Matt Smith
555 articles published since May 24, 2010
Page 21
About Matt Smith
Matthew Smith is a freelance writer living in Portland Oregon. He also writes and edits for Digital Trends.
Are Ad Blocking Browser Extensions Killing The Internet?
One of the reasons for the Internet’s surge in popularity is the cost of most online content – or rather, the lack of cost. That’s not to say the content is free, however. Almost every site is supported by advertisements (including MakeUseOf), and sites are paid for displaying them either per-click or, in some cases, via a flat monthly fee.
'Apps Enhanced For OS X Lion' Receive Special Treatment In The App Store [News]
One of the many features included in OS X Lion was a set of application enhancements, such as a full-screen view with multitouch gesture support, enhanced auto-saving, and more. The new features are only available in apps updated to support them however, and Apple is now highlighting software updated for Lion in the app store.
New Worm Preys On Weak & Helpless Passwords For Windows Remote Desktop [News]
Say hello to Morto, a Windows worm that has been spreading like wildfire over the last weekend. This new nasty has struck by spreading over the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol. Rather than using fancy network trickery, Morto attempts to infect its target by entering passwords commonly used to secure RDP.
What Is The Legacy Of Steve Jobs? [Geeks Weigh In]
Steve Jobs has stepped down as CEO of Apple, and while he will continue as Apple's chairman, his relinquishment of the title is a clear indication that he sees his time as Apple’s leader coming to an end. Why has he decided to step down now, and what is the legacy he leaves behind? Until he cashes in by writing an autobiography, we won’t know for certain, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give it some thought.
5 Must-Have Podcasts That Manly Men Need To Listen To
As other manly men know, it can be a difficult lifestyle. Chopping down trees with your bare hands sounds awesome, but after doing it for an hour or two it can become a bit dull. That goes double if there are no bears to wrestle nearby. Podcasts have always been a great way to reduce tedium, but a real manly man can’t listen to just any podcast.
Automate SMS Replies & Schedule Messages With Auto SMS [Android 2.1+]
Texting has become a common and very popular method of communicating with friends. Shooting off a quick text is much quicker and easier than calling, and it’s possible to text while distracted by other tasks. Of course, those other tasks sometimes need to take priority. Fortunately, the Auto SMS app for Android makes texting possible even when you’re not available.
Why Tablets Shouldn't Have Keyboards Included With Them [Geeks Weigh In]
Once the love of all geeks, laptops are now defending their turf against smaller, lighter tablets that provide excellent battery life. While it’s not clear if tablets are the cause, laptops have seen their sales stall out recently. Yet in spite of their position as the new gadget wonder-child, some tablets try to be more like their older brethren by offering a physical keyboard.
The 3 Best Android Tablets Available Today That A Buyer Should Check Out
While the iPad was able to jump on the tablet market before anyone else, Android tablets from competitors are starting to flow like water. There’s now a wide variety of options available and many of them are quite mature. There are some Android tablets that stand out from the crowd. Let’s have a look at three of them.
Google+ Games Rolls Out To Selected Users [News]
Given the popularity of Facebook gaming, it was only a matter of time before Google+ added a few games of its own. Now it’s happened. Selected users can play games through a new page added to the interface. Accessible via a new button beside the search bar, the games page provides users with the scoop on the titles their friends are enjoying.
5 Ways to Improve the Battery Life of Your Tablet
Tablets are becoming a popular mobile device, and their impressive endurance is one of the greatest draws. Most tablets can last eight to ten hours even when displaying mobile video or surfing the web. This is plenty for most users, but there may come a time when you need even more life. These five tips can help you extract every second from your tablet’s battery.
How To Restore Data Service To Your Smartphone [Android]
Mobile data service is ubiquitous in most major cities, making it unlikely that an Android user will ever go without seeing the 3G or 4G logo lit up on their device. There are still many places however, that don’t have access to mobile data – and unexpected interference can also disrupt your connection.
Having Trouble Installing OS X Lion? Thumb Drives Bring New Hope [News]
Apple’s decision to release OS X Lion exclusively through the Mac App Store was bound to cause a few problems, and indeed it has. According to an internal memo sent to Cupertino’s customer support, those unlucky users who’ve hit a snag can now find a savior in the form of a USB drive.
5 Alternative Uses For An Old & Out Of Date Android Phone
If anyone were to craft a Toy Story homage based on smartphones, it would be a depressing tale. Smartphones are bought, loved, and then discarded – often all within two or three years. While these older smartphones can sometimes be sold or traded, they’re usually left to be forgotten in a bottom drawer or the bottom of a trash can.
New Android Malware Could Share Calls With Remote Server [News]
A devious new security threat targeted at Android devices has been uncovered, and this time it's your phone calls that could be stolen. The malware activates when a compromised smartphone makes a call. It’s recorded as an audio file on the phone’s microSD card, and then sent to a remote server after the call is complete.
Watch YouTube Videos With Friends On Google+ Hangouts [News]
Google+ Hangouts, the group video chat feature that lets friends talk face-to-face online, is adding another trick up its sleeve – live streaming YouTube. This new feature lets up to ten people watch YouTube live streams together. Currently, it is possible to use live feeds with hangouts, but only through the following 5-step process.
How To Use Windows’ Parental Controls To Restrict Your Child's Use Of The PC
Computers can be intimidating to parents. Allowing children the opportunity to understand computers is important, but a PC can be used to explore curiosities that are inappropriate. They also can turn into massive time sinks thanks to the games and movies available on them.
Watch the Web: AWESOME Media Center Guide
TV over the internet exists, but to call it mature would be disingenuous. You should know what to expect before making the leap & and I’ll help you prepare
Pay What You Want (Again) For The Third Humble Indie Software Bundle [News]
The Humble Indie Bundle is back with five more excellent indie games – and as before, you’re welcome to pay whatever you’d like. You can even choose where your money goes. Of this bundle’s assortment, there are two games that most hardcore gamers will have heard of.
4 Great Tetris-Like Games For Your Smartphone [Android]
Tetris was the first video game I remember playing. It came with the Nintendo my grandfather purchased for me. Games like Tetris remain popular because they’re easy to understand, fun to play, and don’t rely on fancy hardware. There are quite a few great Tetris-like games available on Android, and some put a twist on the basic concept.
Apple Releases iTunes 10.4 With Full Screen Support, Updates iWork [News]
Just a few days after the introduction of Apple’s latest operating system, OS X Lion, the company has revealed a small update to iTunes 10.4. The update’s most obvious addition is a new full screen mode that works alongside Lion’s multi-touch support to provide a smooth, immersive experience.