16 June 2017

Use This Site to Compare Google Fonts for Beautiful Documents and Sites


Let’s talk about the stockpile of 800+ free fonts Google has been offering since 2011. Google Fonts is a wonderful resource to use if you work with any type of document in the cloud. And you don’t need to be a design geek, because you can use them right within Google Docs, WordPress, and even Adobe Photoshop! But the hard part is finding a good font to use, and for that we need to compare a bunch of them. That’s where Better Font Finder can save you a lot of time, as it compares and filters fonts by visual similarity. Compare Google Fonts the Easy...

Read the full article: Use This Site to Compare Google Fonts for Beautiful Documents and Sites


Netflix’s Black Mirror Goes “High-Tech” [UK]


After becoming a hit in the UK, Channel 4’s Black Mirror started streaming worldwide on Netflix in late 2014. Charlie Brooker’s sci-fi anthology show became a huge international hit, even prompting a new season to be released on Netflix, with a further two currently in development. Charlie Brooker recently announced on Twitter that there would be a Black Mirror collection in “high-tech ‘paper’ format”, more commonly known as a book. In celebration of its impending release, we take a look the best Black Mirror you can buy, as well as more from Charlie Brooker. Black Mirror Volume 1 (Hardcover) Charlie...

Read the full article: Netflix’s Black Mirror Goes “High-Tech” [UK]


Google Drive Will Now Backup and Sync Your Files


Google is replacing Google Drive for PC and Mac with a new tool that it calls Backup and Sync. This new version of Google Drive will be a much more robust tool, allowing you to backup and sync all of your files and folders. That is if you have enough space left in your Google Drive allowance. It’s essential to back your files up regularly. It doesn’t matter how you do it — whether to the cloud or an external HDD — as long as you actually do it. And often enough to ensure you won’t lose your mind (as...

Read the full article: Google Drive Will Now Backup and Sync Your Files


Send Free Faxes from Your Android Phone or Tablet


When was the last time you sent a fax? In our increasingly paperless world, you probably don’t work with faxes more than a few times per year, if it all. Thanks to free web services, though, it’s easy to send faxes online — there’s no need to keep a physical fax machine around anymore. However, what if you’re traveling and need to send a fax from your smartphone? Don’t despair — it’s easy to send and keep track of faxes from your Android device. Let’s take a look at the best apps for the job. A Note on Faxing Apps...

Read the full article: Send Free Faxes from Your Android Phone or Tablet


The Best Windows 10 Apps


windows-best-apps

Desktop apps are now available in the Windows Store, but it doesn’t mean the oft-maligned Universal apps are dead. In fact, they are better than ever. Their design and usability is unrecognizable from a couple of years ago, Microsoft has largely got the problem of fake and imposter apps under control, and the selection of apps is the most diverse it’s ever been. Yes, some universal apps in the Windows Store are still poor imitations of their desktop cousins. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find some really useful, high-quality apps – you just need to know where to look. Here, we’ve rounded...

Read the full article: The Best Windows 10 Apps


Xfce Explained: A Look at One of Linux’s Speediest Desktops


xfce-explained

So you’re switching to Linux because you’ve heard it’s a great way to revive an old PC, but after checking out various Linux operating systems (also known as distributions or “distros”), you’ve discovered that your hardware is still too slow. Unless, that is, you install something like Xfce. That’s great. There’s just one problem: what does that even mean? Xfce Is a Desktop Environment A desktop environment is what you see on your computer screen. It’s the panels that hold your applications, notifications, and the time. It’s how you open applications and switch between them. Windows and macOS each provide...

Read the full article: Xfce Explained: A Look at One of Linux’s Speediest Desktops


You Can Now Use GIFs on Facebook (Here’s How)


Facebook is finally allowing everyone to use GIFs in comments. The social network has been hesitant to support GIFs in comments, but with the popularity of GIFs showing no sign of abating, the social network has finally decided to cede to the demands of its billions of users. Hoorah! The GIF is 30 years old! And the debate over how it’s pronounced — either with a hard G (as in “great”) or a soft G (as in “gyrate”) — feels like it’s been going on just as long. Facebook is celebrating this milestone in a number of ways, including adding...

Read the full article: You Can Now Use GIFs on Facebook (Here’s How)


15 June 2017

The OneLogin Hack Was Serious and It Taught Us a Lesson


onelogin-leak

We’re big fans of password managers here at MakeUseOf. They make your life easier, speed up a lot of processes, and improve your security. But they also concentrate your sensitive password information in a single place — and that can be dangerous. Case in point: OneLogin, the producer of an enterprise-level single sign-on and password management app, was hacked on May 31st, 2017. And that’s really bad news. Here’s what happened, what you should do, and some lessons we can learn. What Happened at OneLogin? Here’s what OneLogin says: “…a threat actor used one of our AWS keys to gain access to...

Read the full article: The OneLogin Hack Was Serious and It Taught Us a Lesson


9 Solid Deals On Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts [US]


It’s Thursday. Father’s Day is Sunday! If you don’t get those orders in today, you’re going to miss out on getting your gifts delivered in time! Dremel 3000-2/28 2 Attachments/28 Accessories Rotary Tool ($44.99, 34% Off) Dremel 3000-2/28 2 Attachments/28 Accessories Rotary Tool Dremel 3000-2/28 2 Attachments/28 Accessories Rotary Tool Variable speed from 5,000 to 32,000 RPM Buy Now At Amazon $44.99 This is tied for the all-time low price on this Dremel 3000 with all the attachments and accessories. Typically, it sells for around $68, so there’s no reason to wait around for a better deal on this one....

Read the full article: 9 Solid Deals On Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts [US]


The 20 Most Useless Websites on the Internet


useless-websites

On a normal day, we’re all about helping you make better use of all things technology in your day-to-day life. But today is not one of those days. Every once in a while, we go astray and give you a peek at some of the weirdest things the web has to offer. Big fan of odd physics in gaming? Love debunking weird science claims? We know just the right places for you online. Whether you’re into strange YouTube content or old viral videos, we’ve got your back. If you’re ever bored at work, looking for something funny to send to your colleague, or...

Read the full article: The 20 Most Useless Websites on the Internet


VR on a Mac? It Could Be More Likely Than You Think!


mac-vr

Oculus founder Palmer Luckey once said that they’ll support VR on the Mac “as soon as Apple releases a good computer.” It should come as no surprise then that when Industrial Light and Magic took to the stage at the June 2017 developer’s conference to demonstrate the VR capabilities of new Macs, they did so with the rival’s HTC Vive headset. That’s right: Macs can do VR now (but not with the Oculus Rift). “It boils down to the fact that Apple doesn’t prioritize high-end GPUs. You can buy a $6,000 Mac Pro with the top of the line AMD...

Read the full article: VR on a Mac? It Could Be More Likely Than You Think!


Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S vs. Xbox One: What Are the Differences?


xbox-one-x-s

At E3 2017, Microsoft launched its latest and greatest video game console. The Xbox One X is the company’s most powerful console to date, and the third console in the Xbox One line. So what makes the Xbox One X better than its predecessors, the Xbox One S and the original Xbox One? What are the differences that matter? Availability and Price The Xbox One X with a 1 TB hard drive will launch on November 7, 2017 in the U.S. It will retail for $499. That’s a clear $100 more than the most expensive Sony console, the PlayStation Pro...

Read the full article: Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S vs. Xbox One: What Are the Differences?


The Challenges of Installing a Tablet ROM: Why Is It So Hard?


tablet-install-rom

If you’re a regular MakeUseOf reader, you’re probably no stranger to replacing the original operating system on your computer with another. We’ve covered Linux on Macs, macOS on PCs, and Windows on barebones systems in prior posts. But what about tablets? They’re just like smaller and thinner notebook computers, right? Actually, a number of differences make installing a new operating system on a tablet more complicated. In this article we’ll look at some of these challenges. How Tablets Differ From Notebooks and Other PCs Before we dive into the specifics let’s consider how tablets are different from computers. PC users can add different components to their machines...

Read the full article: The Challenges of Installing a Tablet ROM: Why Is It So Hard?


These YouTube Channels Will Make You More Productive


youtube-productivity-channels

There’s certainly no shortage of productivity advice out there. But in a world where video is king, YouTube is arguably the best source of tips and tricks to help you squeeze even more out of your days. If you’re someone who prefers video to text or audio, the channels in this list will have you covered. They span everything from showing breakdowns of popular productivity books, to explaining the hidden features of your favorite to-do list apps. If this isn’t enough, however, check out our selection of top practical productivity blogs and the best productivity audiobooks and podcasts. That’ll make sure no stone is...

Read the full article: These YouTube Channels Will Make You More Productive


This Does What?! 15 Weird Smart Home Gadgets


weird-smarthome-gadgets

When you picture a smart home, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Perhaps smart thermostats and intelligent security systems. Or maybe you’re more interested in whole-house audio. You might even think about stuff for your garden like smart sprinkler systems and automatic lawnmowers. These gadgets are all very different, but they’re all undeniably useful. These days, they’re also all somewhat mainstream. But for every useful and meaningful gadget out there, there are 10 that are utterly inexplicable. Some are so strange, it’s remarkable that anyone ever buys them. Join us on a journey as we take a whirlwind...

Read the full article: This Does What?! 15 Weird Smart Home Gadgets


Why You Should Set Your Internet Connection as Metered in Windows 10


windows-internet-metered

In Windows 10, you can set your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered. This means that it’ll limit what it uses your internet data for. We’ll suggest what scenarios this might be useful for, what differences it provides, and show you how to enable it. One of the key points about enabling a metered connection is that it’ll stop Windows Update forcing downloads on you. It’ll also mean other background updates, like those in apps or Start Menu tiles, won’t necessarily be automatic. We think a metered connection is one of the default Windows 10 settings you should check immediately. What...

Read the full article: Why You Should Set Your Internet Connection as Metered in Windows 10


How to Track Friends in Real-Time Using Google Maps


These days, when meeting friends, you don’t have to worry if they got lost or hurt — a quick call lets you check in on their status. But if that’s not convenient enough for you, Google Maps has a new feature that lets you track a friend’s location. This is extremely useful when you’re expecting someone and they’re late. Just use their shared location to see if they’re held up in traffic. On Google Maps for Android and iOS, you can activate sharing by sliding out the left sidebar and tapping Share Location. Agree to the location policy, then you...

Read the full article: How to Track Friends in Real-Time Using Google Maps


How to Always Open Online PDFs in the PDF Viewer of Your Choice


edit-pdf-online

Choosing between a local PDF reader and reading PDFs in your browser all comes down to preference. Luckily, with the most popular browsers, it’s easy to make that choice with a feature available in browser settings. Note: If you’re a new Windows 10 user and have picked Chrome or Firefox as your browser of choice, in addition to following the steps related to your browser, you’ll also have to go through the steps listed below for Edge users. Chrome If you want to open the PDF using a local app, do the following: Go to Settings > Show Advanced Settings...

Read the full article: How to Always Open Online PDFs in the PDF Viewer of Your Choice


This Free App Sets a New Beautiful Wallpaper for You Every Day


When it comes to desktop wallpapers, more is always merrier. That’s never a problem because there are many ways to change a drab desktop with a beautiful wallpaper. But it’s still a chore — unless you use a wallpaper manager that automatically downloads and sets the wallpaper for you. Splashy is a smooth little app for Windows, Mac, and Linux that can do the job for you. It’s not the first of its kind (also try Wallcat and Irvue), but it’s definitely one of the better ones worth trying. Splashy Art Wallpapers Install the 33.7 MB freeware and you will...

Read the full article: This Free App Sets a New Beautiful Wallpaper for You Every Day


24 April 2017

How to Unsubscribe from Mailing Lists and Junk Newsletters in Gmail


Unroll.me is a free online service that lets you easily unsubscribe from email newsletters and other bulk messages in Gmail. You, however, will have to grant complete access to your Gmail mailbox and to your Google Contacts for Unroll.me to automatically remove your email address from various mailing lists.

This morning, it was revealed that Unroll.me is silently scraping your Gmail mailbox and selling the data to Uber. Maybe it is hidden somewhere in the terms of service that the app can share your data with other companies but who actually reads the fine print. If this worries you,  here’s a simple guide on how to block the app from accessing your Gmail emails in future.

Christian Heilmann’s tweetFeature request for Gmail: automatically find and follow the unsubscribe link in all highlighted emails – prompted me to build an automated system for unsubscribing your Gmail address from the bulk senders. Here’s how it looks like:

Unsubscribe from Gmail Bulk Messages

How to Unsubscribe from Email Newsletters in Gmail

What I have now is a simple Google Script that parses the content of bulk emails and finds the unsubscribe link. If an unsubscribe link is found, the script opens the link and your email is automatically unsubscribed. In some cases, the bulk sender would require you to send a message to a special email address to unsubscribe and our Google script can do that as well.

The big advantage is that don’t have to grant access to your Gmail account to any third-party service and you can add subscription emails to the unsubscribe queue from any email client including desktop and mobile apps. Let’s get started:

  1. Click here to copy the Gmail Unsubscriber sheet to your Google Drive.
  2. Go to the Gmail menu in the sheet (see screenshot above) and choose Authorize. All the script access to your Gmail account. It is an open source Google Script that runs in your own Drive and not a single byte of data is shared with anyone.
  3. From the same menu, choose Start and pick a name for your Gmail label (the default is Unsubscribe). Save your changes

The Gmail Unsubscriber program is now initialized and running in the background. You can now apply the Unsubscribe label to any email message in Gmail and you’ll be automatically unsubscribed in 10-15 minutes. Everything is logged in the Google Sheet so you know what’s happening behind the scenes. Give it a try!

Also, the solution works everywhere – you can apply the label to unwanted subscription newsletters on the Gmail website, mobile apps for Gmail on iPhone & Android or even third-party email clients like Microsoft Outlook (move the email to the Unsubscribe folder) or Apple Mail.

How Gmail Unsubscribes from Mailing Lists

All legitimate bulk email senders include a List-Unsubscribe field in the message header that contains an URL or email address for unsubscribing from a mailing list. Here’s a screenshot:

List-Unsubscribe Header in Bulk Emails

You can view these details by opening any bulk message inside Gmail and choosing “Show Original” from the menu. In other cases, the unsubscribe link may be included in the message body with the anchor text like “click here to unsubscribe” – the script is smart enough to recognize all such links, it opens them for you and removes your email address from the mailing list.