Welcome to this week’s installment of my Update.  Hope you’ve enjoyed the La Croix seltzer.  My servers will be around with the technology appetizers for you.   Oh, here comes the first one….

1. Samsung’s new S10 smartphones (S10e, S10, S10+) appear to be selling well.  As I mentioned before, if you are sick of the iPhone or want to try a phone of that caliber with a slightly different look and feel — this would be the one to grab.  In general, my clients are iPhone users.  However, there are some Android enthusiasts among us.  Others simply don’t want to get involved with Apple products or prefer an Android phone (like the Galaxy S) for very specific reasons.  The two that I can think of are — better voice dictation (no doubt) and better cameras in some instances.   I am glad Apple has followed their lead by offering promotions (either directly or through carriers) if you buy a new iPhone and trade an old one in. In a mature industry, Apple can’t sit on its hands.

Oh boy, this tray looks a little stale.

2. Password Problems:  I’m still coming across customers who are using weak passwords or who don’t take password security seriously.  It’s really frustrating after I keep bringing up this topic over and over again.  Passwords should be different for EVERY WEBSITE.  Sensitive passwords should be changed at least every 6 months.  If you have trouble coming up with one, start with a secure “base” for each website and add a unique ending to each one.   Think of something that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.  A password manager (whether manual or electronic) is critical.  Some of you use browser based password managers — in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.  The teacher in me will give you a passing grade for that.  Take advantage of the features offered, such as when they suggest a secure password.  Make sure you know how to look up the passwords in the browser.  Better yet, if passwords really matter to you, use a paid password manager such as 1Password or Last Pass.   If you are at the back of the class, you are using a paper based password manager.  At the very least — keep this organized.  

Look here comes another round of…..

3.  Apple News:  Apple had their event on Monday.  Some analysts have called it a big dud.  One thing is for sure, Apple is getting deeper into the media business.  They are now offering Apple News + on iPhone, iPad and Mac.   It will cost $9.99 / mo after the free 1st month.  You will get access to leading newspapers like the WSJ and LA Times along with a library of major magazines.  Major papers such as the NY Times and Washington Post have declined to participate.   However, the real entree was Apple TV+.   This umbrella service will include Apple’s existing catalog of TV shows and movies for rent, plus original programming (similar to Netflix), plus easy access to cable channels and premium channels.  It will not only be available on Apple TV boxes (overpriced with a terrible remote if you ask me) but also on other streaming boxes like Roku (great) and smart TV’s.   It all sounds very exciting.  It could very well be the ultimate portal for cord cutters.    But — there’s a big but — what is the price?

They didn’t say. What?  That will be mentioned later.   And this was an Apple event?    It seems so half baked.  I think they are still making their content deals with the various channels and content providers.  It wasn’t all ironed out yet.   It will be very interesting to see how competitive they are with You Tube TV and Hulu Live TV — the leaders in the clubhouse that charge $40 to $45 per month.    One thing is certain, Apple wants to make this available to as many people as possible and not only those who own Apple hardware.  Let’s wait and see.

Hope you have a safe drive home.  Thanks for stopping by this little gathering.