Snap better-looking iPhone photos with TrueHDR

HDR, or high dynamic range, can add clarity and depth to your iPhone photos. The iPhone's native camera app has an HDR option (see Sharon's post about it and HDR photography), and it does an admirable job of filling in the highs and lows of a photo. I found that I was able to achieve even better results with TrueHDR, a $1.99 app.

When you launch TrueHDR, you're given four options for creating an HDR image: Auto Capture, Semi-Auto Capture, Manual Capture, and Choose Pictures.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

With Auto Capture, you simply tap the camera button and hold your iPhone steady as TrueHDR takes three photos. After a few seconds, tap the Merge button and TrueHDR will create one image. SemiAuto Capture lets you select two exposure points (one in a dark area and the other in a bright area) before TrueHDR takes two photos, which you can then merge together. Manual Capture is similar to SemiAuto, but it snaps a picture after you select a dark exposure point and another after you select a bright exposure point instead of snapping two shots in succession after you choose both points. The fourth option lets you select two photos (of the same scene, each shot with a different exposure) from your Camera Roll and have TrueHDR merge them together.

After you merge two photos together, you can save it to your Camera Roll, trash it (by hitting the Home button), or share it via e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter. There are also two editing options. The first gives you sliders to adjust the warmth, contrast, saturation, and brightness of a shot. And by tapping the Fx button, you can apply one of seven filters. There isn't an original option among the filters, but to opt out after browsing the filters, just tap the selected filter to unselect it and return to your original photos. At any rate, the photo filters feel like a departure from the HDR mission of the app, almost as if the developer saw how much Facebook paid for Instragram and decided to toss in handful just in case Zuckerberg was still on the prowl for another billion-dollar photo app.

Good (shot with iPhone camera app with normal settings)

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

Better (shot with iPhone camera app with HDR enabled)

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

Best (shot with TrueHDR)

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

In my experience, I found that TrueHDR did a slightly better job with HDR photos than the HDR option on the native iPhone camera app. If the iPhone's default setting is good and its HDR setting is better, then TrueHDR is best. For most users, however, the iPhone's HDR option will suffice. Plunk down your $2 only if you are an enthusiast.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57444855-285/snap-better-looking-iphone-photos-with-truehdr/

Play Safe will limit the apps your child can access on Android

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

As a parent, I'll admit to handing my smartphone over to one of my kids to keep them entertained from time to time. Who hasn't? But, it's impossible to trust your toddler to stay within a designated app and not explore.

In the past I covered a way to prevent kids from pressing the home button on iOS devices, which continues to work great. As I started carrying an Android device, a solution for the same problem was nowhere to be found.

Play Safe is an Android app that allows you to set a predefined list of apps your child can access.

The setup process walks you through selecting approved apps for your child, along with how to unlock the app once your child is done. Right now, you press and hold on the Play Safe logo for 5 seconds to exit the app. According to TechCrunch, an update that introduces an unlock password on top of the 5-second delay is forthcoming.

Beware what apps you allow your child access to. If an app allows for sharing content through another app (a photo with Instagram, for example), your child will be able to leave the Play Safe sandbox and access any of the apps listed on the sharing menu.

Another great part of Play Safe is the fact that it's free, and doesn't force any ads on you.

If you're running Android 2.2 and up, head on over to the Google Play Store to download Play Safe.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57443718-285/play-safe-will-limit-the-apps-your-child-can-access-on-android/

Take better iPhone photos in low light with Cortex Camera

The iPhone 4S' camera does an admirable job in a variety of lighting conditions, particularly when you remember that the device is a phone first, and a camera second. Still, if you find yourself shooting in low-light situations, you probably have noticed that your photos look blurry or grainy. Cortex Camera is a $2.99 app that can reduce this graininess or noise when shooting in low light. Here's how it works:

Instead of taking a single, still photo, Cortex Camera actually captures a short video when you hit the shutter button. Thus, you will need to hold your iPhone still during the 3 seconds or so when Cortex Camera is taking this video, or use a tripod. After another few seconds of processing, Cortex Camera merges 100 frames of video into a single image, saving it to your iPhone's Camera Roll. You can tap to focus and pinch to zoom.

A shot taken with the iPhone 4S' native camera app.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

In my experience, I found that Cortex Camera greatly reduced noise in low-light conditions. And I was able to get crisp shots without the need for a stand or tripod. Photos taken with Cortex Camera are a bit narrower than what you get from the iPhone 4S' camera. For more comparisons, check out this page from Cortex Camera.

A shot taken with Cortex Camera.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

Cortex Camera requires no more than launching and hitting the shutter button in the middle of the bottom edge of the display to snap a shot. You can view your Camera Roll without closing the app by tapping the button in the lower-left corner, and you can access the settings by tapping the small Info button in the lower-right corner. There are only four settings to worry about. You can choose to capture images as JPEGs and or PNGs, as 2-megapixel or 8-megapixel images, and you can turn the flash (aka, "torch") on to illuminate your subject. The last is an alignment option, which you can turn off in order to show movement in a shot.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

Cortex Camera supports only the iPhone 4S, the iPad 2, and the third-generation iPad.

(Via LifeHacker)

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57443730-285/take-better-iphone-photos-in-low-light-with-cortex-camera/

Which TV is right for me? (Device & Conquer)

Which TV is right for me?

The technology behind the screen that creates the image is the core of what you're paying for when you buy a TV.

Understanding the differences can be confusing and, frankly, very technical. Leave it to CNET's Brian Cooley to make it simple and narrow down your choice in just a few minutes. Luckily for even the least attentive consumer, there are very few bad TV's out there. But if you're about to lay out this kind of money for a piece of electronics you'll keep for almost 7 years on average, know what you're buying.

After you watch the video check out CNET's complete TV Buying Guide to get answers to your questions about screen size, 3D, gaming and accessories. And check out our other Device & Conquer episode about cutting the cord in case you want to celebrate buying a new TV by telling the cable company goodbye!

People ask me all the time what kind of TV I have. It may surprise you that I shop for value first and foremost. I have a Vizio and a couple of Magnavox TVs. I think I bought them all at office supply stores on blowout sale! Like you, I just come home to watch TV and I never sit there in my living room doing an A/B comparison between two displays. In that reality any good TV will look, well, good. Something to think about if you find yourself in a knot trying to buy the exact right TV. Sometimes what you see on the price tag is the best visual of all.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57443271-285/which-tv-is-right-for-me-device-conquer/

Five tools every iPhone photographer must have

An iPhone 4S complete with Olloclip, Glif, Gorlliapod, and headphones set up to take a photo.

(Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET)

As the saying goes: "The best camera is the one you have with you." More often than not, for me, that camera is my iPhone. I always have it on me, it's ready to take a photo in a matter of seconds, takes amazing photos, and is capable of both editing and sharing those photos all from the same device.

With the iPhone's camera continuing to be used more and more, there are plenty of accessories available to aid iPhone photographers in getting the best shot possible.

Here are five tools you should have in your bag:

Gorillapod Magnetic
You're going to need a tripod. For that, I recommend the Gorillapod Magnetic. It's equipped with magnetic feet, allowing you to place it in some unique spots, a standard tripod mount, and more than two dozen joints allowing you to bend and manipulate it to get the perfect shot.

You can get the Gorillapod Magnetic from Joby for $24.95 with free shipping.

Glif
Now that you have a tripod, you're going to need a way to connect your iPhone to the tripod. That's where the Glif comes in. The Glif is made specifically for the iPhone 4/4S and allows you to use your smartphone with any standard tripod.

The Glif can also be used as a stand to set your iPhone up for a video call.

You can buy the Glif for $20, or the Glif+ pack for $30 plus shipping from Studio Neat.

Headphones
When iOS 5 launched, it included the ability to use the volume-up button on your iPhone as a shutter release, eliminating the need to tap the screen of your iPhone to take a photo. Then, Sharon Vaknin, told us that the volume-up button on your headphones will also work as a shutter release when taking photos on your iPhone.

By placing your iPhone on a tripod and using your headphones as a shutter release, you'll eliminate any shaking of your iPhone that's normally caused by tapping on the screen or pressing the volume-up button on your phone. The result is going to be a blur-free, clear picture.

Olloclip

An iPhone 4S using the Olloclip macro lens to take a close-up picture.

(Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET)

Adding a lens to your iPhone is something most iPhone users will never even contemplate; I know I didn't. Then at
CES 2012, I was
introduced to the Olloclip. I'm yet to look back.

The Olloclip is a small accessory that adds three lenses to your iPhone. You can choose from a macro, wide-angle, or fish-eye lens. It's designed for the iPhone 4 and 4S, and it slips on and off your phone in a matter of seconds, allowing you to quickly change lenses based on the photo you're taking.

The addition of three lenses to your bag greatly expands the types of photos you can take with your iPhone.

The Olloclip will set you back $69.99 plus shipping.

Apps
There are plenty of apps available to help make your photos look amazing, all without requiring you to know a whole lot about the editing process. There isn't one app that works the best for everything, and with the relatively low cost of photo-editing apps on the iPhone, it's worth having several different options in your arsenal. Mix and match the features of different apps to get your desired results.

In addition to editing capabilities, there are some great apps for taking time-lapse photos, slow-motion video, and slowing down the shutter on your iPhone.

Some apps I recommend in no particular order are:

• Camera+


• Snapseed


• GroupShot


• iTimeLapse Pro


• SloPro


• Slow Shutter Cam

All of the accessories listed are easy to carry with you anywhere, including the Gorillapod, which fits comfortably in a jacket pocket.

There are plenty of other accessories and apps out there to help you get the best photos you can from your iPhone. If you have an app, or another accessory you prefer, feel free to share in the comments.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57443046-285/five-tools-every-iphone-photographer-must-have/

CallApp adds informative contact management to Android

(Credit: CallApp.com)

Remembering all the details about a contact can be difficult if you're speaking with many people across many companies. To combat this issue, CallApp for Android will provide a wall of information about each person you're contacting.

You might be wondering: why do I need another app when I can add notes to contact profiles on my phone? Well, that little text box is definitely handy, but it simply doesn't compete with CallApp's features.

CallApp's business information screen.

(Credit: CallApp.com)

CallApp will let you see publicly available social media and other related information for individuals and businesses. For individuals this is helpful if you want to read a few tweets to find some common ground and get a feel for their personality. When dealing with businesses, you can check out their Yelp entry, hours, address, and reviews.

Sounds like a lot of information gathering, which is sometimes synonymous with battery drain, right? While every app that runs and uses data is going to have some impact on battery life, CallApp isn't too bad since most of the information is gathered from local storage.

Before getting started, you'll want to download a copy of CallApp for your Android phone.

Step 1: Run the app and enter your phone number to receive an activation code by SMS. Once received, enter the code to verify your account.

Tip: If you are having issues with the code not sending, you can have the service resend the code or even have it delivered to you via a phone call.

Step 2: Now that your number is verified, it's time to link your social media accounts to CallApp. Simply press on a service's icon and enter your credentials if prompted.

After being signed into a service, you'll have to allow CallApp to access the information on your account. This will need to be repeated for each service. You can tell which services you've linked versus the ones you haven't based on the shade of blue of the icon (services you've linked will have a much brighter icon than ones you haven't).

Before and after of CallApp on Android.

(Credit: CallApp.com)

Step 3: Check out and verify information for your contacts.

Unfortunately, the app's capability to link social media to your contacts is not perfect. If you find some of the accounts linked are not owned by the contact you're viewing, you can tell the app their correct information, or choose to unlink that service from the contact completely. If the app is unsure about an account, a question mark will appear next to that service's icon.

CallApp's action bar.

(Credit: CallApp.com)

The app's functionality doesn't end with the capability to show information about callers; it also has several in-call features. For instance, you can type in some notes, set meetings, and even share information from your own phone to the other person.

In short, this app provides a lot of information about your contacts. While this information is all available before you make a call, you'll achieve the best results if you talk on a Bluetooth headset (or speaker, if you must). That way, should you need any information about your contact during a call, you'll be free to look at it.

(Via AndroidPolice)

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57442541-285/callapp-adds-informative-contact-management-to-android/

Save Gmail attachments to Google Drive with one click

Many of the files I receive attached to Gmail messages end up in my Google Drive account. Previously this required downloading or viewing the file, saving it to a drive of the PC I'm using, signing into and opening Google Drive (formerly Google Docs), and uploading the file.

That's a lot of mileage for a file to travel just to get from one Google service to another.

Last month, Jason Cipriani of CNET's Blog Network described a technique developed by Amit Agarwal that automatically adds Gmail attachments to Google Drive.

As Jason explains, the process entails copying a document from Agarwal's Google Drive account to yours, and then granting the document permission to monitor your Gmail account. (Your private data is never accessible to the author of the shared document or anyone else, according to Agarwal.) You then create a Gmail filter that applies a specific label to messages you receive that have attachments.

You can also create filters to prevent attachments from specific people from being sent to your Google Drive account automatically. Otherwise, Agarwal's approach is an all-or-nothing affair: every attached file is added.

As much as I appreciate friends and associates sharing with me everything from pumpkin-carving tips to corporate quarterly reports, most of the attachments sent to my Gmail account don't belong on Google Drive.

That's why I prefer the selective approach to transferring Gmail attachments to Google Drive made possible by Josh Sullivan's free Gmail Attachments to Drive extension for Google Chrome.

Before installing the extension, you're warned that it will be privy to your personal information.

(Credit: Screenshot by Dennis O'Reilly/CNET)

Add a Send To Drive option to messages with attachments
During the extension's installation you're prompted to grant the program access to your Gmail account as well as to your "tabs and browsing activity." The Google support site explains the potential danger of apps and extensions having access to your personal information on Google servers.

According to Google, just because a program has permission to peer into your Web data and track your activities doesn't mean it actually does. You can peruse the product's ratings and reviews, but ultimately you either trust the app's creators or you don't. If you choose not to trust any program with access to your account information, I don't blame you one bit.

The Gmail Attachment to Drive add-on for Chrome places a Save To Drive option next to attached files in messages.

(Credit: Screenshot by Dennis O'Reilly/CNET)

Once the extension is installed and enabled, you'll see a third choice next to the file at the bottom of the message it's attached to: along with the standard View and Download options is a link labeled Save To Drive. When you click it the file is uploaded to your Google Drive account even if you aren't currently signed into the account.

A new tab opens in Chrome to let you know the file upload is complete. The message includes a link to your Google Drive account. Unfortunately, no attempt is made to avoid duplicate files, so if the attachment is already in Google Drive, a copy with the same name appears.

A new tab opens after you click Save To Drive to confirm that the attached file has been added to your Google Drive account.

(Credit: Screenshot by Dennis O'Reilly/CNET)

Apart from the potential for file duplication, Gmail Attachments to Drive worked without a hitch when I tested it. The extension promises to save considerable time when moving files from Gmail to Google Drive.

It also provides another method for uploading files to your Google Drive account without having to open the service in your browser, sign in, choose the option to upload files, navigate to and select the file on the local machine, click the upload link, and step through Google Drive's file-uploading wizard.

Note that if you have the desktop version of Google Drive installed you can simply drag the file to that virtual folder to upload it to the service. CNET Blog Network writer Ed Rhee explains how to use the Google Drive desktop app in Windows 7 to add a Google Drive option to your right-click Send To menu.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57442523-285/save-gmail-attachments-to-google-drive-with-one-click/

Find a new job with WorkFu

If you're online, you're connected to at least one other person in some capacity. Maybe it's through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, but that connection is valuable when seeking a new job.

WorkFu is a Web site that will harness the power of your connections to help you out. Right now they just cover Twitter, but if they follow the path of similar services, you'll probably see more choices in the future.

Note: This service is in beta, but it's available to public individuals with Twitter accounts right now.

Here's how to get started with your job search:

Step 1: Head to WorkFu.com and login with your Twitter credentials.

Since you are linking your Twitter account to their site, it's definitely going to use information you provide on your bio to help facilitate your search. Make sure you tidy things up before you log in.

Fill out your profile on WorkFu.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2: Time to have fun filling out your profile. You'll want to make sure every detail is as accurate as possible because they could affect your chances of landing a new job.

Step 3: Double-check your keywords. These will be the means for potential employers to find your profile, so they need to be accurate. When you're done, click Continue.

A job opportunity listed on WorkFu.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 4: Click on Opportunities at the top of the page to start browsing jobs listed on WorkFu.

WorkFu's contact box.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 5: When you see something you like, fill out the text box on the right-hand side of the page and click Apply Now. WorkFu has been kind enough to put a default letter into the box for you, but adding some personalization probably wouldn't hurt.

One last tip: Click the Settings icon in the top right-hand corner to adjust your e-mail update frequency.

WorkFu is great for sharing job opportunities you find and also helping you get an idea of what companies are really looking for right now. Even if this service isn't your cup of tea, it's a good idea that you could even practice manually. And let's face it, mindlessly filling out applications and sending off resumes definitely makes WorkFu look at least a little bit more appealing.

(Via Lifehacker)

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57442017-285/find-a-new-job-with-workfu/

Getting started with Comcast Xfinity TV Player for Android

If you're a Comcast TV customer, you can finally stream videos to your Android tablet and smartphone. The Xfinity TV Player app allows Comcast TV subscribers to watch TV shows and movies from networks like Showtime, Starz, HBO, and more. Here's how to get started with Comcast's Xfinity TV Player for Android:

Download and install the Xfinity TV Player for Android, then launch the app and log in using your Comcast account credentials.

On tablets, you'll see the app toolbar on the left-hand side. On Android smartphones, you'll need to press the menu key to bring up Browse, Search, and Settings.

Xfinity TV Player on Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

The app doesn't support a queue, but you can filter listings to make it easier to find shows or movies that you want to watch. While browsing titles, you can filter by genres, networks, and by the first letter of the name of the show or movie. You can also hide locked items, so you don't waste your time looking at titles you can't watch.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

You can also set up parental controls, which allow you to set a PIN and set restrictions based on TV ratings, movie ratings, and networks. When you select parental controls from the Android app, you'll be taken to Comcast's Xfinity Web site to set up and manage the settings.

That's it. Now you've got another alternative to Netflix on your Android tablet and smartphone. What's your favorite way to watch videos on your Android device? Let us know in the comments.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57442574-285/getting-started-with-comcast-xfinity-tv-player-for-android/

Snag dining deals with Restaurant.com for Android

Tired of eating the same things over and over? Or maybe you're just looking to grab a deal at your favorite spot to eat? Time to check out Restaurant.com's Android app.

With this app you'll find options for gift certificates at restaurants that are local to you, and at a much better price. For instance, when I went looking for sushi, I found a local place that had options to spend $4 for a $10 gift certificate, or $15 for $25. Those are amazing deals if you're on a budget and don't want to sacrifice some your food choices.

Search for restaurant deals near you with Restaurant.com for Android.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Start by downloading a copy of the Restaurant.com app. After opening the app, you can either search with GPS (Deals Near Me), ZIP code, or city name. When the results list loads, you can sort the results by distance or name of the business. These options are handy because if you're not familiar with an area or you're just looking for something new, sorting by distance can help you find a place to grab a bite.

Local dining results from Restaurant.com.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

The filter option in the app will allow you adjust distance (from 0.25 mile to 15 miles), the default way results are displayed, types of cuisines that will appear in results, and check out places that were recently added. Basically, the app will make sure you're only looking at things that will be relevant to your interests.

Filter options in the Restaurant.com Android app.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

After signing up for a free account with Restaurant.com you can purchase gift certificates on your device -- there's no hunting down the place to get the deal right now. After that, no need to even print them out; they can be accessed on the device to show your server.

What apps do you use for finding great deals on meals?

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441894-285/snag-dining-deals-with-restaurant.com-for-android/

How to jailbreak your iOS device on 5.1.1

Absinthe 2.0 has been released, bringing with it an untethered jailbreak for iOS devices running iOS 5.1.1. The jailbreak is compatible with almost every iOS device, with the lone exception being the revised $399 iPad 2 with 32nm A5 chip. A solution for the "new" iPad 2 will be released at a later date.

The jailbreak process using Absinthe 2.0 couldn't be easier. In fact, the developers of the jailbreak claim "it's so easy, your grandma could do it." If your device isn't currently jailbroken, then follow the instructions below:

1. To start, you'll need to head on over to the Greenpois0n Web site to download Absinthe 2.0 for your respective operating system.





(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)




2. With your device connected to your PC, open iTunes and right-click on the device you want to jailbreak. Select Back Up from the menu. Wait for the backup to finish and then close iTunes.





(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)




3. On your iOS device, go into Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.





(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)




4. Open Absinthe 2.0 on your PC, verify that the correct iOS device has been detected, and then click Jailbreak. The jailbreak process will only take a few minutes.





(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)




5. Once the jailbreak is complete, close Absinthe 2.0 and launch iTunes again. Right-click on your device name, but this time select "Restore from Backup." Select the backup you just made. Let your device restore and finish syncing before disconnecting.

Once the restore is complete, you'll have a jailbroken device, complete with all of your apps and information as it was before you began.

I had been trying to get the jailbreak to work on my Verizon iPhone 4S all morning, with no luck. Then I took my experience to Twitter, and was sent a link to this post on Reddit. If you're having issues with the instructions above, give the Reddit link a try. It worked for me.

If you were using a tethered iOS 5.1.1 jailbreak, open Cydia and search for "Rocky Racoon 5.1.1 Untether" and install it.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441792-285/how-to-jailbreak-your-ios-device-on-5.1.1/

Send self-destructing messages with Burn Note

Have you ever sent an e-mail you later regretted sending? If you want to send sensitive or confidential information via e-mail without leaving a digital trail, or if you just want to feel like a spy, give Burn Note a try. You compose a message on the Burn Note site, which then gives you a link to send to your friend or double agent. When the recipient opens the Burn Note, a timer starts counting down before the message is destroyed.

You don't need to create an account to send messages with Burn Note. Simply type in a message and hit Send. You'll be given a link to copy, which you can then e-mail. If you sign up for an account, you will receive confirmation when the note is opened.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

There are a few options when sending a Burn Note that can make your message even more top secret. You can send your note to display as plain text or you can choose two options that make your message harder to copy or for prying eyes to see it. You can send it so that it appears as a series of short phrases, making it harder for someone to take a screenshot of your message. Or you can send it in spyglass mode, which blacks out the message, forcing the recipient to hold down the mouse button to view a small portion of the message.

You can also password protect a Burn Note; presumably, you would send along the password when you e-mailed the Burn Note link.

Spyglass mode.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

By default, the self-destruct timer is set for 3 minutes, but you can set for any time you'd like. As soon as your recipient opens the message, the counter above the message begins counting down. When it hits zero, the message is deleted. The developer states on the FAQ page that "once a Burn Note has been viewed it is completely deleted from our servers and from the recipient's computer."

You can send messages without a timer; notes sent without a timer set will remain in existence until your recipient clicks the "Burn It!" button below the message, closes the browser window, or leaves the page. Also, all unread Burn Notes are deleted after 72 hours.

(Via One Thing Well)

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441782-285/send-self-destructing-messages-with-burn-note/

Three more ways to take a screenshot on a Mac

As a follow up to last week's post about three keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a Mac, I present three more keyboard shortcut tips.

Each of these tips uses the Command-Shift-4 keyboard shortcut. Hitting these three keys simultaneously turns your Mac's cursor into a crosshair, which you can drag to select a portion of your screen to capture. Releasing the mouse button or trackpad takes the shot.

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

1. After pressing Command-Shift-4 but before releasing the mouse button or trackpad, hold down the Shift key. This locks in each side of the selection area made with the crosshairs save the bottom edge, letting you move your mouse up or down to position the bottom edge. Without releasing the mouse button, release the Shift key and hit it again to reposition the right edge of your selection area.

2. After pressing Command-Shift-4 but before releasing the mouse button or trackpad, hold down the Option key. This lets you move all sides of the selection area as you move the crosshair. The two side edges move in proportion to one another as you move the crosshair, as if they were mirrored images. The same holds true for the top and bottom edges. (Without the Option key engaged, the left and top edges of the selection area are locked and do not move.)

3. This third tip is my personal favorite of the trio here. After pressing Command-Shift-4 but before releasing the mouse button or trackpad, hold down the spacebar. This locks in the shape and size of the selection area but lets you reposition it on the screen. It's very handy if your initial selection area is off by a few pixels; just hold down the spacebar to reposition it before releasing the mouse button to snap a screenshot.

And as a bonus, let me also share the fact that you can use Preview to snap screenshots on a Mac. Open Preview and you'll find a Take Screen Shot option in the File menu. There are three options: From Selection, From Window, and From Entire Screen. The last option is a convenient because it uses a timer, giving you 10 seconds to line up your desktop just so before it captures your screen. It's what I used to take the above screenshot of the screenshot selection area.

(Via AddictiveTips)

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441555-285/three-more-ways-to-take-a-screenshot-on-a-mac/

Seven tips for smarter shopping on Amazon.com

(Credit: Ed Rhee/CNET)

Amazon.com is a wonderfully convenient e-tailer to shop at. Where else can you order an LCD TV, stand mixer, diapers, and pet food on the same order, then have them all delivered to your front door within two days? It's a shopper's paradise, all right.

To help you get the most out of shopping on Amazon.com, here are seven tips to consider:

Price tracking
Amazon.com already has some of the most competitive prices anywhere, but their prices can fluctuate on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. If you're not in a hurry, you can track prices and wait for a better deal. You can try Amazon price tracking extensions for Chrome or Firefox, but they're not always accurate. For the most accurate pricing, there's nothing better than going directly to the source.

When you find a product you want to track, add it to your shopping cart. Either leave it in your cart as-is, or move it to the Saved For Later list. Go back to your cart every now and then to see if the price has changed. If it has, you'll see a notice at the top of the page.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Subscribe & Save
Do you have certain household staples that you need to replenish frequently, like toiletries, diapers, or batteries? If so, you might be able to save some money by using Amazon's Subscribe & Save program. Items that qualify for the program can be ordered on a subscription basis at a discount. Managing your subscriptions is fairly easy and you can cancel individual subscriptions at any time.

Multiple wish lists
Using multiple wish lists can help you organize products you're interested in and more. In addition to having a list for yourself, create another to save gift ideas for your friends and family. If you order parts for your car, consider making another list, so you can keep all the parts organized for your specific vehicle. Do you watch streaming videos from Amazon's Instant Video collection? Create a wishlist to act as movie queue, since Amazon doesn't currently offer queues for instant videos.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Amazon Student
The Amazon Student program initially provides six months of free Prime membership (2-day shipping only), then allows the student to purchase Prime at a reduced rate of $39 a year for up to four years. You'll also receive a newsletter with exclusive student discounts on a variety of products during the membership.

Third-party sellers
Third-party sellers on Amazon can sometimes have products in stock that Amazon doesn't, or even offer them at a lower cost. However, experiences with third-party sellers can vary, so make sure to look up their seller rating before making a purchase. You'll also want to look up the return policies of third-party sellers, since they're usually different from Amazon's.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Package tracking by SMS (text messages)
Tracking packages on Amazon's Web site is very easy, but if you'd prefer to just have the delivery status of your package sent to your phone, you can sign up for TextTrace. TextTrace will send out text messages when your package is out for delivery, delivered, or when there's an exception. To sign up for TextTrace, go to your account settings and look for "Manage Text Tracking Alerts."

Amazon Mom
The Amazon Mom program is tailored for primary caregivers who need to purchase baby products, up through the toddler years. It's free to join and the first time you join, you're given three months of Amazon Prime (two-day shipping only) for free. And yes, dads can sign up, too. The main benefit of the Amazon Mom program is the 20 percent discount on diapers and wipes, when purchased via subscription. Occasionally you'll be offered exclusive discounts on other baby products as well. After your three months are up, you'll need to purchase the Prime membership to continue receiving discounts.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

That's it. If you have any other cool Amazon.com shopping tips, please share them with us in the comments below.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57440596-285/seven-tips-for-smarter-shopping-on-amazon.com/

How to take your own passport photos

Drugstores will charge you as much as $10-15 for a measly photo, adding insult to injury when you're tied up in a long and expensive passport application process.

If you're willing to pay the price for convenience, so be it, but if you like to "DIY," you'll be happy to hear that taking your own passport photos is actually pretty simple.

You'll need:

• A digital camera (or smartphone)


• Computer


• A photo printer (or local photo printing center)

Easy enough, right? Now follow the steps to take your passport photos, DIY-style.

Take your own passport photos

Step 1: Set up your shot

Get yourself in front of a white or cream-colored background, like a wall or posterboard. That's the easy part. Now, with the help of a friend, adjust the lighting so that there aren't any shadows or glare on your face or around your head and body. This could mean getting near natural daylight, or turning on/off household lights.

Step 2: Make yourself presentable

The U.S. government has a pretty strict set of guidelines that address what you should look like in your photo. In a nutshell, you should look like your everyday self. (That might vary if you've got your headphones glued to your ears all day.)

Abide by these rules to get your passport photo accepted:

• Wear your everyday clothing and hairstyle. This is not the time to get creative or try that new electric green eyeshadow. Uniforms and costumes are unacceptable, unless they're worn daily for religious reasons.


• No electronics can be in the photo, so take of your headphones, Bluetooth devices, and 3D glasses before hitting the shutter.


• Hats, sunglasses, and tinted glasses are forbidden, but if you wear prescription glasses, you can sport those.


• Pose with a neutral face. A smile or straight face are OK, but no goofy expressions!


• For a complete list of guidelines (which you should review) go to the U.S. Department of State's Web site.

Step 3: Shoot, edit, print

If the lighting looks good and you're sporting a government-approved look, frame the shot that there's plenty of headroom and room around your arms. You should be cropped out just below the shoulders. It's better to be too zoomed out than too zoomed in, since you'll be able to crop later.

Snap a few shots and transfer your photos to your computer.

To edit your photo to the proper dimensions and composition, head to the U.S.'s own photo-editing tool (link). Upload the photo to the site, then zoom in or out, and move the photo around until your face is aligned with the outline. It's imperative that it's lined up as close as possible, or else your photo may be rejected.

Save the photo to your desktop, and you're ready to print. The program will save it as a 2-inch-by-2-inch photo, which will be the final printed size. If you're printing at home, use your photo printer to print your headshot on matte or glossy photo paper. Otherwise, go through a service like Shutterfly to print it out at your local drugstore.

You should attach only one photo to your passport application, and finally, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441212-285/how-to-take-your-own-passport-photos/

How to to take your own passport photos

Drugstores will charge you as much as $10-15 for a measly photo, adding insult to injury when you're tied up in a long and expensive passport application process.

If you're willing to pay the price for convenience, so be it, but if you like to "DIY," you'll be happy to hear that taking your own passport photos is actually pretty simple.

You'll need:

• A digital camera (or smartphone)


• Computer


• A photo printer (or local photo printing center)

Easy enough, right? Now follow the steps to take your passport photos, DIY-style.

Take your own passport photos

Step 1: Set up your shot

Get yourself in front of a white or cream-colored background, like a wall or posterboard. That's the easy part. Now, with the help of a friend, adjust the lighting so that there aren't any shadows or glare on your face or around your head and body. This could mean getting near natural daylight, or turning on/off household lights.

Step 2: Make yourself presentable

The U.S. government has a pretty strict set of guidelines that address what you should look like in your photo. In a nutshell, you should look like your everyday self. (That might vary if you've got your headphones glued to your ears all day.)

Abide by these rules to get your passport photo accepted:

• Wear your everyday clothing and hairstyle. This is not the time to get creative or try that new electric green eyeshadow. Uniforms and costumes are unacceptable, unless they're worn daily for religious reasons.


• No electronics can be in the photo, so take of your headphones, Bluetooth devices, and 3D glasses before hitting the shutter.


• Hats, sunglasses, and tinted glasses are forbidden, but if you wear prescription glasses, you can sport those.


• Pose with a neutral face. A smile or straight face are OK, but no goofy expressions!


• For a complete list of guidelines (which you should review) go here.

Step 3: Shoot, edit, print

If the lighting looks good and you're sporting a government-approved look, frame the shot that there's plenty of headroom and room around your arms. You should be cropped out just below the shoulders. It's better to be too zoomed out than too zoomed in, since you'll be able to crop later.

Snap a few shots and transfer your photos to your computer.

To edit your photo to the proper dimensions and composition, head to the U.S.'s own photo-editing tool (link). Upload the photo to the site, then zoom in or out, and move the photo around until your face is aligned with the outline. It's imperative that it's lined up as close as possible, or else your photo may be rejected.

Save the photo to your desktop, and you're ready to print. The program will save it as a 2" by 2" photo, which will be the final printed size. If you're printing at home, use your photo printer to print your headshot on matte or glossy photo paper. Otherwise, go through a service like Shutterfly to print it out at your local drugstore.

You should attach only one photo to your passport application, and finally, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Get the complete set of guidelines and examples at the U.S. Department of State's Web site.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441212-285/how-to-to-take-your-own-passport-photos/

Get started with Facebook Camera

Facebook Camera was just release for any iPhone and iPod Touch running iOS 4.0 and later. The new Camera app from Facebook allows you to upload and share multiple photos, where as the Facebook app restricts you to uploading only one photo at a time. In addition to being able to upload multiple photos, the app also comes with the ability to crop, rotate, and even add 1 of 14 total filters to a photo. Even with having just bought Instagram, Facebook has proceeded to release an app that some would say competes directly with Instagram.

If you're curious about the look and feel of the app, watch the video below for a complete walkthrough of Facebook Camera.

Or check out the slideshow below.

Facebook Camera released for the iPhone (pictures)

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With more and more apps being released by Facebook, all aiming to replace a different native app on our smartphones, one has to wonder: when will the Facebook phone go from being a rumor to being a reality? I'd argue that Facebook is teaching users how to use its mythical device, one app at a time, including the upcoming App Center service. The learning curve, if Facebook does ever release its own device, will be nonexistant.

You can download Facebook Camera from the App Store today for free.

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57441086-285/get-started-with-facebook-camera/

How to share a link on Facebook (without sharing the actual URL)

Copy and paste a link into the "What's on your mind?" box on Facebook and the URL stays in the comment section above the story's information -- the title, intro, and image -- when you share the link. The title of the article you are sharing is linked, so there is no need for an ugly link above it. And, in fact, it is quite easy to get rid of it.

When you paste a link into the "What's on your mind?" box, Facebook grabs the title and intro paragraph for your post, along with an image if available. After this information pops in below the link, you can simply delete the link before sharing your post. Deleting the link after the story information populates will not delete the story; instead, it lets you share the story without the clutter of a long link.

Tell me, which looks better to you, Exhibit A or Exhibit B:

Exhibit A

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

Exhibit B

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

The above is from my Facebook page, and you can see a similar result on the News Feed:

(Credit: Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)

For more Facebook tips, check out these recent posts:

Easily unfollow a Facebook post from the new notification box

Getting started with Facebook Pages Manager for iOS

Hide Facebook Timeline with a Firefox add-on

How to prevent Facebook Messenger from sharing your location

Source : http://howto.cnet.com//8301-11310_39-57440972-285/how-to-share-a-link-on-facebook-without-sharing-the-actual-url/