Google Lens

Yesterday in our iPhone Users Group, we were discussing apps we use for plant identification (PictureThis and PlantNet). This discussion then broadened to include an app that not only can be used for plant identification but also for a gazillion other things.  That app is called Google Lens on Android phones and Google on iPads and iPhones.

What does the app do?

1) Identifies items around you - plants, animals, clothing, furniture, buildings, menu items and provides a plethora of information by simply pointing your phone and clicking.  The app also can look at photos you have taken and provide more information about items found in those photos. 
Example - Like the shirt someone is wearing?  Using the app, snap a picture and you will be provided with a picture of the shirt or something similar with information on where to buy it.

2) Translates text instantly - When traveling abroad, point your phone at a sign; it is instantly translated into your preferred language

3) Identifies and provides information on buildings and landmarks around you, especially helpful when traveling

4) Identify popular items on menus - Scan the menu items, tap on an item, then read the reviews/comments made by others. (This only works with restaurants that have tied into the Google Lens feature.)

5) Many, many more things

I strongly encourage you to watch this 6-minute video to quickly learn more about how to use Google Lens.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_nYU9OVCZk

And, if you'd like to read more about it:  https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/google/141075-what-is-google-lens-and-how-does-it-work-and-which-devices-have-it

Google Lens (Android) can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Google (iPhone) can be downloaded from the App store. It is also available natively in the Google Photos app.

Download the app today on this drizzly Tech Tuesday and give it a try!  I really think you will enjoy using it.

Technology and Traveling

Have you resumed traveling?  We just returned from our first post-COVID trip to Pennsylvania; it felt a little strange to once again pack our suitcases and board a plane! After 16 months of not traveling, I had to consciously think about procedures such as adding boarding passes to our phones/watches, removing all electronic devices from bags during security checks, and making sure all devices were in Airplane Mode once boarded. 

As we all move back into public spaces with our mobile devices, here are a few things to remember:

1)  Limit what you do on public Wi-Fi, particularly logging into your banking/financial accounts and checking your email, basically anything that contains sensitive data. If you have unlimited cellular data on your device you might consider turning off Wi-Fi entirely while traveling to avoid using public networks.

2) If you leave your Wi-Fi setting on when traveling or even if you are just out and about in your hometown, please do this:
In your device Settings select the option to ask permission before connecting to a network.  (On an Apple device - Settings - Wi-Fi - Ask to Join Networks - Ask.  On an Android device, the path should be similar.)

3) If you are staying in a motel or other public venue and need to leave your devices in the room unattended, please consider placing laptops, phones, tablets in a locked suitcase or safe if one is available.

4)  Avoid using the technology/business center in a motel/hotel to access your sensitive information.

Enjoy your long-overdue travels!  But for today, enjoy what promises to be a beautiful Tuesday in many parts of the country.

8 Billion Passwords Leaked Online

You've read it in the news before, I've talked about it in my classes and even in this weekly tip several times, but today's tip comes as a result of this past week's headline:  8 Billion Passwords Leak Online.

Several months ago I shared a website you can use to check if your username/password have been leaked. I also suggested a couple of things you can do to make your accounts more secure. You can re-read that post here. https://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com/2021/03/has-your-personal-information-been.html

With this recent news of leaked passwords, I'd suggest reviewing your passwords and changing if necessary:
1) If you use Chrome as your browser, go to Chrome - Preferences - Passwords - Check Passwords.  That will reveal any accounts with weak security.
2) If you're using Safari, go to Safari - Preferences - Passwords.  You will see a list of accounts and passwords and a warning sign will be displayed by any that are weak or used multiple times.

Being active online carries responsibility.  It is easy to become complacent, but staying actively involved in the management of your passwords is so very important for your security.

No, you can't circumvent Facebook's algorithms

If you are on Facebook, have you seen what I am talking about in today's tip?  It is a post that starts something like this: 

"Thanks for the tip to circumvent Facebook... It Works!! I have a whole new profile. I see posts from people I didn't see anymore. Facebook's new algorithm picks the same people - around 25...." 

Or the most recent version:  "Thanks for the tip to circumvent Facebook…OO5251839 Works!! I have a whole new profile. I see posts from people I didn’t see anymore. Facebook’s new algorithm picks the same people....Please say "hello" if you see this." 

The post is not harmful, but it is indeed a hoax, and I'd encourage you not to share or re-post it because it only perpetuates false information.  Nothing circumvents Facebook algorithms which determine the posts you see in your newsfeed.

If you'd like to read more on this type of post or why it "appears" to work for some people, you may want to check out what Snopes has to say:  https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/facebook-oo5251839/  

Disable Sidewalk on your Alexa devices

I know, I know - it isn't Tuesday but I feel the need to share this information with you before next week.  You may have read about "Sidewalk", a feature that will allow Alexa devices and Ring doorbells to share your network with others in the neighborhood. 

It isn't as scary as it may sound - Amazon "assures" us that our privacy will be protected and there are limits as to how much is shared, but my recommendation would be to "Disable" this feature by using the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device.  

The steps to disable this "sharing" feature are found in the following article; the steps are not difficult to do:   https://www.khou.com/article/tech/amazon-sidewalk-disable-enable-instructions/285-208250ac-a1be-4a09-85a4-6bc16d0b5144  

If you'd like to read a little more technical information about what Sidewalk is and how it works:  https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/amazon-devices-will-soon-automatically-share-your-internet-with-neighbors/

The full list of devices that can act as Sidewalk bridges:
Ring Floodlight Cam (2019)
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired (2019)
Ring Spotlight Cam Mount (2019)
Echo (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Dot (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Dot for Kids (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Dot with Clock (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Plus (all generations)
Echo Show (all models and generations)
Echo Spot
Echo Studio
Echo Input
Echo Flex

Entering text in a pdf

Yesterday I received an email from an acquaintance who was asking for some help with filling in forms on her computer.  She wrote:   

"These pesky paper forms are so hard for me to fill out because of the nerve damage in my hands.  So I need to know how to transfer the form to my desktop computer and then be able to fill it out by using my computer.  Please, please send me your suggestions as to the easiest way to do this. 
I've found several programs advertised as free - NOT!  I go through the whole process only to find big bucks are required to get my final results."

After reaching out to friends on Facebook and also doing some research, I think I've found a possible solution for her and some of you who may have the same need. It is basically a two-step process.

1) To get the form on her computer - If the form has been sent to her through email she needs to begin the process to print it, but instead of choosing "Print", she will want to "Save as PDF" which is one of the choices in the Print Dialog box of most computers.  However, if the form comes via snail mail, she will need to use a scanning app on her smartphone or printer to scan the document and send the scanned pdf to her computer.

2) Then to complete the form - Once the pdf document is on her computer, she will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version).  Once installed it can be used to open the pdf document. The "Fill and Sign" feature in that application can then be used to complete the form.  Here is a very easy-to-follow video that demonstrates using the "Fill and Sign" feature in Adobe Acrobat Reader:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYQOuTKPn28 

This process works on both PC and Mac computers; Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for both operating systems.

If this is something that you would find beneficial, just practice with a form you probably already have on your desk.  Remember:  doing something new using technology can be a challenge at first, but the more you use it, the easier it becomes. 

Hope this first day of June provides us with a beautiful spring day!  Happy Tech Tip Tuesday!