Michael Harris

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Stories By Michael Harris

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    Buying Guides
    Buying Guides By Michael Harris

    5 Tips to Improve Photo Capture with Your Smartphone

    Smartphones come with one and sometimes two cameras, making it a far easier task to capture a photograph of memories you want to keep forever. However, there are some tips to consider to make sure you are capturing the best possible image with your smartphone camera, rather than simply a weak variation of a good photograph. Make Sure to Focus on the Photograph Subject Get close to the subject of the photograph. This helps to ensure the best quality of the image of that subject. The key is to make sure the focus of the photograph is the subject, rather than another landmark or object in the photograph field. Smartphone cameras give you the option of clicking on the screen of the phone in order to set the focus of the photograph. Utilize this feature and prepare for clearer pictures and a better image of the intended subject with just that change in your habits. You may also need to adjust the angle of the smartphone slightly if there is still an issue with the focus. This is why it is important to check the screen before snapping the photo. Use the Crop feature, Not the Zoom The zoom on a Smartphone takes the image currently in the frame and tries to guess what is there. That makes the quality of the photograph drop significantly with each degree of zoom. However, the resolution of the original photo is usually high-quality, so cropping the photo to get a closer image samples the pixels that were captured, providing higher quality and a better end result. According to popphoto.com, the resolution offered by Smartphones today is around 8 megapixels, leaving plenty of resolution left after cropping for clear web display. Utilize Natural Lighting When Possible The flash on a Smartphone camera is not adequately prepared for the various functions a traditional flash is made to serve. As a flash, the light on a cell phone is set for a longer duration than necessary. This does not center the subject in the frame adequately. Another issue with the flash is that the color temperature is inadequate. Therefore, your best bet is to center the subject and utilize the natural lighting whenever possible. Howtogeek.com offers tips on avoiding the flash and notes that for most people who do not know how to use the flash, it is a tool that provides too much detail in a photograph when it isn't wanted. When taking photos with a cell phone, it is also important is to pay attention to lens flare. This is a technique that is gaining attention in popular photography at the moment. It is very easy to have lens flare occur with the tiny lens of a cell phone camera. Therefore, you can take some time and play with the angle of the shot and the way the lens flare impacts the photo. You can also opt to cup your hand around the lens to minimize or even eliminate the flare. This is an advantage to a cell phone camera that is not present with a traditional camera. Pay Attention to Your Equipment With a Smartphone, it is far to easy to forget that things need to be clean in order to get the best photo. When your cell phone spends a lot of time in your pocket, grime builds up on the lens. It is a good idea to get into the habit to clean it each time you are about to take a photograph. That way, the lens is clean and the picture will be clear and well-focused. Professional photographers know the importance of taking care of their equipment in order to have better quality photos. The same must be said of any equipment, even if it happens to be your smartphone. In an article titled "10 Ways to Improve Smartphone Photography," photographers are reminded of the importance of respecting their equipment and keeping it clean to provide the best quality picture possible. See Your Photo in Print Photographs taken with a smartphone may have more quality and depth than you give it credit for. The cameras are increasing in quality, and that can be seen if you take the time to print the photos. People who see photos on paper or in a photo book tend to be more appreciative as well. That does not change the quality of the photo, but it does mean the photo is appreciated at the level it deserves. Today's society is focused on instant gratification. When you take the time to have photos printed, that in turn slows down the viewer because of the obvious effort involved. The photos can be appreciated at face value at that point. Taking photos with your Smartphone can be easy and still allow good quality photos to capture your memories for you. When considering tips for better photography, it pays to do some research and find reliable web sites that can help you tweak your photography techniques in order to be a better photographer.

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    Apps
    Apps By Michael Harris

    The Pokemon Go Effect

    It seems like everyone is talking about Pokemon Go. The new and exciting virtual reality game has players seeing their world in a whole new way. This popularity, however, has made some people raise concerns about how involved players have become in the virtual world. The game is sure to become more popular as more people are tempted to try it due to the rave reviews it gets. Don't be turned off by negativity when it comes to this game because it has a lot to offer players that know how to get the most out of it. Here are some things to consider if you are wondering what all the fuss is about this game. Private Business Stores and shops have seen increased traffic due to Pokemons being spotted or placed at their businesses. While some say that increasing foot traffic can only help businesses, there are some that say players come in but never buy anything and sometimes even get in the way of those that are there to conduct business. Pokemon aficionados say that the polite thing to do is to at least make a small purchase be polite and appreciative of the business. Living In A Dream World Pokemon Go requires looking at the world through the narrow lens of a smartphone in many cases. Some players can become fixated too much on this world view, and this can lead to accidents. The producers of the game in no way endorse people driving or performing other tedious tasks while playing the game. Regardless of warnings, there are many that choose to fixate on the game and not pay enough attention to what is going on around them. Setting Limits Pokemon Go is a fun game and a get away from the reality and stresses of every day life but like anything, it is important to set limits. Playing any game to excess is not going to be a good thing. It is important to know your limits when it comes to game play time and the circumstances under which you are playing. Playing with a friend can help you stay safe. Never Go Somewhere That Doesn't Feel Right There is something to be said for trusting your instincts. Searching for a Pokemon in an area or place that doesn't have a good feel to it is never recommended. It is just a game after all. While there have been few incidents, there has been some concern that the game could be used to lure people to locations where they can be robbed or harmed. Children should not be out randomly searching for Pokemon on their own. Be Aware Of The Real World Those that are not fans of the game have been quick to point out that distracted players are running into others on sidewalks or other rude actions. This philosophy can be applied to any video game, texting, etc. but they do have a point. If you want people to realize how great Pokemon Go is then, you need to be a respectful and conscientious player in the real world. It is also worth noting that being too distracted can lead to falls and scrapes. If you are concentrating on finding that Pokemon and not on obstructions, the results can be quite bad. A lot of people have experienced slight injuries because of these distractions. Navigating over unfamiliar terrain, taking short cuts, and other behaviors can further add to risks. Greater Popularity On The Horizon Pokemon has a lot of fans. In fact, many are predicting that the latest wave of popularity will lead to more movies being made. Indeed, a whole new generation is learning what fun there is to be had in the fabulous world of Pokemon. Greater Exercise Levels One positive aspect of Pokemon Go is that it does encourage a higher level of physical activity than other games. Enthusiasts are getting more exercise than they did before which developers see as a very positive thing and a major reason why people should not fear the Pokemon Go world. Night Hunting Some experts recommend hunting Pokemon at night. While activity levels of every day people might be lower, hunting Pokemon at night poses its risks. You need to make sure to be extra aware of surroundings and wear clothing where you can be more easily seen by drivers. It is a good idea to hunt in a group or at least with a good friend so you can stay safe. Hunting Pokemon at night can be fun and is recommended by those that are the biggest fans of the game since its release in July 2016 Utilizing Parks Public parks are a great place to play Pokemon Go. Using public space makes a lot of sense and keeps the play away from businesses. Higher population neighborhoods often have a lot of Pokemon to find. There may be a local group of players you can get involved with and make some new friends. Timing Your Play There are times of the day when there are more people playing Pokemon Go than others. If you want to increase your chance of catching the most Pokemon and have some flexibility then playing early in the morning, mid-day, or very late, is a method worth trying. These times are good for beginners to get a feel for the game. If you don't have a lot of time to play you can utilize lures more. Local shops and hot spots are a great place to drop a virtual lure. You are almost sure to capture a few Pokemon this way. Pokemon Go Is Not Unsafe Like any game, Pokemon Go has the potential to be taken too far by some people. The game itself is not unsafe, but it does require some common sense when it comes to being considerate of others and staying safe.

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    Smartphones
    Smartphones By Michael Harris

    Is It Convenient to Use More Than One Phone?

    Many of us have often thought about getting a second phone. It would be expensive, but it would be a big help for business and travel. It is difficult to know for sure if the decision is worth the cost. Often, the choice is different depending on your needs. There are also other alternatives to consider as well. The Benefits of Having 2 Phones There are many advantages in having two separate phones. First, it is an excellent way to keep your business and personal lives apart. Many professionals feel uncomfortable sharing personal contact information with business contacts. That helps make sure the business doesn't interrupt your night when you're off the clock. It also makes it easier to keep track of phone-related business expenses. That can be a huge plus when listing tax deductions. Another benefit involves traveling abroad. Roaming charges between countries can be extremely expensive. You could always change out your SIM cards to make local calls. Unfortunately, that makes you unreachable through your original number. Without that SIM card installed, you would also have no way of knowing you were called. There are plenty of other upsides as well. Having two phones is helpful if one of them runs out of battery or breaks. Each phone can run through a different carrier, making it more likely to have a signal anywhere. They can also both work as additional data storage if the need arises. There are plenty of reasons to have two phones, but they do come at a price. The Drawbacks of Having 2 Phones The most immediate disadvantage of having two phones is the cost. If a second phone is not provided by your work, then you have to foot the entire bill for the additional phone. Then, you have to pay the monthly phone plan. This also includes talk minutes, text messaging, cellular data, and any other provided service. You then have a doubled chance of overage charges as well. The extra costs do not end there. Each phone will ideally have its own set of accessories. That includes phone cases, chargers, adapters, headphones, and more. Each phone will also require its own insurance plan and warranty. Without those, you may be required to foot the entire bill for a replacement phone if one breaks. There are more than financial drawbacks. An extra phone takes extra pocket and purse space. They can also be mixed up by accident. Accidentally taking just your personal phone to a business meeting could mean trouble. If you go with two different carriers, then you will also have to deal with each company's customer service separately. After a few years, you'll have to deal with having two obsolete phones. Dual SIM Phones There are compromises to needing more than one phone. One that has been gaining popularity is the dual SIM phone. Kent German at CNET explains the many benefits of owning a dual SIM phone. The main benefit is that both phone numbers exist on the same phone. A second handheld unit is unnecessary. Dual-SIM phones have gained popularity overseas, but they haven't taken off fully in the US yet. Carriers do not support the idea of the dual-SIM phone. This is because it makes it easier for consumers to swap to different companies. It also encourages users to use different carriers simultaneously. Those using dual-SIM phones can easily swap between phone numbers. It seamlessly transitions from personal to business or international. Users can also see which of their numbers is being called. That way, the purpose of incoming calls is instantly known. Of course, this still requires two phone plans. Each number requires a separate plan. There also is no way to turn one number off while keeping the other on. This makes it harder to ignore unwanted business calls when off the clock. Using a phone for two purposes also drains the battery power more quickly. The available storage space of the single phone also has to split between the two numbers. The Double Decker Case The other alternative is to accommodate for having two phones. This is most easily done with the Votec Double Decker phone case. This case is specifically built to hold and protect two phones at once. The main caveat is that users are required to have two of the same phone. This also works to its benefit, though. This is because the phones can share accessories, and users do not need to learn how to use two different mobile operating systems. The Double Decker sports a folded design that saves space and protects both phones from damage. It also comes with a belt loop and clip for ease of use. The case is designed to hold two cards, helping it double as a wallet on the go. This does nothing to combat the cost of owning two phones with separate phone plans. You will also still need two sets of other accessories if you plan to charge the phones at the same time. Only the one case is needed, though. It makes it easier to use and carry both phones at once. Having the different phones in the same case also keeps your personal life apart. Final Verdict The decision to have two phones entirely depends on your needs. If you simply prefer to have a separate number for business or travel, then a dual-SIM phone may be best for you. If you need help with work-life balance and extra storage space, then having a second phone is a viable option. Users without much need for any of these will probably find themselves needing to stick with a single phone with a single number. Regardless, it is an important and potentially expensive choice. If any contract is involved, the wrong choice could lead to frustrating consequences down the line. The US has been pushing against long contracts with carriers. This has helped open the door to a wider variety of dual-SIM phones.

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    Buying Guides
    Buying Guides By Michael Harris

    7 Things You Need to Check Before Buying a Used iPhone

    When you drop your iPhone in the toilet or leave it on the hood of your car as you back out of the driveway, you need to replace it quickly. It's also a bonus if you can replace it affordably. With iPhone prices well over $500 nowadays, buying an affordable one can be a daunting idea. Buying a used iPhone may seem like the best option. However, unless you're purchasing from a trusted friend or family member, you might not know what you're getting into. You can purchase certified pre-owned iPhones from trustworthy vendors like Gazelle. Many people turn to auction or classified sites like eBay or Craigslist. You can even pick up used iPhones at pawn shops. The price difference between an iPhone sold through Gazelle and eBay can be significant, however. It's tempting to pay only $50 to an eBay seller as opposed to a hefty $500 for a certified pre-owned phone. How much risk are you willing to take, however? Here are a few factors to consider before you buy a pre-owned iPhone. Consider Your Carrier Two models of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are sold in the U.S. These models are compatible with AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile. However, each phone offers one model that supports the Wireless Communications Service, or WCS, band. This extra LTE band is licensed by AT&T and doesn't have as many users as the other bands. If you live in a crowded area, you may be able to take advantage of faster speeds with the WCS band if you have AT&T. If you have AT&T and you're purchasing the iPhone 6S, you should look for the A1633 model. If you buy the 6S Plus, you should get the A1634 model. If you're with another major wireless carrier, your best bet is to purchase the iPhone 6S A1688 or the iPhone 6S Plus A1687. What if you buy an iPhone that's older than the iPhone 5? GSM iPhones work only on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. CDMA iPhones work only on the Verizon and Sprint networks. Apple offers an LTE page that lets you know the best iPhone model for smaller carriers. Ensure That The Seller Is Legitimate If the iPhone that you're purchasing has been stolen, the original user can block the phone, rendering it useless. How can you tell if a seller is offering you a stolen phone? Check your IMEI. The IMEI is a unique identification number that is unique to one phone. It can be found on the exterior of the phone or on the phone's display. If your phone has been stolen, you can block it from gaining access to any cellular networks. Using the IMEI number, you can also check whether the phone that you're trying to purchase has been blacklisted or blocked. You can Check your IMEI here to make sure that the phone you want to buy hasn't been stolen or reported as lost to the GSMA. Confirm That The Phone Can Be Activated With Your Carrier You can also use the IMEI number to confirm that the phone can be activated with your network. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile allow you to check the IMEI number on their websites. Do Some Quality Control If you can see the phone in person before you buy it, make sure that it isn't excessively damaged. There might be some wear and tear on the exterior of the phone. That's normal if it has been used by the average person. If there are cracks that spread across the screen, however, they're likely to get worse over time. Some other items to inspect for damage and usability are: Buttons and touch screen – Make sure that the home button works and all of the areas on the screen respond to your touch. Headphone jack – Plug in headphones and make sure that you can hear sound. Speakers – Turn on the speakers without headphones and test the volume control. Inspect It For Water Damage Water damage – All iPhones contain Liquid Contact Indicators that will activate when they're exposed to a liquid that contains water. The Apple website shows you where these indicators are located. While you're at it, verify that the IMEI number on the case matches the IMEI loaded in the software. To check this, click on Settings, then navigate to General > About. Scroll down to IMEI to pull up the number that's saved in the phone. This will let you know if the case has been changed, which could be an indicator that the phone has undergone more wear and tear than you might notice with the naked eye. Test The Battery You can typically get about 10 hours of talk time on 3G with the iPhone battery. It doesn't last forever, though. As the recharge limit is reached, the battery capacity is lowered. Factor in the cost of putting in a new battery if you're buying a used phone that's well over a year old. Check The Warranty All iPhones are covered against manufacturing and hardware defects for one year. There are many tools that allow you to check whether your iPhone is still covered by the warranty. All you need is the IMEI or the serial number. Many people sell their iPhones within less than a year simply because of personal preference. They decide that they want to try another model, or they don't like the software. These iPhones can seem practically brand new to you. The Bottom Line Buying a new iPhone can be a huge financial burden. However, iPhones tend to last longer than many other phone brands, so they often give you your money's worth. Because they endure, used iPhones can still feel very new to you. Plus, you can find some great deals on used iPhones. There are always shady characters out there, so if you're buying a pre-owned iPhone, just make sure that you're getting what you're paying for. Check the phone's specs using the IMEI number, and inspect the phone in person before giving away your hard-earned cash.

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    Streaming
    Streaming By Michael Harris

    Watching Your Favorite Films Wherever You Are

    If you are a movie lover or you simply like to watch them in those peaceful, chilling nights, you'll have to admit that there is no other guilty pleasure than waiting for a good plot twist or for your favorite character to take action. Of course, we've experienced both sides at one moment or another, but, as it happens all the time in life, our daily routine made it harder to keep the "movieholic" status ON all the time. Things like our job, family, or other responsibilities are usually keeping us apart from doing what we really love. But what if we could actually combine work with pleasure? And when we say "combine", we really mean it! Like...watching your favorite movie or TV series while you're at the metro station, heading to your job! Even if it might sound strange in the first place, you'll see that this is actually possible and at the end of this article you'll know how to take advantage of this awesome experience. So make yourself comfortable and go on reading because today we will share with you some of the most helpful tips and tricks for watching your favorite movies or TV series wherever you are. What kind of "magic wand" can actually do that? Well, there is no magic wand. Just a mobile application that allows you to watch every single movie that you like no matter the context, the location or the circumstances. The only things that you'll need to have to make it happen are a smartphone and a good Internet connection, provided either by mobile data or Wi-Fi. Then, you can begin the fun by downloading an application of this type. Regarding their price, you can choose between the paid ones, like Netflix, which is the market leader in this domain, and the free ones, like Showbox APK. Of course, before downloading and installing it, you should take a closer look at the instructions that they provide to their official page. Take advantage of the improved facilities of the traditional way We are sure that one of the first things that will come into your mind when deciding to download such an application is that maybe movies will be watched in poor video quality. Well, we do not deny this, because as long as you'll download the app from an insecure source, this is probably going to happen. But, again, it's all on you. If you decide to download a free application in order to watch your favorite movies, you should first make the proper research. It is pointless to waste your time and install 5 to 10 apps and in the end to realize that none of them were any good. Before taking this decision, search for the expert forums, read the recommendations and then take action. You'll see that it will be worth it, mostly because some apps will let you watch your favorite movies in HD quality, so that you'll combine relaxation with a great user experience. Real experience, real fast, with no disturbing factors Maybe one of the most frustrating things that we encountered when watching movies online was passing through those tens of advertisements and irrelevant clicking pages that we always closed and that, in the end, ruined all our relaxed mood. Well, how would it be if we told you that you can actually skip this inconvenience while you're watching your favorite films on your smartphone? Fortunately, some applications have this option included, so what are you waiting for? Go and get rid of that bugging detail! Browse for your favorite and let the fun begin! An enjoying fact of the experience of watching your favorite movies wherever you are is that you can actually search for your perfect fit in terms of movies or TV series, because most of the applications are constantly updating their lists. Keep it simple If we were to give you some pieces of advice concerning the general look and feel of the application that you'll choose, we would probably approach the traditional way: keep it cool and simple. Most of the times, the apps that promise much in their descriptions, with lots of promotions and call to action phrases are either fake, either cheap in the sense that they won't respect half of their promises. Always search for quality over quantity, simplicity and efficiency over anything else. Stay safe! Even if we know the struggle of "breaking apart" with a good movie, we advise you to stay safe, mostly when you are in public. That being said, don't use the application while you're driving or walking. Of course, you can use it in the public transport while you're heading to your destination, as long as you won't miss the correct station.

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    Cybersecurity
    Cybersecurity By Michael Harris

    Taping Over Your Laptop Camera - Paranoia or a Smart Move?

    As human evolves, so does technology. Nowadays, the using of our phone, laptop or video console is part of a daily routine that we need to face constantly, even if we are aware of its risks or not. But concerning the fact that we brought into discussion the eternal battle between technology and its risks, today we will talk about a subject that you probably heard about, and if not, you probably have seen it several times. Should you cover your computer's webcam while you're not using it? What are the consequences of ignoring this fact? Well, today we will give you 10 reasons for adopting this kind of practice and even if you'll decide not to follow our advice in the end, we are sure that you'll discover some interesting facts that you'd probably didn't take into consideration until now. Actually, it's not about paranoia. It's all about security. If you're thinking that this practice means nothing but something that only overdramatic people are using to protect themselves, you're wrong. There were cases in which hackers got into someone's computer and activated their camera. Then, they saw all the things that happened in the room while the laptop was opened. So, the next time you'll think that this is nothing more than nonsense, take into consideration that a usual daily routine like changing your clothes and preparing for bed can be recorded by a hacker and then you could be blackmailed with the images. Even celebrities are doing it If you think that this practice might not have enough credibility, you should know that even Mark Zuckerberg is doing it. Recently, while he was filming a short video for his Instagram account, his fans spotted that the webcam from his laptop was covered. Of course, we could easily link this to the fact that, being one of the richest persons in the world, you can't possibly wait for haters to bypass you. But, of course, good security guards the danger. Moreover, if you need some more evidence, take the FBI director, James Comey, that declared: "I saw something in the news, so I copied it. I put a piece of tape — I have obviously a laptop, personal laptop — I put a piece of tape over the camera. Because I saw somebody smarter than I am had a piece of tape over their camera." People are starting to get used to the process As we all know that nowadays security is a vital factor that influences our lives, more and more people begin to take action and get informed of the risks that an uncovered webcam over someone's laptop might imply. For example, The American Digital Rights Group EFF recently started to sell webcam stickers and they declared for The Guardian that people are really purchasing them on a regular basis. Don't trust us. Trust them. If you still don't believe that by ignoring this simple procedure you're ignoring your right to security and freedom, we think that we should introduce you to Cassidy Wolf. She was the winner of the Miss Teen USA in 2013 and, probably because of this new status, she had to deal with a "sextortion" attempt made by one of her former classmates who was 19 years old. It is said that he used the Blackshades malware, released by Alex Yucel, a well-known cybercriminal. This gave him the possibility to take different captures of her classmate, Cassidy, while she was undressing. The deal was basically self-understood: if she didn't give him more photos and videos with her naked, he would make public the ones that he had. However, in the end her classmate was arrested and sentenced to 18 months. Apparently, Cassidy wasn't his first victim. It has made its way through pop culture too The phenomena of hacking exploit gradually started to appear in pop culture too. In "Mr. Robot", one of the most famous series of last summer, the plot revolves around the main character and his twisted life due to a hacker that got into her computer's camera and took advantage of every move that she made. Thought you had an escape solution? Think twice! We are sure that when you heard of this procedure, the first thing that came up into your mind was that you are secured – because your camera has a light that turns on when it is working. Well, despite all, hackers managed to "resolve" this problem too. Apparently, researchers found out that hackers can turn on a camera without switching on its light, so be careful! PC or Mac – they make no discrimination Don't think that if you have a Mac you're not predisposed to this procedure. The hackers make no discriminations. Their main goal is to achieve what they want, so if they have to dig more and more for further information or tricks, they'll do the job in real time. Spam emails – be careful to them As the studies show, one of the most common ways in which hackers can get into your computer is through the malware loaded spam emails or documents, so you should be more than careful with what you receive in your inbox. Check them twice, get an antivirus program and stay away from the suspicious ones! Disabling the camera – a proper solution? More and more people on the Internet say that the best solution in dealing with this problem is to disable the webcam. You can disable it either in the BIOS or UEFI. The problem is that this option is not available on all the devices. Also, one of the riskiest problems is that hackers can get into your computer and enable it again. So, all in all, this solution is not as good as it may seem. The ultimate trick – tape over your laptop camera In this article, we tried to demonstrate you that no option can be more secure than taping over your laptop camera. Of course, this would be the ultimate solution, leaving aside the fact that a hacker might get into your bedroom, unstick it and then move back into his own business. We're joking, of course. So go and buy some tape and get this problem out of your head!

    By Michael Harris Read More
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