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.
Some of the text formatting features available in Google Docs are not sitting in the icon bar on top of your document. Instead, they are hidden in the Format menu option. Here’s how to do strikethroughs, superscripts and subscripts when you’re creating a document in Docs.
But no more. Now, all the more popular operating systems — macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and ChromeOS — include that ability as part of their toolkits. Here’s now you can zip and unzip files in order to save space, no matter which OS you use.
Unfortunately, smartwatches don’t work well if you have tattoos on your wrists or arms. That’s because optical heart rate sensors struggle with tattoo ink. But if you’re proud of your tatts and interested in wearable tech, we’ve put together several alternatives and workarounds.
The fastest way to pay your 2022 taxes — or to get a refund for an overpayment — is to do it online. In fact, according to the IRS, filing in the traditional hardcopy way can mean up to six months in processing time. Here’s what you need to know to files your taxes, including (if you qualify) several ways to get help for free.
[The Verge]
Google’s Clear Calling feature makes it easier to carry on a conversation during hard-to-hear phone calls by minimizing background noise on the other end of the line. It’s available now for Pixel 7 phones only (sorry, Pixel 6 owners).
Here’s how to enable it, which you should absolutely do because the feature is really effective.
But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to use Android and iOS’ built-in Wi-Fi password-sharing features.
If you’re concerned about hidden cameras violating your privacy in hotel rooms, Airbnb rental, or other places, you can use your smartphone’s camera to find them — assuming they use infrared light to see in the dark.
If you’re moving from Android to iOS, there’s One Weird Trick to keeping your texts flowing smoothly on your new device: turning off chat features before you switch. If you neglect this step, you might miss messages from your friends with Android phones, and that could get awkward.
Here’s how to turn the feature off — and what to do if you forgot.
As reported by 9to5Google, Google has pulled its Switch Access feature (which lets you use either physical switches or facial expressions to control your Android phone) from its Accessibility Suite and made it into a separate app. This way, apparently, the feature can be more easily updated. Which is fine, but be aware that you may end up with two separate Switch Access entries in your Accessibility listing — at least, for now.
Curious about this, and Android’s other accessibility features? We’ve got some info for you.
Voice control, larger text, and other assistive features
Chromebooks recently got a nifty new feature: you can record a video of your screen and easily add an audio narration and a small selfie showing you as you narrate. It’s a great way to create a presentation for your colleagues, or for a relative who just can’t figure out how to, say, attach a file to an email.
Here’s how to do that and take traditional screenshots on a Chromebook:
Yeah, macOS isn’t perfect — and its notifications system could be better — but that’s why learning how to take control of them is important. Perhaps you’ve never liked your text messages to pop up and be readable by passersby, or you wished those email notifications would stick around until you acknowledge them. Here’s how to fix that.
If your family lags behind on their iOS updates, or you use an iPad as a HomeKit hub, the new Apple Home may not be for you. But if you’re excited to try out Apple’s promise of better performance and reliability on its smart home platform, here’s a guide on upgrading to the new Apple Home.
After stopping the program last September, the US government is now offering another set of four free home rapid antigen tests to each household. Here’s how you can order yours.
You can send 60-character notes on your chat Inbox that will appear at the top of the page — if your friends know to look for them. We tried them out to find out how IG’s new Notes actually work.
The company promoted its new “Thank My Driver” Alexa feature by announcing it was giving $5 tips to the first million thank you’s — but that million was reached quickly. You (and your driver) are probably better off just tipping with cash.
