Science & Technology
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Jim Rossman: There's no computer needed when you're ready to back up your phone
This week's reader question concerns backing up an iPhone without using a computer.
"I know I need to update the iOS software, but I'm afraid I might lose my saved information if there are any glitches. I have an iCloud account and routinely back up my data. But, being technologically challenged, I am not sure how to retrieve info I might ...Read more
CNET: The best cheap security cameras of 2020
Whether you're concerned about theft or you simply want to check in on a mischievous pet, home security cameras can provide alerts and peace of mind. Some of the security cameras CNET likes are expensive, but there are a handful of solid models that cost a lot less money. Here's our curated list of the best cheap security cameras priced at or ...Read more
Review: EPOS Sennhesier GSP 300 has pedigree but sound lacks impact
Although many may not know about EPOS, they have heard of their products. The newly formed company came out of the Sennheiser brand, which in recent years has dabbled in gaming products. The venture wanted to "evolve in different set-ups" and the result of that is EPOS, which will still sell EPOS Sennheiser gear but will push for more of its ...Read more
The pandemic is putting a strain on internet speeds. Here's what you can do for the best connection
CHICAGO - Nothing kills work-from-home motivation like slow internet. It's an issue some are facing for the first time as the COVID-19 pandemic sent them out of the office and into remote workspaces at home.
With many school districts opting for some degree of e-learning, a torrent of video calls and downloads from multiple family members ...Read more
Review: Inventiveness and humor given royal treatment in 'Paper Mario: The Origami King'
Mario comes in all different shapes and sizes. Originally known as Jumpman, he battled Donkey Kong to rescue a woman named Pauline. He's appeared as a referee between Mike Tyson and Little Mac and as a John Daly-shaped competitor in golf tournaments. The company even has a perfect reference Mario used for toys and modelers.
Among the numerous...Read more
Americans lost $150M to robocall scams last year. Students from India came to Pa. and N.J. to collect, feds say
PHILADELPHIA - Maaz Ahmed Shamsi and Zeeshan Khan appeared no different than any of the hundreds of other international students who usually arrive in Centre County, Pa., each fall on visas allowing them to study or receive on-the-job training in the United States.
They lived in a modest apartment in Boalsburg, less than 10 minutes from ...Read more
Gadgets: Headphones team delivers again
Before I even opened my package from LinearFlux, I knew some of the company's history, which gave me great insight that their products would be outstanding.
LinearFlux is a California start-up built with solid experience. Founders David Leung and Einstein Galang might not be household names but you should be familiar with their innovative ...Read more
WeChat is a lifeline for the Chinese diaspora. What happens now that Trump banned it?
Cindy Wang's whole life is on WeChat.
Through the Chinese everything app, the 24-year-old shops for clothing and sends photos and audio messages to her grandma and uncle in Guangzhou. It's how she schedules appointments with her hairstylist and where she found her bao supplier -- a local woman who sells the steamed buns out of her car.
For ...Read more
Amazon wins loyal Walmart shoppers as Americans stampede online
Walmart Inc. shoppers are a pretty loyal bunch. But when virus-spooked Americans began avoiding stores earlier this year and shifting spending online, far more Walmart customers went to Amazon.com Inc. than Walmart.com. So even though Walmart, too, has thrived as an essential service amid the pandemic, Amazon is benefiting more. In the first ...Read more
Tech Q&A: File problems may not stem from Windows 10
Q: When I bought a Windows 10 PC last year, I had all my Word files from Windows 7 transferred to the new computer. But I couldn't open those files using Word on Windows 10, and Word was unable to convert the files to a format that it could read. As a result, I had to use a program called Cool File Viewer that allowed me to open all my old ...Read more
GPS, watch out. Here comes China's system
Covid-19 may have left roads around the globe barren of cars, but it hasn't stopped China from claiming leadership over the world of navigation and digital mapping. Watch out, GPS.
Big plans are in the making. China has launched the final leg of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite system, or BDS, completing the build-out of a network that competes ...Read more
A coral sex milestone: Lab-grown and replanted corals to spawn in the Florida Keys
MIAMI -- Not long after the August full moon, Florida's reefs are the scene of an annual show of sexual reproduction called the coral spawn, with coral colonies releasing masses of tiny white, pink and orange spheres into the ocean.
This year, for the first time, corals raised by scientists in a lab and transplanted to the natural reefs are ...Read more
Researchers draw from 'Star Wars' in developing artificial skin able to replicate sense of touch
The Force is strong with these scientists.
Researchers in Singapore are working on a type of artificial skin that can replicate the sense of touch for people who use prosthetic limbs, Reuters reported.
The National University of Singapore scientists drew inspiration from Luke Skywalker's highly advanced artificial right hand in "Star Wars," ...Read more
Oculus VR devices give viewers a new perspective inside the NBA bubble
This is the closest fans will get inside the NBA bubble.
To punch that ticket, they'll have to strap on an Oculus virtual reality headset, find a comfortable seat and just watch. Viewers may be at home, but through VR technology, they'll be transported courtside to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World.
Rather than a static ...Read more
Coronavirus shutdowns expose low-income Bay Area students' struggle to get online
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Oakland student Jessica Ramos spent a lot of time on her phone after COVID-19 shuttered Skyline High School in March. But she wasn't just tweeting or texting friends.
She was reading her AP Language thesis over the phone, one line at a time, to her English teacher. Without an internet connection at home, it was the only way...Read more
Jim Rossman: Word for iPad is free — for some users
This week's reader question is a follow-up to my recent review of the Apple Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro.
"In today's review, you talked about replacing your laptop with iPad. I got my first iPad in February and downloaded Microsoft Word. I guess I can use it to open Word documents but have to buy Word to type anything. From what I read, I...Read more
Gadgets: Not your typical pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker
Ankers new Soundcore Rave Neo isn't your typical pocket-sized Bluetooth 5.0 speaker after you see the numerous features along with strong sound.
The sound is delivered by a 4-inch woofer and 2-inch tweeter behind a black grill and didn't disappoint in its debut right out of the box. The sound is what I'd call big time with a perfect bass with...Read more
CNET: The best phones you can get for $300 or less
If you're on a tight budget but in need of a phone upgrade, there are many solid smartphone options that cost $300 or less. Several of our favorite mobile phone devices are from Motorola, which is unsurprising given that the company has made feature-rich budget phones for years now. In addition to its newest phones, the Moto G Stylus and G ...Read more
How to maximize 3 additional hours of Pokemon Go Fest 2020 during makeup day
Just when you thought you were done with Pokemon Go Fest 2020, Niantic springs one last surprise. Because of technical issues with some habitat blocks, the company is holding a three-hour makeup event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16, Pacific time.
The makeup event will cover Pokemon that appeared in the fire, water and friendship habitat hours...Read more
Can solar energy be stored as a liquid fuel? UNC group lands $40M to accelerate research
Solar energy production has made huge strides in recent years, as advances in photovoltaic technologies -- the underpinnings of solar panels -- have made it easier and cheaper to harness energy from the sun.
In North Carolina, this can be seen from the growing number of solar panel farms that dot the countryside, giving the state the second-...Read more
Popular Stories
- GPS, watch out. Here comes China's system
- Americans lost $150M to robocall scams last year. Students from India came to Pa. and N.J. to collect, feds say
- Amazon wins loyal Walmart shoppers as Americans stampede online
- Jim Rossman: There's no computer needed when you're ready to back up your phone
- The pandemic is putting a strain on internet speeds. Here's what you can do for the best connection
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