available on Google Drive's website, but this is the first time it's featured on the Android app.

Power Linking

If you need to add multiple links to your article or other document, the Power Linking feature is definitely faster than Research Tool in accomplishing that job. To use it, highlight the target text, then press [Control] + [K] or ⌘ + [K]. The search menu will then auto-suggest a link. If one of the suggestions given doesn't give you the results that you're looking for, change the text in the search box to more specifically match your target.

Create Charts in Sheets

Google Sheet now lets you create charts in no time and make you look like a data whiz that easily. If you want to try it out, select the Chart icon on the menu bar or choose Insert > Chart to bring up the chart editor box. Going to the Start tab, you can edit the range of cells and choose different layout settings. It also suggests some recommended charts based on the type of data you have. If none of those options suit your preference, you can click the More link and select from some other options. Afterwards, click on Insert to place the chart you have selected into your spreadsheet.

Map It

This is another powerful feature presented by Google Docs -- create a map out of location-based data. For example, if you have population data or other kinds of results from different countries, you can create a chart that will provide a better visualization of this. The data will need to include specific locations in the cells in order for the command to work. To use it, click the Charts tab and then select Map. Next, select the GeoMap option. Then in the Customize tab, you can change the colors that appear on your map. Trending data in Sheets can be represented by many different kinds of charts and methods. Once you have these two features down, you should be able to experiment and easily use any of the different options offered by this great feature.

Solve Groupwork Dillemas with Slides

Google Slides is neither similar to PowerPoint when it comes to template offerings nor with Keynote when it comes to visual elegance, but it can make your work a lot easier, especially if it's a group project. You can collaborate on a Google Slide the same way you would with Docs or Sheets.

You can even upload a PowerPoint file, convert it to a Slides presentation, and work anywhere you want. If you want to upload a PowerPoint presentation, locate the file on your computer and drag it to into the Drive interface. Select the box that converts the file to the proper Google format. When you have your Slides presentation started, you can then invite others to view and/or edit the presentation, if necessary.

You can even embed a presentation on a Google Site. In Sites, go to Insert > Drive > Presentation. Any user who navigates to your site have the ability to click through the slides directly from the webpage. To insert the presentation into your personal or company website, click File > Publish to the web... In the dialog box that appears, copy the HTML from the box labeled Embed code, and then paste it into the HTML of your website. Once done, click on OK.

This feature also works with other Google Drive files, giving you the option to easily display any of your projects to other users.

7 Voice-Activated Apps That Are Waiting for You to Speak Up

Voice recognition software is not rocket science and new anymore, but if you place this feature on a smartphone, it comes to life. Imagine the frustration it would eliminate by having this feature on your phone -- scrambling for a microphone and repeating yourself again and again. Voice recognition is now becoming large and popular nowadays because of the enhanced speech recognition capabilities of today's smartphone platforms, such as Google's Android and Apple iOS.

The need of integrating voice recognition has arised due to the increasing prevalence of laws restricting the use of mobile phones, especially when driving. Although Bluetooth can be found useful for drivers to talk hands-free, but sometimes people want to access email and text messages, too.

Luckily, there's a pool of apps that can provide such access and more. Below is a simple roundup of some of today's best voice-activated apps that are just waiting for your commands.

PromptSmart

The PromptSmart app is the very first voice recognition-enabled telemprompter app for iOS devices. It aims to be the "smartest teleprompter for the easiest public speaking experience." With the use of VoiceTrack voice recognition technology, PromptSmart promises to follow along with a speaker's voice, highlighting the appropriate text in real-time along with a speaker's natural pace. For scripted presentations, users can import a script from Box, Dropbox, Gmail, Google Drive or OneDrive, or just create your own within the app. Presentations can be customized with different text and background colors, font types and sizes.

PromptSmart is available for download at $9.99 at iTunes. The app's cost will increase to $14.99 once its early promotional period expires.

RunGo

With RunGo, you don't have to look for a running companion because the app lets you easily map out your run and then gives you voice navigation along the way, while letting you listen to your favorite music and take calls. Other great features that users can enjoy from this app includes -- a library of running routes, advanced voice navigation, route creator for planning your own routes, can work offline once routes are downloaded, and it requires no login.

Android and iOS users can download the RunGo app for free.

Selfie Assistant

Don't you wish your front camera has the same good resolution like the one at the back of your phone? But that's not the case. This is where Selfie Assistant comes in handy. This app guides you to take better shots with your phone's rear camera by talking you through a photo and letting you know how many people will be included in the shot when you can't see the front screen of your phone.

The Selfie Assistant is free for iOS users, but Android users can get another app that offers the same functionality.

Domino's

Want to take your ordering habits to a different level? If you don't want to type in your pizza order, check out the Domino's app. "Dom," the app's helpful voice-ordering assistant, is available for a variety of personalized ordering needs -- which includes taking out an order for carryout or delivery, handling saved Easy Orders, suggesting additions to a meal, and finding coupons for the best deals.

The app can be downloaded for free and is compatible on both iOS and Android platforms.

SideChef

Isn't it frustrating when you try to follow a recipe online from your phone or tablet, but then it turns off when your prep steps are too long or becomes messy when you try to swipe on the screen and your hands are messy with all those ingredients you're holding? Don't worry because SideChef is the perfect solution for your cooking/baking needs. The app speaks each step and then waits for you to say "Next," "Back," or "Repeat" before it performs the next action.

SideChef is free for download for both iOS and Android users.

iTranslate

This free app for iOS, Android, and Windows is a fast and easy to use tool with numerous languages built in and accurate translations. With iTranslate, you can select between lots of different dialects, choose a male or female voice, and even control the speech rate. The app is optimized for fast text input. Get suggestions while you're typing, turn your phone to the side, and use both hands for typing with the bigger landscape keyboard, or use its popular swipe gestures for quick copying and pasting. iTranslate can be a great addition to your next vacation, making it fast for you to translate conversations in real time for over 90 languages.

Comcast Xfinity X1 Remote

This app completely changes the dynamic of the traditional remote control, creating a whole new experience between TV and customers' devices. With the swipe of a finger, the Xfinity X1 Remoteapp transforms your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into personal entertainment assistants. Using motion and gesture controls, viewers can easily find what to watch on live TV and Xfinity on Demand. A simple shake of your device will pause programs on the TV. Filters and the device's keyboard find shows and movies faster than ever before. Plus, the app lets users interact on the TV with social media tools and apps, such as news, weather, sports, Facebook, Pandora, and Twitter.

The free app is compatible for both iOS and Android devices.

Ten Things You Need to Know About the New Moto 360 and Gear S2

The Moto 360 from Motorola and Gear S2 from Samsung are the freshest and latest smartwatches that were introduced during the IFA fair that took place in Berlin last September, 2015. If you're planning to get your hands on one of these latest wearable techs, it's good to find out a little bit more about each of them. So here are some facts you may want to know:

Do these smartwatches have different models?

Samsung and Motorola are providing more choices to its buyers. Motorola is offering four new variants of the Android Wear-based Moto 360: it has two case sizes, a Sport version with onboard GPS, and the other is for women. It also has onboard Wi-Fi. While Samsung's new line-up of smartwatches is Tizen-based and includes the Wi-Fi versions of the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic, as well as the 3G version of the Gear S2.

Can you customize these watches?

Yes you can, but Motorola offers more customization options than Samsung via the Moto Maker tool. With the Moto 360, you have the liberty to choose among different sizes, cases, bezels, and bands. Samsung will offer the Gear S2 with either a dark gray case with a dark gray band or a silver case with a white band.

What are the different resolutions and screen sizes?

All three Samsung models have a 1.2-inch screen with 360 x 360 pixel resolution. The Moto 360, on the other hand, have either a 1.56-inch screen with a 330 x 330 pixel resolution, or a 1.37-inch screen and 360 x 325 pixel resolution.

What's inside?

Inside the Moto 360 smartwatches are 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor from Qualcomm. Samsung's watches have to make do with an unnamed dual-core 1GHz processor. However, Samsung's Tizen OS shows to give good performance despite of the processor setback. The storage and RAM are the same for all Motorola and Samsung models: 512MB and 4GB, respectively.

Do they have improved battery life?

According to documentations, Samsung promises battery life of up to three days while Motorola claims that the large Moto 360 has a battery life of up to two days. Those claims have yet to be proven.

What kind of sensor features do they have?

The Samsung and Motorola smartwatches both tout an Accelerometer, Ambient Light, and Gyro. However, the Gear S2's 3G variant also has GPS support. The Samsung watch also supports Barometer and HTM, whereas the Moto 360 support Vibrations/Haptic engine.

What's the good thing about the Moto 360 Sport?

The Moto 360 Sport watch is developed to enable users to run without the need of bringing their smartphone because of its integrated GPS and a music player. The smartwatch also has an LCD display, combining a traditional backlit transmissive screen with a front-lit reflective technology. It has the ability to switch between the two as lighting conditions change.

What are the low points of getting the 3G version of the Gear S2?

Constant connectivity is gold, but in this case, it comes with a price. The 3G version of the Gear S2 has a shorter battery life, and it's bigger and heavier than the Wi-Fi version. As for the price, there is a big possibility that the price is higher; though this can be a good investment for people who don't have a smartphone.

How much will these smartwatches cost?

For the Moto 360, base prices range from US$299 to $429. If you want to get the bigger version, it cost $50 as does choosing a metal band. The rose gold or gold version of the Moto 360 variant for women has an extra $30 cost, while a double leather wrap costs an additional $10. The Moto 360 Sport will also have the same cost of $299. However, Samsung hasn't released the final pricing for its watches yet.

When is the shipping date?

The new Moto 360 models will be shipped starting this month, except for the Sport model, and can now be pre-ordered in the US with more countries to be followed soon. Also, there's still no announcement from Samsung as to when their Gear S2 smartwatches will start shipping.