A quick unboxing of the brand new iPad Pro 9.7 inch in Space-Gray. Stay tuned for a full review and comparison video to the iPad Air 2 in the coming days! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated!

A new Instagram update has appeared in the App Store, version 7.19 on iOS. While the notes added with the update just talk about the previous added feature of video views, others fear that this update includes much worse - the dreaded new algorithm newsfeed that'll change your timeline from being chronological to what Instagram thinks you'll like best. Pretty much the same crap that Facebook does. 

While personally, I haven't seen the new algorithm take effect, there are some other noteworthy things about this Instagram update. 

Let's start with the good. Instagram has added a new line under usernames of those you don't follow in following and follower lists that'll tell you if anyone you know also follows this person. That a feature that can come in handy. 

Now onto the bad. This update could include the new algorithm, I'm not quite certain. Let me know in the comments if you've already seen the changes take effect. Although Instagram probably doesn't need an app update to change this. But here are some other reasons why you might not want to update so quickly.

It seems users are stuck logged in to their accounts! That's right, once you login and add an account, you can't log out without deleting the entire app off your device. You might say, 'but why would you want to log out?', yeah, true, but since Instagram has added the ability to have multiple accounts that are easily changeable from within the app, removing the log out button seems well let's just say, dumb. Also missing, along with the sign out of accounts buttons is the 'Clear search history' button. 

So, if you haven't already installed the latest Instagram update, maybe hold off for now?

UPDATE: The newest Instagram update (version 7.19.1) has fixed the issues mentioned in this post. 

A new feature in iOS 9.3 is the ability to password protect your Notes. This password is not linked to your iOS passcode that you use to unlock your device, however you could always use the same pin I guess, if you're worried about forgetting the password. The password you set will be the same for all notes that you choose to lock. 

How To Password Protect Notes in iOS 9.3:

1. Open the Notes app. 

2. Create a new note, or find an existing one. 

3. Now, on the note you wish to lock, tap the Share button.

4. Now tap, "Lock Note."

5. Enter a password and choose whether or not to also allow Touch ID to unlock, and tap "Done". Important! if you forget the password - you will lose access to the note! 

6.  Now tap the lock symbol to lock the note. One thing to keep in mind is, the notes heading or first line will still be visible. 

7. To view a locked note, tap the note, then "View Note", and unlock.

8. To Remove a lock, tap the Share button, then "Remove Lock". 

How To Reset Your Notes Password in iOS 9.3:

1. Open Settings app.  

2. Tap "Notes."

3. Tap "Password".

4. If you remember the previous password, you can choose to "Change Password" or you can choose, "Reset Password". *Note: you can reset the password, however previous locked notes will remain locked with the previous password. 

5. To reset or remove password from future notes, tap "Reset Password." 

6. Enter you devices passcode. 

7. Confirm Reset.

8. If you don't want to set a new password, simple press "Cancel" on the 'Set Password' screen.

If you start an iOS over-the-air update, that is, a update straight from your iPhone or iPad, from Settings > Software Update, and then need to stop the update before it's done downloading - follow these steps: 

1. Open "Settings" app.  

2. Tap "General." 

3. Tap "Storage & iCloud Usage." 

4. Under Storage heading, tap "Manage Storage."  

5. A list will populate. Find "iOS X.X" on the list, and tap on it. 

6. Now, tap "Delete Update", then again on the pop-up menu to confirm. 

7. To re-download the update, go back to Settings > General > Software Update.    

Ads are annoying. Everyone hates them and for good reason. A lot of websites mistreat ads, they place them everywhere, they are intrusive, and often flashing, and telling you that you've won a price that you really haven't. And ads can even contain malware! There has been many cases where adware (or worse) has snuck into advertisement, even on major websites.  

Many people know of AdBlock Plus, but there's another great extension that may be even better!

uBlock Origin (unrelated to ublock.org) by gorhill; the founder and original author of uBlock, is a efficient ad blocker that is easy on your computers CPU and memory resources.

With all ready over 3 million users on Google Chrome, uBlock Origin is easy to use and comes pre-packed with the best filters including: EasyList, Peter Lowe�s Ad server list, EasyPrivacy and known Malware domains.

When compared to ABP, you can view a efficiency comparison, here.

uBlock Origin is free and open source with public license (GPLv3).

Wanna know more about uBlock Origin? Check out this podcast with security expert, Steve Gibson from TWiT.TV (about 1:21:50 into episode).


> View and Download uBlock Origin for Google Chrome

> View and Download uBlock Origin for Mozilla Firefox

Apple held a Media Event today in Cupertino.  Here are my live key notes of what was announced!

For full details, be sure to check Apple.com

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40 years in 40 seconds video plays. Apple turns 40 on April 1st 2016.

Tim Cook talks about privacy and encryption.

Lisa Jackson, head of environment on stage. Talks about Apple's goal to become 100% renewable. At the moment 93% of Apple offices run on renewable energy. Also talks about recycling and reusing iPhone's.

Health: Jeff Williams talks about ResearchKit.
Apple launching CareKit - available in April.

Apple Watch: Top selling smartwatch in the world. New Apple Watch bands! Woven Nylon. Apple Watch price drops to starting from $299.

Apple TV: Talk about apps. tvOS - update: folders, photo library & live photos,  dictation, Siri for App Store. tvOS 9.2 available today.

iPhone: New 4-inch. Called iPhone SE. Includes Rose Gold finish color option. Looks like iPhone 5s. A9 64-bit chip, M9 co-processor. Same CPU performance as iPhone 6s. 12-megapixel iSight Camera. Battery improvements. Includes features like Live Photos and Retina Flash. Capture 4K video. Touch ID. Price starts from $399 (16GB). Orders from March 24th - available March 31st.

iOS 9.3: new Night Shift color mode to make screen warmer looking which might make you sleep better at night. Notes: Passcode protect. Heath: app suggestions. Top stories in News. Apple Music in Car Play. iPad in the classroom improvements in iOS 9.3. iOS 9.3 available today!

iPad: Customers love the iPad Pro. New 9.7 inch iPad Pro! 40% less reflective. 25% brighter than iPad Air 2. 25% greater color saturation. True color tone display. 4-speakers. Twice volume of iPad Air 2. A9X 64-bit chip. M9 co-processor. Smart keyboard for 9.7 inch display. Pencil. Other accessories include: Lightning SD card reader, USB Camera reader. 12 megapixel iSight camera. 4K video recording. True tone flash on iPad! Live photos. Now also in Rose Gold. $599 for 32GB, $749 - 128GB, $899 - 256GB (New option) - Wi-Fi models. Order from March 24, ships on March 31.

Apple is holding a media event today (March 21st) at 10 a.m. PDT. 

It's been rumored that Apple will announce a new smaller size 4-inch-iPhone with the internals of an iPhone 6 or 6s. A new 9.7 inch iPad Pro. Possibly new Apple Watch bands, and possibly the release of iOS 9.3. 

Apple will live stream the event from their website and on Apple TV. Check Apple's Event page for more details. 

Twitter Logo.

When it was announced, there was a out-roar from angry Twitter users who claimed that the new algorithmic timeline would be the end of Twitter. At first, the option was launch as an opt-in feature - but now, it seems that Twitter has switched on the new "best Tweets first" timeline for all users.

'Best Tweets first', is the Tweets that Twitter believes that you will care about the most and would likely engage with. When you login or open the app, these 'best Tweets' will be shown at the top of your timeline feed regardless of when they were posted.

For more detailed information about Twitter's timeline, click here.


How To Switch Off The New "Show me the best Tweets first" Algorithmic Timeline:

on iOS:

1. On your profile tab, tap the settings gear icon and select "Settings."

2. Select the account you want to change.

3. Under Timeline, tap "Timeline personalization."

4. Switch off "Show me the best Tweets first".


On Desktop / Laptop:

1. On the Twitter navigation bar, click your profile image, then select "Settings."

2. On The Account Settings page, scroll down to the Timeline under the Content heading.

3. Uncheck, "Show me the best Tweets first", then click "Save changes" and re-enter your password.

The debate over encryption, right to privacy and security is a tricky one. On one hand - of course we all want our personal details, bank information, passwords, and other important and personal data kept safe and away from hackers. But we also want to stop the bad guys. But lowering our own security cannot be the way to do so. 

Whether it's on a phone, computer, or on one of Apple's apps, a third-party made app, to an app made in another country - if bad guys want to use encryption, they'll find a way. And creating 'a key for under the doormat' is only going to make technology more unsafe for the everyday person.   

If you side with Apple on this debate and want to show your support - check out these #iSideWithApple and #TeamApple t-shirts and hoodies available to buy now. 

> View on Graphic Tees Collection's Spreadshirt store. 

MONIT by Tildeslash is a FREE app in the Mac App Store that all Mac users should install - it's awesome.

What MONIT provides is a widget for Notification Center that shows you performance data about your Mac in a nice design - filled with heaps of infomation.

In the widget, you can see info for your Mac's; CPU, Memory, Disk, Battery, and Network. By clicking on a topic you can then drill down into even more stats and details about your system.

In CPU; you can view; CPU usage percentages in user, sys, and idle and more...

Memory; gives you stats about how much is wired, active, compressed and free. You can also view physical memory, memory used, and more...

Disk; provides you with quick access to hard-drive stats, and how much is used and free.

Battery; view stats about how much time you have remaining on current charge. You can view your Mac's batteries Health percentage and the condition, age, cycle count, temperature, voltage, amperage, and capacity.

In Network; you can view your Mac's and Internet's download and upload speeds, IP address, Wi-Fi name, and total uploaded and downloaded figures.  


MONIT is a cool tool for Mac users. A great way to quickly view performance stats about your Mac - recommend for all users. And did I mention - it's free!


-> View MONIT on the Mac App Store.

Apple has sent out invites for a March 21st event in Cupertino. The invite features the tag line "Let us loop you in", with an Apple logo background image in their device colors of Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold.

It has been rumored that Apple will announce the new iPhone SE; a 4-inch iPhone with the abilities of the iPhone 6s in a smaller case.

A new 9.7 inch iPad, which may pack all the features of the iPad Pro in the smaller shell.

New Apple Watch bands.

iOS 9.3 and possible more...

The Keynote event, which will also be lived streamed via Apple's website and on Apple TV, begins at 10 a.m. PDT on March 21st.

> View Apple Events webpage.

Sleep++ promo image.

The Apple Watch can tap you with notifications and other important information, show your messages, you can take a call on the watch, you can track your daily fitness and measure your heart rate, and so much more... But it wasn't really designed to track sleeping. This is mainly for a couple of reasons; 1, you'd have to wear your Apple Watch while you sleep, which might be uncomfortable. And 2, the main reason, at night is when you'll need to charge your Apple Watch so it's ready for the next day.

However, the Apple Watch, with the help of a third party app, is more than capable of tracking you sleep. And since it only takes the Apple Watch two and a half hours to fully charge to 100%, you might be able to charge it at night while you get ready for bed and in the morning while you get ready for work or etc... And since for many users, the Apple Watch's battery is still left with at least a quarter or even third by the end of the night, it won't take the Watch a long time to charge, so you could theoretically wear your Apple Watch while you sleep.  

Sleep++ by Cross Forward Consulting, LLC, is an Apple Watch app designed to track and measure your sleep. Sleep++ uses the motion tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch to measure the duration and quality of your sleep.

To track your sleeping with Sleep++ all you have to do is: wear your Apple Watch as you sleep, tell the app that you are going to sleep, and then when you wake up. Sleep++ will measure your movement during the night and then analyze your sleeping data and give you a graph and detailed breakdown, including the duration, how long you were restful, restless, awake, and between what times you got your best sleep.

I went ahead and tried out Sleep++. The app recommends that you put your Apple Watch into Airplane mode to preserve battery. As for effects on battery, out of the couple of times that I used that app, I saw a battery drop on average around 4-6% (with the Apple Watch in Airplane mode). Which is not too bad at all.

I will note a couple of things, first, make sure you give permission on your iPhone for Sleep++ to access your Movement and Fitness data - this is required for the app to work. Second, press 'Start Sleeping' on the Apple Watch app before you activate Airplane mode and then 'Stop Sleeping' after you've switched off Airplane mode, because I found that if I put the Watch into Airplane mode first, the data would never copy over to the app on the iPhone.

Sleep++ promo image.

As for the data Sleep++ collected for me during the night, it was interesting but I'm not sure how useful the data would really be for a continuos use. Sleep++ shows you the duration you were 'asleep' (because you told the app), The total time that your were restful, restless, and between what time you had your 'best sleep'. The graph that accompanies the data, shows you on a timescale, the points where in the night you had 'light sleep', or were restless.

An issue I had with Sleep++ was, while the app supports saving data to HealthKit, even with the setting on, there was no data added to the Health app. So there may be a bug there.

Sleep++ did seem to measure my moment well during the night, however I can't be certain - as I was asleep. And it was interesting data to see - even if I only use the app a few times. If you don't think you're getting a good nights sleep - try the app! You may find that you're quite restless during the night and might need to change things up a little to get a better nights sleep.

Sleep++ is FREE to download for iPhone (and Apple Watch) from the App Store.

> View Sleep++ in the App Store. 

Good news everyone! Futurama is back ...as a game on Android and iOS!

Now available in the App Store and Google Play store, Futurama Game of Drones sees the Planet Express crew back in action,  this time delivering drones in a match-4 style game.

Much like other match type games like Candy Crush, Bejeweled, etc... In Futurama: Game of Drones, you have different colored drones to match in a minimum of 4, matching a required number of certain colors to move onto the next stage.

As added extras, there is also power ups, and special items added in the grid for bigger matching effects.

As the story progresses, you can also play with your favorite characters from the TV Show, including; Fry, Bender, Leela, Amy, Zapp, and the Professor.

But the most fun and best parts, to me, of this game are the story cut scene animated comics and 3D world menus.

To get a better idea of the game play, check out the game trailer below.

> Download 'Futurama: Game Of Drones'.  

Google has been updating all their products to their new Material Design look for awhile now, and recently, the Material Design has been worked on for the Google Chrome web browser for Chrome OS, Windows, Linux and now Mac!  

To get a live look at the new Material Design makeover in progress, you'll need to install Google's test build version of Chrome, designed for developers and early adopters - Chrome Canary. Note: This program is NOT recommend for your everyday use - it is an experimental build and can completely break down. 

To switch on the new Material Design look, type into the address bar:  chrome://flags

Then find the title "Material design in the browser's top chrome". Then from the drop down menu, select "Material".   

At the moment on Mac, the main differences implemented are to the Navigation Bar with lighter and flatter colors and a new sharper edged shape on the tabs. There is also a new darker theme added to Incognito mode.  

Hating the new Material Look to Google Chrome? Don't worry, remember, this is a work-in-progress and far from the final look and version that will ship out at a later date in the stable Chrome release.

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UPDATE (March 10th 2016): A progress report - here is what Material Design on Chrome Canary for Mac currently looks like: