iCloud vs. iTunes backups: The crucial differences that affect your data

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Once upon a time one of the primary handicaps of iOS devices was the fact that you had to physically connect it to a Windows or Mac PC with a USB sync cable to back it up using iTunes. With iOS 5 Apple introduced iCloud, essentially allowing users to cut the cord. But these iOS backup methods were not created equal, and if you don’t choose carefully you could be risking significant data loss. To ensure your iPhone or iPad data is fully protected, here’s a look at what each option backs up and when to use it. Check this article from PCWorld.com

 

How to hook up a USB flash drive to your Android device

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That phone in your pocket is essentially a miniature computer, and can do more than just make phone calls and post to your Facebook account. Most (if not all) Android devices use a USB connection for changing and transferring files, and thus conveniently work with flash drives, too. So if you’ve got pictures and files to transfer—or video files to watch on a long plane ride overseas—you don’t have to limit yourself to a laptop or desktop computer, or wait for them to transfer over to your device. This article from Greenbot.com

Start A Smooth Hands Free Conversation With The Improved Google Search App For iOS

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Google Search app for iOS jumped to version 4.0.0, with several new features and improved “conversational” functions. Get more from this article on MakeUseOf.com

Transform a Windows tablet into a full-fledged Windows PC

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Microsoft and its PC partners are producing a seemingly endless variety of tablets, from 8-inch slates that can practically fit into a (large) pocket to 10-inch tablets that still aren’t quite ideal for long hours at a desk. They won’t hesitate to tell you these devices are full PCs running full versions of Windows 8.1. Many Windows tablets even come with a free copy of Microsoft Office! Check this article from PCWorld.com

 

4 iOS Apps For Hiding Your iPhone Photos

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If you want to keep photos away from prying eyes, sometimes an iPhone passcode just isn’t enough. You might want to check this out from MakeUseOf.com

Google Maps Updated With Lane Guidance, Offline Mode, And Search Filters

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Rolling out to iOS and Android users is a rather significant update to the Google Maps app that includes a lane guidance feature, improved offline support, filters for search results, Uber integration, improved public transit information including “last train home”, improved saved locations across devices, and improved Street View. Get more of the latest from MakeUseOf.com

10 things we want to see in Microsoft’s Surface Mini

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If Microsoft indeed intends to release a shrunk-down Surface Mini this month, as an invite for a “small” Surface event suggests, merely downsizing the tablet’s design to fit an 8-inch frame ain’t going to cut it. Sure, the Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2 are beautiful pieces of kit, but they’re made for big-screen productivity—the Surface Pro is essentially an Ultrabook without a keyboard. That experience won’t translate well to a smaller form factor, better suited for content consumption than content creation. More about this article on PCWorld.com