2023 has seen a lot of layoffs — which categorically sucks. And while there’s no such thing as a “good” layoff, knowing that you don’t have to worry about losing your contacts or work files can make them slightly less awful. Here’s how.
How to
It isn’t enough to have great new devices, apps, and games — you also have to know how to use them. Here at The Verge, we offer step-by-step how-tos for experienced and new users who are working with online, macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android apps, services, phones, laptops, and other tools. From simple instructions on how to install and use new devices, to little-known strategies on how to take advantage of hidden features and the best methods for adding power or storage, we’ve got your technological back.
It’s really frustrating when your phone or laptop hits that 15 percent mark halfway through the day. But don’t always blame the battery — the responsibility may lie with the apps you’re using. Here’s how to check to see which apps are pulling the most power, and how you can (maybe) fix things.
A new Sound Recognition feature on Apple HomePods will send an alert to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch if the smart speaker hears a smoke or CO alarm going off. Here’s how to turn it on.
How to make your HomePod alert you when your smoke alarms go off




And we’re not talking about text-based two-factor authentication — especially because you now have to be a paying member of Twitter Blue to use it.
Instead, if you want to keep your account safe, an authentication app is not only cheaper, but better. Here’s how to set one up for Twitter and for several other services.
How to set up two-factor authentication on your online services


It’s tempting to share your Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max (excuse me, Max) accounts with family, friends, and that nice neighbor across the street. But sometimes, things can get out of hand. If you want to check who you’ve shared your account with — and maybe drop a few no-longer-friends from it — here’s how.
Otter, a popular recording / transcription service, has introduced a new service called Otter Assistant that, unless it’s properly configured, could be recording all your meetings — including the ones that you (or the other attendees) don’t want recorded. Here’s how to manage Otter Assistant so it only does what you want it to.
How to keep Otter from automatically recording your meetings




Post offers a chance to share and comment on new items from a variety of sources, including those behind firewalls, while Substack Notes now lets you write Twitter-like short entries (which may be one of the reasons Elon Musk is so pissed at it).
We’ve added them to our list of Twitter alternatives, which includes others such as Mastodon, Tumblr, and, yes, Facebook.
Social networking alternatives for the Meta- and Musk-averse
When you get a new PlayStation, it’s a temptation to just set it up and start playing immediately using the standard settings — but there are a number of ways you can tweak those settings to suit your gaming style. We explain how.
11 ways to power up your gaming on your PS5




Google’s Nearby Share app, which lets you share files and folders with other devices, has introduced a beta version for Windows PCs. Here’s how to install and use it to make moving files between your laptop and phone a lot easier.
How to use Nearby Share for Windows
It’s easier than ever to install a beta version of Apple’s iOS and iPadOS software on your iPhone or iPad now that the upgrade to iOS 16.4 added a simple switch in the settings menu.
The iOS 16.5 beta comes with new features like being able to ask Siri to start a screen recording. It’s not much, but if you’re all about staying on the bleeding edge, then check out our how-to.
How to install the latest iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas






Instead of spending an hour on the phone trying to help a tech-phobic person get on a Zoom call, take a screenshot, or deal with some other problem, sometimes it’s easier to just take over their screen and show them what to do. There are several apps out there that let you do that, but if you and that special someone both use the Chrome browser, then Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop is the way to go. Here’s how to get it up and running.
It’s easy to just go with the standard settings on an Xbox X / S, but if you take the time to do a bit of tweaking, you can up your game by remapping the controller buttons or enhance your security so your roommate won’t change your score. Here are 11 tips on how to improve your Xbox gaming.
The Discover page on many Android phones is supposed to uncover relevant content for you to browse through. But sometimes, what Android’s algorithms think you want to read — isn’t. If that’s the case, and you just don’t want to deal with the Discover page anymore, here’s how remove it from your phone’s display.
Quick fix: get rid of Android’s Discover page





Apple’s second-gen AirPods Pro outperform the Beats in sound quality and noise cancellation, but the Beats Fit Pro have some strengths of their own — especially if you’ve got an Android phone.
If you’re trying to spend less time on your smartphone, or need to rest your eyes, or just want a new view on life, you can change the display of your iPhone, Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, or other Android phone from colorful to grayscale. Here’s how.
How to turn your phone screen to grayscale





















