Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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83% of phone storage issues come down to just two culprits — here’s how to fix both
If your phone keeps saying storage is full, photos and apps are almost always the cause. Deleting old photos you have backed up and removing apps you haven't opened in months can free up a surprising amount of space. For Portage County: Check your phone's storage settings this week, and if you need help figuring out what's safe to delete, call Bill.
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7 things to share with ChatGPT to get better answers immediately
ChatGPT gives much more useful answers when you tell it a little about yourself and what you actually need, rather than just asking a bare question. Sharing your age, your goal, and any limits you have, like not wanting to drive far or spend much money, helps it tailor its response. For Portage County: Next time you use ChatGPT, start with a sentence like 'I'm a retired person in rural Ohio and I need help with,' and see how much better the answer gets.
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Ford's BlueCruise costs $50 a month, but here's who actually needs it
Ford's BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature that costs $50 a month after a free trial period ends. Whether it's worth paying for depends mostly on how much highway driving you do and whether those roads are covered by the system. For Portage County: If you drive mostly local roads around Ravenna or Kent, this subscription probably isn't worth it, but read the trial terms carefully so you don't get charged without realizing it.
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Wi-Fi 8 is the first wireless upgrade in years that isn't chasing speed
Wi-Fi 8, the next version of home wireless, is being designed to handle many devices at once more reliably rather than just pushing faster speeds. That matters more now that most homes have dozens of gadgets all sharing the same network. For Portage County: You don't need to do anything yet, but when Bill helps you upgrade your router in the next year or two, this is the technology to ask about.
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The oldest iPhone model you can trade-in with Apple is older than you'd think
Apple accepts trade-ins on iPhones going back further than most people expect, meaning that old device sitting in a drawer might still have some dollar value. You can check your model on Apple's website to see what credit you might get toward a new phone. For Portage County: Before you toss or donate an old iPhone, look up its trade-in value at apple.com or ask Bill, because even $30 to $50 off a new device is worth knowing about.
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The free Roku app replaced my remote, headphone adapter, and on-screen keyboard
The free Roku app for your phone can replace your physical remote if it gets lost or stops working, and it also lets you type searches much faster using your phone's keyboard. It connects automatically when your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network. For Portage County: Search for 'Roku' in your phone's app store and download it for free, and call Bill if you need help getting it connected.
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How to AirPlay from iPhone or MacBook to your TV
Apple's AirPlay lets you send a video or photo from your iPhone or MacBook to your TV without any cables, as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. You tap the AirPlay icon, choose your TV from the list, and the content appears on the big screen. For Portage County: This works well for sharing vacation photos with family on your TV, and Bill can walk you through the setup if your TV isn't showing up as an option.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
Notice something off? Reply or text Bill at (330) 200-8042.
— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH