The range of options is staggering: apps that keep it simple with minimalist note-taking, those that organize your life into a perfectly color-coded symphony, and ones that could run small countries with their project management features. 

And the beauty of it all? There’s something out there for everyone. Whether you’re a visual thinker who loves doodling your way through meetings or a list-maker who gets a thrill from checking off tasks – technology has got your back.

So while our brains might be a bit leaky, technology’s evolution in note-taking apps means we’re all just a tap away from reigning in the chaos. Here are some of our favorites:

Evernote: The Old Reliable

Evernote’s one of the most seasoned players on the market and has gained substantial market share in the note-taking app space. It’s got the kind of easy-to-use interface that can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be.

Pros:

• Robust organization functions
• Cross-Device syncing
• Search champion

Cons:

• Freemium version openly teases with the paid features average consumers might not need

Best for: Hoarders of notes who want a no-fuss way to organize their brain dumps.

OneNote: The Freeform Artist

Microsoft’s answer to every student and meeting-goer’s prayers, with an endlessly flexible canvas. And since it’s a Microsoft app, it conveniently syncs with your other Office apps like Outlook Email and Calendar. 

Pros: 

• Superb for pen input 
• integrates smoothly with the Office suite 
• Free

Cons: 

• Can be overwhelming for the uninitiated
• There’s almost too much freedom

Best For: Visual thinkers and digital pen enthusiasts who can’t stand the straight-jacket feel of linear notes.

Notion: The Organizational Wizard

Half note-taker, half project manager, Notion is where notes go to get a job.

Pros: 

• Incredibly versatile with features for project tracking 
• Databases
• Great for team collaboration

Cons: 

• There’s a steeper learning curve
• it might be overkill for those who want something simple

Best For: Anyone juggling multiple projects who dreams in to-do lists.

Google Keep: The Quick and Dirty

The digital equivalent of sticking a post-it on your fridge, but infinitely more powerful.

Pros: 

• Super simple
• Integrates with Google’s ecosystem
• Free

Cons: 

• Lacks depth in organizational features
• Not quite robust for heavy-duty note-takers

Best For: Casual users who need to jot things down in a hurry and not forget the milk.

Bear: The Minimalist’s Dream

Sleek, beautiful, and focused, Bear keeps it simple but effective.

Pros: 

• Gorgeous interface that encourages focus
• Excellent tagging system for organization 
• Joy to use for writing

Cons: 

• Only available for Apple devices
• Best features like Export to PDF and DOCX are locked behind a paywall

Best For: Apple users looking for a distraction-free writing space and those who appreciate aesthetic as much as functionality.

Ulysses: The Writer’s Go-To

A sleek, minimalist writing app that’s like the Swiss Army knife for writers, keeping everything from everything from fleeting thoughts to your next big project neatly organized in one spot. Perfect for Apple lovers with a penchant for clean design and a distraction-free environment.

Pros:

• Clean, minimal interface feels like the digital equivalent of a zen garden
• Easy to organize separate different ideas into different “sheets” for maximum focus
• Export and publishing features that make it easy to share your thoughts

Cons:

• Subscription model might not be the best for writers with commitment issues  
• Apple device exclusive

Best for: Serious writers on the quest to create the next great novel.

SimpleMind: The Visual Maestro

SimpleMind is your personal digital mind mapper that helps you organize your thoughts into a neat, visually satisfying format.

Pros:

• Mind mapping tool that can help give you the big picture at just a quick glance
• Cross-platform syncing
• One-off purchase for each platform means you won’t have to worry about monthly charges

Cons: 

• Might be too simple for power note-takers who like a more detailed approach

The post 7 Best Note-Taking Apps for All Kinds of Note Takers appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

There are a few things in tech that rivals the public anticipation for every new iteration of the iOS. So, when iOS 17 was released in 2023, a lot of people got a glimpse of some of Apple’s newest software enhancements to the ever popular iPhone. And among the new features, NameDrop was probably the flashiest.

Essentially, it’s like AirDrop got a social butterfly sibling. Instead of files, you’re swapping ‘hellos’, ‘nice to meet you’s, and all the essentials to keep the conversation going long after you part ways.

What’s Apple NameDrop?

Apple has decided to sprinkle a little of its Cupertino magic onto our social lives with Name Drop. It’s a contact exchange feature that lets you easily give out your details by simply tapping two iOS 17 equipped devices together.
If enabled, you can select the details you’re comfortable with sharing – like your name, number, and email. And then, with the other person’s consent, of course, gently ‘drop’ that information into their Contacts. They also have the option to send over contact to you as well. No more scrambling for a pen or awkwardly spelling out your email in a noisy cafe.

How it works

Like most Apple features, convenience is the name of the game with NameDrop. If you have it turned on, you simply need to do the following to instantly share your contact information:

1. Unlock your iPhone.
2. Place the top end of your phone next to the phone you want to share contacts with.
3. Then, the NameDrop animation goes on and you can choose whether to Receive Only or Share your contact information with the other phone.

Is it too easy for its own good?

While it’s a welcome new feature for a lot of people, especially those of us with wide professional and personal networks, there are still some potential concerns. There’s that perennial question about privacy. Would we be comfortable knowing our details could be ‘dropped’ so easily?

Would people misuse it? An iPhone left unattended on a bar counter, for example, is susceptible to bad actors siphoning off the owner’s contact information.

It was a valid concern that even got the attention of law enforcement agencies citing the ease of contact sharing as a possible breach of privacy especially for young people and the elderly.

Fortunately, Apple heard these concerns and patched NameDrop in iOS 17.2 to only work if both iPhones are unlocked. This would prevent contact sharing without the consent of the phone’s owner. However, bad actors can still find workarounds to this safety feature, so it’s still advised to remain vigilant of your phone’s whereabouts at all times.

How to turn NameDrop on or off?

NameDrop is switched on by default on iPhones so if you’re worried about your privacy you can turn it off by following these steps:

1. Go to the Utilities page on your App Library.
2. Tap on Settings.
3. Then, click on General.
4. Click on AirDrop.
5. Then, toggle off the Bringing Devices Together setting.
6. To re-enable NameDrop, just toggle this setting back on.

The iPhone 15 is available at Best Buy.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Apple NameDrop: What Is It, How to Use It, And How to Turn It Off? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

How to find Apple customer service number

Apple doesn’t make it easy to figure out how to just call someone for help. Need the Apple  phone number? To talk with Apple advisors device issues, use the Apple support phone number 1-800-275-2273 for US customers and 1-800-263-3394 if you’re Canada. You can also Contact Apple to find the specific numbers for each international region.

Apple also offers online chat support if you prefer typing over talking, accessible via the Apple support website. And guess what? There’s also an Apple Support app just waiting for you on your iPhone or iPad gives you access to basic troubleshooting guides and diagnostic tools as well as a direct chat tool with an Apple advisor.

Unfortunately, no email support exists for Apple, but the live chat support and Apple Support App may make up for it.

How to call Amazon customer service

Got a burning question for Amazon support? Simply call 1-888-280-4331, a number that’s open for your queries round the clock in both US and Canada. You can also call 1-877-375-9365 for any Amazon Echo queries for US customers or 206-922-0197 for Canadians and international customers.

If you prefer an email conversation, Amazon’s got you covered. Hop on to your email and direct your message to mws-admin@amazon.com for Amazon Web Service support, and echo-support@amazon.com for issues with Echo devices.

For best results, however, you can use the built-in Amazon customer support system from the website. It should give you troubleshooting guides or direct you to the proper channels if troubleshooting measures don’t work.

Pro tip: If you’re trying the email route, be a little patient and give them 24 hours to respond.

How to call Google support

For Google, things are a little more… well, Googly. There doesn’t appear to be a universal Google support number, but they do offer phone support for some specific services and gadgets like Pixel devices.

Google’s team is the one who’ll contact you but only after logging in, answering a couple of questions about your service or device issues on their customer support website. This way, Google representatives can already look up your queries beforehand for a faster, smoother conversation.

But don’t stress! They’ve got a comprehensive Help Center and perhaps the most popular forum of all time — Google Support Communities.

And hey, bet you didn’t know that Google has a support Twitter account! Now that’s modern service. Unfortunately, there are no listed customer service email addresses for the tech giant.

How to call Samsung

Samsung’s got a handy number for all your queries 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864) for US and Canada. But, if you’re a Samsung Care+ subscriber, you have a dedicated hotline at 1-877-699-1356.

They also have a pretty tidy Support website, where you can input the device or service you need help with, select the issue, and get a live chat agent to help you get it all sorted.

Can’t find an email for them, but between phone and chat, you’re set! You can also try @SamsungSupport on X for US and Canada customers.

How to call for help for Microsoft Office

Last but definitely not least, Microsoft Office has your back at 1-800-Microsoft (1-800-642-7676) if you’re a US customer and 1-877-568-2495 if you’re in Canada. You can find the rest of the international numbers in the Global Customer Service page on Microsoft’s website.

If you’re not crazy about human interaction via the phone, they’ve designed a sleek support site where you can find answers to almost all your questions.

Remember, folks, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom! Now, armed with these numbers and links, may all your tech troubles find swift resolutions.

The post How to call Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung & Microsoft appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Battery anxiety – it’s that sinking feeling when you’re out and about, far from the safety of a charger, and your trusty sidekick (aka your iPhone) starts gasping for juice.

Unfortunately, iPhones aren’t exactly the fastest kids on the block when it comes to charging speeds. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck slogging slowly to 100%. There are plenty of ways to make iPhones charge a little faster. Here are five of them:

Activate Airplane Mode

First things first: put your iPhone in Airplane mode while charging. But wait – won’t you be cut-off from your digital life? Don’t worry, you’ll survive the short break. Just think of it as a mini digital detox.

Switching to Airplane mode turns off power-hungry features like cellular data and Wi-Fi, allowing you to supercharge your iPhone’s power recovery. Airplane mode also suspends any background app data transfers, downloads, and updates making sure every little bit of power is kept within the battery.

Avoid Using it While it’s Plugged in

While using an iPhone while it’s plugged in won’t result in any catastrophic harm, it significantly slows down charging rates, especially if you’re using power-hungry tasks such as video streaming or gaming. You’re essentially discharging the battery as it’s charging, like filling a bucket with a hole in it.

Get a Faster Charger

The most basic charging brick that Cupertino giant officially sells is the 20W USB-C charger. This type of charger is compatible with a range of Apple devices including the iPhone, AirPods, and even the MacBook Air.

However, if you have any of the Pro iPhones starting from the iPhone 13, opting for a 30W charger is a practical choice because these bad boys can charge up to 27W. This helps significantly in topping up your battery from 0% until 50% or when Apple’s battery management software kicks in.

Ditch Wireless Charging – For Now!

Wireless charging might promise a tangle-free life, but it often takes longer than the old-school wall adapter. To be more specific, iPhones are only able to charge up to a decent 15W with MagSafe chargers and 7.5W with older Qi wireless charging standards. So, until the technology improves, it might be wise to stick to the cord if you’re in a hurry. You know how the saying goes – “Old is gold.”

Keep It Cool

Last but not least – heat and batteries are arch-enemies, like Sherlock and Moriarty. Charging your iPhone in a hot environment slows down its charging speed because too much heat can damage the battery. So, for a faster, safer charge – keep it cool and ventilated.

With our growing reliance on iPhones in our day-to-day tasks, the ability to charge from 0% to 50% in 30-40 minutes can come in clutch. Luckily, Apple has upgraded its charging standards in recent iterations of the iPhone. With the right charger, a swift Airplane mode swap, a balanced temperature, some rest, and a good dose of maintenance, you’re all set to transform your iPhone’s charging time from a drawn-out drama into a speedy sitcom.

1. Apple iPhone X Tips and Tricks + What’s new
2. How to use a friend’s phone to find your lost iPhone or Android Phone
3. How to Edit and Unsend Text Messages on an iPhone

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 5 EASY Ways to Make Your iPhone Charge Faster appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

We’ve all been there, tucked in bed with that familiar feeling of dread as the morning alarm goes off. Desperately in search of a few extra minutes of shut-eye, we hurriedly hit the snooze button. But have you ever stopped to wonder why Apple’s snooze setting is a peculiar 9 minutes? Let’s explore the history behind this little digital quirk.

Homage to Horology

The nine-minute snooze duration on Apple’s clocks isn’t a random number picked during a company icebreaker. Instead, it has a backstory rooted deep in time – mechanical clocks, to be precise. Back when alarm clocks first became a thing, inventors had to work around the limitations of the gear design.

As a result, the nine-minute snooze was born. Pre-digital alarm clocks depended on rotating gears, and due to their internal mechanism, a ten-minute snooze would have required a significant redesign and added complexity. Thus, engineers opted for the nine-minute interval. Though digital clocks can now easily accommodate other timing options, many brands (including Apple) have maintained this nine-minute duration.

How to Change Apple’s 9-Minute Snooze

Unfortunately, Apple does not allow you to change the default 9-minute snooze duration directly from the ‘Clock’ app settings. But you can work your way around both within the app or via the Apple Store.

The No-Download Way

If downloading a new clock app or alarm app isn’t an option for you, you can set multiple alarms with your desired snooze interval. We like to keep a 15-minute interval on our snoozes, here’s how you can do just that:

• Open the Clock app on your iPhone. (It’s usually in the Utilities category on your App Library)
• Go to the Alarms tab using the bottom ribbon.
• Tap on the ‘+’ (plus) icon in the top right corner.
• Set the time you want your first alarm and then turn off ‘Snooze’.
• Click ‘Save’.
• Tap on the ‘+’ icon again to create your next alarm, this time with the desired gap between the first.
• Repeat steps 3 to 6 for as many ‘snoozes’ you want at your chosen intervals.

Although, this method admittedly takes more effort especially if you know that other phone makers allow you to change the snooze interval with their default clock.

Third-Party Apps

To customize the interval using third-party applications, you’ll need to download an alternative alarm clock app from the App Store. Many of these apps like ‘Alarmy’, ‘Sleep Cycle’, and ‘Progressive Alarm Clock’ among others offer more flexibility in their snooze settings.

For instance, ‘Alarmy’ allows you to manually set the snooze time to any length you want. Similarly, ‘Sleep Cycle’ allows for personalized wake-up phases, and ‘Progressive Alarm Clock’ offers a gradually increasing alarm sound which can be a more peaceful way to wake up.

Once you’ve downloaded your app of choice, manage the snooze interval by diving into the settings of the respective application. Each app has its own configuration, but typically, you can go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Alarm settings’ -> ‘Snooze duration’ (or similar) and adjust it to your desired interval.

In Conclusion: Thanks, Old-School Alarm Clocks!

Whether you’re an iPhone owner, a mechanical clock aficionado, or just someone who appreciates a good ol’ history lesson, it’s fascinating to discover the origins behind everyday tech quirks. Apple’s choice to maintain the nine-minute snooze isn’t just a mysterious company secret—it’s rooted in history and practical design.

By the way, should you want a different snooze duration, worry not! There are plenty of third-party alarm apps available that let you personalize snooze intervals to fit your lifestyle, because sometimes you just need that extra minute.

The iPhone 15 is available from Best Buy.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Why Apple’s Snooze is 9 Minutes & can I change it? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Search Without Interrupting Your Flow: Circle to Search

Highlighting and selecting objects for the purpose of looking up more information can be a bit of a hassle especially if you need to do it spontaneously, and while Google Images search is great, it takes a few steps. Google is tackling this issue with its new Circle to Search feature that promises quick access to search results after performing a simple gesture.

How to use Google Circle to Search

To use Circle to Search, just long press your Pixel’s home button or gesture bar and use the touchscreen to draw a circle over a piece of text, area of an image, or object you wish to search more information on. Once finished, Google will work its AI magic and deliver the results without switching away from your active app. Circle to Search isn’t limited to just circling too as you can squiggle over an object or highlight text and Google will recognize what you are trying to find.

Transform Photos into Reactions: Meet Photomoji

The Google Messages app in Pixel devices is getting a fun little feature called Photomoji which can turn a part of a photo in your library into a reaction or sticker. The magic of Photomoji is its quickness and accuracy of taking out objects from the background for immediate use within Google Messages. Photomoji saves every sticker you make in a special tab for easy reusing. Your friends in your Google Messages conversation can use these stickers as well even if they are not using a Pixel device.

Magic Compose Out of Beta and Runs On-Device for Pixel 8 Pro

Magic Compose was a breakthrough experimental feature when launched in beta back in May 2023. The feature used AI to generate suggestions on how to respond based on the conversation. Its main limitation was the fact that the messages needed to go through Google’s servers.

Part of Google’s feature drop is the non-beta debut of the Magic Compose feature and for Pixel 8 Pro devices specifically, the feature works entirely on the device. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the first Android device that is compliant with Google’s Gemini Nano AI model. Gemini Nano is the most efficient model in the Gemini family allowing Pixel 8 Pro devices to rewrite drafted messages and generate appropriate responses to a conversation without requiring access to the cloud.

Pixel Thermometer App Gets New Body Temperature Feature in the US

Pixel 8 Pro owners in the US can now use the Pixel Thermometer app to take a person’s body temperature just by letting the device scan the forehead. The feature is FDA-certified and the app can save the data to your Fitbit profile to further build up your health and wellness profile. Keep an eye out for a Canada release in the future.

Faster Sharing Across Devices

Say goodbye to the Nearby Share feature as Google merged its technology with Samsung’s Quick Share feature bringing a better default option for Pixel devices to use for simple peer-to-peer sharing. The feature works across Android devices and Chromebooks and can even detect certain Windows PCs that have the Quick Share app preinstalled.

Hassle-free Audio Switching

You no longer need to fiddle with menus and Bluetooth pairing settings if you want to connect your Pixel Buds Pro to another device (Pixel 5a devices or newer). As soon as you move your Pixel Buds Pro to another device, that device will recognize it and automatically pair. Google’s latest feature drop adds Pixel Watch support.

New Minty Fresh Colour for Pixel 8

For those who haven’t yet upgraded to the Pixel ecosystem to enjoy these new features, Google is offering a new color for their Pixel 8 models – Minty Fresh. The Pixel 8 Minty Fresh is currently available on Google Store Canada and is currently bundling this new variant with a free matching case if you order on or before February 3, 2024.

This feature drop represents a new paradigm shift for the smartphone arms race for 2024 as the best smartphone isn’t just about having the fastest processor and most advanced camera array. We are now living in the AI era and smartphones need advanced processors like Google’s Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8 devices to use the latest and greatest features. With Google promising 7 years of software updates for their Pixel 8 series, expect more feature drops to utilize these AI-centric processors.

Don’t forget to check out Erin’s full review of Google Pixel 8 smartphone, or Google Pixel Buds Pro.

Shop Google Pixel 8. Shop Pixel Buds Pro.

Also Read:

1. New Google Pixel 6a smartphone review
2. Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: What’s the difference & how to choose
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphone Review

The post Google Just Dropped Cool New Pixel Features appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Read our step-by-step guide to connect Alexa to your Wi-Fi network and streamline your home experience.

Have you ever looked at your Alexa device and wondered why it isn’t following your commands? The reason might be as simple as a lost internet connection. What if you’ve changed your Wi-Fi network or relocated to a new location with a different network, and Alexa has gone silent?

Isn’t it frustrating?

Let’s solve the problem of connecting Alexa to the Internet so simply that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered. No technical language, no complicated procedures—just a simple, no-hassle guide to keeping your Alexa device as connected as you are.

The Alexa app or the Amazon Alexa website can connect your Alexa device to Wi-Fi.

• You can also change your Wi-Fi source using the Alexa app.
• Use Firefox, Safari, or Edge to connect your Alexa to Wi-Fi from the webpage.

Stick around for the definitive answer to your Alexa connection questions!

How do you Connect Alexa to the Internet Via an App?

Follow these simple steps to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi via the app:

Open the Alexa App: If you haven’t already, get it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Tap Devices: This option is located at the bottom of your screen.

Choose Echo & Alexa: Located in the upper-left corner of your screen.

Select Your Device: Select the Alexa device to connect to a new Wi-Fi network. If it isn’t visible, check All Devices or think about resetting it.

Tap Status to display the current Wi-Fi network to which your device is connected.

Under Wireless, tap Change: Located next to Wi-Fi Network.

Choose a Wi-Fi Network: Select “Join another Wi-Fi network” from the options for more freedom.

By following these simple steps via the app, you’ll have your Alexa connected to the Internet and ready to answer your every order. But what if you like the Alexa website from Amazon?

Read our next section, where we will go through the processes on your browser.

Problems with connectivity? Not with this expert advice on your side.

How Do You Connect Alexa to the Internet Without an App?

Set up your browser to use Firefox, Safari, or Edge. However, Chrome, unfortunately, won’t work.

Go to alexa.amazon.com. Log in to your account with your browser.

Navigate to Settings, which is located on the left sidebar.

Choose Set Up a New Device: Start the connecting process under Devices.

Select Your Device: Select the Alexa device you wish to connect to.

Turn on your device and check that the ring light is orange.

Choose the Amazon-XXX Network: Select a Wi-Fi network with this identifier.

Continue by clicking here.

Select Your Network: Select the Wi-Fi network to connect to and enter the password.

With these simple steps, you can use Alexa without needing an app. 

Is Alexa not Connecting to WIFI? What to Do?

Let’s look into why your virtual assistant isn’t connecting to the Internet. Here’s a step-by-step procedure for dealing with connection issues:

Check Wi-Fi

• Open the Alexa App on your smartphone.
• At the bottom, choose Devices.
• Select Echo & Alexa, followed by your device.
• To confirm and enter the proper password, tap Change next to your Wi-Fi network.

Check Your Internet Connection

• If Wi-Fi is secured, ensure your internet connection is running.
• Check your device’s signal strength before attempting to browse.
• If your internet connection goes down, contact your internet service provider.

Changing the Wi-Fi Band

• Switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz on dual-band routers for the best signal.
• In the Alexa App, go to Devices.
• Select Echo & Alexa, followed by your device.
• To change the band, go to Settings, then Change next to Wi-Fi.

Reboot the Alexa device

• A fresh start may work wonders.
• Unplug your device, then wait 10 seconds before reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

Optimize Device Positioning

• Ensure that Alexa is at most 30 feet from your router.
• Remove physical impediments and reduce electrical interference.

Restart Both Manually

• Unplug the modem or router.
• Wait 30 seconds before reconnecting.
• Unplug Alexa for 3 seconds at the same time.

Router Software Upgrade

• Check your router’s manual or website for the most recent software update.

Factory Reset Alexa

If everything else fails, factory reset your Alexa device.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to solve any connectivity issues and guarantee that Alexa stays the dependable virtual assistant you rely on.

Alexa is Ready to Help You!

From app installation to browser connectivity, ensure your virtual assistant is always connected to your Wi-Fi.

As you begin your journey with Alexa, know that help is coming if any connectivity issues emerge.

Now that you’ve learned how to create and maintain a solid connection easily, it’s time to utilize the power of your Alexa device.

Manage your home smartly, play your favorite music, or answer questions.

So, Alexa users, what is your favorite command to use regularly? Share your insights in the comments.

The post How to connect Alexa to the Internet: Quick and Easy Guide appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

With more than a billion active iPhone users, Apple has done a solid job in making their iconic smartphone both easy to use and simple to set up. Even without assistance from someone at the Genius Bar, you should be able to get started in using your new iPhone by following the onscreen instructions.

But as popular as the iPhone is, we sometimes forget just how much of a premium we are paying for the iOS experience. Maybe you are paying for the iPhone through your carrier contract or maybe you are just used to paying for flagship phones, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are paying quite a bit even for the “budget” iPhone SE. Knowing your iPhone’s premium nature is key to maximizing the amount you paid for the device and there’s no better way to discovering these features than giving your iPhone a real setup treatment. So, let’s take a walk through setting up an iPhone TechGadgets style!

First, a little disclaimer; the instructions laid out here cover iOS 17.1 which is the latest non-beta version at the time of writing. Future iOS updates may slightly or significantly alter the setup procedure. If you have an older version that doesn’t come with iOS 17.1 out of the box and you are having trouble with any of the steps here, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll gladly help you out!

Initial Setup Tips

Switching on a brand-new iPhone for the first time or performing a factory reset on one will greet you with a basic setup wizard asking you to choose the language and your country. After making your choices, iOS will let you set the overall size of the text and homescreen options. Choose any of the options before tapping “Continue” to get a small glimpse of what they’ll look like.

“Quick Start” Feature

If you own another iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later and it’s connected to the Internet, Apple’s Quick Start may detect the device and offer to transfer its data. Quick Start is a useful feature if you want to use your device right away without going through the hassle of searching for the apps and games you use on other iOS devices. But if you are very selective on what goes into your iPhone and want to save as much storage space as possible, I recommend skipping this feature.

Getting to Know Your Apple ID

To unlock your iPhone’s full potential, you must login to your Apple ID. Your Apple ID provides you with 5 GB of free cloud storage space via Apple iCloud which is useful for backing up settings, documents, and photos. It also gives you access to the iOS App Store where you may download free apps or purchase paid ones. You may create an Apple ID right from the iPhone but if you own a Mac or another device, you might have already made one. Try using the email you used to register for the Apple ID account for logging in. If you forgot your password, you can always reset it.

Updating Your iOS Version

As you swipe around your home screen, you might notice a notification indicator on your Settings icon. This could indicate a new iOS update which you should install immediately before tinkering with the rest of your phone to ensure the update installs on a clean operating system. Go to the “Settings” icon, tap “General,” and go to “Software Update” to check the details on the update if any. Tap “Download and Install” to download the update. This process could take time depending on the speed of your Internet connection and could cause your iPhone to reboot.

Once your iPhone reboots and finishes installing the update, go back to “General” in the “Settings” app and scroll down to “Transfer or Reset iPhone.” Tap “Reset” and select “Reset All Settings” to restore all iOS settings to their defaults. You can skip this step if you like, but I recommend doing this after an update as it tends to fix any bugs and other anomalies a new update could introduce.

Choosing Your Charging Adapter

The iPhone 12 and newer models only come with a USB-C charging cable and not a charging adapter thus forcing you to use an existing adapter one if you have. Since you’ll be regularly charging your iPhone, I recommend getting Apple’s own 20W USB-C Power Adapter which you can buy on Amazon or Apple’s official website.

This power adapter can charge your iPhone faster than lower wattage USB-C chargers. If paying $20 for an official Apple accessory isn’t appealing to you, you can pick up some cheaper third-party alternatives. When searching online, use “MFi” or “Made for iPhone” in your search query to ensure you avoid buying incompatible chargers.

Configuring Your iPhone’s Charging Behavior

Since the very first iPhone, replacing its iPhone battery was never a DIY affair for the average consumer. Therefore, battery care is very important as professional battery replacement can be costly. Fortunately, Apple does offer an option to extend the overall lifespan of the battery and it’s enabled by default.

However, this option can affect your iPhone’s overall battery life between charges. If you wish to maximize your battery life, go to “Settings” followed by “Battery” and then “Battery Health & Charging.” You can then switch the “Optimized Battery Charging” option from there. If you are using an iPhone 15 or plan on using newer devices, you also have the option to prevent chargers from charging beyond 80%.

Pairing With Your Apple AirPods Pro

One of the advantages of having both an iPhone and a pair of Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds is its quick and simple pairing process. Just switch on your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings from the “Settings” app and open your AirPods charging case with the AirPods inside. Position the AirPods case near your device and follow the rest of the instructions and you’re all set!

Taking these extra steps in setting up your iPhone is a good way to avoid some of the occasional bugs that may occur in iOS. Clear that hurdle and you can finally start opening the App Store and start installing your favorite mobile apps!

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Is it me or is Artificial intelligence getting too smart and thus a bit… creepy? Google’s new Pixel 8 phones can conjure photos that technically never really existed, so is this a helpful feature, or the beginning of the end?

It seems like the ink is barely dry on my last Pixel phone review and already the new Google Pixel 8 has arrived. Google’s newest flagship phone is now available and I was able to spend a few days with it ahead of its launch, so in this review, I’ll take you through what’s new with the Pixel 8, what its coolest features are, what it can do now and if it’s a good Android smartphone for you.

What’s new with Google Pixel 8?

I’m being honest, there’s not a whole lot that’s completely new with this phone. For the most part however the upgrades and incremental improvements are definitely welcome. Google is touting its more powerful chip on this phone; the Google Tensor G3, and what users will see with the G3 is a faster phone that allows it to more quickly manage a whole new array of AI-powered tasks (more on that coming up). Google explains it like this:

“Tensor enables high-quality photos and video, powerful security and performance, and more intelligent speech recognition that make Pixel more personal and helpful than ever before. And it allows Pixel to adapt to you, accommodating the different ways we use our phones.”

The chip powers machine learning technology which allows for things like more accurately recognizing speech, translating languages in real time. Better brains are also supposed to help Pixel phones get more useful over time as they learn your behaviours and preferences.

What’s new with this phone as compared to the Pixel 7? In short:

• Brighter screen
• Improved G3 chip (faster)
• Teeny battery improvement
• Teeny bit smaller screen
• Satin finish & softer design
• New temperature sensor (Pixel 8 Pro, only)

My hands-on video review

Looks & style

The most obvious differences have to do with the design and styling of this phone. Google has been bringing in more matte metals, and softer corners plus rounded edges, so the Pixel 8 will look familiar if slightly refreshed. The glass back is still super glossy.

Brighter ‘Actua’ display

The display has some new lingo around it. Google is now calling the 6.2-inch screen on the Pixel 8 an ‘Actua display’ which is just a fancy new term it’s applying to the brighter screen. With 60–120 Hz refresh rate and brightness levels up to 1,400 nits (HDR) and up to 2,000 nits (peak brightness), it’s gained a bit of ground over the Pixel 7.

AI marketing

While not new, there is also what I’ll say is a renewed branding around some of Google’s smart built-in features. While things like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser plus Call Screening have existed for several Pixel generations, Google is now placing them under the banner of ‘AI assistance’, because, buzzwords, you know. Google is also packing in more of these AI features, that are getting better (and a little scarier) with tasks like editing photos into the perfect shot, right on the phone.

Cameras

The Pixel 8 has a refreshed camera with both a wide lens, and an ultrawide lens. If you also want a telephoto lends you’d have to upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro. Or you can use Super Res Zoom on the Pixel 8’s camera, a digital photo feature which lets you get better close-ups without an extra telephoto lens.

The camera app has a new updated interface, which Google says aims to help you quickly find and capture content using photo or video. It doesn’t really feel all that much more intelligent at a glance; this might be the kind of thing that becomes more noticeable overtime and when I’m in a rush.

Photo features: Best Take

I’m sure Google’s smart photo features are going to be some of the most exciting for new users.

Best Take helps with people shots and works on group photos or solo ones; it uses a series of similar photos taken close together to help you automatically create a blended image with everyone’s (or your) best face forward. So if someone is blinking or looking away, you can let Google AI tee up a list of alternate facial expressions and choose ones that makes the photo perfect. Best Take does require you to have photos being backed up into Google’s cloud… Which might be a very interesting way of getting you to pay for that service, since in my testing I was not able to use it until I turned on cloud photo backups.

How to use Best Take on Pixel 8

To access Best Take, snap a bunch of photos then open one. Choose Edit, then Tools and Best Take. If you don’t see Best Take, it’s not available for your photo (like if you took a photo of a pet).

You’ll get a list of available options and facial expressions to choose from. In one of my tests I noticed that the face swap was extremely obvious due to a finely patterned shirt I was wearing.

Essentially Best take combines similar photos into one photo, and can even work with new technology and techniques — like generative AI — to open up more editing possibilities. Like Magic Editor.

With Magic Editor, you can go even further. And this is where it gets kinda scary. Or scarier.

Magic Editor

Magic Editor uses generative AI to help you easily make complex edits. (Generative AI essentially creates something from nothing. For example, Generative AI—though not the Pixel phone— allows you to type in a command, “add Saturn to my photo” for example, send the artificial intelligence engine will simply conjure or generate the thing you ask for. This saves you the work of having to go and find images of Saturn, crop and manipulate them, then add them as a layer to whatever you’re doing.

On the Pixel 8, Magic Editor will allow you to do things like resize or reposition your subject in a frame, and essentially completely manipulate a photo so it will look exactly how you want.
To use Magic Editor, open a photo and look for the rainbow-square-star emblem in the bottom left corner.

Want to resize or reposition your subject? Just tap or circle the object you want to edit, then drag to reposition it or pinch to resize it. You can also use contextual suggestions to improve the lighting and background, like changing a gray sky to a golden-hour sunset. Plus, after you select an edit, Magic Editor will give you multiple result options to choose from so you can get the look you want.

In one of the coolest and creepiest options, you can also add things to the photos that weren’t there before; need to make a bench longer? Or add a few more balloons to the bunch? Google’s AI assistant will help you.

It’s actually pretty startling how well this technology works, and how truly intuitive it is. Even someone who’s never spent a minute with something like Photoshop could do some major improvements with this software.

Google says, “Magic Editor is a new experience from Labs in its early stages, and we know there are going to be times when the result isn’t exactly what you imagined. Your feedback is going to be critical in helping us improve the product over time so you can get the best edits possible. This is just the beginning, and we plan to add more intuitive generative AI features to Magic Editor in the future to help you bring your photos to life in new ways.”

While I think the technology is absolutely amazing, and will definitely allow people to be a lot more creative, to me it seems like we’re not that far away from simply being able to create any photo, of anyone, anywhere, at any time. Always wish you’ve been to the Taj Mahal? I guess Google’s artificial intelligence assistant can now help you build just such a photo. We no longer need to go to places to be able to Instagram them. That’s kinda sad.

One other AI feature is Audio Magic Eraser, where Google AI can reduce distracting sounds like cars and wind in videos.

Temperature sensor – but only in 8 Pro

On the back of the Pixel 8 Pro, a new temperature sensor lets you quickly scan an object to get its temperature. Use it to check if your pan is hot enough to start cooking or if the milk in your baby’s bottle is at the right temperature. We’ve also submitted an application to the FDA, to enable Pixel’s Thermometer App to take your temperature and save it to Fitbit.

Battery

Battery on the Pixel 8 is slightly improved over the pixel seven, at 4,575 mAh
Which Google distills down to “24+ hour battery life”. The battery life has always been pretty great on Pixel phones so there’s not really much to complain about here.

The Pixel 8 continues to offer wireless battery share as well as fast charging.

Carry-over features

Speaking of carry-over features, you’ll also continue to receive proactive crisis alerts in case of emergency events like floods, tornadoes, or fires. It will also detect a car crash and call for help, and you do get access to VPN by Google one to help mask your online activity. Google also promises software and security updates for seven years from purchase. Call Screening, and on-hold support from the Google Assistant are also on board.

Overall review: Google Pixel 8

Overall, while this phone is unlikely to win you over based on its design or specs alone, some of these new artificial intelligence features are absolutely going to become must-haves.
The photo editing features are top of the line and these alone make Pixel one again the phone with the camera everyone wants. On the pro side, the design refresh is fine and the new chip makes the phone faster, albeit in milliseconds which I can’t really notice. The brighter screen is nice too. Overall it’s a nice phone. The photo editing and AI-powered features are killer too.

Cons? After playing around with this phone for a week, I can’t really say anything majorly negative stands out for me. There are obviously implications for us all that such seamless photo fakery is now at everyone’s fingertips, so to quote Google’s old mantra; don’t be evil.

Pixel 8 sells for about $949CAD/$699USD (a hundred bucks more US than the 7) and you can get it from Google. or Amazon.

Also Read:

1. Google Pixel 6 Pro review
2. Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: What’s the difference & how to choose
3. New Google Pixel 6a smartphone review

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Google Pixel 8 smartphone review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.