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55 Articles

Updating to Windows 11

The Right Start Updating to Windows 11 Microsoft’s latest version of Windows hit the update servers on October 5th 2021, but it seemed many computers were still waiting for the go-ahead from their Windows Update screens, if you are one of them we can help you. Here’s how to step up the process. If you’re still on Windows 10, and waiting patiently for your update screen to display the exciting ‘Ready to update Windows 11’ notification, then this is the guide for you. Rather than tweaking with the update settings, or delving into the murky depths of the command prompt, there’s an easier way to get the ball rolling and get you on and working with Windows 11. Before You Leap Before we go about running the update process, it’s…

Updating to Windows 11

Windows 11 - Getting Started

The Right Start Windows 11 - Getting Started Microsoft has greatly improved its initial Windows setup routine with intuitive guides. Where once you were simply delivered onto the desktop and left to your own devices, now Windows 11 ensures you can comfortably hit the ground running. Hello Windows 11 One of the first tasks to complete when you boot into Windows 11, is to run through the Getting Started guide. Here’s how it works. Step 1 You’ll find the Getting Started guide in the Start menu, when you click the Windows logo button on the taskbar. It’s a welcome to Windows setup wizard, and makes sure you’re ready to use your files, and get access to your work quickly and effectively. Once it has opened, click the Get Started button…

Windows 11 - Getting Started

DID YOU KNOW? Hard Driving Hard drives have come a long way since it was invented by IBM back in 1956. The IBM Model 350 Disk stored just five MB of data, on 50 24-inch platters. Here’s a picture of it being loaded onto an aeroplane. Fast forward to today, where the largest capacity hard drive available gives you a whopping 18TB of storage. That’s over three and a half million times as large. And unlike the IBM Model 350 Disk, which could be leased at $3200 a month ($32,800 in today’s money), the Seagate IronWolf Pro 18TB costs a relatively affordable $500.…

Windows 11 Start Screen

The Essentials Windows 11 Start Screen The Windows 11 desktop user interface (UI) is a radical change from what we’re used to with previous versions of Windows. The main differences are the new taskbar, Notifications and Widgets. Then and Now We’ve come a long way since the early days of Windows version 1.0. Through ups and downs, Windows has evolved to become the most used desktop operating system in the world. Over 35 years have passed since Windows 1.0 has released, let’s see what the next 35 hold for Microsoft’s OS.…

Windows 11 Start Screen

How to Use the Start Menu

The Essentials How to Use the Start Menu The Start menu has been given a big makeover for Windows 11, simplified in some ways and expanded in others. It may look a bit empty when compared to the Windows 10 Start menu, but it is still the main way to access your installed apps, software and games. Get to Grips with Start If you have used Windows 10, the Start menu shouldn’t hold too many surprises for you, but it is still a good idea to familiarise yourself with its features. Step 1 The completely redesigned Start menu is opened by clicking on the Windows icon in the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows Key on your keyboard. It opens above the taskbar icons, floating in the middle of the…

How to Use the Start Menu

Notifications and Quick Settings

The Essentials Notifications and Quick Settings There have always been pop-up messages in Windows but now there is a centralised way in which these are viewed and interacted with. In Windows 11, this is called the Notification Center, it works more like the notifications panel on a smartphone or tablet. Exploring the Notification Center The Notification Center is an important and useful element in Windows 11, providing you with access to the calendar as well as notifications and alerts. Step 1 New notifications and alerts will pop up at the bottom-right corner of the screen (by default, but you can change the notification settings), disappearing after a few seconds. After the initial pop-up has disappeared, you can view all current notifications by clicking on the time/date in the taskbar. Step…

Notifications and Quick Settings

Quick Settings Panel

Quick Settings Panel Unlike in the previous version of Windows, Windows 11 separates the quick settings panel from the Notification Center. Notification Center. Step 1 To access the quick settings panel in Windows 11, press Windows Key + a. The panel will appear in the same position on screen as the Notification Center. By default the panel contains buttons to quickly enable/disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Flight Mode, Battery Saver (if using a laptop) and Focus Assist. Step 2 There are also sliders to control screen brightness and system volume. The exact settings that appear in the quick settings panel will vary, depending on if you are using a desktop or a laptop computer. At the bottom of the panel is a button to open the main Windows 11 settings app. Step…

Quick Settings Panel

How to Use the Taskbar

The Essentials How to Use the Taskbar If you are moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the taskbar will likely be the first and most obvious change you notice. The taskbar has always been a useful tool, but in Windows 11 it becomes the real focus of the desktop and contains even more features and tools. Mastering the Windows 11 Taskbar The taskbar has always been more useful than many users realise. In Windows 11 the emphasis has shifted much more towards a simplified, but still powerful, selection of pinned tools/apps. Taskbar Layout The taskbar runs the full length of the bottom of the screen, and is now divided into two main sections: Start Menu/Pinned App and System Tools. In Windows 11 the taskbar app icons are arranged in…

How to Use the Taskbar

Using Task View and Multiple Desktops

The Essentials Using Task View and Multiple Desktops Task View was introduced properly in Windows 10, as a way to make multi-tasking easier and allowing the creation of extra desktop areas. In Windows 11 it’s even easier to instantly check and switch to open windows; and to create and manage multiple desktops. Using Task View Task View is a quick way to view and manage all of the windows and apps open on your PC at any given moment, even those that are minimised. Step 1 Task View is accessed by clicking the third icon in the taskbar; the white square on the black square. The Task View screen is split into two sections: Open tasks and desktops. Any apps or windows you have open, even if they are currently…

Using Task View and Multiple Desktops

Using Snap Layout and Snap Groups

The Essentials Using Snap Layout and Snap Groups Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, while similar to Snap Assist in Windows 10, are completely new features for Windows 11. Each is designed to make your life easier by giving you new ways to organise and retrieve apps and windows on a busy desktop. Using Snap Layouts Snap Layouts are a quick and easy way to organise a busy or cluttered desktop. They are similar to Snap Assist, but are created in a new and different way. Step 1 Snap Layouts can be created with just one open app or window, but really come into their own when several are open. Move your mouse over the Maximise button (top-right corner) of any open app or window, without clicking. After a second, a…

Using Snap Layout and Snap Groups

Inside the File Explorer

The Essentials Inside the File Explorer Although the File Explorer is much the same as it was in previous versions of Windows, it’s still worth exploring it further. The File Explorer is one of the most overlooked tools in Windows, but if you want to be able to find your accumulated photos, music files, word documents and other files, without having to use Search every time, it’s definitely something you should be familiar with. Show Libraries Your Libraries in Windows 11 are preset system folders that are the default locations for your Camera Roll, Music, Saved Pictures, Documents, Pictures and Videos. You can easily have these displayed in the File Explorer. Right-click on any free area of the Navigation Pane and from the menu, click Show Libraries. You can then…

Inside the File Explorer

How to Use File Explorer

The Essentials How to Use File Explorer You can just use the powerful and improved search feature to find files and documents; but the new, simplified File Explorer is often a better choice, especially if you are looking for groups of files or want to preview several files to find the right one. What’s New in File Explorer? File Explorer is a much undervalued part of Windows. And while it hasn’t fundamentally changed for several versions of the operating system, Windows 11 has made some changes, which we’ll take you through here. Step 1 The way you browse files in Windows 11 is similar to previous versions of Windows, but File Explorer has been slightly simplified. The main Quick Access window shows you your most frequently used folders (after all,…

How to Use File Explorer

Create and Manage Folders

The Essentials Create and Manage Folders Despite all of the changes to the Window’s OS, folders have remained one of the core tools for organising your files. Much more than just boxes to keep your photos or music files in, folders can really help to improve how you use Windows 11 on a day-to-day basis. Creating New Folders It may seem too simple if you are a long time Windows user, but here’s a look at how to create new folders on the desktop and within other folders. Step 1 On the desktop, right-click and select New folder from the action menu that appears. The familiar yellow folder icon will then appear at that position on the desktop (wherever you clicked), with the name automatically set as ‘New folder’ but…

Create and Manage Folders

Connecting to Wi-Fi

Connecting Your PC to the Internet Connecting to Wi-Fi A Wi-Fi network connection is now by far the most common way people connect to the Internet. The process should be fairly familiar to you by now, but if not, here are the exact steps to connect. Setting an Internet connection is an important step. Windows 11 makes joining and managing networks easy, bringing all of the relevant settings together in one place, including VPN and hotspot settings; and even the Wi-Fi adaptor hardware properties. Step 1 If your computer is not connected to the Internet, Windows will display a small globe icon on the right side of the taskbar. You can either click this and select Wi-Fi from the quick settings, or you can open the main Settings app >…

Connecting to Wi-Fi

Manage Network Settings

World Wide Windows 11 Manage Network Settings We’ll show you how to master your Wi-Fi settings and explain what you need to do if you have a problem connecting to the Internet. VPN Settings If you need to log in to a home VPN or corporate network, this is where you will need to enter the appropriate VPN settings. It’s fairly easy to do but you’ll need the configuration details from your IT help desk (they will have to enable your VPN access), plus your username and password. Proxy Settings If you use a proxy server, this is where you enter any specific settings to do with that. However, Windows 11 should automatically detect proxy settings. Note that the settings you configure here won’t apply if you connect via a…

Manage Network Settings

Exploring the Windows 11 Settings

World Wide Windows 11 Exploring the Windows 11 Settings The main settings app in Windows 11 has been completely redesigned, making it much easier to find everything you need to keep your computer working the way you need it to. You can find the settings app in the Start menu, or open it by pressing the Windows Key + I. Privacy & Security The privacy settings contains sections for all of the main areas where your privacy may be compromised, including some which might not be obvious at first. Windows Update It is important to make sure that your Windows computer is up-to-date with all the latest updates and revisions. Here you can check to see which updates are available to download and install. System Settings These are the core…

Exploring the Windows 11 Settings

Using Widgets in Windows 11

World Wide Windows 11 Using Widgets in Windows 11 Widgets are desktop app previews, allowing you to see important information from Windows apps, without needing to actually open those apps. Widgets are not new, but the way they are managed and displayed in Windows 11 is new. Wonderful Widgets If you are not used to using widgets, you could be excused for hardly noticing they are a part of Windows 11. But once you do start using them, their usefulness becomes obvious. Step 1 To open the widget panel, click or tap the button in the Taskbar (the blue and white square icon) or press Windows key + W on the keyboard. The panel slides out from the left side of the screen, and will sit over the top of…

Using Widgets in Windows 11

Exploring Microsoft Edge

World Wide Windows 11 Exploring Microsoft Edge Edge continues to get better and better, and the latest version in Windows 11 is no different. You should be familiar with it if you are upgrading from Windows 10, as it is basically the same version; but let’s take a look at the newest and best features of Microsoft Edge.…

Exploring Microsoft Edge

How to Use the Edge Browser

World Wide Windows 11 How to Use the Edge Browser The latest version of Edge, Edge Chromium, is a significant change to the original Edge browser; and offers a much better experience. Based on the Google Chrome browser, Edge is focused on modern web standards, privacy and security and has an impressive feature and tool list. Get Started with Edge Edge in Windows 11 feels much less clunky than the previous version and already feels more like the most popular browsers available, such as Chrome or Firefox. Installing Edge Edge comes pre-installed with Windows 11, and if you have upgraded from Windows 10 (and were using Edge previously) it should already be set up and working as normal. If you bought a PC with Windows 11 installed, or have never…

How to Use the Edge Browser

Personalising Edge

World Wide Windows 11 Personalising Edge Aside from the customisations to the Start page, you can personalise the look of the browser in several other ways too. Light or Dark Theme If you have changed the system theme to light or dark, Edge should automatically be set to the same. You can, however, choose the theme for Edge separately to the system theme. Open the Edge menu > Settings, and click Appearance. Choose the light, dark or system default theme. Edge Themes As well as light or dark, Edge lets you choose from about 15 other theme colours, from Morning Fog to Mystical Forest. Go to Edge menu > Settings > Appearance and click on the theme colour you want to apply. This will only apply colour to the top…

Personalising Edge

Edge Privacy Microsoft seems to be taking users’ privacy choices seriously with Edge Chromium, and you now have a much easier way to control your browsing data and history. The biggest improvement is Tracking Prevention. You can access these settings in Browser Menu > Settings > Privacy & Services. You can choose three different levels of tracking prevention: Basic, Balanced and Strict. These options all block known harmful trackers, but how personalised content (such as adverts) is displayed and how well all website features work, depends on the level you choose. Our advice is to switch to Strict and then see how it affects your favourite websites. If you find things are not displayed as they should be, you can always switch back to Balanced. You can view sites that…

Exploring Windows Mail

World Wide Windows 11 Exploring Windows Mail Long gone are the days of Microsoft Outlook Express being included with new releases of the OS, replaced instead by the Microsoft Mail app. This app first appeared in Windows 8, was vastly improved in Windows 10, and has now been improved yet again for Windows 11. Customise Mail You can customise how the Email app looks in a number of ways, from simple changes like choosing between a light and dark theme, to setting the overall colour and changing the background image for the app. To personalise the Mail app, click the Settings button and select “Personalisation”.…

Exploring Windows Mail

How to Use the Mail App

World Wide Windows 11 How to Use the Mail App The Mail app has barely changed in the update, remaining a simple and easy way to have all of your emails in one place. If you have updated from Windows 10, your email should already be up and running. But if not, here’s how to set up the Mail app in Windows 11. Setting Up Email Accounts The Windows 11 email client can be used to view emails from multiple accounts, from your POP3 Internet provider account, to Microsoft Exchange, Gmail and even Apple’s iCloud. Step 1 If opening Mail for the first time, you will be greeted by a welcome screen, containing a link to “+Add account”. Click this to open the list of available account types. You will…

How to Use the Mail App

Customise the Mail App

World Wide Windows 11 Customise the Mail App There are several ways to customise the Mail app to better suit your needs, from changing the background image and accent colour, to adding a signature and the display font. Background Image The background of the Mail app is set to an image by default. This is purely decorative, and can be changed. Open Settings > Personalisation in the Mail app, then scroll to the bottom to see the different backgrounds available. You can also add your own image by clicking the Browse button. Mail App Colour The colour tint on the Mail app menu (on the left) and the colour of the accents such as buttons and highlights, can also be changed in the Personalisation settings. Just click a colour block…

Customise the Mail App

Exploring the Microsoft Store

World Wide Windows 11 Exploring the Microsoft Store If the Desktop, Widgets, Notifications and new apps weren’t enough of an update for you, then you’re in luck as Microsoft has also updated and revamped its online Store. Giving you access to the best apps and entertainment.…

Exploring the Microsoft Store

How to use the Windows App Store

World Wide Windows 11 How to use the Windows App Store The Windows App Store has been updated, and given a new look fresh for Windows 11. It’s now designed to be more efficient and easier to get to the apps you want; and those that are trending or highlighted by Microsoft. Go Shopping With more content, and more to explore, there’s a lot to cover in the Windows 11 App Store. Here’s how it works, and some of the highlights. Step 1 The Windows App Store is located, by default, within the new taskbar. It’s easy to identify, it’s the carrier bag icon with the Microsoft logo. Click it, and as long as you’re signed into a valid Microsoft account, it will launch with the latest trending and highlighted…

How to use the Windows App Store

Setting Up the Teams App

How to Use Teams Chat Setting Up the Teams App Getting started with Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 is relatively easy if you have a Teams account already set up, which we assume you do if you are trying to use this app. Online meetings have been a big thing recently, so the addition of Microsoft Teams to Windows 11 makes sense. You’ll need a Microsoft Teams account set up to use the chat and video meeting tools, but once you have, remote working becomes a whole lot easier. Step 1 Click the Teams Chat icon in the taskbar, or open the Teams app in the main apps list. If your Microsoft account email matches the one you use when setting up your Teams account, the app should automatically detect…

Setting Up the Teams App

Meet and Chat in Teams

World Wide Windows 11 Meet and Chat in Teams With Teams set up, you can now easily start or join meetings, or chat with others who are also using Microsoft Teams. Either from the main app or by using the taskbar tool. Step 1 To begin a chat, click the Teams Chat icon in the taskbar. From the pop-up window, click on the Chat button. In the new window that opens, enter a contact name, email address or phone number. Type your message and that person will receive a notification telling them you want to start a chat. Step 2 Your messages, and the replies, are shown in the conversation window. You can attach and send files via the chat by clicking the paper clip icon. If you want to…

Meet and Chat in Teams

Search in Windows 11

Search in Windows 11 It’s hard to describe just how much better Search is in Windows 11, than in previous versions. Microsoft have done a lot to try to match the search functions on offer in rival operating systems, and the results can be seen in the new search feature. Step 1 If you need to search for anything on your Windows 11 PC, the taskbar search tool is now the place to do it. The search field in the taskbar from Windows 10 is no longer there. You can also access search through the Start menu, or by pressing Windows key + S on your keyboard. Step 2 In addition to files and folders, you can search for web results and apps. When you first click in the search…

Search in Windows 11

Search Settings and Tools

Making It Your Own Search Settings and Tools You have quite a lot of control over exactly how search provides you with search results, and what information it stores about your search history. Safe Search Sometimes web search results may show content that is not suitable for the younger audience, which is the reason Cortana also offers search filters. Go to Settings > Cortana > Permissions and History, and under SafeSearch, select the search filter that is most appropriate for you. Cloud Search Cloud search is an option introduced in Windows 10, which allows you to suppress cloud content on search results. Under Cloud Search, you will see a toggle that says Windows Cloud Search. This option manages whether Cortana shows cloud content in Windows Search. Device History This setting…

Search Settings and Tools

Inside the Calendar App

Making It Your Own Inside the Calendar App The Windows 11 Calendar app is a fully integrated planning tool that can be linked up to your email accounts and easily synced to your other Windows devices. You can add new events manually, or you can simply use it to view national and public holidays; all of which are automatically added based on your location. Calendar Updates The new Windows 11 Calendar app is one of a number of apps that Microsoft are actively updating on a regular basis. Features were removed and added even in the first few months of Windows 11’s launch, and there’s more to come. Whether any of the previous features that were removed will return is anyone’s guess, as Microsoft is remaining silent. But, with each…

Inside the Calendar App

Setting Up Calendars

Dates & Appointments with Calendar Setting Up Calendars The calendar can be a great productivity tool. We’ll show you how to set up your calendar, arrange events and change settings, so your calendar is exactly the way you want it. Digital calendars are no longer the preserve of business people scheduling appointments via email. With mobile phones now our new diaries, digital calendars are being used by increasing numbers of people to organise their busy lives. Welcome to Calendar. Adding Calendars Like Windows 11’s email app, Calendar also enables you to add multiple accounts; and from different providers too. So whether you use an Outlook calendar at work or have shared Google calendars, you can join them all together in the Calendar app. To Start click on Add Accounts. Sign…

Setting Up Calendars

Creating and Managing Events

Making It Your Own Creating and Managing Events In the Calendar app, the appointments and reminders you add manually are called Events. You can add multiple events to each day, add emojis and set events to repeat. Step 1 The default view when opening the Calendar is the month view. You can switch to the different views (Day, Week, Month and Year) using the buttons along the top of the calendar. There is also a button here to take the view back to the current day, if you have been browsing future or past months. Step 2 Click the New Event button in the top left. Add the name of the event, a location should you wish to, plus start and end dates and times. You’re also able to invite…

Creating and Managing Events

DID YOU KNOW? Tap @in Morse Code Did you know you can type your email address in Morse code? On 24 May 2004, the 160th anniversary of the transmission of the very first Morse code message, the Radiocommunication Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) added the ‘at’ symbol @to the official Morse code character set. Incidentally, the ‘@‘ symbol predates both email and Morse code. It’s known as the ‘commat’ or ‘alphasat’, and has for years been used in commercial documents and listings as a shorthand for ‘at the current rate of’. For example, ten apples @25p per apple = 2.50. But the earliest known use of ‘@‘ is found in a Bulgarian translation of a Greek chronicle written by Constantinos Manasses in 1345. The document, now found in…

Personalising Windows 11

Making It Your Own Personalising Windows 11 As with all recent versions of Windows, you can completely change the look of Windows 11 to suit your own needs or style. From the desktop wallpaper and colour theme, to the icons, taskbar and lock screen, everything can be customised and personalised. Change the Desktop Background The desktop personalisation procedure hasn’t changed much since Windows 10, so if you’ve used that OS before this will feel very familiar. Step 1 You can get started with personalising the Windows 11 desktop in exactly the same way you did with Windows 10. For anyone completely new to Windows, that means right-clicking anywhere on the desktop screen and selecting Personalise from the action menu that appears. Step 2 The Background settings will be displayed first…

Personalising Windows 11

Disable the Lock Screen

Making It Your Own Disable the Lock Screen There is no setting to disable the lock screen completely but it is still possible to do so by delving into the Registry. This is fairly advanced customisation, so approach with care. Step 1 To access the Registry, press the Windows key + R, enter regedit, and then click OK. With the Registry open, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ Policies\Microsoft\Windows\. Right-click the final Windows folder and click New > Key to proceed. Step 2 Name this new key “Personalisation” and then navigate inside it. Right-click inside the right-hand pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it “NoLockScreen”. Then double click this new value and change the Value data to 1. Then click OK and exit the Registry Editor. Adding New Themes Themes…

Disable the Lock Screen

Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

Making It Your Own Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are a useful way to speed up navigating your way around Windows 11, especially if you are using a laptop with a touchpad. There are literally hundreds to learn, but here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for everyday use. Basic Keyboard Shortcuts Ctrl+C________________________________Copy the selected item Ctrl+X_________________________________ Cut the selected item Ctrl+V_______________________________ Pastetheselecteditem Ctrl+Z ______________________________________ Undo an action Alt+Tab___________________________ Switch between open apps Alt+F4______________________Close an active item, or exit an app Shift+Delete__________ DeleteitemwithoutmovingtoRecycleBin Ctrl+Shift+Esc________________________ Open the Task Manager Windows Key Shortcuts Windows key______________________________ OpenStartmenu Windows key + A____________________Open Quick Settings panel Windows key‌+ S_______________________________ Open Search Windows key‌+ C___________________________ Open Teams Chat Windows key‌+ Tab___________________________Open Task view Windows key + I___________________ Open Windows 11 Settings Windows key…

Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

TECH ROUND-UP Tech Round-Up If you’re looking for something different for your device, this is the place to start. Each issue, we take a look at some of the best and worst peripherals, gadgets and apps that have crossed our path. ©2021 Pokemon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Hardware STM ChargeTree Swing I1601P AOC 16 LCD Monitor AirLit Smart Fan HaloLock Adjustable Wireless Charging Stand Cubbit Cell Groov-e Jazz Buds ESR Gear HaloLock Kickstand Software DxO PhotoLab 5 DxO FilmPack 6 AKVIS Magnifier AI 11 HUMANITY app Motif Photo Canvas Service Cloud Battery Games SpongeBob Patty Pursuit Double Dragon Trilogy Pokemon UNITE Zombie Night Terror…

STM ChargeTree Swing Charging station

TECH ROUND-UP STM ChargeTree Swing Charging station Charge three, with Qi! This second-generation STM ChargeTree makes a few minor, but welcome, changes from the original model. Like the original ChargeTree it’s available in black or white, and it once more charges a Qi-compatible iPhone, AirPods (with a wireless charging case), and an Apple Watch - all at the same time, using only one power socket. You just need a USB-C mains adapter of at least 20W. It’s not supplied, but they’re not hard to come by. As before, you charge your iPhone by resting it on the backward-leaning mat at the front of the ChargeTree Swing. It’s comfortably cushioned, and there’s an optional rubber raiser to fit over the foot if you have a smaller iPhone that needs the extra…

STM ChargeTree Swing Charging station

I1601P AOC 16 LCD Monitor

TECH ROUND-UP I1601P AOC 16 LCD Monitor Is this portable screen a worthy addition to your travel bag? The problem with working away from home on your notebook is you’ve probably got no access to a second monitor. Sure, there’s your iPad using the Sidecar feature, but do you miss the high-definition, 16-inch behemoth you have on your desk? This portable screen from AOC is designed to fill precisely that gap. The I1601P (why must monitor manufacturers use such boring names?) is 15.6 inches corner to corner and has a resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p). Not a match for your 3072‑by‑1920 16-inch Retina MacBook Pro, but it’s a decent screen in its own right. One area where it can’t compete with Apple’s screens is the colour gamut. Whereas the current range…

I1601P AOC 16 LCD Monitor

AirLit Smart Fan Desk Fan

TECH ROUND-UP AirLit Smart Fan Desk Fan Don’t sweat it – AirLit is here! British start-up GeoSmartPro specialises in smart-home gadgets. Its latest release is AirLit, an iPhone app-controlled smart fan that’s packed with extra features. As a fan, it’s 44cm high with its telescopic stand retracted, or 100cm with it extended. The fan itself is 45cm wide. An eight-hour battery in the stand means you can use it all day without mains power, or you can plug it into a mains adapter using a USB-C cable. You can control the fan using your iPhone and the GeoSmartPro app. Use your phone to switch it on (obviously), set its wind speed to one of four levels and more. On the lowest setting it’s very quiet, and even when pumping out…

AirLit Smart Fan Desk Fan

HaloLock Adjustable Wireless Charging Stand

TECH ROUND-UP HaloLock Adjustable Wireless Charging Stand One-touch mounting, convenient charging… To no one’s great surprise, third-party manufacturers have been quick to release MagSafe-compatible gear for the newest smartphones, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to chargers, cases and more that fit to your phone magnetically; for pop-on, pop-off convenience. This adjustable wireless charging stand is just such a product. With four pivot joints on a 20cm stand, you can bend the HaloLock into any position you choose. It’s ideal for your desk, where you can place your iPhone, to glance at incoming notifications as it charges. You can rotate it into portrait or landscape mode, and powerful built-in magnets securely hold it in place, even when it vibrates. It connects to your mains power using a bundled USB-C…

HaloLock Adjustable Wireless Charging Stand

Jazz Buds Bluetooth Earbuds

TECH ROUND-UP Jazz Buds Bluetooth Earbuds Can affordable earbuds impress in the audio department? ot everyone wants or needs to spend three figures on a set of Bluetooth earbuds. Thankfully, the quality of lower-priced buds is improving all the time. This sub-30 pair from Groov-e might not be a match for top of the range models, but their performance belies the price. Jazz Buds closely resemble Apple’s own AirPods in appearance; a speaker unit placed in the ear, with an aerial extending downwards from it. They have a four-hour battery life, which isn’t great, but there’s another 21 hours of power in the charging capsule. As long as you don’t need to listen to them all day without a recharge, they should be fine. They don’t isolate well, so you…

Jazz Buds Bluetooth Earbuds

HaloLock Kickstand by ESR Gear

HaloLock Kickstand by ESR Gear Is this the MagSafe device you’ve been looking for? This disc-shaped MagSafe charger connects to the mains through USB-C (adapter not included), and fastens to your iPhone using the magnets built in to the last two models. It’s a small, pocket-sized device that’s pretty handy when you’re out and about, as long as you’ve access to a USB-C mains adapter. It’s well built, with an aluminium body and stand, and a black or white charging surface. With the leg folded away it can function as a flat charging mat, and when used as a stand you can prop up your iPhone in landscape orientation (but not portrait) and watch a movie or a YouTube video. As a product, the HaloLock Kickstand falls between two stools;…

HaloLock Kickstand by ESR Gear

Cubbit Cell Network Storage Drive

TECH ROUND-UP Cubbit Cell Network Storage Drive A new kind of storage drive; NAS, but not as you know it. Where do you keep your computer’s data files? You could use an external hard drive, but then you can’t access your files over the Internet, and if you’re burgled and it gets stolen with your computer, you’ve lost your data. You could use a NAS drive, but these are notoriously user-unfriendly, and again, if it gets stolen with your Mac, you’ve lost your data. What about the cloud? There’s no danger of having your files stolen with your equipment there, but you have to pay a monthly fee for whatever storage space you need. Or you could use Cubbit Cell, a new kind of cloud storage. Cubbit Cell is a…

Cubbit Cell Network Storage Drive

TECH ROUND-UP DxO PhotoLab 5 Significant improvements, but should you upgrade? DxO is back with this year’s annual update of its flagship PhotoLab high-end photo editing suite. Version 5 offers a small but significant update from last year’s release, is available in Standard and Elite versions and there’s a discount if you’ve already bought PhotoLab 3 or 4. There’s also a launch discount available, so if you buy before 14th November 2021, you get a substantial knockdown on the prices listed here. As regular readers know, DxO PhotoLab is an image editor designed specifically for photographers. It’s a high-end suite of tools that takes a while to master, but can produce excellent results. During set up you can choose between three levels of difficulty, depending on your skills and experience,…

TECH ROUND-UP DxO FilmPack Give your pics an old-school make over. While few would like to go back to analogue film processing, there’s no denying old school development processes had a style and character of their own. FilmPack is designed to bring the look and feel of photographs from eras gone by, to your modern digital pictures. It’s less intense, less ‘geeky’ than DxO’s flagship PhotoLab application. The sweet science is there, but it’s more of an everyman’s suite of tools; very capable, but a good deal less scary. DxO FilmPack reproduces the grain and colours of legendary analogue films as closely as possible. The software recreates the hues, saturation, contrast and grain of 84 authentic analogue films, including the Kodak Tri-X 400, Polaroid 690, Ilford HPS, and Fujifilm Superia.…

AKVIS Magnifier AI 11.0

TECH ROUND-UP AKVIS Magnifier AI 11.0 Who says ’size doesn’t matter’? Finding the digital image you need can be a frustrating exercise, especially if you come across a picture that’s perfect for your project, but too small to use. That’s where AKVIS Magnifier AI 11.0 comes in. Available as a stand-alone app or a Photoshop plug-in, Magnifier AI uses trained neural networks for image upscaling to increase the size of digital pictures without the annoying pixelation associated with zooming in too far. New features for version 11.0 include colour processing improvements, a redesigned user interface, support for more RAW files, and better program stability. It’s easy to use. Import a photo or other such image into the app, and use a slider to blow it up in size; to up…

AKVIS Magnifier AI 11.0

TECH ROUND-UP HUMANITY app Stay younger for longer. HUMANITY is aimed at slowing down the ageing process and keeping you healthier for longer. You can download a limited-function version for free, but to get the benefit of the premium app requires an in-app purchase costing £29.99/$29.99/29.99 €. The app continuously monitors your actions, rate of ageing and your ‘biological age’ (premium version only) using data gleaned from your iPhone and any health-orientated wearables or accessories you might use. This information is analysed, and the app reports back with advice and guidelines personalised specifically for you. According to the developers, benefits of using the HUMANITY app include a reduced biological age, a slower rate of ageing, staying healthy and happy for many more years, managing stress and more. Definitely worth the…

Motif Photo: Canvas Prints

TECH ROUND-UP Motif Photo: Canvas Prints Wall mount your memories… Remember when Apple sold prints, photo books, calendars and cards, all made from your own photographs? The printing and distribution back in the day was handled by Motif, and although Apple no longer sells printed works, its one-time partner has stepped into the gap and now sells them directly. Just download the app for your Mac (a plug-in that works with Photos), your smartphone and/or tablet, and get started. Motif has recently added canvas prints to its range of products. It’s a simple process. You choose a size from 20x25cm (£24.99) to 61x91cm (£79.99). Then choose a photograph from the device you’re placing your order on, which can be in portrait or landscape orientation. Choose from a few options, then…

Motif Photo: Canvas Prints

SpongeBob:Patty Pursuit

TECH ROUND-UP SpongeBob:Patty Pursuit Save the Krabby Patty Formula. I have to admit, I never saw the appeal of SpongeBob SquarePants. I’m probably too old, and my kids were never into it either, so it kind of passed me by and as such I never got into it. I was shocked to discover that SpongeBob first appeared on our screens in 1999, and has made over $13 billion in merchandising revenue as of 2019. More fool me, then. In this Apple Arcade exclusive, Sheldon J. Plankton is trying to steal the secret Krabby Patty formula and along the way he has also kidnapped SpongeBob’s friends. Your task is to steer SpongeBob along a platform, undersea world in order to stop Plankton, get the formula back and rescue your friends. Not…

SpongeBob:Patty Pursuit

Double Dragon Trilogy

TECH ROUND-UP Double Dragon Trilogy A knee to the face, then get thrown over the shoulder. Beautiful. I blooming love Double Dragon. Back in the late Eighties, at the local arcade a dingy, dishevelled dive, complete with sticky carpet and drenched in eye-watering neon my mate Daz and I would force-feed ten pence pieces into the Double Dragon arcade machine and settle in for an afternoon of cooperative digital violence. It was superb. Imagine how happy I was to get my hands on the complete trilogy on the iPad. Sadly, Daz and I have parted ways in the years since 1987, but these days I have a couple of children who can help me take on the bosses and finally rescue poor old Marian from the clutches of the Black…

Double Dragon Trilogy

TECH ROUND-UP Pokémon UNITE Gotta beat ‘em all! We’ve seen a slew of really quite decent multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA)-style mobile games over the past few years. Each offers its own unique spin on the genre, and while some shine throughout the various app stores, others let the side down considerably. It’s like any other gaming genre, really, but MOBA games tend to get the brunt of the negativity from the popular media. Taking some of the better aspects of a MOBA game, Pokemon UNITE lets you engage in five-on-five battles on Aeos Island, against NPC trainers and human ones alike. As with the other Pokémon titles, you get to tackle the creatures in the wild, level up and evolve. Then you face off against another trainer and see…

Zombie Night Terror

TECH ROUND-UP Zombie Night Terror Braiiiiins… Developer, Plug In Digital, has taken a classic Lemmings-like concept and introduced it to the zombie culture in a gory, blood-soaked 2D strategy game. And it all works rather well. Set in a semi-monochromatic, film-noir, 16-bit pixel art world, you are the mastermind behind this zombie invasion and your goal is as simple as trying to infect as many people as possible. Doing so, though, is quite tricky. You have a set number of zombie DNA points in which to infect the on-screen non-zombie population. The more people you infect, and in turn which they bite and infect, the more DNA points you have available. The DNA points you gain unlock zombie mutations, which can then be used to direct, explode, speed up or…

Zombie Night Terror

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