Everything You Need to Know About the New Privacy Controls on Alexa

Recently, Amazon announced new Alexa privacy controls, alongside its launch of a bizarre flying Ring indoor camera drone. So, what’s new in the privacy controls of Amazon Alexa?

Now you can configure Alexa not to save any of your voice recordings, and none of your voice recordings will get saved. This is definitely a much more advanced option compared to what it was previously. The auto-deletion can be opted only after three or 18 months. The settings for the same can be found in the Alexa app. Just go to Settings, tap on More, select alexa Privacy, and then move to the Manage Your Alexa Data Menu. Here, you need to select Automatically delete recordings.

No doubt you will get a warning message that deleting the recordings “May degrade Alexa’s ability to understand and respond,” but it will hardly make any difference in the functioning of Alexa.

But supposing your Alexa devices become unresponsive, you always have the option to switch back to three months, 18 months, or only when you deleted them.

Even after you delete all of your voice recordings, all the Alexa request transcripts will still be there for 30 days before they get deleted permanently. However, you can also delete them manually before 30 days, if required. You can do it by going to More Settings , and selecting the Alexa Privacy. Tap on Review Voice History and then you need to select the date range. You get all the options for deletion like today, yesterday, this week, this month, and also if required, custom. Once selected the data for deletion, if you have “Enable deletion by voice” turned on, you can ask Alexa to delete the selected data by saying “Alexa delete everything I’ve said.”

Stop Alexa from Getting Triggered

Smart speakers getting triggered when you haven’t intended for it is a problem every one of us might have encountered at times. You cannot make use of any personal wake word; instead, you have to choose from among the four provided by Amazon. They are Alexa, Amazon, Computer and Echo.

You may make changes in the wake words according to the device you are using. No matter whatever wake word you have opted for, always keep in mind, if you have turned on the follow-up mode, your wake-up word will be disabled by default, and your device will wait and listen for five seconds more after it answers and it will respond even without the need of the wake word.

Marshall Lyne is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

 

 

 

SOURCE: Everything You Need to Know About the New PrivacyControls on Alexa

 

Google Tests a New Car Mode UI for the Google Maps App

 

Recently Google has added a new feature in Google Maps, which is known as the “Covid-19 layer,” and now Google is all set to launch a new care mode UI for Google Maps. The new interface is currently in beta testing and is available to only a few Google Maps users. The new interface will introduce big buttons in the app. Using these buttons, Google Maps users can quickly navigate through the Google Maps app while they are driving their car.

The new car mode UI is somewhat similar to Android Auto navigation UI. However, it’s not entirely identical to the Android Auto navigation UI. The UI features two buttons. On the left-hand side, you get a microphone button that you can use to launch the Google Assistant on your mobile. Similarly, on the right-hand side, you get a menu button/ home button that will launch a new screen, which will include all the essential apps of your phone like calls app, messages app, Spotify app, YouTube Music app, etc.

Right above it, you will see the music playback controls in the app. Besides this, there is no change in the main Google Maps screen and Navigation UI. When you tap on the menu button and click on the icons, you will see their respective screen along with large UI buttons and cards on your mobile.

The new car mode Ui is very similar to Android Auto phone UI. But it’s not entirely identical to Android Auto navigation UI (Which is going to be replaced by the “Assistant Driving mode” in the near future).

The new car mode UI is currently in beta testing and is available to only a few Google Map users. Besides this, Google has not revealed when this new car mode UI will be available for all the Google Maps users. So, if you haven’t received the new car mode UI on your Google Maps app, then you will have to wait a little bit longer to get your hands on it.

Our View

Google is working day and night to add lots of unique features for Android users to make their life more comfortable during this COVID-19 epidemic. Recently Google had launched a new feature in the Google Maps app “COVID- 19 layer,” and now it is all set to release the new care mode UI for Google Maps users. Overall, the new car mode UI is really unique, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it. But we might have to wait a little bit longer for this new car mode UI because it is still in beta testing.

Do you like the new car mode UI? Do share your views with us in the comments.

 

Emily Watson is an inventive person who has been doing intensive research in particular topics and writing blogs and articles on webroot.com/safe and many other related topics. She is a very knowledgeable person with lots of experience.

 

 

 

SOURCE: GoogleTests a New Car Mode UI for the Google Maps App

 

How to Hard Reset Your Apple AirPods

 

Do you wish to know how to hard reset your AirPods? If yes, then you are indeed in the right place. This guide will teach you the simplest way to hard reset Apple AirPods. However, before we dig into the in-depth troubleshooting, it would help if you first learn why to hard reset AirPods. Many times hard reset is the only solution to fix certain technical glitches from electronic devices. The same applies to AirPods as well since they might sometimes act up. In such cases, you might want to use some easy methods first, but when nothing works, you must hard reset them to troubleshoot the ongoing problem. 

Is Apple AirPods Worth for Your Money?

Despite the fact that they rarely act up, they are an excellent choice when it comes to truly wireless earphones. AirPods Pro is even better in sound isolation and produces tremendous thumpy bass. The sound quality of these earphones is even comparable to the audiophile headphones that easily cost thousands of dollars. Some audiophiles even compare the AirPods to the famous headphones of Sennheiser. No doubt that it is indeed the best true wireless earbuds ever.

How to Hard Reset Apple AirPods?

Before you hard reset your AirPods, please remember that it will disconnect AirPods from all your devices. So use it with caution, even though it will not cause any problem to your devices. Here’s how to accomplish hard reset on AirPods: 

1. First and foremost, open the lid of the charging case.
2. Now tap and hold down the Power key on the rear of the charging case.
3. Hang on for a while until the light starts glowing.
4. Let go of the power key when the red light starts glowing on your case. 

Congratulations, you have successfully performed a hard reset on your AirPods. Now it will be unpaired to all your devices. You will need to set them up once again with all your devices, one by one to use them. Once that is done, you will be able to use them as usual.   

After the hard reset, your AirPods will glow white which indicates that you can now pair them to your devices. It should also fix the connectivity and other technical issues that you might be facing in them.

How to Check the Battery Status of AirPods?

If you wish to check how much battery is remaining, then please obey this guide:

1. First and foremost, make sure your AirPods are connected to your iOS device. 
2. Next, bring your charging case nearby to the device that you have connected to your AirPods.
3. After that, press the key located on the rear of the case.
4. Now look at your iOS device, it will show you the current battery status of your earphones.

That’s how to hard reset your Apple AirPods. We have also learned how to check the battery status. We hope that this article helped you in hard resetting AirPods.  

 

 

Jay Cross is a trained office.com/setup expert who works with the development team with feedback from customers to make it to expectations. He lives in New York and In addition to his work, he also writes for his personal blog.

 

 

 

SOURCE: How to Hard Reset Your Apple AirPods

 

How to Record Your Screen in Windows 10

 

Did you know that your Windows 10 has a screen recording feature? Well, it does, and you can do so in various ways. Screen recording helps you capture every instance of gameplay; also, you can create tutorials of anything you do on your Windows. These screenshots get saved in MP4 and other video formats. These recorded videos can be broadcasted easily on Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms.

In this article, you will learn some of the best methods to record the screen on your Windows 10 using native apps like the Xbox Game bar as well as third-party apps.

Using Xbox Game Bar

Windows native Xbox Game Bar offers the easiest way to record every occurrence on your screen. There are two ways to launch the application: from the Start menu or with the shortcut key "Win + G." If you encounter any error, try to reinstall the application from Microsoft Store.

While navigating to Xbox through the Start menu, you will come across an option named "App settings." From here, enable “record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using the Game bar.”

You can also set up configurations for recorded video, audio quality, and video quality

Once everything is set, you can press the red circle in the game bar to start recording. Click again, to stop, or use the shortcut "Win + Alt + R." The recorded videos will be saved as a default in “D:\Videos\Captures.”

Use the NVIDIA Control Panel

If you have installed an NVIDIA graphics card on your PC, you can make use of the NVIDIA Control Panel application to record your screen. Once installed, you can access the NVIDIA application from the Start menu.

This app allows you to set up the screen resolution, refresh rate, and other settings.

Download and install the GeForce Game Ready driver from NVIDIA's official website.

It will take a while, as the graphics driver will undergo a basic system compatibility test, before launching the GeForce Game Ready driver on your computer. Once, the NVIDIA GeForce rig is ready, press Alt + Z to get the options, like Record, Instant Replay, or broadcast LIVE.

You may hit the Record button to start recording the screen, as and when required.

Use Screen Recorder Pro for Windows 10

Screen Recorder Pro is a free application available on Windows 10. This app does not just record everything on the screen but also the webcam. You can easily install Screen Recorder Pro from the Microsoft Store, and access it from the Start menu.

Unlike the apps mentioned above, Screen Recorder Pro offers multiple options to view the screen, including full screen, a specific region, specific screen, only audio, and desktop duplication. It can also save your files in various formats, like FFmpeg for MP4, H.264, GIF, and WebM.

Just press the red circle to begin recording. Alt + F9 to stop and resume anytime, and Shift + F9 to pause the recording.

All the screenshots and videos will be saved in a folder named “Captura.”

Use Debut Screen and Video Recorder

Debut Screen and Video Recorder has more advanced features for screen recording. Plus it is free to use for non-commercial purposes.

This app is capable of supporting a large number of resolution formats along with swift capture. It includes Android devices (480p and 720p), iPhone versions up to iPhone X, PS4, Xbox, and Nintendo 3DS.

Hit the red circle to start recording, Ctrl + F10 to stop recording, and Ctrl + F9 to resume.

These were some of the best ways to capture screens in Windows 10. If you are into high graphics gaming, then you can also try gameplay tools such as XSplit or OBS for highly advanced features.

 

John Hunt is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

 

 

 

SOURCE: How to Record Your Screen in Windows 10

 

 

 

 

 

How to Fix the ‘Could Not Initialize Graphics System’ Error on Windows 10?

Could not initialize the Graphics system’ is amongst the most common errors on Windows 10. A number of gamers often encounter this issue. And luckily, this error can be fixed easily. This graphics error is also known as Graphics Device Driver Error 43. Read on and follow the solutions mentioned below to fix this error on your Windows 10 device.

 

Update the Graphics Driver through Device Manager

 

You should pursue the steps provided below:

 

1. Tap the Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch the Run box.
2. After that, insert ‘Devmgmt.msc’ into it and hit the Enter button to invoke the Device Manager.
3. Then find the Display Adapters from the Device Manager screen.
4. Select the arrow icon to view the graphic devices.
5. Go to the device you would like to update, and right-click on it.
6. Now, choose the Update Driver option.
7. You should enable the internet connection.
8. Now, choose the option of ‘Search automatically for updated driver software.’ 
9. The PC will browse the system storage and internet for the newest drivers and then install them.

 

Launch Windows Updates

 

You should pursue the steps provided below:

 

1. Go to the Windows Search section.
2. Thereafter, input ‘Windows update’ into it and select the OK button to launch the Windows Update screen.
3. Select the button of ‘Check for updates.’
4. After that, restart the system.

 

Enable Compatibility Mode for the Game

 

You should pursue the steps provided below:

 

1. Reach the game’s installation folder and right-click on it.
2. Then choose the option of Properties from the menu.
3. You should choose the tab of Compatibility.
4. Select the drop-down menu beneath the section of Compatibility mode and select the previous version of Windows.
5. Beneath the section of Settings, tick the boxes of ‘Disable full-screen optimizations’, and ‘Run this program as an administrator.’
6. Tap the button of Apply to save the changes.
7. Now, click on the OK button.

 

Change Display Resolution

 

You should pursue the steps provided below:

 

1. Reach the empty area over the desktop, and right-click on it.
2. Choose the Display Settings option.
3. Finally, extend the drop-down arrow beneath the Display Resolution and choose a new resolution.

 

Installing the DirectX Manually

 

You should pursue the steps provided below:

 

1. Go to the Microsoft site and reach the screen of DirectX download.
2. After that, select the button of Download to start the downloading process of the setup file.
3. Then launch the file of ‘dxwebsetup.exe’ and pursue the on-screen steps to finish the installation.
4. Once the installation process is over, restart the device.

By following the troubleshooting steps given above, you will be able to fix the could not initialize graphics system on Windows 10 error.

 

 

 

Daisy Martin arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup.

 

 

 

 

SOURCE: How to Fix the ‘Could Not Initialize Graphics System’ Error on Windows 10?

How to Print From Your Android Phone or Tablet

 As technology advances, gadgets become more useful than they already were. That said, the old-fashioned printers are no less. Earlier, these printers needed a tethered connection to a computer. But now, you can conveniently print from Android smartphones and tablets using a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. You don't even need one of those high-tech printers. Your Android device will make sure you get the print using older printers. Keep reading to learn more.

Google Cloud Print

Printers with wireless capabilities and Google Cloud Print are becoming more affordable. Google Cloud Print enables you to print from Android. This tool connects your printer to the internet, making it possible for you to give the print command, even when you are outside by using your internet connection.

In case, your printer has the Google Cloud Print functionality baked in, the set up becomes easier. All you need to do is, link your printer to your Google account with a username and password.

After this, launch the Cloud Print app on your Android device to log into your account. This way, you connected your printer and Android device. Now, the only requirement to give the print command is that both your printer and Android must be connected to the internet. The rest will be the same as with any other device.

Instructions to print from Android:

1. Open a document you wish to print. 
2. Tap on the Menu button.
3. Select Print.
4. On the page that opens up, select the printer you want a print from.
5.  Now, tap on the print button.

Use Google Cloud Print on an Old School Printer.

You can use your old-school printer to print from your smartphone but in an old-school way. To do so, both your computer and the printer should always be on and connected physically. Doesn't really sound smart but at least it can be done!

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. Select the Menu button in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. Click Settings.
4. Open Advanced to see more options.
5. Navigate to the Printing section and click Google Cloud Print.
6. Open Manage Cloud Print devices.
7. Scroll down to find a section named Classic printers.
8. Select Add printers.
9. A page will appear with all the available printers. Select the one you want to add to your Google Cloud Print network, and then follow the prompts.
10. Now, look for a file on your Android device that allows printing. Open the menu options to select Print.

Print From Android Using Email

This is one of the most interesting methods to use your Android for printing. Some printers have their own email addresses, to allow printing from Android without using other apps or services. If your printer does have an email address, simply follow the steps mentioned in its manual to set up email printing. Please know that every printer has a different procedure for its online setup.

Once the setup is complete, you can send an email to the printer’s email address attached to the documents or files you wish to print.

Print From Android Using a USB Cable

Very few printers allow for connecting your Android device physically to print. To take advantage of this feature, you will need a USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable, and a converter to connect your smartphone’s port to the USB Type-A of the other cable. Here is how you can print from Android using a USB cable:

1. Join the USB converter to the smartphone.
2. Attach the USB Type-B cable to the printer.
3. Allow plug-ins.
4. Now, give the print command from your Android device as you normally would.

We hope that this article was able to help you connect your Android device to the printer in order to make your printing task easier.

 

Emily Watson is an inventive person who has been doing intensive research in particular topics and writing blogs and articles on webroot.com/safe and many other related topics. She is a very knowledgeable person with lots of experience.

 

 

SOURCE: How to Print From Your Android Phone or Tablet

Hulu vs. Netflix: Which Streaming Service Should You Buy

 

Both Hulu and Netflix are phenomenal streaming services and provide lots of amazing content to its subscribers. But which streaming service should you buy? That’s a tough question to answer. So, to help you out, today, we are going to compare these two streaming services so that you can make a prudent decision.

Availability

Netflix is available in more than 190 countries. Whereas, Hulu has very limited availability and is available in only the US (including US military bases). However, that does not mean you can’t access it outside of the US. You can easily access Hulu by using a secure and reliable VPN service. But you must have a credit/debit card issued by a US-based financial institution so that you can purchase a Hulu subscription. Overall, Netflix appears to be a better option than Hulu because it is available in more than 190 countries, and you can access its services very quickly.

Device Support

You can easily access both the streaming services on devices like mobile, PC, gaming consoles, smart TVs, etc. You can also access these two services on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Additionally, you can also access Hulu using your Nintendo Switch, but you can’t access Netflix on Nintendo Switch.

Content

Both the streaming services provide its users access to thousands of movies and TV shows. However, Netflix features lots of original TV shows and movies like Narcos, Master of None, The Paramedic, etc. Whereas Hulu users get access to shows from ABC, NBC, and Fox because Hulu has streaming rights of their shows. Using Hulu, you can get access to TV series like ER, Futurama, and original shows like Handmaid’s Tale, etc. But Hulu provides less original TV shows and movies to its subscribers in comparison to Netflix.  Additionally, you also get access to 60+ Live channels with Hulu. You can also customize your Hulu Subscription by purchasing add-ons. Overall, Hulu appears to be a better option than Netflix in terms of content.

Plans and Pricing

Netflix, at this moment, offers three subscription plans to its users:

§  Basic- This plan comes with a price tag of $9 per month (For one user), and you can watch all the available shows and movies on Netflix but only in SD quality.

§  Standard-This plan comes with a price tag of $13 per month (For two devices) and allows Netflix users to stream their favorite content in HD quality.

§  Premium-This plan comes with a price tag of $16 per month, and you can watch all the available shows and movies on Netflix in 4K quality.

Note: All the plans allow Netflix subscribers to download Netflix shows and movies for offline viewing.

Similarly, Hulu is also currently offering three subscription plans to its users:

§  Hulu (Basic Plan)- This plan comes with a price tag of $5.99 per month, and you can watch all the available shows and movies on Hulu. But with ads. Besides this, you can’t download shows and movies for offline viewing too.

§  Hulu (No Ads)- This plan comes with a price tag of $11.99 per month, and you can watch all the available shows and movies on Hulu completely ad-free. You can also download shows and movies for offline viewing.

§  Hulu+ Live TV-This plan comes with a price tag of$54.99 per month, and you can watch all the available shows and movies on Hulu completely ad-free. Besides this, you also get access to 60+ live TV channels, and you can also download movies and shows for offline viewing.

Additionally, you can also customize your Hulu Plan by purchasing additional add-ons with it. Overall, Hulu appears to be a better choice than Netflix because it also offers 60+ live TV channels to its subscribers.

Our View

Both Hulu and Netflix are phenomenal streaming services and have a vast collection of original shows and movies. Overall, Hulu appears to be a better option than Netflix because Hulu also offers access to Live TV channels. But its availability is very limited. So, if you live in the US and don’t watch lots of original shows and movies, then Hulu is a perfect pick for you. Whereas if you live outside of the US, then Netflix is a perfect pick for you.

Jay Cross is a trained office.com/setup expert who works with the development team with feedback from customers to make it to expectations. He lives in New York and In addition to his work, he also writes for his personal blog.

 

 

 

 

SOURCE: Huluvs. Netflix: Which Streaming Service Should You Buy