Volume 2 Issue 2 11/09/2021
Editor: Cathy Balmer
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Leisure World Computer and Technology Club
Tech Talk
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Our first program of the season was held on Monday, November 8th and covered streaming devices and services. This week's Tech Talk includes some followup information on this topic.
Other information includes:
- Digital emergency kits
- Recommended photos to store on your phone
- Android apps that should be deleted if they are on your phone
- An ad blocker that is really an ad installer
- A review of Audible Plus
- Holiday shopping tips
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LWCTC Benefits for LW Residents and Club Members
All Leisure World residents are invited to participate in our Monday programs. The newsletters and website are also available to everyone.
A recording of the video segments from the Monday meeting and a handout summarizing the devices and services will be on the website on Thursday, November 11. A link to the video is below.
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Membership is only $10 per manor per year.
Member benefits include:
- The opportunity to participate in our Thursday "Hands-On Technology" sessions where we work with the technology discussed during the Monday programs. For example, on November 11, we will have televisions in the computer classroom that are set up with streaming devices including Roku and Amazon Fire streaming sticks and Google's Chromecast. Streaming services will include YouTubeTV, Amazon Prime, and others.
- Saturday Q&A sessions begin in December
- A rotating schedule of Apple, Android, and computer topics will begin in January.
- Special interest groups (SIGs) over a variety of topics will begin in February.
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Roku streaming sticks and the Amazon Fire stick are the top streaming devices, with each having various options and features. Cord-Cutter Confidential has reviewed multiple devices. If you are considering the purchase of a streaming device, the article "Which streaming TV device lasts the longest?" may be helpful. Not mentioned in the article is the Onn streaming stick available at Walmart for just under $20. This would be an inexpensive way to try streaming if it is new to you. TechHive reviewed the Onn streaming stick and found it to be a great budget streamer.
Several streaming services were described during our program on November 8th. YouTube TV, Hulu, and Sling are among the most popular. Some of the lesser known services include Peacock, Kanopy, and Pluto TV. Wired.com describes 9 of the free streaming services available, some of which were mentioned during our program. The free services have ads and/or fewer features, but they are continually improving and allow users to try streaming with little to no investment.
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AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel will nearly reach pre-pandemic levels with more than 53.4 million people expected to travel over the upcoming holiday. Automobile travelers will make up 48.3 million of that total, or approximately 90%. A "digital first aid kit" consisting of apps in your smartphone should be packed along with other emergency supplies and travel necessities.
In an emergency such as a roadside incident we know to get to a safe place and contact 911, other emergency personnel, and family or friends as appropriate. It would also be important to turn off background apps on your phone to help your battery last as long as possible. (Click HERE for a list of apps that drain your phone's battery and storage the most.)
Komando.com describes how to turn your phone into an SOS signal. If you are in a remote location or not visible to passing motorists, it could be awhile before someone finds you. Change your outgoing voicemail message and describe what happened, where you are, and if injuries are involved. When you do not show up on time, family and friends will call and, even if the battery is no longer working, they will hear your recorded SOS message and send help.
Some apps that could be useful in case of an emergency include FEMA, AccuWeather, First Aid from the American Red Cross, the Red Panic Button, Life 360, bSafe, Kitestring, and many others. Komando.com describes these and others in the article Nine essential apps you don't want to be without in an emergency. CNET has a longer list of 16 emergency apps for wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters. Some of the apps mentioned are subscription services. ICE Contact is a free personal safety app that will deliver instant and delayed messages to friends and family In Case of Emergency (ICE).
A recent column from Kim Komando describes photos you should always have on your phone. These include the following:
- COVID-19 vaccination card
- Driver's license and other IDs
- Car license plate, VIN, and auto insurance card
- Medical and dental insurance cards
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Our Noteworthy News page is updated regularly with more links and information similar to those in Tech Talk.
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Check out our website at lwazcc.org.
Did you miss one of our Monday programs? Links to our previous programs can be found HERE.
Do you have comments or suggestions? Drop us an email at lwctclub@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!
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