3 Tips for a Faster Mobile Website

Feb 2, 2021

If you want a healthy and visible online presence in today’s internet marketplace, you need a mobile website.

If you want a healthy and visible online presence in today’s internet marketplace, you need a mobile website. But not just any old website will do. You need a lightning-fast mobile site that turns visitors into customers.

Why Mobile Site Speed Matters

Just a decade ago, the mobile “version” of the internet was basically a barebones take on the desktop version. You could access most pages, but they were poorly optimized and slow as molasses. Today, a massive percentage of online web traffic originates from smartphones and tablets. And if you aren’t catering to this demographic, you’re missing out.

According to the latest research, 72.6% of internet users will access the internet exclusively via their smartphones by as early as 2025. (That’s a whopping 3.7 billion people.) The majority of the other 27.4% of users will access the internet via a mobile device some or most of the time.

And do you know what one of the driving factors in positive user experience and conversion rates on mobile websites is? It’s page loading speed.

According to one study, a one-second delay in page loading speed equates to an average conversion rate drop of 7%. (For a business making $5,000 per day online, that single-second delay could cost $350 per day, or as much as $127,750 in annual revenue.)

Google is such a strong believer in site speed and its impact on user experience that they’ve made it one of their top ranking factors. In other words, if you want your website to perform well, it needs to be optimized for mobile, and it must be fast.

3 Practical Tips You Can Implement

Transforming your website from slower-than-molasses to faster-than-a-rabbit requires a few slick maneuvers. However, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think. Here are some suggestions:

1. Keep It Simple

The first suggestion is to keep things as simple as possible. Complex web design might look fancy and impressive as part of a web design portfolio, but it isn’t going to do you any favors on the page loading speed front.

It’s easy for a website to look crowded and overwhelming on a small screen. By stripping out unnecessary elements, tiny buttons, and cluttered design, you can reduce the amount of code required to deliver a positive site experience.

2. Optimize Images

Images significantly impact your mobile site’s page loading speed. By optimizing them and reducing the data as much as possible, you can shrink this time and keep users from bouncing. The secret to doing this is a three-step process.

“First, make sure your images are in a proper format, such as JPG, GIF, or PNG. Then, strip your images of any unnecessary metadata (while keeping them optimized for SEO with proper titles and alt tags),” SEO.co advises clients. “Once that’s done, shrink your file sizes as much as possible without compromising your quality.”

Images account for a hefty percentage of your website’s data. By addressing this aspect of your site, you can do more with less.

3. Minimize HTTP Requests

HTTP requests are another major killer of site speed. Each request – which occurs when your browser asks for a CSS or HTML file – acts like sludge in a pipe. The more requests you have, the slower things move. The good news, however, is that you can minimize the number of requests that occur on your site and clear up these clogs. Here are a few suggestions:

Use CSS in place of images (whenever possible).
Put scripts at the very bottom of the page (or eliminate). This ensures HTML content is loaded first and that a user doesn’t have to wait on a script to finish downloading in order for the page to populate.
Combine multiple style sheets into single sheets (whenever possible).

If all of that sounds like a foreign language, you might need to consult with a website optimizer or developer and get some professional feedback.

Ready, Set, Go

There’s probably not one single strategy you can implement to improve your speed. In most cases, it takes a number of small steps layered together to produce a noticeable result. However, once your website does improve, you should see a noticeable uptick in user experience, conversions, and – ultimately – search rankings.

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Maya Johnson ›

Maya Johnson is the Senior Editor at Appolicious. She reviews amazing products, software, and pretty much any applications that readers can get real value from.

Tech , Web design

iSharing: GPS Location Tracker for Family and Friends Review

Jan 29, 2021

Apps

Created by iSharingSoft and available on Apple and android devices, iSharing is a real-time GPS tracker app.

iSharingSoft recently created iSharing, a real-time locator app for Apple and android devices. iSharing helps families and friends stay connected on the map. This app also ensures safety through location sharing.

The app was founded by two parents with the goal of relieving parents and caregivers of their anxiety around the whereabouts of their family members. With easy tracking and alerts, you can rest easy knowing where your kids are during their time away from home.

Once users log in, they see a map-based dashboard that displays the location of their added friends. Last year, iSharing added a COVID-19 tracker within the dashboard as well. This allows users to see the number of local COVID-19 cases in a specific area.

Aside from the location and the COVID-19 tracker, iSharing offers the following features:

1. Location alerts when friends or family arrive to or leave from home, work, or school

Users have the ability to save specific locations they and their family and friends visit the most and receive alerts to know when they leave or arrive at the location. Within the app, users can set place alerts for “Home”, “School”, and “Work”, but users can also set it for additional places. This particularly useful feature lets parents know when their kids leave for school, arrive at soccer practice, or arrive home.

Users can also set up and receive “Nearby Alerts.” This allows users to get a notification on their device when a friend or family member travels within a set radius from 1 to 100 miles.

2. Location history

iSharing stores location information up to 30 days for every user, so you can check the location history of someone if needed. On the location history page, it shows the path of travel and addresses of places the user has visited. It also includes the timestamp for every location. It can even tell whether a user has walked or driven to that location.

3. Messaging without leaving the map

Instead of checking the location and then switching over to another app to text someone, users can text each other within the app. iSharing also allows users to send photos and videos to each other.

Additionally, iSharing’s “Walkie-Talkie” feature lets users send voice messages instantly.

4. Panic Alert

Within the main dashboard, iSharing has a button where users can send panic messages to their family members. Once the button is clicked, iSharing sends notifications to all members of the family on the app to check the sender’s location.

5. Privacy Settings

In order for a user to share their location, the app requires that two users add each other as friends on the app first. iSharing also allows users to set their privacy settings as the following: hide location, share distance between friends only, share location. This added privacy measure allows users to customize their app use and control how their information is shared.

iSharing stands out from other location tracker apps for its minimal use of battery and use of technology that took the team 7 years to develop. Because location tracker apps require your GPS to be turned on at all times, most apps consume a large amount of battery, but iSharing consumes around 1% over 24 hours.

iSharing is free with an optional premium subscription. The premium subscriptions allow users to add unlimited number of friends and places, access to location history for friends, and street view. All new users are able to try a 7-day free trial.

Want to try iSharing? Download from the Apple AppStore or the Google Play Store.

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Maya Johnson ›

Maya Johnson is the Senior Editor at Appolicious. She reviews amazing products, software, and pretty much any applications that readers can get real value from.

Apps , Tech

app , GPS , location , tracker

Typewise App Review

Dec 22, 2020

Productivity

Are you annoyed by typos and unfitting word corrections? Are you missing your typing privacy? Get back full control with Typewise!

Typewise is an award-winning keyboard app, which was downloaded by 500,000+ users and rated 4.2 on App Store and 4.5 on Google Play.

Typewise was started in Switzerland with the vision to enable a digital world that genuinely respects user privacy. Their mission is to build the most secure and intelligent human-machine interface by developing text prediction technology using artificial intelligence (AI) that is private-by-design.

Why should you use Typewise?

Honeycomb Layout

Typewise helps users make up to 80% fewer typos, thanks to a whole new layout they developed for their users called a hexagon layout.

The classical QWERTY layout was invented over 140 years ago and was meant for typing with ten fingers. It is not convenient to use for two-thumb typing. So, they built a keyboard specifically made for smartphones. Through changing the layout, they enabled 70% larger keys that are easy to hit and help you make fewer typos.

Productivity

Intuitive gestures enable faster typing. You can swipe up on letters for capitalizing, hold on keys to access special characters, swipe to the left on the keyboard to delete text, and swipe to the right for restoring it.

100% Privacy

Unlike many other keyboard apps, Typewise does not require any suspicious permissions, no GPS access, no contact access, and no network access. They use an offline word prediction engine that stores nothing in a cloud. All data stays on your device. What you write is not visible to anyone. They want their users to feel safe and free in what they type.

Intelligent autocorrection

Typewise has its own text prediction algorithm that learns from your typing behavior and helps you write the perfect sentence. If a word was corrected not the way you wanted, you can easily remove the correction. Your word or word preference will also be saved for next time.

Keyboard customization

You can use the honeycomb layout or the traditional keyboard, which also includes the swipe features. Typewise provides you with 19 colorful themes, including dark mode. You can also choose between font sizes, vibration while typing, and more.

Language support

Changing languages while typing is often cumbersome. With Typewise, you can write in all your languages at the same time. Their artificial intelligence recognizes the language you are typing in and can automatically change it.

They support over 40 languages, including English, German, French, and Swedish. Typewise designed the honeycomb layout specially adapted to each language, so you can easily access all the specific characters you need and personalize diacritics.

Typewise won silver at the BOSA (Best Of Swiss App) Award 2020 for innovation and gold for functionality.

Download the app for free and become part of next-generation typers.

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Maya Johnson ›

Maya Johnson is the Senior Editor at Appolicious. She reviews amazing products, software, and pretty much any applications that readers can get real value from.

Productivity , Tech

productivity , technology , writing

This Microphone App Promotes Social Distancing

Dec 21, 2020

Communication

Social distancing is an important strategy for combating coronavirus. Use the SOUNDBIRD app to spread out your group

Social distancing is an important strategy for combating coronavirus. Use the SOUNDBIRD app to spread out your group. With the SOUNDBIRD app, you can use your phone as a microphone and the phones of others as speakers.

How SOUNDBIRD Works

Produced by Openbuild Co. in San Mateo, California, SOUNDBIRD utilizes location and profiles to eliminate the need for links and invites in order to connect with other users. Instead, you open the app and start a broadcast from the home screen. You will then create a profile and start your broadcast stream.

For those wanting to join the stream, you will view the list of profiles from the home screen and tap the profile of the people you would like to join in.

SOUNDBIRD can replace a traditional microphone PA system in many situations. Use the app at an outdoor event, in a large conference room, to guide a tour, at a party, or any situation where there is an audience with phones.

The proprietary technology of the microphone app is centered around limiting the delay or latency from the broadcaster to the listener, or the time it takes sound to go from one device to another. In most video chat apps and ordinary phone calls, the delay can be up to 3 seconds. The latency in SOUNDBIRD is milliseconds in comparison.

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Maya Johnson ›

Maya Johnson is the Senior Editor at Appolicious. She reviews amazing products, software, and pretty much any applications that readers can get real value from.

Communication , Tech

apps , audio , technology

CloudApp Screen Recorder Review

Oct 9, 2020

Apps

CloudApp is screen capture and recording software that has flown under the radar, but the company has been around for 10 years and boasts over 4 million users. Here’s the rundown: While CloudApp functionality allows you to capture, annotate, and share screenshots online, this review is limiting the scope to just the recorder feature, minus […]

CloudApp is screen capture and recording software that has flown under the radar, but the company has been around for 10 years and boasts over 4 million users. Here’s the rundown:

While CloudApp functionality allows you to capture, annotate, and share screenshots online, this review is limiting the scope to just the recorder feature, minus GIF creation.

Full and selected region screen recording

Once you have the software client installed (Mac, Windows, iOS), it takes at most four clicks to start recording your screen. Given the settings available in the Mac and Windows clients, here’s a list of the different kinds of videos you can create:

Full screen, screen only, optional audio
Full screen, window-in-window webcam, optional audio
Full screen, webcam only, optional audio
Selected region, screen only, optional audio
Selected region, window-in-window webcam, optional audio

The iOS app has the ability to record the full screen, with or without audio.

The UI is pretty straightforward with a clean design. To get started, select how much of your screen you want to record. The full screen recording option is pretty self-explanatory. If you choose to select just an area, you’ll see a gray overlay with text explaining how to select the location on your screen.

If you want to record the exact same part of the screen every time, pressing Enter will use the same settings from the previous video. It’s a great shortcut for consistency when creating training materials, user guides, or branded multi-part videos.

After you select the area of your screen, you’ll see a controls menu. The display varies based on the status of your video but you can start, pause, and stop the video as well as toggle audio. If you opt for video and webcam, you also have the ability to toggle the webcam.

Here’s what the window-in-window video format looks like when you have the webcam enabled.

Video viewer with built-in video editor

Whether you record the full screen or just a selected region, a video viewer with editing abilities opens up when you finish recording the video. In addition to nice-to-haves like being able to rename the video, manage sharing permissions, and organizing where in the file structure your video gets uploaded into your CloudApp account, you can also edit videos before any of the above happens with two edit options: trim and cut.

Trim allows you to remove parts of the video at the beginning and end. Use the yellow cursors to select the time you want to keep in your video (in green in this image). Clicking the trim button will then remove the red areas on the outside.

Cut allows you to select a piece of the video and remove it. Move the yellow cursors to the beginning and end of what you want to be removed and then kick it to the curb with the cut button.

At the top of the video, you’ll see the recording’s name. To change this quickly, click the pencil icon and type in the new name. Click the checkmark icon once finished. Hit the escape key to cancel the name change.

Like other content, you can drag and drop videos from the CloudApp into emails, Slack channels, and other locations to move and share them. Videos also have the standard feature of being added to a Collection by using the Collection icon in the main menu.

Organizing your screen recordings

CloudApp for Mac

CloudApp calls video and images that you create with their software “drops”. The client displays a scrollable list of drops. You can also access these drops in your CloudApp dashboard that you can access through the browser by logging into your account. While your CloudApp Drops are stored online, you get immediate access to them on the desktop software and our apps. If CloudApp is minimized, click on the CloudApp icon to open the program up, and you’ll find a tab that shows all of your Drops.

They’re sorted in the order of when you created them. There are also two additional tabs, Collections and Favorites. You have the ability to favorite a drop or add it to a collection from the viewer window when you first create a video or in the options menu that displays in each individual drop when you hover over it.

You can also take a wide range of other actions from the options menu. You immediately have access to buttons to get the link for the Drop, copy it to your clipboard, open it in a viewer, make it a secure item, share it, delete it, add to Favorites, or add it to a specific Collection.

By clicking on the three dots to the right of the Drop, you get even more options.

CloudApp for Windows

Clicking on the Collections tab will take you right to your Drop Collections, organized with the most recent Collection at the top. Every installation is pre-loaded with access to the “How to Use CloudApp” Collection to make it easier for everyone to get started.

Clicking the arrow to the left of a Collection’s name will open it and show all items within that Collection. You can then click on these and get access to the same functions as a Drop in the list view. Drops can be added to any number of your Collections, making it easy to utilize everything you create fully.

If you click on the three dots next to a Collection name, you’ll get a series of actions that apply to all the Collection and the items in it.

And if you want to build your own Collection, simply click the blue “Create New Collection” at the top and give it a name. It’s as simple as that!

Clicking the star icon next to any drop will add it to your favorites list. This is a simple and straightforward way to keep your most used items all in one place.

Favorites are useful for longer saving of your items. Or you can quickly favorite a series of Drops and then use the icon that looks like a folder with a plus sign to add them to a Collection. That can make sorting and building collections easier if you want to group items from across a long period of time or want to add a series of items to multiple Collections quickly.

CloudApp video technical specs:

Format: MPEG-4 (.mp4)

Resolution: 720p

Encoder: Lavf58.20.100

Compression: h264 (high)

Audio Compression: aac

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Brad Hanks ›

Brad Hanks is an inbound marketing consultant. When he isn't helping software startups get to the next funding round, you can find him in the mountains somewhere on the Wasatch Front.

Apps , Tech

apps , review , software

HotSpotMe – Turn Your Wireless Router or Mobile Phone Into Profit

Jun 28, 2019

Tech

Turn your Android phone into a password-protected hotspot to earn money when a HotSpotMe user connects.

Cell phone technology has advanced quickly over the past twenty years. The units themselves have changed from bulky chunks of plastic in the early 90’s to slimmer flip-style phones in the late 90’s. Then, from heavy and basic smartphones in the early 00’s to where we are today with super light and slim iOS or Android devices.

It’s not just the design and style that’s gone through major changes, though. We’ve also seen the technology inside smartphones alter from being able to handle just one task (making/receiving calls) to handling dozens (calls, text messages, games/apps, calendars, etc). In fact, nowadays our cell phones are so intelligent that we can even use them to make additional money from anywhere the phone has a signal! All of this has been made possible because of businesses and individuals who have followed technology trends and created unprecedented new applications which give us the ability to do so. One company in particular is HotSpotMe, Inc. They’ve put together one of the hottest mobile apps that everyone out there should be using!

By downloading and installing the app on your Android smartphone, you'll be able to setup your own WiFi hotspot and sell internet access to other people for a significantly lower price.

Are you familiar with the companies Uber and Lyft? Surely by now you’ve watched a commercial for one of these companies, seen a vehicle driving around town with those words in the window, or had a friend/relative actually use them. Uber and Lyft are successful companies that took the idea of creating a smartphone application that could be used anytime someone needed a ride. It’s somewhat similar to a taxi service, only much faster and cheaper because drivers could use their own cars and the companies have less overhead by not having to hire dispatchers or pay for car replacements and repairs. By using the latest technology, these companies have been able to undercut traditional taxi services and give more people a chance to make money in their spare time.

The innovative HotSpotMe application is similar, but for WiFi internet access.

HotSpotMe App Demo

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Think about when you’re staying the night at your favorite hotel. How much do they charge you for internet access? Prices usually range from a staggering $20 to $30 USD per night! Now, think about how much you pay for internet access at home each month. Prices for that can range anywhere from $25 to a staggering $80 USD per month! No doubt internet access is not cheap. But, it’s something people need to have and most are willing to pay those prices so they can be connected at all times.

HotSpotMe gives you the ability to use your wireless router or mobile phone connection as a hotspot instead! By downloading and installing the app on your Android smartphone, you’ll be able to setup your own WiFi hotspot and sell internet access to other people for a significantly lower price. Just like Uber and Lyft charge less because of smaller overhead, HotSpotMe saves on overhead by not having to maintain satellites or large data centers full of servers. By using your internet connection, the company has less overhead to manage and maintain. That means they can charge the customer less and pay you (the provider) more. Simply setup a password-protected Hotspot that other users (who are within range) will pay you for access to.

HotSpotMe has taken the process of earning extra income to a new level by offering a service that was already available (such as internet access locally, in an RV park, at a hotel, etc) and using the latest technology to undercut the costs those other companies encounter, and therefore offer the same service to customers for a significantly lower cost while paying their contracted employees (providers like you) fantastic extra income!

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HotSpotMe

Developer: HotSpotMe, Inc.

Price: Free

Our Rating

Pros	Cons
Brilliant idea, outstanding implementation	It still needs more users to make the experience complete

Rating

9/10

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Tech

Auto Blind Auto Blur – Blurring Images Made Easy

May 26, 2019

Tech

Auto Blind Auto Blur is an AI learning app that makes it easy to blur the faces on any image you provide it.

Anyone that has ever seen news clip has likely seen the signs of image blurring. This vaguely grey, opaque covering that is applied to any and all faces of those that have no agreed to show their face litters the screen, giving the impression that a group of headless grey blobs are walking around in frame, rather than the group of unwilling people that they actually are.

Auto Blind Auto Blur | Appolicious Review

Auto Blind Auto Blur is an AI learning app that makes it easy to blur the faces on any image you provide it: https://appolicious.com/auto-blind-auto-blur-blu…

Being able to apply this blurring is very useful for camera crews, as it allows them to film a scene indiscriminately without having to worry about the legal ramifications of trying to obtain permission for every single person walking past. After all, with today’s privacy laws, you can get in to serious legal trouble if you record people’s faces without their express permission.

However, the process of actually applying this blur is quite time consuming and annoying – you have to go frame by frame, adding the blur as you go; this is also true with pictures, forcing you to go to each picture you want to blur and hand drawing the blur or black bar over the eyes that you desire. Auto Blind Auto Blur is an app that seeks to take away this daunting task, allowing you to easily import a blur or a blinding black bar to protect the identity of whomever is in your photograph.

Auto Blind Auto Blur is an app that seeks to take away this daunting task, allowing you to easily import a blur or a blinding black bar to protect the identity of whomever is in your photographs.

Auto Blind Auto Blur works using AI learning technology, allowing it to instantly locate the eyes and faces of anyone within any picture you import into the app, making it incredibly easy to apply their blur without having to draw it yourself. The app itself is incredibly clean and easy to use; you simply import the image, then decide if you want to use an eye-covering black bar, or a face blur. Each time you click the respective button, an additional layer will be added to protect their identity even more. You can even combine both blurring and black bars to create a sort of cool guy sunglasses effect if you are not only looking to protect your subject’s identity, but to also make them look really cool.

You can even combine both blurring and black bars to create a sort of cool guy sunglasses effect, if you are not only looking to protect your subject’s identity, but to also make them look really cool.

The major downside with Auto Blind Auto Blur is that you have to pay a yearly subscription to be able to actually save the images you want to blur, but considering the fact that the AI technology necessary to be able to blur your images this quickly and accurately likely cost a great deal, it only makes sense that this isn’t a completely free app. Auto Blind Auto Blur is an app with a very specific purpose and it fulfills that purpose perfectly – you don’t have to worry about applying your own blur, as Auto Blind Auto Blur gets it done for you.

Our Rating

Pros	Cons
Makes it incredibly easy to blur your images without fuss. Incredibly accurate at finding faces in your image.	Being forced to pay to be able to save the image makes it difficult to use the app properly.

Rating

8/10

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Auto Blind Auto Blur

Developer:

Price: Free⁺

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Sam Eskenazi ›

Sam is a YouTuber, Streamer & Games Journalist. He loves to cook and listen to the sound of his own voice, ideally at the same time.

Tech

Keepsafe Browser – Everything you Need

Jul 12, 2018

Tech

Keepsafe Browser is another privacy conscious app from Keepsafe aimed at keeping your browsing safe.

Everybody does it. Whether it’s to conduct nefarious searches, or simply because you wish to keep your private information secure; you use incognito mode.

The problem with incognito mode on most browsers is that they don’t actually do anything to protect your privacy. Sure, they don’t save your search history, but what good is that when you’re conscious of your data being scraped, stored and sold?

As sad as it is to know, many websites will harvest your information and sell it to nefarious interested parties. This is not just your search history, but you pattern of clicks, what you visit, your personal information; essentially, it’s everything that makes up you as an internet consumer.

Keepsafe won’t stand for that, however.

Keepsafe won’t stand for that, however.

Another iteration in their long line of privacy-aware apps, Keepsafe Browser is all about keeping your personal information secure and protected.

The app itself is simply and easy to understand. A brief, three tiled introduction informs you that you simply just need to use it when browsing to keep your data safe, and then off you go.

It has every useful feature of other browsers, acting itself quite like Google Chrome. It has an incognito mode to make whatever you search not appear in your history, but you can safely Google to your heart’s content while using the app to ensure nothing about what you do while browsing is stored.

YouTube

No Description

By far the best feature of the app is its use of a pin system. Like other Keepsafe apps, you secure your Keepsafe Browser app with a unique pin to ensure that, even if someone manages to get your phone unlocked, they won’t be able to access your browser history or internet information.

As another option, if your phone has the ability, you can use your normal fingerprint password to unlock it, allowing for even quicker access to your browser. Not that using the password is really any slower – on putting the unique pin in, the app immediately unlocks in a sleek, stylish style of a drapery unfurling, allowing you access to the internet at a moment’s notice.

The sleek design of Keepsafe Browser is in keeping with the internal aesthetic of all Keepsafe apps. It is bright, without being garish, whilst also possessing a subtlety that lets you know you’re in safe hands.

It is bright, without being garish, whilst also possessing a subtlety that lets you know you’re in safe hands.

A gentle purple, diagonally parting lock screens and an overall incredible speediness makes Keepsafe Browser both incredibly useful and incredibly convenient.

In an age of unscrupulous companies looking to harvest your information and everything about you that they can muster, it’s good to know that there are companies like Keepsafe and apps like Keepsafe Browser.

It’s a simple app with only one specific purpose, but like all their other apps, Keepsafe Browser does its singular task efficiently, prettily and competently.

Our Rating

Pros	Cons
Works its intended purpose excellently. Sleek, elegant design.	Why don’t all Keepsafe apps come bundled as one?

Rating

10/10

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Keepsafe Browser - PIN Locked

Developer:

Price: Free⁺

Keepsafe Browser: Stay Private with a VPN & Vault

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Keepsafe Browser: Stay Private with a VPN & Vault

Developer: Keepsafe

Price: Free⁺

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Sam Eskenazi ›

Sam is a YouTuber, Streamer & Games Journalist. He loves to cook and listen to the sound of his own voice, ideally at the same time.

Tech

The Ultimate Guide to Phone Security

May 15, 2018

Tech

As the available storage and versatility of the phone continues to grow with every iteration, it is increasingly being used for business and personal applications such as storing and transferring files. Given that the phone is regarded as a highly personalized device that can store a significant amount of confidential information, it is now more important than ever to ensure that the phone is secured from those who may want to access this information. As a result, this article discusses the apps and tools that can be utilized to ensure the highest degree of security in terms of storing confidential and private data on the phone.

PrivacyCase

One of the easiest and least technical methods of protecting the phone is to place it into a PrivacyCase which disables many of the connective features that allow for hackers and organizations to access the device. For example, while many people are aware that government organizations are able to remotely access the GPS, camera, and microphone of the device without the user knowing or even when the phone is off, few are familiar with what can be done to stop this from happening. With the PrivacyCase, users simply place their phone into the case which then stops all access from the device so that hackers and other organizations have no way to remotely access the contents of the device. Although expensive, it is now relevant more than ever in terms of cyber security and can even act as a protective case that is also waterproof. With versions for multiple phones or a single phone, the PrivacyCase is a highly recommended tool that should be used to counter mass surveillance and hackers from gaining access to confidential and private data.

PrivacyCase Product Description

What Is PrivacyCase

Folder Lock (iOS/Android)

In terms of an app-based solution that can help to protect the files that are stored on the device, Folder Lock password protects the selected file on the device so that even if the phone is lost or stolen, the data cannot be accessed. Functional for both large and small files, the app is extremely intelligent in protecting the files as users can get notification on suspicious activities regarding their files such as temporary unlocks or compromised data. Furthermore, users will also be given a notification if they unlock a file but forget to lock it again to ensure that files are never left unprotected for a long period of time accidentally. As the password is not stored anywhere, there is a very small possibility that it can be hacked or stolen, making Folder Lock one of the best tools that can be used for those who store confidential and private data on their mobile phones.

SSE – Universal Encryption App (Android)

Beyond simply being able to password protect files with Folder Lock, an added layer of file security involves encryption which is essentially converting information into code so that it cannot be accessed without being decrypted. With this, SSE – Universal Encryption App is a tool that encrypts files directly on the phone so that it can never be compromised. For example, some of the files that can be encrypted include text, emails, and passwords which ensures a secure location for the majority of information in a single place. Introducing advanced algorithms for the strongest possible security, users are able to keep their files on their phone with a high degree of peace of mind. As SSE – Universal Encryption App is available on desktop and web versions as well, the data that is encrypted on one location can be decrypted on another to make file transferring extremely secure. One of the most interesting features of the app is that it can also engage in steganography so that messages can be hidden in image files. With this, if a user needs to save a password or message on their phone, the app can convert it into an image and then decrypt it later in order to access it while the message remains hidden to everyone else.

Send Anywhere (iOS/Android)

One of the most vulnerable moments in storing files on the mobile device is during the transfer process, especially if it is being done through the internet which opens opportunities for intercepting the data. As a result, Send Anywhere is a recommended tool that secures this process. When sharing files without a cord, the app requires a 6-digit key which will then grant access to the files otherwise it would be locked. With this, even if the network is compromised during the file transfer process, the files will remain safe as a result of the passcode. Beyond this, sharing a file is made easy as it can be done through generating a link that can be shared with others. In order to further protect this process, the link is only live for a limited period of time before it is automatically broken and can no longer be accessed which limits the risk associated with sending data. In transferring files of any size that are confidential, Send Anywhere is a tool that should be utilized to ensure its protection.

Although mobile phones are continuously improving in their security measures to protect the files that are stored, there still exist many points of vulnerability that can lead to compromised data. As a result of the increase in surveillance and cyber-attacks that have occurred, the apps and tools listed in this article are highly recommended to ensure the greatest degree of file security in terms of the transfer, storage, and management phases.

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Kevin Chau ›

Following my passion in the realm of business and entrepreneurship, I am always eager to develop skills that enable me to learn, build, and grow. My previous projects, both academic and personal, reflect my dedication towards expanding and applying my theoretical knowledge for practical results in these fields.

Tech

Home Security Maximized with These Apps

Apr 22, 2018

Tech

Home security tools such as cameras and alarm systems are generally regarded as expensive methods to ensure the protection of the home. However, the introduction of mobile apps and various tools have enabled home owners to add an extra layer of security at a fraction of the traditional costs. As a result, this article discusses the best apps and tools that can be used to increase security for the home without breaking the bank.

AtHome Camera – Home security video surveillance (iOS/Android)

The development of AtHome Camera came from two commonly known truths. Firstly, many people own a spare phone that is not used as it is replaced or outdated. Secondly, dedicated security cameras are too expensive for many average households to afford. As a result, the app is one that transforms the old phone into a tool that can monitor any space as a dedicated camera would. With the old phone, users need to download the Camera app (Android) while the phone that is viewing the footage needs to have the monitoring app. Once these apps have been downloaded onto their respective devices and set up in a physical orientation where users are able to get a view of what they want to see, users are then able to use their old camera as a monitoring tool as opposed to having to purchase a more expensive dedicated camera. In being able to do so, users of AtHome Camera are able to transform old devices into cameras to increase the security in their home.

Turn your old smartphone into a security camera

Turn your old smartphone into a security camera，is that practical？

Alternatively, Alfred Home Security Camera (Beta) (iOS/Android) is a comparable app that serves many of the same functions as AtHome Camera in that it is able to convert older phones into dedicated security cameras. What differentiates Alfred Home Security Camera and AtHome Camera is that with the former, users are able to communicate through the older camera with audio while AtHome Camera does not offer the same functionality on its app.

Turn your old phone into free baby monitor or security camera

Do you have to spend money on security cameras? Did you know you can DIY a home security system with old smartphones and Alfred? It’s free, and it’s BETTER! Look no further if you are searching for a baby cam, pet cam, or security cam!

Presence (iOS/Android)

For those who are looking for tools to better monitor any activity in their home such as doors opening or closing as well as windows, Presence is a tool that is coupled with different gadgets to help owners do so. For example, home owners are able to connect their mobile app with the devices that monitor when a window is open or when there may be a leak in the house. Given the wide scope of the functionalities that are offered by the app, Presence is one that is highly comprehensive in what it is able to offer its users. As there are additional devices that are able to monitor vibrations or motion, the app coupled with the gadgets are tools that are inexpensive yet can offer a heightened sense of security without the high costs that are often associated with such a service, making it highly recommended for those who wish to increase the security for different aspects of their home.

SkyBell HD (iOS/Android)

Coupled with the hardware component that comprises of a camera, SkyBell HD is an app that uses the camera to provide information to its users that allows them to better protect their home. For example, when someone approaches the door, the camera utilizes motion detection and Wi-Fi to send alerts to the phone at which point the users is able to view the camera. This occurs even when the person approaches the door and has not rung the doorbell or taken any action so that it is able to capture everything for the greatest degree of security. Furthermore, the SkyBell HD camera and app lets users see and talk to the visitor remotely without having to open the door or even be home. With all of these features, SkyBell HD is a recommended tool for those looking to increase the security of their home with the combination of hardware and apps.

Nest (iOS/Android)

Although Nest products are commonly associated with creating a more connected experience in the home, many of the tools offered are able to provide a greater sense of security. For example, the accompanying camera can be accessed remotely through the app while it can also be controlled such as zoomed in or spun around. Furthermore, other features of the home that can be controlled include temperature, alerts on smoke and CO2, as well as the security settings of the home. In having all of these features in a centralized location, it becomes extremely easy to control different aspects of home security in a single location which makes Nest one of the most comprehensive and trusted tools not only for creating a connected experience at home, but also for enhancing home security.

Alarm.com (iOS/Android)

Ensuring the safety of the home and everything inside can be expensive and complicated while Alarm.com aims to make it simple. With the different hardware tools that are offered through Alarm.com, users are able to control their home to the greatest possible extend that is not possible with other tools. With this, doors can be locked, lights turned off or on, and even have the garage doors controlled right from the app. In being able to do so, users can protect their home even when they are not nearby. One of the best features of Alarm.com is that even beyond these functions, the app will help to notify authorities if it detects an intrusion onto the property. With all of this, Alarm.com is a must-have tool for those looking to control all aspects of their home security from a single app.

So Smart, It’s Simple – Mobile App

Alarm.com provides easy access, instant awareness and the ability to remotely control your locks, lights, thermostat, garage door and even arm your security system – all from one easy-to-use mobile app.

For those who are looking for cheaper alternatives to enhance home security, the apps outlined in this article are able to significantly help. From apps that transform older phones into dedicated cameras to others that combine with different gadgets to record movement, vibrations, and water leaks, these tools are highly comprehensive in increasing home security and are recommended for those looking for a security solution without the traditional costs.

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Kevin Chau ›

Tech

Trending – Did Google Copy Twitter?

Sep 3, 2017

Tech

The most recent update made to the Google search app includes the ability to see what the current trending searches are. Although trending is a feature that is commonly associated with social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the integration of this to the search engine is regarded as a shrewd move that resembles Facebook mimicking the “story” feature of Snapchat. Despite being similar in nature, there are significant differences between the two features that blur the line on whether or not they are similar enough to be regarded as a copy.

Although being able to see what is trending is similar to the offerings of the social media sites, Google primarily focuses on the searches that are made in high volume as opposed to the news. For this reason, it is regarded as similar yet different in the content that is provided with the feature. With the ability to see what the trending searches are for a particular area, users can get a sense of some of the most popular topics that encompasses more than the news such as events or interests of other Google users.

Beyond trending searches, the app further leverages artificial intelligence and proactive assistance mechanisms to show the answers of various inquiries before they are completely entered in the search bar. For example, if a user is interested in know the weather forecast for a particular area, as they are typing the name of the city and the first letters of “weather”, the weather details will automatically be shown below the search bar. This brings a new dimension towards ease of use as users do not need to complete their searches to receive the information that they are looking for. As an extension to the autofill searches, Google has now made the process of seeking trivial answers significantly easier and quicker.

With these major updates, it can be difficult to determine the validity of assuming that the trending feature is a blatant copy of what has previously been done by Twitter and Facebook. Although the feature on Google shows what the most popular searches are for a particular time and region, trending content on various social media sites comprises of solely news stories. Although different, there are similarities between the two but nonetheless offer more utility for users as they are able to receive information that would have had to been manually searched for in the past.

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Google

Developer:

Price: Free

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Google

Developer: Google LLC

Price: Free

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Kevin Chau ›

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Protecting Your iPhone With These 6 Types of Security Apps

Jun 19, 2017

Tech

Apple is known for first-rate security built into their operating systems. Their sandboxing method restricts the access of all apps to limited directories, making it nearly impossible to succumb to a security threat. However, ‘nearly’ is the operative word here.

As the world of technology is always advancing, nothing can be deemed completely safe. Additionally, this false sense of security encourages users to forget about physical theft or risked posed by shared networks.

These six app types are all valuable additions to your device. They each target a variety of security threats, which adds extra protection to prevent the worst from happening.

Password Management

Everyone knows that a strong password is essential for top security. All apps should use a different code, and each must include a variety of symbols and cases. However, security demands are getting so complex that it can be impossible to remember combinations for the numerous accounts we use – and writing them all down in a notes app just defies the point!

Password management apps are a fantastic concept. They create a digital vault for you to store all your sensitive data. Not just restricted to app passwords, you can also input credit card details, names, addresses and any other secret information. Industry leaders, such as 1Password and LastPass, also allow you to generate strong log-in credentials and automatic input – so you never have to worry about passwords again.

1Password for Android

Uploaded by 1Password on 2017-03-27.

A Virtual Private Network

No matter what device you use, inbuilt security features can rarely protect you from open networks. These convenient yet treacherous hotspots are some of the worst culprits for cybercrime, as they provide no protection between connected users. Not only do hackers lurk on public WiFi, but they also set up rogue hotspots, created specifically to farm your data. Connecting to the wrong network could result in a severe security breach.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) have become extremely popular among internet users for their ability access blocked content and – more relevantly – increase security. By creating a proxy connection, they allow a layer of complete encryption before you reach the open server. Because of this, you can browse anonymously and securely. There are many great VPNs which can be set up on iPhone simply and quickly. Secure Thoughts details some of the best on the iOS market.

Antivirus

The official statement has long been that there are no viruses on iOS due to their sandboxing technique. However, a few bits of malware have trickled through. Due to this, overlooking the use of antivirus software is naive. Right now, the iOS system is a goldmine for hackers, all of whom want to be the first to crack through. This fact means that there’s no guarantee your iPhone will continue to be safe from malware. At this point, being over prepared is essential. Similarly, if you chose to jailbreak your iPhone – as is needed to customize your device – then you forfeit the inbuilt protection and have to be responsible for viruses yourself.

Because of these points, antivirus software for iOS is still a worthwhile pursuit. Plus, the apps often offer handy extra features. For example, Lookout Mobile Security offers support for lost devices and McAfee allows you to lock and store particular photos and files in digital vaults. Both options, like many on the market, are free of charge – so you don’t even need to make an investment.

End-to-End Encryption

For many, security worries go further than the basement hacker after your bank details. Since Edward Snowden’s leaks, government snooping has become a very real worry for internet users. There is no doubt that our online privacy has been severely compromised. Thus, it’s no surprise that so many are trying to protect themselves from these types of breaches; an Orwellian society may be just around the corner!

Since communicating openly and without repercussion online is one of the original core values of the internet, it’s only right that developers are working to uphold this ethos. End-to-end encryption apps provide messenger services in which only the end-users can view the communication. If the data is intercepted, the encryption process provides an extra layer of protection.

There has been a surge of messaging apps of this type lately, but one of the most well-known is WhatsApp. It’s free to download and used internationally as a secure way to communicate.

Device Tracker

iPhones are an incredibly attractive target for thieves; many studies show they’re by far the most stolen device, and can bring in up to $2,400 on the black market. This fact means that physical security is just as essential as virtual security. Practical advice, such as keeping it out of sight and stored in a safe plan, is a good first step. However, there’s more you can do. Apple has a few key apps that will help prevent or reduce the damage caused by theft.

The Find My iPhone feature, once activated, allows you to locate your device remotely. Simply download the app onto another computer or phone, and you can see the missing iPhone placed on a map. The app can also be used to delete all personal information if your phone does fall into the wrong hands.

There is also an activation lock that, once switched on, will ask for your Apple log-in before any other settings can be changed. However, advanced hackers may be able to bypass this lock, so be sure to properly wipe your phone when you realize it’s missing!

Parental Controls

If you have bought an iPhone for your children or you share your device with the family, security is infinitely more important. Protecting your kids from the dangers of the internet requires being in control of the time they spend online. Numerous parental control apps can give you this power.

OurPact is a highly-rated option that offers remote monitoring and access to your children’s device. You can instantly block websites and apps, schedule allowed screen time, access messaging services and even locate them via the geo-location on their device. If you consider this option too intrusive, Screen Time Parental Control provides the core features very effectively. You can schedule screen time and block apps at the click of a button to help them stay safe!

Although iOS has pretty solid inbuilt security features, there’s always room for improvement. These types of apps will add valuable layers of protection. However, be sure upgrade individual apps periodically to stay up-to-date with the vanguard of iPhone security. Similarly, ensure you’re sticking to trusted vendors when making purchases online!

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Cassie Phillips ›

Cassie is a security and technology blogger. She is a self-declared app addict and uses all the best to successfully run and protect her online business. After working with computers for years, she knows what a good app looks like and is always happy to share recommendations!

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Why Mobile Site Speed Matters

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Honeycomb Layout

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Full and selected region screen recording

Video viewer with built-in video editor

Organizing your screen recordings

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HotSpotMe – Turn Your Wireless Router or Mobile Phone Into Profit

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Auto Blind Auto Blur – Blurring Images Made Easy

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The Ultimate Guide to Phone Security

Folder Lock (iOS/Android)

SSE – Universal Encryption App (Android)

Send Anywhere (iOS/Android)

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Home Security Maximized with These Apps

AtHome Camera – Home security video surveillance (iOS/Android)

Presence (iOS/Android)

SkyBell HD (iOS/Android)

Nest (iOS/Android)

Alarm.com (iOS/Android)

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Trending – Did Google Copy Twitter?

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Protecting Your iPhone With These 6 Types of Security Apps

Apple is known for first-rate security built into their operating systems. Their sandboxing method restricts the access of all apps to limited directories, making it nearly impossible to succumb to a security threat. However, ‘nearly’ is the operative word here.

Password Management

A Virtual Private Network

Antivirus

End-to-End Encryption

Device Tracker

Parental Controls

Search for more