MakeUseOf » Matt Smith

MakeUseOf » Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com Cool Websites, Software and Internet Tips Thu, 20 Jun 2013 02:30:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 8 iPad Cases That Will Make You Forget The Smart Case http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-ipad-cases-that-will-make-you-forget-the-smart-case/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-ipad-cases-that-will-make-you-forget-the-smart-case/#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:20:56 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=160152

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Buying an iPad is a predictably expensive decision, and once you’ve paid for your tablet, you’ll realize you’re not done: what about a case? Your new tablet will need protection from the drops and bumps and scratches that can occur during day-to-day use. Apple sells the Smart Case, which fits perfectly and works with the iPad’s magnetic clip, turning the screen on and off when the cover is replaced or removed. This case costs $49 and offers only basic protection, and you might find you get much better value if you buy one of these eight alternatives.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-ipad-cases-that-will-make-you-forget-the-smart-case/feed/ 2 What’s The Real Value Of Games Bundled With Video Cards? http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/whats-the-real-value-of-games-bundled-with-video-cards/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/whats-the-real-value-of-games-bundled-with-video-cards/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:30:19 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=157969

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AMD fired a shot across Nvidia’s bow in 2012 by introducing the “Never Settle” bundle. The purpose was simple; attract games to AMD video cards providing them with free games like Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution and Sleeping Dogs. Nvidia has responded with its free-to-play bundle, which lures in gamers by offering free credits that can be redeemed for bonuses in games like Hawken, Planetside 2 and World Of Tanks.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/whats-the-real-value-of-games-bundled-with-video-cards/feed/ 3 PS4 vs Xbox One: 5 Reasons To Buy The Xbox One http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ps4-vs-xbox-one-5-reasons-to-buy-the-xbox-one/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ps4-vs-xbox-one-5-reasons-to-buy-the-xbox-one/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:30:00 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=160678

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This year's E3 felt almost like it was over before it began. Though the conference lasts for days, both Microsoft and Sony made their announcements before the doors opened, showing not just hardware but also their lineup of launch and near-launch titles. In doing so, each company has ignited a new chapter in the console war. While an ideal gamer's den will have both, most people don't have the money or need to grab two consoles at launch, so a choice must be made; Xbox One or PS4? I've put my money down for the Xbox, and here's why.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ps4-vs-xbox-one-5-reasons-to-buy-the-xbox-one/feed/ 154 The Gadgets & Games Of Kickstarter – June 11th 2013 Edition http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-games-of-kickstarter-june-11th-2013-edition/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-games-of-kickstarter-june-11th-2013-edition/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:30:13 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=159158

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Each Kickstarter is its own drama representing the hopes and dreams of at least one person. Will it succeed? Will it fail? Will it become a media sensation? It’s impossible to know before the money starts flooding in – or doesn’t. So pop some popcorn and grab your mouse. We’ve got some Kickstarters to watch.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-games-of-kickstarter-june-11th-2013-edition/feed/ 3 iPad Newbie And Beginner Tips: Easily Add And Remove Apps, Close And Switch Tasks, And More [iOS] http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ipad-newbie-and-beginner-tips-easily-add-and-remove-apps-close-and-switch-tasks-and-more-ios/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ipad-newbie-and-beginner-tips-easily-add-and-remove-apps-close-and-switch-tasks-and-more-ios/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:30:03 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=157280

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Apple’s iOS is designed to be intuitive. There’s no user manual in the box, and I’m sure Apple reps would argue that it doesn’t need one. Most of the device’s functionality is easy to access with a few taps or swipes, once you know how. Intuition can be unreliable, however, as it works differently with different people. There are a few features on the iPad that aren't necessarily easy to discover naturally. Here some quick tips that will help new users better understand their new Apple tablet.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ipad-newbie-and-beginner-tips-easily-add-and-remove-apps-close-and-switch-tasks-and-more-ios/feed/ 1 The 5 Toughest Samsung Galaxy Cases Money Can Buy http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-5-toughest-samsung-galaxy-cases-money-can-buy/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-5-toughest-samsung-galaxy-cases-money-can-buy/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:30:04 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=154689

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Samsung's Galaxy S3 and S4 have been a runaway success, powering the company to take the lion's share of profits from the entire Android ecosystem. One thing they're not, however, is cheap; so you'd best protect the Galaxy you've got. There are actually fewer rugged cases available for the Galaxy S3/S4 than for the iPhone, but there's still some selection including a pair of waterproof entries. Let's have a look at the five best ones.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-5-toughest-samsung-galaxy-cases-money-can-buy/feed/ 1 6 Things To Do With Your Wii U While Waiting For New Games http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-things-to-do-with-your-wii-u-while-waiting-for-new-games/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-things-to-do-with-your-wii-u-while-waiting-for-new-games/#comments Sat, 01 Jun 2013 03:31:22 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=155132

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I must admit that the Nintendo Wii U, though I love it, hasn’t done as well as I’d hoped. The problem is simple. Games – there are none! All of the major releases I (and many others) were excited for, like Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3 and Rayman Legends, have been delayed and won’t be showing up until at least August. A console with no games to play isn’t great, but that doesn’t mean your Wii U has to collect dust.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-things-to-do-with-your-wii-u-while-waiting-for-new-games/feed/ 8 The Gadgets & Games Of Kickstarter – May 30th 2013 Edition http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-games-of-kickstarter-may-30th-2013-edition/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-games-of-kickstarter-may-30th-2013-edition/#comments Thu, 30 May 2013 16:31:00 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=156103

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Perhaps you haven’t heard, but there is a nifty website called Kickstarter where people can pledge to support projects that they’re interested in. Little things – like Android game consoles, eInk watches, and high-budget video games. Each Kickstarter is its own drama representing the hopes and dreams of at least one person. Will it succeed? Will it fail? Will it become a media sensation?

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-games-of-kickstarter-may-30th-2013-edition/feed/ 1 Droid Braves The Elements: The 5 Toughest Android Devices You Can Buy Right Now http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/droid-braves-the-elements-the-5-toughest-android-devices-you-can-buy-right-now/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/droid-braves-the-elements-the-5-toughest-android-devices-you-can-buy-right-now/#comments Tue, 28 May 2013 16:30:14 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=154152

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Smartphones do more than old-fashioned flip phones and bricks, but their large displays and thin bodies make them vulnerable. According to SquareTrade, a company that sells third-party warranties for electronics, up to 12% of all Android phones fall victim to an accident each year. These numbers may make a durable Android phone seem a good choice. Durable phones are not as common as their more fragile counterparts, but there's a handful of choices available.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/droid-braves-the-elements-the-5-toughest-android-devices-you-can-buy-right-now/feed/ 8 Protect Your PC With IObit Malware Fighter 2 http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/protect-your-pc-with-iobit-malware-fighter-2/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/protect-your-pc-with-iobit-malware-fighter-2/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 16:30:32 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=153231

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Malware remains a potential threat for many PC owners. Here at MakeUseOf, we’ve been helping to combat that threat by offering several anti-malware apps free of charge through our Rewards Program. One of those apps has a sequel. IObit Malware Fighter 2 is a major overhaul of the company’s anti-malware app. It adds a variety of features that update the software for modern times, including cloud security and full Windows 8 support. Let’s see how IObit’s new app stacks up.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/protect-your-pc-with-iobit-malware-fighter-2/feed/ 2 iCan: 5 Features iPhone Users Take For Granted That Android Can’t Match http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ican-5-features-iphone-users-take-for-granted-that-android-cant-match/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ican-5-features-iphone-users-take-for-granted-that-android-cant-match/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 16:30:30 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=152291

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The iPhone is often targeted for its lack of features and functionality. When the bullet points are laid out side-by-side Android appears to have a hoard of extras that Apple’s device can’t match. I don’t buy this arguement, however, because it assumes all features are equally important and executed with equal grace. Not all functionality is equally important, and while Android offers many slight tweaks, the iPhone excels where excellence matters.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ican-5-features-iphone-users-take-for-granted-that-android-cant-match/feed/ 119 8 Awesome Kerbal Space Program Mods http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-awesome-kerbal-space-program-mod/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-awesome-kerbal-space-program-mod/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 16:31:31 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=152958

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Have you ever wanted to design your own rockets, launch them into space, and send astronauts to the moon (or beyond)? Now you can with Kerbal Space Program, a unique game and digital toy that focuses on the space-faring adventures of little green dudes called Kerbals. The game, developed by a small studio called Squad, has been developed with the Minecraft approach.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-awesome-kerbal-space-program-mod/feed/ 1 Which Is Best, A MacBook Air Or MacBook Pro? Both Models Compared Side-By-Side http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/which-is-best-a-macbook-air-or-macbook-pro-both-models-compared-side-by-side/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/which-is-best-a-macbook-air-or-macbook-pro-both-models-compared-side-by-side/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 16:31:10 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=149859

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You might think Apple’s relatively small laptop selection would make choosing a model easy. For some people, that’s true, but for others the tight range of options and prices makes for a difficult choice. A consumer with $1,200 could end up looking at both versions of the Air and the 13-inch Pro. I think all of the MacBooks are a good choice, but the reasons why are various. I’ll help you sort through the clutter and decide which MacBook is for you.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/which-is-best-a-macbook-air-or-macbook-pro-both-models-compared-side-by-side/feed/ 13 Minecraft Home Security Tips – Build A Perimeter That No One Could Break Through http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/minecraft-home-security-tips-build-a-perimeter-that-no-one-could-break-through/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/minecraft-home-security-tips-build-a-perimeter-that-no-one-could-break-through/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 16:31:15 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=151310

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The world of Minecraft can be harsh. One moment you’re happily cooking a few pieces of bacon in your oven, then next; BAM! Where’d that creep come from? Now you’re back at the respawn point – you’d better know how to get back home from there! Building a door is a good way to keep this from happening, but that only works if you stay underground or in a very tightly constructed fort.

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]]> http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/minecraft-home-security-tips-build-a-perimeter-that-no-one-could-break-through/feed/ 1 The Gadgets And Games Of Kickstarter – May 14th 2013 Edition http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-and-games-of-kickstarter-may-14th-2013-edition/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-gadgets-and-games-of-kickstarter-may-14th-2013-edition/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 16:31:50 +0000 Matt Smith http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=151612

Perhaps you haven’t heard, but there is a nifty website called Kickstarter where people can pledge to support projects that they’re interested in. Little things – like Android game consoles, eInk watches, and high-budget video games. Each Kickstarter is its own drama representing the hopes and dreams of at least one person. Will it succeed? Will it fail? Will it become a media sensation?

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Read full post: The Gadgets And Games Of Kickstarter – May 14th 2013 Edition

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