Lance Whitney
@lancewhit.bsky.social
I’m a freelance technology writer and journalist and a book author. I love old films, jazz, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Spider-Man. And I’m a parent to Mr. Giggles the cat.
Want to make your Android phone look and work a bit more like an iPhone? Here are six ways to do that. zdnet.com/tech/make-an... via @zdnet.bsky.social
6 ways to make Android look and work more like iOS - ZDNET
Use Android, but like some elements of iOS? Here's how to get the best of both.
zdnet.com
Do you use Windows but prefer the design of Apple's Mac operating system? Here are six ways to make Windows look more like macOS. zdnet.com/tech/how-to-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
How to make Windows more like MacOS: 6 tweaks to try - ZDNET
Want a Windows environment with an Apple aesthetic? Try these changes.
zdnet.com
Are you using the new Siri AI on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? If so, you should review the privacy options to ensure that any personal information you share in your conversations remains private. Here's how. pcmag.com/how-to/worri...
Worried That Siri AI Knows Too Much About You? 7 Ways to Protect Your Privacy
Using Siri AI in iOS 27? Here’s how to review and adjust your privacy options to make sure your chats are as protected as possible.
pcmag.com
There's a lot more you can do with Apple Messages on your iPhone than just send and receive plain old texts. Here are 18 things you can do with it, including several new options courtesy of iOS 27. pcmag.com/explainers/a...
18 Handy Apple Messages Features You Should Already Be Using
From asking Siri AI for writing assistance to creating a Genmoji based on a description or photo, iOS 27 adds several helpful new features for Apple Messages. Here’s how to take advantage of them.
pcmag.com
Do you use Google's Gemini app or website for free? Your choice of AI models will soon be limited to the weakest one. zdnet.com/innovation/g... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Use Gemini for free? You'll soon be limited to its weakest AI model - ZDNET
Google is cutting off free users from the Flash and Pro models. AI Plus subscribers are losing out too
zdnet.com
Still using Microsoft Office 2021? Microsoft is cutting off technical support and security updates in another week. You can still use the program but you won't be protected against new security flaws. Here are five options to consider. zdnet.com/tech/microso... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Office 2021 support ends this month - you have 5 options - ZDNET
Microsoft is ending support and updates for Office 2021 on October 13. What does that mean, and what are your alternatives?
zdnet.com
Malicious websites can infect your PC with viruses and spyware, steal your personal data, take over your system, and hijack your accounts. Here are seven ways to protect yourself. pcmag.com/explainers/m...
Malicious Websites Are Built to Scam You. Stay Safe With These 7 Defensive Tips
From enabling secure DNS to double-checking extensions, here's how I stay one step ahead of the cybercriminals while on the web.
pcmag.com
Do you have an older iPhone that doesn't support the new Siri AI or Apple Intelligence? There are still a host of reasons to upgrade your phone to iOS 27. Here are seven cool new features in this latest version of iOS. zdnet.com/tech/ios-27-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
7 iOS 27 features that make old iPhones exciting again (no Apple Intelligence needed) - ZDNET
Do you own an older iPhone that doesn’t support Siri AI or Apple Intelligence? Upgrading to iOS 27 is still worth the effort. Here are seven reasons why.
zdnet.com
This hidden setting on your iPhone with iOS 27 aims to protect you from scammers. Here's how it works and how to enable it. zdnet.com/tech/ios-27-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Your iPhone just got a hidden anti-scam upgrade in iOS 27: How to enable it - ZDNET
New with iOS 27 (and iPadOS 27) is a setting called Impersonation Risk Detection that aims to warn you of suspicious activity that could trap you in a scam.
zdnet.com
Microsoft has officially launched the 2026 update to Windows 11, namely Windows 11 26H2. What does it offer, and should you install it? zdnet.com/tech/windows... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Windows 11 26H2 update arrives: What's inside and who should install it ASAP - ZDNET
The 2026 edition of Windows 11 is now officially available. But what does it offer over the 2025 version, and is it worth updating your PC?
zdnet.com
Got an iPhone 18 Pro? Me too. Here are my five favorite features on the newest iPhone and how you can try them as well. zdnet.com/tech/iphone-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
I've used the iPhone 18 Pro for a week - these 5 features make the upgrade worth it - ZDNET
I upgraded my iPhone 16 Pro as soon as the 18 Pro dropped - and I don't regret it. Here are five reasons why.
zdnet.com
Does your iPhone 18 Pro ever accidentally freeze and restart? A fix is available with the latest update to iOS 27. Here's how to grab it. zdnet.com/tech/iphone-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
iOS 27.0.1 released: Apple fixes annoying iPhone 18 Pro restart and freezing issues - ZDNET
The first update to iOS 27 squashes a bug in which the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would freeze or restart when you try to use Face ID.
zdnet.com
Microsoft is bringing back its Surface mouse, now with cool new features like haptic feedback and a customizable action button. I'm buying one when it launches in October. Here's why. zdnet.com/home-and-off... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Microsoft's Surface Mouse is back, now with haptic feedback - and I need it - ZDNET
Due October 13, the $80 Surface mouse packs an impressive array of features. I want one.
zdnet.com
Do you have a new Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 that's randomly restarting? It's a known bug, but Apple has fixed it with watchOS 27.0.1. Here's how to grab this latest update. zdnet.com/tech/apple-w... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Is your Apple Watch 12 or Ultra 4 randomly restarting? Here's the fix - ZDNET
Some owners, including me, have reported sudden shutdowns while adjusting Apple Watch settings.
zdnet.com
With watchOS 27 on my new Apple Watch, I love using Siri AI. But there are other cool features, both new and improved. Here are my five favorites. zdnet.com/business/my-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
My favorite 5 Watch OS 27 upgrades - and how to try them yourself - ZDNET
Siri AI has finally arrived on WatchOS, but you’ll find other useful features, too. Here are my five favorites.
zdnet.com
The September Windows security update may break the File History tool, which many people use to back up and restore important files. But there is a fix. Here's how to apply it. zdnet.com/business/win... via @zdnet.bsky.social
How to fix your Windows File History if the September update broke it - ZDNET
A bug in the Windows Sept patch Tuesday update may stop File History from working. But a new optional update fixes it.
zdnet.com
I regularly use the Apple Wallet app on my iPhone, and iOS 27 adds several new and improved features. Here are five of my favorites. zdnet.com/business/ios... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Apple Wallet can split the bill for you in iOS 27 - plus 4 more cool upgrades - ZDNET
With iOS 27, Apple has spruced the Wallet app so that it’s even more helpful. Here are five new things you should try.
zdnet.com
In iOS 27, Siri AI can "see" your screen to provide information, answer questions, and run commands related to the content on it. Here are five ways I use this cool new feature. zdnet.com/innovation/s... via @zdnet.bsky.social
My 5 favorite Siri AI 'onscreen awareness' tricks - and why - ZDNET
With the new onscreen awareness feature, Siri can provide information and answer questions about the content on any iPhone screen. Here's how I use it.
zdnet.com
In iOS 27, Siri AI can "see" your screen to provide information, answer questions, and run commands related to the content on it. Here are five ways I use this cool new feature. zdnet.com/innovation/s... via @zdnet.bsky.social
My 5 favorite Siri AI 'onscreen awareness' tricks - and why - ZDNET
With the new onscreen awareness feature, Siri can provide information and answer questions about the content on any iPhone screen. Here's how I use it.
zdnet.com
Whether you just bought a new iPhone with iOS 27 or upgraded your existing phone to the new operating system, here are five things you should do first. zdnet.com/tech/5-thing... via @zdnet.bsky.social
After your iOS 27 upgrade, do these 5 things first - ZDNET
Whether you just bought a new iPhone or upgraded to iOS 27 on your existing phone, here are five things you should do before diving in.
zdnet.com
Did you buy an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or 16 in 2024 or 2025? Apple has settled a Siri AI class-action lawsuit with a payout of $250 million. Here’s how to qualify for the settlement and file a claim to get your cut. zdnet.com/business/cla... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Claim up to $95 today from Apple's Siri AI settlement - here's how - ZDNET
Got an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or 16? Apple is doling out $250 million - here’s how to qualify and file a claim to get your cut.
zdnet.com
Fake calendar invites can infect your PC or device with malware. Here's how they work and how to protect yourself against them. zdnet.com/tech/fake-ca... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Fake calendar invites can infect your system, and they're surging - how to protect yourself - ZDNET
These invites sneak past your security software to embed themselves in your calendar. But you can thwart them before they do any damage.
zdnet.com
Curious about all the things you can do with Safari on your iPhone? Here are 21 helpful features and settings, including ones you can now access in iOS 27. pcmag.com/how-to/apple...
Safari Keeps Getting Better. Try These 21 Hidden Tricks Now That iOS 27 Is Here
Apple's default web browser has a host of helpful features to help you navigate the web. Upgrading to iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 adds automatic tab groups, custom extensions, and live page tracking.
pcmag.com
Worried about your privacy if you use Meta AI in Facebook, Instagram, or at its own website? Here's how to tighten your privacy settings as much as possible. pcmag.com/explainers/n...
Never Trust Facebook: 3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy When Using Meta AI
No matter where or how you use Meta’s AI, you should take certain precautions to safeguard your privacy as much as possible. Here’s what you can do.
pcmag.com
Whether you love or hate the Liquid Glass effect on your iPhone, you can now fully control it via a slider in iOS 27. pcmag.com/how-to/not-f...
Not a Fan of Liquid Glass? You'll Love the New Slider in iOS 27
Apple's polarizing UI design isn't going anywhere, but iOS 27 gives you more control to tone down some things. Here's how to make Liquid Glass less transparent.
pcmag.com
With iOS 27 on your iPhone, Apple's Shortcuts app now helps you more easily create a shortcut. Just describe it in plain language, and the app generates it for you. pcmag.com/how-to/your-...
Your iPhone Now Lets You Vibe Code Apple Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app provides access to a huge number of existing shortcuts, along with the ability to create and run your own on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
pcmag.com
Microsoft has rolled out an unexpected Windows 11 update to fix a recent audio glitch and other problems, including two security flaws. You'll want to install this one. Here's how. zdnet.com/business/win... via @zdnet.bsky.social
Windows 11 out-of-band update fixes audio glitch and other bugs - grab it now - ZDNET
The latest out-of-band update resolves a few problems in Windows 11, including one that cut off the sound for certain USB audio devices.
zdnet.com
Trying to choose between an iPhone 18 Pro and an iPhone Duo? Here are the top features and benefits of both phones so you can better decide. zdnet.com/business/iph... via @zdnet.bsky.social
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone Duo: How to decide between the foldable and the flagship - ZDNET
Apple’s new flagship 18 Pro and Duo phones are both enticing handsets. Here’s how to choose between them based on your own interests and priorities.
zdnet.com
Apple has officially rolled out iOS 27 for the iPhone as well as new OS 27 versions for the iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and other products. Upgrade your device and you'll find Siri AI along with other new and improved features and security patches. zdnet.com/business/ios... via @zdnet.bsky.social
iOS 27 is finally here, with the new Siri AI beta - and 120 security patches - ZDNET
Even if you're not ready for iOS 27, there's an important new update for you too. Here's what's new.
zdnet.com
Microsoft's September Windows 11 update is causing problems with the sound on older USB speakers, headsets, and other audio devices. But there is a workaround. zdnet.com/business/win... via @zdnet.bsky.social
The latest Windows 11 update may mess with your device's audio – here’s the workaround - ZDNET
The September Patch Tuesday update is causing audio problems with certain USB devices, but you may be able to resolve it yourself.
zdnet.com