Nostr notes by Cliff

## OpenCode Go Review: Is the $10/Month Coding Model Plan Worth ...

2026-07-16T13:00:00Z

##

OpenCode Go Review: Is the $10/Month Coding Model Plan Worth It?

https://www.seerofsouls.com/opencode-go-review-is-the-10-month-coding-model-plan-worth-it/

OpenCode Go is a budget-friendly $10/month subscription from Anomaly that gives developers curated access to 13 of the best open-source coding models. But is it worth it? Here is the full review.

#AI #Computers #Editorials #OpenCodeGO #Referral #Tech #Technology

## Review: Sennheiser CX 80U USB-C Earbuds ...

2026-04-06T13:00:00Z

##

Review: Sennheiser CX 80U USB-C Earbuds

https://www.seerofsouls.com/review-sennheiser-cx-80u-usb-c-earbuds/

Thanks to the awesome folks over at Sennheiser, today I’ll be reviewing their new Sennheiser CX 80U USB-C Wired Earbuds. Released in early 2026 as the successor to the popular CX 80S, the Sennheiser CX 80U aims to prove that wired audio is not just a relic of the past, but a high-fidelity solution for the USB-C era.

#Computers #CX80U #Earbuds #LogitechG333 #PC #Reviews #Sennheiser #Technology #USBC

## Cliff’s Notes 2026: Episode Five ...

2026-03-31T13:00:00Z

##

Cliff’s Notes 2026: Episode Five

https://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-2026-episode-five/

Well hello there! It’s been quite a while since I did one of these posts, or any posts on the website for that matter. Why you ask? Life has just been crazy and pretty busy in various ways. Plus I’ll also admit I’ve just not really had motivation to want to post things. You know, writers block and such!

#Computers #MySkylight #PC #Skylight #SkylightCalendar #Technology #WeeklyNotes #Work #WorkStuff

## Review: RK Royal Kludge A72 68% Ergonomic Alice Layout ...

2026-02-18T14:00:00Z

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Review: RK Royal Kludge A72 68% Ergonomic Alice Layout Mechanical Keyboard

https://www.seerofsouls.com/review-rk-royal-kludge-a72-68-ergonomic-alice-layout-mechanical-keyboard/

Thanks to the folks over at Royal Kludge, also known as RKGaming, for sending over the Royal Kludge A72 Ergonomic Alice Layout keyboard for review! They sent over the Sky Blue variant, but it also comes in Cloudy Black and Matcha Green variants. You also have a choice of three different switch types, Tactical Beige Switches, Silent Purple Switches or Linear Cream Switches. RK sent me the Sky blue with Silent Purple Switches.

#A72 #Computers #Keyboards #PC #Reviews #RK #RoyalKludge #Technology

## Cliff’s Notes 2026: Episode Four ...

2026-02-17T20:27:34Z

##

Cliff’s Notes 2026: Episode Four

https://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-2026-episode-four/

Been a couple of weeks since I did my previous Cliff’s Notes, so I figured I’d try and get one out this week. Couple of things to talk about, mostly work wise, so that will be the bulk of this episode.

#CliffNotes #CliffSNotes #Computers #ConciergeTeamLead #PC #Promotion #Skylight #SkylightCalendar #Technology #WeeklyNotes

## Cliff’s Notes 2026: Episode Three ...

2026-02-03T16:34:43Z

##

Cliff’s Notes 2026: Episode Three

https://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-2026-episode-three/

Once again, kind of changing up how I post these Cliff’s Notes posts. I’ve tried to do them every week, but personally I think that’s a bit too often. So I’ve decided I’m just going to do them every two to three weeks and I’m simply going to name them chronological order for the year.

#AllThingsTech #RandomStuff #Technology #WeeklyNotes #WeeklyNotes #WorkStuff

## Cliff’s Notes: Episode 2 Of 2026 ...

2026-01-13T14:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes: Episode 2 Of 2026

https://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-episode-2-of-2026/

Not much happened this week to be honest, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in a lot of cases. But there are a couple of things I’ll talk about, so let’s get to each of those.

#CliffNotes #CliffSNotes #Computers #Technology #WeeklyNotes #WeeklyUpdates

## Alternatives For Logitech Options+ For MacOS ...

2026-01-07T14:00:00Z

##

Alternatives For Logitech Options+ For MacOS

https://www.seerofsouls.com/alternatives-for-logitech-options-for-macos/

I stopped using Logitech, or as it’s also known as, Logi, products some years ago. They just didn’t seem to be as good of a company as they once used to be and I decided to move on after years of using nothing but their products.

#Apps #Computers #LinearMouse #LogitechOptions #MacOS #PC #Technology

## Cliff’s Notes Episode One Of 2026 ...

2026-01-05T14:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes Episode One Of 2026

https://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-episode-one-of-2026/

It’s been almost a month since I did a weekly update, and for that I apologize. Things have been crazy to say the least so let’s just dive in and get right to it. Though this will likely be a considerably shorter Cliff’s Notes than usual.

#Apps #CliffNotes #CliffSNotes #PC #Technology #WeeklyNotes

## My Favorite Video Games Of 2025 ...

2026-01-01T14:00:00Z

##

My Favorite Video Games Of 2025

https://www.seerofsouls.com/my-favorite-video-games-of-2025/

As many of you know I play quite a bit of video games in my spare time. Usually this happens prior to my work shift for the day, but every now and then it happens after work. Days off are spent playing quite a few hours of video games unless I have something planned with the wife.

#2025 #ArcRaiders #AssassinSCreedShadows #Avowed #BestVideoGamesOf2025 #Borderlands4 #EscapeFromDuckov #EternalStrands #GameOfTheYear #Gamer #Games #Gaming #Grounded2 #HollowKnightSilksong #TheOuterWorlds2 #VideoGames

## Why I Haven’t Been Active On ...

2025-12-31T14:00:00Z

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Why I Haven’t Been Active On Mastodonhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/why-i-havent-been-active-on-mastodon/

I was asked about three weeks or so ago by CyberSecKyle as to why I hadn’t posted or been active on Mastodon for about two weeks at the time. This was in our Discord that we still run and own, which is still called AllThingsTech.

#AllThingsTech #Discord #PC #Skylight #Technology #Work

## Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending December ...

2025-12-07T14:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending December 7thhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-for-week-ending-december-7th/

Well hello there! It’s been a couple, ok well, it’s been 3+ weeks, since the last time I did this and there’s a very good reason for it. So let’s dive in and get started with our Weekly Notes that I’ve chosen to call Cliff’s Notes.

#AllThingsTech #ArcRaiders #CliffNotes #CliffSNotes #Computers #Skylight #SkylightCalendar #SoulFrame #Technology #VideoGames #WeeklyNotes

## Review: Redragon Antonium K745 Pro Keyboard Purple ...

2025-11-20T14:00:00Z

##

Review: Redragon Antonium K745 Pro Keyboard Purple Editionhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/review-redragon-antonium-k745-pro-keyboard-purple-edition/

The Redragon Antonium K745 Pro represents a significant step up for the budget peripheral manufacturer, moving away from the “pingy” metal plates of their older models and into the modern era of gasket-mounted, sound-dampened enthusiast boards. The Purple edition, in particular, offers a striking aesthetic that breaks away from the standard black or white gamer peripherals.

#antoniumK745Pro #computers #keyboards #pc #redragon #reviews #technology

## Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending November ...

2025-11-19T14:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending November 18thhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-for-week-ending-november-18th/

I know, I know, I’m a couple of days late on the Cliff’s Notes post this week. To be honest, time got away from me and I didn’t realize I hadn’t actually done it and what day it was supposed to be done. But have no fear, we’re here now!

#cliffsNotes #cliffsnotes #computers #pc #technology #weeklyNotes #weeklynotes

## Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending November ...

2025-11-09T14:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending November 8thhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-for-week-ending-november-8th/

Yet another week has passed so here I am today wring up my weekly Cliff’s Notes of things I did during the week. To be honest, this was a pretty boring week for me all around. But let’s dive in and get started.

#CliffSNotes #CliffsNotes #Computers #PC #Technology #WeeklyNotes #WeeklyNotes

## Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending November ...

2025-11-03T14:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes For Week Ending November 2ndhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-for-week-ending-november-2nd/

Here we already, another week complete. They just seem to be going by so damn quickly. It’s crazy to think that Thanksgiving is just over 3 weeks from now and that Christmas is just over 6 weeks away which means the new year is just about 7 weeks or so from being here.

#CliffSNotes #Computers #DaveSHotChicken #Gaming #PC #Skylight #SkylightCalendar #Technology #VideoGames #WeeklyNotes #WeeklyNotes

## Cliff’s Notes For The Week Ending October ...

2025-10-26T13:00:00Z

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Cliff’s Notes For The Week Ending October 25thhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/cliffs-notes-for-the-week-ending-october-25th/

Greetings and happy Sunday! It’s time for yet another Weekly Notes, however, there’s changes to them this week. I’ve decided to go ahead and go with the name Cliff’s Notes, but I’ll still use the hashtag of #WeeklyNotes on places like Mastodon since so many others use that one.

#CliffSNotes #Computers #Music #PC #Skylight #Technology #WeeklyNotes #WeeklyNotes

## Weekly Notes For October 8th – October ...

2025-10-16T13:00:00Z

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Weekly Notes For October 8th – October 15thhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/weekly-notes-for-october-8th-october-15th/

Last week’s Weekly Notes post went pretty well to be honest. A bit better than I expected actually. Thank you to everyone who took a look and actually read it, or at least pretended to read it. For week two, it’s a bit more than a week because I wanted get my thoughts on my new job at Skylight after the first day or two of working there. So yeah, let’s go ahead and dive in and discuss this past week or so.

#CliffNotes #Computers #Gaming #Skylight #Technology #WeeklyNotes #WeeklyNotes #Work

## Review: Redragon Garen K656 Pro ...

2025-10-12T13:00:00Z

##

Review: Redragon Garen K656 Pro Keyboardhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/review-redragon-garen-k656-pro-keyboard/

As I always try to start each review with here at SoS, I just want to give Redragon a huge THANK YOU for always sending over products for me to review. Today I’ll be reviewing their Redragon Garen K656 Pro Keyboard in MoonDust Gray, as they also have a multi-shade blue colorway you can choose from if you’d like.

#Computers #GarenK656Pro #Keyboards #PC #Redragon #Reviews #Technology

## Review: NeoBlade Wireless Ultrasonic ...

2025-10-11T13:00:00Z

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Review: NeoBlade Wireless Ultrasonic Cutterhttps://www.seerofsouls.com/review-neoblade-wireless-ultrasonic-cutter/

Thanks to the folks over at HOZO Design for sending over their newest product for me to review, the NeoBlade Wireless Ultrasonic Cutter. Previously they had sent me their NeoRuler and their M-Cube Laser Level which are two really great products.

#Cutting #HOZODesigns #NeoBlade #Reviews #Technology #Ultrasonic #UltrasonicCutter

## Review: Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro KeyboardAs is often the ...

2025-10-10T13:00:00Z

##

Review: Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro KeyboardAs is often the case, the awesome folks over at Redragon have sent me a stack of items to review. One of those was the review I did last week of the [Redragon Antonium K728 Pro](https://www.seerofsouls.com/review-redragon-antonium-k728-pro-keyboard/ ). Today, I’ll be reviewing the second product in that stack, the [Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/behemoth-k724-pro?variant=47077298962654 ) keyboard in the black and green variant.

The Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro is a feature-rich mechanical keyboard that aims to deliver a premium custom keyboard experience at an accessible price point. It adopts the popular 75% layout and incorporates several enthusiast-level features.##

Product FeaturesTri-Mode Connectivity: It offers versatile connectivity options: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless (via a dongle for low-latency gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate), and Bluetooth 3.0/5.0 for connecting to multiple devices. Smart Info-Island Screen: A standout feature is the 1.41-inch TFT screen. This display serves as an "Info Center," showing real-time information such as the connection mode, battery percentage, time, and operating system. Furthermore, it supports customization, allowing users to upload and display small animated GIFs, offering a unique personalization opportunity. Multifunctional Knob: The metal rotary knob provides easy, dedicated control over media functions (volume up/down, mute/play/pause) and often doubles as a control for adjusting RGB backlight brightness and modes directly on the keyboard. RGB Backlighting: The keyboard features customizable 16.8 million color RGB backlighting with numerous preset and music-sync modes. The LEDs are typically south-facing, which is preferred by custom keyboard enthusiasts as it offers better keycap compatibility and a more appealing lighting display, especially with certain keycap profiles. Anti-Ghosting and N-Key Rollover (NKRO): It supports full-key NKRO for accurate registration of simultaneous key presses, a critical feature for competitive gaming.##

Build Quality And DesignThe Behemoth K724 Pro features a **75% layout** (81 keys plus a knob/screen), which is a compact form factor that retains the essential Function row (F1−F12) and arrow keys, saving significant desk space compared to a full-size board. Obviously what’s missing from this form factor is the 10-key section of the keyboard.

The keyboard is built with a modern gasket-mounted structure. This design incorporates sound-dampening materials like multiple layers of foam and silicone (e.g., IXPE switch foam, PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad) to provide a softer, more cushioned, and acoustically pleasing typing experience, significantly reducing the “hollow” or “pingy” sound often found in budget keyboards. The overall construction feels solid, with a satisfying heft that keeps it firmly in place on the desk.

It comes equipped with double-shot PBT keycaps, which are durable, resistant to shine over time, and offer a comfortable, matte texture. The switches are typically Redragon’s custom pre-lubed Mint Mambo linear switches (or similar custom linear switches). These are generally well-regarded for being smooth out of the box with a light actuation force (40g), making them excellent for both fast gaming and comfortable typing. Crucially, the keyboard is hot-swappable (supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin switches), allowing users to easily change switches without soldering for full customization.

The design often uses a visually striking colorway with a distinct, angular-molded case that contributes to a “gamer” aesthetic. It includes a prominent multifunctional knob and a unique TFT Smart Info-Island Screen on the top right, adding a modern, high-tech flair to the appearance.##

Battery LifeThe keyboard is equipped with a substantial 4000mAh rechargeable built-in battery. Redragon claims the battery can last “about a week” even with full RGB lighting enabled, or around 30 to 50 hours of usage depending on the brightness and complexity of the RGB effects.

As is common with wireless RGB keyboards, heavy use of bright RGB lighting and the continuous running of the TFT screen will drain the battery significantly faster. Users prioritizing battery life can extend it greatly by turning off the backlighting and screen. It charges via the included USB Type-C cable, with a full charge taking approximately 3 to 4 hours.##

SoftwareThe [Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/behemoth-k724-pro?variant=47077298962654 ) is supported by software, as is the case with most Redragon keyboards. You can find the software here: [Behemoth K724 Pro Software](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/s3.downloadcenter/Redragon%C2%A0K724-RGB-PRO.exe ). The software allows for advanced customization beyond what is available directly on the keyboard. This includes but not limited to the following features.

Setting up complex macro sequences and remapping key functions for both work and gaming efficiency. Detailed control over the RGB lighting, allowing users to create custom modes and effects. Essential for uploading custom GIFs to the TFT screen and adjusting its settings.

While offering necessary deep customization, the quality and user-friendliness of Redragon’s software have historically been noted by some users as functional but potentially less polished or intuitive compared to major competitors.##

Discount CodeAgain, thanks to the awesome folks over at Redragon for allowing me to review this product and others that they have sent over in the past. They have also provided me with a special URL that anyone can use to save a total of 10% off of your entire purchase across their site. So if you’re interested in purchasing the [Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/behemoth-k724-pro?variant=47077298962654 ), or any of their products, you can click this link: [Save 10% On Your Entire Order](https://www.redragonshop.com/discount/DECRYPTED?ref=blog.seerofsouls.com ). I believe if you don’t click the link, you can always manually input ***DECRYPTED*** as the code during check out.##

Final ThoughtsThe [Redragon Behemoth K724 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/behemoth-k724-pro?variant=47077298962654 ) is a compelling option for those seeking a unique, feature-rich, and affordable mechanical keyboard. Its distinctive design, solid build quality, versatile connectivity, and comfortable typing experience make it a great choice for both gamers and typists. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. To top it all off, this keyboard is currently priced at only $69.99 which is a really good price point in my opinion.

#BehemothK724 #BehemothPro #Computers #Keyboards #PC #Redragon #Reviews #Technology

## My First Adventure Into The Weekly Notes Blog PostsI’ve seen ...

2025-10-07T13:00:00Z

##

My First Adventure Into The Weekly Notes Blog PostsI’ve seen several folks on Mastodon doing these “Weekly Notes” type posts for a while now. The one I see the most often do it is [Joel](https://fosstodon.org/@joel ) and you can find their blog here: [JoelChrono.xyz](https://JoelChrono.xyz ) that has some great content on it.

This first edition of my Weekly Notes won’t be for a specific 7 days really. I’m going to go back to September 25th and go to yesterday, October 6th. From there I’ll get on a regular schedule hopefully but there are just a couple of things I wanted to share that are super exciting to me personally.##

September 25th – 27thTo preface a bit, I had been interviewing for a new job at a company called [Skylight](https://MySkylight.com ) about a week or two prior to these dates. I was in the interview process to join their customer support team, or as they choose to call it, their **Concierge Team**. I had now made it to the final part of the process which was an in-person interview. Skylight decided that mine would be with my direct boss whom I interviewed with on the second round. This would mean I’d get to fly to Minneapolis to meet her in person and do the interview. Well, the meeting, as these aren’t really interviews at this point in the process.

I was super excited and quickly found out that I’d be staying at the [Radisson Blu](https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/brand/radisson-blu ) at the [Mall of America](https://www.mallofamerica.com ). The MOA was somewhere I had always wanted to visit and check out, but had never gotten the chance. I was equally as excited to travel and to also meet my boss whom I had a great interview/meeting with a week or so prior.

I flew in Thursday morning so I’d have the majority of the day to spend at the mall and just enjoying it as much as possible. My meeting would be on Friday from 10am – 1:30pm, which also included lunch. Again, this was more of a meeting and just a get to know you in person and provide me with an offer more than anything else.

The boss and I started with coffee at [Caribou Coffee](https://www.cariboucoffee.com ) and we sat down and conversation happened so naturally and was absolutely enjoyable in every way possible. She showed me the Calendar and a few things that it can do and I got to play around with it as well. Then it was off to lunch, where more great conversations were had, then near the end of lunch she officially offered me the position in which I had applied for. I of course accepted which made me an official employee of Skylight.

Let me tell you this, MOA was mind blowing. This place was so huge and then some. Several actual roller coasters inside the mall, big name restaurants and it was three stories. If you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommend it.##

September 30th – October 1stJust a few short days later, Skylight wanted me to fly out to Pittsburgh for a day of training if possible, even though my tentative start date wasn’t until October 20th(that’s now October 14th). I agreed since I had a flexible enough job at HST Pathways. This means I’d fly in on Tuesday at some point and would need to leave Wednesday evening after the training was over which was scheduled to end at 3pm.

Oddly, this training was really for the 12 part-time people they had just hired, but they asked me if I could go just so I could get some hands-on time with the Calendar and just get a basic understanding of things. It was quite the learning experience and a ton of fun.

I got to meet two out of the other three people that I had interviewed with which made it all worth it. I even had dinner with my boss, the supervisor of the 12 member part-time crew who I had interviewed with and one other lady on Tuesday night. Again, super fun to meet the folks I’d soon be working with. Not to mention getting to meet all 12 of the part-time individuals, who were all super friendly and fun to talk to in their own ways.

Needless to say, even though I’ve said it above several times, I’m very excited about this new journey especially given the fact that I’ll be working with my former boss of nearly 9 years while I was at Nova Launcher and Branch. While he and I will be working in different areas, we’ll have a lot of interaction and stuff and I know we’re going to make some awesome things happen. The future is truly bright at Skylight.##

October 2nd – 6thThe rest of the time wasn’t near as exciting as all of that. I have been at home since getting back late on October 1st and there’s no more traveling until likely January, which will be a all-hands type meet up for Skylight. Definitely something I’m excited about.##

Gaming, Gaming, GamingWhat I have done during this time was play some video games since I’m off from work until October 14th. So what have I been playing you ask? Mainly it’s been Borderlands 4. I’ve been playing since the day it was released back on September 12th and I finally finished the main campaign over the past few days. However, this is where the game really begins as there’s so much to do at this point.

I’ve also been play [Hollow Knight: Silksong](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1030300/Hollow_Knight_Silksong/ ) here and there as well as [Megabonk](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3405340/Megabonk/ ). Both are super fun and I can’t wait to get back to Silksong and really dive in and hopefully complete that game as well. For now, that’s about I’m playing, as those are taking up pretty much all of my spare time. ##

BloggingAs is often the case, I haven’t done much writing on the site over the past few weeks, but I have written a review for the [Redragon Antonium K728 Pro Keyboard](https://www.seerofsouls.com/review-redragon-antonium-k728-pro-keyboard/ ), though that was back on September 18th, so shouldn’t really be mentioned in this post since it doesn’t start until September 25th.

I did write another blog post, and this one was just done yesterday called [How To Quickly Lock And Secure Your Mac](https://www.seerofsouls.com/quick-and-effective-ways-to-lock-and-secure-your-mac/ ). I of course would appreciate it if you’d check out either of them, or even any of the other posts on the site and leave some comments on things of interest to you.##

Final ThoughtsAgain, this is my first attempt at this **Weekly Posts** stuff, so I hope you find it interesting. I don’t normally do to much other than work and sleep, with the occasional video game thrown in there, but I’m going to try and stick with it as best I can. Just need to find the right schedule for it that works for me.

Feel free to leave a comment below with any suggestions on accomplishing that or what you’d like to know if I do or don’t do during the week. I’m certainly up for anything to make this post as interesting and informative to each of you as I possibly can.

#Blogging #Computers #PC #Technology #WeekNotes #WeeklyNotes

## Quick And Effective Ways To Lock And Secure Your MacLocking ...

2025-10-06T11:58:59Z

##

Quick And Effective Ways To Lock And Secure Your MacLocking and securing your Mac, or any computer for that matter, is a great and effective way to protect your personal files, any sensitive information you might keep on the Mac and to prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important if you have multiple users that use the Mac or if you are often using it in public places.

Whether you’re stepping away from your desk for a few minutes or securing your Mac remotely, knowing how to lock your Mac properly ensures your privacy and keeps your data safe. With that being said, I’m going to share various methods to lock your Mac manually, automatically and even remotely. I’ll show you to use keyboard shortcuts to system preferences to keep your Mac safe.##

Using Keyboard ShortcutsKeyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to lock your Mac without navigating through menus.

**Lock Screen Shortcut**<li>Control + Command + QThis shortcut instantly locks your screen, taking you to the login window. Your apps and files remain open in the background, but your Mac requires a password or authentication to access them again.</li>

**Put Mac to Sleep Shortcut**<li>Command + Option + Power (for Macs with a dedicated Power button)</li><li>Command + Option + Eject (for older Macs with an Eject key)</li>

Putting your Mac to sleep effectively locks it while also conserving power. Depending on how you have the system configured, you might need to enter your password when waking up the system (we’ll cover this in section 2).##

Using The Apple MenuYou’ll find this in the upper left hand corner of the screen. This only takes two clicks and is super easy and simple to use to secure your Mac.<li>Click the Apple logo</li><li>From this menu click on Lock Screen</li>

This is no different from the keyboard shortcut method mentioned above. It will require you to enter your password to unlock the system assuming you have it setup that way.##

Automatically Lock Your MacIt’s easy for any and all of us to forget to lock our Mac’s at times. It’s just how we are as humans. That’s why I prefer the method of automatically locking my Mac, so that if/when I do forget, it’ll do it for me.

**Enable Screen Saver With Password**

Using the screen saver can double as a security feature which is very handy and often displays something nice on your screen after a short period of time of inactivity. Again, if setup correctly, this will require you to enter your password to get back into the system, making it yet another secure way of locking your Mac.

This only takes a few simple steps to setup, and again, it’s my preferred way of securing my Mac, mainly because I’m the only user on my Mac and I often have to move away from it quickly while working on another system.

To enable the screen saver locking method, we’re going to follow the steps below.

Open **System Settings**

Click on **Lock Screen** in the left panel

Set your preferred time interval of inactivity in which you want the screen saver to start

Enable the Require Password Immediately after screen saver or sleep begins option##

Setup Automatic Lock After Screen Goes To Sleep Or The Screen Saver Begins<li>Go to System Settings</li><li>Click on Lock Screen in the left panel</li><li>Click the Require Password After Sleep Or Screen Saver Begins option and set it to Immediately</li>This method guarantees that if your Mac goes to sleep automatically or you close the lid(if you’re using a MacBook), the device will lock automatically and will require you to enter your password or Touch ID to wake up the system.##

Using Hot Corners To Lock Your MacThe Hot Corners feature in MacOS is super handy and allows you to do a lot of things by simply dragging your mouse to various corners of the screen. This means you can do this to activate your screen saver which of course will lock your Mac if setup properly.

Open **System Settings**

Click on **Desktop & Dock** in the left panel

Click on **Hot Corners**

Choose a corner that you prefer and select **Start Screen Saver**

Click **Done** to save##

Lock Your Mac Using Find My MacThis is a method I’ve never used and hopefully will never have to use. This is more for if/when your Mac is lost, stolen or simply left behind in a place you can’t get back to very quickly. This of course does require the **Find My Mac** to be enabled on the Mac.

**Find My Mac** is part of Apple’s broader **Find My** network – a security and tracking feature built into macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It allows you to locate, lock, or erase your Apple devices remotely using iCloud. The feature uses a combination of Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth beacons, and Apple’s vast network of devices to track lost or misplaced products, even when they are offline (if you’ve enabled the **Find My network**).

When you lock your Mac remotely with **Find My Mac**:<li>The Mac becomes inaccessible to unauthorized users</li><li>Your personalized lock screen message is displayed</li><li>You can track its location through iCloud</li><li>You have peace of mind knowing your data is protected</li>

To enable the **Find My Mac** option, you’ll need to follow the steps below. <li>System Settings</li><li>Apple ID</li><li>iCloud</li><li>See All</li><li>Enable Find My Mac</li><li>Allow Find My Network for offline tracking(not mandatory, but highly recommended)</li>

Another way to lock your Mac remotely using the **Find My** option is to visit the **iCloud** website and do it from there.<li>Visit <a href="https://iCloud.com">iCloud.com</a>; </li><li>Login with your Apple ID</li><li>Choose the Mac from the list you wish to lock</li><li>Click the Lock option</li><li>Follow the prompts to set a passcode and optional message</li>

Doing this will lock your Mac remotely and will force anyone who is in possession of the device to be required to enter the password to access it. One thing to note here is, even if the Mac is offline, the lock command will activate as soon as the device connects itself to the internet. ##

Does Closing The Lid Lock Your MacBook?This all depends on your settings and what you’ve chosen, or not chosen. You can ensure the Mac automatically locks when closing the lid by follow the steps below.<li>Open System Settings</li><li>Click Lock Screen in the left panel</li><li>Enable the Require Password After Sleep Or Screen Saver Begins is set to Immediately</li>

As was the case above, if you enable this method, the MacBook will lock automatically and will required the password to be used to unlock it. One important thing to note here is if you are using your MacBook with an external display and in **Clamshell Mode**, closing the lid may not lock the system automatically. It’s encouraged that you get into the habit of locking the screen via other manual methods to ensure protection of your MacBook.##

Final ThoughtsLocking and securing your Mac and/or MacBook is something everyone should get into the habit of as it will protect your personal data and other things. There are multiple options as I listed above, and there are likely many other ways you can lock the Mac quickly and easily enough.

I also recommend you setup both manual and automatic locking methods along with using strong passwords and file encryption to ensure your Mac is secure as possible.

If you have other methods not listed here, please feel free to drop a comment below and give me the steps of what you do. I’m always interested to learn new methods since I am still relatively new to the Mac world myself.

## Review: Redragon Antonium K728 Pro KeyboardThe [Redragon ...

2025-09-18T14:36:43Z

##

Review: Redragon Antonium K728 Pro KeyboardThe [Redragon Antonium K728 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/antonium-k728-pro-side-printed-pbt-keycaps?_pos=2&_psq=antonium+k728+pro&_ss=e&_v=1.0 ) is a mechanical keyboard that aims to deliver premium features at a budget-friendly price point of just $59.99. The pink and black colorway offers a stylish aesthetic that stands out from typical gaming keyboards. While it isn’t perfect, it’s a solid option for users who want a capable and customizable mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank.##

Build Quality and DesignThe keyboard’s aesthetic is one of its major selling points, with gradient black and pink PBT keycaps that look great even without the backlighting. The design is available in different form factors, including the TKL (Tenkeyless) 80% layout, which is popular with FPS gamers who need more mouse space. The full-size 100% version ([Antonium K745 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/antonium-k745-pro?variant=47049438953694 )) is also available, which I’ll be reviewing in the very near future!

In terms of build quality, the [Antonium K728 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/antonium-k728-pro-side-printed-pbt-keycaps?_pos=2&_psq=antonium+k728+pro&_ss=e&_v=1.0 ) feels “decent but not premium.” The case is made of polycarbonate and while it feels better than many other plastic keyboards in its price range, it can feel a bit light and exhibits some flex when pressed down hard enough. When I say “not premium”, I don’t mean this in a bad way. There are just much heavier duty keyboards that feel more premium if you will. I’ve owned numerous Redragon keyboards over the years as you can imagine and I’ve never had any of them fall apart, break, chip or anything similar.

A key feature is the gasket-mounted design, which is a significant plus for a keyboard in this price bracket. This design provides a softer, more cushioned feel to keystrokes and, combined with the five layers of sound-dampening foam (including a silicone bottom pad, socket foam, and sound pad), it produces a pleasant, “creamy” and “thocky” sound profile right out of the box. The keyboard also features a two-step kickstand design on the bottom to adjust the typing angle for ergonomic comfort.##

Product FeaturesThe Antonium K728 Pro is packed with features typically found in more expensive keyboards.<li>Connectivity: It offers a “tri-mode” connection, providing flexibility with USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless with a dongle, and Bluetooth 3.0/5.0. A storage slot for the 2.4GHz receiver is conveniently located on the back.</li><li>Switches and Keycaps: The keyboard comes with Redragon’s custom “Leopard L” or “Mint Mambo” linear switches, which are praised for being smooth and quiet. The PCB is hot-swappable, which is a huge benefit for both beginners and enthusiasts. This allows you to easily change out switches (both 3-pin and 5-pin) without any soldering, giving you the freedom to customize the feel and sound of your keyboard. The included PBT keycaps are durable and have a slightly textured finish to prevent slipperiness.</li><li>Lighting and Sound: The Antonium Pro features south-facing RGB LEDs, which are ideal for showcasing custom keycaps and prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps. There are 20 preset lighting modes, and the lighting can be further customized with the accompanying software. The five-layer dampening system is a standout feature, effectively reducing hollow noises and creating a clean, satisfying sound.</li>##

Battery LifeThe keyboard is equipped with a 4000mAh internal battery. Battery life can vary significantly depending on usage and, most importantly, RGB lighting. With the RGB lighting fully on, you can expect the battery to last around a week with daily use. However, if you lower the brightness or turn the lighting off completely, the battery life can be extended to several weeks. One notable drawback is that there doesn’t appear to be a simple way to check the battery percentage directly on the keyboard, though it can be checked through a paired device on Bluetooth.##

SoftwareThe Redragon Antonium K728 Pro is supported by a dedicated software application. This software allows users to expand their customization options beyond the on-board controls. You can create your own lighting modes and effects, assign macros to keys, and remap different key bindings or shortcuts. The software isn’t anything special in terms of its interface, it’s functional and provides the necessary tools for advanced customization, which is a significant plus for a keyboard at this price point.

You can find the software for the Antonium K728 Pro via this link: [Antonium K728 Pro Software](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0012/4957/4961/files/Redragon_K728WBB-RGB-PRO_Setup_V1.6.7_20241202_1_V1.exe?v=1741248177 ).##

Discount CodeAgain, thanks to the awesome folks over at Redragon for allowing me to review this product and others that they have sent over in the past. They have also provided me with a special URL that anyone can use to save a total of 10% off of your entire purchase across their site. So if you’re interested in purchasing the [Redragon Antonium K728 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/antonium-k728-pro-side-printed-pbt-keycaps?_pos=4&_psq=antonium+pro&_ss=e&_v=1.0 ), or any of their products, you can click this link: [Save 10% On Your Entire Order](https://www.redragonshop.com/discount/DECRYPTED?ref=blog.seerofsouls.com ). I believe if you don’t click the link, you can always manually input ***DECRYPTED*** as the code during check out.##

Final ThoughtsThe [Redragon Antonium K728 Pro](https://redragonshop.com/products/antonium-k728-pro-side-printed-pbt-keycaps?_pos=2&_psq=antonium+k728+pro&_ss=e&_v=1.0 ) is a compelling option for those seeking a unique, feature-rich, and affordable mechanical keyboard. Its distinctive design, solid build quality, versatile connectivity, and comfortable typing experience make it a great choice for both gamers and typists. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. To top it all off, this keyboard is currently priced at only $59.99 which is a really good price point in my opinion.

#AntoniumPro #Computers #Keyboards #PC #Redragon #Reviews #Technology

## Review: HOZO Design NeoRulerMeasurements are an area that ...

2025-07-17T13:00:00Z

##

Review: HOZO Design NeoRulerMeasurements are an area that haven’t really undergone that many real innovations over the years. The humble ruler, even less so. HOZO Design aims to change that with its [NeoRuler](https://www.amazon.com/NeoRuler-NeoCaliper-Measuring-Customized-Measurment/dp/B0CJHSX9GQ?tag=trxai01013-20 ), which is a measuring tool that can help both at the desk and away from it.

The NeoRuler is basically a considerable expansion of the concept of the ruler. To start with, you don’t have the usual ruler functionality of markings for centimeters and inches on the edges. And, as equipped, it looks more like a set of calipers.

This takes the more advanced route of requiring a small display to actually tell you how long something is. Instead of measuring simply by putting the ruler against an object and using your eyes, you instead have to move a physical indicator along the length of the ruler, along a channel. Doing so will display the measurement on the LCD display, in millimeters and inches.Hardware Specs 1.14″ backlit true-color LCD display 240×135 at 240DPI 0.004″ (0.1mm) resolution 12″ (305mm) measuring range 0.4lb (184g) weight 1000 mAh lithium-polymer battery 180-day battery life in standby, 12 hours of continuous use under maximum power consumption Aluminum Alloy, Stainless Steel, ABS, PC, and POM Bluetooth 4.0##

Product DesignThe NeoRuler utilizes a segmented LED strip along the edge of the ruler and a 1.14″ backlit true-color LCD display to display measurements. There are no labeled increments along the ruler, but instead, a sliding pointer is manually moved and the distance is displayed on the screen.

The screen is absolutely fabulous. It’s probably the easiest-to-read screen you’ll ever see. There is a non-glare coating over the screen that makes it easy to read even with bright overhead lights.

There are three buttons on the end that you use for various functions. Near the display, there is a Type-C port for charging the 1000 mAh battery.

The Premium Combo includes the NeoRuler, NeoCaliper, NeoPointer, and NeoMaginfier. The pointers are simple, one for regular measuring and drawing, and two that are used for guiding pencil, pen, or marker tips.

The digital nature of the HOZO Design NeoRuler was one of the things that intrigued me. The NeoRuler can display measurements in multiple units such as mm, cm, m, inch (decimal and fractional), feet, yard, and mike/km when in map mode with a scale greater than 1:50000.

One of the things I found interesting is that you can “zero” the ruler at any point along its length, and the ruler will display measurements when you move the pointer in either direction. This is handy when you want to leave the ruler along a line and measure from one place to another without lifting the ruler.

One of the main features of the NeoRuler is its Smart Scale feature. There are 93 built-in scales distributed in 8 scale modes. For example, in the architectural mode, there is a scale for 1″ = 1′. If you’re drawing something that isn’t actual size, these modes can be quite a lifesaver and will save you from having to do a lot of math.##

Display Screen And Battery LifeUnlike a typical caliper, the NeoRuler has a color LCD screen with a resolution of 240×134 and 240 PPI. The screen has a diagonal size of 1.14″, which might seem a bit small on paper but on-hand is a useful size with a UI that makes a smart use of the size/resolution of the display to provide all the necessary information without becoming neither overwhelming nor lacking details. Through the mobile app you can customize the color theme of the display to better adjust to your preferences.

Inside is a 1,000mAh battery with USB-C charging, but you’re probably not going to need to recharge it that often. You can get up to 14 days of continuous usage under “comprehensive power consumption,” or 12 hours of continuous use under its maximum consumption setting. It also boasts 180 days of battery life when left in stand-by mode.##

Portable And DurableRulers from the traditional age remain portable yet their delicate construction remains their biggest weakness. Plastic can crack. Wood can warp. paper-based markings gradually disappear due to the elements passing by.

NeoRuler is compact and durable. NeoRuler’s strong housing safeguards interior technology. The built-in rechargeable power system maintains its readiness through an entire working day. The tool serves all professionals who regularly work in both office environments and classroom and field-based settings.##

Final Thoughts[For $249 the HOZO Design NeoRuler](https://hozodesign.com/products/neoruler-premium-combo ) certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s more for those that measure things day in and day out, or at least on a pretty regular basis. For someone like me who doesn’t work in a field that requires measuring, it’s out of my price range for sure. For those that do work in certain fields, I feel this would be a great bargain with all that it does.

#HOZODesign #NeoRuler #Reviews #Technology #Tools

## Answering Some Randomly Generated QuestionsI know I have ...

2025-05-24T14:00:00Z

##

Answering Some Randomly Generated QuestionsI know I have posted anything in a while, so today I’m going to change that. Thanks to the [Blog Questions Bot](https://beep.town/@blog_challenge ) that [Jcrabapple](https://dmv.community/@jcrabapple ) has on Mastodon, I’ve decided to take the list of questions it posted yesterday and jot down my answers. So let’s go ahead and dive in and get started.##

What Color Always Makes You Feel Happy, And Why?Super easy to answer, **PURPLE**! [The color purple](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088939 ) hasn’t always been my favorite color. When I was a little kid and even very early adult, my favorite color was blue, and mostly dark blue over light blue. However, that started to change in my early adult days. My dad’s favorite color was always purple and he had a lot of it around the house, on clothes and most anywhere. It started growing on me over time and eventually I accepted that my favorite color had changed from blue to purple.

Purple just feels relaxing. A lot of people say that purple symbolizes the beauty of life and in a lot of ways I would agree with that statement. To me, purple is beautiful, regardless if it’s a dark purple or a light purple. While I prefer dark purple in a lot of cases, there are definitely times that I prefer a lighter shade of purple. ##

If You Could Speak Any Language Fluently, What Would It Be?I’m not going to lie, this is tough. Mainly because there are so many different languages used around the world. In fact, there are numerous languages that I don’t know about or know very little about.

With that said, since I have to pick one, I guess I’m going to go with French. I know a few French words, but only a few, as in less than 10 most likely. But to hear, to hear people speak French, it just sounds smooth and relaxing in a lot of ways. Kind of hard to explain, but I think it would be the language I’d want to learn first. Not for any particular reason such as having French speaking friends, because I don’t, or needing to know it for work related stuff, because again, I don’t need to know it for that either.##

Describe The Best Sandwich You’ve Ever HadWhat’s with all these tough questions this time around? I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Therefore, I’m going to go out there a bit with my answer and mention something that a lot of people likely don’t know too much about. The sandwich I’ve chosen for this is the Monte Cristo from an old restaurant called Bennigan’s.

[Bennigan’s](https://bennigans.com/the-menu/sandwiches/ ) was hugely popular when I was a kid an early adult living in Houston, Texas. They had a little bit of everything, but the only thing I’d ever order when I went to Bennigan’s, which was actually quite often, was the [Monte Cristo](https://bennigans.com/the-menu/sandwiches/ ).

Bennigan’s describes it like this: Honey wheat bread layered with tender ham, roasted turkey, Swiss and American cheeses. Batter-dipped, gently fried and coated with powdered sugar. Served with red raspberry preserves for dipping.

I know other restaurants who serve something similar, but I’ve never found any place that comes even remotely close to being as good as Bennigan’s made it. It’s something I wish I could replicate at home, but I’ve never been successful.##

What’s One Tiny Ritual That Makes Your Day Better?Yet again, another tough question. Tough for me since I don’t really have any “daily ritual” so to speak. I guess most people would say the usual stuff such as, starting the day with coffee/tea, taking a hot shower right after getting up.

Once again, I’m going to do something totally different with my answer and I’m going to say, hugging and kissing my wife! I start each and every day by giving her a hug and giving her a kiss. We’ve done that for the entire 12 years we’ve been together and I hope the “ritual” continues for many more years to come. ##

Final Thoughts…These were some really good questions, which is why I decided to answer them. Two or three of them really made me stop and think for a minute before I could give a good answer.

If you’re a blogger, like to write somewhere at random times, I’d like to see you take these questions and answer them too. Feel free to tag me on Mastodon – [Cliff On Mastodon](https://infosec.exchange/@cliffwade ) or link back to this post or just mention me in the article. Or don’t do any of those and just provide the answers for others to read. I’m ok regardless of how you do it!

#BlogQuestions #Computers #RandomQuestions #Technology

## Review: HOZO Design M-Cube 02 Anti-Gravity Laser LevelLet me ...

2025-05-02T14:00:00Z

##

Review: HOZO Design M-Cube 02 Anti-Gravity Laser LevelLet me start off by giving a huge thank you to the folks over at [HOZO Design](https://hozodesign.com ) for sending this product over to me. When I saw the press release I immediately knew I wanted to give this a try. Mainly because I have quite a few things hanging in my house that weren’t the easiest to hang due to being in multiple parts, and I wanted to go back and make sure they were actually level, and not just level to the eye.##

What’s In The BoxM-Cube 00 Laser Measure – already mounted on the Laser Level M-Cube 02 Laser Level TargetMate (accessory) GripMate (accessory) CenterMate (accessory) USB-C to USB-A charging cable Large screw adapter for the AdaptMate Several quick start books##

Design And Build QualityI didn’t expect to be this impressed by a laser level the moment I pulled it out of the box, but the [HOZO Design M-Cube 02 Anti-Gravity Laser Level](https://hozodesign.com/products/m-cube-02-anti-gravity-laser-level-module ) pulled me in pretty much instantly. First was by the quality of the product itself. Solid, well built and something that wasn’t made cheaply or in a rushed amount of time. If you’re like me and want to make sure all of the things hanging on your walls within your house are level, then this product is for you in so many ways. At $149, it’s not just another gadget but more of a tool that feels smart, solid, and genuinely helpful as well as very much useful.

The M-Cube 02 has a compact, cube-like design, constructed from durable materials like ABS plastic, PC plastic, and aluminum alloy. Design elements include a vacuum suction pad, laser emitter, display screen, control buttons, battery indicator, Type-C charging port, modular interface, and LED indicator.

The buttons on the side of the HOZO Design M-Cube 02 are very easy to press and are located in an easy to reach place on the product itself. I can’t stress enough how well thought out this product is when it comes to design and build quality.##

Assembly, Installation And SetupI made sure the laser measure and Level were fully charged by plugging it in using the USB-C cable that was included in the box. I knew it was fully charged once all four LED lights lit up in a purple color.

The next step was to calibrate the gryo in the laser measure. I had to remove it from the laser level and place it on a flat surface. I then went to the settings and pressed the calibrate icon, which only shows up when the measure is separated from the level. From there, I simply hit the calibrate button on the screen and followed the prompts.

The next step was to place the product on its side and tap the calibrate button once again. In only a matter of seconds, the calibration was complete and I snapped the measure back to the level and was ready to start using the product. HOZO Design couldn’t have made this any simpler or quicker.##

PerformanceThe first thing I did was put the product against one of my closet doors, only because I was standing right next to one and since it has a semi-gloss surface, I figured that might make it harder to stick to the surface. Much to my surprise, I placed it up there and hit the button to activate the suction and it instantly stuck to the door. I had to put absolutely no pressure of any kind.

I then took it off the closet door and moved it over to the wall which has a flat surface with very minimal texture. Again, I held it up to the wall and pushed the button and just like that, it was once again stuck to the wall without applying pressure.

Once it was mounted in the center of my wall, I selected the Mid-Point Finder on the screen. I had to rotate the top laser so it pointed at my first point, which I picked as the left wall. It then asked me to pick my second point which was the ceiling.

The laser system is dual-color, which is a great touch. Red laser gives you tighter precision (±1/16 inch), while the green is a bit looser (±1/8 inch) but much easier to see in bright conditions. The angle accuracy sits at ±0.1°, which might sound small, but it makes a real difference when you’re aligning things like shelving or trim work.

If you’ve already got the MEAZOR app, good news, it integrates with this module, giving you access to digital readouts and configuration options. It’s not essential, but it definitely adds polish to the experience.##

Extra Accessories That MatterHOZO bundles in three key accessories: TargetMate, GripMate, and CenterMate. These aren’t gimmicks, they really do improve precision and make setup smoother on a wider range of surfaces. GripMate in particular is handy for slicker materials where the vacuum hold might need backup.##

The MEAZOR AppThe MEAZOR app enhances the M-Cube 02’s functionality by providing remote control, real-time data display, data recording, advanced functions, firmware updates, floor plan capture (with some modules), unit conversion, and device settings customization.Remote Control: Users can control the M-Cube 02's functions directly from their smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need to physically interact with the device in many situations. Real-time Data Display: The app displays measurements and other data in real-time, allowing for precise adjustments and immediate feedback. Data Recording: Measurements can be recorded and stored within the app, facilitating documentation and reducing the risk of errors associated with manual transcription. Floor Plan Capture: In conjunction with compatible M-Cube modules, the app enables the creation of digital floor plans. This feature streamlines the process of surveying and mapping spaces. Unit Conversion: The app allows users to easily switch between different units of measurement (e.g., meters, feet, inches), increasing versatility and reducing the need for manual conversions.##

Final ThoughtsThe [HOZO Design M-Cube 02](https://hozodesign.com/products/m-cube-02-anti-gravity-laser-level-module ) isn’t just “a laser level.” It’s a precise, well-thought-out tool that respects your time and effort. It sticks to things without damaging them, saves you from extra trips up and down the ladder, and adapts to how you like to work. If you’re serious about getting things right the first time, or just want fewer crooked frames in your life, this is a worthy addition to your toolbox.

At the time of this writing, the HOZO Design M-Cube 02 costs $149 USD which to me is a great price for what it does and everything it offers. While I haven’t looked specifically for this type of thing in stores, my guess is that something similar with as good quality as this would likely be closer to $300 USD. ##

Other Products By HOZO DesignThe awesome folks at HOZO Design also sent me their [NeoRuler](https://hozodesign.com/products/neoruler-premium-combo ) to review. I haven’t had much time with it as of yet, but hoping to do so this coming week, which means the following week I should have the review of that product published here as well. So keep your eyes peeled to the site for that review. I can give you a quick heads up, it’s yet another very well product what little bit I’ve used it so far.

#AntiGravity #HOZODesign #LaserLevel #LaserMeasure #Level #MCube02 #Reviews #SmartLevel #Technology

## Review: Redragon Galatin Pro K719 Gaming Keyboard With LCD ...

2025-04-14T12:22:57Z

##

Review: Redragon Galatin Pro K719 Gaming Keyboard With LCD ScreenThe Redragon K719, also known as the [Redragon Galatin Pro K719](https://redragonshop.com/products/galatin-pro-k719 ), is a 95-key, compact wireless mechanical keyboard that has been making waves in the budget-friendly mechanical keyboard market. It aims to offer a premium experience with features like a customizable LCD screen, gasket mounting, and hot-swappable switches, without breaking the bank.

As is always the case here, thanks to my awesome friends over at Redragon for sending this product over to me to use and to review. I’ve been working with them for since June 10th, 2020 and still enjoy reviewing anything they send my way. Let’s dive right into the review of this newest product, the Galatin Pro K719.##

Build Quality And DesignAt first glance, the Galatin Pro K719 looks more premium than past Redragon keyboards. While it’s still made of plastic, the dual-tone keycaps, subtle branding, and minimalist frame make it look more refined than the flashy, RGB-heavy gaming keyboards they’ve been known for.

One of the standout features is its gasket-mounted design. This mounting style, typically found in higher-end keyboards, uses gaskets to suspend the switch plate, providing a softer, more cushioned typing feel and improved acoustics. The K719 delivers a noticeable degree of flex and a more comfortable typing experience compared to traditional screw-mounted keyboards.

The K719 comes with pre-lubricated stabilizers. While they represent an improvement over previous Redragon boards, they may still exhibit some minor rattle on larger keys like the spacebar. Many users in the mechanical keyboard community often replace stabilizers to further improve the sound and feel of their keyboards.

The Galatin Pro K719 also features a multi-function control knob, typically used to adjust volume and control backlight brightness.

A unique feature of the K719 is the 1.14-inch TFT LCD screen. This screen can display various information, including what connection mode the keyboard is currently using (USB, 2.4GH or Bluetooth), the battery level, typing status such as if the CAPS LOCK or Number Lock keys are enabled as well as customiable GIF’s, images and text. To me, this is likely the coolest feature of this keyboard as it’s just something you really don’t see on keyboards and to be honest, it can be very informative and helpful as well as just fun.

I do want to give a special mention to the mint/green color scheme that is used on this keyboard. While I’m not a fan of green for the most part, I feel this is likely one of the prettiest keyboards Redragon has produced over the years since I’ve been reviewing their products. The colors just look amazing and flow so well together.##

Battery LifeThe Redragon Galatin Pro K719 comes with a 4000mAh battery. As is always the case, battery life will vary depending on usage, RGB settings and connection mode. I couldn’t find where Redragon themselves stated what they thought the expected battery life is, so of course I did a test myself. With RGB enabled, I averaged about 45 hours of battery life. With RGB disabled, I got upwards of 175 hours on a regular basis. To me, this is pretty good battery life that most users will be very happy with.

One nice feature of the Galatin Pro is that it has a sleep-mode, so when you’re not using the keyboard it will conserve power which in turn extends the battery life even further.

Surprisingly, the LCD screen doesn’t appear to drain much battery. This is good since the LCD screen is almost always on and active and of course, it also displays your battery level so you’re always in the know of how much charge you have.##

Galatin Pro SoftwareAs is the case with most all Redragon keyboards, the Galatin Pro K719 has software that you can download and install to control various aspects of the keyboard such as the RGB Lighting, Macros and of course the LCD screen.

You’ll need the software to add GIF’s or images of any kind to the LCD screen. It’s very straight forward in how to do it and it actually provides quite a bit of customization with the image you upload. You can find the software here: [Redragon Galatin Pro K719 Software](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/s3.downloadcenter/K719%20PRO%20Software.zip ).##

FeaturesThe Galatin Pro K719 offers a range of features that enhance its versatility and functionality:Tri-mode Connectivity: It supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connections, providing compatibility with various devices. Hot-swappable Sockets: This allows users to easily replace the switches without soldering, enabling customization of the typing feel and sound. RGB Backlighting: The keyboard features customizable RGB backlighting with various effects, allowing users to personalize their setup. Sound-absorbing Technology: The gasket mount design, along with a layer of silencing foam and a silicone pad, contributes to a quieter and more comfortable typing experience.

The typing experience on the Galatin Pro K719 is generally positive. The gasket mount provides a cushioned feel, and the pre-lubed linear switches offer smooth key presses. The keyboard is suitable for both gaming and typing, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort.##

Discount CodeAgain, thanks to the awesome folks over at Redragon for allowing me to review this product and others that they have sent over in the past. They have also provided me with a special URL that anyone can use to save a total of 10% off of your entire purchase across their site. So if you’re interested in purchasing the [Redragon Galatin Pro K719](https://redragonshop.com/products/galatin-pro-k719 ), or any of their products, you can click this link: [Save 10% On Your Entire Order](https://www.redragonshop.com/discount/DECRYPTED?ref=blog.seerofsouls.com ). I believe if you don’t click the link, you can always manually input ***DECRYPTED*** as the code during check out.##

Final ThoughtsThe [Redragon Galatin Pro K719](https://redragonshop.com/products/galatin-pro-k719 ) is a compelling option for those seeking a unique, feature-rich, and affordable mechanical keyboard. Its distinctive design, solid build quality, versatile connectivity, and comfortable typing experience make it a great choice for both gamers and typists. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Currently priced at $74.99, it can be considered a bit more expensive for some users, but overall it’s a keyboard with great quality that I feel is certainly affordable.

#Computers #GalatinPro #K719 #Keyboards #PC #Redragon #Reviews #Technology

Sure, that is true, but most of these apps do a lot more than ...

2025-03-03T15:43:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…acf9
_________________________

Sure, that is true, but most of these apps do a lot more than what MacOS itself does, hence why most people use 3rd party apps and likely always will. I’ve not had a problem and not known others to have issues using 3rd party apps. That’s certainly a decision each individual can and should make.

## MacOS Apps That I Use And Really EnjoyAbout 3 to 4 months ago ...

2025-03-03T12:54:11Z

##

MacOS Apps That I Use And Really EnjoyAbout 3 to 4 months ago I went to the [Apple Store at Friendly Center](https://www.apple.com/retail/friendlycenter/ ) in Greensboro, NC to pick up my [M4 Mac Mini](https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ ). This would be my first official use of MacOS on any kind of a regular basis. I’ve learned a lot along the way and have discovered a lot of different apps. The list below are just a few of the apps that I have discovered and use regularly that I feel others might want to know about and use as well.##

[Bartender 5](https://www.macbartender.com )Bartender lets you hide icons on the menu bar, so you can keep only the most important ones visible, while the rest can be displayed when you click Bartender’s icon or even just hover over the menu bar. I was previously using Ice Menu Bar, but discovered that Bartender 5 has a bit more customization that I like and enjoy.

Above is what my menu bar looks like when I have the extra icons hidden that I don’t want to see at all times. It’s very minimal and of course can be even more minimal than this if you so choose.

When I hover over the menu bar, then all of these other icons appear. They are hidden mainly because I rarely use them so I don’t need to see them at all times like I do with the other icons you see in the first screenshot.

There is a free trial of Bartender 5 that you can use for up to 4 weeks so you get a sense of how well the app works for you. If you find it useful enough to keep using it, then pricing is listed below. If you’re a SetApp subscriber, Bartender 5 is available via SetApp at no extra charge to you.##

[Latest](https://max.codes/latest/ )Latest is a free and open source app for macOS that checks if all your apps are up to date. Get a quick overview of which apps changed and what changed and update them right away. Latest currently supports apps downloaded from the Mac App Store and apps that use Sparkle for updates, which covers most of the apps on the market.

Forgot what was new in that update you installed yesterday? Latest can show you release notes for apps that are already up to date. See what has changed in the update, now in a beautiful uniform design.

Latest helps me keep everything updated as I am one that does not like to have apps or software that aren’t updated to the latest versions at all times. Just something that really bothers me and Latest helps me not worry about.

What’s surprising about Latest is that it’s completely free. There is a donate. option via the developers website if you’d like to donate to help keep the app maintained and updated, but that’s completely optional.##

[BetterTouchTool](https://folivora.ai )A feature-packed app for customizing all kinds of inputs for your computer. You can define keyboard shortcuts, mouse and trackpad gestures, control Stream Deck, manage your computer from your phone using BTT Remote, customize the content of the Touch Bar, and more.

There’s just so much that BTT can do that is useful and beneficial in my opinion. It’s really changed the way I use my Mac as far as not using the mouse as much as I did when I first made the switch to MacOS a few months ago. I can easily access the things I need and want with the touch of one or two keys on my keyboard.

BetterTouchTool is available to purchase directly from the site, which I linked to above and it’s very affordable especially for everything that it does. Again, if you are a SetApp subscriber, you can get BetterTouchTool for free included with your subscription. Check it out as you won’t be disappointed.##

[Rectangle](https://rectangleapp.com )If you’re one who likes or needs to move app windows around in various ways and are looking for a simple, easy to use app that has a ton of shortcuts for doing so, then Rectangle is certainly for you.

Here’s how Rectangle can make your life easier: grab a window, take it to the edge or corner of the screen, and you will see a footprint that illustrates how it will be moved and resized. Depending on where you position the cursor, the window will be resized to cover a certain area of the desktop.

Move it to a corner, and it will be adjusted to take up a quarter of the screen; move it to either side, and it will fill half the desktop; move it to the bottom, and it will cover either one third or two thirds of the screen; finally, move it to the top to quickly make the window full-screen.

Rectangle has a 10-day free trial, or you can upgrade for just $9.99 USD. This is a lifetime license for only $9.99 as well, at least as far as I can tell which again, is a really good deal considering everything it allows you to do.##

Final ThoughtsThis is obviously just a very short list of the apps I use and have discovered since coming over to MacOS 3 – 4 months ago. There are many others, but I wanted to do a short list as I feel most people will read shorter articles rather than long drawn out articles.

This is also kind of part two of my app series I guess you could say. You can read my first post that I made here a while back: [MacOS Apps That I Like](https://www.seerofsouls.com/a-few-of-the-macos-apps-that-i-really-like/ ).

Tell me some of your favorite apps for MacOS that you enjoy, use regularly and recommend to others. I’m always looking to discover more new apps that I might not have known I needed until someone else recommended it to me! You can list your favorite, most recommended apps in the comments below if you’d like!

#Apple #Apps #Bartender5 #BetterTouchTool #Computers #LatestApp #MacOS #PC #RectangleApp #Technology

## Avowed: My Review After Finishing The ...

2025-02-25T12:11:14Z

##

Avowed: My Review After Finishing The GameNO SPOILERS! There are absolutely no spoilers within this review of mine. This is simply my thoughts on the game, how I felt the game played, what I liked or possibly didn't like.[Avowed](https://avowed.obsidian.net/ ) is an action role-playing game in the same way [Skyrim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim ) is an action role-playing game: a first-person (though there is the option of a third-person view) swashbuckling spell-flinger where you run around picking up apples and wedges of cheese. But the similarities stop there. Far from being a sandbox, Avowed is a more authored kind of game where characters and their associated stories are deliberately placed to direct you around the world. It’s also an experience where the few companions you meet aren’t optional and aren’t romanceable, which feels delightfully novel these days. They’ll fight alongside you in battle (two at a time) and weigh in on decisions you make, both in the moment and when you’re back at camp.

The adventure itself takes place in an island region called the Living Lands, a mysterious new addition to the world of Eora, which is the setting of Obsidian’s acclaimed [Pillars of Eternity games](https://www.obsidian.net/games/pillars-of-eternity ). It’s a standalone area so you don’t need to have played those games to understand this one, but there’s an undeniable thrill for returning players in seeing this previously isometric world through the eyes of a character who lives there. There are also several nods to characters and events from previous Pillars games. It’s nice to be back.

With all of that information out of the way, this is my review and my thoughts on the game since I have completed it already. I did so yesterday morning after starting it on Sunday, just two before it was released publicly on February 18th. It took me 39 hours and 40 minutes to complete the game and that was with doing all of the side quests in all but the last two sections. If I had done all of the side quests in those last two sections, though the last section was super small and really didn’t have many side quests, I believe I would have been right around the 46 – 48 hour mark. ##

Lockpicks: No Mini Game InvolvedMost games now days seem to have some kind of mini game if you will tied to lockpicking chests, doors and similar other items. Avowed doesn’t do that, thankfully. When you want or need to lockpick a chest or a door, you simply hold the button for 3 seconds or so and you’re done. Chest/Door is open and you enter or take your loot. It’s really that simple and to me, that’s how it should be. You don’t need special abilities or even to level up an ability to get better at lockpicking. You just pick and go.

You get lockpicks from loot off of dead enemies, out of chests, floor loot and can purchase them from vendors. They are super cheap, usually either 15 or 17 gold pieces each and you can hold hundreds of them. I had 250+ lockpicks when I finished the game.##

Exploring The Open WorldThis game lets you go anywhere at any time. Sure, you have quests you need to do and need to go to certain places to do them, but you can literally explore the open world in any way at any time. If you wish to spend 2 hours exploring instead of doing quests, then go and do it. There is always stuff to explore, find and discover. It’s a great way to to gain loot outside of the quests and killing enemies. Though while you’re exploring, you’re going to have to fight enemies. No way around this as that’s just part of how it works.

There are caves, small buildings, larger buildings, cities and so much more. Plus you can swim and dive underwater to find loot at the bottom of lakes, rivers and even the ocean itself. There are islands to explore, lighthouses and so much more. The exploring is almost endless in Avowed, and that’s what I absolutely love about it.##

Let’s Talk About CombatThe combat is likely pretty much what you would expect from an Elder Scrolls/Obsidian game, but in my opinion, it’s much better. It’s so fluid and so easy to fight in Avowed, and it’s not clunky, no weird camera angles or anything like that. It simply just works and works really well. You can fight with a one-handed sword, a dagger in each hand, a pistol in one hand while having a grimoire in the other hand. You have two-handed weapons, shields, maces, spears and more. You can come up with most any combination you want which makes this game so much fun in the fact that you have your own build and can build it the way you want when it comes to the abilities.

Boss encounters are smart enough so that if you kill them while roaming the world, and you find a quest later asking you to kill that same thing… you just get to autocomplete the quest and get the rewards. A great example of this is that very early on in the game you fight Nacib the giant spider. Yet there is a bounty on the first bounty board, once you get to that point, for Nacib and since you’ve already killed him, you simply pick up the bounty and then auto complete it, turn it in and claim your rewards. This is exactly how it should be.

I wasn’t much for magic right at first, but later in the game once I got my last companion unlocked, I started using it a bit more, though not too much. Magic seems to work really well and does exactly what you ask and want it to do, again, without being clunky or hard to use. Click a button and BOOM, missiles come falling down on your enemy. Your companions use it quite a bit as they do many different things, and again, it just works.

You can let the companions do their own things when it comes to magic and such, or you can command them to do things you need or want them to do such as heal you, shoot things or similar. It would likely be a pretty fun experience to play as a magic wielder in Avowed, but I chose to hack and slash everything with a sword, a fire-sword to be exact!

There are also a number of grenades that you can carry around in your inventory allowing you to perform the same action so that you are never in a situation where you brought the wrong companion for the wrong mission. Not to mention depending on the weapons you have in your inventory, you can often burn things or even freeze things as needed.##

Weapons, Armor And Upgrading Them Along The WayOne of the things that I find particularly cool is that essentially you can upgrade every weapon you find all the way to the maximum stats it can possibly have for its base item type. This means that as you start to find Unique weapons, it does not matter if you find it at the start of the game… it can be upgraded indefinitely and made useful all the way through the game. I found a flaming sword called the Last Light of Day and I took it from about 10 -12 hours into the game all the way to the end with me. I upgraded it every step of the way as I could and it was what I used to kill the final boss.

Boots, Gloves, Rings, and Amulets are just stat sticks and are as useful at level 1 as they are at whatever the maximum level of the game happens to be. You don’t ever have to upgrade boots, gloves, rings, amulets or trinkets. Their stats remain the same at all times.##

One Minor ComplaintOverall, Avowed was a ton of fun and I really didn’t have any issues. At least not like some of my friends have such as missions being bugged where they can’t complete them or even a bounty or two being bugged where they can’t turn them in to claim their rewards. I did experience crashes a bit too often, but I learned early on to save the game manually very often to prevent having to go back through fights or long conversations with my companions while at the camp site.

But one thing that really drove me crazy is after you get done fighting a lot of enemies, finding their corpse, which is often just a pile of dust, on the ground to loot it can be difficult. Yes, there is an X on the mini map and there is a slight little light coming up from it at times, but it can be very difficult to see or navigate to and actually loot. I feel Obsidian needs to make this a bit more clear and easier to find, especially when an enemy dies in a bush or in the water. Definitely something minor, but it was something that was part of the game from the start to the end. ##

Final ThoughtsI had been waiting for Avowed for a couple of years or so, and this game came through exactly like I was hoping it would. It had some hype to it and to me, it lived up to that hype. Almost 40 hours of game play was well worth it, though I did get to play the game for only $35 instead of $90, which is what you would have had to pay to play 5 days early. I got it through PC Game Pass and paid an upgrade price to play a few days early as I didn’t know I could do this until the 16th I think it was. Regardless, 100% worth it and now I’m stuck waiting on Outer Worlds 2 to release some time in October I believe it is.Are you playing or have you played Avowed? If so, please comment below and tell me your thoughts on the game, what you liked, what you loved, what you didn't like or anything else you'd like to share!

## Blog Questions Challenge – TV Shows EditionAs most of know, ...

2025-02-20T18:55:03Z

##

Blog Questions Challenge – TV Shows EditionAs most of know, the blog questions challenge has been making the round in different editions. First there was the one that asked about how you got into blogging, then the one I started about [technology](https://www.seerofsouls.com/blog-question-challenge-part-two-technology-edition/ ) and then of course the [music edition](https://www.seerofsouls.com/blog-questions-challenge-part-three-music-edition/ ). Today, thanks to [jcrabapple](https://dmv.community/@jcrabapple ) I have been tagged in the latest edition of the challenge and this time it’s all about **TV Shows**.

Before I dive in, let me also mention the blog questions bot that Jason setup for us on Mastodon yesterday. It’s a bot that will post several questions about a specific topic and then we can take those questions and make our own blog questions challenge post. You can find it here if you’re interested: [Blog Questions Challenge Bot](https://beep.town/@blog_challenge/ ).

Now, let’s get started on this next round of the questions as this should be an interesting one as I’m one who has watched a lot of TV shows over the years.##

What TV Character From A Beloved Show Do You Wish You Could Be Best Friends With In Real Life?Tough question starting right from the get go I see. But after a bit of thought, I think I’ve decided to go with [Jack Bauer from 24](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285331/ ) who was played by Kiefer Sutherland. This was a show that I absolutely fell in love with and have watched every season of several times. I just love the action and the concept of the show and what Jack stood for in the show. Just something about Kiefer’s role really grabbed me and has always stuck with me. ##

If You Could Binge-Watch An Entire Series Again For The First Time, Which One Would You Choose And Why?Easy question right here! [Sons of Anarchy](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124373/ ) and [Mayans M.C](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5715524/ ). Yes, I’m choosing two because one is a prequel to the other and are likely my two favorite shows of all time. Sons of Anarchy grabbed me from the very first second of the show back in 2008 when it premiered and I was hooked for life. Mayans M.C. was a follow up show from Kurt Sutter and was just as amazing as SoA was, if not better. I have watched both of these shows in full numerous times and will do so many more times to come. If you like biker gang stuff, these two shows are the ones for you to watch and I highly recommend you do it ASAP!##

Name A TV Show That Changed Your Perspective On The World Or Taught You Something Valuable.Oh wow! This is a tough one and by far the hardest one of this challenge. I’m not even sure where to begin with this. But after sitting and thinking for about 30 minutes, I’ve come up with my answer, and that is yet another FOX/FX show, as the first two answers I provided above were both from FOX/FX. This time around it’s [Prison Break](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455275/ ).

First let me give you this information as to what the show is about: A structural engineer installs himself in a prison he helped design, in order to save his falsely accused brother from a death sentence by breaking themselves out from the inside.

So what did it teach me you ask? It taught me that no matter the circumstances you face in life, if you need or want to do something, never give up. If you set your mind to something, you can accomplish anything you want or need to accomplish. It’s often not going to be easy, not going to happen overnight or whatever, but it’s always possible if there’s a will. I’ve carried through life after watching this show and so far the things I’ve set out to achieve I’ve done. Just takes determination and will power!

As with all other blog challenges, the point is to tag others that will do the challenge and answer the questions as well. Therefore I’m tagging [BeardedTechGuy](https://infosec.exchange/@beardedtechguy ), [CountableNewt](https://indieweb.social/@countablenewt ), [Tols](https://tilde.zone/@thetolsonator ) and [BinaryDigit](https://social.lol/@binarydigit ).

#Actor #Actors #Actresses #BlogChallenge #BlogQuestions #Movies #Shows #TV #TVShows

## Blog Questions Challenge Part Three: Music EditionI was tagged ...

2025-02-03T13:22:17Z

##

Blog Questions Challenge Part Three: Music EditionI was tagged by [Jason Crabapple](https://dmv.community/@jcrabapple ) to do the [Music Question Challenge](https://cool-as-heck.blog/music-questions-challenge/ ). Super excited about this one as I absolutely love music!##

What Are Five Of Your Favorite Albums?Good thing I’m limited to only five, as I have a LOT of albums that I truly enjoy. The order in which these will be listed are by my favorite all time. But let’s get started!<li>Bon Jovi – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_When_Wet">Slippery When Wet</a>: This is a no brainer for me and is at the very top of the list not only because it has my favorite song of all time, which I’ll mention below, but it’s an overall great album that I actually like every song on the album. It was also the album tour that I saw Bon Jovi live in concert for the first time at the Summit in Houston, TX. The videos from this album were absolutely awesome and I still watch several of them on a regular basis today.</li><li>Poison – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Look_What_the_Cat_Dragged_In">Look What The Cat Dragged In</a>: The debut album by Poison that truly caught my attention from the second I heard the very first note on August 16th, 1986. Again, I love every song on this album as well as every video for each song that was ever released. Most people will choose Talk Dirty To me, I Want Action or I Won’t Forget You as their favorite track from the album, but mine is easily Cry Tough. A song that to me has a pretty powerful meaning to it. Poison became such an influential group in my life as I have seen them live in concert a total of 53 times to date. </li><li>Motley Crue – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_Pain">Theatre Of Pain</a>: Another great album that I enjoy literally every song from. While this wasn’t Motley Crue’s first album, it was their best album to date though Shout At The Devil was a very close second in my opinion. Like most everyone, Home Sweet Home is easily my favorite song from this album, and the cool thing about that song is, a big majority of the video for the song was shot at The Summit in Houston, TX, which I actually attended.</li><li>Daughtry – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daughtry_(album)">Daughtry</a>;: I instantly fell in love with Chris Daughtry’s voice the second I heard it on the American Idol auditions back in 2006. The debut and self-titled album Daughtry is without a doubt my favorite album the band has released. Especially the song Over You which is my favorite track not only on this album, but my favorite track that Daughtry has ever recorded.</li><li>Linkin Park – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteora_(album)">Meteora</a>;: The second album by Linkin Park was what caught my attention immediately. I hadn’t really listened to them prior to this album, but in all fairness, I hadn’t listened to a lot of alternative music at the time. There was something about this album that changed the type of music I listened to at the time and for many years to come. So many great songs on this album but to me, there’s nothing better than the song Faint. The beat, the lyrics and that ever impressive screaming by the late Chester Bennington really resonated with me and I instantly became a Linkin Park fan for life!</li>##

What Are Five Of Your Favorite Songs?I’m purposely going to leave my favorite song of all time off of this list, only because that question is asked later and I want to save that discussion until then. So five of my favorite songs, in no particular order are as follows.<li>Linkin Park – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emptiness_Machine">The Emptiness Machine</a>: The first song with new lead singer Emily Armstrong and what a banger of a song this one is. While Emily isn’t Chester, and she’s not even trying to be, she’s the perfect fit for what I call Linkin Park 2.0. This song is catchy and just has a really great beat to it.</li><li>Jimmie Allen – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_Home_(Jimmie_Allen_song)">Down Home</a>: This song hits me very, very hard. I heard it on American Idol when Jimmie Allen debuted the song and instantly started balling my eyes out. This song reminds me of my dad who had just recently passed away after his 3rd battle with cancer. The lyrics say so many things that I relate to and hoping that I’m doing everything I can to make my dad as proud as possible. I know he’s up there looking “down home” over myself and my wife. </li><li>Don Williams: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Pk48iG3ks">Where The Arkansas River Leaves Oklahoma</a>: Far from a popular song, or even a single released on the radio, something about this song grabbed my attention when I was a kid and it’s stuck with me. I saw Don Williams in concert one year at the Tin Hall in Houston, TX and requested by screaming it from the front row. He replied and said, maybe next year. My luck had it, the next year he came back to the Tin Hall and I was on the front row. I once again requested the song and he instantly replied with “You requested this last year, so I’ll do it, but you have to help because I never perform this song in concert and not even sure if the band fully knows it.”</li><li>Poison – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Something_to_Believe_In_(Poison_song)">Something To Believe In</a>: My dad’s favorite song by Poison. The first time I ever heard it, I went running into my dads room and told him that he needed to come listen to this song. I didn’t tell him who it was, as he didn’t really care for the music I listened to so I wanted him to just sit and listen. He did just that in during the song he broke down and cried. From that moment forward, it was his favorite Poison song and a song that I later made my ringtone on every mobile phone I owned for when he called. </li><li>Staind – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_Been_Awhile">It’s Been A While</a>: I heard this song while getting my Chilly Willy tattoo in Houston, TX and quickly asked my tattoo artist who it was. He told me it was Staind, which I had never heard of, because at the time, I didn’t listen to any alternative music. That song changed that and it’s solely the song that’s responsible for changing the music I listened to going forward. Just an amazing song. </li>##

Favorite Instrument(s)?<li>Drums</li><li>Guitar</li><li>Keyboard</li><li>Synthesizer</li>##

What Song Or Album Are You Currently Listening To?**Bananarama** – **It’s Going To Be Alright**. It just happens to be what’s playing on my playlist as I’m writing this blog post. ##

Do You Listen To The Radio, And If So, How Often?I only listen to the radio if/when I’m in an Uber/Lyft and the driver has the radio on at the time. I listen to my playlist via streaming it through Apple Music currently, though I have the same playlist on Spotify and YouTube Music. ##

How Often Do You Listen To Music?All day, from the moment I wake up for the day until I go to bed at night. I always have my playlist playing and music playing. I listen to music when the wife and I run errands as well most of the time. It’s very rare that I’m not listening to music, and that’s most often when I’m in the shower or sleeping.##

How Often Do You Discover Music And How Do You Discover It?On a very regular basis, and especially on Friday’s when most new music is released. I also discover it via Mastodon, Discord and just reading news and other similar things. ##

What’s A Song Or Album You Enjoy That You Wish Had More Recognition?This is a really tough question. But I’d have to say it’s neither a song nor an album, but an artist, **Mike Sanchez**. I saw him live as the opening act for Daughtry and Safety Suit several years ago and he is so talented when it comes to music, but nobody really seems to know him. I also had the pleasure of meeting him in person that night and he’s just a down to Earth individual. ##

What’s Your Favorite Song Of All Time?FINALLY! I’ve been holding this song back from a couple of lists up top as I wanted to solely talk about it here, but this is the easiest question in the world for me to answer and has been since 1986. [Livin’ On A Prayer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk ) by Bon Jovi. I bought the Slippery When Wet album the day it was released and the second I heard this song, I was instantly in love with it. I said to myself, this song will be a HUGE hit one day. Little did I know, almost 40 years later, it is still to this day Bon Jovi’s most popular and most successful song ever. It’s recognized by most everyone and the lyrics are so true. The song means so much to me, that I even have the name of it permanently tattooed on my left upper arm. This is a song that I literally listen to every single day of my life, LITERALLY! It’s been the default ringtone on every mobile device I’ve ever owned since ringtones became a thing. It’s my ringtone for my alarms if/when I set one and so much more.##

Has Your Taste Of Music Evolved Over The Years?Oh yeah, without a doubt! When I was a kid growing up, it was all about country and western because that’s what my parents listened to pretty much 24/7. Then as I got a bit older, around junior high, I started listening to things like hair bands such as Motley Crue, Poison, Ratt and all that stuff. I also listened to what we called “New Wave” back in the 80’s, which is bands such as Depeche Mode, New Order and Erasure.

From there as I got a bit older again, I stumbled across alternative like I mentioned above when I first heard It’s Been A While by Staind. That led to me bands like Creed, Seether, God Smack and so much more.

Today, it’s a bit of everything from new country, pop, alternative and others. My main focus is often listening to older music such as my 80’s and similar, but I tend to listen to all sorts of my stuff. My playlist has a little over 4,500 songs and has numerous different genres throughout it. It’s always on shuffle, so I hear different things, constantly. ##

This Wouldn’t Be A Blog Challenge Without Tagging Someone Else, Right?Yep, 100% correct in asking that, and that’s where I’m going to tag a few different folks such as [Kyle](https://infosec.exchange/@beardedtechguy ), [Sam](https://indieweb.social/@countablenewt ), [Liz](https://social.lol/@binarydigit ) and [Dhry](https://mastodon.social/@dhry ). Let’s hear your answers!

#Blog #Blogging #Music #MusicGenre

## Blog Question Challenge Part Two: Technology EditionI’ve ...

2025-02-02T13:40:14Z

##

Blog Question Challenge Part Two: Technology EditionI’ve often been asked over the years, how did you get interested in tech? Since I was just asked yesterday by someone, I decided what better way to answer that question than with a blog post. Even more, I figured I’d make this a blog post challenge similar to the one we did a few weeks ago back in mid January. You can see that post here: [Blog Question Challenge 2025](https://www.seerofsouls.com/blog-question-challenge-2025/ ).

Since this is a challenge post, I’ll be tagging a few folks at the end of the post that I’d like to see follow suit and write up a blog post answering the same questions I have answered below.##

When Did You First Get Interested In Technology?I first got interested in tech at a very early age, likely around 4 or 5 years old. I was living in [Houston, TX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston ), as my parents moved there when I was between 2 and 3 years old. They moved there from [Cocoa Beach, FL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_Beach,_Florida ) because of the oil boom that was just starting. Plus, it was a much bigger city than Cocoa Beach which they wanted mainly for job market stuff.

We were living on a 75 acre ranch at the time and I remember I had a 13-inch black and white Sony TV that I watched cartoons on. One day, out of the blue, my dad decided to hook up this machine to my TV called[ Pong](https://www.ponggame.org/ ). I had no idea what Pong was, but little did I know it would be the beginning of a new journey for me in life and one that would stick with me forever.

Once Pops got it hooked up, and tuned the TV to channel 3, as that’s how we played video games for many years back in the day, I heard this little set of intro beeps and noises, and I was instantly intrigued.

I remember I sat in front of my TV for hours upon hours that day, without eating, getting up and stretching or anything else. I was instantly addicted and little did I know I’d be addicted to this little thing called technology for the rest of my life, all thanks to those little beeps and boops.##

What’s Your Favorite Piece Of Technology All-Time?I remember someone asking me this a few years ago, and I have to admit, it’s very difficult for me to answer. Mainly because there are so many pieces of tech that I’ve owned over the years that really changed my life, did certain/special things or whatever that held my attention for years.

However, if I had to narrow it down to just one piece of tech to call my favorite of all-time, I’d have to go back to my roots of gaming. I’ll be 54 this year and still play video games on a very regular basis. It’s something I do because I love video games, but also to have “down time” and to just relax and enjoy the day or evening. I’ve been doing it almost daily since I Pops hooked up Pong to that little TV of mine and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

With that being said, I’ll expand on this a bit and mention that mobile phone devices of today are a very close second. Those little handheld devices allow us to do so many things in the palm of our hands such as calling anyone in the world, searching the internet, interacting with others on social media and of course, yep, video games!##

What’s Your Favorite Piece Of Technology Right Now?Again, very difficult question to answer, but I’ll say something different than video games even though they are still my favorite today. So I’ll mention [computers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer ), since I already mentioned mobile phones above.

Computers allow us to do most anything and everything. For me, my computers aren’t just pieces of tech I use to search the web, interact on social media, play video games and anything else, but it’s also used daily for my job since I work from home. I currently work for [HSTPathways](https://hstpathways.com ) as a Customer Support Specialist and rely on a computer to do that job each and every day, just like many others of us in today’s world. ##

Name One New Cool Piece Of Technology We’ll Have In 25 Years!What’s up with these super questions you’re asking? They are certainly tough, but very thought provoking. I’m not really sure here, as I can see so many things being so different in 25 years, but I’m not sure I can actually envision those things. Maybe if I could, I’d invent something and possibly become rich.

Drawing a real blank here, and the only thing that really comes to mind is flying cars. Seems silly and seems like a basic answer, and maybe “flying cars” isn’t the correct word. Why do we need flying cars when we have airplanes?

Let’s put the silly idea aside, and something I feel we’ll accomplish is to be able to live underwater. As in, we’ll have buildings or domes or similar structures that allow us to easily go underwater from our homes that we have today and live within the ocean. I don’t think it’s some long term solution to anything, but I feel it’s something that a lot of humans would like to see accomplished and maybe we’ll find a way to make it happen. I personally would love to live in a glass dome in the ocean and just watch the ocean life around me. ##

Final ThoughtsThis was a random blog post idea that came to mind this morning while I was playing Eternal Strands on Steam and it really made me think about tech and how it all started for me and where I’m at with it today.

Now, I’d like to hear from the following people and would love to see them do a blog post answering the same questions as well. Feel free to add more questions if you’d like to explain your love, or hate, for technology a bit further.

So yeah, **TAG, YOU’RE IT**!

[Kyle](https://infosec.exchange/@beardedtechguy ), [Jason](https://dmv.community/@jcrabapple ), [Sam](https://indieweb.social/@countablenewt ), [Liz](https://social.lol/@binarydigit ), [Adam](https://social.lol/@adam ), [Robb](https://social.lol/@robb ) and [OrbitalMartian](https://polymaths.social/@orbitalmartian ) let’s see what you got!

#Blog #BlogQuestions #Blogger #Blogging #Challenge #Computers #PC #Technology

## App Review: SetApp, The Best App Subscription For MacOS And ...

2025-01-28T13:25:24Z

##

App Review: SetApp, The Best App Subscription For MacOS And iOSAs the famous saying goes, “there’s an app for that”. However, finding the best app that fits your work style or what you need to be most productive can be quite the challenge. This was and actually still is very true for me since I recently moved from using Windows to MacOS full-time. Good news is, this is where [SetApp](https://setapp.com/?irgwc=1&clickid=QgwyICVdexyKR2fx4DXsTSE3Uksx7rWuP34Pzs0&iradid=343321&irpid=6015589&utm_content=ONLINE_TRACKING_LINK&utm_campaign=Cliff%20Wade&sharedid=&utm_medium=affiliate&mpaid=3&utm_source=impactradius&campaign=impactradius&type=home ) comes into play. ##

What Exactly Is SetApp?What is SetApp you ask? While I’ll give you a lot more details below, [SetApp](https://setapp.com/?irgwc=1&clickid=QgwyICVdexyKR2fx4DXsTSE3Uksx7rWuP34Pzs0&iradid=343321&irpid=6015589&utm_content=ONLINE_TRACKING_LINK&utm_campaign=Cliff%20Wade&sharedid=&utm_medium=affiliate&mpaid=3&utm_source=impactradius&campaign=impactradius&type=home ) by MacPaw is a subscription platform that gives you access to well over 240 premium MacOS and iOS apps for one small monthly or yearly price. This allows you to try and use hundreds of apps without having to pay for each individual app.

The cool thing about SetApp is, they offer you a slew of apps from all sorts of categories from productivity, task management, creativity all the way to coding, finance, Mac hacks, maintenance and much more.

MacPaw achieves this by setting up a licensing deal with these app developers who are paid royalties based on user downloads/usage. Setapp is legal and puts you as a consumer in the driver’s seat, allowing you to receive as much (or as little) value on your monthly subscription.

Setapp launched in its first stable release in January of 2017. The subscription model has been a big hit with consumers amassing over tens of thousands of subscribers.##

Licensing And PricingCurrently you can subscribe to SetApp via a monthly or yearly subscription. Obviously, like is the case in most instances, subscribing yearly is going to be slightly cheaper and SetApp is no different. - Free 7-day trial period (no credit card required for sign-up) - Monthly subscription fee for Mac (1 device) only is $9.99+ (no-commitment) - Monthly subscription fee for Mac (1 device) and iOS (4 devices) is $12.49+ (no-commitment) - Annual subscription of $107.88+ ($8.99+/month) - 50% discount for students who prove eligibility - VAT is charged by those countries who abide by this tax (does not apply to US customers) - All subscription pricing includes usage on two Macs (educational plans only include support for one Mac) - Additional Macs can be added to one account for $4.99/month (+VAT) each for up to 3 additional Apple computers##

You Mentioned A 7-Day Free TrialThat is correct as MacPaw offers a 7-day free trial without even needing a credit card. Setapp’s trial offers unlimited and unrestricted use of the entire library of apps within the 7 day period. There are no hard limitations set like there is with the free trial of their [CleanMyMac](https://cleanmymac.com ) app. This allows you to give the service a try to see if it’s something you enjoy and would actually use before paying anything at all.##

Justifying The Cost Of SetAppIt is true that $9.99 per month isn’t a huge price to pay for a monthly service cost. That equals out to be just 33 cents per day for those of you that need it broken down a bit more and to really explain how good of a deal this is.

Given that there are over 240 apps offered within the service (with more added each regularly), I can’t possibly give you a complete list of all apps and their pricing if done individually. Instead, I will go through five premium software components for Mac, which are included in Setapp and show you how valuable this service truly is, at least to me. CleanMyMac X – $39.99/yr Gemini 2 – $19.99/yr Disk Drill – $39.99 Coderunner 3 – $19.99 iThoughtsX – $49.99 Total costs of the five popular apps via the Mac App Store: $169.95 Total costs of 12-months of Setapp membership: $119.88

Now those calculations were based on only five Mac apps out of dozens offered through Setapp. Keep in mind, some apps like CleanMyMac X often require charge upgrade fees when moving from one version to a newer one. Setapp subscribers get to use the latest versions of available software without any hidden costs. Plus, depending on your subscription service, for just a couple of bucks more, you’re also allowed to use this on multiple devices, not just one single device.##

Is It Easy To Install/Uninstall An App?MacPaw made it very simple to do both of these. It’s as simple as clicking a couple of buttons which I will provide the full steps below.

**How to install an app via SetApp**:<li>Open Setapp</li><li>Navigate to the application that you are interested in</li><li>Click on the ‘Install’ button</li><li>Wait for the installation to complete</li><li>Use finder or browse your applications folder to open your application for unrestricted use</li>

**How to uninstall an app via SetApp**:<li>Navigate to the Setapp application that you want to uninstall through Setapp</li><li>Click the dropdown menu under the ‘Open’ button</li><li>Click ‘Uninstall”</li><li>Choose ‘Uninstall Completely’ or ‘Remove Application’</li>##

Final ThoughtsTo me, SetApp is much more than just a subscription. It’s a service that allows me to test new apps before purchasing them for a higher price. This is extremely important to me since as I stated early on, I just recently switched from Windows to MacOS and am still learning what apps are useful and needed for the way I do things. ##

Invite Link To Get One Month FreeIf you feel you’re ready to dive in and give SetApp a try, you can [Sign Up Today](https://go.setapp.com/invite/ut844qlr ) and instantly gain access to over 240 apps for MacOS and iOS. ##

Necessary DisclaimerThis post is actually sponsored by SetApp directly. By clicking any of the links included in this article, it’s possible that I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase using any of the links included. If you do decide to use a link and make a purchase, **THANK YOU**!

#AllThingsTech #Apple #Apps #Computers #iOS #MacOS #Reviews #SetApp #Subscriptions #Technology

## My /Uses PageIt was suggested to me the other day by ...

2025-01-25T12:33:08Z

##

My /Uses PageIt was suggested to me the other day by **[Christian Tietze](https://mastodon.social/@ctietze )** that it might be time for me to do a /Uses page on my blog so that others know what kind of hardware and software I use regularly. Today, I’m doing just that and I hope you all find it interesting.##

iOS Apps I Use RegularlyProton Email Proton Pass Proton Drive Proton Calendar That Shopping List Mona For Mastodon Vivaldi Discord Photos Google Photos Uber iCloud YouTube Music Instagram FitBit 2FAS CARROT Weather Gboard PixelFed LocalSend ShareShot##

MacOS Apps I Use RegularlyLickable Menu Bar Alt-Tab Clean My Mac CleanShot X PopClip Ice Menu Bar SetApp Forklift LocalSend Latest Raycast Shortcuts App Apple Music LastFM Scrobbler Rambox Vivaldi SetApp##

Hardware I Use RegularlyWindows PC Intel i9 10700 Nvidia 3080 64GB of RAM 8TB NVMe storage Roccat Vulcan 122 Aimo keyboard Logitech G502X mouse Alienware 34 Curved OLED Gaming Monitor - AW3423DW 2 x Viotek GNV27DB 27-Inch Curved QHD Gaming Monitor GoXLR Mini Rode Podmic Rode Podmic swing arm Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black)M4 Mac Mini 10-Core GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD Roccat Vulcan 122 Aimo keyboard Logitech G502X mouse Alienware 34 Curved OLED Gaming Monitor - AW3423DW 2 x Viotek GNV27DB 27-Inch Curved QHD Gaming Monitor Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black)Mobile Devices iPhone 16 Pro Max - Desert Titanium AirPods Pro Gen 2 Dbrand Grip case Various MagSafe chargers for the iPhone 16 Pro Max Pixel 8 Pro - Bay Blue Pixel Stand for the Pixel 8 Pro Pixel Buds Pro Fitbit Charge 6Miscellaneous Hardware (Specs not included) Macbook Pro (Personal) Lenovo ThinkPad (Work) Viotek GNV27DB 27-Inch Curved QHD Gaming Monitor 2 x 27-inch ViewSonic monitors Various switches and KVM's Various smart plugs around the house 3 x Google Home 2 x TCL 65" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV - 65S455 2 x Bose Soundbar 700There is likely other stuff that I use frequently that I’m forgetting but this is a good start of the technology stuff that I use pretty much every single day of my life. Most of it is for personal/home use, but then there is some of it that’s used for work.

I’d be curious to see a list of the tech that you use frequently, so feel free to provide a link to the place where you have that list.

#Computers #iOS #MacOS #PC #Technology #Windows

Ice Menu Bar is such a great little app indeed. I guess because ...

2025-01-24T10:41:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…zy04
_________________________

Ice Menu Bar is such a great little app indeed. I guess because I’m new to MacOS, I don’t know anything about the Bartender scandal.

Thanks for the suggestion! I actually have RayCast installed, but ...

2025-01-23T09:58:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…3r09
_________________________

Thanks for the suggestion! I actually have RayCast installed, but haven’t used it too much. I’ve also heard good things about Alfred as well. Launchbar is one I’ve not heard of before now, so I’ll give that a try as well.

You’re likely right. I never really had the need for one in the ...

2025-01-22T13:45:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…8ynp
_________________________

You’re likely right. I never really had the need for one in the past, but maybe that will be one of the next things I do.

## A Few Of The MacOS Apps That I Really LikeA few weeks ago I ...

2025-01-22T13:38:27Z

##

A Few Of The MacOS Apps That I Really LikeA few weeks ago I went to the [Apple Store at Friendly Center](https://www.apple.com/retail/friendlycenter/ ) in Greensboro, NC to pick up my [M4 Mac Mini](https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ ). This would be my first official use of MacOS on any kind of a regular basis. Needless to say, I would have a lot of learning to do, especially with regards to apps that would be useful and help make my experience the best it can be.

Now that it’s been a few weeks, I figured I’d jot down some of the apps that I have discovered and started using in my short journey so far. Hopefully by listing these apps others will find them useful or discover something that might make their experience that much easier or more enjoyable.##

[Ice Menu Bar](https://icemenubar.app )Ice is a powerful menu bar management tool. While its primary function is hiding and showing menu bar items, it aims to cover a wide variety of additional features to make it one of the most versatile menu bar tools available. Some of the features of Ice Menu Bar include.

It doesn’t take long at all to start getting a ton of icons on the menu bar at the top of the screen as I quickly realized. My OCD hated this, so I needed something to make my life better, and Ice Menu Bar was just the app. So many features and options to hide icons, show hidden icons and so much more.<li>Show hidden menu bar items below the menu bar</li><li>Drag-and-drop interface to arrange menu bar items</li><li>Customize the menu bar’s appearance</li><li>Menu bar item search</li><li>Custom menu bar item spacing</li><li>… and much more!</li>##

[Lickable Menu Bar](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lickable-menu-bar/id6444217677 )Lickable Menu Bar – the app that brings back classic menu bar styles to your Mac. If you miss the beautiful menu bars of previous macOS versions, this is the app for you. Lickable Menu Bar offers three predefined styles to choose from.

The MacOS menu bar isn’t the best looking, nor is it very configurable by default. Lickable Menu Bar makes it look considerably better and works very well with Ice Menu Bar mentioned above.<li>Matte, reminiscent of the menu bar in Mac OS X Mavericks</li><li>Flat, similar to the menu bar in macOS Catalina</li><li>Glossy, like the menu bar in Mac OS X Tiger</li>##

[Alt-Tab](https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app )AltTab is an app that gives you a much nicer and more configurable window switcher with MacOS. The default that the system uses is pretty boring, but AltTab makes it much more tolerable and has extra features.

I am so used to use AltTab to switch windows as I’ve been doing it for years. The MacOS built-in system is decently ok, but it’s not that nice looking so AltTab provides me with a better looking solution that also has quite a few features to make it that much better.<li>Switch focus to any window</li><li>Minimize, close, fullscreen any window; Hide, quit any app</li><li>Customize AltTab appearance (pick one of 3 styles, then customize further)</li><li>Custom trigger shortcuts with almost any keys</li><li>Blacklist apps you don’t want to list or trigger AltTab from</li><li>Light and Dark Appearance</li><li>Drag-and-drop things on top of window thumbnails</li><li>Accessibility: VoiceOver, sticky keys, reduced transparency, etc</li>##

[CleanShot X](https://cleanshot.com )CleanShot is the ultimate screen recording app made for macOS. With its rich toolkit, CleanShot actually feels like 6 apps in one. You can use it to swiftly capture Mac’s screen without desktop icons, record and trim video, annotate, save screenshots to dedicated cloud, and more.

I take a LOT of screenshots for various things, so having a tool that is quick and easy to use is important. Cleanshot X is just that, but so much more. All of the screenshots included in this article were taken and edited with Cleanshot X.<li>Hide desktop icons</li><li>Annotate</li><li>Background tool</li><li>Quick access overlay</li><li>Screenshots and screen recording</li><li>Cleanshot Cloud save</li>##

[LocalSend](https://localsend.org )LocalSend is exactly what it likely sounds like it is, an app that allows you to share files locally to your various devices and to do so with ease. It’s available not only for MacOS, but for Windows, iOS, Linux and Android.

I use LocalSend for sharing files, mostly photos, directly from my iPhone 16 Pro Max to my Windows and MacOS devices. This helps me post them easier on social media or do other things that I might need or want to do.

I wrote a full review of LocalSend a while back here on the SeerOfSouls blog that you can view here: [LocalSend: A Fast, Secure Way To Transfer Files Between Devices](https://www.seerofsouls.com/localsend-a-fast-secure-way-to-transfer-files-between-devices/ ).##

Final ThoughtsThe list of apps above are just a few of the apps I’ve discovered in the first few weeks of fully switching to MacOS. There are many others and I’ll be writing about those in the future. The ones I’ve chosen to list here are the ones that I am currently using the most and that make my switch from Windows to MacOS much easier and smoother.

I’d certainly love for you to list any and all MacOS apps that you enjoy or find useful in your daily routine. I’m sure there are many that y’all use that I too would or could find useful and beneficial for the things I do.

#AltTab #Apple #Apps #CleanShotX #Computers #IceMenuBar #LickableMenuBar #LocalSend #MacOS #PC #Technology

## If You Could Have One Superpower, What Would It Be, And Why?At ...

2025-01-09T12:14:37Z

##

If You Could Have One Superpower, What Would It Be, And Why?At some point, most all of us have wanted to have some kind of superpower for whatever reason. A lot of it comes from watching various movies such as Superman, Spider-Man, Batman or many other things.

This is a question that any time I see someone on social media that I follow post a “Ask Me Anything” type question, I’ll often respond and ask them this very question.

So today, I’m asking all of you, **if you could have one superpower, what would it be and why**? And yes, it can be anything as there are no limitations here in any way.

For me personally, this is always super easy to answer and something I never have to think for more than a second as to what my answer is: **TELEPORTATION**!

I would absolutely love the ability to go anywhere, at any moment, without having to pay for traveling, having to go somewhere such as an airport just to fly across the country to Las Vegas or another country or whatever. I want to use it to visit every place imaginable, and possibly places that aren’t so imaginable.

To be able to snap my fingers so to speak and be in Norway one minute, and then Paris viewing the Eiffel Tower at night the next minute, to standing on the Great Wall of China the next minute would just be so awesome and amazing.

And yes, that’s exactly how I want it to work. To be able to snap my fingers, or just say something to myself such as “put me at the base of the Eiffel Tower at night” and it just happen. I don’t want to go to some machine like you see above, stand in it, push some buttons or whatever. That’s too limiting, as I’d always have to go back to that machine to get to my next destination. I just want to go and I want to go NOW!

If you’ve made it this far through this silly blog post of mine, I definitely would love to hear from you in the comments below as to what your superpower of choice would be and why would you choose that specific one? Be as detailed as you’d like and make me want to think that having that superpower might be better than **TELEPORTATION**. Though to me, I don’t see anything cooler, but maybe y’all can convince me otherwise.

#Superpower #Technology #Teleportation

I absolutely love this so thank you for sharing! I believe you ...

2025-01-08T23:37:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…0axu
_________________________

I absolutely love this so thank you for sharing! I believe you and I are in the same boat with how often we write or what we write about. Heck, I didn’t even realize that I managed to get 500+ words out in that quick little note of mine.

You are very right! Having a purpose definitely makes a ...

2025-01-08T13:29:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…ctrt
_________________________

You are very right! Having a purpose definitely makes a difference and that’s without a doubt my issue is that I don’t really have a purpose to write most of the time. That’s something I want to change, but just not sure how. Heck, all I do is work, eat and sleep. Not much to write about there. LOL

## Random Thoughts At Six In The Morning…There used to be a ...

2025-01-08T11:57:18Z

##

Random Thoughts At Six In The Morning…There used to be a time back around 2011 – 2015 or so that I was able to write blog posts regularly. I would often do so several times per week. Some of that was because I had a lot of products to review, but some of that was just random stuff I would come up with to write about. Plus I was much more heavily into mobile devices(read that as Android), and was customizing my device and doing different things. I don’t spend much time on my mobile device(read this one as my iPhone) as customization just isn’t of interest any longer.

Now, let’s fast-forward some 10 – 14 years later, and it’s something I struggle with, regularly. I can never come up with blog post ideas, and in a lot of ways, that discourages me because I want to write more blog posts.

I really don’t know why it’s like this now days, but it’s been like this for years. I don’t know if it’s because I once experienced burn out from when I was doing it regularly, or if it’s because I just don’t do much outside of my work day to have things to write about.

There are times that I even try and do a Google search for something like “blog post ideas” or something similar, and nothing just catches my attention enough that I pick something and go with it. I even read other blogs and click links that interest me to see if those can inspire me, but it never seems to do that.

So my question to y’all, for anyone who randomly writes blog posts of their own, how do you come up with ideas to write a blog post? Anything specific? Do you go looking for subjects to write about or do things just pop in your head and you then take it and run with it?

Do you do the Google search idea that I mentioned above and then pick something that others have done and go with that? What’s your secret or what’s your suggestions on how to produce more content?

It’s funny because I was wanting to write a blog post this morning, but couldn’t come up with anything to write about, yet look where we are? Yep, an actual blog post. Granted, it’s complete randomness, but it’s a blog post nonetheless and it’s something I can and certainly will publish this morning as I really would like ideas from others on how you come up with things to write about.

While I know this was certainly a very weird and random blog post, I do want to say thank you to anyone who takes the time to read it and of course a thank you to anyone who might comment and provide some suggestions to me on how to come up with subjects to write about. Y’all are the folks that I want to write things for and I hope to find more ways to entertain you through my writing.

#Blogging #Computers #PC #RandomThoughts #Technology #Writing

## The 365 In 2025 Photo ChallengeNow that 2024 is over and 2025 ...

2025-01-02T13:07:54Z

##

The 365 In 2025 Photo ChallengeNow that 2024 is over and 2025 has begun, it’s always nice and often fun to try new things. Personally, I never participate in these social media challenges that you see people do online as it’s just not something I’ve ever been interested in or know I likely won’t get too far.

I know [Kyle Reddoch](https://allthingstech.social/@beardedtechguy ) posted about this challenge to [his blog](https://weblog.kylereddoch.me/2025/01/a-365-in-2025-photo-log-challenge ) yesterday as well, but I wanted to do the same to hopefully give a bit more exposure to this challenge and the hashtag we’ll be using for this.

However, thanks to [Andrew Melder](https://mastodon.online/@andrewmelder ), a member from AllThingsTech’s Discord, he has come up with a challenge that I’m actually going to give a try. Again, I’m not sure how far I will get, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

So what is this challenge you ask? It’s the **#365in25** challenge and it works by posting a photo you have taken each day of the year and use the hashtag mentioned above, **#365in25**. I’ll also specifically be using the hashtag **#365in2025** just to clarify the year at the end. You can post these pictures anywhere you’d like, such as via Mastodon, Pixelfed, a website of yours or anywhere else. The photos also don’t need to be of a specific theme or anything like that. Just any random photos you have taken. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a photo you took that specific day, as we all know we get busy and life gets in the way and we can often forget to snap a photo or two. However, for me, I’m going to try my best to post a photo that I took from that specific day, as I want to challenge myself to take a photo every day if possible.

Since today is January 2nd, 2025, I have already posted my first two photos for this challenge. You can see them via the links below as I posted one directly to my [Mastodon account](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ), and then the second one I posted to my [Pixelfed account](https://pixelfed.social/CliffWade ).

Photo for [January 1st, 2025](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade/113754584151381036 ) and photo for [January 2nd, 2025](https://pixelfed.social/i/web/post/780415147602719617 ).

Also, if you’re currently beta testing the new Surf feed app, Andrew created a custom feed for the hashtag there as well that you can easily follow. Just add this feed URL and you can Surf the feed and enjoy the photos that get posted during this challenge.

**Surf Feed**: social://feed/surf%2Fcustom%2F01jfpqenxqkj2y46enmyw0kngp

I hope to see many others join in on this challenge, and I’m certainly curious to see how far I make it. As stated above, I’m usually not good at these little challenges, but this is a fun one that I hope to be successful at.

#365In2025 #365In25 #Challenge #Photography #Photos #Pictures #SocialMedia #Technology

## Review: Redragon UCAL K673 Pro Anime KeyboardThe [Redragon ...

2024-12-21T14:40:01Z

##

Review: Redragon UCAL K673 Pro Anime KeyboardThe [Redragon UCAL K673 Pro Anime keyboard](https://redragonshop.com/products/ucal-k673-pro-anime-keyboard?variant=45954685370590 ) is a 75% layout mechanical keyboard that has been gaining popularity for its unique aesthetics, wireless functionality, and overall value. This review will delve into its various aspects, including build quality, features, software, battery life, and more.##

Design And Build QualityThe standout feature of the K673 Pro Anime is its distinct anime-inspired design. It sports vibrant red keycaps with unique legends and artwork, making it a visually striking keyboard. The 75% layout offers a compact form factor, saving desk space while retaining essential keys like function keys and arrow keys.

In terms of build quality, the K673 Pro Anime feels surprisingly solid for its price range. It features a plastic case that exhibits minimal flex, and the keycaps are made of durable PBT plastic, which is known for its resistance to shine and wear. The keyboard also utilizes a gasket mount design, which provides a softer typing experience and reduces noise.##

Features and PerformanceThe K673 Pro Anime offers a range of features that enhance its versatility and functionality:<li>Tri-mode connectivity: It supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connections, providing compatibility with various devices.</li><li>Hot-swappable sockets: This allows users to easily replace the switches without soldering, enabling customization of the typing feel and sound.</li><li>RGB backlighting: The keyboard features customizable RGB backlighting with various effects, allowing users to personalize their setup.</li><li>Sound-absorbing technology: The gasket mount design, along with a layer of silencing foam and a silicone pad, contributes to a quieter and more comfortable typing experience.</li><li>One Knob Control: Armed with a convenient easy access control knob, the keyboard backlight brightness and media (volume, play/pause, switch) are all in control with no hassle. Plus there is no extra keys or space to waste. </li>

The typing experience on the K673 Pro Anime is generally positive. The gasket mount provides a cushioned feel, and the pre-lubed linear switches offer smooth key presses. The keyboard is suitable for both gaming and typing, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort.##

SoftwareRedragon provides software for the K673 Pro Anime, which allows users to customize the RGB lighting, create macros, and remap keys. The software is relatively straightforward to use, although it may not be as feature-rich as some other keyboard software. You can find the software for the UCAL K673 Pro via this link: [UCAL K673 Pro software](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0012/4957/4961/files/Redragon_K673RGB-PRO_Setup_v2.0_20230619.exe?v=1694574045 ).##

Battery LifeThe K673 Pro Anime is equipped with a built-in 4000mAh battery, which offers decent battery life. With the RGB backlighting off, the keyboard can last for several days on a single charge. However, with the RGB lighting enabled, the battery life will be significantly shorter.

When you have RGB enabled on the UCAL K673 Anime keyboard, you can expect about 2 – 3 weeks of battery life. If you have the RGB disabled, you can likely double that if not more, at least from my experience.ProsUnique and eye-catching anime designSolid build quality with PBT keycapsVersatile tri-mode connectivityHot-swappable sockets for customizationComfortable typing experience with gasket mountCustomizable RGB backlightingDecent battery lifeAffordable priceConsPlastic case may not appeal to all usersSoftware could be more feature-richBattery life with RGB lighting enabled could be better##

Discount CodeThanks to the awesome folks over at Redragon for allowing me to review this product and others that they have sent over in the past. They have also provided me with a special URL that anyone can use to save a total of 10% off of your entire purchase across their site. So if you’re interested in purchasing the [Redragon UCAL K673 Pro Anime Keyboard](https://redragonshop.com/products/mirage-m690-pro?variant=44218062373086 ), or any of their products, you can click this link: [Save 10% On Your Entire Order](https://www.redragonshop.com/discount/DECRYPTED?ref=blog.seerofsouls.com ). I believe if you don’t click the link, you can always manually input ***DECRYPTED*** as the code during check out.##

Final ThoughtsThe [Redragon UCAL K673 Pro Anime keyboard](https://redragonshop.com/products/ucal-k673-pro-anime-keyboard?variant=45954685370590 ) is a compelling option for those seeking a unique, feature-rich, and affordable mechanical keyboard. Its distinctive design, solid build quality, versatile connectivity, and comfortable typing experience make it a great choice for both gamers and typists. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Currently priced at $74.99, it can be considered a bit more expensive for some users, but overall it’s a keyboard with great quality that I feel is certainly affordable.

#Computers #Keyboards #PC #Redragon #Reviews #Technology

## My First Few Days With The Mac MiniI’ve never been a MacOS ...

2024-11-20T14:13:25Z

##

My First Few Days With The Mac MiniI’ve never been a MacOS user, though I’ve wanted to be at various times. While I do own a very old and very used MacBook Pro that I got from my previous employer, I never really used it for any length of time. Even while I worked at Branch for 2 1/2 years and had a company issues MacBook Pro, I didn’t have to use it because I had special permission to continue using everything from my Windows PC.

This past Saturday, November 16th, I decided to change that. Well, I had decided a bit earlier than that, but Saturday is when it physically happened when I went to the Apple Store at Friendly Center in Greensboro, NC to pick up an [M4 Mac Mini](https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ ).

Let me give some background as to why I wanted one of these small little pieces of tech. Since getting laid off from Branch/Nova back in August, I decided to make the full-time switch to iOS when the iPhone 16 Pro Max arrived in September. While I’ve been using iOS for quite a few years, I never could do it full-time since I worked for an Android app.

Then the sudden announcement of the M4 Mac Mini happened, and everyone saying how great of a machine it was, I thought what better time to really try using MacOS as well. Plus the fact that MacOS and iOS tie together so nicely, I figured this was a great opportunity to really see what the full ecosystem is all about.##

Out Of The Box ImpressionsThe first impression is of course how small the Mac Mini is in size. It’s 2in(H) x 5in(W) x 5in(D) in size and that’s the whole product. It’s literally just a little box that fits in the palm of your hand and weighs in at only 1.5 pounds. To me, it’s completely mind blowing that so much powerful tech can fit in something so small. But it does, and that’s what makes it all that much cooler.

The M4 Mac Mini currently only comes in silver, and of course has the pretty silver Apple logo right on top. It blends in great with all of the black I have on my computer desk currently. I couldn’t be happier with it at this point.##

My Mac Mini SpecsI elected to go with the lowest base model, the one that starts at $499(via the EDU shop). You can see a screenshot of the specs of my Mac Mini. I didn’t feel I needed or wanted to spend a lot of money on it since this is my first real deep dive into MacOS and I wasn’t sure if it’d be something I’d stick with or not. Update: I will be sticking with MacOS!

As you can see from the image above, I’ve installed the MacOS Sequoia Developer Beta on to the Mac Mini and also have all three of my monitors hooked up to it as well. Yes, the same three monitors that are still hooked up to my Windows PC which I’ll still use for gaming since I do quite a bit of gaming. I also have a KVM switch that allows me to use the same mouse and keyboard that I was using on my Windows PC with the Mac Mini as well. Super convenient to say the least.##

Thoughts After The First Few Days Of UseMy initial thought here is similar to the thought I had when I took it out of the box. It’s mind blowing that something so small can run so smoothly and without any issues. I’ve had no issues at this point doing my every day stuff such as web browsing, social media, capturing screenshots and other similar things.

Beyond that, it’s certainly been a learning experience in a lot of ways. I of course have to learn an entirely new ecosystem of apps and how to do things via MacOS that I have done for decades on Windows without thinking about things. I’ve had to find apps for this, apps for that and so on. But it’s been fun.

Thanks to some super awesome folks on Mastodon, such as [Ronnie](https://mastodon.social/@Ronnie ), [Lou Plummer](https://social.lol/@amerpie ), [CountableNewt](https://allthingstech.social/@countablenewt ), [BeardedTechGuy](https://allthingstech.social/@beardedtechguy ), [Aaron](https://social.aaroncrocco.com/@Aaron ) and a few others, they have all guided me towards a lot of great apps. Many that I’ve not had the chance to check out and play with to this point. Yet many of them I instantly discovered I needed and/or wanted and am now using them regularly.

For the most part, things are very similar to how Windows does them, but certainly not all things. The one thing that I’m struggling with a bit right now is the fact that MacOS doesn’t do Focus Follows Mouse like Windows does. What this means is, when you have multiple monitors or multiple apps on one monitor, simply moving the mouse over another app or monitor doesn’t bring that app or monitor into focus.

For example, I have the Vivaldi web browser on my middle monitor and Mastodon on my right monitor. Let’s say I’m currently typing an email within Vivaldi, someone posts something on Mastodon that I want to like and/or boost and since Vivaldi(or the middle monitor in this case) is in focus, for me to actually be able to click the Like button within Mastodon, I have to click to focus that app/monitor, and then click the Like button. It’s slightly annoying since I’ve not had to do that for decades now. I’m sure it’s something I’ll get used to or someone will give me a trick on how to get around it at some point.

My only other really gripe, and it’s not a gripe really, it’s just more of a learning curve, is where settings and options are located for various things. In Windows, because I’ve used it for decades now, I knew where everything was for the most part. In MacOS, I’m feeling a bit lost, but slowly figuring things out basically by just exploring and of course Google searching for the things I need or want.##

Apps I’ve Discovered So FarI know most everyone is curious about the apps that others use and I’m certainly no different. I’ve asked folks on Mastodon to give me their top 3 – 5 most used apps or apps they recommend the most. I’ve gotten lots of great feedback and because of that, I’m actually going to make this section into another post and make a complete list of apps that I’ve discovered and have started using up this point. I can tell you, I’ve found some really useful things in just a few days.##

Final Thoughts On My M4 Mac MiniWith as small as this piece of hardware is, it’s incredible that it does everything that it does and does it with no issues at all. Let me not fail to mention that it makes absolutely no sound at all. If it weren’t in view on my desk, I’d have no idea it was even being used. You’d think the power was off.

So far, I’m really like the Mac Mini and MacOS in general. I have it setup very similarly to my Windows PC as far as monitors, apps on those monitors and of course the apps that I’m using for my every day stuff. I definitely foresee myself sticking with MacOS going forward and at some point I could see myself possibly upgrading to something more powerful, be it a more top of the line M4 Mac Mini or maybe going with an iMac or something similar. Not really sure what the future holds long term, but I do know that I’ll be sticking with MacOS for the foreseeable future.

Throw in the fact that MacOS and iOS integrate so seamlessly in just about every way possible which only leads me to having that much more to learn, explore and discover along the way.

For the price of $499(via the EDU shop), the M4 Mac Mini seems like a no-brainer in so many ways. It’s something that I’m glad I picked up and look forward to what else I end up doing with this little piece of hardware.##

One Final Thing…If you’re reading this and have any app recommendations or suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Feel free to comment below and tell me what apps you use or recommend and why.

I’d also love to hear any tips and tricks you have for new MacOS users on settings or features to change that makes the experience of MacOS that much better. I’m certainly open to hear what you more experienced users suggest and recommend as I’m sure there are tons of things that I have no idea about quite yet when it comes to this OS and the Mac Mini itself.

You can also reach out to me via Mastodon if you’d like to discuss things there. You can find me on Mastodon here: [Cliff on Mastodon](https://allthingstech.social/@CliffWade ) as I’d love to talk MacOS and Mac Mini talk with you!

#AllThingsTech #Apple #Hardware #Mac #MacMini #MacOS #Technology

## LocalSend: A Fast, Secure Way To Transfer Files Between ...

2024-11-10T16:04:47Z

##

LocalSend: A Fast, Secure Way To Transfer Files Between DevicesAs we all know, cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and others are all very convenient ways to share files between devices, sometimes doing it locally is just satisfying and the best way to do it. This is where [LocalSend](https://localsend.org ) comes into play, which is an app I just recently discovered and am so glad that I did.

One of the best things that I like about LocalSend is that it’s available on most any platform. This includes Windows, iOS, Android, Mac and Linux. This makes it easy to deal with an no ecosystem restrictions or anything similar. ##

Install LocalSend On Multiple DevicesTo get started with LocalSend, simply install it from the [LocalSend download page](https://localsend.org/#/download ) or via your respective app store, be it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.localsend.localsend_app ) or for [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/localsend/id1661733229 ). And for anyone who might need to use this on an Amazon device, you can do so by downloading LocalSend from [Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW6MP732 ).

Once you’ve got LocalSend installed on at least two different devices, simply head over to the app’s “Send” tab. Once there, you should notice your other devices listed under the **Nearby Devices** section with some funny looking random nicknames along with a few details of the device itself. You can see an example via the screenshot below which was taken on my Windows 11 PC.

As you’ll see above, I currently am only showing my iPhone 16 Pro Max that also has LocalSend installed on. Since I’m not really using my Pixel 8 Pro any longer, I’ve removed it from my list.

Once you’re ready to send a file, just click on the File, Folder, Text or Media tab, select your file(s) and then tap on the device you want to send it to. Then on the other device you can accept the file transfer request and it’ll start downloading to that device. It’s that’s simple and that quick.

The neat thing about LocalSend is, you can even send those files to multiple devices at the same time. To do this, simply click the gear icon in the **Nearby Devices** heading and select **Multiple Devices**, then click all of the devices you want to send those files to.

Another neat little feature of LocalSend is that you can generate a sharable link or even a QR Code from the gear icon which will allow you to share files with devices that haven’t installed the LocalSend app yet. The only downfall here is that those devices will have to download each file individually, one at a time.##

LocalSend SettingsLocalSend has quite a few settings for you to change to make your experience the best it can be or as convenient as it can be, depending on your needs. Below is a list of some of those settings.<li>Quit: Minimize to Tray/Menu Bar: When enabled, LocalSend will run in the background on your PC after closing the window, so it’ll remain visible to other devices on the newtork.</li><li>Destination: Choose where your files are saved.</li><li>Device name: Choose a more memorable identifier (such as “Desktop PC” or “iPad”) instead of the randomly-generated one.</li><li>Quick Save: On each device where this is enabled, files will automatically download without a confirmation prompt. Don’t enable this outside of your home network.</li><li>Auto Finish: When enabled, LocalSend will dismiss the file transfer status window a few seconds after the transfer is finished.</li><li>Save to history: Disabling this setting will stop LocalSend from keeping a record of previous file transfers. (You can also manually remove records through the history icon in the “Receive” tab.)</li>

One of the biggest concerns when sharing files is security. LocalSend keeps your data safe by using local Wi-Fi transfers, ensuring that no files leave your local network. All transfers are encrypted, providing peace of mind that your data remains private.

Moreover, LocalSend provides high-speed transfers without relying on the internet, which means there are no data limits or charges. With just a few taps, you can start sending files securely and quickly.##

Final ThoughtsWhen I recently made the full-time switch from using my Pixel 8 Pro to my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I needed something similar to [Google’s Quick Share](https://www.android.com/better-together/quick-share-app/ ) to quickly and easily share files between my mobile device(s) and my PC. I asked a few folks on the [ModMyDevice Discord](https://discord.gg/modmydevice ) server and it seems that LocalSend was the top most suggested app. I quickly installed it and realized this was the app I needed and wanted. I like that I can install it on my iPhone, my MacBook Pro and even my Android device if I needed to. Definitely something that Google’s Quick Share currently doesn’t allow.

If sharing files between your devices is something you do often like I do, then definitely give [LocalSend](http://https://localsend.org ) a try as I think it will most likely fulfill all of your needs!

#AllThingsTech #Android #Apps #iOS #iPhone #LocalSend #Mac #MacOS #Smartphones #Technology

Let me start off by saying I’ve been a huge fan of Linkin Park ...

2024-09-07T14:00:00Z

Let me start off by saying I’ve been a huge fan of Linkin Park since day one basically. When they released their first single I was still living in Houston, TX at the time. Houston is a city that’s big on music and not just country music as a lot of people seem to think. As the single One Step Closer started getting air play, it was getting a ton of it on stations like 94.5 The Buzz there in Houston, so I had no choice but to hear it as that’s the station I was listening to mostly at the time.

I instantly fell in love with the tones, the beats, the sounds and just the over all energy of the song and the band. I was hooked and have been ever since. There was just something very catching about Chester Bennington’s voice that still resonates with me today, even seven years after his passing.

When Chester passed away, that hit hard with me. It was actually one famous person passing that affected me more than I thought it would. Not in terms of mental or emotional to where I was suffering from mental health issues or anything similar, just the fact that he was such an amazing singer and artist and knowing that we’d never hear anything else from him again. And of course not knowing if we’d ever hear anything new from Linkin Park themselves which again was tough since I loved their music so much.

Let’s fast forward seven years after Chester’s passing and to the news that we got on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 with regards to Linkin Park officially being back together and announcing a new singer, and let’s not forget, a new drummer too. It was news that had been rumored for a while that LP would be announcing a female singer, but then also there were rumors of other singers too that were male. Nobody really knew who it was going to be or even when.

Then comes the countdown event on their YouTube that ended up being kind of nothing more than announcing a date of September 5th. A date I quickly got excited for, but wasn’t sure what to expect.

I then had a friend in a Discord server post a link that Linkin Park had just announce [Emily Armstrong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Armstrong_(musician) ) of Dead Sara as their new lead singer. I was instantly shocked, mind blown and many other things. Why you ask? Mainly because I have listened to a bit of [Dead Sara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sara ) so I was familiar with Emily and her sound. I was instantly hyped to hear her do some old Linkin Park songs to see how she could handle it. Little did I know at that exact moment, but LP was doing a 15 song show to introduce her and Colin Brittain, who was the new drummer replacing Rob Bourdon. I instantly tuned in, which you can go back and watch here if you’d like.

https://www.youtube.com/live/IL1nlWOciL0?si=OZ4GPNGPVPGXSbgc

Listening in and the instant Emily sang her first note, I knew this was the one who belonged in Linkin Park at this time. Not someone to replace Chester of course, as Chester can’t and never will be replaced. That’s not what the band wants or desires to do. Instead, this is simply a new chapter for them. Linkin Park 2.0 if you will. Someone to do the best they can possibly do to fill his shoes and carry on the legacy in his name, in LP’s name and hopefully make Chester proud. I personally feel Emily can and will do all of these things and she’s going to do it with ease.

So let’s talk about Emily herself and why I feel she’s going to be the perfect fit for Linkin Park going forward. First and foremost, she can sing and she can do so damn well. She has a beautiful voice when she sings. Plus like Chester himself, she’s what they call a scream singer. Again, like when she sings, she can scream and make it sound so good and she does it with little to no effort. She pours all of her emotions into both her singing and her screaming, and that is something very important.

For me, while the acoustics at the From Zero live event weren’t the best, Emily and the band did really well together. They looked natural and as if they had been doing this for years. Which oddly enough, they have been working together off and on for a bit over 5 years now. With what they had to work with in the setting they were in, Emily sounded good. You can really see and hear her range from singing softly to screaming those parts within songs that Chester did for nearly 20 years.

Let’s not forget that the very first song was actually a brand new song, [The Emptiness Machine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280 ), that will be included on the upcoming [From Zero](https://linkinpark.warnerrecords.com/en/linkin-park/music/from-zero-standard-cd/093624839842.html ) album that will be released on November 15th, 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280

The new song sounded really good. What was even better was, LP had announced that the new single and video for that single would be available publicly right after the show via their official YouTube. This is where Emily’s true talent was really shown in my opinion. Have a studio recorded song and video without all the crazy, silly, not so good acoustics of a live show really showcases what she can do both while singing and screaming. While there’s not a lot of screaming on The Emptiness Machine, at least not like former Linkin Park is concerned, she does show off a bit of her scream talent and I’m here for it.

It’s going to be interesting to see if the fans accept her or not. LP has a very large fan base as we all know and I’ll be curious to see if the larger part of them accepts her or rejects her for whatever reason.

There are sadly already people giving her a tough time for her religious preference which is Scientology. Not sure why these people feel it’s necessary to give her a hard time about this, when they themselves have their own religion that others don’t like or feel do a lot of bad things. To me personally, I don’t care what religion she chooses to embrace. That’s up to her and her alone. That’s not for me to judge and I don’t feel others should judge anyone else, especially when they themselves make mistakes or have different religious or political beliefs. But that’s a completely different post from what this is all about.

So what does the future hold for Linkin Park? Obviously nobody knows that and doubtful that we will have any kind of clue for a while yet. The band are certainly optimistic and hoping that they continue down the road of success just as they did originally with the original line up that included Chester before he passed away. I’m hoping that happens and I feel they have a great chance of making it happen as I firmly believe Emily is a great addition and one that can help lead down that path.

I’m certainly curious to hear your thoughts about the new Linkin Park with Emily Armstrong. What do you think about her voice? Do you feel she’s the right choice or fit for Linkin Park going forward? Do you feel that after seven years it’s the right time for LP to now move forward and do new stuff without Chester? I’d love to hear what you have to say and what you feel with regards to all of this as well as your thoughts on the new song The Emptiness Machine and if you’re excited about the new album, From Zero, or not.

https://www.seerofsouls.com/my-thoughts-on-linkin-park-and-emily-armstrong/

#Alternative #Bands #ChesterBennington #EmilyArmstrong #LinkinPark #LP #Music #RockMusic

## What Are And How To Install Web Apps For The FediverseOver the ...

2024-09-01T15:30:00Z

##

What Are And How To Install Web Apps For The FediverseOver the years, people have often considered apps and websites to be two totally different things. In some cases they certainly are, but in other cases they can be one in the same for the most part. Today, I’m going to explain what the differences are and how to install websites as web apps on your device.##

What Is The Difference Between A Web App And A Website?A website is a series of webpages that are typically accessed through a web browser and are hosted on a web server. A web application is a software program that is accessed through a web browser and runs on a web server. The main difference is that a website is static and a web application is dynamic. A web application is more interactive and dynamic, often providing functionality, interactivity, and data processing beyond what a static website offers which often makes them more useful in various ways.##

Should I Use A Website Or A Web App?That decision is really up to you and what you need, want or prefer. Websites can certainly be useful or quick to use and navigate, while the web app version might give you more control as far as customization or even options and settings are concerned.##

How To Install Web Apps On An Android Device<li>Open the web browser of choice and navigate to your servers website. For example, I would navigate to <a href="https://allthingstech.social">AllThingsTech.social</a>; which is my server/instance.</li><li>Log into your account for your server/instance.</li><li>Open the browsers options menu which is usually the over flow button(︙) often located in the top right corner.</li><li>Click on Install App</li><li>You should get a prompt asking for confirmation of the install and you’ll simply click Install.</li><li>Click on the new icon that was just created and log into your server/instance once again.</li>**Special Note**: Often times Android won’t allow you to install a web app if you’re not logged into your account via the browser you’re trying to install from. Therefore it’s always suggested to be logged into your server/instance first before attempting to install it as a web app.##

How To Install Web Apps On An iOS Device<li>Open the browser of your choice and navigate to your servers website. For example, I would navigate to <a href="https://allthingstech.social">AllThingsTech.social</a>; which is my server/instance.</li><li>Click the Share icon at the bottom of the screen. This icon looks like a box with an arrow pointing upwards.</li><li>Scroll through the options and click Add To Home Screen.</li><li>Give the icon any name you want and confirm the installation by clicking Add.</li><li>Click on the new icon that was just created and log into your server/instance once again.</li>##

Do Web Apps Provide Notifications?Yes, now days due to how popular and how often used web apps are, notifications will work just like they would for a regular app in most cases. These notifications can be controlled from within the web app itself or your System Settings. Often times, you can control notifications from either/or of the above mentioned.##

Are Progressive Web Apps Something Different?Progressive Web Apps, or PWA’s as they are referred to in short term, is just a different name for a web app. While sure, there can be slight differences in how they behave or other things, they will almost always act the same. Just a newer term for a newer era so to speak.##

Aren’t These All Just Bookmarks?Web Apps and bookmarks serve different purposes within your browser. Below is a list of the key differences between web apps and bookmarks.##

Web Apps<li>Functionality: Web apps are standalone applications that run in the browser, often providing a more interactive and feature-rich experience. They can work offline and may have access to device hardware.</li><li>Installation: Users can install web apps directly from the app web store, website and other places. Once installed, they appear in the app launcher or as a shortcut on the desktop.</li><li>User Interface: Web apps can offer a custom user interface and may resemble native applications, with their own windows and menus.</li><li>Updates: Web apps receive updates automatically from the developers, ensuring users have the latest features and improvements.</li>##

**Bookmarks**<li>Functionality: Bookmarks are simply saved links to web pages. They allow users to quickly access their favorite sites without needing to remember or type the URLs.</li><li>Storage: Bookmarks are stored in the browser and can be organized into folders for easier navigation.</li><li>Access: Users can access bookmarks from the bookmarks bar, the bookmarks menu, or through the bookmarks manager. They do not have a separate window or interface like web apps.</li><li>Static: Bookmarks do not change unless manually edited or deleted; they simply point to the same URL unless the page itself changes.</li>##

Fediverse Apps That Can Be Installed As A Web App?Below is a list of a few different Fediverse apps that you can easily and quickly install as a web app. This is far from a complete list as there are likely hundreds that can be installed as a web app. If you’d like to have your Fediverse site added to this list for others to discover, please let me know and I will add it accordingly.<li><a href="https://joinmastodon.org">Mastodon</a></li><li><a href="https://pixelfed.org"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pixelfed</a></li><li><a href="https://writefreely.org">WriteFreely</a></li><li><a href="https://phanpy.social">Phanpy</a></li><li><a href="https://trunks.social">Trunks</a></li><li><a href="https://owncast.online">OwnCast</a></li><li><a href="https://joinpeertube.org">PeerTube</a></li><li><a href="https://joinbookwyrm.com">BookWyrm</a></li><li><a href="https://elk.zone">Elk</a></li><li><a href="https://statuzer.com">Statuzer</a></li>;

Hopefully this article helps you understand a bit more of what the differences are between a website and a web app, or a PWA as they are often referred to now days.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to let me know. You can connect with me via Mastodon here: [Cliff On Mastodon](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ) or you can simply comment below.

#AllThingsTech #Apps #Mastodon #ProgressiveWebApps #PWA #Shortcuts #SocialMedia #Technology #WebApps

If you’ve ever wanted to know a bit about who Cliff(that’s me ...

2024-08-22T14:00:00Z

If you’ve ever wanted to know a bit about who Cliff(that’s me by the way) is, then this is the place to find that information. I call it my user manual and it’s to help others get to know and understand who I am and what I’m about.##

Favorite QuoteDo or do not, there is no try! – Yoda##

PronounsHe/Him/His##

Languages I speak/knowEnglish##

Time ZoneWinston Salem, NC – EST##

Fun Fact About MeI once jumped off of the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas.##

Best ways to communicate with meAsynchronous is the way to go for me personally. I don’t particularly like meetings, but I understand they are necessary, important or even easier at times.

I much prefer to do my chatting on [Discord](https://discord.gg/modmydevice ) or [Mastodon](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ) if we can. If we must have a meeting like a Zoom call, then please make sure to give a considerable enough of notice.##

When I do my best workI do my best work when I’ve got some music playing in the background and am in my office/computer room without interruptions. I get in the zone and just do what needs to be done.##

StrengthsWorking remote – From the comfort of my own home. I’ve done this for the last 9 years and I have found that it’s the best way for me to work at most any time.

Punctual – My Pops taught me to always be early, not just on time. If the schedule says to be at work at 7am, then expect me to show up by 6:30am.

Communication – It’s something I’ve done all of my career as I’ve always worked in retail, sales, management or similar other things that require a ton of communication. It’s simply something I feel I excel at in numerous ways.##

Personal interestsVideo games. I have been playing them since 1976 or so and still do to this very day. I don’t see that changing anytime soon, hopefully.

Music, music, music! I can’t survive or focus without music. It’s what puts me in the zone and allows me to do whatever it is I need or want to do.

Iced coffee. I can’t start my day without this. Be it good for me or not, it’s one thing I do every single day right after waking up and giving the cats their treats.##

What I’ve done in my work careerI’ve done a lot of different things over the years, but the majority of the time my work has been customer service, customer support, retail, sales, fast-food, management and community management or social media manager type work.

https://www.seerofsouls.com/user-manual-for-cliff/

#AboutMe #Career #Computers #PC #Quotes #Strengths #Technology #TimeZone #UserManual

(This is a [/now page](https://nownownow.com/about ), and if you ...

2024-08-14T12:26:00Z

(This is a [/now page](https://nownownow.com/about ), and if you have your own site, [you should make one](https://nownownow.com/about ), too.)##

What I’m Watching<li><a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/big_brother/">Big Brother</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/">Survivor</a></li><li><a href="https://go.discovery.com/show/deadliest-catch-discovery">Deadliest Catch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.discoveryplus.com/show/love-off-the-grid-us">Love Off The Grid</a></li>##

What I’m Currently Making<li><a href="https://SeerOfSouls.com/"; data-type="link" data-id="https://SeerOfSouls.com/"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personal Blog/Website</a></li><li>Job Hunting</li><li><a href="https://blog.allthingstech.social"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AllThingsTech Blog</a></li>##

What I’m Currently Enjoying<li>Playing video games</li><li>Watching TV shows with the wife</li><li>Staying inside out of the heat</li>##

Music I’m Listening To<li><a href="https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCPC0L1d253x-KuMNwa05TpA"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift</a></li><li><a href="https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCCL-yoaPLR-7bxZM1xlcQcQ"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bon Jovi</a></li><li><a href="https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCaeBWvnAVVgyfFT-gnWwURg"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motley Crue</a></li><li><a href="https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC0_1glf30IS53tFQWT8xpxw"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jelly Roll</a></li><li><a href="https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCjS9WiKfJgltFPDecfIHtDg"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep Token</a></li>##

Video Games I’m Currently Playing<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortnite"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fortnite</a></li><li><a href="https://pathofexile.com">Path Of Exile</a></li>##

Android Apps I’m Currently Using<li>Launcher: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nova Launcher</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nova Launcher Prime</a></li><li>Icon Pack: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pashapuma.oneyou.icons"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OneYou Icons</a></li><li>E-Mail Client: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.protonmail.android"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton Email</a></li><li>Photo Management: <a href="https://photos.google.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Photos</a></li><li>File Explorer: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.solidexplorer2"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solid Explorer</a></li><li>Ride Sharing: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uber</a></li><li>Communication: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Messages</a>, <a href="https://slack.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slack</a>, <a href="https://chat.allthingstech.social"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messenger</a></li><li>Social Media: <a href="https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mastodon</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/cliffwade"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://facebook.com/MrCliffWade"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://slack.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slack</a>, <a href="https://chat.allthingstech.social"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a></li><li>Note Keeping: <a href="https://keep.google.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keep Notes</a></li><li>Cloud Storage: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.proton.android.drive">Proton Drive</a></li><li>Browser: <a href="https://vivaldi.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vivaldi</a></li><li>Music: <a href="https://music.youtube.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube Music</a>, <a href="https://spotify.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a></li><li>Password Management: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=proton.android.pass"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton Pass</a></li><li>Search Engine: <a href="https://kagi.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google</a></li><li>Two-Factor Authentication: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beemdevelopment.aegis"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aegis</a></li>##

iOS Apps I’m Currently Using Updated Today!<li>E-Mail Client: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proton-mail-encrypted-email/id979659905"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton Email</a></li><li>Photo Management: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/photos/id1584215428"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photos</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-photos-backup-edit/id962194608"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Photos</a></li><li>Ride Sharing: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/uber-request-a-ride/id368677368"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uber</a></li><li>Communication: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messages/id1146560473"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messages</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/slack/id618783545"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slack</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/discord-chat-talk-hangout/id985746746"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messenger/id454638411"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messenger</a></li><li>Social Media: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mona-for-mastodon/id1659154653"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mona for Mastodon</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/slack/id618783545"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slack</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/discord-chat-talk-hangout/id985746746"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a></li><li>Note Keeping: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-keep-notes-and-lists/id1029207872"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keep Notes</a></li><li>Cloud Storage: <a href="https://www.icloud.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iCloud</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proton-drive-cloud-storage/id1509667851"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton Drive</a></li><li>Browser: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vivaldi-powerful-web-browser/id1633234600"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vivaldi</a></li><li>Music: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/youtube-music/id1017492454"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube Music</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spotify-music-and-podcasts/id324684580"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a></li><li>Password Management: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proton-pass-password-manager/id6443490629"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton Pass</a></li><li>Search Engine: <a href="https://google.com"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google</a></li><li>Two-Factor Authentication: iCloud Keychain</li><li>Widgets: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/widgetsmith/id1523682319"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WidgetSmith</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/widgy-widgets-home-lock-watch/id1524540481"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Widgy</a></li>https://www.seerofsouls.com/my-now-page/

#Now #AboutMe #Now #NowPage #Technology

## Why You Should Be Using A Password ManagerIn today’s world ...

2024-07-10T14:38:41Z

##

Why You Should Be Using A Password ManagerIn today’s world we have some kind of login information for just about every site we visit frequently. From our email accounts, banking accounts, credit card accounts and so much more. It can be tough to memorize each and every password for each different site, especially since it’s never recommended to use the same password for more than one site. Not to mention, it can be tough to come up with a strong enough password for each site that’s easy enough for us to remember. This is where password managers come into play and I feel it’s very important that everyone should be using one. ##

What Exactly Is A Password Manager?Password managers are apps that generate new, random passwords for all the sites you visit. They store these credentials for you in a secure virtual vault. Then, when you visit a site or open an app where you need to log in, the password manager automatically fills in your login name and password for you. Most password managers can also fill in your personal information, like name, address, and credit card number on web forms to save you time during account creation or checkout when making a purchase online. Some password managers can store your important documents or other credentials like safe codes and medical information in the vault, too.

Another great thing that a really good password manager will do is to let you know if your existing passwords are weak, reused on another site or have shown up in a data breach or something similar. This is very important and can really help you suggest and create new, strong and unique passwords for any login you might need it for.

I also recommend that when you use your password manager to create passwords for you, that you set it to at least 24 characters and have it use uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special symbols/characters. This just helps create more secure passwords.##

Are Password Managers Free?There are indeed many password managers out there that are available for free today. Most have a free plan and a paid plan. The free plans will often have limitations of some sort put into place. This is of course to help persuade you to pay for a plan to get more features. Some of these paid for features are things like being able to create longer, more secure passwords, sync across multiple devices and other very useful and often needed features.

I personally use [Proton Pass](https://proton.me/pass ) currently, but that’s because it comes with paying for a [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail ) account. Because I pay for Proton Mail, I get Proton Pass, Proton VPN, Proton Drive and more included with my service.

I previously was using [Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com ) which was a really good password manager that has tons of options and features. I only switched to Proton Pass since it was included when I made the move from Gmail to Proton Mail. Prior to that I was with LastPass for a lot of years. Back when they were really good and password managers were still relatively new. Today, I wouldn’t recommend them personally as they have had some issues over the last few years.##

Test New Password Managers FirstIt is very important to choose a password manager that’s going to work best for you and your use. This means little things like making sure it works on all of the devices you use. Be it Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or any other platforms you might use that you could use it with.

Remember, most password managers have a free trial or just a free version in general that you can use for a few weeks or so to see if it meets all of your needs.

Once you find one that really works best for you, then it’s up to you if you move to a paid plan or not. You may or may not need or even want do that. That choice is strictly up to you.

Another important thing to think about during this testing phase, is if you will be using this by yourself, or if you’ll want to have family members use it as well. Very important to know especially when it comes to a paid plan as then price comes into play.##

Apply Multi-Factor Authentication To Your AccountOne way to mitigate the risk of an attack on your password manager is to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure your account. MFA simply means that to unlock your password manager, you need something in addition to your master password. That something could be your fingerprint, your face or voice read by recognition software, a code sent to a mobile authenticator app, or a hardware security key. In addition, allowing access to the password manager only from registered, trusted devices can be another form of multi-factor authentication.##

Password Manager Browser ExtensionsMost every password manager out there today has an extension that you can install into your browser to make using a password quick and easy. This used to not be the case back in the day, but in today’s world, it’s an absolute necessity due to how many passwords and such we’re storing. ##

Set a Master PasswordOnce you’ve settled on the password manager of your choice, you have to set it up and protect it with a master password. Since you’re putting all your passwords in one place, i.e., the vault, you need to protect the vault with a master password. The master password encrypts the contents of your vault, so it needs to be super strong and something you will never forget. If you lose your master password, you lose access to all your logins in many cases (meaning you’ll have to do password resets for all your online accounts). If you choose a weak master password, you put all your credentials at risk.

Take your time to pick a master password and just make sure it’s something you’ll always remember but make it something that’s not easy to figure out, such as your name, birth date, cats name or anything similar. If need be, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in a locked safe or something similar within your house so that you can easily access it but others won’t be able to get to it so easily.##

Let Your Password Manager Do The Work For YouAny time you visit a website that requires login information, let your password manager do the work for you. This means let it help you create a password for you as well as remember that password and username or anything else of importance.

This is exactly what password managers are for. They do the work so that you don’t really have to in most cases. Once you have the information stored for a site, then any time you visit the login screen for that particular site, your password manager should offer to auto-fill that information for you. This is exactly the goal of using one in the first place. ##

Final ThoughtsI firmly believe there is no reason that anyone shouldn’t be using password manager. As stated originally, we have so many login credentials that we have to know and try to remember that it’s nearly impossible for us to keep track of it all in our heads. Password managers do all of the work for us and they do very well. Therefore they make life easier for us when it comes to browsing and using the internet.

If you’re not already using a password manager, ask yourself why and do yourself a favor and find one that’s good for you. If you are using a password manager, which one do you use? Let us know via the comments below and tell us what features/options you like best about it.

If you’d like to follow me on Mastodon which is my social media platform of choice, you can do so by clicking the button below.

[ ***Cliff On Mastodon***](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade )

#2FA #AllThingsTech #Android #Apps #Bitwarden #iOS #LastPass #Linux #Login #LoginCredentials #PasswordManager #Passwords #ProtonPass #Technology #TwoFactorAuthentication #Windows

## Review: Lock Socket, Charging Cable Loss PreventionEver wish ...

2024-07-03T12:58:31Z

##

Review: Lock Socket, Charging Cable Loss PreventionEver wish you could bolt down your iPhone or iPad charger to an outlet so it doesn’t walk away? A neat little accessory lets you do just that called [Lock Socket](https://locksocket.com ), was sent to me to review and today I’m going to give you all the details of how it works.

Originally [prototyped to stop the loss of chargers around the house](https://locksocket.com/about-lock-socket-phone-charger-lock/ ), the Lock Socket has many uses for homes, businesses, and schools, working best with official Apple/Samsung charging blocks for the best fit.

Each type of charger lock aptly conforms to the dimensions of each block, allowing minimal wiggle room and allowing the cable to fit through. Fitting on standard or Decora wall plates, the seamless white color blends in nicely with its environment.

It’s also worth noting that the Lock Socket is also available for other products such as [some Samsung devices](https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Compatible-Samsung-Support-Bracket/dp/B08C9F12NJ ), a 3-Pronged charger lock and even a [red version of the 3-Pronged charger lock](https://www.amazon.com/Lock-Socket-Outlet-Security-Resistant/dp/B0CHST8NDT/ ).###

DesignWith each Lock Socket, you get the plastic “lock,” two Allen head screws (different lengths), and the matching 2 mm Allen key. The main portion uses sturdy (non-flexible) plastic that would make it difficult to break with bare hands.

As you’ve probably already deduced, this isn’t a true locking solution, but the likelihood of people having a 2 mm Allen key on them is probably slim. Lock Socket offers enough hassle that most people will probably not bother trying to break the charger free. They will move on and try and find one that’s not secured in place.

One more note on the design. Lock Sockets work with both standard duplex outlets with the cover plate screw hole in the middle or newer Decora style (rectangular outlets) that use cover plate screw holes on top and bottom. Unfortunately if you have cover plates that require no screws at all, you’ll be required to swap it out for one that does to be able to use Lock Socket.##

Lock Socket UsesFor household use, we found the Lock Socket to be most beneficial for those places where you always have a charger in place or where you wouldn’t want guests or friends to “borrow” it. Where I think this would be hugely beneficial is for businesses such as cafes or offices where they allow others to use the services of charging their devices but having a Lock Socket would help prevent their charging cables to come up missing. Another good example is something like nurses. They can plug their charging brick and cable into the outlet at the nurses stating and use a Lock Socket to keep it in place. Then at the end of the shift they can quickly remove it and take it home.

As for durability, the Locks screw and plastic hold pretty well, and if someone were to trip over the Lock Socket or a charger cable, it wouldn’t break or let the charger out of place. We think that the Lock Socket would be helpful in pet or child-proofing a house, limiting smaller and more curious lifeforms from getting themselves hurt or unplugging chargers.##

Final Thoughts[Lock Socket](https://www.amazon.com/Lock-Socket-Charger-Compatible-Simplest/dp/B07P5P9X78 ) has so many great uses that almost makes it a must have product for around the house, business or office. At such a cheap price of $16.95 as of the writing of this review, that makes it even more worth picking up a few.

Super quick and easy to install, very durable build quality and the fact that this will likely help save you or your office a bit of money by not having to replace the charging cable constantly, Lock Socket is something I highly recommend to everyone.

#AllThingsTech #Apple #Chargers #Charging #LockSocket #Smartphones #Technology

## Review: WOLFBOX 2nd Gen Dual Zone Car FridgeA few weeks ago, I ...

2024-06-29T15:11:15Z

##

Review: WOLFBOX 2nd Gen Dual Zone Car FridgeA few weeks ago, I randomly got an email from a public relations company representing WOLFBOX products and listed in the email was the [WOLFBOX 2nd Generation Dual Zone Car Fridge](https://wolfbox.com/products/wolfbox-2nd-gen-dual-zone-car-fridge-with-app-control-39-48-58qt-12-24v-dc?variant=48217784156449 ). I decided to reply to the email in hopes of getting one to review, and much to my surprise, they replied almost instantly stating they would send me one over.

Little did I know, they would send the largest size which is 58 quarts and valued at nearly $700.00. So first and foremost, a huge **THANK YOU** to WOLFBOX for sending this my way for me to use and review!##

Product Information<li>Model: 58 quarts</li><li>Connection Voltage: DC 12V/24V</li><li>Cooling Capacity: -8F~68F(-22°C~20°C)</li><li>Total Volume: 58 quarts</li><li>Left Zone(in): 11.8 x 7.5 x 11.1</li><li>Right Zone(in): 11.8 x 10.6 x 18.4</li><li>Power Consumption(Max/Eco): 65W/48W</li><li>Cooling System: Compressor</li><li>Net Weight(58 quart): 40.1 lbs</li><li>Refrigerant Weight(LP): 0.05(R600a)</li><li>Operating Temperature: -10°C to +43°C(+14°F to 109°F)</li>Let me start off by saying that the packaging on the WOLFBOX fridge was beyond excellent. The device fit in the box perfectly and was wrapped up with plastic, styrofoam on the corners and much more. It therefore arrived in perfect condition which is always a plus for something so large such as this.

It’s important to note that when you first receive the fridge, that you allow it to set upright for 24 hours before plugging it in and powering it on. This is to make sure the refrigerant settles properly and doesn’t cause any issues.

The WOLFBOX Dual Zone Car Fridge comes with a 12V plug, a wall plug with a power brick, an extra fuse for the 12v plug and of course the owner’s manual. ##

About The Wolfbox Car FridgeThe WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator is equipped with Quick Freeze technology, which allows it to drop the temperature from 32℃ to 0℃ within about 30 minutes. This feature is especially convenient during outdoor activities when you want your drinks or food to cool down quickly. The fridge also provides customizable temperature settings between -8°F~68°F (-22°C to 20°C), allowing you to chill or freeze your items at your preferred temperature.

In addition to its efficient cooling capabilities, the WOLFBOX car fridge is almost completely silent when in operation, thanks to its noise level below 45db. It is also designed to withstand slopes up to 30 degrees, ensuring stability even on uneven surfaces. The LED lights, removable lid, and other thoughtful details make it user-friendly and convenient.

The car cooler comes with a low-voltage intelligent protection system, which offers three-level battery protection to prevent drain. It also offers two modes, ECO and MAX, for energy savings or quick cooling, depending on your needs. WOLFBOX takes pride in their high-quality after-sales service, providing customers with peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.

The WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator is a reliable and versatile cooling solution for car, camping, travel, and home use. With its spacious capacity, quick cooling capabilities, and user-friendly features, it has enhanced my travel experiences and eliminated the hassle of limited space.

The WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator is designed with user convenience in mind. It comes with both 12/24V DC and 220/240V AC adapters, making it versatile for use in different settings. The refrigerator operates silently, with a noise level of below 45db, providing a peaceful environment while on the road. Its anti-vibration and anti-shake functions also ensure stability even on slopes up to 30 degrees. ##

Low-Voltage ProtectionI appreciate the intelligent low-voltage protection system of the WOLFBOX car cooler, which offers three-level protection to prevent draining my car’s battery. With the option to choose from low, medium, and high gears, I can customize the cooling performance based on my needs. The refrigerator also features two modes, ECO and MAX, allowing me to select between quick cooling or energy-saving options. This not only ensures the safety of my car battery but also saves energy and extends the overall lifespan of the refrigerator.##

Quick Freeze TechnologyOne of the standout features of the WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator is its quick freeze technology. With the ability to drop the temperature from 32℃ to 0℃ in just 24 minutes, I no longer have to wait impatiently for my beverages to chill. This is particularly convenient during outdoor activities when time is of the essence. Additionally, the fridge allows me to adjust the temperature between -8°F to 68°F, ensuring my food and drinks are kept at the precise temperature I prefer.##

Product SizeThe size of this 58 quart WOLFBOX car fridge is absolutely stunning. It can hold so much stuff for your long trip, camping adventure, beach excursion or whatever else you might be doing. You’ll be able to hold plenty of cold drinks, food for snacking on or eating when you get hungry or whatever else you would like to put into it.##

LightingThe inclusion of LED lights in the WOLFBOX refrigerator is a thoughtful touch. It allows me to easily locate and access my food and drinks, even in low-light conditions. The removable lid adds to the convenience by making it effortless to clean and organize the fridge. I can easily pack it with all my essentials and rearrange items as needed for efficient storage.

The user-friendly features of the WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator, such as the availability of various power options, silent operation, anti-vibration function, LED lights, and removable lid, contribute to a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.##

WOLFBOX AppWOLFBOX has an app that connects via Bluetooth to the fridge and lets you control just about every aspect of the fridge. You can control things like adjusting the dual zone temps, battery protection and energy saving mode. The app was super simple to use. It was literally as easy as installing and opening the app and following the prompts and everything on the screen.

Once the app was installed and I opened it, it immediately connected to my review unit without me having to do anything at all. Quite nice to see this happen as often times, connecting devices like this can be a pain.##

Favorite FeatureThe ability to rapidly freeze items is particularly useful during outdoor activities. For instance, when I went to Myrtle Beach, I used the WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator to freeze perishable items such as meat, fruits, and vegetables. This not only ensures that my food stays fresh for longer but also provides me with the convenience of having a wide variety of meals to choose from.

Additionally, during hot summer days at the beach, the Quick Freeze technology allows me to enjoy chilled drinks within minutes. It is a game-changer, as I no longer have to rely on cooler bags filled with ice that eventually melt. Dealing with ice is nothing shy of troublesome and annoying to say the very least.

The Quick Freeze technology of the WOLFBOX 12V Portable Refrigerator has significantly enhanced my travel experiences. It provides me with the convenience of quickly chilling my food and beverages, making my trips more enjoyable and stress-free.##

Final ThoughtsWhile the [WOLFBOX 2nd Gen Dual Zone Car Fridge](https://wolfbox.com/products/wolfbox-2nd-gen-dual-zone-car-fridge-with-app-control-39-48-58qt-12-24v-dc?variant=48217784156449 ) 58 quart version is priced at $589.99 as of this writing, I feel it’s a great deal for the product that you get. The normal price of this car fridge is $669.99 so you’re saving $80 if you purchase it now.

For that price you get an amazingly built product that is made to last you many years to come. Regardless if you travel frequently by taking road trips, use it when you go camping, taking it with you on your fishing trips, this is the fridge you need with you to keep your food and drinks ice cold so you don’t suffer as much during those hot times.

There is also a 39 quart and a 48 quart version available if you need something slightly smaller. Luckily I was sent the largest version to review and I’m grateful for that experience. Those are priced at $429.99 and $469.99. Definitely something to think about depending on how much room you have in your vehicle or just how much stuff you think you might be taking with you.

#AllThingsTech #CarFridge #Tech #Technology #Wolfbox

## Review: Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SEThe [Redragon Eisa K686 Pro ...

2024-06-20T12:34:51Z

##

Review: Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SEThe [Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SE](https://redragonshop.com/products/eisa-k686-pro-se ) is a mechanical keyboard that punches above its weight in terms of features, especially considering its attractive price point. Let’s delve into the details to see if this keyboard clicks all the right boxes for you.##

**Design And Build Quality**The K686 Pro SE boasts a compact 98-key layout that manages to squeeze in a full number pad, making it ideal for those who need it for productivity tasks, like myself. The keyboard itself is constructed from plastic, which feels sturdy enough for everyday use. However, some users might miss the premium feel of an aluminum frame found in more expensive keyboards.

What truly sets this keyboard apart is its aesthetics. It features eye-catching anime-themed artwork that won’t be for everyone, but undeniably adds a unique flair. The keycaps are made from high-quality PBT plastic, known for their durability and resistance to shine. These keycaps are dye-sublimated, a process that prevents the legends (letters and symbols) from wearing off.

While I’m personally not a fan of anime in any way and never have been, even I have to admit that the design on this keyboard is absolutely gorgeous. ##

**Features**The Eisa K686 Pro SE is packed with features that enhance functionality and user experience. Here are some highlights:<li>Gasket Mount: This mounting style utilizes a silicone gasket to absorb sound and vibrations, resulting in a softer and more pleasant typing experience.</li><li>Hot-Swappable Switches: This allows you to easily customize the keyboard’s feel by swapping out the pre-installed switches with any compatible 3-pin or 5-pin switches. The stock switches are custom linear switches, lauded for their smooth and quiet operation.</li><li>Tri-Mode Connectivity: Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 3.0 or 5.0, or use the included USB-C cable for a wired connection. This versatility makes it suitable for various setups, from desktops to laptops.</li><li>Dedicated Media Knob: A convenient knob on the top right corner allows for quick and easy control of volume, playback, and other media functions.</li><li>RGB Backlighting: Complete with a variety of lighting effects and customization options, the RGB backlighting adds a touch of personality to your setup.</li>##

**Performance And Typing Experience**The [Eisa K686 Pro SE](https://redragonshop.com/products/eisa-k686-pro-se ) comes equipped with Redragon’s custom Hi-Fi linear switches. These pre-lubed switches provide a smooth and quiet typing experience. Gamers will appreciate the anti-ghosting technology that ensures all your keypresses register accurately during intense gaming sessions. The keyboard is also fully hot-swappable, meaning you can easily replace the switches with others of your preference without soldering. This caters to users who want to personalize their typing feel.

The Eisa K686 Pro SE boasts full RGB backlighting with a variety of lighting modes and effects to choose from. You can customize these effects through the included software or function keys.##

**Connectivity And Battery Life**The Eisa K686 Pro SE offers a versatile tri-mode connection: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless. This allows you to seamlessly switch between devices depending on your needs. The wireless functionality is powered by a beefy 3000mAh battery, which Redragon claims offers extended usage on a single charge. However, specific battery life figures depend on factors like backlight brightness and usage patterns. From my experience it can last anywhere from 2 to 4 days on a single charge with moderate use and backlighting on medium settings.##

**Software**Expand your options using the available software to design your own new modes and effects found on Redragonshop. Macros with different keybindings or shortcuts for more efficient work and gaming. The software can be downloaded directly from the Redragon site here: [Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SE Software](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0012/4957/4961/files/Redragon_K686-RGB-PRO_Setup_v2.0_20240110.exe?v=1709019093 ).##

Discount CodeThanks to the awesome folks over at Redragon for allowing me to review this product and others that they have sent over in the past. They have also provided me with a special URL that anyone can use to save a total of 10% off of your entire purchase across their site. So if you’re interested in purchasing the [Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SE](https://redragonshop.com/products/eisa-k686-pro-se ), or any of their products, you can click this link: [Save 10% On Your Entire Order](https://www.redragonshop.com/discount/DECRYPTED?ref=blog.seerofsouls.com ). I believe if you don’t click the link, you can always manually input ***DECRYPTED*** as the code during check out.##

**Conclusion**The Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SE is a compelling option for budget-conscious users who prioritize features and aesthetics. Currently priced at $63.74, that’s a hard price to pass up for everything this beautiful keyboard has to offer. It offers a compact design with a full number pad, hot-swappable switches, gasket mounting for a comfortable typing experience, and a unique anime-themed design. While it might not have the premium build quality of high-end keyboards, it delivers excellent value for its price.

If you’re looking for a feature-rich mechanical keyboard that won’t break the bank, the Redragon Eisa K686 Pro SE is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind the design aesthetic and the slightly lighter switches if those are factors that might influence your decision.

#AllThingsTech #EisaK686 #Keyboard #MechanicalKeyboard #Redragon #Technology

## Review: EZQuest Ultra High Speed HDMI CablesThe awesome folks ...

2024-04-17T13:24:18Z

##

Review: EZQuest Ultra High Speed HDMI CablesThe awesome folks over at EZQuest has sent me a couple of their [EZQuest Ultra High Speed HDMI 10K 60Hz Cables](https://ezq.com/ultra-HD-high-speed-HDMI-10K-60Hz-cable.html ) to review and today, I’m going to dive in and give you all the details of these cables and how well they work.

Let’s start off by listing the features and the specifications of the cables as it’s important to know what these cables are cable of doing at various resolutions.<tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">Specifications</td><td>Product Features</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">Interface: HDM to HDMI</td><td>Nylon braided outer sheath, strain relief and strong aluminum connector housings</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">Resolution: 1920×1080 – 3840×2160 4K, 5120×2160 5K, 7680×4320 8K, 10240×4320 10K</td><td>Includes HDMI Ethernet Channel</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">Refresh Rates: Up to 120Hz</td><td>Supports Multiple Static and Dynamic HDR Solutions</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">Color: Space gray brushed aluminum with black nylon braided cable</td><td>Supports the full range of uncompressed HDMI 2.1</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left"></td><td>Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left"></td><td>Quick Media Switching (QMS)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left"></td><td>Quick Frame Transport (QFT)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left"></td><td>HDCP 2.2 Support</td></tr></tbody>

EZQuest claims that the Ultra High Speed HDMI cables will work with any product that supports HDMI cables and will provide you with the best quality picture possible for that specific product. The three products I tested were the Sony Playstation 5, my PC monitor and regular TV that supports up to 4K.##

Playstation 5 QualityLet’s start with the PS5 and let me note that I’m using some basic HDMI cable that I got off of Amazon I believe. The cable costs around $10 – $20 if I had to guess, and it’s something I’ve had since the day the PS5 was released, so about 3 years now.

Once I hooked up the EZQuest Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, I noticed very little improvement while on the PS5 home screen. Then I started up Fortnite, with everything set to the highest quality graphics, and that’s where the difference seemed to change quite a bit. Quality was crisper, richer and just a bit more detailed. Playing Fortnite always looks good on the PS5, but these cables certainly seems to have made a difference here. ##

DirecTV Stream QualityWhen it comes to watching regular TV, the wife and I currently subscribe to DirecTV Stream as we don’t watch too much TV, so we don’t require cable with tons of channels. There are only a few 4K channels available and my TV actually supports 4K so I decided this is where I would test things out.

Again, I have the same HDMI cable hooked to my TV that I have for my Playstation 5. I’ve had that cable for 2+ years since we moved here. The TV I have is a 65-Inch Roku TV so it’s nothing super expensive, but not super cheap either.

While on the Roku TV home screen, as was the case with the PS5, the home screen didn’t look too different with the EZQuest cable hooked up. Once I flipped over to Discovery ID, which is what the wife and I watch the most, I noticed an ever so slight little difference in quality. Truly not something to brag about much, but there was a bit.

Then I found a channel that worked in 4K, and when I switched over to it with my regular cable, I can tell you the quality was good. Once I switched cables over the EZQuest cable, that’s again where I noticed a bit of improvement. Colors seemed to be a bit brighter and just overall clearer and crisper all around.##

PC QualityThe last and final test was going to be with my PC and my main monitor which is an [Alienware 34-inch Curved OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DW)](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/alienware-34-curved-qd-oled-gaming-monitor-aw3423dw/apd/210-bcye/monitors-monitor-accessories ). Hooked to this monitor is the HDMI cable that came in the box with the monitor so it’s a bit more expensive than the ones I have hooked to my TV and PS5.

The goal here was to again test mainly while playing Fortnite to keep it a similar test to the PS5. Due to the quality of the monitor itself, most everything looks really good regardless if it’s games or just browsing the internet. Hooking up the EZQuest Ultra High Speed cable didn’t really change too much here. It was only noticeable at certain angles or certain points of the game to be honest.

I don’t blame this on the cable itself, because as stated above, I have a really good monitor that came with a really good cable out of the box so there’s not much room for improvement here. ##

Final ThoughtsOverall my thoughts on the [EZQuest Ultra High Speed HDMI](https://ezq.com/ultra-HD-high-speed-HDMI-10K-60Hz-cable.html ) cables are very positive. They do exactly what EZQuest claims they will do provided you don’t already have top of the line stuff hooked that you’re replacing. They are great quality braided cables which is something I absolutely love when it comes to cables of most any kind.

Considering that these cables are normally $19.99 but are currently on sale for $15.99 makes this a no-brainer in my opinion. They certainly aren’t the end all be all when it comes to HDMI cables, but to be honest here, I’m not sure there is such a cable that fits that description today. It’s more about personal preference and what you, the user, sees and can tell the differences between.

#10K #120Hz #4K #8K #AllThingsTech #EZQuest #HDMI #Technology #UltraHighSpeed

## My Favorite Nova 8 Beta Features[Nova ...

2024-03-27T19:21:42Z

##

My Favorite Nova 8 Beta Features[Nova Launcher](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher ) has been around for well over 12 years at this point and has been the number one ranked 3rd party home screen replacement app in the [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/ ) for most of that time. Nova has tons of features that users find useful when it comes to various ways they can customize their home screens and even app drawers. Today, I’m going to give you my top three favorite Nova 8 Beta features that I use and enjoy the most.

One thing to note about these features is that they might require you to purchase and to use [Nova Launcher Prime](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime ). Currently the price for Nova Launcher Prime is $4.99 USD. ##

Swipe Up And Swipe Down On App IconsI try to keep my home screen relatively clean, as you will see by the screenshot below. While yes, I have a few icons, but I certainly don’t have a lot. Those that I do have, often do more than just launch the app icon that you see and click. For instance, my Mastodon icon that you see on the bottom row, second from the right, launches Mastodon if you click it. The cool thing here is, if you swipe down on that app icon, it will launch Instagram. You can see that I have this setup by long pressing the icon and clicking Edit(pencil icon).

You’ll also notice, as mentioned in the section title, you can set a Swipe Up action on any icon as well. While certainly handy, I don’t use the swipe up action too much as swipe down is more of a natural feel for me. It’s worth noting that for swipe up and swipe down you can set it to launch apps, Nova Actions or even shortcuts for various other apps. The swipe up and down on app icons can be a very useful feature and something I use all day, every day.##

Nova Search Micro-resultsThis is a feature that’s not really advertised or mentioned much of anywhere, but back when Nova 7 was in very early beta, or maybe even alpha stages, Kevin added something really fun and neat to Nova’s search and those are called Nova’s micro-results.

As you can see by the couple of screenshots below, I have used the Nova search bar on the home screen, though this works from the app drawer too if you have a search bar added there, you can search for something like 32F, or any temperature and it will convert it to 0C in the results. You can do the same for something like 50ft and other things.

The list of micro-results below is a pretty complete list of what you can do within Nova’s search bar if you’re using Nova 7 or higher. It’s certainly not a complete list as I believe there are other things such as moon phase and it will tell you the current phase of the moon.Caclulator (2+2)Unit converter (10F or 10oz to g)Open URL in (<a href="https://novalauncher.com/"; target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://novalauncher.com/</a>; and it'll let you pick which web browser)Maps for addresses (1234 W State St)Call/SMS for phone numbersDirect links for package tracking numbersDirect link for flight tracking numbersDirect link for Bitcoin/Ethereum addresses (blockchain.info)##

Nova Gestures & InputsThis has been around for many years, so it’s not necessarily new in Nova 8 Beta, but it’s a feature, or set of features if you will, that I have used extensively for years. That’s Nova’s Gestures & Inputs. Things like swipe up, swipe down, two finger swipe up, Pinch In and others. All of these can be done on Nova’s home screen and like the swipe actions on icons, you can configure them to open specific apps, perform certain Nova Actions or to perform shortcuts to various other things that other apps offer. While not an unlimited amount of things you can do here, the options are very numerous.

My most used Nova gestures are swipe up for Nova Settings and Double Tap to access System Settings. These are things I’m always having to access since I work for Nova and do a lot of testing of various different things not only for myself, but for users who email me with issues or questions. Again, such a powerful feature of Nova that so many users don’t really take advantage of or don’t really understand what all they allow you to be able to do.

These are my top three favorite features of Nova Launcher 8 Beta. While they aren’t specific to Nova 8 Beta itself, it’s the current beta version that we are working on and it’s what I’m using on a daily basis on my Pixel 8 Pro.

If you are interested in using Nova 8 Beta versions, you can either Join The Beta for Nova Launcher via your device in the Play Store, or you can download the APK and install it manually from here: https://novalauncher.com/beta/ Please make sure to grab the latest beta version, which as of this writing is Nova 8.0.14.

If you have questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to ask me via the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer anything I can.

Make sure to follow Nova Launcher on Mastodon here: [Nova Launcher](https://allthingstech.social/@novalauncher ) or you can follow myself, Cliff Wade, via Mastodon here: [Cliff Wade](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ).

#AllThingsTech #Android #Apps #Nova #NovaLauncher #Smartphones #Technology

## Review: Nautica Tailwind Smart EyewearToday I’m going to ...

2024-03-12T12:34:06Z

##

Review: Nautica Tailwind Smart EyewearToday I’m going to take a look at the new [Nautica Tailwind Smart Eyewear](https://lucyd.co/products/tailwind ) that look like ordinary glasses, or even more like sunglasses, that feature a built-in microphone and speakers. These allow you to do things such as listen to music, take calls, send text messages and other things. ##

What’s In The Box?<li>Nautica Tailwind smart glasses</li><li>Charging cable with USB-A</li><li>Charging cable wall adapter</li><li>Cleaning cloth</li><li>Carrying bag</li><li>Instruction booklet</li>##

Design And SpecificationsThis is Nautica’s first dive into the smart eyewear category of things. [Nautica has partnered with Lucyd](https://lucyd.co/pages/nautica ) to bring a stylish pair of smart glasses built around Lucyd’s technology of glasses that is an industry leader.

The Nautica Tailwind use Bluetooth to connect to your phone which allows you to hear notifications, music, phone calls all while commanding your phone’s powerful Assistant, which will be Google Assistant if you’re using Android or Siri if you’re using iOS. The glasses come equipped with open-ear headphones and the microphone built right into the stylish glasses themselves.

The Nautica smart glasses start at a good price of $159 and you have a choice of 8 different frame styles and more than 100 types of customizable lenses, including the option to add a blue light blocker for indoor use. I was sent the Nautica Tailwind in a Solid Navy Blue and Polarized UV400. As you can see by the image below, there are 25 different colors that you can choose from for the frames themselves. A very impressive selection in my opinion.

Lucyd also allows you to add your own Rx prescription to the glasses if you need or want to do that. This option is an additional $35, which would bring the total price of the smart glasses to $194, which is still in my opinion a pretty fair price. For comparison here, the Amazon Echo Frames, third generation, start at $270 and that doesn’t include prescription lenses of any kind.

Lucyd states that the Tailwind are made for most women and men with narrow faces, small to medium sized heads or even for youth who would be wearing them. While Lucyd didn’t ask me what size I needed or wanted, the Tailwind actually fit really good for me personally so I feel they made the right, lucky, choice. Acetate round frame with 90 degree 5-barrel hinge, and no extension piece on the front-plate, and light gray stripes. You can see sizing details below for the Nautica Tailwind.<li>Frame Width: 139mm</li><li>Lens Width: 53mm</li><li>Temple Size: 150mm</li><li>Bridge Size: 20mm</li>

All styles, at a glance, look like ordinary glasses. The incognito smarts are an attractive draw to the line, as you have to look closely to notice the built-in technology. Two of the four speakers sit on top of the temples, with the other two located on the bottom of the temples, near where they rise over your ear.

A small, metallic button juts out from the bottom of each temple near the front of the frames, and pinholes for the noise-canceling microphones sit just behind the buttons. Small charging contacts sit on the inside of each temple.

One feature of the Nautica smart glasses worth noting here is that they come with an IP56 water-resistance rating. What this means is they can withstand splashes of water from any direction and will resist harmful deposits of dust. Since I mentioned the Amazon Echo Frames above, it’s worth noting that they offer a lower IPX4 rating compared to these that I have.

The battery life of the Nautica smart glasses is supposed to be 12 hours according to the specifications listed by Nautica. I tested this across four different uses of the battery being full until dead and my average use was just over 13 hours across all four uses. That was with me listening to music and messing around with all the different features of the device. While doing all of this I had the volume set at 100%, which can often use a bit more battery. Overall, just over 13 hours of average use is very impressive in my book.##

Setup And ControlsSetting up Nautica’s smart glasses takes a matter of moments, as they arrive partially charged and don’t need to sync with the Lucyd companion app to perform most of their capabilities. You simply turn them on by holding both buttons for three seconds, connect them to your phone using your device’s Bluetooth menu, and you’re done.

The included charging cable splits into two magnetic contacts that attach to both temples. While the glasses are charging, a red light near the charging contacts stays lit. The light turns off once they’re fully charged.

If you decide to plug them in before you do the initial setup, they will automatically turn on when you remove them from the charger. Once you have powered them on and paired them your device should recognize them as a pair of headphones. For me, in my Bluetooth menu they are listed as Nautica Eyewear and have a little headphone icon next to them.

Once connected, you can use your phone to control music playback and volume on the glasses, or use their built-in buttons on the bottom of the arms. Click the left button once to turn the volume down. Double-click to play or pause a track. Click three times to advance the track. On the right, click once to turn up the volume. Double-click to access the voice assistant on your phone. Click three times to go back a track.

When your phone rings, you can double-tap either button to answer or hold either button to decline the call. Hold both simultaneously for three seconds to power the glasses on, or seven seconds to turn them off.

Having the buttons to control these things is very simplistic which is something I do happen to appreciate. However, I really wish they would have included separate buttons for at least the volume controls. I think this would have made controlling things a bit easier as adjusting the volume currently can often trigger other commands, which as you can imagine, can get frustrating.##

ChatGPT FunctionalityTo access the [ChatGPT](https://chat.openai.com/auth/login ) features of the Nautica smart glasses, you must connect them to an iOS device and use the Lucyd companion app. While you can use the Lucyd app on Android to access and control ChatGPT, it’s worth noting that the glasses aren’t involved in any way by doing this. Luckily I also happen to have an iPhone 15 Pro Max that I could pair the Nautica Tailwind to and test the ChatGPT side of things, which is one of the biggest features of these glasses to begin with.

When paired with an iOS device, you can use the glasses to talk to ChatGPT after one additional setup step. Open the Lucyd app on your iPhone, double-click the right button on the glasses to access Siri, and then say “Lucyd.” The app will prompt you to add a Siri shortcut for the Lucyd command. Accept the pop-up request and you’re good to go.

Setting up the integration on iOS is simple enough. However, every time you want to interact with ChatGPT with your voice, you need to repeat most of the same process: Double-click the right button to talk to Siri, say “Lucyd,” and state your prompt. It’s tedious, especially if you use the feature frequently.##

Sound QualityWhile not surprising due to the form factor we’re dealing with here, the sound quality is very underwhelming in most every sense of the way. I tested the Nautica Tailwind smart glasses in an absolutely quiet setting, as well as with the TV going in the background and then in a bit busier setting with a couple of friends talking to each other. Each of these scenarios was pretty difficult to hear what the glasses were saying, even in the quietest location.

I thought this could be because of my older age and the fact that my hearing isn’t as good as it once used to be. So I handed them to my wife and had her do a few things and she came back with the same conclusion as I did in each setting.

While these smart glasses happen to have four speakers, when the voice commands are being done, it only uses the front two speakers for some reason. I feel if it were to use all four speakers, sound quality might be a bit more desirable, especially in the quietest of settings.

Under the tips section of the manual, it says, “If you’re having a hard time hearing someone on a phone call, you can cup your hand over your ear to amplify the sound greatly. It’s still more comfortable than holding a phone to your ear!” This doesn’t really give me confidence in using the glasses for phone calls on a regular basis. I can’t imagine doing this for a lengthy phone call such as 20+ minutes. Just not an ideal thing to have to do.

Listening to music on the Nautica Tailwind simply isn’t enjoyable either. There’s no bass, no drums, just flat, bland, boring music. This lead to me do some testing with tracks that don’t have a fair bit of bass and the experience was slightly better, but not by much. Unfortunately for Nautica and Lucyd, I get a better music experience with my $7 earbuds that I’ve used for several years now. ##

Final ThoughtsWhile the price of the [Nautica Tailwind](https://lucyd.co/products/tailwind ) is an affordable $159, overall in my opinion it’s really not worth it. The number one reason here is the overall sound quality. It’s just lacking in every way possible and a device like this really needs to have good sound quality simply because of what they are and what they do.

I think Nautica and Lucyd really miss the mark here and I’d certainly be interested in seeing a newer model of these after Nautica and Lucyd get feedback from reviewers like myself on where they missed the mark.

#AllThingsTech #Android #Nautica #SmartEyewear #SmartGlasses #Tailwind #Technology

## Mobile Apps I Use The Most; The Android EditionToday I’m ...

2024-03-11T14:05:53Z

##

Mobile Apps I Use The Most; The Android EditionToday I’m going to talk about the Android apps that I use most often on my device or along side of my device. I was inspired by [jcrabapple’s](https://dmv.community/@jcrabapple ) post that he did titled: [More of my Favorite Apps](https://cool-as-heck.blog/posts/more-of-my-favorite-android-apps ). These are apps that I highly recommend to others to use for various reasons. These apps are often apps that I’ve used for several years now, though some are apps that I’ve just recently started using that work best for me personally. All of these apps I currently have installed on my [Pixel 8 Pro](https://store.google.com/product/pixel_8_pro ) running Android 14 Beta QPR3.##

[Nova Launcher](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher ) And [Nova Launcher Prime](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime )Nova Launcher and Nova Launcher Prime are two apps I’ve been using for 11+ years. For that don’t know, Nova Launcher is a 3rd party home screen replacement app so that you don’t have to use the stock launcher on your device. Along with Nova Prime, Nova Launcher provides a lot more customization for you to get the look and layout that you want. If you’ve never given Nova Launcher a try, it’s an app that I personally install as the very first app on any new Android device I get. ##

[Solid Explorer](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.solidexplorer2 )Solid Explorer is a file management app inspired by the old school file commander applications. Solid Explorer lets you navigate to files stored on your device and automatically organizes them into collections. You can view, delete, move, rename or share any files. It also allows you to quickly find the files you need through indexed search with filters. This is another app I’ve used for well over 10 years and is one of the first apps to get installed on any device I own. ##

[Vivaldi Web Browser](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vivaldi.browser )Vivaldi has become my browser of choice as of about 6 – 7 months ago. For me, it does so many little things that other browsers don’t do when it comes to browsers on the web. While I don’t use a web browser often via my Android device, I choose to use the same thing on my mobile devices that I use via the PC. Vivaldi allows me to sync everything from the PC to the mobile version and that just makes using it that much easier. ##

[Trunks For Mastodon](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.decad3nce.trunks )Trunks for Mastodon is the best way to experience Mastodon any of your devices, at least on the Android side of things. With its rich features and intuitive interface, trunks makes it easy to stay connected with your friends, follow your favorite topics, and discover new content. The developer is constantly adding new features and fixing bugs. Trunks is also available via the web as well as iOS, which is something a lot of users enjoy as they can use it everywhere. ##

[Proton Mail](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.protonmail.android )Like Vivaldi above, Proton Mail is something I just recently switched to within the last couple of months or so. I switched from Gmail to Proton Mail because I wanted something a bit more secure and something that would allow me to have a bit more control over my email compared to what Gmail offers. Proton Mail is encrypted email from Switzerland. Used by millions worldwide, our all-new email app protects your communications and has everything you need to easily manage your inbox.##

[Aegis Authenticator](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beemdevelopment.aegis )Aegis Authenticator is a free, secure and open source app to manage your 2-step verification tokens for your online services. Similar to Authy or Google Authenticator that most people are familiar with, Aegis is another two-factor authentication app that helps you keep all of your online accounts safe and secure from possible intruders. The number one thing I like about Aegis is that you can import/export your information to and from other similar apps, assuming those apps allow you to export things. Aegis is one of the first 5 – 7 apps I install on any new device as I often need it to be able to log into other accounts as I’m setting things up.##

Final ThoughtsThere are many other apps that I use daily and would suggest others to at least give a try as well. The ones above are usually my first set of apps that I install as soon as I possibly can any time I get a new device. Be it because I need them to be able to log into other apps, or because it makes things easier and quicker for setting up a new device.

Also to note here, is that some of these apps are paid for apps, or also have a paid version. I urge everyone to support the developers of the apps you use often and regularly. This helps ensure those apps continue being developed and updated on a regular basis.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not represent any official endorsement by Nova Launcher, Solid Explorer, Vivaldi, Proton Mail, Trunks for Mastodon, Aegis or any other apps mentioned.*

Image Source: [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/ )

#AllThingsTech #Android #Apps #NovaLauncher #Smartphones #Technology

## My Phone’s Home Screen; Explained In DetailI am often asked ...

2024-03-07T16:48:19Z

##

My Phone’s Home Screen; Explained In DetailI am often asked what my phone’s home screen looks like or what things I have on my home screen, so today, I’m going to break it all down for you. Let me note one thing here is that some of the features that I make use of requires the purchase of [Nova Launcher Prime](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime ), which I you can grab from the Google Play Store for just $4.99 USD.

Let me start with the basics of what I use as far as a mobile device. For today’s home screen post, I’ll be showing off my Pixel 8 Pro that I use quite regularly. I’m currently running Android 14 Beta QPR3 as I am almost always using beta software of some sort. I choose to use [Nova Launcher](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher ) with Nova Launcher Prime as my launcher simply because it works best for me. Not to mention, I happen to work Nova Launcher and have for 8 1/2 years now. The icon pack I use in the screenshots that you will see below is the [OneYou Icons by PashaPuma Designs](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pashapuma.oneyou.icons ).

As far as widgets on the home screen, I don’t use any. The search bar you see at the top of the page is actually Nova’s search bar and I use that extensively for searching for my apps that aren’t on my home screen. The reason I search for my apps is because I don’t use the app drawer any longer, though I did for a lot of years. Searching for apps via Nova’s search bar is just much quicker and fewer taps or screen touches in most cases.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, and links to the things I use, let’s get to the meaty details and the things y’all most likely care about the most, my actual home screen.

As you can see, compared to a lot of people, my home screen is pretty empty and very basic. I only have thirteen icons in total on my home screen, but there’s access to a lot more apps than just those thirteen.

I’ll start from the top left icon, [Solid Explorer](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.solidexplorer2 ), and work my way to the right. Solid Explorer itself is a file manager, and then I have swipe a swipe down action set to launch [Proton Drive](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.proton.android.drive ). This is a Nova Prime feature that allows you to set a swipe up and a swipe down action on icons to do other things. In my case, I simply have it set to launch other apps. This allows me to keep my screen cleaner and more organized for my liking. You can also set swipe actions to launch shortcuts or Nova actions.

Next is the Uber app. I have no swipe actions set on this icon, so we’ll move to the next one which is the [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com ) icon. This one I have a swipe down action set to launch a shortcut to My Apps, which is where you go to see all of your app updates within the Play Store as you can see via the image below. Again, this allows me to access app updates without several clicks.

Next up is the Slack icon. Slack is something I use regularly for work but the Slack icon also has a swipe down action to launch Door Dash, since the wife and I order from quite a bit. Then you have Messenger for Facebook, with a swipe down action for [Aegis, which is a Two-Factor Authentication app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beemdevelopment.aegis ), similar to Google Authenticator and others. Finally on the right side of the top row is Facebook itself. Likely my least used app on the home screen.

On the bottom row, again, from left to right, is my phone app, Vivaldi Browser, Proton Mail, Discord, Camera, Mastodon and then Google Messages. The only icon here that has a swipe action, which is again a swipe down action, is the Mastodon icon and the swipe down will launch Instagram.

Since I only have one home screen, and have for years, unless I’m testing something for a user, if I swipe from the left side of the screen, I can activate the [Google Discover feed](https://blog.google/products/search/introducing-google-discover/ ) or the [Smartspacer feed](https://github.com/KieronQuinn/Smartspacer ). Smartspacer integration is only available in the Nova 8 beta builds currently, but will also be available once Nova 8 gets to a stable release, which will hopefully be soon. One thing to note here is, if you want the Google Discover feed, you’ll have to install the Nova Google Companion APK manually, which you can get from here: [Nova Google Companion App](https://novalauncher.com/nowcompanion ).

I would show a video of me accessing the Smartspacer feed integration, but unfortunately I’m using an internal Nova dogfood build that would show things that we have yet to announce publicly, so you’ll have to use your imagination of how things look and work.

As I mentioned early on, I don’t use the app drawer. In fact, I can’t stand having or seeing an app drawer. While I kept mine very well organized with folders and all apps within my folders, it’s just something I don’t care for any longer as I’ve learned to use Nova search for most everything. For me personally, it’s quicker and easier and often just a tap, type one or two letters and then tap the icon I want. This doesn’t work well for everyone, so I encourage everyone to use what they like and what works best and quickest for them.

As you can see in the image above, I can type the letters “pi” and find Pixelfed or Pixel Tips. This works very effectively for me and it also gives me other results that I might need to know about, such as a work meeting I have at 1pm EST today. You’ll also notice the search return for pi. These are Nova’s micro-results that we have quite a few of them.

That’s my home screen, explained in detail, and how I use it as well as how it works best for me personally. I’ve used a very similar setup for numerous years with only small minor changes here and there. The layout of my home screen icons has been the same dating back some 8 – 9 years and I have no plans to change that layout any time soon. I know exactly where everything is and it’s super easy and quick for me to access what I need at any given moment.

If you have questions or comments about my home screen, or just about Nova Launcher/Nova Launcher Prime in general, please don’t hesitate to ask. You can leave comments or questions in the comment area below or you can tag me on Mastodon and I’d be happy to share my thoughts there. My Mastodon account is here: [Cliff Wade on Mastodon](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ).

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not represent any official endorsement by Nova Launcher or any other apps mentioned.*

Featured Image Credit: [Wallbase.cc](https://wallbase.cc )

Screenshots Credit: [Cliff Wade](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade )

#AllThingsTech #Android #NovaLauncher #NovaLauncherPrime #OneYouIcons #Smartphones #Technology

Proton Pass seems really good so far. It appears to auto-fill ...

2024-02-29T11:07:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…nsqx
_________________________

Proton Pass seems really good so far. It appears to auto-fill everything for me that I have saved. I haven’t caught anything that it didn’t auto-fill for me yet. Yes, proton allows you to generate aliases via the dashboard, or you can use an extension called SimpleLogin that will allow you to do it as well and acts very similar to auto-fill as it will have an icon in an email address box that you can click to generate an alias. I use SimpleLogin all the time.

The site was down for a bit but should be back up and running ...

2024-02-28T17:39:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…uplf
_________________________

The site was down for a bit but should be back up and running without issues.

## Why I Switched From Gmail To Proton MailI’ve been using ...

2024-02-28T14:39:55Z

##

Why I Switched From Gmail To Proton MailI’ve been using [Gmail](https://gmail.com ) forever. As in, prior to it ever going public. Back when you had to have an invite to get in. Luckily, I knew someone that had gotten in via a Google employee, and they were able to invite me very early on as well. It’s done what I’ve wanted and needed it to do. But now, I’m leaving it behind for greener pastures.

The burning questions here are as follows. Why am I leaving Gmail and why am I doing it after 20 years and what email platform will I be switching to?

As the title states, I’ve made the switch to [Proton Mail](https://proton.me ) for a few reasons which I’ll describe below. Not only that, I’ve switched from using a free email service to now using a paid email service.

Let’s start off with why I decided I wanted to switch from Gmail at all, since I had been using it for 20+ years, which likely means I have a lot of important stuff stored there.

First and foremost, I wanted to start taking my privacy a bit more serious. I’m not trying to go all die-hard here and hide everything from the entirety of the internet, as I simply don’t have the time nor the patience for that. But I want to try and move away from getting served ads and recommended stuff a bit more than what I was. Gmail uses your email to serve you ads and information based on the contents of your email. This means it’s not encrypted as we all know. Proton is end to end encrypted, which means Proton themselves can’t even read your email. In return, this means you don’t get ads or served recommendations based on what’s in your emails.

The second reason I’m leaving Gmail after 20+ years, is just that. I’ve had the same email for that long, and as a blogger, my email address is everywhere. I want to change that, but it’s pretty difficult to do with an established email such as my Gmail account. So what better way to do this than to start over and start with a new service that has some really nice features such as Proton.

So what is it about Proton that drew me in, and more-so, to a paid version of Proton when I could have switched to a free version? First is all the [features you get](https://proton.me/pricing#features-table ).

With the free version, you certainly get some nice features. However, for me the number one thing on this list is the amount of storage. 1GB of storage simply isn’t enough for me, and that’s without importing any of my old emails from Gmail over to my Proton account. I purposely didn’t transfer anything over as my Gmail account isn’t going anywhere, so I know I can quickly access it if I absolutely need something from the past 20 years.

The 500GB of storage is more my speed. However, I’ve actually got a family plan with my wife now, so we have 3TB of space to share between us, so I’m more than good on space.

The second biggest thing that I wanted the paid plan for was the labels/folders feature. I use a lot of labels as I keep my email very well organized. I can tell you, it’s all because of my OCD, but hey, that’s a completely different article from this one!

The third feature and certainly is quickly becoming my favorite feature of Proton Mail, is the hide-my-email aliases. This allows me to go purchase something from a website I don’t frequent and use an alias email address so that they don’t have my actual email address and then spam me with their newsletters, special offers, you forgot this in your cart type stuff. If I start getting any of those, I simply delete the alias and nothing else arrives in my inbox from them. Super simple and super efficient.

I also like that with a paid Proton plan, you get access to [Proton VPN](https://protonvpn.com ), [Proton Drive](https://proton.me/drive ), [Proton Pass](https://proton.me/pass ) and [Proton Calendar](https://proton.me/calendar ). For me, I don’t care much about the calendar since I’ve never really used calendar stuff within my personal accounts. I was already using Proton VPN, so now I get that bundled in and save a bit of money and have access to more things and more features as you see above.

This paid plan gives me access to Proton Drive, which in turn allows me to stop using [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com ) as well and put everything I want into Proton Drive. Simply put, it’s a nice little added bonus. It’s a very similar situation for Proton Pass, which is Proton’s password manager, that happens to work very well. And because I get that for free with my paid Proton plan, I’ve decided to leave Bitwarden behind since I was paying for that as well. Now, everything is bundled into one and makes life so much easier.

To me, having all of these options, features and apps available are super nice, even if it is paid for. That alone is something I thought I’d never be doing, paying for email. But as stated in the beginning, I’m trying to take my privacy a bit more serious and I feel Proton allows me to do just that. It’s not full blown by any means, but I feel for me, it’s a great start and this will likely lead to other things that I’ll start doing.

One question I’m sure all of you have is, how is the overall service of Proton, especially on the email side? I can say that it feels no different than Gmail as far as the speed of receiving/sending emails, getting notifications for emails and just the user of the features itself. It simply works and it works great.

What’s more is, Proton Mail is available on [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=7672479706558526647 ), [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/proton-ag/id979659484 ) and the [web](https://proton.me ). Proton Pass, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar and Proton VPN are available on all of those platforms as well. This makes it easy to use all of the services no matter what device or platforms you choose to use.

One last thing that I have discovered about Proton Mail, is how active they are on Mastodon. While I don’t use Twitter/X, it can be difficult to find large companies like this on Mastodon. Proton Mail has an official account there that’s verified, and often responds very quickly and with full information and details. Find them here: [Proton Mail on Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@protonmail ).

If you’re looking to make the switch to Proton, feel free to let me know. I can send you an invite code to “refer a friend” and you’ll get one month of Mail Plus for free from Proton. Kind of a hard deal to pass up if you ask me as it allows you to give it a try and see if it’s for you or not. You can read more details here: [Refer A Friend](https://proton.me/support/referral-program ).

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not represent any official endorsement by Proton or its subsidiaries.*

Image Credits: [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/pricing#features-table )

#Email #Gmail #Proton #ProtonCalendar #ProtonDrive #ProtonPass #ProtonVPN #ProtonMail #Technology

## Let Me Introduce MyselfHello to everyone reading this! Since ...

2024-02-25T12:14:28Z

##

Let Me Introduce MyselfHello to everyone reading this! Since we have decided to start over with the AllThingsTech blog, I felt it was only appropriate if I made a little introduction post. Just a few words to let all of you know a little bit about who I am and what I do. So what do you say, shall we get started?

As many of you likely know, but for those that don’t, I’m one of the co-admins of the [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social ) Mastodon instance along with [Kyle Reddoch](https://allthingstech.social/@beardedtechguy ). AllThingsTech has been around for almost a year now. However, this post isn’t about our instance, it’s to give you some insight into who I am.

I guess I could start with the basics. I’m a 52 year old husband to an amazing wife [living in Winston Salem, NC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston-Salem,_North_Carolina ) and am the proud parent of two awesome cats named Bess(15 years old) and Kumquat(4 years old). I was born in Merritt Island, FL, right across from the NASA launch pads, but only lived there until I was about 2 – 3 years old. My parents moved to Houston, TX for the oil boom that was just getting started and to be in a much larger city than Cocoa Beach, FL which is where we were living.

I spent all of my childhood and teenage years in Houston. I graduated high school at [Klein Oak High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klein_Oak_High_School ), the same school that [Jim Parsons from Big Bang Theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Parsons ) attended. He and I even attended school together for 2 years, as I graduated in 1989 and he graduated in 1991. Small world, wouldn’t you say?

After high school, I went on to do adult things and never attended college. I was sick and tired of school by the time I finished high school and wanted to move on in life. Shortly after graduation, myself and my parents would move back to Florida, this time in south Florida around Boynton Beach.

My parents would end up getting divorced shortly afterwards and my dad and I would end up moving back to Houston in 1991/1992 as we felt that’s where “home” was. Plus, he was approached by his former boss at McCauley Lumber Co in [Tomball, TX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomball,_Texas ) to come back to work. A deal that we couldn’t pass up.

We would stay in Houston and the surrounding areas until September 2007, which Pops and I would then move to [Rome, GA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome,_Georgia ). A place I didn’t really want to be, but it’s where life took us. I ended up meeting what is now my wife in 2013 and we’d get married in 2018.

In January 2022, the wife and I would move to Winston Salem, NC which is where I am located at now. Absolutely enjoying this place as it feels like this is where I belong.

Let’s go back to the year 2015, back when Google+ was one of the big social media platforms of the time. I stumbled across a post by Derek Ross, who I had followed for years, that he had shared by Kevin Barry, the developer of [Nova Launcher](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher ). Kevin was looking to hire someone to replace his current customer support person who was moving on to other things.

I felt I didn’t have much of a shot at this job, but I decided to send an email Kevin’s way. As they say, you can hit your shot if you never shoot. Almost immediately, to my surprise, Kevin replied to me and wanted to setup a Google Hangouts meeting between us.

Two days later we had a meeting and Kevin ended up hiring me on the spot. Little did I know how much my life would change because of this.

So what is [Nova Launcher](https://novalauncher.com/ ) you ask? It’s the largest and most popular home screen replacement app in the Google Play Store and has been pretty much since the day it was launched publicly on December 13th, 2011. Twelve plus years later, it’s still the most popular launcher in the Play Store.

Now you’re asking, what do I do for Nova Launcher? I am the customer support manager who handles all customer support via email and I also own and run the official, verified [Discord server that currently has almost 77,000 members](https://discord.gg/novalauncher ) at the time of this writing.

I do other things as well since Nova Launcher was acquired by [Branch Metrics back in 2022](https://novalauncher.com/branch ), but my job is mostly as I stated above. I’m still the only person who answers emails as well as a bit of social media stuff, mostly on Mastodon where we have a Nova Launcher account.

Outside of the work stuff, I’m an avid lover and fan of technology of any and all sorts. Since I work for an Android app, I obviously have a love for Android mobile devices, but I also use Apple’s iOS very regularly as well. I love to play video games and just love to absorb news and information about anything tech related. If it beeps or it goes boop, then my curiosity is piqued.

I’m also one who loves music. Since I work from home, I’m at my PC 12+ hours per day and while I’m at the PC, there is almost always music playing from my speakers. It’s simply a part of life and who I am.

While I’m certainly no professional, I love to take random photos. I take a lot of photos of my cats but also love to try and capture a great sunrise or sunset if and when I can. But you’ll find I snap pictures of all sorts of stuff, even the food the wife and I experience here around Winston Salem.

I’m sure there are many other things I could talk about, but as this post is getting a bit longer than expected, I should wrap it up here. With that said, if you are interested in knowing more about me, you can always reach out to me via Mastodon where I spend a lot of my time during the day posting random stuff of all kinds. My Mastodon account is here: [Cliff Wade](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ). I’d love to answer any questions you might have or go into more details about anything I mentioned here.

#AllThingsTech #CliffWade #Introduction #NorthCarolina #RandomMusings #RandomThoughts #WinstonSalem

## How I Got My Passion For TechI’ve often been asked over the ...

2024-02-24T14:00:11Z

##

How I Got My Passion For TechI’ve often been asked over the years, how did you get interested in tech? Since I was just asked yesterday by someone, I decided what better way to answer that question than with a blog post.

I first got interested in tech at a very early age, likely around 4 or 5 years old. I was living in [Houston, TX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston ), as my parents moved there when I was between 2 and 3 years old. They moved there from [Cocoa Beach, FL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_Beach,_Florida ) because of the oil boom that was just starting. Plus, it was a much bigger city than Cocoa Beach which they wanted mainly for job market stuff.

We were living on a 75 acre ranch at the time and I remember I had a 13-inch black and white Sony TV that I watched cartoons on. One day, out of the blue, my dad decided to hook up this machine to my TV called[ Pong](https://www.ponggame.org ). I had no idea what Pong was, but little did I know it would be the beginning of a new journey for me in life and one that would stick with me forever.

Once Pops got it hooked up, and tuned the TV to channel 3, as that’s how we played video games for many years back in the day, I heard this little set of intro beeps and noises, and I was instantly intrigued.

I remember I sat in front of my TV for hours upon hours that day, without eating, getting up and stretching or anything else. I was addicted and it was to some fascinating piece of technology that I was suddenly addicted to.

Every day afterwards, I remember just sitting in front of that small TV playing Pong endlessly for hours on end as if it were all life had to offer. Little did I know at the time that this would be just the beginning of a life long fascination to video games and all things tech.

Two or three years later, the [Atari 2600](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_2600 ) was really becoming popular and it was something I wanted my parents to get me as soon as I could. Unfortunately, the Atari 2600 would be out for a couple of years before we’d get one. Funny thing is, I remember that day like it was yesterday when it finally happened.

My mom and my grandmother, Nana, went to [Willowbrook mall in Houston](https://www.shopwillowbrookmall.com/en.html ) to go shopping. I had been talking up a storm about wanting an Atari, and little did I know that it would happen on this day. To make a kind of long story short, we went to several department stores such as [Montgomery Wards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Ward ), [JC Penney’s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JCPenney ), Sears and others, as well as a few toy stores such as KB Toys, The Children’s Palace, [Radio Shack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_shack ) and a one off place called [Game Peddler](https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/topic/22307-the-game-peddler-in-willowbrook-mall/ ). What I didn’t know at the time was that my mom was looking for the best deal price wise on an Atari 2600 and bundles that included a game or two.

We ended up going to back to [KB Toys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KB_Toys ), which I thought was super weird, as that was something we had never really done. At the same time, I was getting super excited as I kind of knew what might be about to happen. Sure enough, we walked in, my mom asked a sales person for some help getting an Atari 2600 and a couple of games. Those two games were [Adventure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_(1980_video_game) ) and [Yars’ Revenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yars%27_Revenge ). The console came with Combat.

I can still feel the chills, the excitement, the joy and the huge smile I had on my face knowing my life long dreams(7 years old at the time) had just come true. Life was now complete! Or was it?

I couldn’t wait to get home, but unfortunately my mom and Nana were hungry, so we went to the food court in the mall to get something to eat. Then we went over to [Toys ‘R Us](https://www.toysrus.com ) which was right across the street to look for more games, though I don’t think we bought anything.

Finally, we’re home and ready to get this thing hooked up. It seemed like mom was taking forever to figure it out and get it all hooked up, but surely that was just the adrenaline and excitement

Again, once the console powered on, and I heard whatever noise it was that the Atari 2600 produced, I was intrigued beyond all belief. I think my mom actually put Adventure in the slot first, and that too was an instant game changer. Adventure would go on to be one of the toughest games at the time, but one of my most played games as well as one of my top 5 games of that era.

While I did get my start on Pong, I really credit the Atari 2600 as what got me into video games as a whole when I was a kid. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was in color unlike Pong which was black and white only. Plus the Atari obviously had a lot more sounds and more in-depth games than what Pong offered.

From then on, my interest and my addiction to all things tech, any thing that beeped, made noise or anything similar was something that I wanted to know more about and wanted to tinker with. We pretty much owned every game console after that point, except for a few such as [Odyssey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnavox_Odyssey ) and [Odyssey 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnavox_Odyssey_2 ). We owned consoles such as [Intel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellivision )[l](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellivision )[ivision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellivision ), [ColecoVision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ColecoVision ), [Atari 5200](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_5200 ) and [Atari 7800](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_7800 ) as well as later consoles such as the [Nintendo NES](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Entertainment_System ) and again, most everything afterwards.

This interest carried over well into my teens and my adult life. Today, I have a huge interest and obsession with mobile phones, such as [Android](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system) ) phones and [iPhones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone ). I still play video games as well at the age of almost 53. I mainly play on PC, but I do own an [Xbox Series S](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S ), [Nintendo Switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch ), [Steam Deck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Deck ) and of course a [Playstation 5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_5 ).

While this is certainly a shortened version of what could be a very long post with regards to my love for tech over the years, it at least gives you the basics of what got me interested originally and is the reason why I’m so passionate about tech of all kinds to this very day.

If you are like me and have a passion for tech and all things that go beep/boop, feel free to start up a conversation with me on Mastodon which is my social media platform of choice. You can find me here: [Cliff Wade](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade ) as I’m the co-admin of my own Mastodon instance, properly named: [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social ).

#AllThingsTech #Atari #ColecoVision #Nintendo #Playstation #Pong #Technology #Xbox

## Tips And Tricks For New Mastodon Users## **What Is ...

2024-02-19T22:43:49Z

##

Tips And Tricks For New Mastodon Users##

**What Is Mastodon?**Mastodon was founded in 2016 by German software developer Eugen Rochko. Unlike Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or most any other social media site, Mastodon is a nonprofit, meaning that it’s not owned or run by one individual or an individual company like the sites listed above.

Mastodon might look like a clone of Twitter at first glance, and in some ways I guess you can say it is, but those similarities don’t go very deep at all. In fact, the underlying system behind Mastodon is way more complex than that of something like Twitter. Mastodon is considered a “decentralized platform” and is defined as a “federated network which operates very similarly to email.”

When you first create your account, you choose a server; similar to how you choose to open an email account at Gmail or anywhere else, which generates your profile’s address. So, for example, if you sign up for Mastodon via the [allthingstech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) server, then your Mastodon address will be @[your username]@allthingstech.social. For example, my account is [cliffwade@allthingstech.social](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) or [allthingstech.social/@cliffwade](https://allthingstech.social/@cliffwade?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) Both links point to the same URL, so you can click it and see my profile.

But no matter which server you sign up with, you will be able to communicate with users from any other server, just like how Gmail users email Hotmail users and vice versa. However, some servers might have blocked other servers (perhaps if it’s an unsavory group), which would mean you can’t communicate with anyone from the blocked server.

But all of this is for a completely different post as I want to focus on tips and tricks for new users that will help get you started and hopefully get you connected with others in a better, quicker way.##

Tip 1: Upload A Profile PictureThis should be common sense on any new social media platform that you go to assuming the site allows you to. It doesn’t have to be a selfie or a picture actually taken of you. It can be something that helps others quickly identify your posts. This can be anything you want it to be. Just pick something that you enjoy, that you feel represents you or that has a story behind it.

People associate profile pictures with a name, and they get used to it. This will help you build an audience quicker and make it to where anyone you follow or interact with more likely to click on your name to read your bio and possibly follow you back.

To enhance this a little further, I strongly recommend you add a profile banner as well like you see at the top of my profile in the image below. Again, make it what you want. Just remember, little things like this show other users that you’ve taken a bit of time to let others know a bit about yourself.##

Tip 2: Fill Out Your BioThis and tip 1 likely go hand in hand. Without a bit of information provided in your bio to let others know who you are, what you do, what you like or anything else of importance, you’re less likely to get interaction or follows from others. While this certainly doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get interaction or follows, it’s the best place to start when it comes to Mastodon, or most any social media platform for that matter.##

Tip 3: Make An Introductory Toot (Post)Again, just like on every other social media platform, introducing yourself helps others get to know a bit about you. There’s no specific guidelines as to what you need to say in this introductory toot (post), so feel free to say what you want. Make it serious, make it funny, whatever you feel is best.

This introductory post is something that can be shared every couple of weeks so that the newer users to Mastodon might get a chance to see it as well. It’s also recommended that you pin it to your profile as you can have up to 5 posts pinned on your profile. That number may however vary depending on what instance you are on.##

Tip 4: Follow Anyone On Mastodon That You Followed On TwitterThere are several websites out there that can check your Twitter following and follower list and find out who of those have a Mastodon reference in their profile there, leading you to find their account on Mastodon itself. This is obviously a great way to start off your Mastodon journey by following some familiar people.

A couple of websites you can use for this are [FediFinder](https://fedifinder.glitch.me/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) as well as [MastoFind](https://mastofind.net/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ). There are likely many others but I’ve personally used both of these with good success when I first came over to Mastodon several months ago.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need or should follow everyone that you followed on Twitter, as you might very well want to start fresh and only follow new folks you find on Mastodon. However, most of us have people we have become really good friends with or interact with regularly and if some of those have moved over completely to Mastodon, then it’s often important to keep those relationships going.

Using the sites above will help you find others who have added a Mastodon link to their Twitter profile and you should add your Mastodon profile link to your Twitter profile for this same reason.##

Tip 5: Use Hashtags When You Toot (Post)Since there is no algorithm on Mastodon, the best way for users to find things they like is via hashtags. Using hashtags in your posts gives everyone the ability to not only search for keywords of things they like or want to see, but you can also follow hashtags within Mastodon which can really add to the overall experience of the platform.

Some people say to only use up to three hashtags, others say to use as many as you want. I’m not sure if there is a “correct” way to do this or not, but I’d say use what you want and judge changing it based on interaction or lack of interaction.

Another thing I did to enhance this when I first joined Mastodon was to create a toot (post) with regards to the hashtags I like to use, view and search for. This too allows others to know a bit more about you, who you are, what things you like and what things you might be posting or commenting on around Mastodon.##

Come Join Us On [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social )With all of this said with regards to how to setup your profile and make the best impression from the get go, and you’re looking to join the Mastodon platform, we at [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) would love to have you!

Regardless of which Mastodon app you choose to use, or if you decide to create your account on the web version of Mastodon, you can enter the instance name above and then click Ok/Enter or whatever, and then you should be able to create an account on the [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) instance.##

Final ThoughtsThese are just five of the first tips and tricks that I learned and preached about when I first came over to Mastodon and I feel it helped and still helps me greatly today even after 3+ months of being on the platform.

There are many, many other things you can do to make your experience better and to possibly grow quicker and I’d be more than happy if you would share those with me if you’d like. Maybe if I get enough suggestions of other tips and tricks for new users, or even experienced users, I could make another post here and list them and give you credit for your suggestions.

#AllThingsTech #Mastodon #SocialMedia #Technology #TipsTricks

## Tips For Picking The Best Mastodon ServerMastodon has gained a ...

2024-02-19T00:56:11Z

##

Tips For Picking The Best Mastodon ServerMastodon has gained a lot of traction over the past 2 – 3 months alone due to Elon Musk taking over Twitter and really stirring things up. I won’t get into any of that here as that’s not what this article is about. What I will tell you about is a few things for you to think about when it comes time for you to pick a Mastodon server for you to call your home.

Joining Mastodon isn’t just about picking a username, entering your email address and then simply joining the conversation. There are thousands and thousands of “instances”, or servers, that you could possibly join and today I’m going to give you a few things to think about prior to joining. This will hopefully help you join the best instance for you from the get-go so you don’t have to go through the transfer to another instance process.##

What Are Mastodon Servers?Mastodon servers, or more correctly called, instances, are individual communities that each have their own rules and often their own culture. A server can be owned by a single individual, a group of people or even an organization and those are the people who dictate the community’s guidelines.

One thing to note is, when you join an instance, you’re not limited to only interacting with people from that instance alone. You’re still able to interact with others around the Fediverse. However, the instance you do choose can possibly impact your overall experience in various ways.##

How To Pick A Mastodon ServerAt the time of this writing, [Mastodon currently has 13,110 servers](https://mastodon.help/instances/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) with about 9.3 million users and growing considerably each and every day. With this many servers to choose from, it might seem a bit overwhelming on what you should pick to join. That’s where this article will hopefully help you. As stated above, you can always transfer to another server if you feel the one you pick originally isn’t best suited for you or you find something that is better suited for you after you start using the platform.##

Write A List Of Server RequirementsBefore you dive in head first, I highly recommend you make a list of your wants and needs you’d like about a server you might join. Things to think about are as follows:

**Moderation Policy Or Community Rules**: What types of content are allowed and what types of content are not allowed. This can range from memes, NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content, hate speech and so on. You should always be able to find this information via the servers About Page.

**Age Of The Server**: If the server is brand new, that’s something to think about. It could possibly end up not surviving very long, forcing you to transfer to another server. It could go inactive as the owner(s) thought they had time to maintain it but realized they don’t. Older, more established servers are more likely to stay around and have a bigger, better and more stable community.

**Other Servers You Might Want To Interact With**: You can interact and follow users from other servers in most cases. However, some servers can block other servers around the Fediverse for various reasons such as their political stance, not agreeing with a servers moderation policies and so on. This is certainly something to keep in mind when thinking about joining specific servers.

**How Quickly You Want To Start Using Mastodon**: Some servers you have to request to join or even be invited to join them. This process can often take a couple of days. If you’re looking to join in on some conversations immediately, this might not be where you want to try and join as you might be forced to wait a couple of days before actually getting into Mastodon and seeing what it’s all about. One thing to note here, most servers that are invite only do so for a good reason and are often better communities or goal oriented communities so it might be that it’s worth the wait.##

Consider The Types Of Posts You Want To SeeMastodon servers can be very general servers or they can be pretty niche, depending on the server itself. Depending on what posts or content you want to see plays a big part in the server you decide to choose.

For example, let’s say you are an artist who wants to be on an art centric server as you will be posting a lot of your own art, but also want to see mostly art from others. You’ll want to find yourself a specific server with that in mind and trust me, there are several to choose from. If that’s what you’re wanting, then you most likely don’t want one of the larger servers like [mstdn.social](https://mstdn.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) or anything similar.

I know you’re likely asking, why does the server matter if I can interact and see other users from all over the fediverse? The reason is because your **HOME** server is the best place to find like-minded people who will also be sharing content from outside of your server of like-minded content.

Here’s a breakdown of the three feeds you will have the option of viewing once you start using Mastodon.

**Home Feed**: Shows content from the people you follow regardless if they are on your server or a different server.

**Local Feed**: Shows content only from the people on your server.

**Federated Feed**: Shows content from people followed by those on your server. Remember, your server might block other servers, so you won’t see content from those servers if your server has it blocked.##

Utilize Mastodon’s Server ListMastodon offers a partial list of servers that you can browse to get an idea of what server you’d like to join to get started. You can find that list here: [Server List](https://joinmastodon.org/servers?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ). Remember, this is not a complete list of all servers available.

You can filter this list by geographic region, language, registration process (invite needed or no invite needed) and host/ownership type (individual or organization). You can also sort by topic of interest such as: art, music, technology, LGBTQ+, sports, books and so much more.

One really good thing to note here is that all of the servers that are listed on this have all agreed to follow the [Mastodon Server Covenant](https://joinmastodon.org/covenant?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ), which is basically the best practices of Mastodon. This is pretty important as it ensures you are going to find good servers that have good rules in place such as:Active moderation against racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia.Daily backups to prevent the loss of user data and even server data.At least one person, other than the admin themselves, with emergency access to the server infrastructure. This is extremely helpful if the admin is away and there's some kind of emergency that needs to be dealt with.The admin and those who run the instance have agreed to provide at least a three month notice to all users in case the server will be shutting down. This allows all users to find other instances to move to.##

Take The Server Quiz To Find What Fits You BestBelieve it or not, there is even a [server quiz](https://instances.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) you can take to find what server(s) might fit best as to what you are looking for and wanting from a Mastodon server. The good thing about this quiz is, you don’t need to provide any personal or private information.

The quiz will ask you simple things such as, what language(s) you speak, your preference as to how many users the server has to have and the rules that you care about most. This tool is very helpful to get you started in what servers to look at based on what you want from a server you are about to join.##

What Servers Do Your Friends Use?Your friends from other social platforms or even your real-life friends are possibly on Mastodon already and you can always ask them what server they call home so that you can take a look at it and see if it fits your needs and wants.

This also can include your Twitter friends, assuming you use or have used Twitter.

If there’s certain people or organizations you simply don’t want to miss information from, then finding these users can be very important to make your Mastodon experience that much better from the start.

There are numerous services out there that allow you to scan your Twitter follower/following lists and see if they are on Mastodon as well. It will search for keywords in their bio or even a link to their Mastodon profile.

[Movetodon](https://movetodon.org/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ), [Twitodon](https://twitodon.com/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ), [Fedifinder](https://fedifinder.glitch.me/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) and [Debirdify](https://debirdify.pruvisto.org/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) are just a few resources to look at for finding users from Twitter that have Mastodon accounts. I’ve personally used all four of these with great results.##

Join A Completely Random ServerIf you’d like to simply dive in headfirst and not really do a bit of research and just get a feel for things firsthand, you can always just pick a random server, click it and join it. This allows you to check out the community and the types of posts you’ll see from others and then you can make the decision yourself if it’s the place for you or not.

Always remember, if it’s not, you can either create a new account on another server or transfer to another server. The choice is totally yours how you handle it from there. There is certainly no consequences if you feel you picked a server that isn’t quite right for you.###

[AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) Is Always Looking For New Users To Call HomeI actually happen to own and run my own Mastodon instance called [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) that is a public instance, though it requires staff approval of all accounts.

While the name is [AllThingsTech](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ), we don’t restrict posting to just tech related stuff in any way. That’s our main focus, but we want to provide a safe, fun, friendly place that anyone can call home and post the things they enjoy. Such as their daily routines, their cats, dogs, llama’s or whatever else. If you want to post about food, we encourage that just as we do your daily gym workout information.

We are currently doing the approval of users who sign up for the instance as this allows us to ensure that our instance remains safe for everyone involved. So, if you’re wanting to move to [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) from another instance, when you sing up we ask that you provide a link to your current/previous instance so we can check it out and see what types of things you like to post about so we can get a feel of what you are about.##

Joining Multiple ServersYou are also free to join multiple servers if you’d like. There are lots of people who do this for various reasons. You can join an art server so that you get posts about art related stuff and where you can post your art. Then you can join a server that’s more focused on something like iOS. This allows you to post iOS related stuff but not mix in your art stuff you want to post or see.

There are many reasons you might want to have accounts on several different servers and there’s certainly nothing wrong with this as long as you feel you can keep up with having multiple accounts.##

Final ThoughtsIn the end, it’s all up to you how you decide which server to join. You can base it on one thing or multiple things listed above, or you can base it on your own thing completely and not follow any of what’s listed above. Again, there’s no right or wrong way to choose what server you join. Choose what works for you and if you feel you made a bad decision, then start over and do it again until you find a place to call home and what fits all of your needs.

Once you get your account setup and if you’re looking for some tips and tricks on how to get started using the platform, you can check out my [Tips And Tricks For New Mastodon Users](https://seerofsouls.com/tips-and-tricks-for-new-mastodon-users/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) post that will give you some ideas of what to do to enhance your Mastodon experience from the start.

Once you do pick a server and you get to using Mastodon, feel free to drop me a follow if you’d like. I’ll be posting more Mastodon related articles here on this site and I will post them on Mastodon for others as well. You can follow me here: [Cliff on Mastodon](https://allthingstech.social/@CliffWade?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ). If you found this article helpful in any way, feel free to tag me on Mastodon and let me know as I’d love to hear from you.

#AllThingsTech #Mastodon #SocialMedia #Technology #TipsTricks

## What Is AllThingsTech?Now that you’re here, you’re likely ...

2024-02-19T00:46:00Z

##

What Is AllThingsTech?Now that you’re here, you’re likely wondering, what exactly is [AllThingsTech.social](https://allthingstech.social ) as far as a site, a Mastodon instance and beyond? Today, I hope to give you at least a brief explanation of what I feel AllThingsTech.social is and what I hope it becomes.##

Where Did The Name Come From?I know many will ask, where, how or why did you come up with the name AllThingsTech.social? To be honest, it was completely random. I had some people that I follow on Mastodon, such as 2 Spoopy 4 You (npub1vmy…ql57) suggest some names that they thought were good to use. One of those were [mobiletech.world](https://mobiletech.world/?ref=blog.allthingstech.social ) which I actually did register. However, after registering it and thinking about it a bit more, I didn’t want to be tied to just “mobile” tech. I want something more open to all things tech related. See what I did there?

Oddly though, even after saying that in my head, it didn’t click at first that AllThingsTech would be a good idea for a domain name.

After speaking to another follower of mine, and the two of us suggesting about 15 – 20 possible domain names, it eventually clicked and I came up with AllThingsTech.social.

AllThingsTech was pretty obvious as to what it means. Anything and everything tech related and not focused on just one aspect such as mobile, PC or whatever. The .social part was because I knew I was going to at least start a Mastodon instance along with a website. So the .social part for Mastodon seemed like the right way to go since Mastodon is a social platform.##

What Does AllThingsTech.social Mean From A Users Point Of View?That is a really good question that I ask myself constantly and therefore I’m sure others will be asking as well.

What I envision from AllThingsTech.social, especially the Mastodon side of things, is a safe place to call home and to share things on a regular basis. If you want to share things tech related, then share tech related things. If you want to share pictures of your animal(s), then that’s what you are welcome to share.

AllThingsTech.social is also a safe place for all walks of life. We don’t look down nor judge anyone based on race, sex, sexual preference, political preference, religious preference or anything similar.

If you are part of the LGBQTIA+ community, we welcome you with open arms. I specifically mention this community because I know that the way our world is right now, folks within that community have a real struggle, sadly, with finding a safe space that they can be themselves and voice their opinion and share things about their daily lives.

As stated above, we welcome anyone and everyone to AllThingsTech.social and we do so with open arms. We want this place to be a positive, safe, happy, fun, loving place that others are happy to call home. We want to build a community amongst communities and to provide a place that others can build long lasting friendships along the way.##

Where Do I See AllThingsTech.social In 3 Months, 6 Months And Beyond?Let me be completely honest here when I answer this question. Overall, I kind of explained this above with regards to what I want the AllThingsTech.social community and Mastodon instance to be. But I know that’s not really the full answer you’re likely looking for.

The real answer is, I’m not really sure. I don’t want to throw out specific numbers in any way at all as I don’t want anyone to be let down by those numbers. I’d rather have something in my head and if/when that gets surpassed, I can post about it as a milestone and that makes it bigger and better in my opinion.

I will say this however. To start with, since I’m obviously completely new to being an admin of a Mastodon instance, and still pretty new to Mastodon in general, I don’t want to open up the server and instantly get 500 users in a few days or a few weeks. In fact, the plan I currently pay for has an approximate cap of about 500 users in total. I want to start slow, work my way up, approve each and every member that becomes a user of the instance. Just as stated above, I feel this allows us to build a better, safer, more exciting community and this will allow us to scale when needed, as needed and however it’s needed. Again, this is a huge learning experience for me and I’m hoping to make the best of it.

Would I like to see 200 users on the instance in let’s say 2 months? Sure I would. I feel that would be a pretty huge accomplishment. Again, I’m not holding my breath and making that a hard goal to shoot for.##

Final Thoughts Before Launcing AllThingsTech.socialTo say that I’m excited about launching my own Mastodon instance is a huge understatement. At the same time however, I’m super nervous, for several reasons. First and foremost is what I mentioned above. I’m new to this and by new, I mean completely new. Second, it’s just me at first. I have no moderators, I have no fellow admins/owners or anything similar.

While yes, I’ve had a couple of people show interest, and I certainly appreciate that interest, I feel the best way to go about finding moderators or just other staff in general, is to open up the instance, get some users on board, and see who is who and who might be interested or who shows a sense of leadership.

So, with all of that said, things will be opening up over the coming days as far as the AllThingsTech.social Mastodon instance is concerned. If you feel you have what it takes to possibly become a moderator or a staff member, feel free to sign up and join the instance and show me what you got!

#AllThingsTech #Mastodon #SocialMedia

(This is a [/now page](https://nownownow.com/about ), and if you ...

2024-01-14T11:58:50Z