Ecobee is one of the most recognizable names in the smart thermostat market. These thermostats are reliable, easy to use, and capable. Is the Ecobee 4 worth buying?
Android
Open Source Android Launchers in 2021
While there are more manufacturers offering stock Android like OnePlus or Nokia, many still offer bloated launchers by default. Other launchers have been available for years. They can add various levels of customization or simplicity. A launcher can even speed up your phone.
Don’t Buy The Freedom Phone
First there was Freedom Fries. Then Freedom Toast. Now there is the privacy promising Freedom Phone that promises liberation from Big Tech. Is the Freedom Phone really the bastion of liberty that it promises to be? Let’s dig in.
How To Ditch YouTube
YouTube is a the primary video sharing site on the Internet. It is full of helpful tutorials, commentary, funny videos, and strange content. For most purposes, its hard not to use YouTube. If I’m repairing my ’04 Expedition, where do I turn first? YouTube. Putting new flooring down? YouTube. Following the election? YouTube. Watching turkey fryer explosions? YouTube. You get the point: YouTube hosts a wide variety of content and its likely the only place that many videos will be hosted.
The Best Google Photos Alternatives
Google Photos has long been the preferred method to backup photos on Android. Google Photos offered unlimited high quality photo storage while limiting original or best quality photos to the storage available. OG Pixel benefited from free full quality photo backup forever. Subsequent Pixel users were offered free backup with an expiration date. Google announced … Read more
Camp Hacks: Silica Gel for Phones
Rice is the go to for water logged phones. I’m here to tell you there’s a better way.
Android 11 Removing the Camera Picker
Android 11 is removing the ability to select a default camera. Before 11, users could select a default camera the same way they could select a default browser. If the user preferred GCam over the stock camera, it could be set as the system wide default.
Camp Differently with Hipcamp
Camping in an established campground is fun and convenient. There is usually electricity and running water. Shower houses are nearby. Most have a metal ring ready for a fire. Growing up, this was the only way to camp. I discovered backpacking late in my teens and I loved the feeling of adventure. As a dad … Read more
Energy Notch for Android
I remember smugly carrying my Google Pixel, sneering at those ridiculous new phones with notches. Why would anyone want a big black blob on the edge of their screen?!