macOS Monterey Isn't for Everyone

Some users have reported trying to install macOS Monterey on their older Mac hardware, only for it to brick their machines.

November 2, 2021 It's November 2, 2021. It's National Broadcast Traffic Professional's Day! Next time you're listening to the radio, give thanks to those who keep the programs running, and make sure you get the info and entertainment you need.     ⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to): 249 articles, 9 podcasts, 9 press releases, 382 tweets, and 15 YouTube videos 1. Be Careful With macOS Monterey on Older Hardware If you're using older Apple hardware, like a non-M1 Mac mini or Intel MacBook Pro, you might want to hold off on installing macOS Monterey. Multiple Mac users are reporting issues when trying to install the OS, with the process typically bricking their machines. No one ever wants an unexpected brick. 2. WhatsApp Ends Support for Older Android Operating Systems WhatsApp is discontinuing support for Android OS 4.0.4 or older starting on Monday. The messaging app updated a support page over the weekend to detail its Android compatibility changes. Not sure if this affects you? You'll want to check your OS version ASAP. 3. Microsoft and Sega Partner Up on Cloud Gaming Initiative Sega wants to get in on the cloud gaming train, and it hopes to use Microsoft's Azure cloud tech to do it. The companies will work together to push Sega's cloud gaming initiative and attempt to anticipate future gaming trends. Sure sounds cool, but it might be a while before we see results. 🦑 Go Deeper Who's ready for a VR-filled future? Facebook Meta sure is. Sascha Brodsky breaks down the company's plans, what the "metaverse" is, and how none of it is likely to be ready anytime soon.     🎱 By the Numbers India's all about that WhatsApp Data: Backlinko WhatsApp seems to be in the news a lot, implying it has a strong following in the US. And while that might be kinda true with the US having over 75 million WhatsApp users last year, it doesn't even compete with India's 390 million. That's, uh, a lot of messaging.     🔥 Today's Hot Deal If you're all-in on Amazon and don't mind talking to inanimate objects, the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is $40 off on Amazon right now, making it an even more tempting $59.99. It's a pretty hard offer to pass up, if you ask us. Don't Miss This Deal 🤓 Nerd Out "Show of hands—who still uses discs?" —Rob LeFebvre, Senior News Editor The storage jump from DVDs to Blu-Rays was pretty significant. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK think they've determined how to increase disc storage again, this time up to 500TB. (Share on Twitter) 💎 You Know You Want It  The Apple alternative you need Image: Vissles If you're itching to get a new wireless keyboard for your Mac or iPad, maybe check out the $99 Vissles LP85. Thin, mechanical, RGB backlights under each keycap, and additional Android and Windows support? It's functional and pretty to look at. We approve. 🙈 Wait, What? So, only kinda smart? Smart clocks are far and away better than the older clocks we're used to, right? Kinda. Sure, they're great, but they're also missing one crucial feature: a backup battery. How do they not have these already?     🗞 Extra! Extra! We've got you covered with the best in daily tech news! See the latest on our site or follow us on Google News. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here. Have something you'd like us to write about? We're always open for suggestions, too. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Tech Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here .   Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. A Dotdash Brand 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005 2020 Dotdash • All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.   [View in Browser]

Google's Boosting Security Once Again

Google has announced new additions to their privacy and security measures, including a new security hub app for Pixel phones.

November 1, 2021 It's November 1, 2021. On this day in 1954, the first commercial transistor radio, the Regency TR-1, went on sale. How'd it do? Well, it sold over 100,000 units, so clearly there was a decent amount of interest in it.     ⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to): 209 articles, 7 podcasts, 11 press releases, 322 tweets, and 7 YouTube videos 1. Google Expands Privacy and Security With New Features Google is adding new security measures in the near future. These include a new hub app containing all of a Pixel's security features, Google Photo's Locked Folder coming to more devices, and Google's VPN service expanding to more countries. Sounds good to us; who doesn't want more security? 2. Microsoft PowerToys Gets New Updates as Part of Windows 11 Microsoft's customization system, PowerToys, just got a significant Windows 11 update. Users can now find their mouse with a double press on the left control key, use a new mute shortcut during video calls, and bulk rename files. A simple, to the point, QOL update that doesn't break anything? That's new. 3. All Cricket Wireless Plans Now Support 5G Cricket Wireless has slipped 5G coverage into all of its wireless phone plans. Great, right? Well, coverage isn't universal, as it may not be in your area or support your phone model, a speed limit is still in place for the basic Unlimited plan, and the two cheapest plans still have data caps. Ooof. So close, Cricket. 🦑 Go Deeper We never thought we'd be considering a speakerphone in 2021, but Jen Allen has us thinking the Cyber Acoustic SP-2000 sounds pretty useful. Give it a read, and she might convince you, too.     🎱 By the Numbers Using Google to find Google Data: Infidigit We're not sure which is more interesting here: that "youtube" and "facebook" are fighting for first, or that the bottom five are so close to each other in number of searches. Regardless, we still can't help but wonder why so many people are searching for "google" using Google.     🔥 Today's Hot Deal Tired of those old light switches in your house? Snatch up this 3-pack of Kasa Smart Dimmer Switches and finally bring your lights into the 21st century. They're $49.39 on Amazon right now, down 34% from their usual price. Don't Miss This Deal 🤓 Nerd Out "Like a hairball for volcanoes." —Kyree Leary, Associate News Editor We know volcanoes spew lava and throw rocks everywhere, but we rarely see them rolling around on ground-level. Well, now you can, and it's pretty cool to see. Just don't touch them. (Share on Twitter) 💎 You Know You Want It  Soft, stylish, portable Image: WaterField So you bought one of Apple's new 14-inch MacBook Pros, but you want to keep it safe? The new Neo Sleeve from WaterField will keep it snug and secure thanks to its neoprene material that stretches and hugs, and leather grip at the bottom that ensures a reliable grip so you'll never let go. 🎧 Listen Up That mask is still creepy Still in the Halloween mood? Why not sit down and listen to the latest episode of Galaxy Brains, as the hosts discuss Halloween Kills and the iconic Michael Myers' place in the horror genre. And it's under an hour? Nice!     🗞 Extra! Extra! We've got you covered with the best in daily tech news! See the latest on our site or follow us on Google News. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here. Have something you'd like us to write about? We're always open for suggestions, too. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Tech Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here .   Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. A Dotdash Brand 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005 2020 Dotdash • All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.   [View in Browser]