3 HANDY APPLE MAC KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

APPLE MAC KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS ~ 3 Tips That Are Useful When Creating Documents (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED How often have you said “I wish I could easily make a screen shot of the entire screen, or a selectable portion of it, so I can have a record, or insert it in a document”? A screenshot is a photograph in the PNG format. It can easily be converted to a JPEG by opening it up, selecting EXPORT under the file menu and then selecting JPEG followed by DESKTOP, its final destination. How about an easy way to access symbols and emojis while you’re creating an email, or preparing a WORD document? Well here are some tips on achieving those goals on your Macintosh computer’s keyboard. To make a screen shot of the entire desktop on your computer’s display simply depress simultaneously the SHIFT, COMMAND and NUMBER 3 keys on the MAC keyboard. This will create a full-screen snapshot of the entire screen/desktop. If you would prefer to create a snapshot of a selected portion of the material you desire, simply depress simultaneously the SHIFT, COMMAND and NUMBER 4 keys on your MAC keyboard. You’ll notice that upon releasing the keys, your cursor now displays a crosshair symbol. Now move the mouse while depressing the left key until you have created the size and position of the snapshot that’s desired. Upon releasing the mouse’s key your snapshot is made and placed on the desktop. Screenshots are automatically labeled as such and thus positioned in the alphabetical order of the S’s, as a file. If you desire an easy way to access symbols and special characters, as well as emojis, simultaneously depress COMMAND and the NUMBER 3 keys and wait for a small popup adjustable screen to appear. Clicking on the desire symbol, character, or emoji will place it in your document exactly where your cursor was last displayed. Ok, how do you remember all this? Purchase a package of AVERY # 5795 Color Coding Labels available at Amazon, or at most office supply stores. These are labels that are the size of dots in the colors of green, yellow, blue and red. They’re small enough to be placed on your MAC’s keyboard to aid you in knowing what keys need to be depressed (see photo at top of page). Adding a small paper, or DYMO label to your keyboard, or display’s frame, would indicate which color represents what action is to take place and help you achieve the desired end result. I selected RED for IEMOJ, BLUE for ENTIRE SCREEN SHOT, and GREEN for SELECTABLE SCREEN SHOTS. You may wish to place this label that indicates what functions the colored keys will perform, on your keyboard, or computer’s display. Enjoy!

Graphic credits: The Gadgeteer & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

APPLE WATCH dummies 4th Edition - Series 6

APPLE WATCH dummies 4th Edition The Missing “How To Book” for Series 6 (Please note that if the layout of this column looks a bit strange it is due to Google, the new publisher of Blogspot. Since Google’s recent purchase of Blogspot they have made several questionable changes that are beyond the control of THE GADGETEER) The Missing Handbook For Apple Watch Owners…. BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – CORRESPONDENT © 2021 The July 2019 column of THE GADGETEER featured Marc Saltzman’s APPLE WATCH FOR DUMMIES, 3rd Edition book geared to the Apple Watch Series 5. https://bit.ly/3d7q20V Recently, Apple introduced the Series 6 watch with many additional features and capabilities. Marc has now published an updated edition of this Dummies book to include these many changes and additional features. As is often the case manufacturers like Apple neglect to include adequate instructions to aid us in gaining the maximum benefits of the product. The word DUMMIES does not mean to demean the reader’s abilities, but rather provide a source for those of us not necessarily in the know. APPLE WATCH FOR DUMMIES, 4th EDITION is written to help us learn about this latest Apple Watch series, how to customize the watch to your personal requirements and discover key features of the newest watch OS. While the Series 5 watch introduced us to its EKG measurement capability, the Series 6 watch now includes a major benefit in that it now can also measure your oxygen saturation and all this data can be forwarded on to others such as your doctor. These improvements have resulted in saving lives and are often recommended by medical practitioners to their patients. Marc discusses how to do many things including playing audio books and how you can listen to downloadable free dramas and comedies including old time radio shows on your watch. This book is a magnificent resource for getting immediate “how-to” solutions to maximizing the use of all the hidden benefits of the watch. I highly recommend APPLE WATCH FOR DUMMIES, 4th Edition to both the first time user and previous owners of Apple Watches. It can also come in handy even if you have previous models. It truly is the manual that should have been included with your purchase! Lastly, Check with your CPA to see if a script from your doctor might qualify the cost of the watch to become a tax deduction if you have any medical conditions that might warrant such deductions. MSRP: $26.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ Available at bookstores, Amazon and other on-line retailers. For more information: https://amzn.to/3s4C6Et Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

CES 2021 VIRTUAL ~ A Look At Samsung’s Appliance Innovations (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This year’s annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was not held in the traditional on-site manner, but rather virtually due to COVID-19 in early January. Therefore it was difficult for me to report on the show in my usual mode. Consequently I received numerous reports and press releases of new technology to be released in 2021. With that in mind I’ve opted to zero in on two particular products. Better late then never, so here goes…. I’ve chosen two unique products from Samsung. The JetBot 90 Ai+ that cleans your floors with innovative navigation technology and Samsung’s Series 8800 washer-dryer pair that takes the guesswork out of doing laundry. Both these outstanding products received this year’s CES Innovation Awards and will be introduced in the USA in the first half of 2021.

JetBot 90 Ai+ Vacuum The JetBot 90 Ai+ is the first truly smart robotic vacuum that’s powered by Intel® and incorporates a combination of sensors and Ai-enhanced object recognition technology. A Lidar sensor, much like that used in self-driving cars, detects distance and tracks location for exacting its movement. A 3D sensor recognizes the difference between objects such as a toy, or a leg chair. It can even detect small objects on the floor and recognizes a room’s shape to aid in the navigation process thus seeking the most efficient route. Best of all it can detect when your pet has made a mess, avoid it and send you a notification so you’ll know to clean it up. The JetBot 90 Ai+ then uses this information to clean closely around items on the floor maintaining a safe distance from fragile objects and can also automatically lower itself under furniture. As it cleans the floor it maximizes the suction power to trap dust from the air and dirt from the floor. The self-cleaning brush picks up dust from hard floors and can reach into tight crevices. When the cleaning process is completed it automatically heads back to its base that also serves as a disposal system. It now empties the collected debris into a bag that you replace every two, or three months. The JetBot may also be operated via your Smartphone when the Samsung SmartThings app is installed. This feature allows you to control the vacuum process from anywhere. And if that’s not enough you can connect up with its onboard camera to monitor your home and your pets while you’re away.

Samsung WF8800A Series Washer The Samsung washer/dryer series 8800 with Smart Dial Technology learns your preferred cycles and settings, and then prioritizes them for quick access in a simplified, easy-to-use centrally located control panel. It also suggests specific cycles based on intelligent learning of past cycles run on particular days of the week, or at specific times. Its powerful OptoWash feature detects the laundry load’s weight and uses a Turbidity Sensor to determine the ideal amount of water vs detergent to use in the cycle. It also computes how long to wash clothing thus ensuring that your clothes come out the cleanest possible. Using a stacked washer/dryer is made easy with Samsung’s MultiControl feature. This allows you to fully operate both the washer and dryer from one centralized panel on the washer thus keeping all controls within easy reach. You can also use the previously discussed SmartThings app to receive “end of cycle” alerts, remotely start/stop your wash, schedule cycles, and much more from your Smartphone. The DV8800A companion dryer automatically optimizes its cycle too, so you no longer have to check to see if your clothes are dry at the end of the cycle and perhaps have to calculate how much time you have to add, because this dryer does that too. When using the super speed drying cycle, your clothes can be dry in as little as thirty minutes. Without a doubt these Samsung household appliances set the new standard for household appliances for many years to come. By the looks of it I hope a comprehensive operational tutorial video is made available and your local service technician is up to speed. Lol!!! GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out THE GADGETEER’S Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

FEILIFAN CABLE CLIPS ~ Cable Mounting, or Simply Multiple Cable Organization…. (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Several issues back I did a column featuring the STAGEEK CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. https://bit.ly/3p3xVIG This system lends itself well for hiding short as well as long cable runs while accommodating a number of multiple cables. But what do you do when you have only one cable to extend on a wall, or you simply want to tidy up a spider web of hookup cables that connect to your computer, or similar electronic gadgets? FEILIFAN CABLE CLIPS has a quick and simple solution. Available in two gauge diameter sizes, these self-stick clips attach to various surfaces with the supplied double-sided self-stick tape. Since no screws are needed it’s easy to attach and remove the clips while never leaving unsightly traces of their removal. The FEILIFAN CABLE CLIPS are available in black, white and clear as well as two different gauge sizes that should accommodate most cable sizes. Cables are inserted in an over/under clip fashion that makes for quick and easy cable installation and removal. I’ve used them for 30+-foot Cat5 cable runs in hard to reach places such as wall/ceiling joints. An easy, inexpensive solution to what could be a difficult problem solver. GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $9.96 (60pcs Small diameter) $10.99 (48pcs Large diameter) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/2I6xaOs Graphic credits: Amazon Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO OVER-THE-AIR TV

CUTTING THE CABLE CORD ~ A Simple Guide To Over-The-Air FREE TV (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Have you wanted to drop your cable provider for some alternative to the traditional cable TV service? Perhaps it’s a desire you’ve had, but don’t quite know where to begin, or even what’s available much less the cost savings and how to understand it all? These days cable costs have skyrocketed since the inception of early cable TV, plus all the hidden charges can kill your budget. Andrea Polk is a former criminologist turned freelance writer, housewife and mother. She’s not a techie by any means, but just simply someone who decided to explore the options for providing broadcast television at an affordable price for her family. After much research she discovered many options that are either free, or available at a low subscription, cancelable cost. This persistent research provided her the knowledge to author the book, “SIMPLE GUIDE TO OVER-THE-AIR FREE TV”. This book is written in easy to understand, layman’s terms. Andrea takes you through her pros and cons and the steps she personally experienced to aid her in making it happen. It’s broken into fifteen chapters that include subjects like how to make the cut, explanations of technical terms in layman’s language, digital and over-the-air antennas (OTA) and easy steps to make it all happen. An explanation of Analog and digital broadcasting is explained as well. As she points out some stations transmit different programming on several different digital channels they transmit. An example would be 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and so on, all from the same station. A bit more explanation for the reader would have been helpful on this topic, as few people understand the concept. She explains how to obtain broadcast services like ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and independent broadcast stations for free. She also includes an extensive list of low-cost subscription apps and services that provide specific types of programming that can easily be received on a subscription basis with an add-on device such as Roku. This information is most valuable in that she includes the type of programing they provide and typical associated costs you could expect plus how to become a subscriber and what equipment you may need to make it all happen. One does have to consider that this book was originally copyrighted in 2014 and updated in 2019, so the fees and providers that she mentions may have slightly changed plus even more services may have become available. Also included is a section on international TV programming, something that normally could be difficult to find. “SIMPLE GUIDE TO OVER-THE-AIR FREE TV”, is an easy to read and understand step-by-step book that easily guides you to cutting the cable cord. You’ll want to keep this one handy, as it’ll become your reference for many years to come! GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $6.99 paperback (Also available in a Kindle Edition) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3elKqur Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

CLCKR STAND & GRIP CASE COMBO

CLCKR STAND & GRIP CASE ~ For iPhone PRO 11 & 12 Users…. © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) In a previous column we featured CLCKR’s universal Phone grip and stand, a very useful accessory easily attachable to most smartphones. https://bit.ly/3epinKD Now CLCKR has introduced the CLCKR STAND & GRIP CASE for the iPhone 12 PRO. We tested a case specifically marketed for the iPhone PRO 12, 6.1” model, but found this model also nicely accommodated the 11 PRO version as well. I noted a slight, but tolerable up/down slippage of the inserted phone. The CLCKR STAND & GRIP CASE includes both the collapsible stand and grip features that are all built in to a fabric type of material. It prevents dropping your phone and fatigued fingers in constant use situations. This style case also offers some protection to the phones housing while still allowing access to the side buttons, lower mic, speakers and the lightning connector. Obviously, it can’t prevent the glass from breaking since it has no protective covering over it. Perhaps the best feature is the ease of positioning the phone on a surface for landscape, or portrait photography as well as making FaceTime, SKYPE and ZOOM calls. It may take a little usage of the grip to get it to position itself without it wanting to return back to its collapsed position. A visit to CLCKR’S web site will reveal various models, sizes and versions of this useful accessory. Considering the low cost it should be an easy decision and a worthwhile addition to your iPhone accessories and picture taking fun. MSRP: $34.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://www.clckr.com/us/clckr-case Available at manufacturer’s web site above. Graphic credits: CLCKR Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ##

APPLE TV 4K/HD - The Missing User Guide 2019

APPLE TV 4K/HD ~ The Missing User Guide – 2019 Edition (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2020 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I’m sure you’ve heard lots about a device called Apple TV? No, it’s not a television flat screen, but rather an add-on box that plugs into a spare HDMI port of your flat screen. It’s much like Roku, Firestick and Android TV, but much more advanced. It comes with some preloaded apps and has the capability of adding many additional apps. All these apps generally are not selectable on your flat screen, or DVR, so Apple TV allows you to secure programming not normally available by broadcast television with these apps. Apple TV was first introduced in 2006 and released in early 2007, but since that time many features have been added including the possibility of adding to the app selection. Apple has also added Apple TV+, its own programming subscription service that offers original, made for Apple, programming. Look for the Apple TV App to be added to some new flat screen models in the near future. As I mentioned in my subtitle, APPLE TV 4K/HD USER GUIDE, is truly the manual that should have been included with your purchase of the Apple TV device. As is quite common these days most electronic gadgets don’t include much in the way of written instructions, but expect the user to already have the operational skills to use them. Such is the case with Apple TV. APPLE TV 4K/HD USER GUIDE, is a book that’s laid out in sectional topics as opposed to chapters. If there’s a question you have it relies on the reader to see if it’s listed in the index that show pages and then directs you to one of those 130 pages. Typical topics include setting up various functions, adding apps, linking most flat screen remote functions to Apple’s remote and how to use the unusual Apple TV remote control. I say “unusual” because most functions on Apple’s remote require sliding your finger on what’s commonly thought of as a discrete touch pad. Incidentally this remote is a very poor design on Apple’s part. I’ll be reviewing a SALT alternative remote in a future column that runs circles around Apple’s. This book is certainly filled with tons of valuable, good operational information even though the numerous grammar and spelling errors are surprising and do stand out. GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $9.95 paperback (Also available in a Kindle Edition at less cost) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3jVFJbJ Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore Also, be sure to listen to the latest episode of “CONVERSATIONS WITH THE GADGETEER”. THE GADGETEER'S latest podcast is now published and available. This episode is entitled, APPLE WATCH AND MORE ABOUT APPLE. A PODCAST discussion about the Apple Watch and some other Apple products with Marc Saltzman author of his book, APPLE WATCH DUMMIES. Our discussion includes tips, tricks and features, and much, much more. Simply double click on the link, or logo below for quick access: http://thegadgeteer.libsyn.com/