The Emergency Restart Sequence:
Emergency vs. Regular Restart: What's the Difference? Think of Emergency Restart as a slightly more controlled alternative to a hard reset. When your system is completely frozen and not responding to normal commands, even the standard restart options might be inaccessible. This method seems to bypass some of those frozen processes, offering a cleaner way to force a reboot without simply cutting the power. As BetaNews aptly put it, it's "an alternative to a hard reset" and "the closest thing to holding down the on/off button on your PC without having to press it." When is Emergency Restart Your Go-To?
Ep329 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
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In the latest Google Chrome update, they have added an inbuilt PDF reader - meaning if you click a PDF online it will automatically open in the browser. The unintended side effect for me is that my existing file association for PDF which was ADOBE PDF reader was automatically changed to Chrome. Confusingly it now identifies the files in File Explorer as text files. I did a bit of digging and to encourage users to utilize this functionality, the update reset the default PDF file association to Chrome. This is a common strategy software developers use to promote new or improved features within their applications. Anyway, if you’re happy with the change (or didn’t really notice) then forget me and go on with your life, but, if it bothers you, click a PDF file -> Open with -> change the association to one of the installed options or choose another app.  Ep327 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
"The main factor you have to consider is that Wi-Fi travels very well over open air, and it travels very poorly through hard material. The best place to put a router is centrally located out in the open away from any cabinets, kitchen, plumbing, walls, things like that." 5 worst places: 1. Down on the Floor: Losing Elevation, Losing Signal 2. Trapped Behind the Couch: Soft Obstructions Still Matter 3. Banished to the Basement: Out of Sight, Out of Range 4. Locked Inside Cabinets: A Recipe for Overheating and Weak Signals 5. Nestled Near Another Router: Wi-Fi Interference Wars The Simple Solution: Open and Elevated Move it around and run a speedtest to see what the results are like. Ep326 Image created by AI
You can use the wake words Announce or Broadcast then say what you want. The systems will then record what you’ve said and play it out on all connected devices. Great for “Dinner’s Ready!” There are preset commands that use the device voice. Google Assistant has preset messages for common announcements like "Hey Google, broadcast wake up" ("It's time to wake up") or "Hey Google, broadcast dinner" ("Dinner is served"). You can reply using the reply command. You can talk to specific devices or all devices as you wish. Ep324 Image created by AI
You may not know about a handy Windows feature called Clipboard History. It essentially keeps a record of multiple items you've copied (text, images, links, etc.) instead of just the most recent one. This allows you to paste something you copied earlier without having to go back and copy it again. 
Ep323 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
Check out if your PC qualifies. Even if you’ve done the check before, check again as things may have changed. Type Update in the search box and click Check for Updates (if you don’t see any pending updates). Google search Windows 11 (Download Windows 11)  Ep322 - Image by MITE Radio (screenshot).
Here's a breakdown of Live Caption and its implementation:
Core Functionality:
Implementation on Android Devices:
Key Features and Settings:
Important Notes:
In summary, Live Caption is a valuable accessibility feature that is most consistently implemented on Google Pixel devices. Its availability and functionality on other Android devices can vary, so users should check their device's settings or contact their manufacturer for specific details. Ep321 - Image by MITE Radio (screenshot)
The reason providers include it is to prevent excessive data usage from devices like PCs or laptops, which can chew through data much faster than a phone typically would. Tethering can also enable multiple devices to connect and use one data source, putting more strain on the network.
However, many modern phone plans do allow tethering or hotspot use, but:
Here's an overview of tethering (using your phone as a hotspot) policies for major Australian mobile providers: Telstra:
Ep320 - Image by AI "Hey Gemini, We're Going Live!": Unlock Interactive AI Experiences (And What to Watch Out For) Want to experience the future of AI interaction right now? Try saying, "Hey Gemini, Let’s Talk" and witness the dynamic, real-time engagement that's already here. This isn't just about getting answers; it's about creating interactive experiences. Here's how you can dive in and some things to keep in mind.  Try These Interactive Gemini Experiences:
While the "go live" experience is impressive, it's crucial to understand the current limitations:
Despite these limitations, experiencing "Hey Gemini, we're going live" is a glimpse into the future of AI interaction. It's a chance to:
Ep319 - This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: https://gemini.google.com/
What Are Google Play System Updates?
These updates are crucial for delivering features like Android 12’s Privacy Dashboard, the expanded Find My Device network, Theft Detection Lock, and improvements to Play Protect. They allow Google to bypass manufacturer delays and push updates directly to users. The Hidden Update Problem Despite their importance, Google Play system updates are often buried within Android settings. On Pixel devices, they're found under "Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates," separate from the main software update section. Many users are unaware of their existence, leading to significant delays. A recent poll indicated that 21% of users have no idea what these updates are. "On my Pixel 7, my daily driver, where the main software is up to date with the March security patch, the Play system was lagging on a February release. I updated it to the March release and then once more with a more recent March release. And I’m very diligent about this! Imagine if I wasn’t." one user reported. Why the Secrecy? The reason behind Google's lack of transparency remains a mystery. The separation of update menus and the absence of clear notifications contribute to the problem. The very name, "Google Play system updates," is misleading, as many updates have little to do with the Play Store. The core issue is the lack of user notification. Google could easily implement a simple alert when a Play system update is available, but they choose not to. As a result, updates often remain pending until a device restart, which many users perform infrequently. This lag defeats the purpose of Project Mainline, which aimed to deliver updates promptly. How to Check for Updates To check for Google Play system updates:
Regularly checking for these updates is crucial to ensure your device is secure and up-to-date. The Bottom Line Google's failure to adequately inform users about Play system updates is a significant oversight. While the updates are designed to streamline and improve Android, their hidden nature undermines their effectiveness. Until Google addresses this issue, Android users must remain vigilant and proactively seek out these essential updates… every month. Ep319 - Images by MITE Radio (screenshots) Updates to your devices are great an-all especially to help protect us from hackers and malicious software, but what about all the good stuff? How do we find out about them and then turn them on? Listen to us for starters, but Google has some online repositories for further info: https://www.android.com/intl/en_au/new-features-on-android/  Ep318 - Image by MITE Radio
This move marks a return to Facebook's roots, focusing on connecting users with the people they actually know. The new tab, located alongside friend requests and suggestions, will also feature friends' stories, reels, and posts.
"We're bringing back the magic of friends," Meta stated in its announcement, acknowledging the shift away from the platform's original purpose. Reclaiming Your Feed: Pinning the 'Friends' Tab The "Friends" tab will initially be accessible through the navigation bar and Bookmarks section. However, you can permanently pin the tab for easy access. To do so, navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Tab bar, and select "Friends" to pin it to your navigation bar. The announcement has resonated with long-time Facebook users who have witnessed the platform's evolution. "My Facebook account is turning 21 this year, so I remember when using the social media site was simply about keeping up with friends," said one user. "The site is different now. I just counted the first 20 posts on my Facebook feed, and thanks to the site's 'discovery engine,' only three were posts from human friends. I'm looking forward to this new feature." A Shift in Focus: From Algorithms to Authentic Connections The introduction of the "Friends" tab signals a potential shift in Facebook's strategy, moving away from algorithmic content curation and towards fostering genuine connections. This move comes amidst growing user fatigue with algorithm-driven feeds that often prioritize engagement over meaningful interactions. While the "Friends" tab will coexist with the traditional, algorithmically driven feed, it offers users a choice to experience Facebook in a more curated and personal way. The feature is expected to roll out to all users throughout the year, promising a step back in time for those who miss the original Facebook experience. Ep 315 - Image created by AI  That alarming pop-up claiming your computer has been hacked is likely scareware, a common cybercrime tactic designed to frighten you into downloading malware or paying for fake tech support. But now, Windows 11 users have a new weapon in the fight against these scams: a built-in scareware blocker in the Microsoft Edge browser. Fighting Fear with AI: Scareware, often disguised as urgent security alerts, preys on fear. These deceptive pop-ups warn of imminent data breaches or system infections, urging immediate action. Often, they direct users to call fake "technicians" or install bogus antivirus software that can actually harm your system. Microsoft is tackling this problem head-on with a new AI-powered scareware blocker integrated directly into Edge. This tool, similar to the existing Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, is trained to recognize the telltale signs of scareware scams. When encountered, it instantly warns users and prompts them to leave the malicious page. Screenshot Capture for Enhanced Detection: A key element of this new feature is automatic screenshot capture. Whenever a scareware attempt is blocked, Edge takes a snapshot of the scam pop-up. This data is then used to further train the AI, improving its ability to identify and neutralize future threats. This continuous learning process makes the blocker more effective over time. Enabling the Scareware Blocker: While a powerful tool, the scareware blocker isn't automatically enabled. Here's how to turn it on:
Note: The feature is still rolling out, so it might not be immediately visible to all users. Check back in a few days if you don't see it. Microsoft's Broader Approach: This new tool is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to online security. The Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit (MDCU) actively works to disrupt the cybercriminal supply chain, targeting the source of these scams. Microsoft also encourages users to report false security alerts to help improve the scareware blocker's accuracy. Staying Safe Online: Even with this new protection, staying vigilant is crucial. Here are some essential tips:
By combining Microsoft's new scareware blocker with safe browsing practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these deceptive scams. Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against cybercrime. Ep314 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
In today's interconnected world, our web browsers have become digital hubs, handling everything from online banking and shopping to work tasks and casual browsing. However, this convergence can lead to a chaotic mix of bookmarks, browsing history, and logged-in accounts, potentially compromising security and productivity. Enter the solution: multiple browser profiles. Modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge offer the ability to create distinct profiles, each with its own set of settings, extensions, cookies, and browsing history. This seemingly simple feature can dramatically enhance your online experience, offering numerous advantages for various tasks.  Typically you’ll have a google account connected to your internet browser profile and likely you will only have one profile and one account. Create a second profile and don’t login to your google account in the browser. If you want to check your email or anything in your account, just login to the page for gmail or accounts rather than connecting your whole profile. This will give you a local browser profile with its own cache, bookmarks, history and hopefully less spam, popups and general noise… at least for a little while. Ep312 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
Google Chrome has just introduced a nifty way to personalize your browsing experience: customizable toolbar buttons. No more digging through menus for your favorite features! Here's how to make the most of this new customization:  1. Access the Customization Panel:
2. Explore the Available Toolbar Buttons:
3. Pin Your Essential Shortcuts:
4. Streamline Your Workflow:
5. Keep it Clean and Organized:
6. Regularly Review Your Toolbar:
7. Enhance Productivity:
By following these tips, you can transform your Chrome toolbar into a personalized command center, boosting your browsing efficiency and overall user experience. Ep311 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
Hopefully you know how to do a basic Google Search and are familiar with using “Quotation marks” -dashes (minus) to exclude Vs for comparisons  But what about ~tilde and .. dot dot? and | pipe ~ Tilde gives you synonyms so searching for music ~classes will look for similar words to classes (so lessons, coaching, …) Arguable Google already does similar searching automatically, but see what difference this makes and decide for yourself. .. dot dot gives you a range alfa spider 2001..2002 world war 2 1939..1945 | pipe gives you OR site:ebay.com.au 14tb|16tb "red dress" | "blue dress" Ep310 Image Source: https://www.google.com/
Are you a Microsoft 365 user paying a yearly subscription? It’s around $159 with the latest price rises. It does give you AI functionality for the extra premium as well as the latest versions and you get 1TB of OneDrive storage. For many, Microsoft 365 has become an unavoidable expense, and a constant reminder of recurring fees and the feeling of being perpetually tied to a subscription. But with the arrival of Microsoft Office 2024, we now have a viable alternative that promises freedom and long-term savings.  "It's time to break up with Microsoft 365 and level up with Microsoft Office instead," declares the product's marketing, highlighting the 2024 edition's availability for both Mac and PC users. A key selling point is the lifetime license, available for a one-time fee, currently offered at a discounted price. The financial benefits are clear. By opting for a lifetime license, users can avoid the ever-increasing costs of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including the recently announced $20 annual price hike. Calculations show that the one-time purchase pays for itself in approximately 18 months, making it a sound investment for long-term users. But the appeal of Office 2024 extends beyond cost savings. The latest version boasts significant improvements to popular applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, all infused with AI-powered assistance, so you only really miss out on OneDrive. If you don’t care about the MS cloud storage option, then, Office 2024 is a no brainer for $219 (for life). Ep309 Image Source: Microsoft Office 2024 website
Here's why you should consider giving Llama a try: Well, if you use Facebook Messenger, it’s right there ready for your questions or to help out. Messages in chats are private btw, so Meta AI can’t view, search or edit them… but if you need to check on something mid conversation, you can summon the jeannie (so to speak) without leaving the Messenger App, ask questions, get answers and, copy and paste bits all without missing a beat. Llama is open source, so everyday users can explore, modify, and build upon its foundation rather than the proprietary offerings by ChatGPT and Gemini. Llama is designed to be efficient, offering various model sizes to suit different computational needs. Whether you have access to powerful hardware or limited resources, Llama can adapt to your requirements. Llama has proven its ability to excel in language understanding and generation tasks. You can leverage its power for various applications, from text summarization and translation to creative writing and code generation. By trying Llama, you're not just using an LLM; you're contributing to the future of AI. Meta's commitment to open-source development is shaping the landscape of AI, making it more accessible and democratic. Ep308 Image created by AI
Hopefully by now you’re all aware of how to get apps for your devices from either the Google Play or the Apple App stores. These are great places to get secure and tested apps as you are protected to some degree by Apple and Google. What you may not know is these days very many apps are all web (internet browser) based which means they run from your web browser on any device, Apple, Android, Windows, Mac, … These types of apps generally just display data and give you a view of websites in a nice mobile device format. They are generally more lightweight and use less system resources - you’re just opening a website in a controlled environment. Some good examples especially in Australia include MITE Radio, FuelWatch, Brightstar Kids. Look for the install option in the web browser URL header or perhaps you will see a popup.  You may see an Add “To Homescreen” option The PWA is downloaded onto your drive and when launched it looks and behaves like an app but it’s just a webpage. If you’re installing a game that uses heavy graphics or needs a lot of local storage to make gameplay smoother and more enjoyable, then those kinds of apps are generally fully blown apps and are delivered from the app stores. Ep307 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
What is "Saved Info"? "Saved info" allows users to personalize their Gemini experience by storing specific details about their preferences, life, and work. This eliminates the need to repeatedly provide context in every conversation. Think of it as giving Gemini a personal cheat sheet, ensuring it understands your unique needs and preferences. For example, you can tell Gemini:
These saved preferences shape Gemini's responses, making interactions more efficient and relevant. How to Use It Users can manage their saved information in several ways:
Democratizing Advanced AI Google initially launched "Saved info" for Gemini Advanced subscribers in November. The decision to make it free reflects Google's commitment to making advanced AI accessible to a wider audience. This move enhances Gemini's utility as a personal assistant and information tool. Rollout and Availability The rollout of "Saved info" to free users has begun, but it is not yet universally available. Currently, it's primarily being observed on gemini.google.com. Users can find the "Saved info" section via a prompt or by tapping "Settings" in the web side panel. On mobile devices, it appears at the top of the account menu. As the feature becomes more widely available, users can expect a more personalized and efficient experience with Gemini. This update highlights the ongoing evolution of AI, with a focus on tailoring technology to individual needs and preferences. Ep306 Image Source: https://gemini.google.com/app
The Ingredient-Based Inspiration:
The Visual Approach: Fridge Inventory Made Easy:
Beyond Food: Cocktail Creations:
Why This Works:
Tips for Success:
Let Gemini take the guesswork out of meal planning and cocktail creation, making your kitchen adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. Ep305 Image created by AI
Here's how to use Gemini to streamline your recipe experience: 1. Copy the Recipe Link:
2. Ask Gemini to Summarize:
3. Convert Units (Optional):
4. Generate a Shopping List (Optional):
Example Prompt: "Summarize this recipe: [Recipe URL]. Provide a list of ingredients and a list of steps. Also, convert all measurements to grams and milliliters. Generate a shopping list and save it to my Google Keep notes." Why This Works:
Tips for Best Results:
With Gemini, you can spend less time reading and more time cooking. Enjoy! Ep304 Image created by AI
Why Share Passwords Securely?
How to Share Passwords Using Google Password Manager on any device: 1. Open Chrome:
2. Access Password Manager:
3. Choose the Password:
4. Tap "Share":
5. Select Family Members:
Important Tips:
Using this method, you can safely and efficiently share passwords with your family, ensuring everyone has access to the online services they need. Ep303 Image Source: https://passwords.google.com/
Have you used task Manager in Windows to see running programs and perhaps try to find a particular program to kill it? The Windows Task Manager is a powerful tool for monitoring your system's performance, but its constant, real-time updates can be a bit overwhelming. Processes jump around, resource usage fluctuates, and it's easy to lose track of what you're trying to analyze. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by this dynamic display, here's a simple trick to literally take control: freeze the Task Manager. How to Freeze the Task Manager:
 Ep301 Image Source: Screenshot taken by Mite Radio
Google Family Sharing lets up to six family members share purchases, subscriptions, and more. Maximize its potential with these tips:
 1. Sign in to your Google Account:
2. Create a family group:
3. Invite family members:
4. Accept the invitation:
Important Notes:
Once your family group is created, you can start sharing Google services and content! Unlock the full potential of Family Sharing for a more connected and organized household. Ep300 Image Source: https://families.google/families/
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AuthorDelve into the world of MITE Radio through our captivating blogs. From music and tech to community news, our articles offer fresh perspectives and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Stay informed, connect with our community, and explore MITE Radio in a new way today! Archives
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