Kris Wouk, Author at Make Tech Easier

Haylou GST Smartwatch Review

Kris Wouk — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:25:00 +0000

When you think of a standard wristwatch, you can buy them in all shapes and sizes, with prices to match. On the other hand, for some time, smartwatches were expensive, regardless of which model you chose. This is finally beginning to change. The Haylou GST Smartwatch is an affordable smartwatch that packs all the functionality you’re used to and doesn’t skimp on style either. Is this a fantastic bargain or just too good to be true? Find out in this review.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by Haylou. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Out of the Box

This is a fairly barebones package, but that’s the case with most smartphones, so it isn’t unique to the Haylou GST Smartwatch. Open the box, and the first thing you’ll notice is the smartwatch itself, carefully packed within foam to keep it protected.

The only other... Read more

OUPES Portable Power Station 1100W Review

Kris Wouk — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:25:00 +0000

If you’re going on a trip, you’re probably bringing more items that need charging than just your cell phone. What about your computer, tablet, or maybe even a portable projector? This is precisely what the OUPES Portable Power Station 1100W is meant for. Whether you’re setting up a base camp for day hiking or just want to bring a few modern conveniences to a weekend cabin getaway, this portable generator has everything you need to keep all your gadgets up and running.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by OUPES. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Do note that the 1100W is no longer available. However, OUPES is offering the 1200W power station that the manufacturer has said is identical to the 1100W, with an improved battery life and more stable, along with a 10% off deal.

Features

The OUPES Portable Power Station 1100W provides 992Wh or power, capable of providing 1,200 watts of continuous power and up to 3,200 watts of peak... Read more

INNOCN 15K1F Portable 15.6″ OLED Monitor Review

Kris Wouk — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:25:00 +0000

Whether you’re a creative professional or a serious gamer, a second monitor is great to have, but you can’t bring them on the road with you, at least not easily. The INNOCN 15K1F Portable 15.6″ OLED Monitor is the perfect solution to this problem. It’s a full-fledged 15.6-inch OLED monitor that just happens to be light, compact, and eminently portable. It’s also very likely the best portable monitor we’ve seen to date.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by INNOCN. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Specs and Features

The INNOCN 15K1F Portable 15.6″ OLED Monitor aims to do one thing and do it well. Unlike its cousin the PF15-PRO, you won’t find a touchscreen here, nor will you find a built-in battery.

Instead, the main draw of the 15K1F is its 15.6-inch 1080p OLED display panel that provides up to 400 nits of brightness and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. For those who require color accuracy, the monitor reproduces 100%... Read more

WyreStorm FOCUS 210 Webcam Review: A Smart Webcam for Everyone

Kris Wouk — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:25:00 +0000

With remote work becoming increasingly common, we’re relying on webcams more and more. These are often our only way to communicate face to face with our colleagues, so do you really want to settle for the grainy, low-resolution webcam built into your laptop? The WyreStorm FOCUS 210 Webcam brings 4K resolution to whatever device you use it with, adding visual fidelity to your remote presence. At the same time, it also brings some smart and impressive features to the table, so let’s look further into the 210 to see just how great a webcam it is.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by WyreStorm. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Features

One of the most important aspects of a webcam is the camera itself, so we’ll focus on that first. The WyreStorm FOCUS 210 Webcam features a 120-degree wide-angle lens, complete with 8x digital zoom. Normally, digital zoom isn’t a great feature, but combined with the built-in auto framing and presenter tracking, it’s very handy here.

OneOdio A30 Review: Affordable Do-It-All Wireless Headphones

Kris Wouk — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:25:00 +0000

It’s not easy finding a set of do-it-all headphones. If it was, audio enthusiasts like me wouldn’t have multiple sets of headphones, with each meant for a different use case. It’s even tougher to find a set of do-it-all headphones when you’re on a budget.

The OneOdio A30 Wireless Headphones aren’t perfect, but they’re as close as you’ll find to an ideal candidate for an affordable set of headphones that can work multiple ways. Noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and the ability to work in wired mode allow these to handle nearly anything you throw at them.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by OneOdio. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Inside the Box

The headphones are the first thing you’ll pull out of the box, but they’re not the first thing you see. Instead, you’ll see the included carrying pouch, which ships with... Read more

How to Use iCloud Keychain on Windows

Kris Wouk — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 22:25:20 +0000

If you frequently switch between a Mac and a PC, or you use an iPhone and a Windows computer, you’ve probably run into trouble using Apple services on Windows. Recently, Apple has been somewhat more friendly to other operating systems, if only slightly. One example of this would be iCloud for Windows, which lets you access iCloud files, contacts, calendars, photos, and other data on Windows. Now, starting with iCloud for Windows version 12, you can even use your iCloud Keychain passwords on Windows.

Content

What are iCloud Keychain and iCloud Passwords?
Before You Start: Prerequisites
How to Set Up iCloud Passwords on Windows
How to Set Up iCloud Passwords in Microsoft Edge
How to Set Up iCloud Passwords in Chrome
Using iCloud Passwords on Windows
Frequently Asked Questions

Mojawa Mojo1 Bone Conduction Earphones Review

Kris Wouk — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:25:00 +0000

Ever since the introduction of the Walkman in the 1980s, we’ve been enamored with the idea of a personal soundtrack. Thanks to smartphones, wherever you go, you have a near-limitless supply of music to create that soundtrack. Yet you still need to remain aware of the outside world, especially if you’re a runner or cyclist. That’s when you’ll want to switch from traditional earphones to something like the Mojawa Mojo1 Bone Conduction Earphones, which let you hear your music without drowning out the world around you.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by Mojawa. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

What Are Bone Conduction Headphones?

It may seem complex, but bone conduction headphones work on a simple principle. All sound is vibration, and standard headphones are just tiny speakers that play these vibrations directly in your ear.

Bone conduction headphones use specially-tuned drivers that channel vibrations into your cheekbones instead of through the air. This is actually how we hear our own voices, so when you... Read more

How to Set Up and Access a Medical ID on iPhone and Android

Kris Wouk — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 01:25:00 +0000

Both iOS and Android feature powerful medical ID and emergency contact integration. With COVID-19 vaccine information being essential for travel and other things, it’s handy to have your vaccination status on your phone as well. We show you how to set this up on your phone, whether you’re an Apple or Android user. We’ve also gathered a few other handy tips to make the most out of your phone’s medical ID features.

Content

How to Set Up Medical ID and Emergency Contacts on iOS
How to Set Up Medical ID and Emergency Contacts on Android
Adding COVID-19 Vaccine Information to Your Medical ID
Making Everything Available on Your Lock Screen
How to Sign Up as an Organ Donor
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Set Up... Read more

How to Mount and Access Ext4 Partition in Mac

Kris Wouk — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 01:25:00 +0000

If you work with Linux, you probably have a hard drive or two formatted with Ext4 or a related filesystem. Assuming you only work with Linux, that isn’t a problem. When you need to access data from that Ext4 filesystem on another operating system, you start to run into trouble.

Macs, for example, don’t support Ext4 filesystems. If you plug a drive in, it’s simply not recognized. Fortunately, there are a few ways around this.

The Temporary Option: Use a VM

If you only need to read a few files and don’t want to opt for a more permanent solution, there is a fairly easy solution. Just install a version of Ubuntu, or whatever your Linux distribution of choice is, in a virtual machine host like VirtualBox, then mount the drive as you would any other and read away.

How to Downgrade the Kernel in Linux

Kris Wouk — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:25:00 +0000

Linux lives and dies by the kernel. If you’re familiar with how GNU/Linux works, Linux is the kernel. Everything else is just tools that interface with it. These tools let you get actual work done, but they couldn’t do a thing without the kernel.

The kernel of an operating system is kind of like your cardiovascular system. You tend to forget about it until something goes wrong. It isn’t all that often, but kernel upgrades can and do go wrong. When the updated kernel won’t let you use your computer, it’s time to downgrade.

Boot into an Older Kernel

The good news if you’ve recently updated your kernel is that this process almost never gets rid of the old kernel. The only case where that may happen is if you immediately uninstalled the older kernel, which isn’t a great idea.

How to Enable or Disable Turbo Boost on Your Mac

Kris Wouk — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 22:25:00 +0000

Turbo Boost is a feature built into many Macs using Intel processors. You may not even know that it exists, but behind the scenes, macOS is enabling and disabling Turbo Boost. When you need more performance, macOS enables Turbo Boost. When the computer is idling or doing something similarly low-effort, macOS turns off Turbo Boost. This perfectly most of the time, but it doesn’t always. If your computer is getting older and you want to make your battery last longer, you can manually control Turbo Boost to use less energy.

Content

Finding Out If Your Mac Has the Turbo Boost Feature
Enabling or Disabling Turbo Boost
What Else Can I Do with Turbo Boost Switcher?
Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Out If Your Mac Has the Turbo Boost... Read more

How to Scan Your Local Network with Terminal on macOS

Kris Wouk — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:25:00 +0000

There are a few useful graphical utilities for managing your network on macOS, but for real power, you’ll need to use the Terminal. While this may sound daunting if you’re not familiar with it, you don’t need to be a technical wizard to find out more about your network with the Terminal. Under the hood, macOS runs a variant of Unix, which means you have a vast array of networking tools available. One of the most powerful of these is nmap, which can tell you a lot about your network in combination with a few other commands.

Content

Scan-Your-Local-Network's-Open-Ports-with-nmap-">Scan Your Local Network's Open Ports with nmap
Scan with nmap
Scan Your Local Network's Active IP Addresses with arp
Frequently Asked Questions

Scan-Your-Local-Network's-Open-Ports-with-nmap

-">Scan Your Local Network’s Open Ports with nmap ... Read more

INNOCN PF15-PRO Portable Touchscreen Monitor Review

Kris Wouk — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:25:00 +0000

Adding a second monitor can make you much more productive on your computer, but if you spend your day on the go, this isn’t exactly easy. Or, at least, it wasn’t easy until recently. Now, with portable monitors, you can have a second screen anywhere you want to work. The INNOCN PF15-PRO Portable Touchscreen Monitor goes beyond just being a second screen. Not only does it work with phones, tablets, and other devices, it has touchscreen functionality as well. This is just the start of what makes this portable monitor so special.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by INNOCN. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

As a special offer to our readers, you can save $66 off the price of the INNOCN PF15-PRO at Amazon by using the code INC20PF15.

Specs and Features

The highlight of the INNOCN PF15-PRO Portable Touchscreen Monitor is its 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel. This features 10-point touch, letting you... Read more

Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop Review

Kris Wouk — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:25:00 +0000

We’ve had robot vacuums for years now, but let’s face it: at first, they weren’t all that useful. We’re finally getting to a place where not only are robot vacuums useful, but they actually make your life easier. The Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop is a perfect example. It pairs the Yeedi Vac Max with a base station. Not only does it have the usual robot vacuum features, but it mops and even empties itself, so it can clean a significant space without needing you to empty it – and that’s just the beginning.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by Yeedi. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Inside the Box

The Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop comes in a larger box than you’d typically expect for a robot vacuum. This is mostly thanks to the combined charging / self-empty station, though there is also a fair number of accessories.

OneOdio Monitor 60 Professional Headphones Review

Kris Wouk — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:25:00 +0000

Finding an affordable set of headphones for professional use is tough. Many headphones feature hyped bass and treble frequencies with midrange buried, which are fine for casual listening, but not great for professional audio. OneOdio has attempted to combine features audio professionals need with a sound signature that’s still fun to listen to with the Monitor 60 Professional Headphones. As you’ll find in this review, not only did the company succeed with this mission, but it also kept the price affordable.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by OneOdio. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Inside the Box

Despite the affordable price tag, quite a few nice extras are included with the OneOdio Monitor 60 Professional Headphones. The first that you’ll notice when you open the box is the faux-leather carrying pouch.

The company also included three separate cables (these are removable and replaceable) in the... Read more

Modem vs. Router: What’s the Difference?

Kris Wouk — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:25:00 +0000

Modem and router are both words you’ve probably heard countless times. You can’t get on the Internet without them, and whether you know it or not, you’re using both modems and routers more than you probably think. The line between the two can be difficult to distinguish at times, which is why so many people are confused. This guide breaks down what both modems and routers do and offers some suggestions on which device is best for you.

Content

What Is a Modem?
What Is a Router?
Modem vs. Router
2-in-1 Modem/Router Devices
Which Should You Buy?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Modem?

A modem is a device that lets you connect to the Internet. There are various types of modems,... Read more

Timekettle WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds Review

Kris Wouk — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:25:00 +0000

The idea of a device that translates between different languages in real-time or near real-time has long seemed the sort that would remain part of science fiction. Fortunately, that’s not the case, as the Timekettle WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds do exactly that. Simply pop the earbuds in, choose a few settings in the comparison app, and soon you’ll be able to converse with anyone who speaks any of the 40 supported languages. That’s just the beginning of what the WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds are capable of.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by Timekettle. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

Features

The Timekettle WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds feature multiple translation modes and bidirectional simultaneous translation. Some translation modes are better for one-on-one conversation, while others are better for translating while in large groups. You can easily transition between modes on the fly.

To help make conversations even easier, the WT2 Edge earbuds use Smart Noise Reduction. Timekettle says this technology can actually differentiate... Read more

How to Edit a PDF Using Popular Desktop and Online Tools

Kris Wouk — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 21:25:00 +0000

PDF editing used to be something that only a few people needed to deal with. Now with more people working from home, editing PDFs is becoming something we all need to do from time to time. While it used to be a chore to edit a PDF, now there are several tools available for every platform that will let you add signatures, fill out forms, cut and paste text, and more.

Content

How to Edit PDFs with Adobe Acrobat
How to Edit PDFs with Google Docs
How to Edit PDFs with Microsoft Word
How to Edit PDFs with PDFescape
How to Edit PDFs with macOS Preview
The Best PDF Editors for Each Platform
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Edit PDFs with Adobe Acrobat

Adobe invented... Read more

How to Fix Controller Drift on Joy Con and Other Gaming Controllers

Kris Wouk — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 21:25:00 +0000

If you’re a Nintendo Switch owner, chances are good you’ve already heard about Joy-Con drift. This is actually part of a much bigger issue. Controller drift may be most talked about on the Switch, but it can be a problem on any gaming controller with one or more analog sticks. This includes the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S controllers. While these may not have the same numbers of cases of controller drift, it’s still a problem people are running into. Fortunately, we can help you fix it.

What Is Controller Drift?

Controller drift is the term we use to describe when a controller acts as if it has a mind of its own. A character in a game might constantly walk to the left or right, or your camera might always be moving.

Different things can cause controller drift, from software glitches to dust and debris gathering inside a controller. As for drift in the Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, it is often caused by wear and tear where the analog stick meets its contact within the controller.

Nintendo engineers say that, much like tires on a car,... Read more

The Best Ways to Type an Em Dash on Any Platform

Kris Wouk — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 21:25:00 +0000

The em dash (which looks like this: —) is a useful character but isn’t something you’ll find a dedicated key for on your keyboard. As a matter of fact, considering how often it is used, it’s surprising how tricky it can be to type an em dash. The instructions aren’t the same across platforms or even apps, so it can be tough to type an em dash when you need it. This is why we’ve gathered all the ways to type an em dash across various platforms in one handy article.

Don’t forget: all these tips are handy for accessing other characters, like the en dash and various other characters.

Content

How to Type an Em Dash on Windows
How to Type an Em Dash on a Mac
How to Type an Em Dash on Linux
How to Type an Em Dash on Android
How to Type an Em Dash on iOS and iPadOS
How to Type an Em Dash on a Chromebook
How to Type an Em Dash in Microsoft Word
Frequently Asked Questions