Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
Should I pay for Google Voice?
Episode 1585
Gary fromGary wants to know if it's worth buying GSuite from google. Leo says it makes a lot of sense for companies. But for $10 a month, you don't get anything new. But Google is replacing Google Hangouts with Meet and Chat, so you may have the opportunity to use that. It also offers Google Voice for new users. Look around. Check out Grasshopper. Mighty Call. Line2. Leo uses Ring Central.
Gary also found out that PlayOn, his DVR service online, is going up to $50 a lonth. Check out YouTube TV. And you don't have to give them your password.
Is Gmail and Facebook spying on me?
Episode 1585
Marie fromMarie wants to know an alternative to Gmail. Leo stopped using Gmail because of their invasive ads. But the other side of the coin is that Gmail has the best spam filters of all. But Leo moved to FastMail. You can even use GMail to initally filter your Gmail, and then forward the rest to FastMail. Then run the secondary SPAM Seive there. Very Powerful.
Why doesn't Google Hangouts work anymore?
Episode 1584
Caller fromCaller uses Google Hangouts on his iPad Mini, but when he used it today, the little phone icon is missing. It's been removed from his personal account. What gives? Leo says Google has announced that it is eliminating hangouts to all but Google Fi users.
Johnny Jet ... Just say hello
Episode 1584
Johnny's App of the Week is Duck the Line. iOS and Android. Use this to get a fast pass to hundreds of locations.
Another app - FAA Wait. .99 find out about delays before anyone else.
Another Security Issue Hits Facebook
Episode 1584
Facebook had another security issue hit this week, as the social media company admitted that millions of Instagram passwords were stored in a plain text file that could be easily accessed from anyone on the network. But they swear that it wasn't accessed or maliciously maligned. But since they initially stated thousands, and then admitted millions accounts were at risk, and that it has happened many times now, Leo says that Facebook's priorities are out of wack. They don't really care about protecting user data.
Why can't I Print a PDF?
Episode 1583
Wayne fromWayne got an email from a realtor about taxes in his neighbourhood. It had a PDF attachment and he can't print it. Rich says that if it's a PDF, his computer is probably opening up the file directly, without using a PDF reader. Right-click to see what options to open it with.
Is the Fire TV Stick Great Alternative to Satellite Service?
Episode 1583
Gloria fromGloria wants to know if the Fire TV stick is a good deal for cutting the cord. Rich recommends the Fire TV Stick 4K because it's the best option and it's only $10 more. Then he recommends also picking up the Fire TV Recast for the local channels. However, Gloria will need an antenna or subscribe to DirecTV Now for those local channels, minus KTLA.
Has my Browser Been Hijacked?
Episode 1583
Greg fromGreg's wife has an iMac running El Capitan, but now the Safari app just goes to Yahoo Safefinder no matter what! Rich says that there's some malware on the browser, likely an extension. Rich recommends Malwarebytes, and give the iMac a scan. Also, go through the apps and see if there are any that are unrecognizable. CleanMyMac is a program that can also clear out malware. Greg can also look for a browser reset in the settings, which will wipe out everything and start over.
AT&T Launches 5G, but Good Luck Trying to Use it
Episode 1582
AT&T has launched its 5G service in 17 cities around the country, but Rich says good luck trying to use it. First, you can't find a map of 5G coverage to see where it's available, plus you need a $500 hotspot device to use it if you do. Also, 5G doesn't travel very far, requiring even more towers.
Meanwhile, Verizon has launched in Chicago and Minneapolis for everyone, but in very small areas. Rich says that while 5G is the future, it's just not the future now.
Is Google Recording our Duo Video Calls?
Episode 1582
Christie fromChristie wonders about Google Duo, the Google version of Facetime. Could Google be recording those? Rich says not likely. The video and audio are encrypted, so that would be difficult to do. However, the metadata is fair game. Who she called, how long she was on the call, where she is, etc. But the reality is, free services still cost "something", so it comes with the expectation that some monetization is going on to pay for it.
